Mar 28, 2024  
2008-09 NSU Graduate Catalog 
    
2008-09 NSU Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Student Policies



 

Absences

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Regular attendance in classes is required. Excessive absences may be reflected in the grade assigned.

Absences for University-approved functions may be permitted only after the activity sponsor has received authorization. This approval does not excuse students from fulfilling assignments and tests in the course, but authorizes them to receive reasonable accommodations from the instructor in fulfilling the assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor prior to the event to make arrangements for the classes missed.

 

Academic Misconduct

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Academic misconduct includes cheating (using unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise), plagiarism, falsification of records, unauthorized possession of examinations, intimidation, and any and all other actions that may improperly affect the evaluation of a student’s academic performance or achievement, or assisting others in any such act or attempts to engage in such acts. Academic misconduct in any form is inimical to the purposes and functions of the University and therefore is unacceptable and prohibited.

Any faculty member, administrator or staff member may identify an act of academic misconduct and should report that act to the department head/college dean, Vice President for Academic Affairs or administrative supervisor.

Students violating the standards of academic honesty are subject to disciplinary action including reduction of a grade(s) in a specific course, assignment, paper, or project; a formal or informal reprimand at the professorial, dean, or academic vice president level; expulsion from the class in which the violation occurred; expulsion from a program; or expulsion from the university.

 

Absences Related to Active Military Service

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The following policy governs faculty responsibility toward students who are called to active military duty. It is drawn from Board of Regents for Oklahoma Colleges’ policy, Chapter 6, Miscellaneous, Section III. This policy is not applicable to annual training for reservists or National Guard personnel which fall under regular University absence policies.

  1. Student called to active military duty as a war measure: If the student has attended classes through the twelfth week of a regular semester (at least three-fourths of other terms), the grade earned up to the time he/she is called to duty will be that issued for the course.
  2. Student called to active military duty, but not as a war measure:
    1. A student may withdraw with 100 percent refund:
    2. Instructor may permit an incomplete if the student is making satisfactory progress
  3. If student attendance ends prior to twelfth week of classes, a 100 percent refund will be issued.
  4. The student must provide a copy of his/her military orders to the Office of Registrar before a refund is issued or an incomplete form is processed.
  5. If student is called to active duty, and stops attending classes without notifying instructors, a grade of “F” will be assigned at the end of the semester. Subsequently, upon receipt of appropriate documentation, a change of grade may be processed utilizing the Grade Change Procedure.  

Auditing Classes

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Students who wish to audit classes may do so by selecting the option to audit classes while enrolling by EXCELS or may tell the clerk at the registration window that they wish to audit a class. Regular enrollment fees are paid for courses that are audited. An auditor may not petition later for academic credit. A student may not change enrollment from credit to audit after the regular drop and add period.  

Enrollment

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Students may register for classes by telephone using the EXCELS system during the times listed in the schedule of classes each semester or enroll in person at the beginning of the semester. All fees for enrollment must be paid before the first day of classes.

Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who will assist the student with planning a class schedule each semester. The student is responsible for the correctness of classes selected to meet degree program requirements.

The university reserves the right to discontinue class a section for which there is insufficient enrollment, to create new sections to which students may be transferred, and to reassign instructors for scheduled sections whenever the necessity of the university requires.  

Late Enrollment

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Late registration is permitted for one week after classes begin in the regular semester and for three days in the summer session. A fee of $10.00 for late enrollment is charged. The academic adviser will determine when the semester-hour load should be reduced due to a late enrollment.

 

Eligibility

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To be eligible to represent the University in any intercollegiate contest, University-sponsored activity, or otherwise use the name of the University, a student must be currently enrolled and in good standing with University (not owing money or on conduct probation) and meet the requirements of the sponsoring organization/activity.  

