Regulations Rights Responsibilities

University Regulations

I) University Principles of General Conduct and Regulations

The primary purposes of regulations and discipline in a university are to protect the well being of the community and to advance its educational mission by defining and establishing certain norms of behavior. The rules and policy statements that follow serve mainly to clarify commonly accepted standards of conduct within the University

II) Statement on Diversity and Community

Dubrovnik International University is a community devoted to learning. We actively seek students, faculty, and staff of exceptional ability and promise who share in our commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship, and who will bring a diversity of viewpoints and cultures. In the words of the University President, “knowledge is gained in a setting that encourages critical thinking and participation by all, in which questions seek not the singular correct response but the exchange of ideas from diverse participants. It is an environment that appreciates each new contribution from all its members, students and professors alike, because it is only by absorbing and analyzing differing beliefs and viewpoints that we can ever arrive to a solution. In a time when the once widely accepted political, social and economic principles are subject to increasing scrutiny, students are afforded an opportunity to formulate new ideas, new paths and new attitudes that are not constrained by a need to follow previous visions.” As a community, we respect the dignity, individuality, and freedom of each member. At the same time, we strive to be a place where individuals and groups learn with and from each other. We aim to foster a sense of shared experience and common purpose, along with a collective responsibility for each other’s well-being and for the well-being of the University as a whole.

III) Honesty in University Matters

Members of the University community are expected to be honest and straightforward in their official dealings with University processes, activities, and personnel. This obligation includes honoring contracts and agreements and providing accurate information on official forms and documents as well as to official University personnel, offices, and committees. Deliberate violations of this provision will be considered serious offenses; subsequent violations, or systematic violations in the first instance, will be considered extremely serious.

IV) Range of Penalties

For violations of University-wide rules of conduct, members of the community are subject to several kinds of penalties. The applicability and exact nature of each penalty vary for faculty, students, professional staff, and employees; but in general the penalties, in ascending order of severity, are:

1. Warning
A formal admonition that does not become part of an individual’s permanent record, but that may be taken into account in judging the seriousness of any future violation.

2. Disciplinary Probation
A more serious admonition assigned for a definite amount of time, up to two years. It implies that any future violation, of whatever kind, during that time, may be grounds for suspension, required withdrawal, or in especially serious cases, for expulsion, from the University. Disciplinary probation will be taken into account in judging the seriousness of any subsequent infraction even if the probationary period has expired.
Disciplinary probation appears on an individual’s permanent record at the University (but not on the transcript) and may be disclosed by the Office of the Dean of Students in response to requests for which the student has given permission.

3. Withholding of Degree
In cases involving seniors or graduate students, the University may withhold a student’s degree for a specified period of time. This penalty is imposed instead of suspension at the end of senior year. In such a case, the student may be permitted to remain on campus to complete his or her academic requirements for the degree.

4. Suspension
Removal from membership and enrollment in or employment by the University for a specified period of time. Suspension will appear on a student’s permanent record.

5. Required Withdrawal
Removal from membership and enrollment in, or employment by, the University for at least the period of time specified by the suspension, with the suspension to continue until certain conditions, stipulated by the appropriate body applying this sanction, have been fulfilled. These conditions may include restitution of damages, formal apology, or counseling. An appropriate body may be asked to judge whether conditions set have been fulfilled before the individual is reinstated in the University community. Required withdrawal will appear on a student’s permanent record.

6. Expulsion
Permanent removal from membership and enrollment in, or employment by, the University, without hope of readmission to the community. For members of the faculty, expulsion may involve revocation of tenure.

V) Circumstances Affecting Health or Safety

In circumstances seriously affecting the health or well-being of any person, or where physical safety is seriously threatened, or where the ability of the University to carry out its essential operations is seriously threatened, or impaired, the president or his or her representative, a senior officer of the University authorized by him or her, may summarily suspend, dismiss, or bar any person from the University. In all such cases, actions taken are subject to reasonably prompt subsequent review by regular University processes or authorities. If a review process is not otherwise available, the provost will act in this capacity if requested to do so.

VI) Respect for Others

Respect for the rights and privileges of all University members is essential in preserving the spirit of community at Dubrovnik International University. Actions which make the atmosphere intimidating, threatening, or hostile to individuals are therefore regarded as serious offenses. Abusive or harassing behavior, verbal or physical, which demeans, intimidates, threatens, or injures another because of personal characteristics or beliefs or their expression, is subject to University disciplinary sanctions as described above. Examples of personal characteristics or beliefs include but are not limited to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, and handicap. Making tolerance of such behavior or submission to it a condition of employment, evaluation, compensation, or advancement is an especially serious offense.
Dubrovnik International University strives to be an intellectual community in which all members can participate fully and equally, in an atmosphere free from all manifestations of bias and from all forms of harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. As an intellectual community, it attaches great value to freedom of expression and vigorous debate, but it also attaches great importance to mutual respect, and it deplores expressions of hatred directed against any individual or group. The University seeks to promote the full inclusion of all members and groups in every aspect of University life.
Mutual respect requires special sensitivity to issues of race, religion and ethnicity. Expressions of racial, religious or ethnic bias directed at individuals or groups undermine the civility and sense of community on which the well-being of the University depends. They devalue the distinctive contributions of the individuals affected and impair their ability to contribute their views and talents to the community and to benefit fully from participating in it. By alienating those individuals, they harm the whole community. The University calls on all its members to display the appropriate sensitivity and to challenge expressions of racial, religious or ethnic bias whenever they encounter them.

Unlawful Forms of Bias, Discrimination, or Harassment
We define unlawful harassment is defined as unwelcome verbal or physical behavior which is directed at a person because of his/her race, creed, color, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, or other classification protected by applicable law, when these behaviors are sufficiently severe and/or pervasive to have the effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s educational experience, working conditions, or living conditions by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. The University expects all members of the University community, as well as its visitors, to be treated equally based on merit in all aspects related to its educational programs and activities, and in all aspects related to employment.
While each situation must be considered in light of the specific facts and circumstances to determine if a violation of this policy has occurred, the University is seriously committed to disciplinary action against all forms of harassment.

Sexual Harassment and Assault
Every member of the University community should be aware that the University is strongly opposed to sexual harassment and assault and that such behavior is prohibited both by federal and state law and by University policy. It is the intention of the University to take whatever action may be needed to prevent, correct, and, if necessary, discipline behavior that violates this policy.
In determining whether the alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment or assault, consideration will be given to the totality of circumstances involved in the incident, including the nature of the sexual conduct and the context in which the alleged incident occurred.

VII) Peaceful Dissent, Protests, and Demonstrations

Free speech and peaceable assembly are basic requirements of the University as a center for free inquiry and the search for knowledge and insight. These rights involve a concurrent obligation on the part of all members of the University, guests, and visitors to maintain an atmosphere conducive to scholarly pursuits and to respect the rights of all individuals.
In view of DIU’s obligation to promote the free expression of all views, the campus is open to any speaker whom students or members of the faculty have invited and for whom official arrangements to speak have been made with the University. The right of free speech in a university also includes the right to acts of peaceful dissent, protests in peaceable assembly, and orderly demonstrations which include picketing and the distribution of leaflets. However, demonstrations are not permitted inside the offices, lecture halls and common spaces of the University, as they disrupt regular and essential operations of the University or significantly infringe on the rights of others, particularly the right to listen and participate in lecture and seminar groups, and concentrate on their work.
It is a violation of these policies whenever any individual prevents, or willfully attempts to prevent, the orderly conduct of a University function or activity, such as lectures, meetings, interviews, ceremonies, and public events; or blocks, or willfully attempts to block, the legitimate activities of any person on the campus or in any University building or facility.
Whenever a member of the University community, that is a member of the faculty, staff or student body, violates these policies, that individual will be subject to University discipline and/or arrest. Whenever a nonmember of the University community violates these policies, that individual will be subject to arrest. Decisions to invoke University disciplinary action or arrest in the course of a protest or demonstration will be made after due warning and, wherever possible, such decisions will be made by officers of the University Disciplinary Board.

VIII) Distribution of Written Materials by Members of the University Community

Free inquiry, free expression, and civility within this academic community are indispensable to the University’s objectives. However, anonymous public postings without sponsorship of a registered University member or organization shall be removed or deleted if a complaint by a member of the University is lodged with the Office of the Dean of Students. All written materials are subject to the rules and guidelines governing DIU’s anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies. Offensive material may be removed at the discretion of the Dean of Students.

IX) Personal Safety

Actions that threaten or endanger in any way the personal safety or security of others will be regarded as serious offenses. The following offenses will be regarded as extremely serious:

1. Deliberate participation in a riot or general disturbance that threatens the safety, or seriously threatens the property, of either University members or townspeople.
2. Intimidation by violence, by a threat of violence, or by property damage, which seeks to interfere with the free expression of ideas, or attempts to punish such free expression.
3. The possession of weapons or the use or threatened use of weapons or objects capable of being used as weapons on University grounds.
4. Any physical assault committed in the course of any University function or activity, or on the premises of the University or in the local vicinity.
5. Any other act that seriously endangers human life, or threatens serious physical or psychological injury.

X) Quiet

Activities that take place in the vicinity of University offices, classrooms, the library and similar facilities must be conducted in such a way as to respect the necessity for maintaining a reasonable degree of quiet in such areas.

XI) On-Campus Misconduct and the Law

On-campus misconduct by members of the University will normally result in internal disciplinary action, although in some instances the University may deem it necessary to call upon external authorities and to file charges or claims in the courts. In particular, misconduct by members of the University or others that inflicts or threatens to inflict personal injury or serious damage to property, that severely impairs essential functions of the University, or that cannot be adequately handled by the University, may require the intervention of outside authorities. Outside authorities typically will be called only by a senior officer of the University or a specifically designated representative. In addition to the president and the provost, authorized senior officers include the vice president, the University Secretary and the Dean of Students.

Persons on Leave of Absence; Persons Who Are Not Members of the University

1. On-campus misconduct by persons who are, for whatever reason, withdrawn, suspended, or on leave of absence from the University will be evaluated before these persons may resume their status as regular members of the University. In these instances, such persons will be granted the right to a full hearing by the University Disciplinary Committee of any evidence relating to them. The results of such a hearing may have an effect upon their reinstatement as members of the University.
2. When persons who are not members of the University engage in serious misconduct on the campus, the University has no recourse but to press charges against them in the courts. (Members of the University involved in such cases, when their conduct is in violation of the law, cannot be guaranteed immunity either from arrest or prosecution.)

