Student Bill of Rights

Respect Graduate School guarantees the following rights to each enrolled student. The enumeration of the rights cited below shall not be construed to nullify or limit any other constitutional or legal rights or freedoms of students as citizens or residents of the United States or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:

I. The right to participate freely in school-sponsored services and activities without discrimination based on any classifications that deprive the person of consideration as an individual.
II. The right to obtain a clear statement of basic rights, obligations, and responsibilities concerning academic and nonacademic student conduct.
III. The right to be evaluated in the classroom solely on the basis of academic achievement and standards in the fulfillment of educational requirements in the context of respect for and protection of the freedom of expression.
IV. The right to organize and join associations in order to promote common interests.
V. The right of protection from RGS’ creating and maintaining records specifically reflecting the student’s beliefs and his or her political activities and associations.
VI. The right, as consistent with federal and Commonwealth laws, of protection from the release of non-directory information to persons outside the School community of academic, organizational, and disciplinary records without the express consent of the student or a court order.
VII. The right to petition for changes in academic and nonacademic regulations, procedures, and practices.
VIII. The right to be represented by a democratic student government.
IX. The right to have clearly defined means to participate in the formulation and application of institutional policies that affect both academic and nonacademic student affairs. The student’s participation shall include the right to gain access to information, express views, and have these views considered by the School’s administration.
X. The right of the student when accused of a crime or of being engaged in disruptive public conduct not to be subject to disciplinary action by the School until the accusation is proven through the judicial system. Only after the accusation is proven may the School undertake disciplinary action according to its standards and procedures. This standard however will not apply to the violation of the School’s regular academic policies. In such cases, the School officials may commence disciplinary actions against the student.
XI. The right to due process in any action brought or taken by the School against the student that can reasonably be expected to affect the student’s status with the School or any of its constituent parts or agencies.