Student Rights
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville maintains fair and reasonable practices in all matters affecting students: the delivery of educational programs, provision of support services, and timely resolution of disciplinary matters and the handling of grievances. In addition, the University endorses the basic principles of the codes of ethics issued by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and the National Association of College and University Business Officers.
Information regarding fair practices can be obtained from the Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, and the Office of Equal Opportunity, Access & Title IX Coordination.
Chapter 3 of the University Policies and Procedures explains student affairs and services policies, regulations, and procedures. This section includes information about student rights and conduct, student legal services, publications, release of information, and disclosure of private mental health.
Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity for all persons as regards to its academic and educational programs and services offered to the University Community. SIUE administers its activities, programs, services, and educational and employment opportunities without regard to age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or other prohibited categories.
SIUE complies in letter and spirit with appropriate federal and state legislation prohibiting discrimination including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Illinois Human Rights Act.
Anyone seeking more information concerning SIUE’s Affirmative Action Plan and equal opportunity should contact the Assistant Chancellor for Institutional Compliance, Room 3310, Rendleman Hall, Box 1025, Edwardsville, IL, 62026-1025, (618) 650‑2333.
Privacy and Nondisclosure
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), all students have the right to inspect and review their official University records in accordance with provisions of the aforementioned act and within the University guidelines. Inquiries regarding the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act should be directed to the Office of the Registrar.
Religious Observance Act
The University Religious Observances Act (110 ILCS 110) prohibits public institutions of higher education from discriminating against students for observing religious holidays in regard to admissions, class attendance and scheduling of examinations and work requirements. A student who believes that he or she has not been reasonably accommodated may seek redress directly with the professor of the class or supervisor. If the grievance is not resolved, the student may file a student grievance pursuant to the Student Grievance Code. Personnel matters will be referred through the channels of the unit in which the student is employed. Under the Act, “religious observance” or “religious practice” includes all aspects of religious observance and practice, as well as belief.
See the accommodation of student religious observances policy.
Sexual Harassment Policy
Sexual harassment will not be tolerated at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. It is prohibited by law and conflicts with the policies and interests of the University. Therefore, no member of the University community shall engage in sexual harassment. Students may receive a copy of the University’s Sexual Harassment Policy from the Office of Equal Opportunity, Access & Title IX Coordination, Room 3316, Rendleman Hall, or review the policy online.
Student Conduct Code, Student Academic Code
Students enrolling in the University assume responsibility for conduct compatible with the learning environment of the University. Students are expected to be familiar with the Student Conduct Code and the Student Academic Code. These documents describe the University’s expectations for student social and academic conduct, the process utilized for adjudicating alleged violations, and sanctions that may be imposed for violation of the standards.
Violence Prevention
The Illinois General Assembly has recently adopted new statutory requirements affecting all institutions of higher education in the State of Illinois relating to campus violence prevention. Specifically, the Illinois Campus Security Enhancement Act of 2008 mandates all institutions of higher education to create a campus violence prevention plan and training program. In response to this statutory mandate, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (“University”) has developed a campus violence prevention plan which sets forth violence prevention strategies, measures, policies and programs for the purpose of preventing violence and enhancing safety on campus. This plan incorporates the statutory requirements which include the plan itself, the formation of a violence prevention committee and training/notification procedures for the campus community.
