Student Handbook

II. RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS IN THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY

A. General Policy

The University of Alabama is a community of scholars. Members of this community have recognized their individual and collective responsibilities in the development of a mature and diverse society. By enrolling in the University, a student neither loses the rights nor escapes the duties of a citizen but conducts his or her personal life in the context of mutual regard for the rights, property, and privileges of others. Therefore, it is expected that students will demonstrate respect for the law and for the necessity of orderly conduct in the affairs of the community. Members of the community, students, faculty and staff, pursue their various goals and duties in an area where closeness is accentuated by the challenges of obtaining scholarly excellence and higher learning. The potential for conflict increases over that found in the society outside this community. Thus the duties of scholarship and citizenship are of special importance. The University has incorporated Codes of Academic Conduct, Student Conduct and Student Organization Conduct into the community standards. The Code of Academic Conduct includes an Academic Honor Code, which specifies the community standard for scholarship. The Preamble to the Codes of Conduct specifies the standard of citizenship within the campus environment. When these standards are not met, the University relies upon the Codes of Conduct to address unacceptable behavior and nurture appropriate personal development.

B. Affiliation

The governing body for all full-time and part-time students is the Student Government Association. Through the Coordinating Council for Student Organizations, students may also affiliate with any of the registered student organizations at The University of Alabama for which they are eligible for membership.

C. Student Media

Official University sponsored student media include: The Crimson White, Corolla, WVUA, Marr's Field Journal, Black Warrior Review, and The Southern Historian. These publications are overseen by the Media Planning Board chartered by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. The University also has a student operated cable TV channel, which are overseen by the School of Communication . Student publications shall be free of censorship. The editors shall not be arbitrarily suspended because of disapproval of editorial policy. This editorial freedom carries with it the obligations of responsible journalism. All student publications must explicitly state that the opinions expressed by the publications are not necessarily those of the University or its students. The student media shall be free of censorship and advance approval of copy, and their editors and managers shall be free to develop their own policies and coverage. Student media editors, business managers, and station managers report monthly to the Media Planning Board, which, through the professional and practical expertise of its members,

offers guidance and support.

D. Student Identification

1. All students at the University must possess a student identification card referred to as the ACTion Card.

2. These wallet-size photo ID cards are the property of The University of Alabama. In order to determine the identity of individuals, University officials may request to see these cards. Refusal to present these cards by the student may result in disciplinary action.

3. Students needing new ACTion Cards will be charged a replacement fee.

4. Replacement cards are produced at the ACTion card office located on the first floor of the Student Services Center , Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. If necessary, temporary ACTion Cards can be obtained at no charge from the Department of Public Safety, at 100 Gorgas Hall (205) 348-5454, during hours when the ACTion Card Office is not open. The temporary card is good for only a short pre-established time and will offer the same privileges as cardholder's regular ACTion Card to allow cardholder to access services until the ACTion Card Office is open. When cardholder obtains a replacement card through the ACTion Card Office, cardholder will be required to return the temporary card to the ACTion Card Office.

E. Financial Responsibility

Students are expected to be financially responsible citizens. They are responsible for meeting their financial obligations to the University and the community. Specific financial requirements may be found in the University's Undergraduate Catalog. Students suspended from the University for disciplinary reasons have no right to a refund or cancellation of amount due.

F. Financial Aid

As a state institution of higher education the University endeavors to provide higher education for all eligible persons and to assist those who do not have sufficient financial resources in the pursuit of their studies. Student Financial Aid is responsible for administering certain funds for financial aid to students. These students have responsibilities, which are:

1. To apply for admission to the University.

2. To apply for financial aid each year according to the prescribed procedure.

3. To maintain satisfactory academic progress at the University.

4. To notify Student Financial Aid of any unusual change in their situation.

5. To notify Student Financial Aid of any additional financial aid not included in the “Award Notification” or subsequent revisions.

6. To repay within the semester any over-award, loan, and/or grant resulting from the receipt of aid not included in the “Award Notification” or subsequent revision.

7. To notify Student Financial Aid of changes in enrollment status.

8. To sign for all funds disbursed on their behalf.

9. To use funds solely for educational purposes.

10. To notify Loans Receivable of all address changes.

G. University Recreation

University Recreation has a number of policies and procedures regarding the use of recreational facilities and student eligibility requirements for participation in organized recreational sports, clubs, and intramurals. Students are encouraged to use recreational facilities and programs, but it is their responsibility to use and/or participate in these facilities and programs in the prescribed manner. Policies and procedures regarding the use of the University Golf Course are located at the Pro Shop. Rules regarding use of the Aquatic Center and Riverside Pool are located at the Aquatic Center . Policies regarding the Recreation Center and Intramural Sports are available at the Student Recreation Center .

