DIXIE STATE COLLEGE
Student Rights & Responsibilities Code

Purpose

1.   Students at Dixie State College neither lose the rights nor escape the obligations of citizenship.  Students retain and enjoy all rights and responsibilities secured by the Constitution and laws of the United States and the State of Utah and local ordinances.

2.   The college expects all students to obey the law, to show respect for properly constituted authority, to perform contracted obligations, to maintain absolute integrity and high standards of individual honesty in academic work, and to observe a high standard of conduct for the academic environment.

3.   Students enrolled at the college assume the personal responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner which is compatible with the college's role as a public institution of higher education.  By enrolling at Dixie State College, students agree to maintain the standards of conduct set forth in this policy.  The violation of these standards may result in the imposition of sanctions or other forms of college discipline.

4.   Student standards of conduct and responsibilities are divided into two main areas for the purpose of this policy:  General Responsibilities and Academic Performance Responsibilities.  The purpose of these standards is to encourage responsible citizenship within the campus community.

5.   Students have the right to due process in any disciplinary matter involving the possibility of sanctions.  This includes the right to be heard, the right to decision and review by impartial persons or bodies and the right to adequate notice.

General Rights

Students enrolled at the college can reasonably expect the right to the following college services, treatment, and information:

1.   The right of equal opportunity access to the college 

2.   The right to reasonable access to and the use of college services, facilities, and programs.

3.   The right to free and open discussion, inquiry and expression, and assembly, subject to constitutional limitations regarding time, place, manner, and content.

4.   The right to confidentiality of records limited disclosure of personally identifiable information.

5.   The college prohibits illegal discrimination, harassment or prejudicial treatment of a student because of his/her race, color, religion, national origin, , ual orientation, age or status an individual with a disability, disabled veteran, or veteran of the Vietnam era.

6.   Full protection under the Constitution for freedom of the press, including the Constitutional limitations on prior restraint and censorship.

7.   Due process of law and the proper enforcement of college rules.

8.   Security for his/her person, papers and personal effects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

9.   The right to inquire and to be informed regarding campus crime statistics.

10. The right to ADA and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act compliance.

11. Freedom to form and operate an organized student association, governing council, and subsidiary clubs and organizations within the guidelines prescribed by the institution.

12. Student representation through the ASDSC on college committees, councils, commissions and other formally constituted bodies that make general policy and procedure decisions directly affecting students or that govern student activities and conduct.

13. The right to the appeal process or the grievance process.

Academic Performance Rights

Students enrolled at the college will have the rights to the following in academic affairs, services and information:

1.   A written syllabus with criteria upon which their performance will be evaluated.

2.   Appropriate and open discussion, inquiry and expression, both in the classroom and in student/instructor conferences.

3.   Freedom to take exception to views presented in a classroom setting and to reserve judgment in matters of opinion.

4.   Professional and ethical conduct from all college personnel.

5.   Professional instruction.

6.   The right to confidentiality of academic records.

7.   Information prior to registering regarding the costs of tuition and fees.

8.   Accurate information regarding course offerings, programs, majors, transfer policy, and institutional requirements and expectations.

9.   Accurate information regarding changes in course programs or institutional requirements and reasonable accommodation for students already enrolled in      programs or classes.

10. The right to receive academic credit and/or academic degrees when all specified requirements and course work have been satisfied.

General Responsibilities

A student assumes the responsibilities to conduct himself/

herself in an appropriate manner.  Misconduct that is not

considered responsible behavior includes, but is not limited

to, the following examples:

1.   Failing to respect the right of every person to be secure and protected from, intimidation, harassment, hazing, verbal abuse, threats, coercion, and physical harm caused by the activities of groups or individuals.

2.   Sexual assault, sexual harassment, or any other non-consensual verbal or physical sexual activity including the support or assistance of such activities.

3.   Disorderly, lewd, indecent, defamatory, or obscene conduct or expression on college-owned or controlled property or at college-sponsored or supervised functions or events.

4.   Participating in on-campus demonstrations, rallies, assemblies, performances, showings, exhibits, pickets, etc. in violation of any law or college policy.