Special Cases Requiring Administrative Action

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Whenever a question arises concerning the physical, emotional or mental fitness of a person to enroll or remain enrolled at Northeastern, the university may require that person, as a condition for admission or retention, to submit to whatever diagnostic examination the university may specify. These examinations must be paid for by the individual examined or by any agency other than Northeastern State University. The university may, at its discretion, temporarily suspend the student pending the outcome of the specified examination, Refusal by the student to submit to the examination or an unfavorable report from the examiner may be cause for denial for admission or retention. In all cases covered by this policy, the university reserves the right to exercise the final judgment with respect to the admission or retention of the person whose fitness has been questioned.

An outline of steps to be taken by administrative staff at the university in a situation involving students with serious emotional problems is on file in the Office of Student Affairs.  

Student Obligations, Holds on Records, Suspensions

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Each student, upon matriculation at the University, assumes an obligation to obey all rules and regulations made by properly constituted authorities.

The University may not release records including transcripts for students who have financial or other obligations to the University, or who do not comply with University regulations and policies outlined in the Policy Manual of the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. These policies indicate the responsibilities of students in such matters as civil law, personal behavior, disorderly assembly, disturbing the peace and destruction of property, alcoholic beverages or illegal narcotics, falsification of records, payment of accounts, and possession of weapons or explosives on the campus.

The University may suspend a student for infractions concerning any of the above items as well as for not meeting academic requirements of the University.

A hold on records or the suspension of a student can be authorized by the President, the Vice President of Academic Affairs, or the Dean of Student Affairs.  

Student Disciplinary Regulations

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The disciplinary policies of Northeastern State University are carried out in conformity with the Student Disciplinary Regulations adopted by the Regional University System of Oklahoma. In accordance with internal institutional processes, universities may add appropriate student regulations not included in the listing of Regional University System of Oklahoma Student Disciplinary Policies. For a copy of the most up-to-date Student Disciplinary Regulations, please visit the Office of Student Affairs.

The act of registration is considered a pledge on the part of the student to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the administration and faculty. Each student has the responsibility to be fully acquainted with and to comply with the Northeastern State University Student Disciplinary Regulations, More specific rules, policies, information and procedures may be found in various publications pertaining to each particular service or department. When available, links have been provided to the appropriate web sites.

The Regional University System of Oklahoma Student Disciplinary Policies and Regulations for the administrative procedure of hearing and the statements regarding provision for counsel, for due process, and for appeals are on file in the Student Affairs Office and are available to anyone who wished to read them.

The University reserves the right to place on probation, suspend or expel from the institution any student who willfully violates any rule or regulation of the University or laws of the State of Oklahoma.

Students who are placed on probation for delinquent scholarship or unsatisfactory conduct may not be permitted to represent the University in any intercollegiate activity, musical program or other University sponsored activity.

Every student has the right to all the advantages, prestige and honors accruing to a student of this University. The student retains the rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States; the right of freedom from control by any persons except as may be in accord with published rules of the university, the right to pursue an education and to receive a degree or certificate for the successful completion of its requirements.  

