STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Academic Rights At EWC, students work to achieve personal goals through wholesome academic pursuits and may assume certain clearly established rights. (Described more fully in the Student Handbook) 1. “Academic Freedom,” including the freedom to teach and to learn is a tradition shared between students and faculty within their recognized spheres of expertise in an academic context. 2. “Civil Rights,” including the rights of expression and due process, are legal rights protected by the U.S. Constitution, which will not be used to disrupt the academic rights of others. 3. Opportunity to seek truth and develop critical judgment is critical to a mature learning experience in a community of scholars. 4. Expressing contrasting points of view and reserving skeptical judgment about opinions expressed are encouraged but do not abrogate responsibility for learning content and interpretations presented as part of formal courses. 5. Evaluation of student performance should be expected, as should the fact that it be based upon clearly articulated goals and tasks, carefully predetermined criteria, and professional judgment without prejudice or capricious intent. 6. Review of grade policy, system, and evaluation of faculty and staff is sometimes appropriate and useful to promote enhanced student-faculty understanding. 7. Personal information about a student acquired by the College or a staff member in the course of College work is confidential and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 govern its release to third parties. Generally, releasing such information requires either specific student permission or court order. 8. Access to join or belong to any EWC organization for which one qualifies is assumed at EWC. 9. Broad involvement in determining individual programs of study within College guidelines and personal responsibility for meeting requirements, in a timely manner, is a normal part of EWC. 10. The right to examine and responsibly discuss questions of interest and to express opinions publicly and privately in like manner is strongly encouraged at EWC. Due Process Students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with EWC policy and regulations and will be disciplined should infractions occur. (Details relating to violations, penalties, procedures are presented in the Student Handbook.) However, “due process” rights also protect students as follows: 1. Timely notice of charges or allegations 2. Opportunity to plead admission or denial of alleged violations 3. Opportunity to request or waive formal hearing and accept or reject college determination 4. Hearing before tribunal other than those bringing the charge or making the allegation 5. Opportunity for personal appearance in a formal hearing before judgment is rendered 6. Responsible advisor or counselor of choice available 7. Opportunity to call and confront witnesses and accusers and to present evidence in own behalf 8. Advanced notice or information listing witnesses appearing against own interests 9. Copy of the record of a hearing if alleged offense may result in suspension or expulsion 10. Appeal opportunities to the Vice President of Academic Affairs 11. Final appeal opportunity to the EWC President
EWC Catalog 2010-2012 Page 67