Of The University of North Carolina Asheville Student Bill of Rights (Working Copy) The Preamble This institution ….. etc. etc. 1. Article the First: Rights Guaranteed by the University All students have the right to the opportunity to participate in and receive the benefits of the programs at the University of North Carolina Asheville. No one may be excluded on the basis of disability, race, ethnicity, national origin, creed, gender, age, sexual orientation or economic status. Section A: Freedom of Participation Students have the right to organize, promote, and participate in student organizations consistent with the Equal Access Act. 1. Student organizations will include: social, educational, athletic, political, religious, and philosophical clubs. Section B: Right to Use Educational Resources All students have the right to use the educational resources of the university in accordance with the rules concerning their use. Section C: Residential Student Rights When living in a community environment, each UNC Asheville resident possesses certain individual rights and responsibilities which must be held in high regard. [1]: Freedom from Interference A student has the right to read and study in ones room without undue interference. [2]: Right to Sleep A student has the right to sleep in their own room. [3]: Right to Ones Personal Belongings A student has the right to their personal belongings. [4]: Right to Ones Room and Suite Facilities A student has a right to their room and suite facilities (IE: Bathrooms and Lounges) while the residence halls are open. [5]: Right to Redress of Grievances A student has the right to redress of grievances: If the academic and residence hall communities are to function in the most educationally profitable manner, the right to initiate actions and referrals for impartial and fair adjudication of grievances is held paramount. [a]. In exercising this right, the student further holds the right to be free from fear or intimidation, physical and/or emotional harm, and without the imposition of sanctions apart from the due process. [6]: Right to Personal Privacy A student has the right to personal privacy: All persons should have freedom from interference with their personal activities, and should be able to maintain privacy for non-academic reasons. [7]: Privilege to Host Guests Students maintain the privilege to host guests. [a]. Overnight guests must be registered through the duty desk and each student may only host one guest at a time [9]: Right to Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages The right for students 21 and older to consume alcohol in their rooms as long as everyone within the room is 21 or over and the door remains closed. 2. Article the Second: Inalienable Rights of Students, Guaranteed by SGA As representatives of the student body, it is the responsibility of the Student Government Association at the University of North Carolina Asheville to go above and beyond the university in demand for additional rights. Section A: Freedom of Expression The University of North Carolina Asheville recognizes that free inquiry and free expression are indispensable elements for the achievement of the goals of an academic community. Students have the right to freedom of expression, including the right to dissent, protest and/or take reasoned exception to the information and views offered in any course. [1]. While students have the right to freedom of expression, including the right to dissent, protest, or take reasoned exception to the information and views offered in any course, this expression cannot interfere with the rights of others, impede the progress of instruction, or disrupt the processes of the university. Students have the responsibility to express views in a reasonable and orderly fashion. Section B: Right to Fair and Reasonable Treatment Each student has the right to fair and reasonable treatment by other members of the university community. Section C: Right to Reasonable Exception Students are responsible for thoroughly learning the content of any course of study, but they are free to take a reasonable exception to the data or views offered, and to reserved judgment about matters of opinion. Section D: Academic Rights Each student is responsible for learning the content and the skills required for his or her courses, being honest in all of his or her classes, attending his or her classes, and making up any work due to absence. Students with special needs are responsible for arranging with faculty any modifications of class requirements after providing documentation of their disability. [1]. Students have the right to receive regular and organized instruction and guidance consistent with the aims of the course for which they have registered. [2]. A student has the right to have papers and tests graded and returned within a reasonable amount of time, generally before the next assignment is due. In the case of final exams, students should be allowed access to their exam scores and final grades. [3]. A student has the right to meet with his or her instructor to ask questions about or discuss course material, either during office hours or during a scheduled appointment. Section E: Commuter Rights Commuter students reserve the same rights as all individuals are given on the campus as well as those rights specific to their status. Section F: Right to Information A student has the right to be informed on the following items: [1]. Degree requirements, including courses and examinations, and information on assistance to meet those requirements. [2]. Campus Events. [3]. Required health, cognitive, and language screening examinations. [4]. Courses and programs that are available in the school and the opportunity to have input on the selection of elective courses. [5]. Written infractions against them from those who have authority over them. Section G: Right to Publication and Circulation Students hold the right to publish articles in school publications and to circulate newspapers, literature, or political leaflets on university property. [1]. Subject to reasonable guidelines established by the school regarding time, place, and manner of distribution, except where such material is libelous, obscene, commercial, or materially disrupts the university, causes substantial disorder, or invades the rights of others. Section H: Right to Post on Bulletin Boards A student has the right to post appropriate materials on designated bulletin boards around campus. Section I: Right to Counseling A student has the right to be counseled by members of the professional staff in matters related to their behavior as it affects their education and welfare within the school. Section J: Right to Parking A student has the right to receive equal parking opportunities as do residential students and faculty. Contact Miranda Payseur – cmpayseu@unca.edu James Price – jwprice@unca.edu Sarah Jones – sajones1@unca.edu With any questions, comments, or suggestions regarding the Student Bill of Rights or other Rights Week Events |