Code of Student Rights & Responsibilities

Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities

The Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities sets forth the specific authority and responsibility of Utah Tech University to maintain appropriate discipline by outlining guidelines for appropriate student conduct and to create an educational environment in which students can accomplish meaningful academic goals. The purpose of the policy is to protect individuals, the campus, and the University community, and to create an environment conducive to achieving the academic mission of the University.

The information contained in this catalog is meant as an introduction to Student Rights and Responsibilities. The Student Conduct Code Policy 552, Student Academic and Professional Misconduct Policy 555, and a complete list of student policies are available in the Policy Library. Although formal procedures are outlined in the Student Code, the University encourages informal resolution of problems when appropriate and adequate to the seriousness of the issue.

1. Student Rights

Students have the following rights and privileges, and also have the responsibility not to deny these rights and privileges to other members of the University community.

Learning Environment: Students have a right to an environment and climate conducive to learning and thinking. Students have a right of reasonable access to University facilities, services, and programs, including access to faculty members and to courses as described in the University Catalog. University teaching should reflect consideration for the dignity of students and their rights and individuals. Students have a right to be treated with courtesy and respect.
Classroom Rights: Students have the right, at the beginning of the course in the form of a syllabus, to reasonable notice of the general content of the course and notice of what will be required of them.
Academic Evaluation: Students have a right to have their performance evaluated promptly, conscientiously, and without prejudice or favoritism, consistent with the criteria stated at the beginning of the course in the form of a syllabus. Students have a right to be evaluated in an atmosphere that values academic integrity.
Role in University Governance: Students have a right to participate in the formation and application of University policy affecting academic and student affairs through clearly defined means, including membership on appropriate committees. Students have a right to perform student evaluations of faculty members, and to have those evaluations considered in the retention, promotion, tenure, and post-tenure reviews of faculty members.
Due Process: Students have a right to due process in any proceeding involving the possibility of serious sanctions. This includes the right to notice of alleged violations, the right to be heard relative to the allegations, the right to impartial decision and review, and the right for students to serve on hearing boards.
Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Harassment: Students have a right to be free from illegal discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment. University policy prohibits discrimination, harassment, or prejudicial treatment of a student because of his/her race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, or status as an individual with a disability or as a protected veteran.
Freedom of Expression and Inquiry: Students are entitled to academic freedom and autonomy in their intellectual pursuits and development. Students are entitled to free and open discussion, inquiry, expression, and lawful assembly.
Privacy and Confidentiality: Students have a right to privacy and confidentiality, which are subject to university rules and other statutory regulations. Students have a right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Student Records: Students have a right to educational records that accurately reflect their performance. Students have a right to examine and challenge information in their educational records.
Student Government and Organizations: Students have a right to participate in Utah Tech University Student Association elections and to form student organizations for any lawful purpose as approved by the Dean of Students.
Faculty Evaluations: The right to perform student evaluations of faculty members and to have those evaluations seriously considered in the retention, promotion, tenure, and post-tenure reviews of faculty members.
Freedom from illegal discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or prejudicial treatment because of race/ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, sex, pregnancy, disability status, or protected veteran status.
Reasonable Accommodations: The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodation and support to qualified students with disabilities to ensure equal access to the University’s Student Conduct Process. Complainants, Respondents, and other participants may request accommodations necessary under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Students needing such accommodations or support should contact the Disability Resource Center. The Disability Resource Center will review the request and, in consultation with the student requesting the accommodation and the Dean of Students or Designee, determine which accommodations are appropriate and necessary for full participation in the process.
File a complaint or grievance against faculty or staff members under the appropriate University policy.
Autonomy: Freedom and autonomy in intellectual pursuits and development.
Speech/Expression: Freedom of open discussion, inquiry, expression, and lawful assembly according to University Policy 110.
Privacy: Freedom from unreasonable search and seizure.
Support: The right to have a support person throughout the Student Conduct Process.
Right to seek amnesty: The Dean of Students or Designee decides whether to grant amnesty in a Student Conduct Process. The availability of amnesty for students with repetitive or severe violations is determined on a case-by-case basis.