  1. SCOPE OF REGULATIONS;
    1. When the University Rules Govern. Students who are enrolled in the University are expected to conform to the rules and regulations of the institution.
    2. Off campus jurisdiction. Students may be subject to university discipline for actions committed off university property.
  2. Authority. The President of the University has delegated to the Senior Student Affairs Officer or his/her designee the authority to investigate potential violations of university regulations, determine potential student disciplinary regulations violations, notify student of potential violations, conduct hearings, and to administer appropriate disciplinary sanctions.
  3. STUDENT’S OBLIGATION AND REGULATIONS. Each student upon matriculation at the University assumes an obligation to obey all rules and regulations made by properly constituted authorities, to preserve faithfully all property provided by the State for his/her education, and to discharge duties as a student with diligence, fidelity, and honor. Failure to observe the following regulations will subject the student to disciplinary action.
    1. Personal Behavior. Each student shall maintain the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and morality and shall obey the University rules and regulations.
    2. Classroom behavior. Northeastern State University supports the principle of freedom of expression for both instructors and students. The University respects the right of instructors to teach and students to learn. Maintenance of these rights requires classroom conditions do not impede their exercise. Classroom behavior that interferes with either a) the instructors’ ability to conduct the class or be) the ability of other students to profit from the instructional program will not be tolerated. An individual engaging in disruptive classroom behavior may be subject to disciplinary action.
    3. Acts of dishonesty. No student shall commit acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty. Any other act or dishonesty which adversely affects the university or the pursuit of its objectives.
    4. Falsifying information. Furnishing false information to any university official, faculty member or office. Forgery, alteration or misuse of any university document, record or instrument of identification. Falsifying or participating in the falsification of any university record.
    5. Falsification of records. Any student who knowingly falsifies or is a party to the falsifying of any official university record will be subject to disciplinary action.
    6. Change of address. Students must notify the Registrar’s Office of their current address. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
    7. Payment of accounts. Students shall make satisfactory arrangements for the settling of University accounts promptly. Failure on the part of a student to make satisfactory arrangements for the settlement of a University account by the due date will result in a late payment penalty; continued failure to settle the account will result in either suspension or the placing of a “hold” on the student’s records. A student may neither  re-enroll, receive a diploma, nor obtain a transcript until the student has either/or (1) cleared the account, and (2) paid the assessed service charge to cover the administrative expense involved in placing the “hold” on the record.
    8. Hazing. Prohibited acts committed for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization; or as part of any activity of a recognized student organization, student group. Prohibited behavior includes any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or that destroys or removes public or private property; and/or assisting, directing, or in any way causing others to participate in degrading behavior and/or behavior that causes ridicule, humiliation, or embarrassment; and/or engaging in conduct which tends to bring the reputation of the organization, group, or university into disrepute. Previously relied upon “traditions,” (including fraternity/sorority, or any other group or organization activity, practice or tradition) intent of such acts, or coercion by current or former student leaders of such groups, or former students will not suffice as a justifiable reason for participation in such acts. It is not a defense that the person (or group) against whom the hazing was directed consented to, or acquiesced to, the behavior in question. Hazing is also a violation of Oklahoma state law. Please see the section on Hazing outlined in the official Northeastern State University Catalog or online for additional information.
    9. Harassment. Conduct (physical, verbal, graphic, written, or electronic) that is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to threaten an individual or limit the ability of an individual to work, study or participate in the activities of the university.
    10. Physical abuse. Any attempt to cause injury or inflict pain; or causing injury or inflicting pain. Also causing physical contact with another when the person knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or provocative. It is not a defense that the person (or group) against whom the physical abuse was directed consented to, or acquiesced to, the physical abuse.
    11. Theft/Property damage. Attempted or actual theft of and/or damage to property of the University or property of a member of the University community or other personal or public property, on or off campus.
