Part 5 — Regulations and Policies

Changes in the following policies and regulations go into effect periodically and are published in the Schedule of Classes and the bulletins of the graduate schools. The bulletins of the Indiana University and Purdue University graduate schools also contain more detailed explanations of some policies and regulations.

Specific graduate programs may impose additional regulations or exceptions. These appear within the program descriptions in Part 2 .

Click on a link to be taken to the entry below.

IPFW is committed to maintaining a community that recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect among its members; and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential. In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence, the university seeks to develop and nurture diversity. The university believes that diversity among its many members strengthens the institution, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches campus life.

IPFW views, evaluates, and treats all persons in any university-related activity or circumstance in which they may be involved solely as individuals on the basis of their personal abilities, qualifications, and other relevant characteristics.

IPFW prohibits discrimination against any member of the university community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. The university will conduct its programs, services, and activities consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and orders and in conformance with the procedures and limitations as set forth in Purdue University’s Executive Memorandum No. D-1, which provides specific contractual rights and remedies. Additionally, the university promotes the full realization of equal employment opportunities for women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and Vietnam-era veterans through its affirmative action program.

If you have a question or complaint, or want advice, you may talk with the affirmative action officer or an official designee (Kettler 110N, 260-481-6106) or the director of Services for Students with Disabilities (Walb 113, 260-481-6657).

General requirements for admission to IPFW graduate programs are established by the Indiana University and Purdue University trustees and appear in Part 1 .

Additional program-specific admission requirements may be imposed by the program into which you are seeking admission. Any such requirements become effective when published in the Bulletin (see Part 3 ) or its supplements. Applicants should be aware that certain criminal convictions may result in ineligibility for admission to certain programs of study.

Each candidate for a Purdue University master’s degree is assigned an advisory committee consisting of three members. The chair of your committee is your major professor and is chosen by mutual consent among you, the professor you designate, and the chair of the department offering the program. Your major professor is your principal advisor in designing and conducting your research. Following the selection of your major professor, you and that individual define the related areas from which you will select one additional professor to serve on your advisory committee; other members of the department may also be added. Appointment of your advisory committee is subject to approval by the chair of the department offering the program and the dean of the Graduate School, who may appoint additional members.

This committee will help you prepare your plan of study (described below), furnish academic advising throughout your graduate studies, and where applicable, advise you on the research and writing of your thesis.

Plan of study. Students pursuing a Purdue master’s degree should have a preliminary plan of study on file prior to their first registration. Your plan of study identifies a primary area and related area(s) chosen on the basis of your interests and needs, and lists specific courses and all other requirements of the degree you are seeking. The formal plan of study should be approved by your advisory committee and the chair of the department offering the program, and must be submitted to the Graduate School before your final semester of enrollment.

As determined by the division/department that offers your degree, credits you earned for graduate study at other universities may be applied to a master’s degree at IPFW. Only credits associated with graduate courses in which you earned grades of B or better are eligible for consideration. Additional conditions and limitations may be imposed by the IPFW academic unit that offers the degree you seek (see Part 3 ).

Separate rules regarding the applicability of “excess” undergraduate credits apply to candidates for IU and Purdue degrees.

Indiana University. With the approval of your division/department, you may apply to an Indiana University master’s degree excess undergraduate credits you earned at Indiana University during your final undergraduate semester if (1) these credits were not applied to your undergraduate degree, (2) your total course load for that semester did not exceed that ordinarily taken by a full-time graduate student, and (3) the courses were approved for graduate credit.

Purdue University Under conditions established by, and with the approval of, your department, you may apply to a Purdue master’s degree up to 12 undergraduate credits you earned at Purdue University or another accredited college or university while you held senior class standing if (1) these credits were not applied to your undergraduate degree, (2) the credits were earned in designated graduate courses, and (3) you earned a grade of B or better in the courses.

Preliminary evidence of your ability in the English language is required as part of your admission application (see Part 1 ).

The following additional English proficiency requirements apply to candidates for Purdue University degrees and most Indiana University degrees:

International non-native speakers of English must achieve a TOEFL score of 550 or higher on the paper-based test or 77 or higher on the Internet-based test, to be considered for admission to a degree program. In addition, applicants who take the TOEFL iBT must achieve the following minimum test scores, in addition to the overall required score: reading, 19; listening, 14; speaking, 18; and writing, 18.

