Lori Meadows
A student handbook is a document that outlines the rules, policies, and procedures that govern student conduct and activities at a university. It also includes information on the university's expectations for student behavior, academic standards, and campus life. While the specific content of student handbooks may vary between universities, they generally cover areas such as student life, housing, social policies, student organizations, health and wellness, and immunization requirements. At some universities, the student handbook is maintained by the Office of the Dean of Students, who provides leadership and coordination for various programs and services, including student engagement, judicial services, and residence life. The Dean of Students is also involved in the management of disciplinary matters and the overall student experience. In other cases, the handbook may be a collaborative effort between students, staff, and faculty, reflecting their shared values and expectations for the university community.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To provide a resource guide for students to refer to and to set expectations for student behavior |
| Content | University policies, procedures, services, activities, and people on campus |
| Applicability | Current and prospective students |
| Accessibility | Available online |
| Updates | Continuously updated with changes listed on a "What's New" section until the next version is published |
| Student complaints | Formal complaint forms are available and must be acknowledged within five working days |
| Disciplinary action | Failure to abide by the handbook may result in disciplinary action and sanctions |
| Student support | Information on student support services, including wellness services, student accident and sickness insurance claims, and counseling centers |
| Student conduct | Minimum standards for student behavior, with a focus on respect, freedom of expression, and responsibility |
| Student rights and responsibilities | Information on student rights and responsibilities, including Title IX policies and non-discrimination policies |
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What You'll Learn
Student behaviour and conduct
Student handbooks are typically maintained by the university itself, with input from faculty, staff, and students. They outline the expectations and standards of behaviour for students, with the aim of creating a positive and safe learning environment for all. While each university's student handbook will be unique, there are some common themes and sections that often appear, including student behaviour and conduct.
These codes emphasise that students should conduct themselves in a responsible manner at all times and that disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated. Disruptive behaviour is defined as anything that interrupts or interferes with the daily functions of the university or the educational process. This can include verbally intimidating others, making hostile remarks, or resisting corrective action. Students who engage in such behaviour may be asked to leave the area or class and may face disciplinary action if they do not improve.
Universities also emphasise that they do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or any behaviour that causes a threat to personal safety. For example, Walden University's Student Handbook states that the university is committed to maintaining an academic and workplace environment free from discrimination and harassment based on race, colour, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or other legally protected characteristics. Brown University's Code of Student Conduct also prohibits harassment as defined in its Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy.
In addition to outlining prohibited conduct, student handbooks also provide information on reporting procedures and support services available to students. For instance, Bushnell University encourages students who have experienced abuse or assault to seek support, file a report, and contact their counselling centre. The University of Texas at Dallas has a Behaviour Assessment and Intervention Team (BAIT) to assist with problematic student behaviour and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the university community.
By clearly outlining expectations for student behaviour and conduct, universities aim to create a safe and positive learning environment for all members of their community. Students are expected to familiarise themselves with these policies and conduct themselves responsibly, both on and off campus.
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Student health and wellness
Maintaining a student handbook is a collaborative effort between a university's faculty, staff, and students. The handbook is a comprehensive guide that outlines the expectations, policies, and procedures that govern the campus community. It serves as a valuable resource for students, providing clarity on various aspects of student life and promoting a positive and enriching university experience.
At Baylor University, for example, Student Health and Wellness is comprised of five departments: Campus Recreation, Care Team Services, Counseling Services, Health Services, and Wellness. This holistic approach ensures that students can access the support they need to maintain their physical and emotional health. Similarly, the University of North Texas offers a Student Health and Wellness Centre, which includes the Office of Health Promotion. This office promotes student health through free health education activities and services tailored specifically for college students.
In addition to physical health services, universities also prioritize mental health support. For instance, Bushnell University encourages students who have experienced abuse or assault to seek help through their counselling centre and provides information on legal options through their Title IX policies.
Universities also strive to maintain an environment free from discrimination and harassment. Walden University, for instance, is committed to providing a barrier-free educational environment and does not tolerate any form of discrimination based on protected characteristics.
By offering these comprehensive health and wellness resources, universities demonstrate their commitment to supporting the well-being of their student body and fostering a healthy campus community. These services play a vital role in ensuring that students can thrive academically, socially, and personally during their time at university.
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Student engagement and clubs
Universities often have a wide range of clubs and organizations that cater to different interests and passions. These may include academic, cultural, social, or sports clubs, as well as fraternities and sororities. For example, MVCC, in its Clubs and Organizations Handbook, encourages students to participate in clubs and organizations to enhance their classroom experience and provide opportunities for growth and development beyond academics.
