TO PROTECT: Student Rights

Right to Learn

Return to: Student Handbook 2024-2025  

As members of the academic community, Andrews University students are granted certain rights within the learning environment and process. These include the right to be informed of the professor’s expectations for learners, the grading procedure and the schedule by which the course will be conducted. Students also have the right to reasonable assistance from the professor or course tutor under specified conditions of availability. Within the limitations of the academic freedom afforded to professors, students should expect that they will not be unreasonably penalized by changes in course expectations or grading policy from the course syllabus.

A student should be evaluated academically on the basis of scholastic performance and other criteria relevant to the course being taught. Bias, or conduct in matters unrelated to the academic standards of the course, must not play a role in a professor’s academic evaluation. Certain programs, of course, do require evaluations of a student’s personality, character and conduct. Unless clearly indicated by a professor, however, these matters should not influence grades in individual courses.

Because professors are responsible for creating an environment in which each student has an opportunity to learn, a professor may suspend—temporarily or long-term—a student who fails to meet reasonable class expectations, disrupts the classroom or otherwise interferes with the educational environment. The professor should report any such class suspension to the relevant department chair, dean, vice president for Campus & Student Life and/or the University Student Intervention Team.

Right to Discuss, Inquire, Express and Petition 

Return to: Student Handbook 2024-2025  

Students are free to express their views, individually or collectively, on matters of significance to them within the parameters described in this section. They may exchange views privately with others or publicly in classrooms, discussion groups and meetings. They may also use established campus channels of printed, online or audio-visual communication. Unsolicited broadcasting of email (“spamming”) communications to any University entity is not allowed.

In the Classroom

In class as well as online, students’ questions and commentary should be respectful of the professor and fellow students and not detract from the professor’s course objectives or teaching methods. Students are expected to express themselves with civility by refraining from personal attacks or ad hominem argumentation, listening respectfully to others, and taking care not to monopolize discussion. When appropriate, students may ask questions or express views that are at variance with the beliefs and values of the University or other class members. However, dissenting remarks ought to offer an alternative point of view, rather than attack, disparage or demean views held by others or the University. In return, each student has the right to be treated respectfully by the professor and his or her classmates. Students with concerns related to inappropriate communication in the classroom should follow the procedures outlined in the section titled “Right to Appeal/Grievance” (see Right to Appeal/Grievance).

With University Officers

Students have the right to engage in constructive dialogue about the policies and procedures of the University. Students or student groups who have concerns or points of view they wish to share, or who desire to achieve constructive changes within the University, may present their thoughts and submit petitions for action directly to University administrators and/or officers. 

Students should not communicate directly with members of the University’s Board of Trustees, who, by policy, are to receive communications only through the University president. 

Furthermore, the undergraduate and graduate student associations (AUSA and AUGSA) are established and appropriate vehicles for addressing student-related matters with the University administration. Students seeking to resolve personal or group differences with the University are strongly encouraged to make use of the University’s appeal and grievance procedures. Those who turn to public forums (such as email campaigns, social media, media outlets, etc.) to air their concerns rather than working directly with the University’s internal administration and/or established means of resolution (which includes gathering and careful consideration of all available and credible information) will not be acting in good faith with the University and may be subject to disciplinary action. (See Right to Appeal/Grievance).

By Means of Assembly

Students have a constitutional right to assemble and publicly express their views on matters of local, national or global importance. Peaceful, law-abiding demonstrations, such as rallies, marches and vigils, may be organized by students on campus or in the community, provided that these events are in harmony with the values of the University and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. As with other events, organizers must submit a request for administrative approval to the Student Life office, allowing up to a week for approval. Event organizers will be guided by established University protocols with the oversight of a faculty or staff sponsor. On-campus events may not impair University functions or deprive other students of their rights and should honor campus policies. Demonstrations held in the community are to comply with local, state and federal laws and be done with the prior knowledge of local law enforcement officials. As the safety of students is of paramount concern to the University, every reasonable precaution must be taken by organizers to ensure the well-being and lawful behavior of students. The tenor of all public demonstrations should reflect a spirit of justice, compassion and wisdom. 