As an alternative to the TOEFL, the graduate schools accept IELTS (Academic Module) scores of 6.5 or higher. (Non-native speakers of English who are U.S. citizens or who hold permanent visas are not required to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores.) The scores must be documented by an official report from Educational Testing Service of IELTS and must be no more than 24 months old at the time the application credentials are reviewed in the Graduate School.

The Graduate School will routinely waive the TOEFL/IELTS for applicants who have received a baccalaureate degree or graduate or professional degree, within the last 24 months, from a school where English is the primary language of instruction and in a country where English is the native language. Official English-speaking countries, in addition to the United States, include: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Fiji, the Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malta, Montserrat, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Northern Mariana Island, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Ireland, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, St. Trinidad and Tobago, Tonga, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

All students should consult with their academic unit to find out exactly how to establish proficiency in written English.

If your native language is not English, you must demonstrate as early as possible in your studies that you are proficient in written English by satisfying one of the following options:

1. Earn a score of 550 (213 computer-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
2. Earn a score of 600 or better on the verbal aptitude section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or 36 or better on the verbal portion of the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).
3. Enroll and earn a satisfactory grade in ENG W130 Principles of Composition (ESL) at IPFW.
4. Earn a score of at least 80 on the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency and meet other requirements specified by your academic department.
5. Demonstrate that you were exempted from undergraduate composition because you earned both a rank in the top 10 percent of your high school graduating class and an SAT verbal score of 650 or better.

If your native language is English, you must demonstrate acceptable proficiency in written English before you file a plan of study. You may satisfy the proficiency requirement by meeting one of the following options:

1. Demonstrate that you earned no grade below B in graded undergraduate composition courses completed prior to graduate admission. Grades of “Pass” or “Satisfactory” are not counted.
2. Earn a score of 600 or better on the verbal aptitude section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or 36 or better on the verbal portion of the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).
3. Demonstrate that you were exempted from undergraduate composition because you earned both a rank in the top 10 percent of your high school graduating class and an SAT verbal score of 650 or better.

Under special circumstances, you may be permitted to establish credit in a specific graduate course by satisfactorily completing a comprehensive examination authorized by the division/department through which the course is offered.

Registration. Your initial registration for each term must occur according to the timetables for registration established for each semester and published in IPFW’s Schedule of Classes. In most cases, you will register for classes at your school/division or department office, the registrar’s office, or online.

Schedule revisions and late registration. After your initial registration, you may revise your schedule in accordance with the policies listed below. All schedules and deadlines are prorated for courses not meeting for an entire fall or spring semester or summer session. An academic advisor’s approval may be required to process a course addition or withdrawal at the registrar’s office.

Addition of a course. You may add a course after your initial registration by submitting a completed schedule revision (drop/add) form with appropriate signatures to your division/department, the registrar’s office, or online.

After the end of Week 16, a course may be dropped only by following the change of grade procedure.

Pass/not-pass option. Separate rules apply to candidates for IU and Purdue degrees.

Indiana University. If your GPA is 3.0 or better and you have completed graduate course work sufficient for a master’s degree, your advisor may authorize your exercise of this option in courses outside your major and minor areas. Such courses may not be used to fulfill departmental language or research-skills requirements.

Purdue University. You may not take courses under a pass/not-pass option.

Enrollment limits. Separate enrollment limits apply to candidates for IU and Purdue degrees.

Indiana University. Unless you have special permission from your advisor, you may take no more than 16 credits in a semester.

Purdue University. You may not take more than 18 credits in a semester

Basis of grades. Your instructor is responsible for explaining to you, preferably in writing at the beginning of an academic session, the course requirements and grading system to be used. You will be assigned a grade in each course at the close of the session.

You are responsible for the completion of all required work in each course by the time of the last scheduled class meeting or other deadline set by the instructor, unless you have officially withdrawn from the class, or unless you and the instructor have agreed that a grade of Incomplete (I) is warranted. To earn credit in a graduate course, you must receive a C or better. Most programs have additional grade policies.

Semester Grades. The following grades may be assigned:

Incomplete. A grade of I may be granted to students (1) who are unable to complete specific course requirements for clearly unavoidable, nonacademic reasons (such as extended illness or relocation) and (2) whose work has been of passing quality up to that time. A grade of I will not be considered as an alternative to an anticipated low grade in a course. Certain IPFW colleges/schools/divisions or departments impose additional limitations on the use of I grades.

An instructor who reports a grade of I must provide the registrar’s office with a form specifying (1) the reason for the incomplete, (2) the requirements for completing the course, (3) the grade earned for the course to date, and (4) the specific time limit, not to exceed one calendar year, allowed for completing the course.

