Student Rights and Responsibilities
Overview
Freedom of speech, expression, and assembly are fundamental rights of all persons and are central to the mission and purposes of Granite State College. Our educational mission is founded on the bedrock principles of supporting a robust exchange of ideas and protecting academic freedom. The College recognizes that free inquiry and free expression are indispensable components in the examination of ideas. Students, faculty, and staff are free to express their views, individually or in organized groups, orally or in writing, on any topic, subject only to rules necessary to preserve the equal rights of others and the functions of normal College operations. The College will not discriminate on the basis of the political, religious, philosophical, ideological, or academic viewpoint expressed by any person.
Last Modified on 9/13/2021
Rights
To benefit most from their educational experience, students at Granite State College have the right to expect from the College:
- Academic experiences that provide opportunities for intellectual and personal growth and promote the standards of academic integrity.
- Faculty and staff who are knowledgeable in their fields, effective in helping students learn, and diligent in providing appropriate and timely academic feedback.
- Faculty and staff who treat them with respect.
- A curriculum that broadly educates, encourages critical thinking, and promotes proficiency in a specific field.
- A variety of services which support academic and personal growth.
- A safe and healthy learning environment.
- An equitable and consistent enforcement of College policies with due consideration of the rights of all members of the College community.
Responsibilities
Students should understand that their behavior has consequences for themselves and others. Students have a responsibility to:
- Take learning seriously: attend class, be prepared, participate in discussions, ask questions, and complete assignments on time.
- Treat faculty, staff, and fellow students with respect.
- Contribute to the enhancement of the College and the larger community.
- Protect and preserve intellectual and physical property belonging to others and the College.
- Be knowledgeable of and comply with the College policies as outlined in the Student Handbook, College Catalog, and course syllabi.
To ensure access to the rights listed above, all students must honor their responsibilities and behave in accordance with the expectations stated above.
2021-2022 Rider to Student Rights and Responsibilities Administrative Policies: Compliance with College Public Health Protocol
The health and safety of students, faculty, and staff are priorities during the Covid-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the College has established and implemented public, college-wide protocols designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 on the campus and to help safeguard vulnerable persons on campus, and in the wider community for the 2021-22 academic year. The protocols are available on the College’s COVID-19 website. Students who have a diagnosis that rises to the level of a disability that does not allow for mask-wearing should contact Campus Accessibility Services to discuss accommodations. See disability services page for more information.
Failure to comply with the protocols will be a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Consequences for failure to comply will be proportional to the level of risk to the health and safety of the community and include progressive sanctions, up to and including the loss of ability to enroll in face-to-face courses.
The protocols may be modified by the College President, consistent with rapidly changing federal and state guidelines or directives.
ADA Disclaimer
ADA guidance does not support blanket exemptions from wearing masks. An individual is entitled to request documentation from their medical provider stating they cannot wear a mask for medical reasons, though the ADA also suggests most providers will advise their patients not to engage with the public as that would put those already vulnerable patients at high risk. Organizations and businesses that require masks are not obligated to allow entry into their buildings by the unmasked individual. Rather, they can offer an alternative such as curb side pick-up or remote work or learning. The ADA regards allowing an unmasked person entry into a space where masks are required a substantial threat to the health and safety of the employees, employer, and patrons. Additionally, the ADA has issued a warning about “mask exemption” cards, stating that none of these cards are ADA issued or supported. Interested parties can consult www.ADA.gov for further information.
Questions
Questions regarding the Statement, or any specific rights or responsibilities, should be directed to the Director of Student Affairs at 603-513-1328.
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