2. Student Behavior

Students have the responsibility not to deny any Student Rights and privileges to other members of the University community. In addition, the Standards of Student Conduct apply to students on University premises and at University activities. The following are prohibited:

Physical or verbal assaults, and stalking, hazing, threats, intimidation, coercion, or any other conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of another member of the University community or any other person while on University premises or while attending or participating in University activities.
1. Hazing is defined as an abusive or humiliating initiation into a group or affiliation.
2. Stalking is defined as intentionally and repeatedly following, contacting, or harassing another person, so that fear is instilled in that individual.
Sexual harassment/discrimination. If a student believes they have been harassed, sexually harassed, or discriminated against, refer to the Sexual Harassment Policy 154.
Disorderly or lewd conduct.
Attempted or actual theft of University property or of any individual’s property, or intentional or reckless destruction or damage of University property, equipment, materials, data, and other resources, or intentional misuse of same, including unauthorized possession or use of computer passwords or keys.
Use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages.
Use, possession or distribution of controlled substances, except for legal, personal use of prescribed medications as governed by Utah law.
Violation of published University policies, rules, or regulations.
Violation of federal, state, or local civil or criminal laws on University premises or while participating in University activities.
Breaching a contract made with the University, including those related to University-owned housing.
Acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to making false statements, fraud, providing false information or identification, forgery, or misuse of University documents, forms, records, and identification cards. Provisions for academic dishonesty can be found in Section 4 of the Student Code.
Intentional disruption or obstruction of instruction, research, meetings, or other University functions or activities, on or off campus, including unreasonable interference with those walking or traveling to such.
Illegal or unauthorized possession or use of a firearm, ammunition, explosives, weapons, or dangerous chemicals on University property or at University events; or use of such items, even if legally possessed, in a threatening or irresponsible manner that causes fear of imminent bodily harm.
Violating Policy 461 Computer Use or Use of IT Resources, including copyright violations.
Refusal to respond to reasonable requests and direction from University authorities while in the performance of their duties.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner at all times, whether on or off campus. If a student or student organization is reported for violation of the law on or off-campus, the University will cooperate with appropriate law enforcement officials insofar as the law permits.

Off campus behavior that may have a significant impact on the mission of the University may be subject to formal University disciplinary action. A student or student organization cited for, arrested for, charged with, indicted for, or convicted of a serious criminal offense may be subject to University disciplinary action under the Student Code.

The Vice President of Student Affairs may suspend a student or restrict a student’s access to University premises and/or University activities for which the student might otherwise be eligible prior to an initial inquiry, hearing, or determination if there is reasonable cause to believe that a student poses a danger to themself, endangers the safety of other persons or property, or is an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process or other function of the University.

Whenever possible, complaints should be resolved informally by the faculty member, work supervisor, department chair, program director, or dean. If informal resolution is not successful, any person directly aggrieved by an alleged violation of the Standards of Conduct, or any faculty member, staff member, or student, may submit an oral or written complaint to the Dean of Students within forty-five (45) days of the date of the alleged violation.

Complaint Procedures

The Dean of Students conducts an initial inquiry to determine whether there is a reasonable basis for believing the responding student violated the Standards of Conduct, including interviewing the complaining party and the responding student, reviewing relevant evidence, etc. The Dean of Students makes a determination as to whether there is a reasonable basis for believing that the responding student violated the Standards of Conduct. If a complaint is dismissed, the complainant may appeal that decision to the Vice President of Student Affairs. If the responding student admits culpability, the Dean of Students can resolve the matter with the student, including issuing sanctions or can refer the matter to the Student Conduct Committee. If the responding student does not admit culpability, the complaint may be referred to the Student Conduct Committee, which is comprised of faculty, staff, and student representatives.

The Dean of Students or the Student Conduct Committee can impose the following sanctions:

Warning or Reprimand
Fine
Disciplinary Probation
No Contact Order
Trespass Order
Residential Relocation
Restriction of Activity
Community Service
Restitution
Referral
Hold on University Records and/or Registration
Program Expulsion
Disciplinary Suspension
Denial or Revocation of a Degree or Certificate
Disciplinary Expulsion

A student may appeal any decision and/or sanctions to the Vice President of Student Affairs, whose decision shall be final.

3. Undergraduate Academic Standing

Utah Tech University requires undergraduate students to maintain a minimum grade point average as explained below. In addition, the University, in compliance with Federal, State, and institutional regulations, will monitor progress, which includes monitoring satisfactory academic and required credit hour progress, of students participating in regulated programs. A student’s academic standing is noted on the official transcript each semester.

