Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities; Replaces EM 96-038
From: Paul J. Zingg, President
Subject: Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities; Replaces EM 96-038
Upon the recommendation of the Academic Senate, I approve the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, which replaces Executive Memorandum 96-038, effective immediately.
CODE OF STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities defines and explains students' rights, obligations, and responsibilities while they are members of the CSU, Chico campus community.
This Code is subject to and limited by federal and state law, including regulations adopted by the Board of Trustees of The California State University, Executive Orders issued by the Chancellor, and Executive Memoranda and campus policy as published by the President of the University. Title 5, California Code of Regulations, 41301, and Executive Order 1043 are included in the Appendix.
STUDENT RIGHTS
The Right of Access to Higher Education
The University is open to all persons who are qualified according to its admission standards unless current resource limitations result in the closure of a requested academic program. The University will make every attempt to inform all prospective students of the academic level required for admission through its University Catalog and other official communications.
Rights in the Classroom
Students are free to take reasonable exception to the data, processes, or views offered in courses of study. At the same time they are responsible for meeting standards of academic performance established for each course.
By the end of the first week of their initial attendance, students have the right to receive a course syllabus from faculty members containing clearly written objectives which are consistent with the nature of the course. Students should be informed by the instructor about the level of achievement which is expected for each letter grade. (Reference: Executive Memorandum 92-013, Grading Policy).
Students have the right to know what material will be covered on midterms and finals and to inspect and discuss their graded examinations, projects, and papers with their instructors. These must be graded promptly enough so as to make them a part of the student's learning experience.
Students have the right to have faculty meet their classes at scheduled times. When circumstances require cancellation of a class, the instructor shall make an effort to notify students in a timely manner.
Students have the right to have instructional faculty schedule a reasonable number of office hours for student conferences, including availability during the week of final examinations. Students should have the right to expect faculty members' office hours will be posted on their office doors and recorded in their department offices.
Students have the right to a course grade which represents the professor's good-faith judgment of the student's performance in the course.
Students have the right to expect that faculty will not discriminate on the basis of personal prejudices.
Students have the right as well as the responsibility to participate in procedures for evaluating the teaching effectiveness of faculty.
Students who have complaints about alleged unfair treatment at CSU, Chico have recourse through the Student Grievance Procedures (Executive Memorandum 05-010). The Student Grievance Procedures may be obtained from Student Conduct, Rights, and Responsibilities.
Right to Freedom from Sexual Harassment
Students have the right to expect freedom from sexual harassment (Executive Order 927 and Executive Memorandum 99-020, Policy on Sexual Harassment.. Students wishing more information regarding these policies or their procedures can contact the Student Judicial Affairs Office.
Right to Freedom from Discrimination
California State University, Chico is committed to maintaining an environment free from unlawful discrimination, including discriminatory harassment (Executive Memorandum 99-024). CSU Chico complies with federal and state regulations relating to affirmative action and nondiscrimination obligations. Students wishing more information regarding these policies or their procedures can contact the Student Judicial Affairs Office.
Right to Privacy and to Inspect Public Records
In compliance with federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232g) (FERPA) and its regulations adopted under (34 C.F.R. 99) Executive Order 796, and Executive Memorandum 01-001, California State University, Chico accords current and former students the following rights regarding their student education records:
- The right to be informed about educational records
- The right to inspect their educational records
- The right to request amendment to their educational records
- The right to a formal hearing if the request for amendment is denied
- The right to prevent unauthorized disclosure of any or all information in their educational records, subject to specific exceptions identified in FERPA
- The right to complain to the U.S. Department of Education about a violation of FERPA regarding their education record
- The right to waive these rights in writing.
Right to Freedom of Association, Expression, Advocacy, and Publication
Students are free to organize, join associations, and promote their common interests. Students may discuss openly all questions of interest to them and to express their opinions publicly or privately. Students are free to affiliate and organize for educational, political, social, religious, or cultural purposes. For a more detailed description, see Executive Memorandum 86-012, Guidelines for Speech and Advocacy.
Right to Contribute to University Governance and Curriculum
Students shall have the opportunity to participate in the formulation and notification of policies, rules, and sanctions affecting them in accordance with the laws of the State of California, rules and regulations of the Board of Trustees of The California State University, and the Chancellor's Executive Orders.
Right to Accommodation for Individuals with Disabilities
California State University, Chico is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all educational and operational aspects of campus life. In accordance with Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, CSU, Chico issued Executive Memorandum 07-009, Nondiscrimination Policy Regarding Individuals with Disabilities to ensure no person is denied access to or enjoyment of any program, service, or opportunity provided by the campus on the basis of their disability.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Just as students have rights, they also have responsibilities. Student rights in themselves exist primarily to meet their educational responsibilities. Violations of Title 5, California Code of Regulations, 41301, can subject students to disciplinary action, which may result in a formal sanction(s). Disciplinary sanctions may affect a student’s ability to hold an Associated Student office, be an officer of a recognized university organization, play varsity or club sports, represent the University, or continue to attend the University.
Related Policies
- Academic Integrity Policy - EM 04-036.
- Sexual Assault Policy - EM 91-001
- Alcohol Policy - EM 99-011
Executive Order 1073
Student disciplinary actions will be conducted according to the provisions of the Chancellor’s Executive Order 1073. In accordance with Executive Order 1043, California State University Chico has determined that attorneys will not be part of the campus conduct process. Unless otherwise noted in Executive Order 1073, California State University, Chico has determined that attorneys will not be part of the campus conduct.
Appendix I
Title 5, Section 41301 – Standards for Student Conduct (PDF)
Appendix II