student rights
www.mnscu.edu/board/policy/301.html
1. Freedom to Learn.
In addition to the basic constitutional rights enjoyed by all
citizens, students in 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 upon appropriate opportunities
and conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the larger
community. Students are expected to exercise their freedom with
responsibility.
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 institution. Students
shall be free to take reasoned exception to the data 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.
3. Freedom of Association.
Students shall be free to organize and join organizations to
promote their common and lawful interests, subject to institutional
policies or regulations. Registration or recognition may be withheld
or withdrawn from organizations that violate institutional
regulations.
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 institution or does not interfere with the opportunity of other
students to obtain an education or otherwise infringe upon the
rights of others. Such regulations shall 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.
5. Student Publications.
Student-funded publications shall be free of censorship and
advance approval of copy, and their editors and managers shall be
free to develop their own editorial and news coverage policies.
Editors and managers 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 shall not be used as a
means of editorial control of student-funded publications. All
student publications shall explicitly state on the editorial page
that the opinions there expressed are not necessarily those of the
college, university, system, or student body.
6. Student Policies.
The policies of the college or university regarding student
expectations, rights and responsibilities shall be readily
accessible to students.
7. Catalog and Course Information.
To the extent possible, students shall be provided relevant and
accurate information regarding courses prior to enrollment. Catalog
descriptions and website postings shall be accurate and based on
information existing at the time of publication. To the extent
possible, class schedules shall list the names of faculty teaching
courses.
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.
9. Academic Evaluation.
Student academic performance shall be evaluated solely on the
basis of academic standards, including any requirements that are
noted in the catalog, course syllabus, or student handbook. Students
shall have protection against prejudiced or capricious evaluation
and shall not be evaluated on the basis of opinions or conduct in
matters unrelated to academic standards. Students shall have the
right to review their corrected examinations or other required
assignments used by the faculty in evaluating the student's academic
performance.
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 shall 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.
11. Student Review and Consultation.
Students shall have the right to appropriate levels of
participation in college and university decision-making pursuant to
Policy 2.3 and Procedure 2.3.1, Student Involvement in
Decision-Making.
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