Rights and Responsibilities

Upon enrollment, Cal State Channel Islands students are entitled to the following freedoms and/or rights provided the exercise thereof is accomplished in accordance with University procedures and does not result in disruption or disturbance as elsewhere described in this Student Guidebook and other University rules and regulations.

Table of Contents

• Use of Social Security Number
• Cancellation of Registration or Withdrawal from the Institution
• Student Conduct and Discipline
• Participation in Associated Students, Inc., and its Elective Process
• Fair and Impartial Hearing
• Confidentiality of Student Records
• Student Grievance Procedure
  • Procedure
• Provisions for Victims/Survivors of Acts of Violence
• Student Responsibilities
• Personal Health Responsibilities

Use of Social Security Number [top]

Applicants are required to include their correct social security numbers in designated places on applications for admission pursuant to the authority contained in Section 41201, Title 5, California Code of Regulations, and Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6109). The University uses the social security number to identify students and their records including identification for purposes of financial aid eligibility and disbursement and the repayment of financial aid and other debts payable to the institution. Also, the Internal Revenue Service requires the University to file information returns that include the student’s social security number and other information such as the amount paid for qualified tuition, related expenses, and interest on educational loans. This information is used by the IRS to help determine whether a student or a person claiming a student as a dependent may take a credit or deduction to reduce federal income taxes.

Cancellation of Registration or Withdrawal from the Institution [top]

Students who find it necessary to cancel their registration or to withdraw from all classes after enrolling for any academic term are required to follow the University’s official withdrawal policy. Failure to follow formal University procedures may result in an obligation to pay fees as well as the assignment of failing grades in all courses and the need to apply for readmission before being permitted to enroll in another academic term. Information on canceling registration and the withdrawal policy is available from Enrollment Services.

Students who receive financial aid funds must consult with the Financial Aid office prior to withdrawing from the University regarding any required return or repayment of grant or loan assistance received for that academic term or payment period. If a recipient of student financial aid funds withdraws from the institution during an academic term or a payment period, the amount of grant or loan assistance received may be subject to return and/or repayment provisions.

Student Conduct and Discipline [top]

(Refer to the Judicial Affairs section of this guidebook.)

Participation in Associated Students, Inc., and its Elective Process [top]

Upon enrollment, students are entitled to participate in the Associated Students, Inc., and its elective process.

Fair and Impartial Hearing [top]

These matters shall include, but are not limited to, disciplinary proceedings involving alleged violations of academic and nonacademic rules and regulations.

Confidentiality of Student Records [top]

Each University office and agency, which generates, collects, and disseminates information on students, must follow the guidelines for confidentiality of those records in their possession. For further information, see the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policy.

Student Grievance Procedure [top]

Students have the right to bring complaints regarding faculty or staff to the attention of the University.

PROCEDURE

If you have a complaint or problem, please follow these steps to resolution:

• When the complaint involves faculty or staff in Academic Affairs, address the concern (in this order) to:
  • the faculty member (first step)
  • the program chair
  • the Dean of the Faculty
  • the Vice President for Academic Affairs
• When the complaint involves an administrative office or staff member, address the concern (in this order) to:
  • the employee (first step)
  • the employee’s supervisor (if not the Director)
  • the director of the Department
  • the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Dean of Student Life, or the Dean of Enrollment Services (whichever is applicable)
  • the Vice President for Student Affairs or the Vice President for Academic Affairs

If your complaint is not resolved at the first step, please submit your complaint in writing. Please do not skip any of the steps outlined above or go directly to the Vice President or President without following the proper procedures.

Provisions for Victims/Survivors of Acts of Violence [top]

To ensure fairness to victims/survivors of acts of violence throughout the disciplinary process, the University has established the following provisions for victims/survivors:

• A provision for a victim/survivor to have a person of his/her choice accompany him/her throughout the judicial process. This person will act as a support person or counsel but will not represent the victim/survivor.
• A provision for the victim/survivor to submit a list of questions relating to the alleged incident prior to the hearing, that she/he feels the accused should be asked during the hearing process.
• A provision not to have his/her irrelevant past conduct, including sexual history, discussed during the hearing. The issue of irrelevancy shall be determined by the judicial officer or hearing officer.
• The opportunity to make a victim/survivor impact statement, and to suggest an appropriate penalty (to include appropriate compensation) if the accused is found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
• A provision to know the outcome of the judicial process after making a commitment to protect the confidentiality for all persons involved.

Student Responsibilities [top]

The most basic responsibility of a student is to study and move forward in intellectual development while taking advantage of the many opportunities provided in a university environment for all around personal growth, development and maturation.

Students and organizations are responsible for the observation of all guidelines, rules and regulations of California State University Channel Islands. Compliance should follow awareness and understanding which helps fulfill the objectives of better university government as well as the identification and acceptance of personal and social responsibilities.

Rights and freedoms in any environment are protected through exercised responsibilities and maintained through an established system for justice. The ideal balance of control for liberties is strongly weighted toward understanding and observing regulations as acts of individual responsibility not always because of agreement, but because compliance also serves the best interests of all and helps in the completion of identified missions.

The University has compiled student governing information in this guidebook to help provide direction and awareness for the University community. It is each student’s responsibility to become aware of and learn the regulatory content and procedures for dealing with problems, which may arise in the course of educational events.
When University regulations are judged as not serving the best interests of all, the consideration for change should be introduced through appropriate channels. In the case of students, this will most often be Student Government (SG) or other student governing group(s).

Within the University, emphasis is placed on the development of each individual’s recognition and acceptance of personal and social responsibilities. Collegiality, civility and standards represent the University’s core values as well as its contribution to the well-being of society.

Personal Health Responsibilities [top]

Each student must assume a certain level of responsibility for his or her education and for the maintenance of health. Learning and education take place within a body. A drugged or mistreated body can neither absorb nor retain meaningful information.

The University has established regulations against the misuse of drugs and alcohol and has designated penalties for these violations (please see the Policies section of this guidebook for further information). These efforts minimally are to serve the best interest of the students at CSUCI; the maximum effort is to encourage students to develop a lifestyle free of drug abuse and to understand the connections between life, learning, and proper functioning of the integrated body and mind. A broad range of student services provided through the Division of Student Affairs are available to assist students in solving problems which negatively affect their performance. The Student Health Center is designed to help students target health-related problems and find solutions. The wellness concept encourages self-direction for a lifestyle, which addresses meaningful living, recognizes problems, initiates action, and promotes use of available services.