An instructor may change the incomplete to a regular letter grade if requirements for completion of the course are not met within the time specified. Given extenuating circumstances, the initial time limit may be extended for a period not to exceed one additional calendar year if approved by the instructor and the instructor’s dean/division director, and if the registrar’s office is notified before the expiration of the original time limit.

The registrar’s office changes the I to a grade of IF unless you graduate or remove the incomplete within the time allowed. If you are enrolled at IPFW as an Indiana University student and receive an IF grade, a grade of F is recorded on your official transcript. If you re-enroll in the same course while the I is still on your record, and the course is not repeatable for credit, the original grade of I remains on your official transcript.

If you transfer resident credit for a course in which you received an incomplete, you will have the grade of I recorded on your academic record for up to one calendar year from the date of admission to IPFW. At the end of this period, if you have not graduated or provided evidence that the incomplete has been replaced with a permanent grade, the registrar’s office will change the incomplete to IF.

Final grade report. Your complete record for the session and your cumulative GPA are reported to you, your major department, and your college/school/division.

Changes of grade. An instructor who discovers within 30 days of the grade-processing deadline that a grade reported for you was in error,  he or she must promptly submit to the registrar a statement, countersigned by the instructor’s department chair or division director, of the circumstances of the error and of the change to be incorporated in future GPAs. Correction of errors after this time requires the additional approval of the instructor’s dean/director.

The registrar will inform you, the department chair/division director, and the dean of the change of grade.

A grade-point average (GPA) is a weighted average of all credits for which a GPA-related grade (A, B, C, D, F, IF) has been assigned. The three GPAs used at IPFW are defined and computed (and rounded to two decimal places) as follows: Semester GPA is computed using only those credits for which you are assigned a GPA-related grade for the specified semester.

Cumulative GPA is computed using all credits for which you are assigned a GPA-related grade, with the exception of credits earned in those courses that have been repeated and are not repeatable for credit. All credits earned at IPFW or at another campus of IU or Purdue for which a grade of A, B, C, D, F, or IF was assigned are applicable.

Graduation GPA is computed using credits for which you are assigned a GPA-related grade in only those courses that fulfill a graduation requirement, with the exception of credits earned in those courses that have been repeated and are not repeatable for credit. If you are pursuing more than one degree program, your graduation GPA will be determined by the academic unit through which you register.

All applicable credits earned at IPFW or at another campus of IU or Purdue for which a GPA-related grade was assigned are included if they were received for courses that fulfill a graduation requirement.

Note: Prior to June 1993, Purdue University transcripts and related Purdue records were computed on a six-point scale, (A = 6.00) rather than the four-point scale (A = 4.00) used by IU and IPFW. Since June 1993, all IU, Purdue, and IPFW GPAs are computed using the same scale (A = 4.00).

Only grades of A, B, or C are acceptable in fulfilling requirements. All grades, however, are used in the calculation of your GPA, and students are expected to maintain a graduation index representing a B average or better. Some programs impose more stringent grade and GPA requirements.

Indiana University. You are placed on probation and are so notified by the registrar whenever your cumulative GPA is less than 3.0. Unless you bring your GPA up to 3.0 during your next semester of enrollment, you will not ordinarily be allowed to continue as an IU degree candidate.

Purdue University. You are considered to be underperforming whenever your cumulative GPA is less than 3.0, and indices below this level are marked “low” on the grade reports. Should you fail to perform on a level satisfactory to your advisory committee or your department, you may be asked to discontinue study in a Purdue graduate program.

The grade appeals policy applies to all students enrolled at IPFW. It can be used by any student who has evidence or believes that evidence exists to show that a course grade was assigned or a similar evaluation was made as a result of prejudice, caprice, or other improper condition such as mechanical error.

In appealing, the student must support in writing the allegation that an improper decision has been made and must specify the remedy sought. The student should seek the assistance of the dean of students in pursuing the appeal. During an appeal, the burden of proof is on the student, except in the case of alleged academic dishonesty, where the instructor must support the allegation. The student may have an advisor or friend present during all meetings with faculty members, administrators, and/or committees; he or she may advise the student but may not speak for the student during the meetings.

Grades may be changed only by a university authority upon the decision of the grade appeals subcommittee or by the instructor any time prior to the decision of the grade appeals subcommittee.

