As a microcosm of a democratic society, a college has many responsibilities to its community. Not the least of these should be the development of an understanding and appreciation of our representative form of government, the rights and responsibilities of the individual, and the procedures whereby necessary changes are brought about through an orderly process.

The College itself is a community, and must abide by the rights and regulations of the community and the laws by which it is governed. All those who enjoy the rights of participation in that community must also accept the responsibilities of its membership. A basic responsibility of those who enjoy the rights of citizenship is to respect the rights and regulations of the community.

The faculty has the responsibility to maintain an intellectual, fair, and safe environment for learning and the administration the responsibility for overseeing and facilitating education, social and public service programs. The president may suspend students for cause. The faculty may send a student to an appropriate college official for cause.

The student is encouraged to participate in some form of student government that provides all students a voice in college affairs. All students in good standing and in compliance with the Code of Conduct are eligible to participate, as well as hold office.

A. Students have a right to:

1. Write, publish, and disseminate their views, provided such forms of expression do not interfere with or disrupt the educational process or the rights of others.
2. Assemble and voice their views peacefully on college property with prior administrative approval. The use of slander and obscenity is prohibited. The expression of such opinions will not interfere with the rights of others, will not interfere with the freedom of others to express themselves, and will not interfere with the operations of the College.
3. Enjoy privacy and confidentiality as members of the college community. No information in the student’s record will be released to any source without the student’s written consent, other than directory information, as required by law.
4. Review their college record with reasonable notice in the presence of a faculty member or administrator.
5. Belong to or refuse to belong to any organized group within the college.
6. Have representation and voice on all committees of the college having to do with academic standards, student life, and curriculum matters.
7. Obtain an education of the highest available quality.
8. Participate in all financial aid programs available at the college, providing eligibility requirements are met.
9. Receive fair and equal treatment by faculty, staff, and the administration in all college matters such as instruction, evaluation, and services.
10. Receive due process in any grievance or disciplinary procedure.

B. Students have the responsibility to:

1. Be knowledgeable of and comply with the policies and procedures of the College and the Student Government.
2. Be knowledgeable of and comply with the regulations and laws of duly constituted civil agencies within the community of which the College is a part.
3. Meet course requirements. Students are free to take reasoned exception to views expressed.
4. Dress and behave in an appropriate manner that does not present safety hazards or cause disruptions.
5. Carry and be prepared to show official identification card at all times on college grounds.
6. Conduct themselves in a responsible fashion at off-campus events/learning activities.
7. Obey lawful instructions of college personnel.

Original: October 1999