    12. Breach of campus safety or security. This includes but is not limited to:
      1. Unauthorized access to university facilities; unauthorized entry to or use of University premises; intentionally damaging door locks; unauthorized possession of university keys or access cards; duplicating university keys or access cards; or propping open of exterior residence hall doors.
      2. Tampering with fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, alarm pull stations or emergency exits.
      3. Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on University premises or at University-sponsored or supervised functions.
    13. Freedom of expression. As an institution of higher learning, Northeastern State University recognizes its obligation to provide a forum for the expression of ideas and opinions. Those who choose to listen bear the responsibility of recognizing and honoring the right of free speech.
    14. Act of bias. Any offense that is motivated by bias may result in stronger penalties. An offense motivated by bias is any offense wherein the accused intentionally selected the alleged victim because of the alleged victim because of the alleged victim’s race, creed, disability, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, public assistance status, or inclusion in any group/class protected by state or federal law.
    15. Disorderly assembly. It is expressly forbidden that any group of students gather in such a manner as to disturb the public peace, do violence to any person or property, or disrupt the function of the University or interfere with its faculty or staff in the performance of their duties. No student shall encourage or in any way participate in the formation or prolonging of such gathering.
    16. Disturbing the peace and destruction of property. Whenever any student, organization or group of students disturbs the peace, destroys, molests, defaces or removes State or University property, or does intentional personal injury (including “hazing”), the student, the officers of the organization, if there is such, or other responsible persons may be subject to disciplinary action and assessed damage.
    17. Sexual Misconduct.
      1. Sexual assault. Sexual assault is the oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by a sexual organ of another or anal/vaginal penetrating by any means against the victim’s will or without his/her consent. An individual who is mentally incapacitated, unconscious, or unaware that the sexual assault is occurring is considered unable to give consent. The type of force employed may involve physical force, coercion, intentional impairment of an individual’s ability to appraise the situation through the administering of any substance, or threat of harm to the victim.
      2. Sexual abuse. Attempting or making sexual contact, including but not limited to inappropriate touching or fondling, against the person’s will, or in circumstances where the person is physically, mentally or legally unable to give consent.
      3. For additional information – Sexual Assault Policy and Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Grievance Policies outlined in the Northeastern State University Catalog.
    18. Alcoholic Beverages or Illegal Narcotics. The consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages, or illegal narcotics in any form, on campus, in University Housing (to include sorority and fraternity housing), or at any event sponsored by or for a student organization or other University sponsored activity for students, is forbidden.
    19. Controlled Substances. The use, possession or distribution of narcotics or other controlled dangerous substances or controlled substances, except as expressly permitted by law, and the inappropriate use or abuse of prescription or over-the-counter medication is forbidden.
    20. Firearms. The possession or firing of firearms, fireworks, explosives or weapons including but not limited to bows, crossbows, knives, or guns, by students is prohibited on any university property (to include sorority and fraternity housing), except as they are used in officially approved university programs.
    21. Computer Theft or Abuse. Theft or other abuse of computer time including but not limited to the following is forbidden:
      1. Unauthorized entry into a file, to use, read or change the contents, or for any other purpose.
      2. Attempts to circumvent established security procedures or to obtain access privileges to which the user is not entitled.
      3. Unauthorized transfer of a file.
      4. Unauthorized use of another’s identification and password.
      5. Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member or university official.
      6. Use of computing facilities to send obscene or abusive messages.
      7. Use of computing facilities to willfully publish, distribute or exhibit any obscene expression.
      8. Use of computing facilities to interfere with normal operation of the university computing system.
    22. Civil Law. All students are expected to conform to all local, State and Federal laws.
    23. Public Law. All students are expected to comply with all local, state and federal laws.
    24. Failure to comply. Failure to comply with directions of University officials or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties.
