CHAPTER 5/ACADEMIC POLICIES AFFECTING STUDENTS

~~5.01/Student Rights and Responsibilities~~

5.011/Student Bill of Rights: Joint Statement on Rights & Freedoms of Students
Preamble
Citizens in all communities of this country have a guaranteed safeguard for their rights as members of this association; these rights exist because they are held to be the means through which people achieve their greatest fulfillment. A bill of rights exists to prevent encroachment upon this freedom.

This relationship should be no less for the academic community, which seeks to promote similar ideals and associations. Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and the general well-being of society. Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment of these goals.

Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The freedom to learn depends upon appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community. Students should exercise their freedom with responsibility.

To ensure that all students of the academic community of The Wichita State University have access to the opportunities for growth and learning, this enumeration of the safeguards for that freedom is intended. To ensure that this freedom is not betrayed, safeguards are incorporated that protect its permanence and create a responsible attitude in the minds of the students enjoying this liberty.

ARTICLE I
Classroom Freedom
Section 1. Protection of Freedom of Expression. Students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled.

Section 2. Protection Against Improper Academic Evaluation. Students are responsible for maintaining standards of academic performance established for courses in which they are enrolled. At the same time, they should have protection against prejudiced or capricious academic evaluation. To provide this protection, the Court of Academic Appeals Committee is empowered to review all cases of academic disputes that arise; subpoena all information and witnesses necessary to render a decision; and have the final authority in all such cases.

Section 3. Protection Against Improper Disclosure. Information about student views, beliefs, and political associations which professors acquire in the course of their work as instructors, advisers, and counselors should be considered confidential. Protection against improper disclosure is a serious professional obligation. Judgments of ability and character may be provided under appropriate circumstances, but only with the knowledge and consent of the student.

ARTICLE II
Student Records
Section 1. Maintenance of Records. To minimize the risk of improper disclosure of student records, academic and disciplinary records shall be separate, and the conditions of access to each shall be set forth in an explicit policy statement. Transcripts of academic records shall contain only information about academic status.

5.012/Statement on Student Responsibility
The following statements on student responsibility are published in the Catalog:

~~1. To consult their advisers on all matters pertaining to their academic careers, including changes in their programs,~~

~~2. To observe all regulations of their college and select courses according to the requirements of that college,~~

~~3. To attend all meetings of each class in which they are enrolled (instructors will announce at the beginning of the semester if they consider attendance in computing final grades),~~

~~4. To fulfill all requirements for graduation,~~

~~5. To be personally responsible for fulfilling all requirements and observing all regulations at Wichita State University,~~

~~6. To answer promptly to all written notices from advisers, faculty, deans, and other University officers, and~~

~~7. To file an Application for Degree card in the dean's office of the appropriate college at least one semester before the expected date of graduation.~~

~~Students should also comply with the principles in the following statement, which was adopted by the Student Senate, the Faculty Senate, and the Administrative Council of the University:~~

Wichita State University reaffirms the principle of intellectual freedom in scholarly activity for University students, and it recognizes the full citizenship rights of students in inquiry, discussion, and such actions as they may choose to take on public issues.

The rights and freedoms of students involve concomitant responsibilities. Incumbent on all students, as on all citizens, is the responsibility to observe the University's rules of orderly procedures and the laws of the larger community of which the University is a part. In the matter of actions on public issues, to speak one's opinion, to petition, to distribute literature, to peacefully assemble and hold meetings, to use the persuasion of ideas and other actions within the bounds of orderly and lawful procedures are sanctioned by the University. But infringement on the rights of others, acts or threats of violence to persons, destruction of property, disruption or other interference with the normal functioning of the University and its personnel, and other disorderly and unlawful acts will not be countenanced.

Within its sphere of responsibilities the University will afford students proper procedural safeguards to resolve matters in dispute. Those who willfully violate these University standards must expect to face disciplinary action on the part of the institution, which may include reprimand, probation, or suspension, consistent with campus provisions for due process.

5.013/Statement on Student Academic Integrity
The following statements on academic honesty, including definitions of what constitute violations of classroom standards, are published in the Catalog:

Opportunities for learning at Wichita State University involve the students' rights to express their views and to take reasoned exception to the views of the faculty; to examine all questions felt to be appropriate to a course of study; to be protected from improper disclosure of their views and beliefs; to be examined in a fair and impartial manner; and to be treated with dignity and respect. Students are responsible, however, for learning the content of any course of study outlined by their instructors, regardless of any views or judgments privately held and for demonstrating their attainment in an honest manner.