XII) Off-Campus Misconduct

In general, the University does not impose disciplinary penalties for misconduct off campus beyond the local vicinity. Judgments about these matters will depend on facts of an individual case. Note: All actions by a member of Dubrovnik International University community that involve the use of the University’s computing and network resources from a remote location, including but not limited to accessing e-mail accounts, will be deemed to have occurred on campus.

XIII) Violations of Local, State, or Federal Law

Violations of federal, state, or local laws by members of the University community may put the individual in personal legal jeopardy. Also, they may trigger University disciplinary action regardless of where such violations occur, particularly if they are of a serious nature and clearly violate University standards of conduct.
Individuals who contemplate actions that may be deemed illegal should be aware that they risk harm both to their own reputations and to that of the University, and should deliberate seriously and seek to reach an informed decision before acting. Even in situations where members of the University community seek advice from University representatives, responsibility for individual actions rests with the person or persons involved.

XIV) University Discipline and the Courts

When members of the University are faced with court proceedings for offenses committed either on or off the campus, and when University disciplinary proceedings are also appropriate, the University will normally make its own determinations promptly, whether or not court action has been brought to a conclusion.

XV) Regulations Regarding Security

Security Measures
Security measures taken at on-campus events must be adequate to provide for the maintenance of order and to ensure the safety of those attending or participating. Senior officials of the University, in consultation with sponsors of the event, can make security arrangements which involve minimal interference with the scheduled event and with the privacy and freedom of those attending.

XVI) Property

Members of the University community are expected to act with a considerate regard for the property of the University itself or individual persons. Examples of offenses that will be regarded as serious are:

1. Willful damage or destruction of the property of others, or of the University, including the deliberate defacement of library materials, buildings, sidewalks (including chalking), walls, or trees. The penalty for willful damage will ordinarily include replacement or repair.
2. The deliberate setting of fires, unless approved, including bonfires, on University property, even in cases in which there is no deliberate endangerment of human life
3. Theft or unauthorized borrowing of property or services, or conspiracy to commit theft.
4. The unauthorized or fraudulent use of the University’s telephone system.

XVII) Library Use

Because the library is uniquely important to the University, members of the University community are expected to act with particularly considerate regard for the security of the collections. Insofar as these collections play a crucial role in supporting the highest standards of academic excellence, the regulations governing library use require special attention. The theft or defacement of library materials cannot be tolerated in a scholarly community. Such acts will be viewed as very serious offenses; students should understand that their status in the University may be jeopardized by infractions of this nature. Normally, offenders may expect suspension for serious infractions. Faculty members, graduate students, professional staff, and employees may expect penalties of comparable weight.

XVIII) Computer and Network Use

All computing and network resources of Dubrovnik International University are to be used in a manner consistent with University policy and the law.
DIU computers and networks cannot be used to engage in any form of copyright infringement. Members of the University community who engage in any illegal or fraudulent use of the University’s information technology resources, including infringement of copyright-protected materials, may be subject to disciplinary action, including the termination or suspension of network privileges.

XIX) Patent and Copyright Policies

The University’s policies concerning intellectual property are intended to further its central mission while exercising due care for its fiduciary responsibility for the resources it administers. To that end, the University may record and broadcast public lectures as well as musical, dramatic, or other artistic performances on campus and retain copies of such recordings for archival, academic, and other non-commercial purposes that advance the University’s mission.

XX) Dubrovnik International University Name and Seal

No individual or organization of the University may use the name Dubrovnik International University or a name that suggests Dubrovnik International University, or the name of any Dubrovnik International University organization, except to the extent such individual or organization has been officially recognized by the proper University authorities or as permitted under trademark law.
The use of the seal of the University on publications, manufactured articles, and the like is prohibited, except when specifically authorized by the University. Applications for such authorization must be made to the Secretary of the University.
Deliberate misuse of the name or seal of the University by any member of the University community will be regarded as a serious offense.

XXI) Controlled Substances

State Laws
Dubrovnik International University strictly adheres to all state and local laws pertaining to the regulation of drug and alcohol use.

University Policy Concerning Use of Illegal Drugs
The University prohibits the unlawful manufacture, dispensation, possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance of any kind in any amount on University property, or while in the conduct of University business away from the campus. Penalties for these acts will be administered by the appropriate officer, and in accordance with rules and procedures administered by them. Penalties range from warning to permanent separation from the University depending on the seriousness of the infraction and the degree to which violation of the policy adversely affects the well-being of the community or the fulfillment of the University’s educational mission.
Violations of ordinances or laws regarding controlled dangerous substances by members of the University community may entail University disciplinary actions regardless of where such violations occur, if they are of a serious nature. The manufacture, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs, any involvement in illegal drug use or traffic with minors, and possession or use of the more dangerous or highly addictive drugs, are all considered serious offenses and will be handled accordingly. Depending on the particular circumstances, continued association with the University by violators of this policy may be made contingent upon satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

Alcoholic Beverages
Members of Dubrovnik International University community are expected to be acquainted with and to abide by both state and University regulations regarding the consumption of alcohol. They are also expected to be aware of the social, physiological, and psychological consequences of excessive drinking in order to make responsible and informed decisions about the serving and consumption of alcohol. The use of alcohol in University offices or classrooms is strictly prohibited, except in the case of University sponsored events.

Smoking
Smoking is prohibited by law and by university policy in all indoor workplaces and places of public access, including but not limited to all academic and administrative buildings and elevators; individual offices; University-owned vehicles; and any indoor recreation or dining spaces owned by the University.

XXII) Informal Procedures

The University encourages open and honest communication between members of the community. Most conflict and differences of opinion can be resolved by the individuals directly confronting issues and jointly exploring alternatives. In addition, there are a variety of resources available to individuals who may be called upon to assist in informal conflict resolution. These are, in the case of students and faculty: the vice-president of the University, the Dean of Students, student advisors, Provost of the University.

XXIII) Formal Procedures

In cases where conflicts cannot be mutually resolved, the University has established formal grievance procedures.

XXIV) Protection from Retaliation

University regulations provide members of the University community with protection from retaliation, and underscore that retaliatory conduct may have serious consequences, including disciplinary sanctions.
Retaliation against a person who, in good faith, files a complaint or participates in the reporting or investigation process pertaining to a complaint is a particularly serious offense. Complaints of retaliation should be reported as possible violations of University policies.
A complaint of retaliation does not constitute proof of prohibited conduct. Therefore, such a complaint shall not be taken into account during reappointment, tenure, promotion, merit, or other evaluation or review until a determination has been made that there has been a violation of University policy.

XXV) Academic Matters

An undergraduate student with a grievance should first bring it to the attention of the faculty member(s) involved. The student is also encouraged to speak to his or her student advisor about any matter concerning academic or other problems. If the grievance cannot be resolved through a conversation with faculty and student advisors, the student may present the grievance to the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students resolves all aspects of the complaint unless he or she determines that the grievance raises issues of faculty misconduct, in which case he or she should refer those portions of the complaint to the University Provost or the Vice President. The Provost or the Vice President renders a decision about issues of faculty misconduct and may, in his or her discretion, choose to appoint a special committee of faculty to advise with regard to resolution of those issues.
A student who questions the appropriateness of a grade should begin by talking to the faculty member in charge of the course. If the student continues to believe that the grade seems unjust, the next step would be to talk to their student advisor and in some cases, the Dean of the School. If the student is still not satisfied, the situation may be reported to the Dean of Students. A grade change can be submitted by the faculty member in charge of the course in consultation and agreement with the Dean of Students if circumstances warrant such an action.

XXVI) Nonacademic Matters Involving Students

In some instances, an alleged infringement upon the rights or sensibilities of an individual, including complaints of discrimination or harassment by a student, can be discussed with that student. If this is not appropriate or advisable, or does not lead to a satisfactory resolution, the matter should be immediately brought to the attention of the Dean of Students. If the matter is not resolved through discussion or through formal action by a dean, a complaint can be made in accordance with the normal disciplinary procedures to the University Disciplinary Committee.

XXVII) Nonacademic Matters Regarding Faculty, Staff, or Administration

In some instances, an individual who has any concern about, or complaint against, a member of the faculty, staff, or administration regarding nonacademic matters, including complaints of discrimination or harassment, can discuss the concern or complaint with the individual involved. If this is not appropriate or advisable, or does not lead to a satisfactory resolution, the person should immediately, in the case of a faculty member, appeal to the Dean of Students. Further appeal, if necessary, may then be made to the Vice President and the Provost.
Concerns or complaints about nonacademic matters can often be resolved on an informal basis. Whenever an individual wishes to make a formal complaint, however, he or she should review the appropriate staff rules or handbook and then contact the Office of the Dean of Students to implement the formal review process.

XXVIII) Senate of Dubrovnik International University

Powers
The DIU Senate is primarily a deliberative, consultative and decision-making body, with authority to:

1. Consider, investigate and coordinate any question of University policy, any aspect of the governing of the University, and any general issue related to the welfare of the University; and to either undertake and carry out decisions or make recommendations regarding any such matters to the appropriate decision-making bodies of the University or to the appropriate officers of the University. The Senate shall not have powers to reach any binding decision on matters not specified to it by the University Charter, although other University bodies may ask the Senate for advice and recommendation on any question regarding the University.
2. Make rules regarding the conduct of resident members of the University community, which rules shall be binding on them; but the Senate may delegate authority to make rules. With respect to matters mainly of concern to a particular group within the University community, the authority to make rules shall normally be delegated to a body representing that group or shall be exercised in a manner otherwise acceptable to the members of that group.
3. Oversee the making and the applying of rules regarding the conduct of resident members of the University community, whether such rules shall have been made by other bodies, by the Senate itself, or by officers of the University, for the purpose of ensuring that such rules protect the rights of individuals and the legitimate interests of the University, and that they are clear in meaning, fair, enforceable, and in conformity with the law.
4. Make rules on matters concerning academic curriculums and standards, including academic regulations, admissions procedures and graduation requirements at undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. Furthermore, the Senate shall have the authority to award honorary doctorates and grant tenure, as based on recommendations from relevant faculty, student representatives and University staff, and confirm the choice of Dean for each School or program of the University.
5. Elect the University Rector and Provost through a vote of the Senate body. The Rector is granted powers and authority under the University Charter.
6. Form various decision making and executive bodies, except where the University Charter indicates how those bodies or groups shall be formed and what their authorities and responsibilities shall be. Bodies created by the University Senate may perform any function for which the authority is vested in the Senate by the University Charter, but may not engage in any activities awarded to other bodies created by the Charter or not delegated to the Senate by the Charter. Bodies formed under the University Senate may be dictated by Senate decisions, or the Senate may grant them powers to elect their own members and establish their own procedure.
7. All other powers and authorities of the University Senate may be found in the University Charter.

