General University Policies

Additional information on these and other policies is available on the Southern Utah University Policies web page.

Academic Honesty

The University’s goal is to foster an intellectual atmosphere that produces educated, literate people. This can best be achieved in a community committed to honor, respect, trust, and moral courage. These values define academic integrity which is expected of all SUU community members. Cheating and plagiarism are at odds with this goal and therefore will not be tolerated in any form. All work submitted by a student must represent that student’s own ideas and effort. When the work does not represent the student’s own work it must be properly cited; if it is not, the student has engaged in academic misconduct. Cheating, forgery, plagiarism, or the use of work belonging to another are all considered academic misconduct.

The following are specific examples of such conduct:

• purchasing a paper or other project for which one then seeks to receive credit;
• copying from another student with the intent of receiving credit as one’s own work;
• using “crib notes” or other stored information (on any electronic device) without express permission from the faculty member;
• misrepresenting themself or someone else in an exam setting;
• collaborating on assignments or exams when such collaboration is forbidden; and
• failing to properly document source material in a paper or project; “cutting and pasting” source material from various Internet sites and submitting it as their own work without proper citation.

Use of translation devices (print, electronic, or otherwise) in an academic setting is only permitted when prior authorization from the instructor has been obtained.

Note: The list above is intended only to provide general guidelines in recognizing and avoiding common types of academic dishonesty. It is in no way an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all the types of academic dishonesty.

When repeated violations occur, the University’s conduct process may determine whether the student shall be permitted to continue at the University. When this process is used, the focus of the Conduct Review will be on continued enrollment; such reviews will not be used to “re-hear” the facts of any case that has already been decided. (See SUU Policies 6.33 Academic Misconduct and 11.2 Student Conduct Code.)

For more information about academic honesty, see the Southern Utah University Policies web page.

Catalog Contents Policy Statement

The purpose of the Southern Utah University Catalog is to provide current, articulate, and accurate information about Southern Utah University to all University constituencies including faculty, staff, students, educational agencies, and administrators.

Catalogs, bulletins, course and fee schedules, etc., are not to be considered as binding contracts between Southern Utah University and students, prospective students, faculty and staff, or any other third party. The University and its divisions reserve the right at any time, without advance notice, to (a) withdraw or cancel classes, courses, and programs; (b) change fee schedules; (c) change the Academic Calendar; (d) change admission and registration requirements; (e) change the regulations and requirements governing instruction in, and graduation from, the University and its various divisions; and (f) change any other relations affecting students. Changes shall go into effect whenever the University so determines, and shall apply not only to prospective students but also to students who are degree-seeking at the time. When economic and other conditions permit, the University will attempt to provide advance notice of such changes. In particular, when an instructional program is to be withdrawn, the University will make every reasonable effort to ensure that students who are within two (2) years of completing the graduation requirements, and who are making normal progress toward the completion of those requirements, will have the opportunity to complete the program which is to be withdrawn.

SUU is an equal opportunity campus. View the SUU Nondiscrimination statement.

Note: The courses contained in this Catalog do not preclude or limit the University in its offerings for any semester or session, nor do they restrict the University to the time block (semester or session) represented by the approved academic calendar.

Classroom Expectations for Performance and Conduct

Academic expectations are outlined in course syllabi and must be met in order to earn a passing grade. Instructors may make reasonable accommodations for students who confront unforeseen unique circumstances that limit or restrict class participation or performance; however, instructors are not expected to minimize expectations. To ask faculty to do so devalues the work of all other class participants. Students who are unable to complete required coursework and attend class regularly should talk with their instructors or their advisor about alternatives. In the classroom, subject to the responsibility of the instructor to maintain order and to monitor time limitations, the discussion and expression of all views relevant to the subject matter are permitted. In addition, the following shall apply:

1. Student academic performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis.
2. Students shall be free to take exception to the material or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study in which they are enrolled. This right to take exception does not permit the disruption of class or infringement on the rights of others to learn.
3. Requirements of participation in classroom discussion and submission of written exercises are not inconsistent with this section.
4. Information about student views, beliefs, and political associations acquired by faculty in the course of their work as instructors, advisors, and counselors is confidential and is not to be disclosed to others unless under legal compulsion.
5. Should a faculty member determine that a student is disrupting a class and ask the student to leave the classroom, the student shall do so immediately.
6. Children are not permitted in institution classrooms or laboratories unless they are an integral part of instruction; nor should parents/guardians leave children unattended in hallways and restrooms.

