University Policies
Students, faculty, and administrators are members of a community dedicated to the growth and development of individuals.
Enrollment at K-State entails responsibilities as well as privileges. Acceptance of and adherence to the following policies are necessary for the protection of the rights of others and the protection and health of the community.
Complete copies of these policies, which are excerpted below, are available in the Office of Student Activities and Services in the K-State Student Union and the Office of Student Life in Holton Hall, unless otherwise indicated. The most current version of these policies is available in the University Handbook: www.ksu.edu/uauc/fhbook. Information about these policies can also be found in the student life handbook section of the campus phone book.
For information about other policies go to ww.ksu.edu/policies.
Academic grievance
The following procedures will be employed to deal with academic grievances brought by students against faculty members and with grade appeals. These procedures will serve three functions: (1) safeguard the rights and academic freedom of both students and faculty, (2) assure due process, and (3) provide for consistency in handling undergraduate academic grievances throughout the university.
Grievances against faculty or administrators
Unethical actions by faculty or administrators should be reported as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. The grievance must be made within six months of the alleged unethical action(s). Students should begin by contacting the office of their dean. The dean, or a representative of the dean, will describe the procedure to be followed and will aid the student in procedural matters. Further, the dean or representative will appoint a faculty member as an advocate for the student if the situation seems to warrant an advocate or if the student requests an advocate. If a faculty advocate is appointed, the student will participate in the selection of, and must agree to the appointment of, the person selected. The advocate need not be in the college of the alleged violator.
Grievances involving change of grade (but not academic dishonesty)
a. All efforts will be made by the student and instructor involved to settle grade disputes. Grade appeals must be initiated within six months following the issue date of the grade in question.
b. If a grade change grievance is not resolved by the student and instructor, the student may appeal in writing to the department head who will act as a mediator in the dispute. This appeal should be made within two weeks of the date of the original appeal. At this time, the student may petition the dean of his or her college for an ombudsperson. The duties of the ombudsperson are to arrange meetings of all concerned parties and report actions taken at each level to the appropriate persons or groups. The role of the ombudsperson is to expedite the process and to ensure a fair hearing.
c. If the grievance has not been settled to the student's satisfaction at the department level, written appeal may be made to the dean of the college in which the course is taken. This appeal should be made within two weeks of the date of receipt of the appeal by the department head. The dean will act as a second mediator.
d. If the student does not feel that an adequate solution has been reached in any academic dispute, she/he may appeal in writing to the Undergraduate Grievance Board, which will arbitrate the dispute. This appeal should be made within two weeks of the date of receipt of the appeal by the dean.
e. The two week time limits given in the sections above are intended to move the grievance process along at a reasonable rate. The limits may be modified for reasonable reasons such as illness, scheduled academic holidays, or mutual consent of both parties.
Advertising, sales, and solicitation
Facilities of Kansas State University are not available for unrestricted use by non-university groups. University property may not be used for commercial purposes except when sponsored by a university-affiliated organization or department. The regulations governing fund-raising and the posting and distribution of literature are available in the Office of Student Activities and Services.
Alcohol and cereal malt beverage policy
The legal drinking age in Kansas for alcoholic beverage is 21. The Kansas Board of Regents policy permits the use and sale of cereal malt beverages (3.2 beer) under authorized and appropriately controlled conditions and regulations. By state law, the sale of alcoholic liquor is not permitted on state property. Included in the K-State policy is information on alcohol and cereal malt beverage consumption in residence halls, at athletic events, and for student organizations.
Drug-free workplace policy
In 1988, Congress passed the Drug-Free Workplace Act. This act applies to all institutions holding and applying for federal grants and contracts. K-State adopted the policy that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances is prohibited in its workplace.
Facilities usage
K-State facilities are available for use by authorized groups for activities that complement the teaching, research, and service programs of the university. Policies and procedures for use of K-State facilities (other than the K-State Student Union) are available in the Division of Facilities in Dykstra Hall.
Policies and procedures for use of the K-State Student Union are available in the Union Reservations Office on the second floor or in the Source Handbook for Registered Organizations.
Gender
The university seeks to create an environment in which all students, faculty, and staff interact solely on the basis of individual strengths and characteristics without having those interactions shaped by generalizations, stereotypes, or valuations based on gender. Copies of applicable policies are available in the Women's Center in Holton Hall and Affirmative Action Office in Anderson Hall.
HIV/AIDS university guidelines
Under the direction of the Kansas Board of Regents, the university has developed guidelines to assist students, faculty, and staff in the event that a situation involving Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) should occur. Current copies of the guidelines are available upon request from the Department of Health Education and Promotion, Lafene Health Center.
Political activity guidelines
All members of the university community are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to educate themselves regarding the candidates and issues relating to national, state, and local elections. Copies of the university guidelines related to political activities on campus are available in the Office of Student Activities and Services.
Racial and/or ethnic harassment
Racial and/or ethnic harassment is prohibited by K-State and includes conduct toward an individual or group on the basis of race, ethnicity, or racial affiliation that has the purpose and effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment; interfering with an individual's work, academic performance, living environment, personal security, or participation in any university-sponsored activities; or threatening an individual's employment or academic opportunities.
Racial and/or ethnic harassment should be reported to the university administrator responsible for the department or unit or to the Office of Affirmative Action. For students with complaints of harassment by other students, the dean or associate dean of student life may be regarded as the appropriate administrator. Copies of the policy are also available from the Office of Affirmative Action in Anderson Hall.
Religious activities
In a pluralistic, multicultural, and interdenominational university environment, freedom of worship is supported. Religious programs and activities must comply with university policies as well as federal, state, and local laws. In keeping with its education mission, the university may specify the time, place, and manner of religious events, but may not regulate their content.
Since students may refrain from class and work activities on major faith holidays, faculty and staff are requested to give consideration to these religious holidays in planning exams, deadlines, and class requirements. Students are requested to coordinate their plans with instructors in preparation for these observances. Assistance or clarification may be received at the Office of the Coordinator of Religious Activities, Holton Hall.
Sexual harassment policy
K-State prohibits sexual harassment and has defined sexual harassment as any behavior that, through inappropriate sexual content or disparagement of members of one sex, interferes with an individual's work or learning environment. This policy applies to the working and learning relationships of all individuals within the university community—faculty, staff, and students.
Sexual harassment should be reported to the university administrator responsible for the department or unit or to the Office of Affirmative Action. Students with complaints of harassment by other students should contact the Women's Center, Office of Student Life, or the Office ofAffirmative Action. Copies of the policy prohibiting sexual harassment are available from the Office of Student Activities and Services, departmental offices, the Women's Center, Office of Student Life or the Office of Affirmative Action.
Sexual violence
No form of sexual violence will be tolerated or condoned at Kansas State University. This policy prohibits not only those acts commonly understood to constitute ``sexual assault,'' but all attempts to coerce sexual activity as well. Although the university cannot assure protection from sexual violence, it can state expectations of conduct and impose sanctions on any university student who fails to meet those expectations. Copies of the policy prohibiting sexual violence are available in the Women's Center in Holton Hall.
Student discrimination review committee guidelines
The Student Discrimination Review Committee hears complaints of discrimination from students based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, military status, or age in employment, academic areas or other programs, services, or activities in the university community. This committee is an appellate body and is to be used if a satisfactory resolution is not reached at the departmental or unit head level.
The committee is appointed by the university president upon recommendations from the student body president and the president of Faculty Senate. Copies of this policy are available from the Office of Student Activities and Services or the Office of Affirmative Action.
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