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Student rights and responsibilities

Students Rights and Responsibilities Minnesota State Board of Trustees Policy 3.1

Part 1. Freedom to Learn In addition to being 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.

Part 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 disrupt the regular and essential operation of the institution. In the classroom, 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.

Part 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 Registration or recognition may be withheld or withdrawn from organizations that violate institutional regulations.

Part 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 holding the event, in his or her judgment, would result in physical harm or threat of physical harm to persons or property. Prior to any such prohibition, the president shall make his or her best effort to consult with a designated member of the student association.

Part 5. Student Publications Student-funded publications shall be free of censorship and advance approval of the 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 expressed are not necessarily those of the college, university, system, or student body.

Part 6. Catalog and Course Information To the extent possible, students will be provided relevant and accurate information regarding courses prior to enrollment. Catalog descriptions will be accurate and based on information existing at the time of publication. To the extent possible, class schedules will list the names of the faculty teaching courses.

Part 7. Academic Information Students shall have access to accurate information about general requirements for establishing and maintaining acceptable academic standing, information that will enable students to determine their individual academic standing, and information regarding graduation requirements.

Part 8. 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.

Part 9. Property Rights Term papers, essays, projects, works of art, and similar property 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.

Part 10. Off-Campus Conduct Students who violate a local ordinance or state law risk the legal penalties prescribed by civil authorities. A college or university need not concern itself with every violation. Nevertheless, a college or university may take disciplinary action against students for off-campus behavior, following the procedures of the code of conduct of that college or university.

Other Metropolitan State University Student Rights:

1. Safety

2. The right to file a complaint

3. The right to file appeals (registration, academic, or other departmental or college-level appeals)

Other Metropolitan State University Responsibilities:

1. Immunization records

2. Student Code of Conduct

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the material contained within the Student Rights and Responsibilities as of the date of posting. However, all policies, procedures, academic schedules, program information, and fees are subject to change at any time by appropriate action of the faculty, the University administration, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees or the Minnesota Legislature without prior notification. The provisions on this page do not constitute a contract between the student and the University.

The information on this page is for use as an academic resource and is subject to change at any time.

Metropolitan State University is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and education opportunity. No person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law.

Please refer to the Equal Opportunity and Diversity web page for further information on Metropolitan State University's commitment to nondiscrimination.