Through Student Communication Media

Student communication media such as the “Student Movement,” “Cardinal,” “Cast,” etc., contribute to fostering an atmosphere of responsible discussion and intellectual exploration on the Andrews campus. They communicate the activities and interests of Andrews’ students as well as help form student opinion. The vice president for Campus & Student Life delegates editorial responsibility to the “Student Movement” editor under the guidance and oversight of the faculty advisor and the Student Communications Board. The vice president for Campus & Student Life appoints a faculty advisor and delegates editorial responsibility to an appointed “Cardinal” editor who functions under the guidance and oversight of the faculty advisor and the Student Communications Board. 

Right to Access and Privacy of Student Educational Records (FERPA) 

Return to: Student Handbook 2024-2025  

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the federal law that governs release of and access to student education records, Andrews University grants the rights outlined within the Act to its students.

A student has the right to inspect and review his/her educational records. A request to review these records should be made, in writing, to the appropriate University office (see table below). The student’s request will be granted within 45 days from the time the request is made. If a student believes that there is inaccurate or misleading information contained in one or more of his/her records, he/she has the right to request that the record be amended. If the record is not amended, the student has a right to submit a written response or explanation which will then become a permanent part of the record. The student may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the FERPA requirements.

A student has the right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in his/her education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with “legitimate educational interests.” A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the information from your education record is necessary in order to fulfill his or her official responsibilities. A student’s parent does not have a right to access the student’s educational records unless the student is a “dependent” of the parent for income tax purposes.

A student may, of course, provide authorization for the release of records—for example, it is common to do this for parents. Students can provide authorization through their iVue by selecting “Manage FERPA Contacts” and adding them as a “New Contact.” Whenever third-party access is granted, a record should be kept in the file that shows which persons have reviewed the records, except in the cases where students grant third-party direct access to electronic files.

Andrews University has the right to disclose “directory information” without the written consent of the student unless the student has informed the University Registrar in writing of his/her refusal to permit the dissemination of directory information. A “Request for Non-disclosure” may be obtained at the Office of Academic Records. The University has designated the following information as “directory information”: name, local address, local telephone number, Andrews University email address, gender, marital status, hometown, date and place of birth, school, academic program (degree, major and minor), enrollment status, class standing/classification (i.e., freshman, sophomore, junior, senior or graduate), participation in officially recognized activities, dates of attendance, degree(s) received, honors and awards and photographs. Even where directory information may be released, Andrews University reserves the right to withhold such information from third parties.

In addition, Andrews University may forward education records (which include student conduct records), without the student’s consent, to school officials of other institutions of postsecondary education at which the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where he/she has already enrolled, so long as the disclosure is requested for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer.

The student may be asked to care for the reproduction costs of copies of records requested by the student. The University is not obligated to keep and maintain all educational records and thus some student records are destroyed.

For more information, please visit the University FERPA website at andrews.edu/go/ferpa.

Right to Appeal/Grievance 

Return to: Student Handbook 2024-2025  

The University seeks to provide an opportunity for the redress of student grievances, consistent with biblical guidance and sound practices. If a student feels his/her rights may have been violated, or that there may be something unique about the circumstances surrounding a matter, there is a grievance process or suggested courses of action which will be appropriate in most circumstances. The student should attempt to utilize the grievance process in the most appropriate and reasonable way (e.g., on a few occasions, it may be appropriate to “skip” a step).

Academic Grievances

If a student feels that his/her academic rights have been violated, the student should speak directly with that professor. If the student is unsatisfied with the professor’s response, the student may appeal to the department chair. Following a decision by the department chair, the student (or professor) may appeal to the appropriate academic dean, followed by an appeal to the Chief Academic Officer.

Housing and Residence Hall Grievances

If a student has a complaint concerning an issue in a University-operated housing facility, he/she should first deal directly with the individual(s) responsible for the behavior/action that is the subject of the complaint. If the student is not satisfied with the response, he/she should go to their respective director of University Apartments (and Houses), University Towers, and the dean of Undergraduate Residence Life (Lamson Hall or Meier Hall). If he/she is still not satisfied with the decision, he/she may appeal to the assistant vice president for Residence Life (for residence hall concerns), then to the vice president for Campus & Student Life.