5.   Distributing, publishing or posting materials, soliciting funds, selling items, engaging in commercial activity, erecting structures, exhibiting items, displaying films and videos, using official college insignias or materials, or participating in performances and activities without proper authorization or which are not in accordance with college policy.

6.   Obstructing or disrupting teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, computing services, other college-sponsored activities, services or events, including public service functions.

7.   Deliberate interference with academic freedom and freedom of speech (including not only classroom activities, but also interference with performances, exhibits, displays, dissemination of information, demonstrations, or the freedom of any speaker invited by any segment of the campus community to express views).

8.   Initiating or causing to be initiated any intentionally false or frivolous report, complaint or warning.

9.   Leaving children unattended on college property or allowing children to create a disruption on college property or at college-sponsored functions, including classrooms or instructional venues.

10. Failing to meet contractual obligations with the college such as found in the housing, food service and financial aid contracts.

11. Knowingly violating terms of any disciplinary sanction.

12. Intentionally furnishing false information, including false identification.

13. Forging, altering, misusing, or mutilating college documents, records, identification, educational materials, or other college property.

14. Influencing or attempting to influence the academic or any college administrative process through explicit or implied bribery, threats, sexual behavior, etc.

15. Theft or misappropriation of property, equipment, materials, services, or data.

16. Knowingly possessing stolen property, equipment, materials, services, or data.

17. Intentionally or recklessly destroying, defacing, vandalizing, damaging, or misusing the property, equipment, materials, services, or data of the college or other campus community members or aiding, abetting or contributing to such actions.

18. Unauthorized entry upon or use of college facilities, equipment, materials, data, properties, or services.

19. Unauthorized possession or use of a key to any college facility.

20. Use, possession, or storage of any concealed weapon without a permit, explosive or incendiary device, dangerous chemicals without authorization, or fireworks.

21. Unlawful use, possession, distribution, sale, manufacture, or possession for purposes of distribution or sale of any controlled substance or illegal drug.

22. Sale, possession, manufacture, distribution, or consumption of alcoholic beverages of any type on the college campus.

23. Unauthorized sale, possession, manufacture, distribution, or consumption of alcoholic beverages at any off-campus college-sponsored function or event.

24. Smoking in unauthorized areas.  In compliance with the State of Utah Clean Air Act smoking is prohibited in all buildings and within twenty-five (25) feet of all buildings on campus.  Smoking is also prohibited in any college-owned vehicle.

25. Aiding, abetting, or inciting others to commit any act prohibited by law or college policy.

26. Violating college traffic and parking regulations or other misuse of a vehicle that violates the law or College policy.

27. Misuse of college-owned computers or computer accounts according to the Instructional Computing Policy or the signed student computer use agreement.

28. Refusing to respond to requests and directions from college or local government officials while in the performance of their duties.

29. Leaving animals unattended on college property or allowing animals to create a disruption on college property or at college-sponsored functions, including classrooms or instructional venues.

30. Endangering the health or safety of self, any member of the college community, or others.

Academic Performance Responsibilities

In addition to the foregoing general behavior responsibilities, as members of Dixie State College's academic community, students shall:

1.   Maintain academic standards including institutional, school/departmental/program, and individual course standards.

2.   Display appropriate conduct in classroom situations that will enhance the learning environment.

3.   Meet faculty members' classroom standards of behavior and attendance requirements or make contact with faculty members when unable to do so.

4.   Maintain academic ethics and honesty; to this end, prohibited activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Cheating, which includes, but is not limited to, copying from another student's test papers, or  plagiarism.

  • Using materials during a test not authorized by the person giving the test.

  • Collaborating with any other person during a test without authority.

  • Knowingly obtaining, using, buying, selling, trans-  porting, or soliciting in whole or in part the contents of any test, without authorization of the appropriate official.

  • Bribing any other person to obtain any test.

  • Soliciting or receiving unauthorized information     about any test.

  • Substituting for another student or permitting any  other person to substitute for oneself to take a test or complete an assignment.

  • Plagiarism, which is the unacknowledged (uncited) use of any other person or group's ideas or work. This includes purchased or borrowed papers.