Specific academic departments may have more stringent academic standards and requirements for admission to or retention in programs.

Categories of Undergraduate Academic Standing are:

President’s List. A student is awarded inclusion on the President’s List if they achieve a semester GPA of 3.9 or higher when completing a minimum of fifteen (15) credits.
Dean’s List. A student is awarded inclusion on the Dean’s List if they achieve a semester GPA of 3.50 – 3.89 when completing a minimum of fifteen (15) credits.
Academic Good Standing. A student is considered to be in Good Standing when his or her cumulative GPA is 2.0 or above.
Academic Alert. A student whose semester GPA is below 2.0 but whose Cumulative GPA is above 2.0 will be placed on Academic Alert.
1. Students on Academic Alert will receive notification of services designed to assist the student in improving their academic performance.
2. Considered in Good Standing.
3. A student on Academic Alert who earns a semester GPA of 2.0 or above and has a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above will be removed from Academic Alert and will remain in Academic Good Standing.
4. A student on Academic Alert who earns a semester GPA of 2.0 or above but has a cumulative GPA below 2.0 will remain on Academic Alert and in Academic Good Standing and will not be placed on Academic Warning.
5. A student on Academic Alert who does not achieve either a semester or cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above will be placed on Academic Warning.
Academic Warning. A student whose cumulative GPA is below 2.0 shall be placed on Academic Warning and will no longer be considered in Academic Good Standing.
1. Cannot register for more than 13 credits per semester without permission from Academic Advisor.
2. Will be required to create an improvement plan with their assigned Academic Advisor.
3. A student on Academic Warning who then earns a semester GPA of 2.0 or above and has a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above will be considered to be in Academic Good Standing and will be notified of this change.
4. A student on Academic Warning who then earns a semester GPA of 2.0 or above but has a cumulative GPA below 2.0 will remain on Academic Warning and will not be placed on Academic Probation. A student on Academic Warning who then earns a semester GPA of 2.0 or above but has a cumulative GPA below 2.0 will remain on Academic Warning and will not be placed on Academic Probation.
5. A student on Academic Warning who does not achieve either a semester or cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above will be placed on Academic Probation.
Academic Probation. A student on Academic Warning whose semester GPA and cumulative GPA are below 2.0 will be placed on Academic Probation.
1. Required to meet with an Academic Advisor to establish an Academic Improvement Contract.
2. Cannot register for more than 13 credits per semester.
3. A student on Academic Probation who then earns a semester GPA of 2.0 or above and has a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above will be considered to be in Academic Good Standing.
4. A student on Academic Probation who then earns a semester GPA of 2.0 or above but has a cumulative GPA below 2.0 will remain on Academic Probation and will not be placed on Academic Suspension. However, the student will need to renew the Academic Improvement Contract each semester.
5. A student on Academic Probation who does not achieve either a semester or cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above will be placed on Academic Suspension.
Academic Suspension. A student on Academic Probation whose semester GPA and cumulative GPA are below 2.0 will be placed on Academic Suspension.
1. A student on Academic Suspension will receive notification of their change in academic standing, appeal process, and conditions for reinstatement after official grades for the semester are posted.
2. May not enroll in classes for a minimum of one (1) regular (fall or spring) semester after being placed on Academic Suspension.
3. A student approved for reinstatement will be required to meet all of the requirements of a student on Academic Probation.
Repeated Academic Suspension. A student is placed on Repeated Academic Suspension if the student is placed on Academic Suspension after having been previously on that status.
1. A student placed on Repeated Academic Suspension shall receive written notice of the suspension, appeal process, and conditions for reenrollment.
2. May not enroll in classes for a minimum of one (1) calendar year after being suspended for a second time.
3. A student approved for reinstatement will be required to meet all of the requirements of a student on Academic Probation.

Appeal of Academic Suspension or Repeated Academic Suspension:

A student on Academic Suspension may petition the Academic Standing Committee for reinstatement.
The student will be required to fill out a reinstatement form and submit a typed letter addressing the student’s academic history and a plan for achieving future academic goals.
The student must submit the petition for reinstatement, even if the student has attended another institution since being placed on Academic Suspension at Utah Tech.
The student will be officially notified of the committee’s decision no later than 15 days after receipt of reinstatement form and typewritten letter.
A decision by the committee to approve reinstatement shall not be considered a guarantee of enrollment. All semester deadlines and procedures must be adhered to.
The committee’s decision shall be considered final.

