Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities
I. University of Nebraska Bylaws
Students, like all members of the academic community, have the responsibility to create and support an educational environment. Each member of the community should be treated with respect and dignity. Each has the right to learn. This right imposes a duty not to infringe upon the rights of others. The academic community should assure its members those opportunities, protections and privileges that provide the best climate for learning. (Bylaws of the Board of Regents, Section 5.0.) UNO shall publicize and keep current all rules, regulations, and policies concerning students, and insure that they are readily available to all students and other interested persons. (Bylaws of the Board of Regents, Section 5.1.)
1. Admissions Criteria UNO shall publish the criteria for admission, academic progress, certificates, and degrees for all colleges and schools of the University. Admission to the University and the privileges of University students shall not be denied to any person because of age, sex, race, color, national origin, or religious or political beliefs. (Bylaws of the Board of Regents, Section 5.2.)
2. Academic Evaluation Students shall be informed of the requirements, standards, objectives and evaluation procedures at the beginning of each individual course. Each student shall be given a performance evaluation during the progress of the course if requested. Each college or school shall provide for a faculty-student appeals committee for students who believe that evaluation of their academic progress has been prejudiced or capricious. Such procedure shall provide for changing a student’s evaluation upon the committee’s finding that an academic evaluation by a member of the faculty has been improper. Procedures for appealing evaluation of academic progress are provided by each college or school unit. Generally, but not necessarily conclusively, the procedures are similar to the following: Students wanting to appeal a grade (evaluation that has been prejudiced or capricious), shall attempt to discuss the matter directly with the instructor. If the student and the instructor do not reach a satisfactory agreement, the student may submit an appeal in writing to the chairperson of the department in which the course is offered. If the student and chairperson do not reach a satisfactory agreement, the student may submit an appeal in writing to the Dean of the College in which the course was offered. The decision made at this level, which would include a hearing by a faculty-student appeals committee, will be final. Each college or school shall provide a mechanism by which students have an opportunity to report their perceptions of courses and the methods by which they are being taught, provided, however, that such mechanism shall protect members of the faculty from capricious and uninformed judgments. (Bylaws of the Board of Regents, Section 5.3)
3. Public Information Regarding Students Public information regarding students, rules with respect to confidentiality, and any release of information will be governed in accordance with Federal and State law. The Board is authorized to develop policies and procedures consistent with that law. (Bylaws of the Board of Regents, Section 5.6.)
4. Disciplinary Records Subject to any requirements of the Records Management Act, the University shall provide for the periodic destruction of noncurrent disciplinary records. (Bylaws of the Board of Regents, Section 5.7.)
5. Student Communications Media Student publications and broadcasting stations shall be supervised in a manner such that editorial freedom will be maintained and that the corollary responsibilities will be governed by the canons of ethical journalism. Student publications financed in whole or in part by fees collected from all students at UNO shall be supervised by a Publications Committee. This committee shall have full responsibility of a publisher and the power of decision on the proper application of the canons of ethics. Students shall comprise a majority of the membership, but the committee shall also include members of the faculty and professional journalists from outside the University. (Bylaws of the Board of Regents, Section 5.9.)
6. Eligibility for and Participation in Co-Curricular Activities. Co-Curricular activities and registered student organizations are offered by the University to meet the needs of interests and promote the development of special skills of its student population. To participate as a member in any recognized student organization, at a minimum, a student must be enrolled in at least one credit course, excluding audit hours.
Additional membership criteria may be established by UNO based on the nature of the organization and/or set by the organization themselves. Membership requirements set by organizations may be more, but not less, stringent than those laid out by the University but must be in compliance with any federal laws and/or restrictions. Interested students should contact the leadership of the student organization or co-curricular activity for specific membership guidelines/requirements. Officers of all organizations, in conjunction with the support of their faculty and staff advisors, are tasked with enforcing membership requirements.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.
7. Campus Speakers Students are allowed to invite and hear any person of their own choosing. Institutional procedures will insure the orderly and adequate preparation for the event. However, the control of campus facilities will not be used as a device of censorship. (Bylaws of the Board of Regents, Section 5.11.)