  • Collusion, which is the unauthorized collaboration with          another person in preparing work offered for credit.

  • Falsification, which is the intentional and unauthorized altering or inventing of any information or citation in an academic exercise, activity, or record-keeping process.

  • Giving, selling, or receiving unauthorized course or test information.

  • Using any unauthorized resource or aid in the preparation or completion of any course work, exercise or activity.

  • Infringing on the copyright law of the United States which prohibits the making or reproduction of copyrighted material except under certain specified conditions.

  • Not obtaining  the instructor's permission before recording lectures.

  • Not notifying instructors in advance of any planned absence for participation in college-approved or requested group activities.

  • Unethical and inappropriate use of any computer system, library, or other campus resource, and interference with the productivity of other users.

Jurisdiction

The jurisdiction of federal, state, and local courts and law enforcement officials is recognized both on and off campus with regard to criminal offenses and civil matters.

College disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with violation of a state or federal law which is also a violation of the Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Proceedings related to violations of the Student Code may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off-campus.

Procedures which foster dialogue and promote resolution between the immediate parties involved in a dispute or in disciplinary action are encouraged; every effort should be made to resolve disputes and disciplinary action at the lowest possible level (i.e., individual, faculty member, supervisor, department chair, program director, dean and/or vice president).

If resolution by these means is unsatisfactory, formal departmental or school procedures, if available, should be instituted, and the office of the appropriate vice president should be notified.

In the case of policy violations, a faculty member, staff member, dean, hearing committee, or the appropriate vice president may make a standard determination of consequence.  The student may appeal the determination through the student appeal and grievance process.

Discipline

The purpose of disciplinary action is to provide a uniform method of dealing with violations of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Code at Dixie State College. The disciplinary procedure is structured to deal uniformly and fairly with students. Though subject to due process, the disciplinary procedures are not subject to the same procedural due process as is established in criminal and civil courts.

The disciplinary actions which the college may impose on a student include but are not limited to:

1    Warning or reprimand.  Verbal or written notice to a student that his/her conduct may be in violation of college rules and regulations, and that the continuation of such conduct or actions may result in further disciplinary action.

2.   Grade adjustment - for either an assignment/test or the course.

3.   Probation - A specified period of observation and review of conduct during which the student must demonstrate compliance with college rules and regulations.  Counseling or participation in specific courses or workshops for a specified period of time may be required.  Terms of probation and the probationary period will be determined at the time the sanction is imposed.

4.   Suspension - temporary dismissal from participation in a specific program or activity or from the college for a specified or indefinite period of time.

5.   Expulsion - permanent dismissal from the college.  A permanent indication of expulsion will be made on the student's transcript.  The person may also be barred from the college campus or campus activities.

6.   Extra fee assessments.

7.   Restitution - payment of restitution to the college or, when college intervention is deemed appropriate, to another individual for damages or losses.

8.   Withholding of transcripts for refusal to return college property, pay college debts, or other violations of college standards.

9.   Denial or revocation of degrees (for academic violations only).

10. Temporary and/or permanent removal from a class.

11. Performance of community service.

12. Referral to psychological counseling or substance abuse counseling for assessment, evaluation, education, and treatment.

13. Other disciplinary actions which are appropriate to the violation(s).

More than one disciplinary action may be imposed for any single violation. Imposition of the penalty of suspension or expulsion from the college must be approved by the President.  The President's approval shall be given either at the conclusion of the 10-day appeal period, if no appeal is filed, or as a part of the President's final decision if an appeal is filed.

When a student is suspended or expelled from the college, tuition and fees that have been paid for the semester during which the suspension or expulsion occurs are refundable in accordance with the Tuition and Fees Refund Policy. Housing and meal prepayments will be refunded on a pro-rated basis.

STUDENT APPEALS AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

Students at Dixie State College have the right to appeal decisions made by College entities or file a grievance if they feel they have suffered an injustice or violation of their rights.  Student appeals and grievance procedures are detailed in the Student Appeal and Grievance Procedure Policy.

Definitions of Appeals and Grievances

Appeal:  An appeal is a request by a party for reconsideration of a College decision or action that the party believes was erroneous.