  4. STUDENT’S CONDUCT CONFERENCE PROCEDURE. Prior to the commencement of any disciplinary action provided for herein, the Senior Student Affairs Officer or his/hr designee shall notify the accused student of potential violation of student disciplinary regulations. A time shall be set for a Student Conduct Conference, as soon as practical. Details to the Student Conduct Conference Procedure are available in the Dean of Student Affairs office.
  5. SANCTIONS. Student conduct sanctions for violation of University regulations may include one or a combination of the following:
    1. Warning. An official warning from the University regarding behavior related to a student conduct code violation.
    2. Specified Restrictions. Implementing restrictions directly related to the violation committed.
    3. Educational Requirement. A provision to complete a specific educational requirement directly related to the violation committed. The provision will be clearly defined. Such educational requirements may include, but are not limited to, completion of an alcohol education workshop, a diversity awareness workshop, essays, reports, etc.
    4. Conduct Review. Conduct review is an official warning that the student’s conduct is in violation of NSU Student Rules, but is not sufficiently serious to warrant expulsion, dismissal, suspension, or conduct probation. Conduct review means that a student is in good standing with the university. However, a student on conduct review shall have their conduct under review for a specified period of time. If there is a finding of responsibility for subsequent violations of the student rules during this period of time, more severe sanctions will be administered.
    5. Conduct probation. Conduct probation is an official warning that the student’s conduct is in violation of NSU Student Rules and is sufficiently serious to place the student “not in good standing” with the University. A second violation means that disciplinary action will be based on both charges. The record of conduct probation is kept in the student’s personal folder and the disciplinary hold on his record is removed after a specific period of time determined by the Student Conduct Administrator.
    6. Temporary suspension. A Student may be temporarily suspended from the University without a hearing when there is an immediate and present danger of the damage to life and property or disruption of normal university life. Such an administrative decision will be effective immediately.
    7. Suspension. A student may be suspended for reasons of conduct for a definite period of time not less than the remainder of the current semester in which he/she is enrolled. The student who has been suspended may apply for readmission at the close of the period for which he/she was suspended. A suspension hold will be placed on the transcript during the period of suspension.
    8. Expulsion. When a student is expelled, a record of this action will be made a part of the student’s permanent record in the Office of the Registrar. A student who is expelled with normally not be allowed to re-enter the university.
    9. Degree revocation or rescission of credit.
  6. APPEAL PROCESS.
    1. Non dismissal from University
      1. A decision reached by the Student Conduct Administrator or a sanction imposed by the Student Conduct Administrator may be appealed by the Accused Student(s) within 24 hours of the decision. Such appeals shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the Dean of Student Affairs Office.
      2. The decision as to review the appeal filed shall be made solely by the Dean of Student Affairs or his/her designee.
      3. One opportunity or an appeal shall be accorded unless the appeal is remanded for further review. The decision of the appeal officer is final.
    2. Dismissal from University (suspension, expulsion, and dismissal)
      1. Committee on Student Conduct. A committee consisting of faculty members and students will be created to consider the appeal of cases resulting in suspension or expulsion of students involved in violations of University regulations to be designated as the ““Committee on Student Conduct.”
      2. The faculty members of the committee shall be appointed by the President of the University and shall be faculty members whose primary duties are not concerned with the administration of student conduct and their affairs. The student members on the committee shall be nominated by the Student Senate or similar student governing body.
      3. A student instituting an appeal to the Committee on Student Conduct shall have the right to exclude the student members of the committee upon proper request. One or more students may be included in the membership of the committee, such number to be determined by the President of the University.
      4. Any act by a properly constituted committee, at which a quorum of the committee is present, shall be binding.
      5. To initiate an appeal, a student must make the request. The request and reason for appeal should be made in writing to the Dean of Student Affairs Office within twenty-four (24) hours after the disciplinary decision is rendered.
      6. If the student appeals a conduct disciplinary decision in cases of suspension, expulsion or degree revocation, the decision will not become effective until after a hearing before the Committee on Student Conduct and such hearing will be held as soon as practical after request is made by the student.

