The freedom to learn should be promoted and encouraged by instructors and other members of the university community. In the classroom or other learning environments, whether in person or online, students shall have the rights to:
- Have access to faculty, academic technology, classrooms, libraries, presentations, facilities, and other resources as necessary for the learning process.
- Have access to academic advising and clear expectations for program and graduation requirements.
- Have access to their education records in a manner consistent with state and federal laws and applicable Indiana University policies, including VPSO-05, Student Rights Under FERPA and Release of Student Information.
- Have decisions related to the student’s advancement toward their education communicated in a clear manner.
- Learn in an environment that supports self-expression and association.
- Participate in an exchange of ideas free of conduct that impedes either an instructor’s ability to teach or the students’ ability to learn, including having the freedom to raise relevant issues pertaining to classroom discussion (including personal beliefs), ask questions about data presented, and express alternative opinions, without concern for any retaliation or academic penalty. Students have the right to expect that their work will be evaluated by academic standards alone.
- Receive a class syllabus in a timely manner.
- Be informed of course goals, testing and grading procedures, and course content, in sufficient time to facilitate efficient course selection.
- Expect professional interactions with faculty who:
- Provide clearly stated class goals;
- Provide clear expectations for class performance and evaluation;
- Meet classes as scheduled; are accessible for office hour appointments or consultation; and
- Maintain a clear connection between course content and the course description, syllabus and goals.
- Expect that an instructor will be sensitive to the student’s religious identities, practices, and observances, including an expectation that instructors will make reasonable accommodations upon notice that the student must miss a class, exam or other academic exercise resulting from the observance of a religious holiday. It is the responsibility of the students involved to notify their course directors in a timely manner concerning their need for such accommodation, consistent with ACA-59, Accommodation for Religious Observances.
- Expect that academic appointees, staff and university administrators will adhere to the university’s applicable policies regarding consensual relations with students (See BOT-15, Academic Appointee Responsibilities and Conduct, and ACA-16, Student Academic Appointments).