Membership

1. Administration and staff. (30%) The president, the provost, the vice President and the University Secretary are compulsory members of the University Senate. Other members may be appointed as necessary.
2. Faculty. (60%) Faculty Senate members may be comprised of all permanent faculty staff, including those that hold administrative positions (such as Provost or President), provided that they are a tenured or full time faculty member.
3. Undergraduates. (10%) At least one student representative must be elected at the start of the academic year by the student body to serve as the student representative on the Senate Committee.
4. The mandate of each University Senate member is four year, after which time they must be reelected by the decision of the Senate. The student representative(s) to the Senate is (are) elected each year.

Appeals Regarding Procedural Unfairness in Initial Proceedings
The Senate of Dubrovnik International University may hear procedural appeals from the Dean of Students, the University Disciplinary Board, or any other member of faculty.

Committees
Much of the work of the Senate of DIU is conducted through its standing committees or through such special committees as have been established from time to time. The Senate may expand the number and scope of permanent committees at any time. The standing committees of the Senate are:

1. 
   The Executive Committee. The President of the University is the presiding officer of the Executive Committee. The Rector, Provost and the Vice President are also mandated members, as well as any other members of the faculty and staff appointed by the permanent members. The Executive Committee sets the Senate’s agenda, recommends the appointment of members of Senate committees, considers any matter within the jurisdiction of the Senate, and serves as an informal advisory body to the president.
2. The Disciplinary Committee. The Disciplinary Committee, on behalf of the Senate, considers and investigates the adequacy of all rules regarding the conduct of resident members of the University community, and the adequacy of the procedures for making and applying such rules. The Committee furthermore hears and decides, in the first instance or on referral by another member or body of the University, cases that involve alleged violations of those established rules and regulations of conduct which apply, in at least substantially the same form, to all resident members of the University community, and whose violation constitutes a serious infringement of the recognized rights of members of the University community, a serious offense against the University’s mission, a threat to the ability of the University to carry on its essential operations, or a substantial impairment of the common and legitimate interests of the University community. The Disciplinary Committee also hears and rules on all charges of plagiarism and disciplinary and academic misconduct.
   Members of the Disciplinary Committee are appointed by the Senate with confirmation from the University President. The President shall reserve the right to veto any decision of the Senate on which University members may serve on the Disciplinary Committee. The Committee must have at least three members, of which one must be the vice president. The Senate may grant the Disciplinary Committee the power to elect its future members, as necessary. The Senate furthermore confirms the powers of the Disciplinary Committee; however, in the interest of fairness and impartiality, Committee actions and decisions shall remain independent of the Senate, and the Senate shall not have the right to influence procedures in front of the Committee.
   The entire Senate, however, may decide to hear appeals from persons found guilty of violating established rules and regulations by the Disciplinary Committee, when it has been alleged by such persons that the proceedings against them have not been fair and reasonable.

XXIX) Disciplinary Committee of Dubrovnik International University

Membership
Members of the University Disciplinary Committee are appointed by the Senate of Dubrovnik International University. At least three (3) members must permanently serve on the Committee. The vice president of the University shall serve as the Committee Chair, although he/she may appoint other members of the Committee to fulfill that function. Except in extraordinary circumstances, students are banned from participating as Disciplinary Committee members.

Disciplinary Committee Action
1. The procedures of the Disciplinary Committee, which are outlined below, are designed to enable the Committee to fulfill its charge, and to guarantee to each person charged the following rights in the interest of ensuring procedural fairness:
a) To receive in writing in advance of a formal hearing a statement of the charges against him or her, together with a list of the witnesses and of the material evidence which the person bringing charges intends to make available to the Disciplinary Committee.
b) To testify if he or she desires and to answer questions if he or she desires without prejudice for failure to testify or answer questions.
c) To supply to the committee material evidence and a reasonable number of witnesses to be called in his or her own defense.
d) To question all witnesses called by the committee, and to challenge the evidence.
e) To have an adviser of his or her choice from the resident members of the University community at any hearing, open or closed, who may speak on his or her behalf.
f) To receive upon request a record of the proceedings at the hearing. The procedures of the committee also ensure that all persons involved in disciplinary hearings have the right to orderly procedures.
Any individual involved in proceedings is entitled to be protected from harassment, or fear of harassment, by other participants or by observers. In addition, the University community is entitled to have the members of the Disciplinary Committee protected from the influence of threats, harassment, or unruly mob behavior.
2. The procedures of the Disciplinary Committee provide the Committee the opportunity:
a) to ascertain the facts surrounding an alleged violation of University regulations;
b) to explore issues related to such charges, in order to determine possible mitigating circumstances which should be taken into account in the levying of the penalties, if any.
They aim therefore to facilitate the disposition of matters brought to the Disciplinary Committee with the greatest degree of justice and fairness for all concerned. The committee assumes that all members of the Dubrovnik International University community participating in proceedings will observe generally accepted principles of honesty and fair play.

XXX) Procedure in Cases before the Disciplinary Committee

1. Charges
a) Persons wishing to place a case before the committee shall file a complaint with a member of the committee or with the University Secretary within a reasonable time, stating the nature and circumstances of the alleged violation of University regulations.
b) The Secretary or committee member will immediately forward the complaint to the chair of the committee, who will make a preliminary determination of jurisdiction, subject to review by the full Committee. The chair may refer the case to another authority or agree to put the case before the committee.
c) If the case is to come before the committee, the chair will obtain from the person making the complaint a formal statement of the charges being made against a specific person or persons, identifying the University regulation or regulations alleged to have been violated, together with an outline of the case to be presented.
2. Notification. Upon receipt of this information the chair will immediately send a copy of the information described in the paragraph above to each person so charged, informing him or her of the date and place of a pre-hearing conference, to be held within one week of the date of the notification.
3. Pre-hearing conference. The committee may choose to hold a pre-hearing conference in certain cases. However, the committee further retains the right to waive the pre-hearing conference. The purposes of the pre-hearing conference are the following:
a) To give the committee sufficient information for it to determine whether or not a hearing is necessary to determine the facts. If the matter of jurisdiction is at issue, and if a hearing is necessary, the determination of jurisdiction will be the first order of business in the hearing.
b) To make sure that the persons charged fully understand their rights, the charges against them, and the nature of the supporting evidence.
c) To clarify for all parties the procedures to be followed by the committee in hearing and deciding upon a case.
d) To determine whether the persons charged wish to request an administrative determination on the charge. Persons against whom charges have been made may request, and at its discretion the committee may approve, an administrative disposition of the case by an appropriate officer of the University. Under these circumstances the persons charged must sign a statement indicating that they understand the charges against them and their right to a hearing before the Disciplinary Committee, but that they waive this right and the right to an appeal to the Senate. The administrative officer will dispose of the case, sending to the persons charged and to the committee a record of the disposition of the case. Administrative disposition of a charge in no way denies the right of an appeal to the president of the University.
e) To determine whether the persons charged desire an open or a closed hearing and to discuss the scheduling of the hearing.
f) To determine whether any member of the committee chooses not to hear this case because the member finds that he or she cannot in good conscience apply established rules and standards in this case. The pre-hearing conference will be closed. It will be attended by the committee and its staff, the persons charged or their representative, the persons bringing charges or their representative, and any other persons invited by the committee. Each party to the case may be accompanied by an adviser from within the University community. If after proper notice the persons charged do not appear, the committee will proceed to make its own determination in the case. At least three members of the committee shall be present. After the pre-hearing conference, the committee will meet privately to determine on the basis of what it has heard whether a hearing is required and to set a date for the hearing. Parties to the case will then be informed of the decision of the committee.
If the case is to be heard, the committee will obtain from all parties involved:
(1) a list of the witnesses prepared to give testimony if called by the committee, with an indication of the relevance of the testimony of each to the charges being made;
(2) a description of the material evidence available to the committee, with an indication of its relevance.
The committee will distribute to all parties involved a list of all witnesses and material evidence to be presented.
4. Hearings. Hearings will be closed unless the persons being charged request an open hearing. At any point during an open hearing, the persons charged may request permission to close the hearing. The committee will rule on any such requests. In exceptional circumstances, the committee reserves the right to hold a portion of the hearing in closed session.
a) At a closed hearing only the persons bringing charges and their advisers, the persons being charged and their advisers, witnesses called by the committee, members of the committee, and the committee staff may be present. The names of the persons charged will not be released by the committee, and the records of the case will be considered confidential.
b) At an open hearing, in addition to the persons mentioned in the paragraph above, spectators from the University community may be admitted up to the normal seating capacity of the room.
c) The chair of the Disciplinary Committee is responsible for maintaining conditions which are consistent with the orderly conduct of hearings. In carrying out this responsibility, the chair is obligated to prevent and deter hostile, threatening, or unduly disrespectful remarks or behavior by any individuals present and also to prevent and deter prolonged or emphatic audience response to testimony or argument.
d) The committee will call a reasonable number of witnesses requested by the persons bringing charges and the persons being charged. Normally, these witnesses will be called from lists provided before the opening of the hearing by the persons involved and made available to both parties, but the committee may call any witnesses it pleases. Normally, witnesses shall not be present at the hearing until they present their testimony.
e) The committee may permit additions to lists of witnesses or evidence when it is convinced that the availability or relevance of such witnesses or evidence could not have been foreseen before the hearing began. Advance notice of such additions shall always be given to all parties, and the committee shall allow such delay as it may consider necessary to prepare for the questioning of added witnesses or the examination of added exhibits.
f) All witnesses may be questioned by all parties in a case and their advisers and by any member of the committee. The chair may rule any question out of order.
g) All material evidence and documents shall be formally introduced as presented in the hearing, lists of the exhibits proposed for presentation as evidence and copies of documentary evidence having been made available in advance to all parties in a case. The committee may introduce additional materials during the course of the hearing.
h) The credibility of any evidence which is introduced may be challenged by any parties in a case.
i) The judgment of the committee shall be based entirely upon testimony and evidence presented formally during the course of the hearing. The persons charged shall be presumed innocent until the committee is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt by the evidence presented during the hearing that they are guilty. In determining their guilt or innocence the committee will disregard any previous history of disciplinary action with respect to the persons charged. If the persons charged are found guilty, the committee may, in determining a penalty, take into account any previous disciplinary action.
j) The persons charged and the persons bringing charges may be questioned by the members of the committee and by the other parties in the case. The persons charged may decline to answer questions without prejudice.
k) A verbatim record of the hearing shall be made and kept under the supervision of the secretary of the committee. This record shall be supplied to the persons being charged and the persons bringing charges upon request.
5. Judgment
a) After the parties in the case have had a reasonable opportunity to present their arguments and to question opposing witnesses, and the committee has completed its questioning, the committee shall meet in private to reach a decision and, if it finds the charges to have been sustained, to assign an appropriate penalty.
b) Three members, including the chair, shall constitute a quorum. All decisions shall be made by a majority of those present.
c) When the committee has reached its decision, the chair will notify the parties and all other necessary members of the University Community. The committee’s report will include the result of its vote and a majority opinion, together with minority opinions, if any. If the hearing has been closed, the committee in making its public report will be guided by the principles concerning the confidential nature of student records.

