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Students Rights

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and the general well-being of society. Student participation, responsibility, academic freedom, and due process are essential to the operation of the academic enterprise. As members of the academic community, students should be encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth.

Freedom to learn and to explore major social, political, and economic issues are necessary adjuncts to student academic freedom, as is freedom from discrimination, as set forth in the university's non-discrimination policy.

Freedom to learn and freedom to teach are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The concomitant of this freedom is responsibility. If members of the academic community are to develop positively in their freedom; if these rights are to be secure, then students should exercise their freedom with responsibility.

Each student enrolled or in attendance at Kingsborough Community College and every student organization, association, publication, club or chapter shall obey (1) the laws of the city, state and nation; (2) the bylaws and resolutions of the board, including the rules and regulations for the maintenance of public order pursuant to article 129-a of the education law ( Henderson rules ); and (3) the governance plan, policies, regulations, and orders of the college. Such laws, bylaws, resolutions, policies, rules, regulations and orders shall, of course, be limited by the right of students to the freedoms of speech, press, assembly and petition as construed by the courts.

Students at Kingsborough Community College can expect that the Office of Student Conduct will uphold the following standards:

  • Treat all students with fairness, respect and as independent adults
  • Will communicate to students in a timely manner regarding charges, mediation conferences, hearing information and decisions.
  • Will answer a student's questions in a timely manner regarding the conduct process, possible outcomes, sanctions, etc
  • Will refer students to other campus offices and departments as needed.
  • Will have their student conduct history kept confidential.  CUNY and Kingsborough Policy generally directs the Office of Student Conduct not to disclose or discuss specific details regarding a student's conduct or disciplinary records with anyone outside of Kingsborough, including parents, except in limited situations where someone's health and safety is at risk.

CODE OF CIVILITY

As a member of the Kingsborough College community, I understand that I have a responsibility to conduct myself in a courteous and respectful manner, and so, I pledge to:

  •  Respect and treat with dignity all members of the college community; men and women of every race, religion, gender, age, culture, physical ability, nationality and life style
  •  Keep my language clean.  I will not use offensive language or words that are obscene, racist, sexist, or otherwise hurtful
  •  Be courteous and considerate of others
  •  Accept and embrace our similarities and differences
  •  Be open minded to views other than my own and be willing to compromise
  •  Reach out to others who may need my help
  •  Agree to disagree when our opinions differ rather than trying to force my opinions or feelings on you
  •  I accept this code as my obligation to promote responsible citizenship