The Student in the Academic Community
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II. Rights and Responsibilities in the Classroom
A. Freedom of Expression
It is the responsibility of each faculty member to provide an atmosphere which is Conducive to freedom of expression by encouraging discussion and permitting exception to the views he/she has presented. In addition, faculty members have the responsibility to guide and direct such discussion and inquiry in a scholarly manner. The scope and duration of discussion, however, is to be determined by the instructor.
Students have the right of expression in the classroom and the responsibility to learn from the course of study according to the standards of performance established by the faculty. Student behavior in the classroom should contribute to the learning process.
B. Instructional and Grading Procedures
The faculty determines the character of the courses which includes content, instructional and grading procedures. Students should be informed of these matters at the beginning of the course.
Each student has the right to a course grade based upon an unbiased evaluation of his/her performance and the specified grading procedure. A student has the right to ask for clarification of the basis for his/her grade. The faculties of each college or department should provide a standing committee to consider the appeal of those cases in which a student feels the evaluation of his/her performance was biased. This committee must have the authority to direct change based upon its findings.
C. Instructor-Student Consultation
Instructors should be available on a regular basis for consultation with students. Students may ask for an evaluation of their performance during the progress of the course. If a student conveys information of a confidential nature to a member of the faculty, his/her confidence should be respected.
D. Procedure For Course Evaluation
Students can contribute significantly to the evaluation of instruction. The faculty has the obligation to solicit student evaluation of its educational efforts and to make changes in accordance with its best judgment. To assist the faculty in the task of providing the best possible education, students should express their reactions and opinions about the character and relevancy of the instruction to the department or college involved. Each college or school should establish a standing procedure through which student evaluations can be expressed.
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