XXXI) Procedure in Appeals of Cases Previously Heard
by the Disciplinary Committee

1. According to the charter of the council, the University Senate may decide to hear appeals from persons found guilty of violating established rules and regulations by the Disciplinary Committee, when it has been alleged by such persons that the proceedings against them have not been fair and reasonable.
a) The person wishing to have a judgment against him or her reviewed shall, within one week (during which the University is in session) of the original judgment, file a request for review with the secretary of the Senate, stating the authority that made the judgment and the date, and indicating the reasons for requesting a review.
b) The secretary will immediately forward the request to the chair of the Senate, the Rector, or to the Provost.
c) The Senate will immediately notify the original authority that the request for review has been made and will as promptly as possible obtain from the Disciplinary Committee the record of the proceedings in the case. A copy of this record will be furnished by the committee to the person making the request.
d) The person making the request will file with the Provost within one week of receiving the record a memorandum stating in what specific respects he or she alleges that the procedures or the determination of the penalty against him or her have not been fair and reasonable. In preparing this memorandum, the person requesting review has the right to seek any advice he or she chooses.
2. Preliminary determination. The Senate will meet in closed session and decide on the basis of the appeal memorandum whether there are sufficient grounds to hold a formal hearing. It may at its discretion call the person making the appeal for questioning in closed session, but if it does, the Disciplinary Committee which made the original judgment shall be invited to have a representative present, in addition to the vice president who serves in both bodies, who may participate in the questioning. Note that the only grounds for appeal are that the original proceedings “have not been fair and reasonable.” The Senate WILL NOT hear appeals when a person is merely displeased with the outcome of the Disciplinary Committee’s ruling.
3. Hearing. If the committee decides that a reasonable doubt exists that the original proceedings were fair and reasonable, a formal hearing will be conducted, with proceedings same as those outlined for the Disciplinary Committee.
4. Judgment. The judgment will be given according to the same procedures as with the Disciplinary Committee. The Senate may decide to uphold the previous judgment, to reverse or alter the previous judgment, or to return the case to the earlier hearing authority. The ruling of the Disciplinary Committee will be upheld unless convincing argument is presented to the contrary. Members of the Disciplinary Committee who likewise serve on the Senate may not participate in the judgment, although they may advise the Senate Board of their opinions.

Responsibilities of the Rector

1. The Rector shall preside at all hearings. If the Rector must be absent during part of a hearing, he or she may designate another member of the Senate to act in the Rector’s place as deputy chair for the period he or she is absent. If, in extraordinary circumstances, an entire hearing must be conducted in the absence of the Rector, the Senate shall elect a chair pro tem from among its members by a majority vote so long as the chair shall be absent. The student representative(s) on the Senate may not be elected chair for such proceedings.
2. The Rector, as the chair of the Senate, is responsible for procedural correctness. The chair
a) makes an initial determination of any procedural question which arises during the course of a hearing;
b) rules on the propriety of any questions asked by members of the committee, persons charged, or persons bringing charges.
3. The chair is responsible for maintaining conditions which are consistent with the right to orderly conduct of hearings. When persons attending the hearings as observers engage in acts which violate this right, the chair may, after due warning, require the withdrawal of such persons from the hearing room. The chair may also, after due warning, adjourn the hearing and reconvene, barring all observers. The chair may also initiate, on consultation with the committee, charges against observers who are disrupting the hearing.
In cases where the violation of this right stems from acts of persons charged or persons bringing the charges, the committee shall normally adjourn the case and begin hearings within 48 hours on the charge of violating the rights to an orderly hearing. If such persons persist in their disruptive actions, the committee may, after due warning in exceptional instances, continue these proceedings in their absence.
a) Any decision of the chair may be challenged by a member of the Senate. The Senate will meet, if necessary, in executive session to consider the decision and vote on it. A majority of the Senate is required to reverse the chair’s decision.
b) In hearing cases involving the violation of the right to orderly hearings, the Senate shall normally restrict itself to hearing arguments concerning mitigating circumstances involved in the alleged violation. The Senate shall then meet to discuss the case and to decide upon appropriate penalties, if any, by majority vote. Penalized individuals wishing to appeal such decisions must address their appeals to the president of the University.
4. The chair shall have no vote in decisions related to the adjudication of charges or the conduct of hearings except to resolve a tie.

Order of Proceedings in Cases

1. The chair shall first call upon the persons bringing charges or their representatives to outline the substantive basis of the charges. They may introduce additional material evidence at this time.
2. Members of the Senate may then question persons bringing charges.
3. The chair of the Senate shall then call upon persons charged to outline their case.
4. Members of the Senate may then question the persons charged.
5. Witnesses will then be called by the Senate in an order to be determined by the chair.
a) Witnesses normally will first be questioned by members of the Senate, then by the persons bringing charges, and, finally, by the persons charged. Each group may, in the same order, then re-question each witness and the members of the Senate may ask final questions of witnesses before they are dismissed. (Since all witnesses are called by the Senate in order to facilitate its investigation and adjudication of charges, there are no friendly or hostile witnesses, and cross-examination, redirect examination, and re-cross-examination procedures are not germane.)
b) Witnesses will normally not be present before giving their testimony. After they have been questioned, they may remain at an open hearing and may be called for further questioning by the Senate.
c) Persons charged and persons bringing charges will always have an opportunity to speak in direct rebuttal of evidence or the testimony of witnesses when it is their turn to address themselves to the Senate.
d) In asking questions of witnesses, persons bringing charges and persons charged may address themselves to the substantive basis and validity of testimony. The Senate will make every effort to protect each witness from undue harassment during a hearing.
6. After all witnesses have been called, persons bringing charges and persons charged may question the evidence and documents and raise additional questions. These parties may address their questions directly to one another, unless the chair rules otherwise.
7. Members of the Senate may at any time question the persons bringing charges and the persons charged. The latter may decline to answer without prejudice.
8. The chair shall then call upon the persons bringing charges and the persons charged to summarize their positions and to make concluding remarks.
9. At the completion of concluding remarks, the chair may make summary remarks on behalf of the Senate and shall close the hearing. The Senate shall then meet in executive session in order to make its judgment and to impose penalties, if any.

Procedural Requests

1. The parties to a case may request a ruling by the chair concerning procedural correctness at any time during the hearing.
2. The parties to a case may request that the Senate add witnesses to be called before it or that the Senate call witnesses in a specified order.
3. At any point during an open hearing, the persons charged may request permission to close the hearing. The Senate will rule on any such requests.
4. Any member of the Senate may request a recess of the hearing so that the Senate can meet in executive session at any time during the hearing.

Evidence

1. Normally, evidence accepted by both parties at a pre-hearing conference will be labeled before the hearing opens.
2. Other evidence, not accepted by one party, may be introduced and challenged during the hearing. After arguments are given, the chair shall make a ruling on the issue of its admissibility.
3. Photographic evidence introduced:
a) Persons who took photographs used as evidence are subject to questioning by the Senate and both parties to a case as to the circumstances under which the photographs were taken.
b) Witnesses who used photographs for purposes of identification prior to the hearing are subject to questioning as to how such photographs were used.
All documentary evidence will be retained in the permanent records of the Senate.

Reports

1. The University Senate shall submit a written report on the disposition of each case, which shall include:
a) a chronology of the case from the receipt of charges to final disposition;
b) a statement of actions taken by the Senate pertaining to the case;
c) a statement of the findings which were significant and relevant to the disposition of the case and the selection of any penalties; and remarks on procedural questions raised during the hearing.

XXXII) Appeals from Decisions of the Senate

In extraordinary circumstances, the president of the University may review decisions of the Senate and may reduce any penalties imposed by the Senate but may not increase them. An appeal to the president serves chiefly as an opportunity for an individual to seek clemency by explaining special circumstances that might be taken into account with respect to penalties imposed upon him or her. The purpose of an appeal to the president is not to initiate a rehearing of substantive issues of fact or a new determination of innocence or guilt.
Appeals will not normally be considered unless lodged with the president within one week after the Senate’s decision, unless otherwise specified in the decision.

 

Students and the University

I) Faculty Procedures of Concern to Students

Interaction of Undergraduate Student Government Committees and Faculty Committees
Whenever the Undergraduate Student Government shall establish a committee parallel to a faculty committee, the parallel committees shall at least once a year meet in joint session. In addition, the chair and one additional member of such committees of the Undergraduate Student Government shall meet with those faculty committees which the president of the University and the officers of the Undergraduate Student Government believe would benefit from such participation. The student representatives on faculty committees shall join freely in committee discussions of matters of concern to students, and shall be responsible for presenting the views of the student committee and the Undergraduate Student Government, when those views are known. Any student participating in the deliberations of a faculty committee is bound by the same rules as the faculty regarding the confidential nature of the proceedings. Within the bounds of this restriction, he or she may discuss the matters under consideration with the Undergraduate Student Government or with other students. Either committee may meet without the participation of members of the parallel committee. Before any final recommendation is made on any matter of general policy concerning students, there will be an opportunity for the student committee to meet jointly with the faculty committee involved. Views of the student committees may be brought to the attention of the full faculty and the University community.