Students who compromise the integrity of the classroom are subject to disciplinary action on the part of the University. Violations of classroom standards include:

1. Cheating in any form, whether in formal examinations or elsewhere,

2.Plagiarism, using the work of others as one's own without assigning proper credit to the source,

3. Misrepresentation of any work done in the classroom or in preparation for class,

4. Falsification, forgery or alteration of any documents pertaining to academic records,

5. Disruptive behavior in a course of study or abusiveness toward faculty or fellow students.

A standard of honesty, fairly applied to all students, is essential to a learning environment. Students violating such standards must accept the consequences, and penalties are assessed by appropriate classroom instructors or other designated persons. Serious cases may result in discipline at the college or university level and may result in suspension or dismissal. Students accused of abridging a standard of honesty may protect themselves through established academic appeal procedures and are assured of due process and the right of appeal from accusations or penalties felt to be unjust.

WSU Policies & Procedures, Student Code of Conduct: http://webs.wichita.edu/inaudit/ch8_05.htm

5.014/Sexual Harassment of Students: Policy
Wichita State University is committed to a community in which students, faculty, and staff can work in an atmosphere that is free of sexual harassment. Such behavior is costly in human terms and it is prohibited by law and by University policy. The University intends to prevent sexual harassment and to resolve student complaints of sexual harassment according to the procedures contained herein.

Sexual harassment is defined in terms of unwelcome conduct (sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, written or spoken sexual expressions, physical behavior of a sexual nature) under any of the following circumstances:

~~1. Submission to such conduct is either an implied or expressed condition for instruction, employment, or other campus activity.~~

~~2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for evaluation.~~

~~3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or demeaning environment.~~

Students who suspect that they have been an object of sexual harassment are encouraged to make inquiry, seek advice, and understand University procedure. These services are provided confidentially by the following offices: Student Life and Services, Student Ombudsperson, Counseling Center, and Women's Resource Center. Students may pursue either informal or formal procedures in the interest of resolving a complaint. Prompt initiation of a complaint is essential. In no case will the University pursue formal resolution of a complaint that is filed more than six (6) months after the date of an alleged incident.

Resolution of Student Complaints
Informal Resolution
1. Discuss the complaint with the Vice President for Student Affairs or with his/her designee.

~~2. If the student so authorizes, the Vice President or designee will ascertain information and discuss the complaint with the persons involved in the interest of resolution.~~

~~3. Failing informal resolution, the student may: (a) seek additional advice; (b) drop the complaint; (c) initiate formal resolution.~~

Formal Resolution
A. Faculty Accused

1. Within six (6) months of an alleged incident the student must file a written complaint with the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research. The Dean of Student Life and Services or designee may assist in the preparation of the complaint, and may accompany the student to the Academic Affairs Office.

2. The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research or designee shall investigate the complaint. If it is determined that the complaint has substance, the Vice President may initiate standard procedures according to section 3.20 of the University Handbook for Faculty, except that all committees referenced therein will be of mixed gender.

~~B. Staff Accused~~

1. Within six (6) months of an alleged incident the student must file a written complaint with the Office of the Director of Human Resources. The Dean of Student Life and Services or designee may assist in the preparation of the complaint, and may accompany the student to the Director of Human Resources' Office.

2. The Director of Human Resources or designee shall investigate the complaint. If it is determined that the complaint has substance, the director may initiate procedures for suspension, demotion, or dismissal pursuant to the University Handbook for Classified Staff and Article 10 of the Kansas Department of Administration Personnel Regulations.

~~C. Student Accused~~

1. Within six (6) months of an alleged incident the student must file a written complaint with the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. The Dean of Student Life and Services or designee may assist in the preparation of the complaint and may accompany the student to the Student Affairs' Office.

2. The Vice President for Student Affairs or designee shall investigate the complaint. If it is determined that the complaint has substance, the Vice President may initiate standard disciplinary procedures according to the University Catalog and Article V of the Student Bill of Rights.

~~5.02/Admission Policies~~

5.021/Open Admissions
Kansas law (K.S.A. 72-116) provides that any person who graduates from an accredited Kansas high school is entitled to admission to the freshman class of any of the institutions under the Kansas Board of Regents upon presentment of the high school transcript. Kansas residents may also qualify for admission with an acceptable GED test score. Out-of-state applicants are eligible for admission if they rank in the upper one-half of their high school graduating class or present acceptable test scores and high school grades. Transfer students from other colleges and universities who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 are eligible for admission. "Open admission students" (students (1) who have graduated from high school and have not attended high school or college during the past two years or (2) who have not graduated from high school but are at least 21 years of age) are admitted upon application (transcripts or test scores not required) to a nondegree bound status in the Division of Continuing Education. Also eligible for open admission status are persons currently on active military duty or persons holding a baccalaureate or higher degree. The specific rules relating to admissions are more fully described in the Catalog. Applications for exceptions to University admission rules are considered by the Exceptions Committee.

