Student Rights & Freedoms

1400.100 STUDENT RIGHTS & FREEDOMS PROCEDURE

Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) shall admit all individuals who qualify according to current admission requirements. The college, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1993, as amended, RCW 49.60.030, 040, or other applicable laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, parental status or families with children, marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, being a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or because of participation or lack of participation in union activities, disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any real or perceived sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other prohibited basis, in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services, programs, and activities.

Admissions under the Running Start program are subject to the rules and regulations of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and the Washington Student Achievement Council. Curriculum offerings shall be provided to meet the educational and training needs of the community. All students, regardless of their courses of study, shall be considered, known, and recognized equally as members of the student body.

The following protections apply to students attending any class at WVC.

1. Student performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis (which may include attendance), not on the opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards.
2. Students are expected to attend classes for which they are registered. When absence occurs because of illness or other urgent reasons, including hazardous weather conditions, it is the obligation of the student to complete makeup work deemed necessary by the instructor.
3. Students shall have the right to appeal their academic evaluation. At the same time, they are responsible for maintaining standards of academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled.

B. PROTECTION OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

Students are 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.

C. PROTECTION AGAINST IMPROPER DISCLOSURE

Individual student views, beliefs, and political associations which faculty members acquire in the course of their work as instructors, advisors, and counselors, are to be considered confidential.

D. CONFIDENTIALITY OF STUDENT RECORDS

Student Records are managed in accord with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). To minimize the risk of improper disclosure, academic and disciplinary records shall be separate. Transcripts of academic records shall contain only information about academic status, except when a student is dismissed for misconduct. Record of dismissal for misconduct shall be entered on a student transcript. Academic records, or information from disciplinary or counseling files, shall not be available to unauthorized persons on campus, or to individuals off campus, without the written consent of the student involved, except under legal compulsion or in cases where the safety of persons or property is involved. No records shall be kept which reflect the political activities or beliefs of students. Provision shall be made for the destruction of non-current disciplinary records after a period of three years. Administrative staff and faculty members shall respect confidential student information acquired in the course of their work.

E. FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION

Students are free to organize and to participate in voluntary associations of their own choosing. To be officially recognized, the Associated Students of Wenatchee Valley College must grant student organizations an official charter. Procedures for obtaining an official charter are published in the student handbook and found in the ASWVC bylaws. To receive or maintain official recognition, a student organization must be open to all students without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, parental status or families with children, marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, being a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or because of participation or lack of participation in union activities, disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any real or perceived sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other prohibited basis.

F. FREEDOM FROM SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

It is the policy of Wenatchee Valley College to maintain an academic and work environment free of sexual misconduct, which includes sexual harassment, sexual intimidation and sexual violence. Sexual harassment of faculty, staff or students is against the law and will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment violates the dignity of individuals and impedes the realization of the college’s educational mission. The college is committed to preventing and addressing sexual harassment of faculty, staff and students through education and by encouraging faculty, staff and students to report any concerns or complaints about sexual harassment. Prompt corrective measures will be taken to stop sexual harassment whenever and wherever it occurs. See WVC college policy 000.340 sexual harassment/Title IX policy and 1000.340 sexual harassment/Title IX procedure.

The college strongly urges all members of the community to immediately report any incident of sexual harassment to WVC’s Title IX Coordinator. More information on reporting, investigation and commitment can be found in WVC Sexual Harassment/Title IX policy 000.340 and procedure 1000.340.

G. RIGHT TO DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS

Handbills, leaflets and similar materials, whether sold or distributed free of charge, may be distributed by regularly enrolled students and members of recognized student organizations in all areas of the campus, except classrooms, so long as such distribution does not interfere with the educational process, the free flow of traffic, or the rights of others. Such materials shall bear identification as to the distributing organization or individual.

Non-students may distribute legal and noncommercial materials on campus in open areas and outside entrances to building so long as such distribution does not interfere with college affairs, scheduled programs and activities, or the free flow of traffic. Material may not be placed on or in automobiles. Inside distribution of materials by non-students must have prior approval of the president or a designee.

The college reserves the right at all times to evaluate each event or activity separately and to regulate the distribution of materials in terms of time, place and manner by furnishing reasonable notice to interested parties.

H. COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES

College facilities may not be used for commercial solicitation, advertising or promotional activities except when such activities clearly serve educational objectives. These activities must be sanctioned by the president or designee and shall not interfere with college affairs or the free flow of traffic. The college reserves the right to charge commercial vendors for the use of college facilities or space. Students have the right to engage in incidental sales of personal property in a private transaction provided college facilities are not explicitly used for this purpose.

I. FREEDOM OF PUBLICATIONS AND PRESS

Student publications and the student press are valuable aids in establishing and maintaining an atmosphere of free and responsible discussion and of intellectual exploration on the campus.

J. FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND ASSEMBLY

No rule shall restrict student expression solely based on disapproval or fear of the student's ideas or motives. Students and student organizations shall be free to examine and discuss all questions of interest to them, and to express opinions publicly and privately.

1. Students and members of the public are guaranteed the rights of free inquiry, expression, and assembly on the outdoor college facilities that are generally open and available to the public.
2. Any recognized ASWVC organization may utilize available college activities as provided for in official ASWVC documents. Facilities will be provided free of charge to the organization except when such use necessitates staffing and services beyond regular college requirements. Standard college fees will be charged in these cases. Use of facilities for purposes other than those approved or in an irresponsible manner may result in withdrawal of this privilege for an organization. Student organizations should schedule the facility use request with the chief student programs officer or designee through the ASWVC activity council three (3) days in advance of an event whenever possible.
3. Modes of expression or assembly that are manifestly unreasonable or disruptive in terms of time, place, or manner may be restricted. Students and members of the public must ensure that assemblies are conducted in an orderly manner and:
   
   1. Do not unreasonably interfere with classes, scheduled meetings or ceremonies, or regular functions of the college.
   2. Do not unreasonably interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or
   3. Do not cause destruction or damage to college property, including library materials, or private property on college facilities.
4. Assemblies that violate these rules may be ordered to disperse by the college in accordance with Washington State statutes.
5. A non-student who violates any provision of the rule may be required to leave the campus or section of campus or facility and/or be referred to civilian authorities for criminal prosecution.
6. A student, student group, or student organization that violates any provision of the rule may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with this code. This may also include criminal prosecution.

K. RIGHT TO INVITE OFF-CAMPUS SPEAKERS

Any recognized ASWVC student organization with the written sanction of its adviser, may invite speakers on campus subject to the normal restraints imposed by consideration of the laws of the United States and the state of Washington.

1. Faculty members may invite speakers to make presentations to classes on topics related to materials being studied.
2. Faculty organizations may schedule speakers for appearances before faculty groups subject to the normal constraints imposed by consideration of the laws of the United States and the state of Washington.
3. The appearance of an invited speaker on the campus does not involve an endorsement, either implicit or explicit, of his views by this college, its students, its faculty, its administration or its board of trustees.
4. The college may require and arrange to have views other than those of the invited speaker represented at the meeting, or at a subsequent meeting. The president may, at his discretion, assign a representative to preside over any meeting where a speaker has been invited.

L. RIGHT TO BE INTERVIEWED

Every student has the right to be interviewed on campus by any legal organization desiring to recruit at the college.

M. RIGHT TO DUE PROCESS

Students subject to disciplinary action by the college are entitled to a hearing, the procedures for which guarantee that the student will receive fair treatment, and which allow the college to take appropriate action. Pending action on college or civil charges, the status of a student will not be altered, or his or her right to be present on the campus and to attend classes suspended, except for reasons relating to his physical or emotional safety and well-being, or for reasons relating to the safety and well-being of students, staff or college property.

N. FREEDOM FROM UNREASONABLE SEARCH

Students have the right to be secure in their persons, quarters, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Originally approved by the president’s cabinet: 3/6/01
Revised and approved by the president’s cabinet 11/5/02, 8/23/05, 9/10/10, 7/29/14, 8/18/20
Presented to the board of trustees: 9/21/05, 9/22/10, 9/11/14, 9/9/20
Last reviewed: 8/12/20
Procedure contact: Student Services

Related policies and procedures
000.190 Expressive Activities Policy
000.300 Freedom of Inquiry & Expression Policy
000.330 Discrimination & Discriminatory Harassment Policy
000.340 Sexual Harassment/Title IX Policy
400.100 Student Rights and Responsibilities/Code of Student Contact Policy
500.125 Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy
1000.330 Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Procedure
1000.345 Sexual Harassment/Title IX Employee Disciplinary Hearing Procedure
1400.110 Code of Student Conduct Procedure