Individual Student Appeal from Decisions of Faculty Committees
A student desiring to appeal an action of a faculty committee taken on academic grounds which affects directly his or her academic standing and for which appeal is not otherwise provided, should notify the Dean of Students in writing to that effect, specifying the grounds of appeal. Notification must be made no later than seven days after receipt of the written notice of the decision which the student wishes to appeal. The Dean of Students shall transmit the student’s written statement and any other relevant material directly to the University Senate.
In deciding appeals, the Senate will consider whether other committees have followed established procedures and reached decisions consistent with University rules and practices. In all cases the decision of the Senate shall be final. If an appealed action is judged to have been arbitrary or based on improper or unfair procedures, the appeal will be sustained. In such a case the Senate will determine a course of action to insure an impartial final determination of the merits of the case based on proper and fair procedures.

II) Student Privacy Rights

All students of Dubrovnik International University are awarded certain rights with respect to their education records.
“Education records” is a defined term that does NOTinclude are:
1. personal files of members of the faculty and administration;
2. medical records;
3. security files not available for review by individuals other than security officers and other local law enforcement officials;
4. employment records that relate exclusively to the individual’s capacity as an employee;
5. records containing only information concerning a person’s activities after graduation or withdrawal from the University;
6. material relating to the financial status of parents which is contained in any record maintained by the University;
7. confidential letters of recommendation placed in a student’s education record; and
8. confidential letters of recommendation to which a student has waived his or her right of access.
Student education records are located primarily in the offices of the University Registrar and with the Dean of Students. A student may request access to his or her education records by filing a written request with the person who is responsible for maintaining the record which the student wants to review. The request must identify the particular record(s) which the student wishes to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
The student has the right to:
1) Inspect and review his or her education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a written request for access.
2) Request the amendment of the student’s education record that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. The student is asked to write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identifying the part of the record they want changed and specifying why it is inaccurate or misleading.
If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3) Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, within legal limits. In some cases, written requests must be filled with the appropriate University official.
The University has the right to
1. Disclose the following types of information without restriction unless the student otherwise requests: name; address; telephone number (local); e-mail address; photograph; student identification number; dates of attendance; major field of study; participation in officially recognized activities and organizations; degrees and awards; academic institution attended immediately prior to Dubrovnik International University. A student requesting that some or all directory information be restricted from disclosure must make a written request to the Office of the Registrar specifying which information should be restricted.
2. Allow relevant faculty or administration members, including each student’s academic and student advisor and the Dean of Students, to review the record of the student in question. Members of the University Senate, the Board of Directors and all disciplinary and other relevant committees may likewise have access to student records. Teacher’s assistants, however, may only have access to student records for their own courses, except for those students for whom they serve as student advisors.
3. Allow faculty members and other officials of the University who have a legitimate educational interest in a student’s education record may be permitted to review his or her record. A University official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
4. Disclose information to government agencies entitled to it by law.
5. Disclose information to the parent(s) or guardian(s) of a student unless the student has filed a statement certifying that he or she is not financially dependent as defined by the federal tax laws.
6. Disclose information in response to a lawfully issued subpoena, and will ordinarily provide notice to the student involved in advance of complying with the subpoena.
7. Disclose information when necessary to determine the student’s eligibility for financial aid or to enforce the terms or conditions of financial aid which a student has received.
8. Disclose information to an organization conducting a study if the organization certifies that the study will not be conducted in a way which will permit the personal identification of the students and that personally identifying information will be destroyed when the study is completed.
9. Disclose education records without a student’s prior consent to officials of another institution in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. However, the University encourages its departments and offices, at the minimum, to make a reasonable attempt to advise the student of the disclosure either before or after it occurs.
10. Disclose information to a third party that has been granted permission by the student to request such information. When the student has given written permission for disclosure of information to a third party and subsequent events materially affect the accuracy of the University’s original reporting, permission for the reporting of such additional information is understood in order to make the original reporting accurate.

III) Undergraduate Student Government

The student body may wish to form an Undergraduate Student Government. In this case, the elected President of the Student Government shall serve as the student representative to the University Senate, along with other Student Government officials when appropriate. However, should students chose to form a student government, it shall be entirely independent from administrative staff and faculty of the University.

Organization of a Student Government
Should the student body chose to establish a student government, it shall be the direct responsibility of that organization to prepare and adopt a charter that shall specify the procedures, committees and responsibilities of the Student Government. However, the charter must be in line with all University regulations as well as state legal obligations. The University Senate shall maintain the right to review the charter of the Student Government. If the Senate objects to any section of the Student Government charter, or finds the language of the charter vague, imprecise or offensive, it shall call for a meeting with representatives of the Student Government to review the matters in question. If after meeting with student representatives the Senate finds certain tenets of charter unacceptable under University regulations, it may mandate that those tenets be removed. Any further dispute that cannot be resolved through meetings between the Senate and student representatives may be appealed directly to the President of the University.

Purpose of a Student Government
1. to serve as the representative of the undergraduates student body to the faculty, administration, and Senate and Board members of the University;
2. to represent the undergraduate body to persons or groups outside of the University whenever such representation is called for;
3. to exercise leadership in all activities affecting the life of the undergraduate student body;
4. to provide services for the University and members of the University community;
5. to discuss, deliberate, and vote on any question relating to or affecting undergraduate life at Dubrovnik International University, or any other question of interest to the undergraduates.

Class Officers
Each class may elect a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and/or social chair. They are mostly responsible for coordinating social and service activities for the class they represent.

IV) Campus Associations and Activities

Students engaging in extracurricular activities on campus are free to form organizations devoted to a wide variety of objectives, and, as individuals or members of organizations, to express their views on issues of University and public interest. In these matters the University policy is to encourage free and responsible behavior of students, to hold to a minimum those regulations essential to the orderly conduct of extracurricular activities, and to seek in all ways to maintain the freedom enjoyed by students as participants in the life of the Dubrovnik International University community.
University recognition will not be withheld from any group pursuing lawful objectives, so long as they do not violate University or state polities. Student organizations may invite outside speakers of their choice, and are free to hold meetings and in other ways to express their views, subject only to prudent conditions regarding the protection of people and property and to reasonable regulations concerning time, place, and notice of meetings and other public exercises.
Still, candor and openness must be recognized as fundamental in an academic community, and the University does not look with favor on clandestine organizations. The University must ask student organizations which expect recognition by the University, identification through the use of the name of the University, and normal use of University facilities, to register the names of their officers and their basic objectives or purposes.
Demonstrations and the distribution of leaflets, statements, or petitions are permitted on the campus unless, or until, they disrupt the regular and essential operations of the University or significantly infringe upon the rights of others. If it becomes necessary to prevent a demonstration from exceeding these guidelines, the University will first attempt to use persuasion; the University will then, if necessary, call in outside law enforcement officials only as a last resort.
Upon filing a request with the appropriate University official, nonprofit and profit-making campus-based organizations will usually be granted permission to distribute literature, solicit donations, and seek customers on campus, subject to the general University regulations prohibiting obstruction of University activities or interference with individual rights. Authorization for such activities must be obtained from the Office of the Dean Students. Authorization to solicit in academic buildings or University offices will be granted only after consultation with the responsible academic and administrative officers. Profit-making activities are generally not permitted on University grounds, but may be allowed based on approval from the Dean of Students and the vice president.

V) Student Publications

Student publications enjoy the freedom of the press. At the same time, the editorial freedom of student editors and managers entails a corollary obligation to be governed by the canons of responsible journalism.

VI) Drug Policy

Dubrovnik International University does not condone the possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of illegal substances or drug paraphernalia of any kind in any amount. Students in violation of this policy may be jeopardizing their own well-being as well as the well-being of the University community.
In general, a student who uses or possesses drugs or drug paraphernalia for the first time will be placed on probation. Discipline for a second offense will be more serious and may involve lengthening of probation or campus service. Students should expect to be suspended for a third offense.
Among those violations considered to be most serious are the manufacture, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs; any involvement in illegal drug use or traffic with minors, particularly from the local area; and possession or use of the more dangerous or highly addictive drugs. Students manufacturing, selling, or distributing illegal drugs should expect a lengthy separation or expulsion from the University.
Students possessing, using, selling, or manufacturing illegal substances may also be subject to mandatory penalties prescribed by the state.

VII) Building Regulations

Entering mechanical areas (rooms, tunnels, etc.) construction sites, or other restricted areas is prohibited. Entering upon exterior elevated surfaces of campus buildings (roofs, fire escapes, terraces, balconies, parapets, or ledges above the first floor) is prohibited except in emergencies.
These regulations are intended to prevent injuries to members of the University community, and to prevent physical damage to surfaces, areas or equipment not designed for traffic or public use.
No items, including antennas and wire, lights, flags, banners, etc., may be placed on or affixed to the outside of any building. No items may be placed on fire escapes at any time under any circumstances.
Because of the seriousness of the regulations regarding safety in campus buildings, the University will take disciplinary action on a first offense.

 

Academic Rules and Regulations

A student is in good standing if he or she is making normal progress toward a degree and has a satisfactory record in scholarship and conduct.

I) Advisors

Student Advisor
In their first year, all students of Dubrovnik International University are assigned a student advisor who will follow them throughout their education. A student advisor is typically a member of the faculty at the level of teaching assistant. Students are required to meet with their student advisor every two to three weeks, barring extraordinary circumstances.
Each student advisor will have access to records of their students, so as to monitor their overall academic progress.
Students are encouraged to seek advice, counseling and aid from their student advisors in all academic matters. Student advisors may also serve as the student’s counsel during all disciplinary or academic proceedings.

Academic Advisor
As students select a field of concentration they develop advising relationships with the relevant departmental representatives and faculty advisers in the areas of their independent work. Students thus normally select or are assigned to an academic advisor in a relevant area of study during the second semester of their first year, or at the start of their second year.

II) Graduation Requirements

In order to obtain an undergraduate degree from Dubrovnik International University, a student must successfully complete all required courses and an assigned number of elective courses as well as all independent and research work in due time. In total, the student must obtain 180 ECTS points to graduate. Furthermore, the student must be in good academic standing, and must have complied with all penalties imposed due to disciplinary or academic violation actions. Finally, the student must fully settle any outstanding debt to the University before final transcripts can be released.
In order to graduate, a student must have attained a cumulative Quality Point Index of 2.00 or higher.

