Student Rights and Responsibilities
STUDENT RIGHTS
Upon enrollment, students are entitled to the following freedoms and/or rights provided the exercise thereof is accomplished in accordance with university procedures and does not result in disruption or disturbance as elsewhere described in the Rules.
1. Participation in Student Government Association and its elective process.
2. Membership in student organizations.
3. Freedom of expression. The basic freedom of students to hear, write, distribute, and act upon a variety of thoughts and beliefs is guaranteed. Freedom of expression carries with it the responsibility for seeing that the essential order of the university is preserved.
4. Freedom to hold public forums. The university desires to create a spirit of free inquiry and to promote the timely discussion of a wide variety of issues, provided the views expressed are stated openly and subject to critical evaluation. Restraints on free inquiry will be held to a minimum and will be consistent with preserving an organized society in which peaceful democratic means for change are available. Guest lecturers, or off campus speakers, sponsored by the student groups may appear on the FGCU campus following approval by the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs.
5. Freedom to hear, write, distribute and act upon a variety of thoughts and beliefs. This freedom is subject to the following regulations:
A. Written materials identified by authorship and sponsorship may be sold or distributed on campus within the guidelines of propriety and responsible journalism as established and supervised by the President or his/her designee. The distribution of such material, as is approved by the Vice President of Student Affairs or designee, is permitted of student organizations provided steps have been taken to preserve the orderliness of the campus.
B. Non-university or off-campus printed materials shall not be distributed or circulated by students or student organizations without first being approved by the Vice President of Student Affairs or designee.
C. The distribution of materials or circulation of petitions to captive audiences such as those in classrooms, at registration, in study areas, or in residential units will not be allowed without prior permission. Such permission may be requested from the pertinent University Vice President, Dean, or Director.
6. Peaceful assembly. Existing laws and statutes shall be observed. Student gatherings must not disrupt or interfere with the orderly educational operation of the institution, nor be in violation of state or local statutes, or university policies.
7. Fair and impartial hearing. These matters shall include, but not be limited to:
A. Disciplinary proceedings involving alleged violation of academic and non-academic rules and regulations.
B. Refunds and charges. The status of a student charged with a violation of university regulations shall not be affected pending final disposition of the charges except in the case of administrative action.
8. Confidentiality of student records. Each university office and agency which generates, collects, and disseminates information on students must follow the guidelines for confidentiality of those records in their possession.
9. Student grievances. Students have the right to bring complaints to the attention of the university.
10. Provisions for victims of acts associated with the University’s disciplinary system. To ensure fairness to victims of acts associated with the university’s disciplinary system throughout the disciplinary process, the university has established the following policy for victims/survivors:
A. A provision for a victim to have a person of his/her choice accompany her/him throughout the judicial process. This person will act as a support person or counsel but will not represent the victim/survivor.
B. A provision for the victim to submit a list of questions relating to the alleged incident prior to the hearing, that she/he feels the accused should be asked during the hearing process.
C. A provision not to have her/his irrelevant past conduct, including sexual history, discussed during the hearing. The issue of irrelevancy shall be determined by the hearing board or judicial officer.
D. The opportunity to make a "victim impact statement;" and to suggest an appropriate penalty (to include appropriate compensations) if the accused is found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
E. A provision to know the outcome of the judicial process after making a commitment to protect the confidentiality for all persons involved.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
The most basic responsibility of a student is to study and move forward in intellectual development while taking advantage of the many opportunities provided in a university environment for all around personal growth, development, and maturation.
Students and organizations are responsible for the observation of all policies, rules, and regulations of Florida Gulf Coast University. Compliance should follow awareness and understanding which help to fulfill the objectives of better university government as well as the identification and acceptance of personal and social responsibilities.
Rights and freedoms in any environment are protected through exercised responsibilities and maintained through an established system for justice. The ideal balance of control for liberties is strongly weighted toward understanding and observing regulations as acts of individual responsibility not always because of agreement, but because compliance also serves the best interests of all and helps in the completion of identified missions.
The university has compiled student governing information in this guidebook and distributed it to help provide direction and awareness for the academic community. It is each student’s responsibility to become aware of and learn its regulatory content and procedures for dealing with problems which may arise in the course of educational events.
When university regulations are judged as not serving the best interests of all, the consideration for change should be introduced through appropriate channels. In the case of students, this will most often be Student Government or other student governing group(s).
Within the university, emphasis is placed on the development of each individual’s recognition and acceptance of personal and social responsibilities. High ethical and moral standards of conduct are a part of the university’s mission and its contribution to the well-being of society.
