The Code of Policies and Procedures for Students at Utah State University

Table of Contents

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Preface

Utah State University derives from the State of Utah its legal authority to provide programs and services to its students. This authority is vested in the State Board of Regents, the Board of Trustees, and the President of the University.

Upon enrollment in an academic program, a student is entitled to receive the services and participate in the activities of the University. As a member of the academic community, each student is expected to participate freely in and to support academic processes. To maintain the quality of its programs and to protect the integrity of academic freedom for its community as a whole, the University may discipline those who fail to meet and maintain its standards or who violate University policies and procedures.

Utah State University aspires to maintain academic freedom and to maximize individual responsibility. To that end, the University endorses the principles of community identified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Utah State University is:

1. a purposeful community where members work together to strengthen teaching and learning on the campus;
2. a just community, a place where the dignity of all individuals is affirmed and where equality of opportunity is vigorously pursued;
3. an open community where freedom of expression is protected;
4. a disciplined community, a place where individuals accept their obligations to the group and where well-defined governance procedures guide behavior for the common good; and
5. a caring community where the well-being of each community member is sensitively supported and where service to others is encouraged. (Boyer, 1990).

The University may not interfere with the student's rights guaranteed by federal and state laws. The University grants to the student membership in a community which provides opportunities for education.

The following Code of Policies and Procedures for Students at Utah State University [the “Student Code”] attempts to establish these ideals in practice. It was originally initiated by the students, given final form by a joint student-faculty committee, and reviewed by members of the Associate Students of Utah State University and the Faculty Senate.

The Student Code is available in alternative format upon request.

Amendment

The Student Code in its present form has been approved by the USUSA Executive Leadership Board, USUSA Executive Council, USUSA Statewide Executive Council, the USUSA Academic Senate, the Faculty Senate, the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Provost, the President of the University, and the Board of Trustees. Students, faculty, and administration may suggest proposals to amend the Student Code.

Proposals for amendment must be coordinated with the Vice President for Student Affairs and shall be approved by the USUSA Executive Leadership Board, USUSA Executive Council, USUSA Statewide Executive Council, the USUSA Academic Senate, the Faculty Senate, the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Provost, the President of the University, and the Board of Trustees.

References

1. References to the Vice President for Student Affairs, to other University officials, or to USUSA officers include their designees [e.g., the Vice President for Student Affairs is often represented by a designee, the Campus Student Conduct Officer, in matters pertaining to violations of University Standards].
2. References to an “instructor” include all persons engaged in teaching students and is not limited to the professorial rank of instructor.
3. References to “days” include the 274 consecutive calendar days in an academic year. An academic year commences in August and concludes on the date of spring commencement. The specific dates for any given academic year are approved by the Administrative Council of the University.
1. In all proceedings under this Student Code:
1. The days not included within an academic year and the days between the last day of fall semester (i.e. the last day for final examinations) and the first day of spring semester, are not included in the period of days specified for an act, unless all involved persons mutually agree otherwise. All persons involved include an accused student, an individual complainant, an instructor (if academic integrity violation is involved), the Vice President for Student Affairs, the hearing board members, the Appeals Board members, and the Hearing Officer.
2. Where the period specified for an act is 10 days or less, a “day” means a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. A “day” does not include a Saturday, Sunday, or an official University holiday.
3. Where the period specified for an act is 11 days of more, a “day” means a calendar day. If the period ends on a Saturday, Sunday, or an official University holiday, the period shall be extended to the next Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.
2. Subparagraph 1.a. above does not apply to proceedings under Article VII Section 3 (University Regulations Regarding Discrimination and Harassment) (Procedures For Grievances Relating to Discrimination or Harassment) where the occurrence or incident which is the basis for the grievance has a disparate impact on the aggrieved student’s educational opportunity in an academic activity controlled or supervised directly by the University.