Student Rights and Responsibilities

Brochure

Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR) is a friendly, helpful resource.  We are here for students and others who feel their rights are being violated or who need help understanding University policies. We serve as advocates and mentors. We help students learn from their mistakes and develop into global citizens. We work hard to protect the campus community by holding students responsible when their behavior violates the student conduct code or poses a safety risk.

We recognize that students are on individual journeys. Our staff values include non discrimination, respectfulness and privacy. We offer information and resources, to assist students in making their own decisions.

SRR supports the academic mission of the University by providing programs and services designed to meet the educational and developmental needs of students in relation to community standards, conflict management and resolution, civility, academic integrity and social/culture pluralism. Our main areas include conflict resolution services, victim advocacy, and education through upholding the student conduct code.

Conflict Resolution Services

Are you having roommate troubles? Are you having a hard time communicating your true feelings about a situation? Have you ever thought, "I wish someone could help us talk through this?" If so, you may be interested in receiving free conflict resolution services, facilitated by a certified mediator.

Conflict resolution is a voluntary and private process in which an impartial person, a mediator, assists two people in working through and resolving differences. The mediator does not decide who is right or wrong, or who wins or loses. The mediator is neutral and helps facilitate communication between two people, so they can solve their problem. Both people must voluntarily participate. If one person does not wish to participate, no mediation will take place. Call 509.359.6990.

Student Advocacy and Violence Prevention 

Are you indirectly or directly affected by violence? The Violence Prevention Student Advocate is a resource for students, faculty and staff who have been affected by sexual assault, intimate partner violence or stalking. The VPSA offers privacy, support and information on options: how to obtain an order for protection, working with the police and filing a report, help with contacting professors, addressing housing issues and referrals to counselors and other resources on and off campus. The VPSA is located in 201 URC (where the ice rink is), or by phone 509.359.6429.

Upholding the Student Conduct Code

When there is an alleged case of student misconduct, a report is sent to the director of SSR, who reviews it. Following the review, a student may be charged with a violation. If charged, the student receives a letter notifying him or her to schedule a meeting with a conduct review officer.

At the meeting the student's rights will be explained, as well as the hearing procedure. If the student is found responsible, a sanction may be imposed. Sanctions are designed to be educational in order to help students learn from mistakes and provide the opportunity to change behavior.