3.9.1 Student Rights

Comprehensive Standard: The institution publishes a clear and appropriate statement of student rights and responsibilities and disseminates the statement to the campus community.

X  Compliance
     Partial Compliance
     Non-Compliance

Narrative:

The primary source of information regarding Georgia State University student rights and responsibilities is contained within the Student Code of Conduct Policies and Procedures  [1] which is published annually by the Division of Student Services in the On Campus Student Handbook, [2] available both online as well as in hard copy format.  Hard copies are distributed to all new students during the Incept: New Student Orientation programs (summer, fall and spring) and are also available at the Student*University Center Information Desk as well as in Division of Student Services offices throughout the campus. 

The Student Code of Conduct Policies and Procedures articulates a clear statement of student rights and responsibilities in its introductory section: [3] 

Membership in the community of scholars known as Georgia State University is a privilege and carries with it obligations to participate in and contribute to the educational mission of the institution. Concurrent with these obligations are rights and freedoms for each individual as guaranteed by the United States Constitution including, but not limited to, the right to inquire, to learn, to communicate by speech and action, to assemble peaceably and the right to due process. The University desires to maintain an orderly climate in which academic inquiry and freedom may occur while still preserving the freedom and rights of all members of the University community...In addition to the general rights and obligations of University community, each student is obligated to apprise him/herself of and comply with all University rules, regulations and policies.  Students are individually responsible for understanding and exercising their rights, fulfilling their obligations and respecting the rights of others.  Lack of knowledge of a University policy will not be accepted as an excuse for failure to observe it.

The Student Code of Conduct Policies and Procedures governs both student academic conduct [4] and general conduct [5] (i.e., behavior) occurring on all real or personal property belonging to or in any way controlled by the University including University owned/controlled communication or information systems.   In addition to policies related to academic and general conduct, the Student Code of Conduct Policies and Procedures contains a variety of administrative policies that pertain to individual students as well as to student organizations. These include:
     
Disruptive Student Conduct in the Classroom or Other Learning Environment
Discrimination and Harassment
Alcohol Policy
Sexual Misconduct
Policy on Class Attendance
Privacy of Student Records
Chartering Student Organizations
Student Leadership Positions
Distribution of Literature, Petitions, Surveys and Questionnaires
Long-Distance Phone Usage Guidelines for Student Organizations
Student Travel Agreement
Special Event/Late Night Event Policy
Campus Posting Policy
Computer Ethic Policies
Amorous Relationships Policy      

In addition to the policies contained within the Student Code of Conduct Policies and Procedures, individual departments/units have established student rights and responsibilities that are relevant to the administration of specific programs or services: 

The Counseling Center has developed a statement of client rights and responsibilities [6] that is given to students to read and sign prior to the initiation of services.  

The Margaret A. Staton Office of Disability Services publishes an online Student Handbook  [7] that includes a specific section entitled "Rights and Responsibilities."  Additionally, the Disability Services website contains a documentation guidelines [8] section that instructs students regarding the documentation they must provide in order to qualify for services as well as a policies [9] section that provides information to students regarding their responsibilities related to requesting specific services.  

The Department of Recreational Services has developed a Policies and Procedures Guide  [10] that includes expectations regarding student rights and responsibilities such as conduct, facility regulations and membership requirements.  It is available online as well as in hardcopy format at the lobby information desk.  In addition, relevant policies are posted in specific activities areas (e.g., aquatic center, racquetball courts, weight/exercise rooms) throughout the facility. 

The Student Health Services, a contracted service with Tenet Corporation, prominently displays a Patient Rights and Responsibilities [11] statement in the waiting room area and also posts it on the Health Services website.

The Student-University Center articulates its expectations regarding student rights and responsibilities in an online policy manual [12] that focuses on a variety of facility regulations including student conduct, reservation policies and procedures, facility use.

University Career Services has developed a participation agreement  [13] for students who register for career services through Panther Career Net as well as a No Show/Cancellation Policy [14] for on-campus interviews that is posted on the Career Services website. 

University Housing has developed specific regulations for students residing in on-campus housing that are articulated in a Community Living Guide [15] that is distributed in hardcopy format to all residents upon move-in and is also available online.

The student admission appeal policy [16] and the student grievance and appeal policy is discussed fully in Federal Requirement 4.5.

Supporting Documentation:
  1. Student Code of Conduct Policies and Procedures
  2. On Campus Student Handbook
  3. Student Code of Conduct Policies and Procedures
  4. Student Code of Conduct Policies and Procedures
  5. Student Code of Conduct Policies and Procedures
  6. Counseling Center Client Rights and Responsibilities
  7. Disability Services Student Handbook
  8. Disability Services Documentation Guidelines
  9. Disability Services Policies
  10. Recreational Services Policy and Procedures Guide
  11. Student Health Patient Rights and Responsibilities
  12. Student University Center Policy Manual
  13. University Career Services Participation Agreement
  14. University Career Services No Show/Cancellation Policy
  15. University Housing Community Living Guide
  16. Student Admission Appeal Policy