Preamble
Below are the essential provisions of Student Rights and Responsibilities, to which all students are entitled while enrolled in Texas Wesleyan University. It is understood by all persons concerned that the responsibilities and rights herein expressed are to be exercised within the framework of the mission of Texas Wesleyan University.
If a need for clarification arises, the University Hearing Board shall be used to interpret the rights and responsibilities in accordance with University standards.
Student Rights in the Classroom
- A student has a right to have his/her classes taught by qualified faculty, which is defined by standards of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
- A student has a right to expect that each class will have a syllabus which outlines the goals of the course, the assignments including examinations and grading, and the basic course calendar. Such syllabi should be available at the beginning of each course, with the expectation that it will be available no later than the second class meeting of the semester. The syllabi will provide for a reasonable distribution of reading and other out-of-class assignments throughout the semester. A student has a right to expect fairness in grading that is in keeping with the course syllabus. Students are responsible for meeting the stated requirements of any class in which they are enrolled.
- A student has a right to expect that examinations and/or assignments will be returned in a timely manner unless there are special circumstances. Students have the right at any time to request and receive notice of class standing.
- A student has a right to expect that published class times, examination schedules and associated policies will be honored by the faculty. If the times and schedules are changed for justifiable reasons a timely notification will be given to the student(s) involved. It is understood that students are not expected to wait for more than 15 minutes after the official starting time for a class to begin.
- A student has the right to be informed of the office hours of the faculty member teaching his/her classes and can expect the faculty member to be present during posted office hours unless unforeseen circumstances arise.
- A student has a right to expect the faculty advisor to be cognizant of degree requirements, major program options and will reasonably provide information about and access to other University services. A student has a right to expect that the advisor will have been provided materials necessary for proper advising including degree plans and policy changes appropriate to the student's degree.
- Students have the right to offer feedback and/or opinions regarding their educational instruction and experience in the form of evaluation surveys, etc.
- Students have a right to expect courteous and timely response to questions from all staff of the University.
- Students have a right to expect reasonable availability of services regardless of the time that the class is delivered. The University will provide appropriate facilities for classroom space and access to all facilities including the SUB, bookstore, mailroom, office of financial aid, student records, cashier, switchboard and other appropriate administrative offices.
- Students have the right to expect timely notice of major catalog changes, including significant program alteration.
- Students have a right to expect the catalog under which they entered the University to be honored, subject only to the limitations outlined in the catalog. Such limitations include such policies as those which limit the validity of certain courses to a specified number of years.
- Students may enter a class late or leave early professors may restrict entry or restrict departure if outlined in the syllabus.
Freedom of Association
- Students are free to organize and join campus associations to promote their common interests in accordance with the University mission.
- Students are free to assemble and support or protest a cause by orderly means on campus.
- Students Organizations are required to submit to the University a statement of purpose, and criteria for membership.
Freedom of Inquiry and Expression
- As citizen, students shall be free to examine and discuss all questions of interest to them and to express opinions either orally or written, publicity and privately. They should make every effort to indicate, however, that they are not speaking for the University. The professor shall reserve the right to limit in class discussions due to the limited time allotted for a class session.
- Students have a right to freedom of expression during the civil exchange of views. Views which differ from those of the instructor or the University shall not jeopardize the student's academic evaluation.
Student Participation in University Government
- Students shall be free, individually and collectively, to express their views on issues of institutional policy and on matters of general interest to the Student Body.
- The Student Body and its duly elected representatives shall have clearly defined means to participate in the formulation an application of institutional policy affecting academic and student affairs.
- The Student Government Association is the principal organ by which the Student Body participates in the decision-making process of the institution.
Student Publications
- The student press shall follow established journalistic practices and ethics.
- The student press shall be free of censorship and an advance approval of copy and its editors and managers should be free to develop their own editorial policies and news coverage.
- Editors and managers of student publications shall be protected from arbitrary suspension or removal because of student, faculty, administrative, or public disapproval of editorial policy or content.
- All University published and financed student publications shall explicitly state on the editorial page that the opinions there expressed are not necessarily those of the University or Student Body.
Disciplinary Proceedings
- The University has an obligation to specify the standards of conduct which it considers essential to its mission. The University must also specify consequences of actions that violate the written rules of the Student Handbook or federal, state, or local laws.
- The University will consistently and uniformly apply its sanctions for violations of policies and procedures as written in both the University catalog and Student Handbook.
- Due process shall be observed in all matters of student discipline including timely notification, reasonable standards of conduct, disciplinary terms and actions, and hearing board procedures.
- Except under extreme emergency circumstances, premises occupied by students and the personal possessions of students shall not be searched unless appropriate authorization has been obtained by the appropriate party set forth in the Student Handbook.
- Students accused of serious violations of institutional regulations, or infractions of ordinary laws, shall be informed of their rights through the office Student Development Offices.
- Pending action on charges, the status of student shall not be altered, nor the student's right to be present on the campus and to attend classes suspended, except for reasons relating to the student's physical or emotional safety and well-being or for reasons relating to the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, University or private property.
Student Responsibilities
- A student must read and understand the University catalog and Student Handbook which include policies and procedures affecting enrollment, withdrawal, probation, suspension, registration, major and minor programs, graduation, and other student issues.
- A student has the ultimate responsibility to take those steps necessary to earn a degree in a program of his/her choosing.
- A student has the responsibility to seek out his/her advisor and to solicit and follow advice that assists in the completion of the academic goals of the student.
- A student is responsible for his/her total well being and thus should take advantage of the full range of both curricular and co-curricular opportunities (cultural events, athletic contests and the work of student government and organizations) available on or through the campus.
- A student is responsible for timely application, timely payment of fees and timely processing of forms affecting enrollment.
- A student is responsible for practicing good University citizenship. This includes employing/practicing civility at all times, showing respect for student colleagues, professors and the staff and administration of the University. It is understood that free questioning and expression are a necessary part of encouraging independence, though such questioning and expression are to be expressed with appropriate decorum and civility.
- A student is expected to honor the requirements of each course for which he or she expects to earn credit. This includes the timely submission of assignments and the completion of all tasks.
- Students shall not engage in hazing or any other exploitation of fellow students.