4. Graduate Academic Standing

Utah Tech University requires graduate students to maintain a minimum grade point average as explained below. In addition, the University, in compliance with Federal, State, and institutional regulations, will monitor progress, which includes monitoring satisfactory academic and required credit hour progress, of students participating in regulated programs. A student’s academic standing is noted on the official transcript each semester.

Specific academic programs may have more stringent academic standards and requirements for admission to or retention in programs.

Categories of Graduate Academic Standing are:

Good Academic Standing. Required for successful completion of a graduate degree and includes the following:
1. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
2. Any grade of C- or below is not accepted for a master's degree.
3. Continuous enrollment. Students with extenuating circumstances may request a Leave of Absence from the Graduate Council through their sponsoring Department.
4. Additional requirements as determined by the sponsoring department.
5. Students who fail to maintain good academic standing will be subject to a sanction of academic probation, academic suspension, or academic dismissal.
Academic Probation. Students are placed on academic probation for violating the university policy requirement that graduate students must maintain Good Academic Standing. Students will be removed from academic probation when they return to Good Academic Standing.
Academic Suspension. If a student is on academic probation for two sequential semesters of enrollment, the graduate council will place the student on academic suspension.
1. Students who are placed on academic suspension will not be permitted to enroll in the university during the upcoming semester, but will be expected to return the following semester.
2. Students on academic suspension are exempt from continuous enrollment requirements for the period of suspension.
3. Students who return after the suspension period will remain on Academic Probation.
Academic Dismissal. Students who do not meet the requirements of good academic standing during their first semester as a reinstated student will be dismissed from their graduate program.

Appeal of Academic Suspension, Probation or Dismissal. Students have the right to appeal an academic suspension, probation or dismissal.

5. Student Complaints

A student may file a complaint against a faculty or staff member for violating the student’s rights as delineated in the Student Code. The student should seek to resolve the complaint with the involved faculty/staff member if possible.

If resolution between the student and an academic staff employee or faculty member is not possible, the student may seek redress with the Department Chair of the department that offers the course or supervises the employee. If resolution between the student and the Department Chair is not possible, the student may seek redress with the appropriate Dean charged with supervising that department. If resolution between the student and the Dean is not possible, the student may seek further redress with the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs.

If a complaint involves a non-academic staff member and resolution is not possible, the student may seek redress with the Dean of Students. If resolution between the student and the Dean of Students is not possible, the student may seek further redress with the Vice President of Student Affairs.

6. Academic Misconduct

Students can review the complete university policy on academic misconduct here (Utah Tech Policy 555).

To ensure that the highest standards of academic conduct are promoted and supported at the University, students must adhere to generally-accepted standards of academic integrity and avoid engaging in any act of Academic Misconduct. The University shall consistently hold students accountable for acts of Academic Misconduct, apply appropriate Academic Sanctions, and follow the established protocol and procedures.

All acts of dishonesty in any academic-related matter, exercise or activity, and any attempted or actual intentional assistance or conspiracy to assist another student to commit an act of academic-related dishonesty. Academic Misconduct includes, but is not limited to, any of the following acts in any type of academic-related matter, exercise or activity:

Cheating, coercion, inappropriate collaboration or collusion, plagiarism, and self-plagiarism as defined in this policy, and the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to complete assignments when the instructor indicates in writing that the use of Generative AI is prohibited for an assignment.
Unauthorized possession or disposition of academic materials such as examinations, class notes, term papers, or other academic work; stealing another student’s work; or using information from or possessing an exam that an instructor did not authorize for release to students.
Fabrication and/or distortion in any verbal or written form of one’s academic work.
Facilitation of any act of Academic Misconduct by knowingly assisting another to commit an act of Academic Misconduct.