Criteria for admission to the several colleges and programs within colleges are set by the faculties of the colleges. College admission criteria are set out in each college's section of the Catalog and are available from the college office. Application for exceptions to college admission rules are considered by college exceptions committees.

5.022/Transfer and Readmission
Transfer
The Office of Admissions will admit transfer students on the basis of the grade point average earned at an accredited college (or colleges).

All courses will be listed on the WSU transcript. Transfer students must meet the requirements for the specific WSU degree they are seeking. the college and department or program will determine which courses count toward the degree. Courses on the transcript may not necessarily be counted as credit toward a WSU degree.

Readmission
Students who have below a 2.0 GPA, who have not attended college for 5 or more semesters (excluding summers), and who have not been previously dismissed from a college or university, will be admitted on probation. The student will be required to consult with an advisor (from his/her college) during his/her first semester of enrollment (or re-enrollment) at WSU. This policy will apply to degree-bound students only.

~~5.03/Enrollment Process~~

5.031/Preregistration and Registration
Members of the faculty participate in the preregistration and registration of students. A brief period is designated in each semester by the University Calendar for the purpose of preregistration for the succeeding semester. A period in the summer provides for opportunity for the preregistration of incoming freshman and transfer students. The registration period for each semester and summer school is set by the University Calendar. Detailed time schedules and instructions relating to the preregistration and registration process are set out in the Schedule of Courses. Most members of the faculty are requested to participate in preregistration and registration. All faculty personnel are expected to be available unless an excuse has been granted by the faculty member's dean or department chairperson.

5.032/Academic Advising
The University seeks to provide sufficient advice and assistance to assure that the student's schedule fulfills his or her personal interests and needs, is consistent with University and college regulations, and advances the student toward his or her educational goals and toward graduation. Each faculty member is responsible for learning about the course offerings and regulations of his or her department and college, as well as the general regulations of the University. An important advising tool, the Handbook for Academic Advisers, is published by University College and is available to any faculty member upon request.

~~5.04/Class Policies~~

5.041/Classroom Assignments and Class Time
Classrooms are assigned for each class in accordance with the quota submitted by the department. Although departments may request specific classrooms, the registrar is authorized to make room assignments without consultation. All classes will be held in the rooms scheduled unless permission to change is requested from and granted by the Registrar's Office. Requested class times are changed only upon consultation with the dean and chairpersons. All classes will begin and dismiss promptly as scheduled.

5.042/Class Lists
The Registrar's Office furnishes each department chairperson with duplicate copies of the official class list of students enrolled in each course offered for a given semester. One copy is distributed by the chairperson to the instructor of the course. The first official class list is available on the first day of classes, and on the 20th day ~~class list is distributed at the end of the third week.~~ Students whose names are on the class list are officially registered. If a student's name does not appear on the list, he or she should be advised to contact the Registrar's Office immediately. Only students who are officially enrolled are permitted to attend class. Class lists are also available on Shocker One Stop.

5.043/Instructor Attendance Obligation
An instructor is obligated to meet classes at the scheduled time unless prevented by illness or unavoidable absence from campus. Anticipated absence from class must be reported to the department chair or the dean of the college prior to the meeting of the class; unanticipated absences must be reported upon the instructor's return to campus.

5.044/Student Attendance Obligation
Students are expected to attend all classes in which they enroll, and faculty members are expected to monitor attendance. In cases of excessive absences, instructors may report the student's absence to the dean of the student's college. ~~Administrative withdrawal for reasons of excessive absences is discussed in Section 5.053.~~

5.05/Examination Policies
The following statements on examination policy reflect current general understandings and practices.

5.051/Finality of Grades
The grades assigned by an instructor to any quiz, scheduled examination, or final examination are final. An instructor may correct errors in calculating or recording a grade. Grades may be challenged by students through the academic appeals process.

5.052/Special Examinations and Reexaminations
Special examinations and reexaminations are given only in exceptional circumstances. ~~Special examinations may be necessary to evaluate the achievement of disabled students.~~
A student registered with the Office of Disability services may request a special examination. http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=disserv&p=/index

5.053/ Make-up Examinations
Students are allowed to make up major examinations, including the final examination, upon establishment of reasons for missing the examination satisfactory to the instructor.

