Policies & Procedures

Administrative Procedure: 8009

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Definition of Student

A “student” is defined as a person currently registered, enrolled in, or auditing courses at the College, whether on or off campus, regardless of the student’s physical location or enrollment status online, or on a part-time or full-time status and who, based on this definition, has been assigned a unique College student identification number. Individuals who are not enrolled for a current term, but are registered for a future term, and/or individuals serving a period of suspension are also considered students.

Student Rights

• Students have the right to speak freely and be heard, and to assemble and protest peacefully.

• Students are free to take reasoned exceptions to the data or views offered in any course of study for which they are enrolled.

• Students are free to organize and join associations to promote common interests and to examine and discuss all questions of interest to them while remaining in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws as well as applicable College policies.

• Students have the right to be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions in matters unrelated to academic standards.

• Students have the right against improper disclosure of their grades and records which faculty acquire in the course of their work as instructors, advisors, and counselors. Judgments of ability and character may be provided under appropriate circumstances, normally with the knowledge or consent of the student.

Student Responsibilities

Concurrent with the above freedoms and rights is responsibility. The enjoyment and exercise of these freedoms require respect for the rights of all students and staff at the College. Infringement of the rights of others or interference with peaceful and lawful use and enjoyment of College premises, facilities, and programs will not be tolerated.

• Students have a responsibility to adhere to all College policies and administrative procedures which have been developed to protect student and staff rights, maintain a campus conducive to learning, and protect the health and safety of all members of the College community.

• Students have a responsibility as well as a right, to petition the campus authorities for relief from an unfair practice and to appeal results of academic, disciplinary or administrative actions that are deemed unfair.

• Students have a responsibility to exercise their freedom of speech and advocacy on campus in a manner that requires orderly conduct, noninterference with College functions or activities and identification of sponsoring group(s) or individual(s). At the same time, it should be made clear to the academic and the larger community that in their public expressions or demonstrations, students or student organizations speak only for themselves.

• Students have a responsibility to act with civility and with care for their fellow students and for all College employees regardless of rank or position.

Reaffirmed: 05/05/21

References:

Rowan College of South Jersey Board of Trustees Policy Manual, 8005 Student Appeals and 8009 Student Rights and Responsibilities