6A. Course-Level Academic Sanctions

If the instructor concludes based on a voluntary written admission or based on a preponderance of evidence that supports the finding that the student engaged in an act of Academic Misconduct, the instructor may impose one of the following Course-Level Academic Sanctions that reflects how knowing, intentional, and serious the instructor judges the Academic Misconduct to be:

Require that the work be redone, an exam retaken, or an alternate assignment substituted.
Reduce the grade for the assignment, or other academic activity.
Reduce the grade for the course.
Issue a grade of “F” for the paper, project, test, exam, or other academic activity in which the misconduct occurred.
Issue a failing grade for the course.

If the student does not respond to the meeting request, the instructor shall request that the Registrar place a registration hold on the student preventing the student from withdrawing from the course until the Academic Misconduct process is completed. If the process is completed after the last date to withdraw and the student is determined not to have engaged in Academic Misconduct, the student may withdraw from the course. The student may not withdraw from the course if found responsible for Academic Misconduct.

6B. University-Level Academic Misconduct Sanctions

If the same student has been found responsible for previous Academic Misconduct or Professional Misconduct, the Associate Provost for Academic Success will notify the Chair of the Academic Integrity and Professional Misconduct Committee. Cases of Academic or Professional Misconduct that are referred to the Academic Integrity and Professional Misconduct Committee shall be set for a hearing.

University-Level Academic (and Professional Sanctions) that can be imposed by the Academic Integrity and Professional Misconduct Committee include, but are not limited to, the following:

A notation on the student’s academic transcript that the F grade in a specific course was issued for Academic or Professional Misconduct.
Academic or Professional Misconduct probation that imposes conditions on the student’s continued enrollment at the institution for a specific period of time.
Academic or Professional Misconduct suspension or dismissal from the University for a minimum of one semester following the semester the student is found responsible for Academic or Professional Misconduct. Dismissal from the University shall be reserved for the most serious or egregious repeat instances of Academic or Professional Misconduct.

Denial of a degree or certificate for which requirements have been completed or revocation of an awarded student’s degree or certificate. Revocation or denial of a degree or certificate is reserved for the most flagrant instances of Academic or Professional Misconduct, including but not limited to, significant plagiarism or large-scale cheating serious enough to negate the legitimate completion of one or more substantive requirements of that degree or certificate or Professional Misconduct serious enough to result in the revocation of a professional license.

7. Professional Misconduct

Students can review the complete university policy on professional misconduct here (Utah Tech Policy 555).

To ensure that the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct are promoted and supported at the University, students must adhere to the prescribed professional and ethical standards of the profession or discipline for which the student is preparing, as adopted or recognized as authoritative by the relevant academic program.

The University shall consistently hold students accountable for acts of Professional Misconduct, apply appropriate sanctions, and follow the established protocol and procedures.

7A. Course-Level Professional Misconduct Sanctions

If the instructor determines, either through a preponderance of evidence or the written admission of the student, that the student engaged in Professional Misconduct, the instructor may impose Course-Level Professional Misconduct Sanctions, such as:

A verbal warning.
A remediation plan.
Reducing the student’s grade in the course, or in some part of the course.
Failure in the course.

If the student does not respond to meeting requests of the instructor, Program Director or Department Chair, the instructor and/or Program Director/Chair shall request that the Registrar place a registration hold on the student to prevent the student from withdrawing from the course until the Professional Misconduct process is completed.

7B. Program-Level Professional Misconduct Sanctions:

If the Program Director or Department Chair determines Program-Level Professional Misconduct Sanctions are warranted, the student will be given written notice of the Sanction by the Program Director or Department Chair within ten (10) University business days. The student shall be provided with program policies and procedures related to the student’s due process rights. Program-Level Professional Misconduct Sanctions may be imposed for repeated incidents of Professional Misconduct or if the Misconduct demonstrates the student’s unfitness for the profession/discipline. Program-Level Professional Misconduct Sanctions may include:

Written warning.
Imposition of a probationary period.
Written reprimand.
Suspension from the program.
Dismissal from the program.

If the allegations of Professional Misconduct are so serious as to be a threat to the health and well-being of others, or an egregious threat to professional standards, the Academic Dean, or Designee, may take interim measures while the case is investigated. Such measures may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Temporarily removing the student from clinical or practical experiences.
Temporarily suspending the student from class(es).
Temporarily suspending the student from the program.

Note: All policies herein are correct at the time of publication. However, Utah Tech University reserves the right to update or revise polices. Please visit the Utah Tech University Policy Library to cross-reference all policies.