Transcripts

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Students may obtain an official copy (transcript) of their NSU academic record stamped “issued to student” or request that an official copy be mailed to another college or other places by submitting a signed Transcript Request form to the Office of Admissions and Records. Students are charged a one time twenty-five dollar record fee during their first semester of attendance and; thereafter, transcript copies are free. A maximum of five (5) copies per day are available when picking them up in person or ten (10) copies per day when they are sent through the mail. Official transcripts reflecting most recent grades earned will be available one week following the conclusion of the term. Non-NSU transcripts will be retained for two years beyond a student’s last NSU enrollment.

Academic Record

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The maintenance of a student’s permanent academic record is the responsibility of the Office of Admissions and Records. Students may obtain an official transcript or request that a transcript is mailed by submitting a written request to the Office of Admissions and Records, Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, 74464.

The Graduate College Office maintains a file of students actively pursuing graduate studies including transcripts, test scores, degree plans, degree checks, and correspondence.  

Unpaid Student Accounts

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Unpaid student accounts, including checks returned to the university by the bank, are considered to be in violation of university regulations as set forth by the Board of Regents and therefore become disciplinary matters. A hold will be placed on future enrollments until such violations are corrected. A service charge will be added. Access to meal plans and charge accounts may be denied.

In addition, unpaid accounts may be assigned for collection. If an account is assigned, any collection costs, court costs, and/or attorney’s fees necessary to collect the amount owed will be added to the balance due. The balance due may be reported to the national credit bureaus, which may adversely affect credit ratings.

 

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

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University policies regarding family educational and privacy rights are governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). Copies of the act, policies, and regulations are maintained in the Office of Admissions and Records, John Vaughan Library and the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.  

Public Notice Designating Directory Information

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This is information which routinely appears in student directories and alumni publications and may be released by the institution for any purpose, at its discretion. Upon written request by the student, this information will be treated as confidential and released only with the student’s written consent. Forms for withholding student “Directory Information” are available in the Office of Admissions and Records.

Northeastern State University hereby designates the following student information as public or “Directory Information.”

  1. Student’s name, local and permanent address, and telephone number
  2. Date and place of birth
  3. Classification and enrollment status
  4. Major field of study
  5. Gender
  6. Date of attendance at Northeastern State University
  7. Most recent previous school attended
  8. Degrees, honors and awards received
  9. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
  10. Weight and height of athletic team members
  11. Photography
  12. E-mail address assigned/provided by the institution or provided to the university by the student.

Northeastern State University assumes that failure on the part of student to specific all request the withholding of “Directory Information” indicates individual approval for disclosure. Students are informed of their rights under FERPA through the official university catalog and through periodic notices in the campus newspaper.  

Name and Address Changes

Name and address changes must be made through the Office of Business Affairs. All name changes are updated at the end of the semester prior to grades be released.  

Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act

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Section 485 (a)(1), 20 U.S.C. Section 1092

In compliance with Title 1, Student Right to Know Act, information regarding graduation rates is available in the Registrar’s Office.

The information contained in Title II, the Campus Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act requires higher education institutions to provide information regarding campus crime. This information is available in the Department of Public Safety.  

Disclosure of Educational Records

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Northeastern State University will disclose information from a student’s education records only with the written consent of the student, with the following exceptions as defined in FERPA, as amended, which waive prior student consent:

  1. Student officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records.
  2. Officials of schools to which the student seeks to transfer.
  3. The Comptroller General of the United States, the HEW Secretary, the administrative head of an educational agency, or State educational authorities.
  4. In connection with a student’s application for, or receipt of, financial aid.
  5. To State or local officials or authorities if specifically required by a State law that was adopted before November 17, 1974.
  6. To organizations or educational agencies conducting legitimate research, provided no personally identifiable information about the student is made public.
  7. Accrediting organizations.
  8. Parents of a dependent student upon proof of dependency as defined by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
  9. To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena: provided that the educational agency or institution makes a reasonable effort to notify the student of the order or subpoena in advance of compliance.
  10. To appropriate parties in health or safety emergency.
  11. The results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the University against an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence to the alleged victim of that crime.  

This information shall only be transferred to a third part, however, on the condition that such party will not permit any other party to have access to the information without the written consent of the student.

Access to Educational Records

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In accordance with FERPA, as amended, eligible students are entitled to access official educational records directly related to the student, including the right of inspection and review. Students should contact the appropriate records custodians of educational records follows.  

Correction of Educational Records

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Students have the right to ask to have records corrected that they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of their privacy rights. Contact the records of custodian for more information.  

Types, Locations, and Custodians of Educational Records

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Types Location Custodian
Admissions and Academic Records Registrar’s Office admin, B Registrar
Health Records Student Health Center University Nurse
Financial  and business  records Business Office admin. 124 Director Business Affairs
Placement Records Placement Office Haskell Hall A1 Director of Placement
Disciplinary Records Student Affairs Admin. 204 Dean, Student Affairs
Housing records Housing Office Leoser Center Director of Housing
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