Civility Statement Southwestern Michigan College is committed to the highest standards of academic and ethical integrity. All members of our academic community are encouraged to promote and value an ethic of common respect and civility. SMC defines civility as the demonstration of respect for others, basic courtesy, reciprocity (treating others as we wish to be treated), and behaviors that create a positive environment in which to learn and to work. Membership in any community is enhanced by a concern for the common good for all who belong to that community. Each individual may possess different ideas as well as different ways of communicating those ideas, particularly in a community as varied and diverse as a college. Because of these differences, respect and civility are integral to maintaining the quality of the academic environment and free inquiry. Respect and civility should, therefore, be afforded to all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, family status, socioeconomic level, educational background, veteran status, or position at the college. Examples of civility that we wish to foster within our campus community: A feeling of shared responsibility to cultivate an environment in which all members feel intellectually respected and physically safe. Everyone in the community takes a personal responsibility for creating a productive learning environment. The ability to express ideas and thoughts in a respectful manner. Respect for others people’s work is also important. This including acknowledging material, including ideas, images, and language, taken from electronic, language, and visual sources available in print sources and on the internet Students behave in a courteous and respectful manner toward their instructors and fellow students by being self-disciplined and responsible for their own learning. All members of the college community (faculty, staff, and students) exemplify and model civil behavior, and in so doing, provide direction for each other.
FERPA The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights related to their educational records. They are: The right to inspect and review the education records within 45 days of the day the college receives a request for access. The student must submit to the registrar a written request that identifies the record(s) to be inspected. The college will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the record(s) may be inspected. If the college official to whom the request was submitted does not maintain the record(s), that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed. The right to request an amendment to the student’s education record(s) the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. The student may ask the college to amend a record believed to be inaccurate or misleading. The student should write the college official responsible for the record, clearly identifying the part of the record to be changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the college decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the college will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of the right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing. 21