When a student believes that they have been unjustly treated in the classroom, either by the denial of freedom of expression or by improper evaluation, or on any other right enumerated above, the student should discuss the concern with the instructor. The student may appeal the faculty member’s decision first to the department chair, and then to the appropriate academic dean.

Distance Education Complaints and SARA

Utah is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), and Southern Utah University (SUU) is an approved SARA institution. This means we adhere to established standards for offering post-secondary online/distance education programs in all member states.

Students who have complaints against the University relating to fraud, false advertising, or other deceptive practices should first file their complaints directly to SUU by submitting a report through EthicsPoint under the “Academic Affairs” option. If SUU does not resolve the complaint, students may file a complaint with the Utah Board of Higher Education. Note: The Board of Higher Education will only consider complaints that were previously unresolved by SUU and may refer a complaint to another agency for investigation.

Students who have complaints against the University relating to fraud, false advertising, or other deceptive practices can also file a complaint with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection:

160 East 300 East
2nd Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Local Phone: (801) 530-6601
Toll-Free: 1-800-721-SAFE
Website

In addition, students involved with distance and correspondence education can file a complaint with their state’s enforcement authority. Students in California: Complaints can be directed to the Department of Consumer Affairs through their online form.

Students who have complaints relating to the University’s quality of education or other issues appropriate for its accrediting body to consider can file a complaint with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Copies of documents describing the University’s accreditation and state approval are available for review upon request.

Students who have complaints relating to issues that are covered by the Student Conduct Code should follow the University’s process for filing a complaint.

Emergency Management

In case of emergency, the University’s Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University’s emergency management plan can be found on the Emergency Management site.

Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA)

Southern Utah University adheres to the federal Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) and maintains a current record of student consumer disclosures.

Information Technology Resources

Students are expected to adhere to the policies, procedures, and expectations regarding the use of Information Technology resources. Specifically, the sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law. Complete information can be found by reviewing SUU Policy 5.51 Information Technology Resources.

Right of Appeal

Students have the right to appeal any academic policy or requirement if either of the following conditions is present:

• Extenuating circumstances make it impossible for them to comply with the policy or requirement; or
• An undue hardship would result from a strict application or interpretation of the policy or requirement.

Please note, however, that extenuating circumstances must be beyond the student’s control and that undue hardship must be a condition far more serious than simple inconvenience. Documentation will be required and the timeliness of the appeal will be taken into consideration.

If students appeal an academic policy or requirement, that appeal will most likely be reviewed by the dean of the college/school responsible for the student’s major. (Please see SUU Policy 11.4 Student Complaints.) For more information about appeals and grievances, refer to Southern Utah University Policies.

Statement on Licensure

At Southern Utah University, programs in the licensed professions are designed to fulfill the educational prerequisites for licensure in Utah. This means that, when students graduate from a SUU professional program, they have the minimum educational qualifications to apply for Utah licensure in their field.

For other US states and territories, this may or may not be the case. Within a given profession, educational requirements for licensure vary from state to state. To assist students who now live or may one day live outside of Utah, SUU is currently maintaining a resource that explains whether each SUU professional program fulfills educational requirements for a license credential in each US state and territory. If students have additional questions or want further assistant making a determination, they can contact either their

• Department Chair OR
• Profession’s licensure board in the state of interest

NC-SARA has provided a Professional Licensure Directory with contact information for all 50 states and 3 territories for the following professional areas:

• Counseling
• Nursing
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Teacher Education

Potential Consequences of Moving to Another State

When students are taking courses online, the place from which they live and access academic resources matters. SUU must be authorized (or otherwise allowed) by a student’s state to deliver their academic program in that location. The paragraphs above explain where and how the University is authorized. Students who begin an online program while residing in a state in which SUU is authorized to offer online programs need to be aware that moving to a state in which the University is not authorized to offer the program may have negative consequences. While the University attempts to obtain authorization everywhere its students live, moving to a state in which the University is not authorized could result in the loss of eligibility for certain forms of financial aid, the inability to complete the academic program, and/or the ability to become professionally licensed in the program field.

Licensing Board Changes and Periodic Reviews

Southern Utah University will review the licensing standards annually. SUU has the last date updated in the individual sections within the Licensure Map, but it is possible that a state/territory licensing board changes their requirements between SUU’s annual reviews.

