Student Rights and Responsibilities

The Student Code of Conduct is designed to promote responsible behavior for all students consistent with the values and welfare of the Florida Polytechnic University community. It exists to define the behavioral rights and responsibilities of University Students and Student Organizations. The Code of Conduct fosters and enhances the academic mission of the University as well as protects the rights of all University students, faculty, and staff.

For the most current version of the Student Code of Conduct see FPU 3.006.

The student has the right to:

(i) Be provided with the opportunity to obtain a relevant, quality education, consistent with the mission of the University;

(ii) Freedom from self-incrimination. However, the University is not required to postpone any disciplinary proceeding pending the outcome of a criminal prosecution;

(iii) Receive accurate information about the University, its programs, its costs, and its expectations;

(iv) Be informed of and receive just and unbiased treatment under the rules and regulations of the University, in its classes, in its residential life, and in its extracurricular activities;

(v) Be informed of, and be graded on, specific requirements for each program and each course;

(vi) Be treated in a respectful manner by all other members of the University community;

(vii) Be informed of decisions impacting his or her status, advancement, or exercise of University benefits, and have the opportunity to appeal, through a defined process and framework, those decisions in accordance with the procedures prescribed in this Student Code of Conduct;

(viii) Have only related past behavior considered in any student conduct hearing;

(ix) Exercise his or her rights and privileges without fear of university interference and without regard to age, race, gender, national origin, sexual preference, disability, religion, political views, veteran status or any other protected status;

(x) Privacy, including the confidentiality of education records according to the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA);

(xi) Participate in the student government and its elective process;

(xii) Membership in student organizations;

(xiii) Engage in inquiry and discussion, to exchange thought and opinion, and to speak, write, and print freely on any subject;

(xiv) Participate in the formulation of policy directly affecting students through membership on appropriate committees and student organizations;

(xv) Engage in peaceful and orderly speech, protest, demonstration, and picketing within the public forum which does not disrupt the educational functions of the University or violate any University policy or regulation;

(xvi) Adequate notice of charges alleged and a fair and impartial hearing under the Student Code of Conduct; (xvii) Bring complaints to the attention of the University through the Student Grievance Process;

(xviii) Be secure in their persons, living quarters, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures;

(xix) Retain ownership of class projects and assignments authored by the student and submitted to fulfill the requirements of a course in accordance with the University’s Intellectual Property policy; and

(xx) Ready access to established university policies and procedures.

The student has the responsibility to:

(i) Observe and comply with all University regulations and policies and local, state and federal laws;

(ii) Move forward in intellectual development, while taking advantage of the many opportunities provided in this University environment for total personal growth, development, and maturation;

(iii) Respect the rights and privacy of others;

(iv) Accept the consequences of one’s actions;

(v) Maintain high standards of academic integrity and honor in all work submitted;

(vi) Conduct oneself in a manner which does not infringe upon the rights of other members of the University community; and

(vii) As members of both the University and the surrounding community, demonstrate respect and concern for one’s neighbors. Therefore, students, both residential and nonresidential, have an obligation to demonstrate responsible citizenship in their local neighborhood and communities.