III) Course Load and Registration Status

Undergraduate degree candidates are expected to be full-time.
Full-time academic status requires registration in courses that amount to 30 ECTS points per semester or 60 ECTS points per year, whether through a full course load of five classes per semester, or a combination of courses and independent research work. Students are also considered full-time if they are registered for a University overseas study program, or are involved in a study abroad program that meets the criteria of Dubrovnik International University. Students must complete a three-year residency either at Dubrovnik International University, or at approved study abroad programs. Though summer sessions, including summer study abroad, may fulfill or substitute some course requirements, they do not count toward fulfilling the residency requirement.
Student Status is confirmed by the Student Index. The student is awarded all privileges for the duration of their time at the University, provided they are in good standing. Expulsion or withdrawal from the University revokes all student privileges.
A student may suspend University studies during the course of military service, pregnancy and for up to one year from the birth of a child. If the student is father of the child, he may exercise the same privileges in place of the mother. The student may also suspend his or her status during times of prolonged illness, as defined in clause (IX). Please refer to clause (IX) for further information.
Some exceptions can be made for students who are exceptionally gifted professional athletes or artists. Such students should submit a written request to the Dean of Students. All cases shall be judged on an individual basis by University Officials.
Students in exceptionally high academic standing, who have achieved a QPI of 4.5 for each semester of enrollment, may be eligible for early graduation or substitution of courses for independent work. The student should submit a written request to the Dean of Students. University officials and the Student Senate shall consider each case on an individual basis, and reserve the right to cancel such privileges.

IV) Registration Procedures

A student approved for and completing registration in a school of the University will be considered a student in that school during the session for which the student has enrolled, unless the student is approved to withdraw or is suspended or dismissed. No student registered in any school of the University shall at the same time be registered in any other school without the approval of the Dean of Students and the Rector.
Students are expected to pay their accounts according to University regulations. The University reserves the right to cancel the registration of any student during the semester if the student has not met University financial requirements.

V) Attendance and Timely Completion of Assignments

Attendance at classes is restricted to those who are validly registered or who are present at the specific invitation of the instructor.
All students are expected to attend all classes and to complete all of their assignments in a timely fashion. All course requirements are to be completed no later than the date of the final examination. Absences may have an adverse effect on grades in a course, up to and including failure.
“Absence” is defined as the failure of a student to be present when the class roll is checked by the professor. Lateness may be listed as absence, since students may be refused admission to any class when late. Flagrant cases of absence that affect the student’s achievement of course objectives may necessitate withdrawal from the school.
Students absent for several days because of illness or emergency circumstances should notify both their professors and the Dean of Students. A prolonged absence may necessitate the student’s withdrawal from the University for the semester.

VII) Transfer of Credits

A student may take up to three classes in another institution outside regular study abroad programs. Typically, these classes would take place during the summer or in conjunction with a semester at DIU. The Dean of Students must approve all transfers of credits, and Dubrovnik International University must issue a written ruling that the course taken at an outside institution meets the requirements set forth by the University, including, but not limited to, work hours, materials used and conditions for passing.

VIII) Withdrawal from a Course

To withdraw from a course a student must first discuss the matter with their student advisor and the Dean of Students. The student is then required to inform the registry of the withdrawal. If a student does not complete a course for which the student is registered and from which the student has not officially withdrawn, a failure will be recorded for that course. Withdrawal must be approved by the 8th week of classes, or the student must be issued a grade in the course in question.
Students may not withdraw from required courses, but only electives. They are required to make up the missed ECTS points by increasing their course load the following semester, or by transferring credits from another institution.

IX) Taking a Leave of Absence or an Elective Leave of Absence

A student in good academic standing and not subject to disciplinary action may, on formal written request, be granted a leave of absence by the Dean of Students. For withdrawals or leaves during a semester, a partial refund of tuition may be available. Students are advised to contact the Secretary of the University about possible refunds. Refunds may not be possible in all cases, depending on the student’s standing, number of weeks completed in the semester, and other factors.
Students who have been granted a leave of absence from the University must apply to the Dean for re-admission at least six weeks before the next semester begins.

Medical Leave of Absence
A student can be granted a medical leave of absence from the University when the student’s health is impeding normal academic progress. Information about the student’s health status may be provided by the student’s health professional.
A prolonged illness that may warrant a medical leave of absence is defined as a continuous 60 day illness or a 90 day interrupted illness during the academic year, or a 15 day medical treatment or hospital stay during an exam period.
After considering the medical information, the student’s academic Dean will decide whether to grant the leave of absence and will inform the Registrar. Denial of a request for a medical leave of absence may be appealed in writing to the Provost, whose decision will be final.

At the Request of the University
In special circumstances the University may mandate a leave of absence if the student’s illness or behavior is life-threatening or so severely disruptive that it interferes with the academic pursuits and other activities of the academic community.
The student must contact in writing both the Dean of Students and the Secretary of the University to request re-enrollment at least four and not more than six weeks prior to the academic year. When a leave of absence has been granted for medical reasons, the University may require medical opinion and recommendations before reviewing the student’s request for readmission.

X) Withdrawing from the University

An honorable withdrawal will usually be granted, upon written request, to any student in good academic standing and not subject to disciplinary action. Students wishing to withdraw must complete the following steps:
1) notify the Office of the Dean of Students in person;
2) notify the Secretary of the University, in person if possible, when the student has received any financial assistance from the University;
3) consult with the Secretary of the University to be certain that the student’s financial records are in order. By act of registration, students accept the responsibility for charges of the entire semester, regardless of attendance in class and regardless of the method of payment used.

XI) Grades

The semester grade, which is indicated on the student’s transcript, is a combination of grades given for class work, tests, assigned papers or projects, seminar and work group performance, and the final examination.
When students wish to review their grades with a faculty member, the instructor is responsible for making available all relevant examinations, papers, and other items. Student work must be either returned directly to the student, or retained by the professor for a minimum of one calendar year.
Faculty should retain their grade books indefinitely.
Adjunct or visiting faculty who leave the University must deposit papers and exams with the Registrar’s Office.
It is a professional responsibility that faculty submit their grades according to the deadlines established by the University Registrar. Incidences of delinquency will be reported to the Dean of Students and the Provost.

Quality Grades
Grades are as follows:

Grade Description		Quality Points
5		5.00		Excellent
4		4.00		Good
3		3.00		Adequate
2		2.00		Minimum Passing
1		1.00		Failure

The quality points are obtained by multiplying the number of credits attempted by the value assigned to the grade earned. The Quality Point Index (QPI) is obtained by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of credits attempted.
With the prior approval of the Dean of Students, credits earned at another university may be applicable toward degree requirements. However, such transferred credits will not be computed in the student’s cumulative Quality Point Index.

Failing Courses
A degree candidate who fails any required semester course in a current major or minor must repeat and pass that course at Dubrovnik International University before graduation. Students cannot repeat for credit a course in which they earned a grade of D or better.
In the case of an elective course, the student must pass either the same course or substitute it with another course that is relevant to the area of study and carries the same requirements. Should the student wish to make up the elective course outside Dubrovnik International University, he or she must first obtain permission from the Dean of Students.

Incompletes
Students must complete all work in a course no later than the date of the final examination. In the case of illness or other grave reasons, the student will request permission from the Dean of Students to receive the provisional grade of N. No provisional grade except N may ever be given. Students requesting an N grade must process the N grade form in the Dean of Students by the last day of class in the semester. With the approval of the Dean of Students, a professor may give an N grade. Without such permission, professors must submit a letter grade from A through F. Unauthorized N grades are automatically converted to failures. When an N grade is granted, the course must be completed and the final grade submitted by the professor no later than the date agreed upon by the student, Dean of Students and Professor.

Grade Reports
The Registrar will mail Grade Reports to the student’s home address under the student’s name unless a student specifies otherwise. It is important to inform the Office of the Registrar of any change of address so that the Reports may be properly addressed.

Grade Changes
When a professor feels a grade change is justified (e.g., due to an error in recording or calculation), the professor will send a grade-change authorization form including the reasons for such a change, to the Dean of Students for approval. Professors cannot change final grades on the basis of additional work from an individual student, including the resubmission of papers.

Grade Appeals
When a student thinks that a given course grade is not justified, he or she must first discuss the grade on an informal basis with the professor of the course and their student advisor. Within the first twenty-one calendar days of the next semester, the student and professor should discuss the grade. (Faculty may be unavailable between semesters. For spring and summer classes, the next semester is the fall semester.) After having discussed the grade with the faculty member, the student may consider a formal appeal of the grade.
1. Grounds for appeal. An error in grading procedures or inequity in the application of policies stated in the course syllabus are grounds for an appeal. A disagreement with the professional judgment of the professor should not be the basis of an appeal or any resulting change of grade. The appeal process involves a thorough review, which could result in the decision that the grade was too low, or, if such an error or inequity was found to have benefited the student, that the grade was too high.
2. Initiating an appeal. If the student believes that there is reason for an appeal of the professor’s assigned grade, the student may make a formal written appeal to the Dean of Students. In the appeal letter, the student must state the grounds for the appeal and document any claims of grading error or inequities in as much detail as possible. The Dean must then notify the faculty member of the appeal and provide a copy of the formal request. Such an appeal must be filed within the first thirty calendar days of the semester after that in which the grade was assigned.
3. Informal resolution of the appeal. The Dean may try to resolve the appeal informally, but has no authority to change the grade assigned by the faculty member.
4. Resolution by a faculty committee. If the Dean does not resolve the appeal informally or if the Dean is the faculty member who assigned the original grade, he or she shall ask a committee of two impartial faculty members and the vice president to review the complaint and decide the issue. After hearing from the faculty member and the student (or determining that they are unavailable), and taking whatever other steps it deems necessary, the review committee shall decide whether to sustain the original grade, raise it, or lower it. The committee’s decision is final. The Dean must report to the student and the faculty member how the appeal has been concluded no later than sixty days after the beginning of the next semester.

XII) Suspension or Dismissal on Academic Grounds

In cases when a student fails a required course, he or she must take and pass that same course at Dubrovnik International University. Students should note that it may not be possible to take the course in the next semester. Should a student fail an elective course, he or she may substitute it with a different elective at any time.
Students may be suspended or permanently dismissed from the University because of unsatisfactory academic performance. Students who fail a course while on probation are eligible for suspension or dismissal as are those who fail two courses in a single semester or who accumulate a total of three failures while enrolled at Dubrovnik International University.
Should a student fail two or more courses in a single semester, he or she will be required to withdraw for the duration of one year. Upon their return, the student will be required to pass the previously failed courses, or in the case of electives, their equivalent, before being allowed to continue with the regular program of study.
The student will not receive a refund for any incomplete semester if he or she is required to withdraw from the University for academic reasons. However, upon returning, the student shall be responsible for paying only for the repeated courses before continuing with the regular program of study.
Before being asked to withdraw, the student must meet with a special Academic Standards Committee comprised of the Dean of Students, the Provost and the vice president. The student may present any testimony or argument to the committee at this time. All of the committee’s decisions will be final.