Appeal deadlines. An appeal must be initiated no later than the fourth week of the fall or spring semester immediately following the session in which the grade was assigned. A final decision at each step must be reported within 30 calendar days of the filing of an appeal at that step, provided that this deadline falls within the regular academic year (fall or spring semester). If the deadline falls during the summer, the decision must be reported within 30 calendar days of the start of the fall semester. Each successive step in the appeals procedure must be initiated within three calendar weeks of the completion of the prior step.

Steps in the Process of a Grade Appeal

Step 1. Course instructor: The student makes an appointment with his or her instructor to discuss the matter. If the instructor is unavailable, the department or program chair shall authorize an extension of time or allow the student to proceed to Step 2. If the chair is unavailable, the dean of the college or school shall authorize the extension.

Step 2. College/school/department/program: If the matter has not been resolved at Step 1, the student makes an appointment with the chair of the department or program offering the course, who may make an informal attempt to resolve the appeal. If the appeal is not resolved informally, the chair will direct the student procedurally in making an appeal to the college, school, department, or program committee. Only one committee shall hear the appeal in Step 2. The student filing an appeal shall have the opportunity to be heard in person by the committee.

Step 3. Grade appeals subcommittee: If the matter has not been resolved at Step 2, the student makes an appointment with the dean of students, who will direct the student procedurally in submitting the case to the grade appeals subcommittee.

College/school/department/program appeals procedure. Each college, school, department or program will establish appeals procedures that provide for a committee of three or more faculty members responsible for hearing grade appeals related to courses listed or administered by that college/school/department/program if those appeals have not been satisfactorily resolved between the student and the instructor or informally by the department chair. The procedures established by each college, school, department or program shall provide for each case to be heard by only one such committee. The procedure shall provide the opportunity for the student to be heard in person and for the decision to be reported in writing to the student and the instructor. A copy of each unit’s procedures will be given to the vice chancellor for academic affairs, to the dean of students, and to students, upon request.

Grade appeals subcommittee. This subcommittee shall consist of nine members elected from among the Voting Faculty according to procedures specified in the Bylaws of the Senate.

Before hearing the details of a case, the subcommittee will decide by majority vote whether to consider the appeal and will report its decision in writing within 30 calendar days. The bases for a decision to consider an appeal may include (but not be limited to) a finding that (1) improper procedures have been followed by university employees at earlier steps of the appeal; (2) new information is present; or (3) the instructor has declined to accept the college, school, department, or program committee’s recommendation.

No member of the subcommittee may take part in an appeal involving a course or instructor from the member’s department or program. Members should also recuse themselves from cases in which they have potential conflicts of interest, personal involvement, schedules that will interfere with hearing the appeal in a timely manner, or other disqualifying causes. From those members remaining, the chair will elect the five-person hearing panel. The panel members will elect a chair who will be responsible for making arrangements related to the case.

If the case is to be heard, the hearing will take place within 30 days of the decision to hear the appeal, or within 30 days of the start of the fall semester, whichever is applicable. Each member of the panel will vote on whether the appeal is valid, and if so, on what remedy should be provided. If the panel, by majority vote, finds in favor of changing a grade, the chair shall report this finding to the registrar and to the parties listed below. The decision of the panel is binding on all parties and may not be appealed.

Reporting of subcommittee and panel decisions. The subcommittee and each panel shall report its finding and actions to the student; the college, school, department, or program from which the appeal came; the instructor; the chair of the student’s department; the dean or director of the student’s school or division; the dean of students; and (in the case of a panel decision) the chair of the grade appeals subcommittee.

IPFW is committed to providing quality education for its students. We use a variety of learning assessment and evaluation processes to determine the effectiveness of our academic programs and service units as a whole. These processes are also important to you because they provide an opportunity for you to tell us how well we are meeting your needs. Learning is assessed by measuring your satisfaction with IPFW and by reviewing products of your work that demonstrate what you know and can do as a consequence of your graduate education. For example, you may be asked periodically to give us feedback about the quality of academic services via a questionnaire. You may also be asked to submit anonymous samples of your course work and to participate in focus groups. We use the information collected to refine the curriculum, ensuring that your learning objectives, and those of the academic units, are met.

If you have questions about learning assessment, please contact your department.

If you are in arrears to IPFW, you are not eligible to receive transcripts or diplomas. The clearance of all financial obligations by the Friday before Commencement will be essential for graduation. If you clear the obligation later, the diploma will be released.

Separate rules apply to candidates for IU and Purdue degrees.

Indiana University. With exception for allowable transfer credits, all candidates for IU master’s degrees at IPFW must complete at least 30 credits of graduate work while enrolled at IPFW or another IU campus.