Work Grievances

If a student has a work-related concern, he/she should deal directly with the related individual, followed in order by the direct supervisor or the department director. If the student is not satisfied with the decision, he/she may appeal to the Employee Services coordinator and if not resolved to the associate vice president of Human Resources.

Student Conduct Intervention (Disciplinary) Grievances

Please see Student Conduct Intervention (Disciplinary) Processes.

Sex or Gender-based Harassment/Discrimination Grievances

Please see Title IX (Sex or Gender-based Harassment/Discrimination) Policy and Resources.

Academic Integrity Grievances

Please see Academic Integrity.

Discrimination and Harassment Grievances

Please see Harassment/Discrimination.

Other Grievances

If a student has a grievance that is not addressed in one of the categories described above, he/she should seek counsel from a trusted member of the University faculty or staff. Typically, the appropriate course of action is to communicate directly with the individual(s) whose decision/action is the source of the complaint. If the student is unsatisfied with that individual’s response, the student may appeal along a similar path described in the other sections. If the student is unsure of the best way to proceed, he/she may start by consulting with the vice president for Campus & Student Life.

General Hints for Solving Problems

In the heavy study/work/social program at a university, students will inevitably encounter stress and problems for which assistance would be helpful. Personnel in Student Life (269-471-3215), the Student Success Center (269-471-6096) or the Counseling & Testing Center (269-471-3470) are available for counsel. Problems may be solved in consultation with the personnel listed below in the order given (where appropriate).

In rare cases when the student has exhausted normal University procedures for resolving issues and the difficulty is still unresolved, the student is advised to contact an ombudsperson.

Ombudspersons 

Return to: Student Handbook 2024-2025  

Purpose of the University Ombudspersons

The University ombudspersons facilitate understanding, communication and resolution of conflict among students, faculty and staff. The office serves as an impartial and confidential means of facilitating dialogue between parties on campus and as a means, apart from formal grievance procedures, of resolving differences. The office was established as part of the University’s Christian commitment to foster a courteous and considerate climate conducive to productivity and well-being for the University community.

The ombudspersons work independently from University administrative offices. Discussing a matter with an ombudsperson is confidential to the extent allowed by law and does not constitute notice to the University.

What an Ombudsperson May Do

• Help resolve problems and conflicts, especially those not being adequately addressed through other channels
• Provide informal services outside the usual review and/or appeal procedures
• Take a nonaligned role when hearing about a problem, remaining independent and impartial
• Recommend changes in University policies or procedures

How an Ombudsperson Can Help You

• By listening carefully to your concerns
• By helping analyze the situation
• By identifying and explaining relevant University policies, procedures and problem-solving channels
• By helping you to explore options
• By looking into a concern, including talking with involved parties with your permission
• By identifying other University programs and resources that might be helpful
• By providing a safe and confidential setting where individuals feel respected and where they can be candid and forthright

When to Contact an Ombudsperson

• In most cases, the ombudsperson should be contacted after you have exhausted normal University procedures for resolving issues and:
  • You want to discuss a sensitive issue in confidence
  • You want help and are unsure of where or what options are open to you
  • You have a situation requiring help with communication or negotiation
  • You are unsure which policies, procedures or regulations apply in your situation
  • You believe a policy, procedure or regulation has been applied unfairly or erroneously to you

When an Ombudsperson Does Not Get Involved

• You want legal advice or legal representation
• You have a non-University related disagreement or problem
• You want to file a grievance or make a formal complaint
• You want someone to represent you in formal University procedures

Elynda Bedney, bedney@andrews.edu

Benjamin Navia, bnavia@andrews.edu

Mordekai Ongo, ongo@andrews.edu

Liz Muhlenbeck, elizabem@andrews.edu 

 

Return to: Student Handbook 2024-2025