II. University of Nebraska Policies
1. Academic Degree Completion The requirements for graduation from a bachelor’s degree program shall be those listed in the Catalog effective at the time of matriculation provided continuous enrollment (excluding summer sessions) was maintained. However, the University reserves the right to withdraw and substitute courses, to reassign instructors and to change the nature of instruction, as deemed necessary. In some cases, prerequisites for courses offered at the University are effective even if they are not listed in a given catalog. (See the current schedule of classes or your adviser for details.) A student may meet requirements listed in a subsequent Catalog if written approval is granted by the dean of the college in which the student is enrolled. Acceptance of registration by the University of Nebraska and admission to any educational program of the University does not constitute a contract or warranty that the University will continue indefinitely to offer the program in which a student is enrolled. The University expressly reserves the right to change, phase out, or discontinue any program. The listing of courses contained in any University bulletin, catalog or schedule is by way of announcement only and shall not be regarded as an offer of contract. The University expressly reserves the right to 1) add or delete courses from its offerings, 2) change times or locations of courses or programs, 3) change academic calendars without notice, 4) cancel any course for insufficient registrations, or 5) revise or change rules, charges, fees, schedules, courses, requirements for degrees and any other policy or regulation affecting students, including, but not limited to, evaluation standards, whenever the same is considered to be in the best interests of the University. (Policies of the Board of Regents, Section 5.1.3)
2. Right to Public Hearing It shall be the right of any individual member or group of members of the University (i.e., students, faculty, or administrators) to be granted, upon petition to the appropriate policy making body or office, a public hearing at which the policy indicated by the group of petitioners in their petition shall be discussed. The policy-making body or office petitioned shall schedule the hearing for some time convenient to the interested parties if possible, no later than two weeks after the petition is submitted during periods when the University is in session, and shall announce publicly in advance the time and place of the hearing. At the hearing, that body responsible for the policy indicated in the petition shall clarify said policy, offer the reasons which justify the policy in view of the objections or questions raised about it in the petition, and respond to any additional questions or criticisms of the policy or related policies raised at the hearing by any member of the University. It is expected that before such a petition is submitted, all other normal channels for raising questions about the policy have been exhausted. If, in the view of the policy-making body or office to whom the petition is submitted, the petition is merely a form of harassment or adequate answers are available through other normal channels, the petition may be referred to the relevant committee to determine whether the hearing must be held. A decision by the Committee not to hold a public hearing shall be overruled by the submission to that committee of a petition requesting such hearing and signed by at least 100 members of the University community. (Policies of the Board of Regents, Section 2.1.3)
3. Directory Information In compliance with the federally-enacted Privacy Act and as defined by the Board of Regents, public directory information regarding students attending UNO shall be the (i) student’s name, (ii) year at the University, (iii) dates of attendance, (iv) academic college and major field of study, (v) enrollment status (e.g. undergraduate or graduate; full-time or part-time), (vi) participation in officially recognized activities and sports, (vii) degrees, honors and awards received, (viii) most recent educational agency or institution attended, (ix) University email address, and (x) hometown. Non-public directory information regarding students attending UNO shall be the (i) local address, (ii) permanent address, and (iii) telephone listings. Public directory information will be available to the public upon request and may be included in student directories published electronically. Non-public directory information is not available to the public, but is available to University faculty, staff, and students for University purposes. Directory information will be released by the Registrar in accordance with this policy upon inquiry, unless the student has requested that specific items not be released. The student’s request to have directory information withheld should be filed at the Office of the Registrar. (Policies of the Board of Regents, Section 5.10.) An explanation of this Act and its application at UNO is available to all students. Copies may be obtained online at https://www.unomaha.edu/registrar/ferpa
3.1 Mandated Release of Information UNO shall disclose to a victim of any crime of violence the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted against the alleged perpetrator of such crime with respect to such crime. (Policies of the Board of Regents, Section 5.10)
4. Sponsorship of Speakers with Student Fees The purpose of a speakers program is to advance the general educational purposes of the University by putting before the University community a broad range of ideas in a variety of contexts. The organizations administering speaker programs should make every attempt to provide balance on all subjects presented. All students are encouraged to join programming groups and/or give their input on speaker selection. (Policies of the Board of Regents, Section 5.6.1)
III. UNO Policies
1. Counseling/Medical Records Information exchanged with and/or maintained by a professional counselor/psychologist or medical personnel about a student client will remain confidential, except under legal compulsion.