5.054/Final Examinations
Evaluation of student performance in a course should involve a major demonstration of mastery of the course material. This is traditionally accomplished through a final examination, although some instructors adopt alternatives to a final examination, such as a written paper in lieu of a final examination. Final examinations are given according to a schedule prepared by the Registrar's Office and published in the Schedule of Courses. A copy of the final examination schedule, together with a statement of the rules relating to final examinations, is sent to all faculty members several weeks before the final examination period. Final examinations are governed by the following rules:

1. The maximum time allowed for a final examination is as follows: 1-hour course, one hour; 2-hour course, two hours; 3-, 4-, and 5-hour courses, three hours. (In order to use three hours for the examination it would be necessary to start or continue one hour before or after the scheduled time.)

2. No final examination, or portion thereof, may be given at any time other than scheduled, unless such change is approved by the dean of the college and a classroom is available. A changed time would be approved only if it occasions no conflicts for any of the students involved.

3. No student may be required to take more than two final examinations on one day. Arrangements for a rescheduled final examination must be made by the student prior to the scheduled examination.

5.06/Grading Policies

5.061/Basis of Grades
All grades are determined by the instructor. The instructor, however, has an obligation to announce to the class at the beginning of the semester the basis for evaluating student performance. The right of students to protection against improper academic evaluation is set out in Article I, Section 2, of the Student Bill of Rights. Allegations of improper academic evaluation may be pursued through an academic appeals process, which ultimately involves a hearing before the Court of Academic Appeals Committee. If a decision of the court calls for a change of grade, the Registrar's Office is so advised, authorizing an official change.

5.062/Definition of Grades
The grading system utilized at Wichita State University employs five basic letter grades, defined in the Catalog as follows:

A Distinguished achievement. Credit given; four credit points per semester hour.

B Superior achievement. Credit given; three credit points per semester hour

C Average achievement. Credit given; two credit points per semester hour.

D Below average achievement. Credit given; one credit point per semester hour.

F Failing work. No credit hours earned toward graduation; zero credit points per semester hour, but counted as a course attempted and completed and included in computation of grade point average.

Courses numbered below 100 do not carry credit toward a Wichita State University degree and are graded Credit/No Credit (Cr/NCr). In addition, students may elect Cr/NCr during a special transition semester, and certain credit courses are designated in the course description in the Catalog as Cr/NCr. These grades are defined in the Catalog.

5.063/Withdrawals
Students may, as a matter of right, voluntarily withdraw from any or all courses and have a W recorded for the course. After the period for voluntary withdrawal has passed, students may withdraw with a W only if they petition the dean of their college and the University's Committee on Admissions and Exceptions approves their petition. Withdrawal dates are listed in the Schedule of Courses.

Administrative withdrawal may be initiated by the dean's office of the college in which a student is enrolled, the Controller's Office, the Office of Student Affairs, or other appropriate University offices for the following reasons:

1. The student's class attendance is so poor that in the instructor's opinion full benefit cannot be derived from the course;

2. A University College student fails to be accepted by a baccalaureate college by the time of completion of 60 credit hours;

3. The student fails to complete successfully all prerequisites for those courses in which the student is enrolled;

4. The student violates the provisions of the student's responsibilities statement in the University Catalog;

5. The student does not comply with the terms of a provisional admission;

6. The student has unmet financial obligations to the University.

5.064/Incompletes
The grade "incomplete" (I) is used to give a student an extension of time to complete course work. Incompletes are given at the discretion of the instructor. In special circumstances the Instructor may extend the time of the I. Credit is postponed with an I and the course is not included in the student's grade point average until it is completed and a regular letter grade is assigned. An incomplete course must be satisfactorily completed by the end of the next semester in which the student enrolls, summer excluded, or the I reverts automatically to an F. The following conditions govern incompletes:

1. If students do not enroll at The Wichita State University within one calendar year following an incomplete and if their work is not completed within that calendar year, they must enroll in that course as a repeat during their next semester of enrollment, or the grade will be changed to F. If they do enroll in the course again, the I is changed to W, and the grade earned during the repeat semester becomes the grade of record. (If the course is not offered when a student resumes academic work, the student must request that an exception be made by the chairperson of the department offering the course. The department chairperson may authorize a substitute course, postpone action for a semester or authorize a grade of W.)

2. An incomplete on the third enrollment in the same course means that a student may not enroll in the course again (enrollment becomes subject to the regulations concerning the repeating of courses).

5.0641/ Incompletes -- Undergraduate
1. If students do not enroll at Wichita State within one calendar year following an incomplete and if their work is not completed within that calendar year, they must enroll in that course as a repeat during their next semester of enrollment or the grade will be changed to F. If they do enroll in the course again, the I is changed to W and the grade earned during the repeat semester becomes the grade of record. (If the course is not offered when they resume academic work, they must request that an exception be made by the chairperson of the department offering the course. The department chairperson may authorize a substitute course, postpone action for a semester or authorize a grade of W.

