1.2.1 - STATEMENT ON STUDENT RIGHTS

A university community requires an environment conducive to intellectual and personal growth of its students. Since actions of each individual affect this climate, Xavier University expects responsible conduct on the part of every student who is a member of this university community.

To further its objectives, and in recognition of students as members of the Xavier University community, Xavier has adopted the following:

1. Applicants who meet specifically stated requirements will be eligible for admission to Xavier and for participation in all of its programs without regard for race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ancestry, national origin, disability, political beliefs, military status, unfavorable military discharge other than dishonorable and marital status. (Admission may be denied based on prior criminal history.)
2. Students have the freedom to express reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any courses of study for which they are enrolled but are responsible for learning the content of the courses.
3. For purposes of gaining academic credit, students shall be evaluated in terms of stated course competencies and requirements and not on personal or political beliefs.
4. Disclosure of a student's personal or political beliefs confidentially expressed in connection with course work will not be made public without explicit permission of the student.
5. Students will be informed of all rules, rates, and regulations deriving from contractual arrangements with Xavier before signing any such contracts.
6. Students on campus or residing in University-owned housing will be secure against any unreasonable invasion of privacy, search or seizure but are responsible for compliance with all University regulations.
7. Students are free to form, join, and participate in campus organizations for educational, religious, social, political, cultural or other purposes.
8. Students are free to use campus facilities for meetings of registered and officially recognized organizations, subject to uniform regulations as to time and manner governing the facilities.
9. Students' records may be released in accordance with provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (see Section 1.8, "Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act" of this Handbook) or as outlined in Section 3.6.3 ("Confidentiality and Disclosures") of this Handbook.
10. Students are free, individually or in association with other individuals, to engage in activities not sponsored by Xavier, exercising their rights as citizens of the community, state and nation, provided they do not purport to represent Xavier.
11. As appropriate, students will have their views and welfare considered in the formation of University policy and will be consulted by, or represented on, University councils and committees, which affect students as members of the Xavier community.
12. Students are free to assemble, demonstrate, communicate and protest, recognizing that freedom requires order, discipline and responsibility, and further recognizing the right of faculty and other students to pursue their legitimate goals without interference.
13. Students will be exempt from disciplinary action or dismissal from Xavier except for academic ineptness or lack of reasonable progress, failure to pay University debts, or violation of student or University rules and regulations.
14. Students are free to be present on campus and to attend classes pending action on criminal or civil charges, except for reasons relating to their physical or emotional safety and well-being, or for reasons relating to the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, University property, or for other reasons outlined in the Student Handbook. Students are subject to local, state, and federal statutes.
15. It is recognized that all members of the community have the responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner that does not violate the rights, property, and freedoms of others.
16. Editorial freedom in student publications and media shall be given under the following guidelines:
    • Students shall be governed by the canons of responsible journalism, such as the avoidance of libel, indecency, undocumented allegations, attacks on personal integrity, and the techniques of harassment and innuendo.
    • All University published and/or financed student publications should explicitly state on the editorial page that, "the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Xavier or of the student body."
    • Editors shall be protected from arbitrary suspension and removal because of student, administrative or public disapproval, and editorial policy or content. Only for proper and stated causes shall editors be removed by the proper agency responsible for their appointment.
17. Students have the right to establish and maintain duly constituted governments, associations, and organizations to the extent approved by Xavier. A statement of purpose and/or a constitution shall be submitted for approval to the Office of Student Affairs or designee to become officially recognized by Xavier.