2. Demonstrations The University acknowledges the rights of members to express their views by peaceful demonstration. UNO is an academic community founded upon a belief in rational dialogue and mutual respect among its members. The opportunities for communication within the University are many and varied, and the University welcomes suggestions for enlarging or improving them. The nature of the academic community demands that all members strive to maintain the rational dialogue which is the cornerstone of the University. There is no conceivable issue, be it a question of academic and administrative policy or of students rights and freedoms, that cannot be approached within the framework of free discussion.
a. Demonstration Procedures
Members of the academic community, including the guests of the University, have the right of extensive latitude in making their opinions known. It is understood, however, that in exercising this right the rights of others must not be jeopardized. The public exploration and resolution of differing views can be successful only when groups and individuals discuss the issues in forums where the right to disagree and to speak freely and be heard is preserved. Within this context, the University community recognizes peaceful demonstration as a legitimate means of expressing one’s opinion.
The preservation of freedom of speech, and the recognition of the right to peaceful demonstration as part of that freedom, is possible only in an orderly environment in which individuals are not endangered by force or violence and in which they are free from coercion and interference in the exercise of their rights or in carrying out their legitimate activities.
Campus demonstration forms are available in the Administrative Office of the Milo Bail Student Center and must be submitted and approved with all necessary signatures at least 48 hours (two business days) before the proposed demonstration. Board of Regents bylaws state that, in cases of the disruption of normal University activities, the Chancellor or his/her designee will, in accordance with University policies and procedures, take necessary steps to restore the University to its normal function. The Chancellor or his/her designee may, in the event of refusal to disperse upon request, impose temporary action, including suspension of those persons disrupting the normal function of the University. The determination as to whether disciplinary action will be initiated for violations of University rules and regulations by students will be made by the Vice Chancellor for Student Success.
The University community may impose behavioral restrictions which are necessary to preserve the orderly functioning of the University and the right of all to be heard. Such restrictions fall into two categories:
i. Prevention of violence or the use of force:
Demonstrations which coerce individuals or which constitute a hazard to the safety of any persons or which threaten destruction of property are not protected by freedom of speech provisions and will not be tolerated. Similarly, a hostile audience will not be allowed to interfere with a peaceful demonstration.
ii. Protection from interference with University operations:
The University community may restrict conduct which interferes with the holding of classes, the carrying forward of University business, properly organized and scheduled University events, or the discharge of responsibility by any University officer, employee or student. Although the mere presence of demonstrators in public areas within buildings does not necessarily constitute interference, demonstrators cannot be allowed physically to obstruct access to University facilities. Noise and boisterous activity is objectionable when it prevents others from exercising their rights and duties.
Persons engaging in disruptive action shall be subject to disciplinary measures, including separation from the University, and also to charges of violation of the law.
b. Response to Disruptive Behavior
The response of the University to any disruptive behavior must ultimately depend on the judgment of the officials who are in charge. However, the following guidelines should be observed:
i. Every effort will be made to end the disruption through reason and persuasion. These efforts shall include a clear indication of the willingness to discuss issues and to make clear the procedures for discussion and arbitration of the issues involved. Discussion of the issues will not be conducted under conditions of duress.
ii. If the discussion method fails, the individuals involved will be notified that they are in violation of University regulations and they will be asked to cease the activity. In the event the alleged violators do not cease the activity within a reasonable length of time, temporary sanctions, which may include conduct probation and if necessary, suspension, may be imposed on the scene. However, unless both the student and the University officials agree to a postponement, the University must hold disciplinary hearings within five (5) school days or the temporary sanctions will be dissolved. Such disciplinary hearing shall be held, as far as possible, in accordance with the established disciplinary procedures of the University. No temporary sanction shall be made part of a student’s permanent record. If a student is found innocent of the action for which temporary sanctions were imposed, no record of the temporary sanction or of the hearing shall become part of any of the student’s files or records and the student shall be given the opportunity to make up work which was not completed because of the disciplinary action.