XIII) Final Examinations

Final examinations, whether they be in exam or essay form, must be completed at or by the date specified by the course instructor.
Final exams can carry no more than 40% of the final grade for each course.
All grades are final, and a student MAY NOT take or retake the final exam at any time other than that which is specified. However, in extraordinary circumstances, a student may ask the professor to postpone the exam. The professor and student must then seek written permission from the Dean of Students, whose decision is permanent and cannot be appealed. No exam can be postponed more than two times.
If the student has taken an exam, but is able to prove extreme physical or emotional illness or duress during the time of the examination, he or she may ask the professor for permission to retake the exam. The professor and student must seek written permission from the Dean of Students. The student is required to provide all medical and other necessary records and testimony in order to be granted an opportunity to re-take the exam. The Dean of Students is required to consult with the University Provost and Rector before rendering a final decision.
Student should note that re-taking an exam will only be permitted in the most extreme of circumstances.

XIV) Study Abroad

Approval
A student who wishes to apply courses taken on any overseas study program to a Dubrovnik International University degree must obtain approval, prior to departure, for the study program and for the specific courses to be taken. Each student should formulate a study proposal to be submitted for approval. Initial approval will be given by a faculty advisor. Final approval is given by the Dean of Students as well as the Dean of the student’s school.
If the language of instruction is not English, the student must also take a language examination through a DIU-specified channel.
If students need or want to change their selection of courses after arrival at the overseas location, approval for the changes must be obtained from the Dean of Students and the Dean of the student’s school.

Admission
Once the necessary approvals have been granted, a student should apply directly to appropriate office for admission. Dubrovnik International University will use all resources at its disposal to aid the student in obtaining admission to a study abroad program. In cases where DIU sponsors an exchange program with the school in question, students should apply through the DIU Registrar’s office.

Registration and Enrollment Status
In the case of DIU-sponsored programs, an admitted student should register for the overseas program or, in some cases, for the individual courses. An admitted student is considered enrolled for a full-time course of study during the period spent abroad.
A student who wants to participate in a program not sponsored by Dubrovnik International University must receive written permission from the Dean of Students in order to receive credit for academic work completed abroad in advance of taking the course. A student who is not approved and chooses to attend such program must take a leave of absence. If approved, the student will remain enrolled at Dubrovnik International University in Independent Consortial status. The student will be required to register for sufficient credits to be regarded as a full-time student and will be certified as a full-time student by DIU during study abroad. Once the student has successfully completed the program abroad, his or her transcript will show a DIU-approved independent study abroad notation.

Credits, Grades, and Residency
Credit towards the undergraduate degree will be awarded for all previously approved courses, provided the courses have been successfully completed with a grade equivalent to at least a 2, and provided the student presents acceptable documentation from the host university or sponsoring institution. A maximum of 30 ECTS points per semester may be applied to DIU degrees from overseas programs.
If a student has successfully completed a course of study that is considered to be a full course of study for local students at the host university, full credit (30 ECTS points per semester) will be awarded for the overseas program. Credits may be applied towards general education requirements, the major or concentration, the minor, or counted as electives, at the discretion of the appropriate Dubrovnik International University academic officers.
In the case of DIU-sponsored programs, all grades will be recorded on the student’s academic transcript as reported to Dubrovnik International University by the overseas program officers. In the case of students studying on other programs during the summer, only course titles and credits (not grades) will be recorded on the transcript.
In most cases, grades earned overseas will not be computed in the student’s cumulative Quality Point Index. Work completed on overseas study, including summer study abroad, does not count toward fulfilling the residency requirement.

 

Violations of Academic Rules and Regulations

The students at Dubrovnik International University assume full responsibility for honesty in written assignments, examinations, group work and homework problems. Every student acknowledges the obligation to report any suspected academic violation that he or she has observed, both within and outside class.

I) Jurisdiction over Undergraduates for Violations
of Academic Rules and Regulations

Jurisdiction over violations of academic rules and regulations rests with the Disciplinary Committee. The committee shall deal with all cases involving, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, academic dishonesty, failure to complete a course and behavioral problems within an academic or lecture setting.
When a report of a suspected academic violation is received, the Disciplinary Committee immediately conducts an investigation. If the investigation indicates that it is warranted, the full Disciplinary Committee is convened and a confidential hearing is held. If the student in question is acquitted, all records of the hearing are destroyed. If a student is found guilty, the committee recommends an appropriate penalty to the Dean of Students. Normally, a student found guilty of violating the academic guidelines can expect to fail a particular assignment, fail the course in question or be suspended from the University for one or two years. A second offense will result in expulsion. Censure may be added to all penalties to underscore the seriousness of the violation.

II) General Requirements in Regard to Examinations

Procedures during the course of an examination are determined by the faculty member present. Students may not leave the examination room without the specific permission of the faculty member. Such permission must be granted uniformly; that is, if one student is allowed to leave the room, no other may be denied such permission upon request. Students may not take their examinations with them outside of the examination room. Students are advised to sit one seat apart from other students, to refrain from bringing notes and books into the examination room, and if possible, to avoid sitting near those with whom they have studied. Laptop computers as well as hand-held electronic communication devices (e.g., cell phones, Blackberries, etc.) are forbidden in final examination rooms. Additionally, students may not wear headphones attached to audio devices during examinations. The faculty member has the responsibility to make sure the examinations are turned in by students at the appropriate time.

III) Academic Violations during Examinations

Academic violations shall consist of any attempt to receive assistance from written or printed aids, or from any person or papers, or of any attempt to give assistance, whether the one so doing has completed his or her own work or not. This rule holds both inside and outside of the examination room. Other violations include, but are not limited to, any attempt to gain an unfair advantage in regard to an examination, such as tampering with a graded exam or claiming another’s work to be one’s own.
Violations shall also consist of obtaining or attempting to obtain, previous to any examinations, copies of the examination papers or the questions to appear thereon, or to obtain any illegal knowledge of these questions.
Termed perjury, lying before the committee or purposely misleading the committee shall also constitute a violation.

IV) General Requirements for the Acknowledgment
of Sources in Academic Work

In order to prevent any misunderstanding in terms of plagiarism, students are expected to study and comply with the following basic requirements. If you have any questions about when and how to cite your sources, ask the course instructor. An important general rule is this: if you are unsure whether or not to acknowledge a source, always err on the side of caution and completeness by citing rather than not citing.

Quotations
Any quotations, however small, must be placed in quotation marks or clearly "indented" beyond the regular margin. Any quotation must be accompanied (either within the text or in a footnote) by a precise indication of the source identifying the author, title, place and date of publication (where relevant), and page numbers. Any sentence or phrase which is not the original work of the student must be acknowledged.

Paraphrasing
Any material which is paraphrased or summarized must also be specifically acknowledged in a footnote or in the text. A thorough rewording or rearrangement of an author’s text does not relieve one of this responsibility. Occasionally, students maintain that they have read a source long before they wrote their papers and have unwittingly duplicated some of its phrases or ideas. This is not a valid excuse. The student is responsible for taking adequate notes in order to prevent paraphrasing.

Ideas and Facts
Any ideas or facts which are borrowed should be specifically acknowledged in a footnote or in the text, even if the idea or fact has been further elaborated by the student. Some ideas, facts, formulas, and other kinds of information which are widely known and considered to be in the “public domain” of common knowledge do not always require citation. (Dates of events, for example, are commonly considered to be general public knowledge.) The criteria for common knowledge vary among disciplines; students in doubt should consult a member of the faculty.
Occasionally, a student in preparing an essay has consulted an essay or body of notes on a similar subject by another student. If the student has done so, he or she must state the fact and indicate clearly the nature and extent of his or her obligation. The name and class of the author of an essay or notes which are consulted should be given, and the student should be prepared to show the work consulted to the instructor, if requested to do so.

Footnotes and Bibliography
All the sources that have been consulted in the preparation of an essay or report should be listed in a bibliography, unless specific guidelines (from the academic department or instructor) request that only works cited be so included. However, the mere listing of a source in a bibliography shall not be considered a “proper acknowledgment” for specific use of that source within the essay or report; a footnote or endnote must also appear after the information or quotation from that source. Neither shall the use of a footnote at the end of a sentence or paragraph in which only minor word changes have been made from the original source be considered “proper acknowledgment.” The extent of indebtedness to the author must be made clear.

Electronic and Other Sources
The requirement to acknowledge sources is not limited to printed material such as books or journal articles. Information is now readily available through many newer media, including text and images on the World Wide Web, CD-ROM, and electronic mail. Information or quotations from any of these sources must be properly cited; ask your course instructor for guidance on how to cite such sources. At a minimum, acknowledge any information, text or image from the World Wide Web by noting the name and author of the site (if available), the Internet address, and the date you accessed the site.

Problem Sets, Group Work, and Homework
In many courses, students work in pairs or in larger groups. In those cases where individual reports are submitted based on work involving collaboration, proper acknowledgment of the extent of the collaboration must appear in the report. In those cases where there are two or more signatories to a submitted report, each student’s signature is taken to mean that the student has contributed fairly to the work involved and understands and endorses the content of the report. If for any reason, a set of observations or calculations has been invalidated or left incomplete, permission must be granted by the instructor to obtain the data from other sources and those sources must be specifically acknowledged in the report. Make sure you understand the rules of collaboration in any course by asking the instructor.

Multiple Submission
Under certain conditions, the student may be permitted to rewrite an earlier work or to satisfy two academic requirements by producing a single piece of work more extensive than that which would satisfy either requirement on its own. In such cases however, the student must secure in writing, prior permission of each instructor. In cases where a previously submitted work, or a portion of it, is submitted in its original or revised form to another instructor, the student must also submit the original work with the revised version. If a single extended work has been written for more than one course, that fact must be clearly indicated at the beginning of the essay.

Oral Reports
Students required to submit written notes for oral reports must clearly acknowledge any work that is not original, in accordance with the requirements stated above.

Standard Forms of Reference
Dubrovnik International University requests students to use the standards of the American Psychological Association when citing all works. The University will issue a guide to APA citations to all students at the start of the academic year. Students are expected to study, learn and follow instructions of the guide in all written works.

