Student Resources and Rights Guide

On-Campus Student Resources

Off-Campus Student Resources

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Student Complaints

All students have the right to register complaints or concerns regarding their experience at UHD and to receive a timely response from the appropriate university official. UHD has established policies to address complaints related to academics and non-academics. Students should attempt to resolve the issue at the office that is the source of the complaint by speaking with the supervisor or professor and follow the below steps:

If the attempt does not result in a satisfactory resolution, students should complete the UHD Student Complaint Form. Questions may be directed to uhdstudentaffairs@uhd.edu.

For complaints related to discrimination and sexual misconduct, please see page 7.

 

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Student Policies

I. Student Conduct: PS 04.A.01 Student Rights and Responsibilities

All students are expected to adhere to, and be accountable for, all federal, state, and local laws in addition to all University policies and regulations. Proven failure to meet this obligation will justify appropriate disciplinary action including but not limited to expulsion, suspension, disciplinary probation, loss of privileges, or warning. The conduct process includes two steps: 1) Procedural Interview – Meeting with the Conduct Officer to review and discuss the charges, and 2) Hearing – Choice of a Disciplinary Conference (one-on-one hearing) with the Conduct Officer or a hearing with the Student Discipline Committee.

If you receive notification of an alleged conduct violation, you can expect the following:

• Due process rights
• Advanced notice of the charge(s)
• Opportunity to question evidence and present defense
• Have an advisor present during the disciplinary conference and hearing
• Challenge objectivity of a hearing committee member
• Evidence based outcomes
• Option to appeal any finding with exception to a warning

II. Freedom of Expression: PS 04.A.08 Freedom of Expression Policy

The University expects that persons engaging in expressive activities will demonstrate civility, concern for the safety of persons and property, respect for University activities, respect for those who may disagree with their message, and compliance with University policies and applicable local, state, and federal laws. UHD maintains its right to place reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on expressive activities. This policy is applicable to any expressive activity (including literature distribution) at locations on university grounds. This policy does not apply to any Official University event or activity.

III.Hazing: PS 04.A.07 Hazing Policy

Participation in hazing activities is against the law. The University strictly prohibits participation in hazing activities by any party, regardless of the existence of consent. UHD recognizes the act of hazing as illegal, irresponsible, intolerable, and inconsistent with the principles of higher education and basic human development. Violation of the University's hazing policy, whether on or off campus, may subject participants, including students and organizations, to arrest, prosecution, and/or disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension or expulsion of students and the revocation of an organization's registration and/or recognition of the University. Consent to acquiescence in hazing activity is not a defense. This policy addresses hazing activity and includes a summary of the provisions of the law as it relates to hazing.

To file a report for any of the policies listed on this page, complete the Student Conduct Incident Report Form. Questions may be directed to uhdstudentaffairs@uhd.edu or 713-221-8100.

IV. Anti-Discrimination: SAM 01.D.07 Anti-Discrimination Policy

UHD is committed to maintaining an environment where students, employees, and visitors are free from all forms of discrimination of any kind. Discrimination is prohibited for the following protected classes:

• Race and ethnicity
• Color
• Sex (including pregnancy status)
• Genetic information
• Religion
• Age
• National origin
• Disability
• Veteran status
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity/expression

To file a report, complete the Discrimination and Harassment Report Form. Questions may be directed to titleix@uhd.edu or 713-221-5771.

V. Title IX | Sexual Misconduct: SAM 01.D.08 Sexual Misconduct Policy

UHD is committed to maintaining an environment where students, employees, and visitors are free from sex discrimination of any kind. All employees, except Counseling Services and Health Services, are required to report sexual misconduct allegations. Students are strongly encouraged to report these incidents as well. Sexual misconduct includes:

• Sexual harassment
• Non-consensual sexual contact
• Sexual assault
• Sexual exploitation
• Sexual intimidation
• Intimate partner violence
• Stalking

To file a report, complete the Title IX Report Sexual Misconduct Form. Questions may be directed to titleix@uhd.edu or 713-221-5771.

VI. Alcohol: PS 04.A.02 Student Use of Alcoholic Beverages at UHD

This policy outlines the regulations regarding the service, consumption, and distribution of alcoholic beverages to UHD students. The University strictly adheres to all city, state, and federal laws regarding the distribution and consumption of alcohol. The University is committed to the national initiative of preventing the abuse of alcohol.

To file a report, complete the Student Conduct Incident Report Form. Questions may be directed to uhdstudentaffairs@uhd.edu or 713-221-8100.

VII. Smoking: PS 01.A.09 Smoke Free and Tobacco Free Environment

This policy addresses the use of tobacco and smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes, or similar devices on University property. All of these are prohibited in University buildings and grounds, shuttle buses, escort vans, or any other type of campus vehicle. Tobacco use is permitted outside of University buildings in designated smoking areas. The sale or free distribution of tobacco products or merchandise on University property is prohibited.

To file a report, complete the Student Conduct Incident Report Form. Questions may be directed to uhdstudentaffairs@uhd.edu or 713-221-8100.

VIII. Academic Honesty: PS 03.A.19 Academic Honesty Policy

The Academic Honesty Policy is the University's standard of honesty. Students are responsible for maintaining the academic integrity of the University and for doing their own work while avoiding all forms of academic dishonesty. Academic honesty violations include but not limited to:

• Submitting material that is not yours
• Submitting similar work in more than one course
• Obtaining/Using information, devices, material without permission
• Fabricating information
• Collaborating with others without permission
• Communicating with any person during an exam other than the instructor or exam proctor
• Having another person take your exam
• Altering exam answers and requesting it be re-graded
• Directly quoting, paraphrasing, or using sources of information without identifying them

The penalty for academic honesty violations is at the discretion of the instructor and may be modified upon appeal. Penalties can range from a warning, zero on an assignment, to receiving an F in the course.

To file an appeal, contact the instructor of the course.

IX. Academic Accommodations: SAM 01.D.09 Student Academic Accommodations

This policy assists with the submission and processing of student academic adjustments/auxiliary aids (i.e., accommodations) requests based on a disability. It is the policy of the University of Houston System and UHD that all students who have a disability are afforded equal academic opportunities in compliance with federal and state laws. The UH System is committed to ensuring that no student with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated, or otherwise treated differently than other students because of the absence of a reasonable academic adjustment/auxiliary aid.

To file a report, contact the Accessible Education Center at aec@uhd.edu or 713-221-5078.