In our current political climate, we hold civil liberties and individual rights to the utmost regard. With recent protests on gun laws, LGBTQ discrimination and other similar cases being brought to light, students should know what rights they have as a student in the United States. As stated by the Supreme Court in 1969 by the Tinker vs Des Moines Independent Community School Dist. case, “students or teachers [don’t] shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.” And this inalienable right has not changed since. Students are still fighting for their individual rights and under our Constitution, they can reserve that right at anytime.
At NSU, students are granted not only the rights given to us in our constitution but also equal opportunity rights, a strict nondiscrimination policy and general student rights. Outlined in the student handbook, here are the rights that NSU students possess.
Student Rights:
- the right to scrupulous respect for the equal rights and dignity of others
- the right to be treated equally in academic and social settings
- the right to live and/or attend classes in a physically safe environment
- the expectation of a positive living/learning environment
- the right to hold other students accountable to the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility
- the rights of personal and intellectual freedom which are fundamental to the idea of a university
- the right of dedication to the scholarly and educational purposes of the university
- the right to participate in promoting and ensuring the academic quality and credibility of the institution.
- the right to provide service to our community and beyond
- the right to engage in service opportunities that enhance learning outcomes, both on and off campus
- the right to associate with student organizations of one’s own choosing
Equal Opportunity/Nondiscrimination Policy
NSU follows all the federal and state laws, rules and regulations. This means that NSU does not engage in discrimination or harassment against any persons because of race, color, religion or creed, sex, pregnancy status, national or ethnic origin, disqualifying disability, age, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, military service, veteran status, political beliefs or affiliations. This includes any academic, admission, scholarship, athletics or other university programs. If an individual feels that their rights have been infringed upon or discriminated against, they have a right to admonish these acts since NSU views these acts as unacceptable and strictly prohibited. For interested parties, your concerns or complaints can be directed to either the Title IX officer or the assistant dean of student development.
For inquiries or complaints regarding perceived discrimination based on gender or sex, contact Laura Bennett, Title IX coordinator by calling 954-262-7858 or emailing laura.bennett@nova.edu.All other inquiries or complaints regarding perceived discrimination should be directed to Alexis Martinez, assistant dean for student development by calling 954-262-7281 or emailing amartinez1@nova.edu.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA provides students with rights in respect to their personal education records. Each of these rights are granted by the United States Department of Education. Here are basic descriptions of a few of these rights:
- Students have a right to inspect and review their education records. They must submit a written request to the University Registrar with records they are requesting and this access must be granted within 45 days of the processed request.
- If a student believes information in their education records is inaccurate, misleading or in direct violation of a student’s privacy, they may discuss these concerns informally with the University Registrar. If the decision is in line with the student’s requests, the records will be amended. If not, the student will be notified that records will not be amended and be informed of rights to a formal hearing.
- A student has a right to consent to disclose personal identity information in education records. There is an exception which information can be disclosed without consent but only to school officials when access to the academic record interferes with their professional responsibilities. With request, the university also may grant records without consent if the student seeks to enroll in another school (transfer) so long as it only involves records required for transfer or enrollment.
NSU classifies specific student information as public or directory information. This information can be disclosed by the institution for any purpose, at their discretion. This information includes names, local and home addresses, telephone number, email addresses, major field of study, sport participation, birthplace, dates of attendance, degrees and awards, enrollment status, year in school and anticipated graduation. If a student requests to withhold this directory information, they may do so by completing the Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information form and submitting it to the University Registrar. Some consequences of this prevention of disclosure does include Dean’s List or commencement bulletins to be unpublished as well as denied requests from prospective employers.
Release of Information
A student must give consent, however, to grant NSU the right to discuss or release personal information with a third-party such as a spouse, parent or guardian. This written form must also be presented with a student’s signature. This form, available at the Office of the University Registrar’s website, is entitled the Authorization for Release of Information.
As stated in the handbook, NSU’s purpose is to ensure all students have an equal opportunity to fulfill their intellectual potential and that means students have a right to learn, inside and outside of the classrooms, in an environment free of discrimination. Students are encouraged to have their rights embraced by the community and observe the spirit of the university’s mission by knowing these individual rights.