iii. If the use of institutional sanctions and discussion methods are not effective in ending the disruptions, or when alleged violators are not members of the University community, extra-institutional methods (including the invoking of police force) may be used. Non-members of the University community who are engaged in disruptive behavior may be referred to civil authorities for appropriate action.
iv. Evidence regarding the activity of nonstudent members of the University community who are alleged to have engaged in disruptive behavior may be referred to their supervisors for appropriate action.
The University community abhors the use of force as a method for settling disagreement and will always make exhaustive attempts to deal with issues by rational methods. When, however, such rational efforts prove ineffective or when imminent danger to life or property exists, more forceful methods shall be used to protect the rights and property of members of the community.
3. Distribution of Printed and Other Materials. Students are free to express their beliefs and concerns in a variety of ways. Printed and other materials offered free of charge may be distributed at any location on the campus as long as such distribution does not interfere with normal traffic or functions of the University. Such materials may be distributed by any UNO-affiliated person provided such is accomplished in an orderly manner within the framework of University policies and the law. If specific space for distribution of material is desired, a location may be reserved in a designated area of the Milo Bail Student Center, in accordance with existing policies and procedures governing space reservations. Special care is requested of any and all parties distributing literature to prevent littering of the campus and surrounding areas. Such activity shall be conducted so as not to interfere with the rights of others or the normal activities of the University. Any material offered for sale, solicitation of donations, or posting on University bulletin boards must comply with UNO policy concerning these matters. Contact the Director of the Milo Bail Student Center if more specific information is desired.
4. Information Services. The facilities of UNO Information Services are available to students, faculty and staff of this institution for the purpose of instruction, research, and other activities as defined by the Chancellor. The computer facilities are University property and their operation is part of University operations. Executive Memorandum No. 16 of the President of the University of Nebraska states the University policy on responsible use of University computers and information systems. Executive Memorandum No. 16 may be accessed on the Internet at: www.nebraska.edu/about/exec_memo16.pdf. The Student Code of Conduct addresses offenses related to the properties and operation of the University, and, therefore, also applies to computer use and facilities as it applies to all other University resources.
5. Nondiscrimination and Title IX
- The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Read the full statement.
Any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether verbal, physical, written, or pictorial, which has the purpose or effect of creating a hostile environment for the person subjected to the conduct, or any solicitation of sexual conduct of any nature when submission to or rejection of such contact is used as the basis for either implicitly or explicitly imposing favorable or adverse terms and conditions of academic standing constitutes sexual harassment and will not be condoned or tolerated. Moreover, sexual misconduct including stalking, dating or domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and sexual assault is prohibited.
b. Appropriate corrective action will be taken toward any student or employee who is found to have violated UNO’s non-discrimination, sexual harassment, and/or sexual misconduct policies. Further, UNO commits itself toward the assurance of non-retaliation toward any person who reports harassment, sexual misconduct, or discrimination or who participates in an investigation of such conduct.
c. If you suspect or experience discrimination, sexual harassment, or retaliation toward yourself or others, please keep records or other evidence of specifics and report the conduct.
If you do not feel comfortable telling a person to stop inappropriate behavior, or if the behavior does not cease once you have made the request to do so, you may seek assistance from an administrator, professor, or counselor. Persons designated by the University as Officials with Authority are required to report sexual discrimination, harassment, or misconduct reported to them. Other employees are expected to provide assistance and report.
d. Title IX or Discrimination Inquiries should be directed to:
- Civil Rights Compliance Office
Eppley Administration Building #211
Email: equity@unomaha.edu
Phone: 402.554.2120 - Title IX Coordinator
Eppley Administration Building #211
Email: equity@unomaha.edu
Phone: 402.554.2120