V) Academic Violations in Regards to Acknowledgement
of Outside Sources

With regard to essays, reports, problem sets, or any other written work submitted to fulfill an official academic requirement, the following are considered academic infractions:

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as the use of any outside source without proper acknowledgment. “Outside source” means any work, published or unpublished, by any person other than the student.

Unauthorized Multiple Submission
The failure to obtain prior written permission of the relevant instructors to submit any work that has been submitted in identical or similar form in fulfillment of any other academic requirement at any institution. Students may not resubmit either their own or another individual’s work.

False Citation
The attribution to, or citation of, a source from which the material in question was not, in fact, obtained.

False Data
The submission of data or information that has been deliberately altered or contrived by the student or with the student’s knowledge, including the submission for re-grading of any academic work, either from the student or from another individual.
Any aid knowingly given to another in committing any of the infractions described above, or aid given contrary to instructions provided by the course instructor, will also be considered a violation.

VI) Oral Presentations

Oral examinations and presentations are held to the same code of conduct as written work and examinations. Students may use all materials specifically permitted by the instructor. However, use of materials banned by the professor or instructor and the appropriation of another individual’s work or ideas as one’s own are considered academic violations by the University and as such as subject to investigation and review by the Disciplinary Committee.

VII) Transcription or Publication of Course-Related Materials

Students may not engage in the publication, sale, or distribution, online or by any other means, of abstracts or transcriptions of the lectures or required reading in any course of instruction in the University.
This regulation is not intended to preclude situations in which students may act as assistants to instructors who are themselves preparing lectures or other course-related materials, either for informal distribution (without sale) to members of a particular course or department, or for formal publication and sale by a publisher.

VIII) Disciplinary Committee Procedure

A typical case of the Disciplinary Committee regarding academic violations would be conducted as follows:
A suspected violation of the academic rules is brought to the attention of the Disciplinary Committee by a reporting witness. The reporting witness is typically a faculty member, a student, or the violator. The member of the committee receiving the report calls the chair. Any two members of the committee conduct a preliminary investigation of the allegation. The meeting in which investigators notify the student in question of their alleged violation will be recorded for possible use by the committee or the accused student if a hearing is held. If the evidence warrants it, the chair sets a time and place for a hearing. The two investigators and/or the chair inform the student in question of the charge at least 24 hours before the hearing and may also ask potential witnesses to appear at the hearing. Confidentiality is maintained to the greatest extent during the investigation.
Evidence for the hearing usually includes the examination(s) or work(s) in question and any other relevant material, which are duplicated, if necessary, for use by the individual members of the committee during the hearing. If a faculty member reports the alleged violation, or if consultation with the professor administering or grading the examination or the written work, the teacher’s assistant or the student advisor of the student in question seems helpful, the committee may call that person or persons to the actual hearing to discuss the facts as then known. The committee may also have present, during the hearing, a student or faculty member who is knowledgeable in the field of the examination in question. As in other cases before the Disciplinary Committee, all rules governing presentation of witnesses, evidence and advisors to the student in question apply.
After a report of a suspected violation is received, the chair may consult with the Dean of Students concerning the general character of the suspected violation, the nature of the investigation in progress, and any questions that may arise during the course of the investigation. The Dean may provide the chair and the two investigators, prior to any scheduled hearing, whatever information he or she determines is appropriate concerning the student in question for consideration by the committee. This might include any special or extraordinary circumstances affecting the student.
In the hearing, witnesses provide information about the possible violation that has been observed or noticed and are questioned by the committee. Next, the student in question is called before the committee. The student in question is urged to choose a peer or faculty representative who will be present throughout the hearing. Only a current undergraduate member of the University community who is not a member of the Disciplinary Committee may serve as the peer representative. The peer or faculty representative may ask questions of all witnesses. At the conclusion of all testimony, the investigators may, in the presence of the peer or faculty representative, present a summary of the case. Before the committee begins deliberations on guilt or innocence, the peer or faculty representative and the student in question will have the option of delivering a final defense summary to the committee. The identities of the student in question, student reporting witnesses, and any other student witnesses are kept completely confidential. This helps to insure that cases will not lead to prejudice outside the hearing room.
In order to determine that a student has violated a University rule, a majority of the voting committee members present must conclude that the evidence presented constitutes a clear and persuasive case in support of the charges against the student. If the student is found to have misled the committee during the hearing, the committee may take that fact into account in reaching a conclusion and assigning a penalty.
The principals and witnesses may be called for testimony several times before the committee renders a judgment. The committee deliberates in private and arrives at a decision by individual vote. When a decision is reached, the student in question is called and informed of the judgment. Then the reporting witness is informed of the judgment, thanked for the exercise of a responsibility that is difficult but necessary, and cautioned against discussion of the case. If the student is acquitted, all written record of his or her involvement in the case is destroyed. Records of cases, which are retained by the committee, aid future committees by the precedents they contain, although for the most part the committee is likely to consider each case as unique rather than search for a decision in a similar case.

Student Defense
The only adequate defense for a student accused of an academic violation is that his or her actions did not, in fact, constitute a violation. In determining whether an academic violation has occurred or the severity of such a violation, the committee may take into account whether the student should have reasonably understood that his or her actions were in violation of University policy and/or exam room procedures. Neither the defense that the student was ignorant of the regulations concerning the exam nor the defense that the student was under pressure at the time the violation was committed is considered an adequate defense.

Penalties
If a person is found guilty, he or she is informed of the punishment, which is, at the committee’s discretion, a failure in the assignment or class in question, a suspension, or in the case of a second offense, permanent expulsion. The committee shall also have recourse, in the presence of extenuating circumstances, to probation up to three years, which becomes a part of the student’s permanent record. Only the Provost of the University may alter the final penalty. The penalty levied by the Disciplinary Committee may not be increased upon appeal. If the Provost determines that a penalty of the Disciplinary Committee should be reduced, then the Provost shall set out the new penalty. However, in appealed cases where the Provost’s decision is met with disagreement from a majority of the University Senate, only the University president may decide whether or not to implement a reduction in penalty.
The chair or the secretary of the committee informs the student promptly of the decision. If a penalty is imposed, special effort is made in this discussion to ensure that the student fully understands why the penalty was imposed and its nature and consequences. The student has the right to receive a copy of the summary report of the proceedings upon request.
In determining the seriousness of the offense, the Disciplinary Committee will consider whether the student ought reasonably to have understood that his or her actions were in violation of University regulations. If the committee concludes that this threshold has been met, the penalty will normally be the failure of the course in questions, one year’s suspension or required withdrawal from the University. While the failure to fulfill the general requirements for acknowledgment of sources in academic work may not be determined to reach this level of seriousness, any such failure will be considered an academic infraction and will normally result in a disciplinary penalty.
Under normal circumstances, when a violation requiring suspension occurs during the fall term, the convicted person or persons shall not be eligible to return until the following fall term. When a violation requiring suspension occurs during the spring term, the convicted person or persons shall not be eligible to return until the following spring term. If a senior is involved in a violation during the spring term, the student’s degree may be withheld until the spring of the following year. Only the University Provost may review the final penalty.
Under extreme, exceptional circumstances, the committee may allow a student to complete the term in which the violation occurred and be removed from the University for the following two semesters. In such cases the Disciplinary Committee would recommend that the student receive a failing grade in the course in question.
Pending action on the charges by the committee or pending an appeal, the student may remain on campus, attend classes, and make use of all University facilities, except for reasons relating to the student’s physical or emotional safety or well-being, or for reasons relating to the safety of other members of the University community or of University property. The student should understand that if the committee’s decision proves adverse, or if an appeal proves unsuccessful, the decision of the committee will normally be considered effective as of the date of the original decision. In cases adjudicated prior to the last day of classes, if the final decision is a dismissal from the University (i.e., suspension, required withdrawal, or expulsion), obtaining credit for the semester will be at the discretion of the committee. Pending either a hearing or the student’s decision about whether to appeal a dismissal from the University or the withholding of the degree and while an appeal is in process, the student’s University transcript will bear the notation: “Status Under Review.” Should the student decide not to appeal a dismissal or the withholding of the degree or should an appeal not result in an alteration of the committee’s decision to dismiss the student or withhold his or her degree, the registrar will record the fact of the penalty on the student’s transcript under a date when the committee reached its decision.

Seriousness of the Offense
Academic infractions are always considered a serious matter, but will be considered especially serious if:
1. The student has submitted a paper prepared by another person or agency.
2. The student has on his or her record a previous conviction for another serious violation.
3. The infraction includes the theft of another student’s work, even if the paper or assignment is returned after use, or consulted without being removed from the other student’s room or from a public or private room or from an electronic online location such as a website where work has been placed.

Appeal
An appeal of a decision of the Disciplinary Committee should be directed to the University Senate. Such appeals can only be made on the grounds of procedural unfairness or harmful bias.
A student may appeal to the University Senate, seeking a review of a decision or penalty on the grounds that (1) there exists substantial relevant information that was not presented, and reasonably could not have been presented, to the Disciplinary Committee, or (2) the imposed penalty does not fall within the range of penalties imposed for similar misconduct. The purpose of such an appeal is not to initiate a review of substantive issues of fact, or a new determination of whether a violation of rules has occurred. If the Senate concludes after such a review that an additional hearing is warranted, the original hearing body will normally perform these functions. Also, if the Senate determines that a penalty of the Disciplinary Committee should be altered, the Senate will make a recommendation to the Provost, describing the reasons for the proposed modification, who in turn decides whether or not to implement the recommendation. However, in appealed cases where the Provost’s decision is met with disagreement from a majority of the University Senate, only the University president may decide whether or not to implement a reduction in penalty.
A penalty cannot be increased on appeal.
The deadline for filing either such appeal is one week from the date of decision by the Disciplinary Committee.

IX) Records of Proceedings

Confidential records of all proceedings of the University Senate and of the actions of the Disciplinary Committee and the deans are maintained in the offices of the Secretary of the University. The use of these documents is restricted according to the rules and procedures concerning the confidential nature of student records.
Disciplinary procedures normally involve only the student and the University. Generally, the student’s family is not informed while disciplinary procedures are under way. When, however, in the judgment of the University the welfare of the student or the community warrants communication, family members may be contacted during the disciplinary process. All disciplinary decisions resulting in serious penalties (especially, but not exclusively, withholding of degree, suspension, required withdrawal, and expulsion) will be communicated to the student’s family or other legal guardian, unless the student has before the commencement of the term in question filed a statement certifying that he or she is not financially dependent as defined by the federal tax laws.