However, there can be barriers to student engagement in clubs and organizations. These include financial constraints, time management, difficulty in 'fitting in', geography, and communication issues. It is important for universities to address these barriers and create an inclusive environment that encourages student participation.
Student handbooks typically outline the policies and procedures related to student engagement and clubs. They may include information on the conduct expected of students, both on and off-campus, as well as the procedures for addressing complaints or concerns. For instance, the Student Handbook of Bushnell University mentions the university's expectation of students to maintain certain standards of behavior and the process for lodging a formal complaint.
Overall, student engagement and clubs play a crucial role in the university experience, and student handbooks serve as a guide to help students navigate their involvement in these activities while upholding the values and standards of the university community.
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Student housing and residence
Student handbooks are typically maintained by the universities themselves, with input from faculty, staff, and students. They are designed to help students understand what is expected of them as members of the university community, and to provide information on the university's policies, procedures, and offerings.
The handbook outlines the university's commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive community, where individuals are respected and supported. Students are expected to abide by local, state, and federal laws, as well as university policies and regulations, including the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities. The University of Kansas also prohibits discrimination on various grounds, including race, religion, sex, and disability.
Similarly, the University of Illinois Chicago has a Resident Student Handbook that outlines policies specific to campus housing. For instance, residents are responsible for their guests' behavior and must ensure they abide by university policies and local, state, and federal laws. Unauthorized room changes are not permitted, and residents may be required to move back to their original rooms and may face disciplinary action and financial charges.
The University of Arkansas also includes a Housing Policy within its Student Handbook, which applies to all students using on-campus housing.
At Bushnell University, the Student Handbook outlines expectations for student behavior, with the aim of providing a positive living and learning environment for all students. While specific details on housing and residence life are not provided, the handbook does emphasize the university's commitment to equity and harmony in the application of policies and procedures.
Walden University, meanwhile, does not provide specific information on student housing and residence life in its Student Handbook. However, the handbook does state that the university is committed to providing barrier-free access to its educational services and accommodations when necessary.
Overall, student housing and residence life handbooks aim to provide students with the information they need to understand their rights and responsibilities as members of the residential community, and to create a safe, inclusive, and harmonious living environment.
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Student discrimination and harassment
Student handbooks are typically maintained by the university itself, with contributions from faculty, staff, and students. The handbook is designed to outline the expectations and policies that students are required to follow during their time at the university. It serves as a guide to help students understand the behaviours expected of them and to promote a positive and safe learning environment.
Now, discrimination and harassment have no place in a university setting. Universities strive to provide a safe and respectful environment for all students, free from discrimination and harassment. They are committed to addressing and resolving any incidents of discrimination or harassment that may occur on campus or within the university community.
Universities uphold the values of equality and respect for all, and any behaviour that detracts from this value system is unacceptable. Each student is expected to be familiar with and adhere to the policies outlined in the Student Handbook, which includes codes of conduct and policies regarding discrimination and harassment. These policies are in place to ensure that all students can pursue their academic goals in a safe and respectful environment.
Discrimination and harassment can take many forms, and universities recognise this in their policies. For example, Walden University's Student Handbook explicitly mentions that the university does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, colour, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or other legally protected characteristics. Lehigh University also provides a comprehensive list, stating that sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence are all prohibited by law and university policy.
If a student experiences or witnesses discrimination or harassment, they are encouraged to report it to the appropriate university authorities. For instance, Lehigh University suggests that students can speak with their advisor, a faculty member, their department chair, or a staff member. Additionally, they can contact the Equal Opportunity Compliance Coordinator, who is responsible for addressing such issues. At Bushnell University, students are encouraged to seek support and file a report, and they can also review their legal options on the university's Title IX policies page.
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Frequently asked questions
The administrator will send a written acknowledgment to the student within five working days of receiving the complaint. Copies of the written student complaint and the acknowledgement letter will be sent to the Director, Dean, or Vice President supervising that area.
Walden University publications, including the student handbook, are modified or discontinued from time to time at the university's discretion. The most recent version of the handbook is the default publication.
The student handbook at the University of Arkansas encompasses the Code of Student Life, the Housing Policy, the Greek Life Social Policy, and the Registered Student Organizations and Events Policy. The Code of Student Life applies to all students at the University of Arkansas.
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