International Compliance

It is the student’s responsibility to understand requirements related to whether a degree will be recognized in a country other than the United States, how the collection of student data may be used in another country, and whether withholding taxes (in addition to the price of tuition) will apply. Some countries may not formally recognize foreign online degrees, which may have implications for students who later seek to enroll in other educational programs, or for those who seek employment with that country’s government or other employers requiring specific credentials.

International students considering an academic program that leads to a professional license should first confirm with the appropriate professional licensing board in their country of residence or the country where they intend to work as to whether an SUU degree will be recognized when seeking licensure or certification.

Currently students are restricted from participating in online courses from any institution located in the United States in the following countries:

• Cuba
• Iran
• North Korea
• Sudan
• Syria

Student Classification

The University classifies each student according to the definitions provided below:

Student Code of Conduct

Southern Utah University establishes high expectations and community standards for its students through its policies and procedures. The University’s Student Conduct Code (the Code) identifies actions and behaviors that are prohibited. The Code also establishes the process and procedures that are used to resolve allegations of student misconduct. Students are encouraged to review the Code by reading SUU Policy 11.2 Student Conduct Code. This document provide students with information about their rights which are consistent with state and federal laws.

Student Records

Southern Utah University routinely collects and maintains information about prospective, current, and former students. These records include such items as their application for admission, correspondence related to that application, their permanent transcript, and all materials that document that transcript. Faculty members also maintain files containing advising records, grade sheets, and correspondence.

In general, students have the right to review documents that constitute their official student record.

The following sections provide more detail about official records at Southern Utah University, about students’ rights and responsibilities regarding that record, and about policies and procedures governing the information that such records contain. Complete information can be found by reviewing SUU Policy 5.39 Records Access and Management.

Changing Personal Information

Address Changes

It is the responsibility of the student to keep address information up-to-date through the mySUU Portal.

Name Changes

Currently enrolled students should promptly report a change of name to the Registrar’s Office. Students may do so by completing a Personal Information Change form and returning the form to the Registrar’s Office. Students must provide evidence that their name has officially changed, such as a certified copy of a court order, a marriage certificate, or a dissolution decree reflecting the new name in full. If the individual has ever been an employee of the University, they must report their name change to the Department of Human Resources; documentation requirements may differ.

Confidentiality & Privacy

The purpose of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended, is to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are

• the right to inspect and review the student’s education records;
• the right to request the amendment of a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading; and
• the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

The following information is designated as directory information by SUU and may be shared with a third-party without express permission:

• Name
• City/State
• Email Address
• Class Rank (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate)
• Courses of Study, Degrees and Certificates Awarded
• Honors, Awards, Activities, and Affiliations
• Enrollment Status
• Student Image

Any student wishing to restrict third-party access to their directory information may place a Directory Information Block on their account through their mySUU Portal. The Directory Information Block is valid until the student removes the block through their mySUU Portal.

In addition, SUU is required by federal law (the Solomon Amendment) to provide student information (name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, level of education, academic major, degrees received, the educational institution in which the student most recently was enrolled) to United States Military Recruiting and Reserve Officer Training Corps personnel upon their request unless the student has submitted a nondisclosure request according to SUU procedures.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

It is the policy of Southern Utah University to comply fully with the terms, provisions, and intent of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. A complete statement of the SUU policy and procedures relative to this act may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office. For specific rights and protections granted to students, see SUU Policy 11.3 Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.

Transcript Records

The Registrar’s Office maintains the records associated with students’ official university transcript. Students have the right to appeal any information on their transcript that inaccurately reflects their academic history. However, information on a transcript is changed only in extraordinary or extenuating circumstances. If there is an error or omission on the transcript, send a detailed description of the error or omission, along with copies of the relevant documents, to the Registrar’s Office.

Verification of Enrollment Status

Southern Utah University regularly receives requests from third parties to verify student enrollment. Requests for verification often come from employment agencies, insurance companies, and lending agencies. For example, a lending agency may request verification of a student’s enrollment status to determine if they are enrolled at least half-time and therefore are eligible for continued deferment of a student loan.

Student enrollment status is considered directory information unless students have placed a Directory Information Block on their records via the mySUU Portal (see Confidentiality and Privacy above). In responding to inquiries from outside the university, Southern Utah University calculates enrollment status according to the table below:

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Southern Utah University challenges its students to reach their highest levels of performance, encourages them to excel in academics and extra-curricular activities, and invites them to participate in the many cultural and social events available at the University. At the same time, Southern Utah University expects students to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the University’s function as an institution of higher learning. Therefore, we have published this Catalog to acquaint students with their rights and responsibilities as students.