5.0642/ Incompletes -- Graduate
Students desiring credit for an incomplete grade assigned spring 1999 or later for regular courses (excluding research, dissertation, thesis, independent study, or other terminal projects) must complete their work within two semesters, excluding summer. If the work is not completed within those semesters and credit is desired, students must enroll in the courses(s) as a repeat. If they enroll in the course again, the program assigning the original I will need to change the I to a W, and the grade earned during the repeat semester will become the grade of record. Faculty members may define other conditions for the removal of incomplete grades within the general framework indicated here.

5.065/Midterm Grade Reports
Midterm grade reports ("downs") are an essential part of the process of identifying students who need academic help. In order for this identification process to succeed, and to improve the student retention rate, it is important that an instructor have a sufficient basis for evaluation of student performance by the midpoint of a semester. Shortly before the midpoint of a semester, each instructor receives a grade report form to be used in reporting students whose performance is below the C level. In addition to D, F, or I grades, one or more explanation codes may be marked. The due date for the Midterm Grade Report is set by the Academic Calendar.

5.066/Final Grade Reports
During the week prior to the beginning of final examinations, grade report forms are distributed to the departments and by the departments to instructors. The ~~two-copy computer printed forms~~ list contains the names of students enrolled in the class and indicate in the grade area any students who have withdrawn after the second week of the semester and students enrolled in the course on an audit status. The instructor circles the appropriate grade in ink, signs each page at the bottom, returns the grade list ~~original~~ to the Registrar's Office by the due date listed at the top.~~, and retains the carbon copy.~~ Grade reports may be submitted on line through SOS or ~~should be~~ hand-carried to the Registrar's Office and must not sent through campus or U.S. mail. Due dates based on the final examination date are necessary for the timely recording of grades on the student's transcript.

5.067/Change of Grades -- Undergraduate
Request for Change of Grade forms are used to remove grades of incomplete and to correct instructor errors in grading or reporting of a grade. A grade change may be initiated by an instructor at any time during one calendar year following assignment of a grade. An explanation of the nature of the error that necessitates the change of grade is required. Request for Change of Grade forms are transmitted through the instructor's dean to the Registrar's Office. Change of a grade assigned more than one year earlier may be authorized upon petition by the instructor to the University Admissions and Exceptions Committee.

5.0671/ Change of Grades -- Graduate
WSU Graduate Catalogue --- http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=GRADSCHOOL&p=/Publications/gradcatalog/

5.068/Grade Replacement
The grade replacement policy follows:

1. A grade (A,B,C,D, or F) received at the completion of a repeated class will automatically replace all previous grade(s) (A,B,C,D, or F) received for that course in the computation of the student's cumulative grade point average. A W or I grade will not replace a previous grade in the computation of the student's cumulative grade point average.

2. The option of repeating a course for the purpose of grade replacement may only be used for five (5) different courses by a student during the student's academic career at WSU or any other university.

3. Grades received in courses taken at another institution may not be used to replace grades in courses taken at WSU.

4. Grades for all attempts at a course will appear on the student's transcript, and a course which has been repeated will be designated as such by placing an R begore the grade which was received.

5. Credit for a repeated course will only count once toward meeting degree requirements.

6. This policy will be effective for all students for repeated classes taken beginning with Fall 1994.

Adopted by the Faculty Senate 10/93
Accepted by the President 10/93

5.07/Court of Academic Appeals Committee
The Court of Academic Appeals was established in 1967 by vote of the University faculty to assure academic due process for undergraduate students who feel they have been treated unfairly in the classroom. The court's jurisdiction includes any disputes between students and faculty that cannot be settled within the framework of the student-faculty relationship, including unfairness in grading or in an instructor's charges of plagiarism, cheating, and similar offenses. The Court of Student Academic Appeals is composed of three tenured faculty members and two student members. Decisions of the court are final and carry the power to change a grade. The appeals process for Graduate students may be found at: http://webs.wichita.edu/depttools/depttoolsmemberfiles/gradschool/Catalogue/4g-geninfo0405.pdf

5.071/Procedures for Academic Appeals for Undergraduate Students
1. Students should make every effort to resolve problems with the instructor before filing an appeal. A student must file an appeal within one semester after the grade is assigned (excluding summer). (The Court reserves the right, in exceptional circumstances, to suspend this rule.)

2. The student shall ~~should~~ pick up an appeal form in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee ~~and Dean of Students, 103 Grace Wilkie Hall.~~ The complainant should meet with the Vice President for Student Affairs to determine: (a) whether opportunities for resolving the problem with the instructor have been exhausted, and (b) whether the problem is resolvable through existing University procedures other than the Court of Academic Appeals.

