Statement of Students Rights and Responsibilities
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette exists to educate its students; to advance, preserve and disseminate knowledge through research and scholarship; and to advance the public interest and the welfare of society as a whole. Essential to such purposes is an orderly climate of academic integrity, of rational and critical inquiry, of intellectual freedom, and of freedom of individual thought and expression consistent with the rights of others. To the end that such a climate may be established and maintained, UL Lafayette as an institution and each member of the University community have reciprocal rights and obligations. It is the obligation of the University as an institution to ensure orderly operation, to preserve academic freedom, to protect the rights of all members of the University community, to prohibit acts that materially and substantially interfere with legitimate educational objectives or interfere with the rights of others, and to institute disciplinary action where conduct adversely affects the University community’s pursuit of its educational objectives.
For all UL Lafayette students, enrollment at the University confers certain rights and requires certain obligations that are defined below. It is expected that students will understand and respect the rights of others. It is also expected that all students be aware of their rights and obligations. Unfamiliarity with the following is not an excuse for failure to carry out one’s obligations as a student member of the University community.
Expression
Students have the right and are encouraged to express their views on all issues. This expression may be verbal or in writing and is guaranteed by the first amendment concept of freedom of speech and press. In exercising this right, students have the obligation not to interfere with the academic process. The University shall provide all students a proper forum through which their views may be expressed which will not impair their right of expression and simultaneously maintain an orderly climate of academic pursuit. All publications and broadcasts are subject to the canons of responsible journalism and community standards, including the avoidance of libel, avoidance of indecency or obscenity, undocumented allegations, and techniques of harassment and innuendo. Freedom of expression may be subject to reasonable time, place and manner regulations that are content-neutral, serve a significant university interest and leave open ample alternative channels for communication of the information.
Association and Assembly
Student groups may peacefully assemble and may express opinions publicly and privately. Students have the right to organize and join organizations to promote their common interests. These organizations are obligated to receive official recognition and follow the guidelines of the University Organizations Committee. Only approved organizations may enjoy the rights and privileges accorded by the University including the right to invite speakers to campus to address the group or student body. The University administration may cancel a speaker’s reservation when there is a clear and present danger that the appearance would threaten the orderly operation of the University.
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette complies with the Family Education Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 which was enacted to protect the privacy of education records, to permit students to inspect their education records and to provide guidelines for the correction of education records where appropriate. The complete policy can be found in the Bulletin at http://bulletin.louisiana.edu
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA)
As required by the privacy regulations created as a result of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996; this notice describes how health information may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to your individually identifiable health information. For complete notice of HIPAA privacy laws, refer to
http://www.louisiana.edu/Student/Health/HIPAA_PF.html
Equal Protection and Due Process
No student shall be subject to any regulation that discriminates on the basis of race, age, sex, political affiliation, sexual orientation, religion, handicap or national origin; nor shall any regulation in any way deny any student due or equal protection under the law. Each student shall be treated as a unique individual and shall be accorded due respect. In the case of disciplinary action against a student, the procedures for due process, equal protection and appeal are outlined in the Code of Student Conduct and Appeal Procedures. The Code also outlines the procedures used for all appeals, including the appeal of academic sanctions, parking sanctions, financial aid procedures, residency status, fee assessments, and unfair or capricious treatment.
The Code of Student Conduct and Appeal Procedures
The Code of Student Conduct and Appeal Procedures is a publication of existing rules and regulations that pertain to students and student life. The Code of Student Conduct and Appeals Procedures is overseen by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and is designed to enhance and uphold the purposes, goals, and processes of this University. It is understood that all students should be knowledgeable of and abide by the Code of Student Conduct and Appeal Procedures. The Code contains conduct, sanctions, and appeal procedures for students as well as student organizations. The Code of Student Conduct and Appeal Procedures is distributed to all students during Freshman Orientation and may be obtained at any one of the following locations: Office of the Ombudsman in Coronna Hall, Department of Student Life and Conduct and Dean of Students in Martin Hall or online at www.louisiana.edu/Student/conduct.html. If you have any questions, you may call the Department of Student Life and Conduct, (337) 482-6373.
Ombudsman
A student advocate who represents and advises all students in matters of grievances regarding academic grade appeals and discipline. The Ombudsman will also see students regarding any matter of concern. The Ombudsman office is located in Coronna Hall, 337-482-6947
Academic Honesty
The University considers both cheating and plagiarism serious offenses. The minimum penalty for a student responsible of either dishonest act is a grade of “zero” for the assignment in question. The maximum penalty is dismissal from the University. The complete policy may be found in the UL Lafayette Undergraduate Bulletin. http://bulletin.louisiana.edu/UN/
Drug and Alcohol
In order to comply with federal and state law, UL Lafayette adopted an alcohol policy that has been in effect since October 1, 1990. This entire policy is available in the Dean of Students Office, Martin Hall Room 211or UL Drug and Alcohol Policy.
Anti-Hazing policy
UL Lafayette Student Identification Card
All UL Lafayette students must obtain a student identification card and have the card in their possession while on campus or at any University function as designated by the Code of Student Conduct. The student identification card identifies students as current students of the University and is not intended for any other form of personal identification and must be presented to any University official upon request. In order to be eligible to obtain a Student Identification Card, one must be a registered student of this University. The Identification Card is the property of UL Lafayette and as such must be surrendered upon resignation or termination from the University with the exception of graduation.
Obtaining a Student Identification Card is handled by Cajun Card Services located in the Student Union Room 130. Any questions about the procedures for obtaining the card or replacement cards may be directed to this office by calling 337-851-CARD.
Guns/Firearms on Campus
The University strictly forbids the use or possession on the campus of firearms, ammunition, explosives, or other dangerous weapons, substances, or materials. Violation of this policy in any form will result in immediate suspension in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct and Appeal Procedures subsection 14.13. All guns, ammunition, etc. can be brought to the University Police Station on Hebrard Blvd. and checked in and picked up upon departure from campus. 15.9. Unauthorized use or possession on the campus of firearms (to include replicas and air pistols), ammunition, explosives, fireworks, or other dangerous weapons, substances, or materials.
No Smoking/Grilling
In cooperation with LA r.s. Title 40, Chapter 5, Park XLII, entitled the “Louisiana Office Indoor Clean Air Law” and Act 815 (SB742, 2006 Louisiana General Session), entitled “Louisiana Smokefree Air Act:”, smoking is prohibited within 25 feet from a building and inside all academic and residence hall buildings on campus. A copy of the University’s smoking policy can be found on the University’s website at http://Safety.Louisiana.edu. Grilling or barbequing is not allowed in academic areas of campus.
University Vehicles
Students are not allowed to drive university vehicles. Advisors/university staff may drive university vehicles with the appropriate training and approval from the University Business Office.
Policies for On-Campus Living
Sexual Harassment - University Policy Regarding Sexual Behavior and Sexual Harassment
Reporting a Problem/Filing a Complaint
Any student who wants to report a problem of any nature and/or file a complaint may bring the matter to the attention of the Dean of Students Office in Martin Hall #211, or call our office at 482-6276.
In all cases of emergency situations, or if it is after normal working hours, please contact University Police at 482-6447.
Statement on Nondiscrimination
Discrimination Policy and Procedures
Procedures Governing Hearings by the Discrimination Appeals Committee