Purdue University. All candidates for Purdue University master’s degrees at IPFW must complete at least one-half of the total credits used to satisfy degree requirements while enrolled at IPFW.

You are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards in all course work and research. If you violate that code of conduct, you are subject to disciplinary action, including expulsion and recision of a degree already granted. See the IPFW Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct later in this section.

If you are enrolled in a program that requires a thesis, your advisor will provide information about research, formatting, and related requirements. Typically, the master’s thesis is the equivalent to no less than 3 or more than 9 hours of graduate credit. After the research has been completed and the thesis written, your examining committee comprised of no fewer than three faculty members will be appointed. The committee will conduct a final examination in which you will be asked to defend your thesis and otherwise demonstrate to the committee that you have attained all of the capabilities for which the master’s degree is awarded. Additional information may be found in the Indiana University or Purdue University Graduate School bulletins and from your division/department.

IPFW policy stipulates that the results obtained and the thesis prepared for an advanced degree are the property of Purdue University. The rights owned by the university include all economic and property rights, as well as the right to patent inventions and to copyright materials. Net proceeds normally will be shared with the inventor. Patents, inventions, and copyrights are supervised by the Purdue Research Foundation’s Division of Research and Scholarly Activities in accordance with “Executive Memorandum No. B-10,” statement of University Policy, Principles, and Administrative Procedures Relating to the Ownership of Patents, Copyrights, and Other Rights in Inventions and in Written and Recorded Materials. This policy includes procedures for you to gain ownership of patents and copyrights.

If you are enrolled in a program that does not require a thesis, and depending on the academic regulations of the academic unit that offers the degree you seek, an examination committee comprised of no fewer than three faculty members may be appointed to participate in certifying that you have fulfilled the requirements for a master’s degree. The committee’s participation may take any of several forms, such as the administration of a final comprehensive examination; evaluation of a creative, exploratory, or experimental project; or review of your academic record.

Candidates for Indiana University master’s degrees must complete all requirements within five consecutive years. You may normally count toward a master’s degree only those courses (including transfer courses) and other requirements fulfilled within five years prior to the awarding of the degree. At the recommendation of your department and approval of the Graduate School, this requirement may be waived if it is clearly demonstrated that the knowledge contained in courses taken earlier is current.

Application and registration for degree. Separate policies apply to candidates for IU and Purdue degrees.

Indiana University. Your application for a degree must be filed with your division/department at least 60 days before degree conferral, and all degree requirements (including thesis submission, where applicable) must be fulfilled at least 30 days prior to degree conferral. You must also be registered for courses or “for degree only” during the session in which you expect to receive the degree.

Purdue University. You must be registered in courses or “for degree only” during the session in which you expect to receive the degree. If you are completing a thesis-option master’s program, you must be registered for at least 3 credits of research unless you have been specifically permitted by your department to register “for degree only.”

Study toward the Ph.D. Qualified students in Indiana University or Purdue University master’s degree programs may be authorized by their respective university to pursue initial work toward a Ph.D. at IPFW in areas where programs equivalent to those at Bloomington or West Lafayette can be arranged.

Parking. You are charged a parking fee based on the number of credits you take. This entitles you to park in open parking spaces (not in spaces designated as “A” parking) in lots or garages. Parking permits for students with disabilities are available from University Police (Support Services 105). Validation from a physician or the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (Walb 113, 260-481-6657) is required.

Traffic regulations. The operation of motor vehicles on the IPFW campus is governed by applicable state, local, and campus regulations. University police officers are empowered to enforce these statutes. Additional information is published in the Student Handbook and Planner, with complete information about IPFW parking and traffic regulations appearing in the Vehicle Regulations and Emergency Information brochure, which is available from University Police and other campus locations.

Resident student status for fee purposes. When you are admitted to IPFW, you are classified by Admissions as a resident or nonresident of Indiana. This classification is determined by rules established for all IPFW students by the trustees of Purdue University. If you are classified as a nonresident student, you must pay nonresident fees as shown in the schedule of fees.

Among other criteria, resident student status for fee purposes requires all independent students who enter or re-enter Indiana to be domiciled in the state for 12 consecutive months before the first day of classes of the semester or summer session for which reclassification may be sought. If you think you are classified incorrectly, you may apply for resident student status. To appeal your residency classification, go to the following Web site and print off the application and instructions:

www.ipfw.edu/registrar/policies/residency.shtml

When complete, return the form to IPFW Registrar, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499.