The Vice President for Student Affairs ~~and Dean of Students~~ may indicate that a case is inappropriate, but students maintain their right to appeal if they wish to do so.

3. The student should make an appointment with the SGA Student Advocate ~~student Ombudsperson, 201 Campus Activities Center,~~ for assistance in: (a) resolving the case, and/or (b) preparing the appeal.

4. The completed appeal is returned by the student to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs ~~and Dean of Students~~ for distribution along with a copy of the Procedures of the Court to the faculty member named in the appeal, and to the department chair and dean. This will be the instructor's dean, not the student's, though they may in some cases, be the same.

5. The faculty member named in the appeal will submit a written statement on the case to the department chair. After reviewing the case, the department chair should form a judgment and/or attempt to resolve the issue without exerting pressure on either the instructor or the student.

The department chair should indicate on the form: (a) a recommendation to sustain the instructor's decision, (b) a recommendation that the appeal be sustained, (c) a statement that the issue cannot be resolved at this level. Space is available on the appeal form for these comments.

6. After the department chair has made a recommendation, the case is referred to the appropriate academic dean. After reading the appeal and the recommendation of the department chair, the dean may clarify issues by discussing the matter with the student and instructor.

The dean should indicate a recommended action and return the appeal form to the Vice President for Student Affairs ~~and Dean of Students~~, who will submit it to the chair of the Court.

7. The chair of the Court will, after receiving the case, inform the student and the instructor in writing of its receipt and request from each a written statement and any additional information the Court might need. This information must be received by the Court within two weeks. The instructor and the student may visit with the Court chair or write to the Court about questions of procedure.

8. The instructor and student will be notified in writing no less than seven days in advance of the projected date of the hearing along with information pertaining to the exact time and place of the hearing. The Court should establish the time for a hearing only after both the student and faculty member have been contacted and have indicated they can attend the hearing at that time. If the faculty member is not on campus during the semester of the hearing, only the student need be called prior to the establishment of the time of the hearing.

9. These procedures will be followed in an actual hearing:

a. All hearings are closed.

b. Members of the Court will be faculty and students who have no connection with either party involved in the appeal.

c. Hearings will be kept as informal as possible. A taped transcript of the hearing but not the deliberations will be made. These tapes will be maintained for one year. The tapes and all written material will be treated as confidential information.

d. The instructor and student are expected to appear at the hearing. If the student does not appear for the hearing, the case will not be heard. If the faculty member does not wish to appear, the case will be heard.

e. The student and faculty member may be represented by counsel from the University community but not by an attorney.

f. Either party may ask members of the University community (students, faculty, staff) to present testimony relevant to the case.

g. The instructor and the student will have access to the written statements of each other at least seven days prior to the hearing. These statements will be treated as confidential material.

h. Relevant class records are to be made available to the Court upon request.

i. After opening statements by both parties, each will have the opportunity to question the other during the hearing, subject to academic decorum.

j. Members of the Court may question both parties to the dispute as well as those persons presenting testimony in the case.

k. When questioning is finished, both parties, counsel and witnesses, if any, will be excused.

l. Decisions of the Court are based on a majority vote.

m. For conducting business, a quorum consists of four members of the Court.

10. The decision and the rationale for the decision are reported in writing to each party and to the officials who reviewed the appeal by the chair of the hearing. Majority and minority opinions may be included. If the Court has suggestions for improving or eliminating the conditions which led to the case, these should be detailed in a separate letter to the faculty member with copies to his/her department chair and dean.

11. If the decision calls for a change of grade, the Office of the Registrar will be so advised; the chair of the Court will authorize the registrar to make the official change. Decisions affecting other offices will result in similar correspondence with those offices.

12. The Court does not rehear cases.
(Current as of March 11, 1985.)

5.08/Student Record Policies
Under Public Law 93-380, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, students have a right to inspect and review many of their educational records, to challenge their accuracy, and, unless waived, a right of nondisclosure of records information to persons outside the University. The notice of such rights, and a more detailed statement of rights, is published in various University publications and in Section 5.081.

