Troy University Student Handbook: Your Essential Guide

Troy University, ranked one of the safest universities in Alabama, has a variety of resources for students, including a student handbook. The Oracle is the official student handbook for Troy University, published annually, and outlines university rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for students and student organizations. The handbook covers topics such as campus safety, academic policies, faculty information, and student resources. Additionally, Troy Union Elementary School, a part of the Troy School District, also provides a student handbook with information on school rules, procedures, and safety protocols, ensuring a positive and collaborative learning environment for its students.

University rules, regulations, policies, and procedures

The Oracle is the official student handbook for Troy University. It is published annually and compiles and outlines the university's rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for all students and student organizations.

The handbook covers a range of topics, including campus safety, student behavior, and academic policies. For instance, the handbook outlines the university's response to inclement weather, including warning notices, class cancellations, and excused absences for students and employees who cannot travel safely. It also describes the university's plans and ordinances for ensuring campus safety, as well as the role of the Troy University Police in maintaining a safe environment.

In addition to safety and behavioral expectations, the handbook provides an overview of academic policies and procedures. This includes information on research supports, teaching loads, financial support, and faculty development opportunities. The handbook also references the university's libraries, borrowing privileges, and inter-library loan services, which are essential resources for students throughout their academic journey.

Furthermore, the Oracle serves as a comprehensive guide to university life, offering insights into the various resources and services available to students. It highlights the availability of work-ship, work-study, and graduate assistantship opportunities, as well as the support provided by the Student Counseling Center. The handbook also provides practical information, such as the location and hours of the university post office, printing resources, and shuttle routes that students can utilize during their time on campus.

Campus safety

Troy University has been ranked one of the safest universities in Alabama. Campus safety is a primary focus, and the University Police have ordinances and plans in place to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff. The University provides an up-to-date S.O.S. system to keep the community informed.

The University also offers a range of resources to promote safety and well-being. The Student Counseling Center, for example, provides personal counseling and outreach services at no cost to enrolled students. The University is committed to providing accurate and timely information to the community to enhance safety.

The official student handbook for Troy University is called "The Oracle." It is published annually and compiles and outlines the University's rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for students and student organizations. While the handbook does not appear to be available online, it likely includes information on campus safety, such as emergency procedures and resources available to students.

Additionally, Troy University has a range of policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff. For example, the University has a policy outlining the status of classes and events during inclement weather. In the event of unsafe travel conditions due to severe weather, the University will issue a warning, and students and employees are advised to consider their ability to travel safely. Absences during this period will be excused.

The University also prioritizes the safety of its elementary school students. The Troy School District protocols are designed to prepare students and staff for unsafe situations while being age-appropriate and considering their development. The A.L.I.C.E. program, for instance, empowers individuals to take proactive response strategies in the face of violence. Tornado and fire drills are also conducted regularly to prepare students for potential emergency situations.

Student behaviour expectations

Troy University has been ranked as one of the safest universities in Alabama, with campus safety being one of its primary focuses. The university publishes 'The Oracle' annually, a handbook for students that compiles and outlines university rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Students are expected to adhere to the university's rules and regulations, which are in place to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all members of the university community. Students should familiarise themselves with the content of the student handbook, which covers expectations of student behaviour, school rules, general school procedures, and operations.

The university has a range of protocols in place to ensure the safety of students and staff, including the A.L.I.C.E. program, which prepares individuals to employ proactive response strategies in the face of violence. In the event of a tornado warning, students will be directed to pre-selected areas in the building that provide the safest conditions, and they will remain with their teachers until the "all clear" is given. Tornado drills are conducted at least twice a year, and during actual tornado alerts, students are recommended to remain at school until the official "all clear" is given.

Fire drills are also conducted at least five times a year, and students are provided with specific instructions on proper procedures. The university also provides information on what to do in the event of inclement weather, including a warning notice published on the university's website indicating that inclement weather is imminent. If a student determines that it is unsafe to travel, their absence will be excused.

The Student Counseling Centre provides personal counselling and other outreach services at no cost to enrolled students, promoting student and staff safety.

Inclement weather procedures

Troy University has outlined clear procedures in the case of inclement weather to ensure the safety of its students and staff. The procedures are outlined in the student handbook, "The Oracle", which is published annually and covers a range of topics, including rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Troy University's inclement weather procedures are categorized into three distinct statuses, each outlining the actions to be taken based on the severity of the weather conditions.

Status 1: Inclement Weather Warning

A Status 1 warning is issued when inclement weather is imminent, and students and employees are advised to consider their ability to travel safely. If an individual deems travelling to be unsafe, their absence will be excused for the duration of the inclement weather. This status is published on the university's website and specific campus homepages.

Status 2: Classes Closed Due to Inclement Weather

Status 2 is declared when classes are closed due to inclement weather during a specific timeframe. This notice is published on the university's website and released to various media outlets. The decision to close classes is made by the Executive Vice Chancellor in consultation with the Chancellor and other key administrative staff.

Status 3: Closing a Campus or the Entire University

Status 3 is the most severe, indicating that all classes, events, and operations for a specific campus or the entire university are cancelled due to severe weather conditions. This status is reserved for major storms, hurricanes, or other natural disasters. The decision to close a campus or the entire university is made by the Chancellor after consultation with the Executive Vice Chancellor, Senior Vice Chancellors, and other administrative staff. The notice of closure is widely distributed through all available media outlets.

Makeup of Classes Missed Due to Inclement Weather

Troy University encourages students to make up any classes missed due to inclement weather if possible. Students missing class due to a Status 1 warning are expected to make up for any work, assignments, or exams they may have missed. The Chief Academic Officer at each campus is responsible for determining the makeup process.

Notifications

Upon deciding to implement any of the inclement weather statuses, the appropriate Senior Vice Chancellor notifies necessary personnel, including the Dean of Students, Security, the Public Affairs Office, and the Chief Facilities Officer.

Faculty development

Troy University has a Faculty Handbook that covers a range of topics pertinent to faculty development. This handbook is a comprehensive resource, offering guidance on various aspects of academic life and providing an outline of the policies and procedures that govern the university.

One key area addressed in the handbook is faculty governance. It includes information on the Faculty Senate, which is a crucial body for faculty representation and academic decision-making. The handbook also covers the structure and functioning of various councils and standing committees within the university, providing clarity on their roles and responsibilities.

Additionally, the Faculty Handbook offers practical guidance on office facilities and clerical assistance, ensuring that faculty members have the necessary support for their administrative tasks. It also covers borrowing privileges and access to university libraries, instructional materials, and university computers, recognising the importance of providing resources for effective teaching and research.

The handbook also addresses research support, including provisions for reduced teaching loads and financial assistance to facilitate faculty research endeavours. It further acknowledges the importance of professional development by providing information on sabbatical leave, allowing faculty members to take time off for personal and professional growth.

Overall, the Faculty Handbook at Troy University serves as a valuable resource for faculty members, offering a wealth of information and guidance to support their development and effectiveness in various aspects of academic life.

Frequently asked questions