A waiver equal to one-half the resident credit-hour fees (to a maximum of 9 credits per semester) is available to residents of Indiana who are (a) age 60 or older, (b) retired and not full-time employees, and (c) high school graduates or GED recipients. This program is available only during the week prior to the start of classes and also during late registration. Additional information and applications are available at the financial aid office (Kettler 103, 260-481-6820 or 800-324-IPFW).

Smoking is prohibited in any university facility and on any university grounds except in parking lots and designated smoking areas.

The purpose of this policy is to provide a healthy, comfortable, and productive environment for the campus community. Accordingly, all employees, students, and visitors are expected to comply.

Guidelines for the prevention of alcohol and substance abuse are included in the Student Handbook and Planner. Copies of the handbook are available at various campus locations.

You will be assigned a nine-digit number typically beginning with either 900 or 999 as your student identification number. It is used to identify records within IPFW and has no significance outside IPFW. It will not be provided to external agencies or individuals except in accordance with university policy on release of student information.

You are, however, required to provide IPFW with your social security number so that IPFW can issue certain informational returns to the Internal Revenue Service and to you. You are also required to provide your SSN on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid if you desire to apply for federal or state financial aid. IPFW does not use your SSN as your student identification number, but only for those purposes required by law or governmental agencies.

If your record is not encumbered for any reasons described herein, you will (upon application to the registrar and payment of any prescribed fee) be entitled to receive an official transcript of your complete record, including any major(s) and minor(s).

Note: The registrar’s office is the only university office authorized to issue official transcripts. All requests for these documents must be directed to that office.

The IPFW policy governing access to student records, which complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, is described below:

Definitions:

A record includes any data or information about you and related individuals, regardless of the media used to create or maintain the record.

Educational records include records maintained by the institution but exclude records maintained by individuals and available only to those individuals or designated substitutes (that is, “personal files”). Your educational records are located and maintained by administrators in one or more of the following offices: Academic Counseling and Career Services; Admissions; Alumni Relations; Athletics, Recreation, and Intramural Sports; Bursar; Center for Academic Support and Advancement; Continuing Studies; Financial Aid; Honors Program; Registrar; and University Police, as well as the student affairs administration and academic units.

Note: The registrar’s office is the only university office authorized to issue official transcripts and certify students’ enrollment status. All requests for such documentation must be directed to that office.

Public information consists of your name, class standing, college/school/division, major field of study, dates of attendance, degrees and awards, recognized student activities, sports, athletics information, and current enrollment status; your address and telephone number are also public information unless you have filed a registrar’s form to keep these private. Records of arrests and/or convictions are public records and thus not subject to university policy.

Note: If you wish to restrict the release of your address and telephone number, you must do so by the end of the first week of classes for a session in order to exclude this information from any student directory that may be published.

Release in emergencies. The confidentiality of all records may be broken in an emergency if deemed necessary by the severity of the emergency, the usefulness of the records, and the extent to which time is critical.

Release to you. Your records are available to you with the following exceptions: confidential letters of recommendation submitted prior to 1975; records of your parents’ financial status; records related to your student employment that are subject to other laws and are administered by Human Resources; medical and psychological records, which will be released only to a healthcare professional designated by you; and, if you signed a voluntary waiver of access, letters of recommendation related to admission, candidacy for awards, and candidacy for employment—these records may be used only for the purpose originally intended.

You may see any of your available records within 30 days after submitting a written request, either in person or by mail, and may copy any of these records, subject only to payment of any applicable copying charges. You will receive an interpretation of the record upon request, at or after the time that access is granted.

If you object to any part of your record and the responsible office will not revise the record as requested, you may request a formal hearing concerning the objection. Policies and procedures governing the hearing process will be specified by the vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Release to IPFW faculty and staff. Your records are available to members of the faculty and staff who have a legitimate need for them, as determined by the administrator of the office responsible for maintenance of the record.

Release to others. Except as specified below, your records will be released only upon completion of a consent form or letter you have signed. Any such release will include a notice that further release by the recipient is prohibited by law. A record of the release will be maintained.

Records about you will be released without your consent to your parents if you are a dependent as defined by the Internal Revenue Service; to federal officers as prescribed by law; as required by state law; to agencies or individuals conducting educational research, provided that the administrator of the records is satisfied concerning the legitimacy of the research effort and the confidentiality to be maintained by the researcher; to agencies responsible for accreditation of the institution or its programs; in response to a lawful subpoena, after making reasonable attempts to provide prior notification and opportunity for objection by you; and to institutional security officers when necessary for a criminal investigation.