5.081/Open Record Policy
Students are eligible to inspect and review any of their educational records maintained by the University. The University has 45 days to respond to individual requests, though in typical situations this should not be necessary. Students wishing to challenge the accuracy of their records are entitled to a hearing, upon written request, which will be arranged by the dean of the college in which they are enrolled. Students are also entitled to the names of persons from outside the University who request access to their records and the reasons for such requests. Requests from individuals within the University who, in the normal course of their duties do not have a reason for reviewing a student's educational record, will also be recorded. Information in a student's record other than Directory Information will not be released without a student's permission or unless the student has waived his/her right, in writing, in restricted situations. Exceptions to the statements above are noted in Public Law 93-380, a copy of which is available to students in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

~~Implications of Public Law 93-380 for faculty members include the following:~~

Any materials constituting a student's educational record (e.g., a faculty member's grade book) except notes made for a faculty member's own use, must be made available for inspection (with appropriate safeguard for the privacy of other students).

~~Unless a student signs a waiver, all letters of recommendation written for a student must be available to the student for inspection.~~

Faculty members may be unsure as to whether specific material is part of a student's "educational record." Questions relating to applicability of the act should be directed to the Vice President for Student Affairs.

5.082/Confidentiality of Student Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 requires that no one outside the University shall have access to any information from a student's education records without the prior written consent of the student, except to personnel with the University who have a legitimate educational interest, to persons or organizations providing the student financial aid, to accrediting agencies carrying out their accreditation function, to persons in compliance with a judicial order, and to persons in an emergency in order to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons. Within the WSU community, only those persons acting in the student's educational interest are allowed access to student education records. These persons include personnel in the Office of Admissions, Registrar's Office, Controller's Office, University Computing Center, Financial Aids Office, Library, Placement and Career Services, Cooperative Education Office, Institutional Planning and Analysis, College offices, and other administrative and academic personnel within the limitation of their need to know.

5.09/Students with Disabilities--Academic Adjustments
Pursuant to the Vocational and Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal regulations have been adopted mandating that colleges and universities bring persons with disabilities into the mainstream of college and university life. The University is required to make such modifications in its academic requirements as are necessary to ensure that such requirements do not discriminate or have the effect of discriminating on the basis of disability. Areas in which academic adjustments may be necessary are identified below.

Academic Requirements. Changes in the length of time permitted for completion of degree requirements, substitution of specific courses required for the completion of degree requirements, and adaptation of the manner in which specific courses are conducted.

~~Other Rules. Elimination of any rules which have the effect of limiting participation of handicapped students, such as rules prohibiting use of tape recorders in classrooms.~~

Examinations. Alternative methods for evaluating the achievement of students who have a disability that impairs sensory, manual, or speaking skills that will best assure that the results of evaluation represent the student's achievement in the course, rather than reflecting the disability.

The Director of the Resource Center for Independence is the coordinator of the WSU compliance effort. The Resource Center for Independence provides many services and resources and all questions regarding Wichita State University's efforts to assist those with disabilities should be addressed to the Resource Center.

5.10/Posthumous Degrees
The award of a posthumous degree recognizes the academic achievement of the student. Upon the recommendation of the student's major department to award a posthumous degree, the dean of the college will contact the family to ascertain their wishes and then will forward an appropriate recommendation to the Academic Vice President with a copy to the registrar. If the degree to be awarded is a graduate degree, the chair's concurrence with the award must note the approval of the graduate faculty of the department. To be eligible for a posthumous degree and undergraduate student must be within thirty (30) hours of completing the degree. A graduate student must be "near completion" of the degree.

~~5.11/Other Policies~~

5.111/Teaching Loads
The standard teaching load normally shall be the equivalent of a 12-hour maximum, with no more than three different preparations.

5.112/Evaluation of Teaching --- remove or add to Policy in chapt 3 http://webs.wichita.edu/senate/handbook/CHAPT3_B_6.html#3.263%20Evaluation%20of%20Teaching
The Kansas Board of Regents recognizes the need for performance evaluation systems that review, assess and enhance faculty performance. It is essential that evaluation processes incorporate guidelines relevant to the achievement of the traditional academic goals and objectives of teaching, research and professional service, while recognizing the unique nature and diversity of the universities. To this end, it is necessary that guidelines be established and evaluations conducted in a manner that is flexible enough to serve the particular mission, objectives and needs of the Regents universities, their colleges and departments.

The Board recognizes that faculty evaluation should be a participatory, cooperative and continuing process. Given varied faculty responsibilities and specializations among and within disciplines, the evaluation process should provide for faculty participation in the preparation of evaluation guidelines. Therefore, the process should be as localized as possible in order to adapt criteria and procedures to individual or departmental circumstances.

The faculty evaluation performance procedures should fulfill the following objectives:

1. To recognize teaching as the highest priority of the Regents system, while acknowledging that individual faculty or units may vary in their emphasis on teaching, research and service.

2. To involve faculty in the design and evaluation of objectives and goals of their academic programs and in the identification of the performance expectations central to their professional growth.