Grievance: A grievance is a claim or charge of injustice, oppression, or discrimination based upon an event or condition which affects the welfare or conditions of an individual at Dixie State College.

Procedures:

  1. Whenever possible, problems should be resolved at the lowest possible level and involve individuals closely aware of and involved in the issue(s) before seeking formal appeals or grievance procedures.

  2. If satisfaction is not achieved at the informal level and further consideration is desired, a formal appeal or grievance is to be submitted in writing and presented to the appropriate hearing committee chair, administrator, or vice president.

  3. A student may request that a hearing committee decision be reviewed by the appropriate vice president or the president.

Possible appeals or grievance areas and the related responsible College representative or Standing Hearing Committee:

  • Sexual Harassment: The responsible party is the Vice President of Student Services or the Director of Security.  Due to the sensitive nature of sexual harassment and assault cases, they follow a policy specifically designed to best deal with and resolve these situations.  See Sexual Harassment/Discrimination Policy.

  • Grades, Testing or Academic assignment conflicts between students and faculty: The responsible party is the Dean of the division within which the faculty member resides.  See Student Appeal and Grievance Procedures Policy.

  • Student academic or misconduct issues, as well as grievances against faculty, staff, or administration:  For academic issues the chair would be the Vice President of Academics or designee and for behavioral or student services issues the chair would be the Vice President of Student Services or designee.  See Right and Responsibilities Policy and the Student Appeal and Grievance Procedure Policy. 

  • Exceptions to policies related to admissions, registration, and academic credit or procedures and related tuition and fees: The responsible party is the Academic Appeals Committee.  See Academic Appeals Policy.

  • Holds, conditions, and suspension due to low scholastic status: The responsible party is the Scholastic Standards Committee. See Scholastic Standards Policy.

  • Administrative issues such as admission to the College, residency, tuition, payment requirements, course waivers, credit adjustments, graduation, program eligibility, library fines, participation in specific activities, financial aid, parking and traffic, residence halls:  The responsible parties are the department administrative officers and/or committees or their vice presidents.  Begin by contacting the related department director.

  • Financial and business obligations such as payment of tuition, parking fees, residence hall and food service charges, financial aid, etc., are considered business transactions and are covered by legal agreements in addition to the student code of conduct.

  • Residential Life or Housing Issues: The responsible party is the Inner Housing Committee. See Housing Policy.

  • Financial Aid Appeals and Exception to Policy:  The responsible party is the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. See the Financial Assistance Policy.

  • Parking Violation Appeals: The responsible party is the Student Parking Appeals Committee. See the Traffic and Parking Policy.

  • State Residency Appeals: The responsible party is the Residency Appeals Committee.  See the Qualifications for Residency Policy.

Student Affairs Committee.  A student charged with the violation of the college code of conduct or civil regulations will be notified in writing by the vice-president of student services of such charges and may be directed to report to a hearing by the student affairs committee.  The student affairs committee, under the chairmanship of the vice-president of student services, is composed of four faculty members appointed by the president of the college and four students appointed by the student body president.  Students who have been called before the student affairs committee may have other students or faculty members, etc. appear as witnesses in their behalf.  If a student chooses to be represented by an attorney (which they may), he/she must notify the vice-president of student services at least twenty-four hours prior to the scheduled hearing so that the college’s attorney may be notified and in attendance.  Attorneys representing students may represent them only in an advisory capacity.

Action by the committee may include, but is not limited to, a reprimand, disciplinary probation or recommendation of suspension or expulsion.  Written notification of the committee’s action will be mailed to the student’s last known address.  A student may appeal, in writing, any student affairs committee action to the president of Dixie State College.  His/her appeal must be made in writing within 48 hours of the student affairs hearing.  The president may schedule an interview with the student(s).  The president has the power to accept, reject or modify the decision of the student affairs committee and set the time the penalty becomes effective.  Students are usually called before the student affairs committee if they violate the student code of conduct after being placed on probation. Probation may be dispensed with if the violation of the code of conduct relates to institutional liability and student safety.  This determination will be made by college administration and security officials.