Retention of records. IPFW reserves the right to maintain only those records it considers useful and to set retention schedules for various categories of those records. However, the administrator responsible for each category of records will ensure that a record being challenged is not destroyed prior to resolution of the dispute.

Part I: Student Rights and Responsibilities                                                                                                                                                                       ^ TOP

Preamble
IPFW regulations governing the actions of students are intended to enhance the values that must be maintained in the pursuit of IPFW’s mission and goals. These values include freedom of inquiry, intellectual honesty, freedom for the open expression of ideas and opinions within limits that protect the rights of others, and respect for the views and the dignity of other persons.

 In exercising their rights, students must bear responsibility to act in accordance with local, state, and national laws, and IPFW rules. No right should be construed as enabling students to infringe upon the individual rights of another member of the academic community.

A. Individual Rights and Responsibilities as Citizens

 1. Students retain all of their citizenship rights when enrolled at IPFW.

 2. Students who violate civil law may incur penalties prescribed by civil authorities. Only where IPFW’s interests as an academic community are distinct from those of the general community should the special authority of IPFW be asserted.

 3. Nondiscrimination. IPFW is committed to maintaining a community that recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect among its members; and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential. In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence, the university seeks to develop and nurture diversity. The university believes that diversity among its many members strengthens the institution, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchanges of ideas, and enriches campus life.

 IPFW views, evaluates, and treats all persons in any university-related activity or circumstance in which they may be involved, solely as individuals on the basis of their own personal abilities, qualifications, and other relevant characteristics.

 IPFW prohibits discrimination against any member of the university community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a veteran. The university will conduct its programs, services, and activities consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and orders and in conformance with the procedures and limitations as set forth in Purdue University’s Executive Memorandum No. D-1, which provides specific contractual rights and remedies.Additionally, IPFW is an equal access, equal opportunity, affirmative action university.

 4. It is the policy of IPFW to maintain the campus as a place of work and study for faculty, staff, and students free from all forms of harassment. In providing an educational and work climate that is positive and harassment-free, faculty, staff, and students should be aware that harassment in the workplace or the educational environment is unacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated. [See Anti-harassment Policy as stated in Executive Memo C-33] This policy addresses harassment in all forms, covering those with legally protected status for reasons of race, gender, religion, color, age, national origin or ancestry, or disability, as well as those who are harassed for other reasons such as sexual orientation.

B. Individual Rights and Responsibilities as Students

 1. Degree-seeking students have the responsibility for selecting a major field of study, choosing an appropriate degree program within the discipline, planning class schedules, and meeting the requirements for degrees. IPFW will provide advisors to assist students in academic planning, but students are responsible for being knowledgeable about all academic requirements that must be met before a degree is granted.

 2. Students have the right to receive in writing (the terms “in writing” or “written” here and throughout this Code include both printed and electronic communication) accurately and plainly stated information that enables them to understand clearly:

 a. the general qualifications for establishing and maintaining acceptable academic standing within a particular major and at all other levels within IPFW,

 b. the graduation requirements for specific curricula and majors, and

 c. at a minimum, the course objectives, requirements, and grading policies set by individual faculty members for their courses by means of a course syllabus.

 3. In the classroom, students have the freedom to raise relevant issues pertaining to classroom discussion, to offer reasonable doubts about data presented, and to express alternative opinions to those being discussed. However, in exercising this freedom, students shall not interfere with the academic process of the class. Students who interfere with the academic process of a class may be directed to leave class for the remainder of the class period. Longer suspensions from a class must be preceded by the disciplinary procedures set forth in Part III.B of this Code.

 4. Students’ course grades shall be based upon academic performance, and not upon opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards. Students have the right to discuss and review their academic performance with their faculty members. Students who feel that any course grade has been based upon criteria other than academic performance have the right to appeal through the IPFW grade appeals system. [See IPFW Academic Regulations—Grade Appeals.]

 5. Students have the right to obtain a clear statement of basic rights, obligations, and responsibilities concerning both academic and personal conduct.

 6. Students have the responsibility to become familiar with, uphold, and follow all codes of conduct, including this Code, relevant codes of colleges/schools and departments, professional programs, and all rules applicable to conduct in class environments or university-sponsored activities, including off-campus clinical, field, internship, or in-service experiences.

 7. Students have the right to participate in the formulation of IPFW policies that directly affect them. In exercising this right, students have the right of access to appropriate information, to express their views, and to have their views considered.

 8. Students have the privacy rights specified in the IPFW policy on the release of student information.[See IPFW Academic Regulations—Release of Student Information.]