3. To assess actual performance and accomplishments in the areas of teaching, research and professional service.

4. To promote the effectiveness of faculty members through an articulation of the types of contributions they might make to the university community that will lead to greater professional rewards.

5. To provide a written record of faculty performance to support such personnel decisions as retention, promotion, tenure, sabbatical leave, merit increases, transfer, reassignment and reemployment.

6. To recognize special talents, capabilities and achievements of faculty members.

7. To develop strategies to link evaluation and its outcomes to assistance and support for growth and development.

In order to implement this Statement of Philosophy on Faculty Evaluation, the Task Force makes three recommendations to the Kansas Board of Regents:

Recommendation One: The Task Force recommends that the Board of Regents adopt the following policy statement on faculty evaluation:

Policy Statement: It is the policy of the Kansas Board of Regents that salary increases for faculty shall be based on the annual evaluation of their performance as it relates to the mission of the institution, college/school and department in accordance with the following guidelines:

1. Faculty evaluation criteria, procedures and instruments shall be developed through faculty participation in each department, college or division and recorded to express the performance expectations of faculty therein. Criteria, procedures and instruments shall be:

a. sufficiently flexible to meet the objectives of the unit.

b. sensitive to long-term faculty activities and outcomes.

c. approved by the chief academic officer of each university.

d. compatible with contemporary research and scholarly literature on faculty evaluation.

2. Evaluation instruments should ordinarily include but not be limited to:

a. information on the quality of research, the amount of research, the media in which findings are disseminated, and the reception and importance of the research; and

b. student ratings, tests or other means of assessing student learning, course syllabi and other instructional materials.

3. Each Regents university shall make available to faculty a ratings instrument for the student evaluation of teaching performance in all appropriate courses. The instrument must be norm-referenced and corrected for sources of bias as demonstrated in evaluation research.

4. The evaluation of the faculty member's performance and expectations for the future shall be discussed with him/her. Documentation recording the sense of the discussion shall be provided to the faculty member.

a. The faculty member shall be given the opportunity to add comments to the statement as part of the official record before it is considered at the next higher administrative level.

b. Each Regents university shall establish a procedure by which a faculty member who disagrees with the evaluation may request that his/her evaluation be reviewed.

Recommendation Two: The Task Force recommends that each Regents university develop and implement a plan to supplement its annual faculty evaluation system. Each plan should include procedures and strategies for the:

1. training of departmental chairs in the administration of faculty evaluation.

2. linkage of the outcomes of faculty evaluation with assistance for renewal and development.

3. training and supervision of graduate teaching assistants.

Recommendation Three: The Task Force recommends that the Board of Regents appoint a systemwide Technical Advisory Committee on Faculty Evaluation, primarily responsible for assisting the Regents institutions in identifying and recommending norm-based student ratings instruments suitable for each institution.

5.113/Required Evaluation of Teaching
Moved that the Faculty Senate supports the right of the chair of a department to require formal evaluation of the instruction offered by a member of the faculty in cases of formal complaint in writing by student or students in that faculty member's class or classes. In case of complaints regarding a chair's teaching, recourse should be had to the dean of that chair's college. Complaints may be brought during the term in which the class or classes were taught or in the next subsequent term. Choice of the means of evaluation and the number of classes in which that evaluation is to be done will be determined by the chair in consultation with that member of the faculty. This procedure is in addition to the other complaint procedures in the Handbook for Faculty. (3-89)

5.114/Student Access to Faculty--Office Hours
All members of the faculty shall file office hours with the dean of the college not later than the beginning of the second week of each semester. The schedule of office hours should be posted at the faculty member's office and should be announced to each class. The office hours should be extensive enough to provide ample opportunity for scheduled and unscheduled conferences with students. Every reasonable effort should be made to maintain the office hours as scheduled and announced.

5.12/Policies Related to Dangerous Weather

5.121/Tornado Warning Policy
In the event of a tornado warning which activates the warning sirens, instructors shall immediately dismiss classes and send students to the nearest shelter. Signs are posted in each building identifying the location of tornado shelter areas.

5.122/Inclement Weather Policy
In the event of inclement weather such as heavy snowfalls, ice storms, or other emergencies, the President of the University may cancel classes. The cancellation of classes is handled through Campus Security. The university will also notify all radio and television stations. If classes are cancelled, the President may choose to have the time made up through the use of additional days.

~~5.13/Honorary Degree Policy~~
~~The Kansas Board of Regents discontinued the policy of Honorary Degrees~~.

Wichita State University
Faculty Senate
1845 Fairmont
Box 111
Wichita, Kansas 67260-0111
(316) 978-3504
Email: bobbi.dreiling@wichita.edu