H. Student Health

1. The Russell Student Health Center (RSHC) provides quality medical care to the student at a minimal cost.

2. Individuals are eligible for treatment at the RSHC if:

a. The individual is currently enrolled at the University and has paid the student health fee.

b. The individual is a participant in University sponsored, short-term activities, provided the sponsoring agency has made arrangements with the Business Coordinator of the RSHC. They may be billed as fee-for-service unless other arrangements have been made by the sponsoring agency. Their agency should make individual arrangements with the Business Coordinator of the RSHC.

c. The individual is the spouse of a regularly enrolled student and has paid the RSHC health fee.

3. Appropriate RSHC officials must approve withdrawal from the University for medical reasons.

4. Student eligibility for service is terminated on the effective date of medical withdrawal, or upon graduation.

5. Verification of illness or injury for the purpose of reducing academic load can be obtained at the RSHC. Actual authorization for partial reduction of courses is determined in the Registrar's Office or Dean's Office of his/her school.

6. Full details of services offered are covered in The RSHC history/physical form that is sent to each entering student.

7. Proof of immunization to measles (two injections of measles containing vaccine since first birthday) must be presented prior to registration. Beginning Spring 2000 proof of a negative Tuberculin test or chest X-ray within the past twelve months must be presented at time of registration.

I. Psychological/Emotional Emergencies

It is the policy of The University of Alabama to consider any threat or attempt by any student to inflict harm upon her/himself or others as a serious matter. When it is known by appropriate personnel that the above mentioned behavior poses a disruption or threat to anyone's safety, students will not be allowed to return to the University residential community or to classes until such time as an evaluation has been made by a qualified mental health professional and the student has completed a clearance process. Failure to cooperate will result in immediate, temporary suspension of that student. Parents may be notified. Strong consideration will be given to the effect of the return of any such student to the University environment upon other students, including any roommate(s). The possible effect, upon all parties, will be considered before a decision is made to allow a student to return to the University community. The final decision to allow a student to return to classes or the residential community will be made by the Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs.

J. Student Safety

1. Students at the University have the responsibility to help contribute to the safety and security of the campus. Therefore, individuals and organizations should take reasonable precautions for the safety and well being of all members of the University community.

2. Possession of firearms, ammunition, and weapons by students is not allowed on campus. The University of Alabama Department of Public Safety (UADPS) will register and store guns for students.

3. Students should expect disciplinary action to be taken against them by either University, criminal justice authorities, or both, if they:

a. Throw objects into or from University facilities.

b. Misuse fire or other life safety equipment.

c. Use or improperly possess ammunition, firearms, or weapons on University property.

d. Conduct themselves in a manner that endangers the health and safety of other persons on campus.

4. The unauthorized possession, ignition, or detonation of any explosive device, fireworks, liquid or object which is flammable which could cause damage to persons or property or cause disruption to campus activities is forbidden, unless authorized by the Office of the Dean of Students, the University Police and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

5. Persons having questions as to detailed regulations on safety should consult University of Alabama Police and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

K. Office of Disability Services

The Office of Disability Services (ODS), 220 Research Drive , 348-4285, serves as the central contact point for students with disabilities. The goal of ODS is to provide a comprehensively accessible environment that ensures that an individual is viewed on the basis of ability, not disability. Staff members work individually with students to determine appropriate adjustments that will enable them to have access to the same programs and services available to other students and to have their academic performance evaluated without the limiting affects of their disabilities. Students with disabilities are responsible for informing the University about their needs for accommodations and services. The self-identification process requires the student to register with the Office of Disability Services and to present appropriate documentation verifying the disability. Self-identification is voluntary. Typically, students will self-identify at matriculation. Students who choose not to self-identify initially do not forfeit their right to identify themselves and request accommodation at a later date. However, the obligation of the University to accommodate applies prospectively only. Students with disabilities are responsible for meeting qualifications and maintaining essential institutional standards for courses, programs, services, and activities. Students also are responsible for the timely reporting of any dissatisfaction that they may have with the implementation of an accommodation. Concerns should be presented to the Office of Disability Services. If concerns are not resolved through established procedures, complaints alleging violations of the ADA or Section 504, including failure to provide reasonable accommodation, may be filed with the ADA/504 Coordinator the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs. If a satisfactory resolution is not achieved within the University, complaints may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights (Atlanta Office), U.S. Department of Education.

  L. COMPUTER RESOURCES ACCEPTABLE USE AND SECURITY POLICY

The University of Alabama policies concerning the use of its computers and the presentation of web pages may be viewed at: http://www.ua.edu/policies.html. Failure to abide by University policy may result in disciplinary action, which may include loss of computer privileges.

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