C. Rights and Responsibilities as Participants in Student Groups, Student Organizations, and Campus Activities

 1. Students have the right to form, join, and participate in groups or organizations that promote the common interests of students, including but not limited to groups or organizations that are organized for academic, professional, religious, social, economic, political, recreational, or cultural purposes.

 2. Any group of students may petition to become a recognized IPFW student organization in accordance with the established guidelines. Any appeal of a campus decision to discontinue or refuse recognition of a student group shall be made through the Campus Appeals Board.

 3. Any student group recognized as an IPFW student organization shall be entitled to the use of available campus facilities in conformity with regulations. [See IPFW Regulations Governing the Use and Assignments of University Facilities at the Fort Wayne Campus.] Recognition shall not imply IPFW endorsement of group goals and activities.

 4. Any recognized IPFW student organization or any group of students able to secure sponsorship by a recognized student organization and to demonstrate financial responsibility has the right to present speakers of its choice to address members of the IPFW community using appropriate campus facilities. These assemblies shall be subject to regulations necessary to prevent space and time conflicts and to protect the operations of the campus and the safety of persons or property.

 5. Freedom of assembly shall be guaranteed to all members of the IPFW community. Such assemblies shall be consistent with IPFW regulations regarding the time, place, and manner of such assemblies.

 6. A student, student group, or student organization has the right to distribute written material on campus without prior approval providing such distribution is consistent with appropriate regulations concerning the time, place, and manner of distribution and does not interfere with IPFW activities.

 7. Students who publish student publications under IPFW auspices have the right to be free of unlawful censorship. At the same time, students who publish such publications must observe the recognized canons of responsible journalism such as the Sigma Delta Chi Code of Ethics and avoid libel, obscenity, undocumented allegations, attacks on personal integrity, and the techniques of harassment and innuendo. Editors and managers of The Communicator may not be arbitrarily suspended or removed from their positions because of student, faculty, administrative, or public disapproval of their editorial policies or publications. Student editors and managers may be suspended or removed from their positions only for proper cause and by appropriate proceedings conducted by the Board of Directors. All student publications shall explicitly state on the editorial page that the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of IPFW or of the student body.

D. Summary of Rights and Responsibilities

 1. This statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities is a reaffirmation by the entire IPFW community that the constitutional guarantees and the basic principles of fair treatment and respect for the integrity, judgment, and contribution of the individual student, coinciding with each student’s freedom to learn set forth in the foregoing articles, are essential to the proper operation of an institution of higher learning. Accordingly, in the interpretation and enforcement of the policies, rules, and regulations of IPFW, these student rights shall be preserved and given effect, but they shall not be construed or applied so as to limit the rights guaranteed students under the Constitution of the United States or the Constitution of the State of Indiana.

 Whenever a student or a group of students claims that these rights have been violated and that the student or group of students has been or will be adversely affected thereby, and such complaint is not resolved informally by the interested parties, it may be presented to one (and only one) appropriate body of the campus appeals system. In case of grade appeals, the individuals and committees designated in the IPFW grade appeals system shall have final authority. In the case of Student Housing decisions, the individuals and committees designated in the Housing Agreement shall have final authority. In the case of complaints of discrimination and harassment, the individuals and committees named in the Purdue University Procedures for Resolving Complaints of Discrimination and Harassment shall have the authority designated. In all other cases, the Campus Appeals Board shall submit recommendations to the chancellor of IPFW. If necessary, the chancellor of IPFW may present such recommendations to the university president and Board of Trustees for their consideration. If the student has a question as to whether grade appeals procedures, Student Housing procedures, or student complaint procedures (Part IV) shall be used to resolve a complaint, the dean of students shall decide which one set of procedures shall be used after consulting with the unit head of the faculty or staff member with whom the student or group of students has the complaint. Once the appropriate process is identified, the dean of students will explain the timelines associated with the process.

 2. The enumeration of these rights and responsibilities shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the student. Nothing contained in the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct shall be construed as any denial or limitation upon the legal authority or responsibility of the Board of Trustees to establish policies and to make rules and regulations governing the operation of IPFW.

E. Amendment of Rights and Responsibilities

 Proposed amendments of these rights and responsibilities may be initiated by the Indiana-Purdue Student Government Association, IPFW Senate, administrative officials, or the Board of Trustees and shall be submitted to the Indiana-Purdue Student Government Association and IPFW Senate, for consideration and recommendation before adoption by the Community Advisory Council and approval by the President of Purdue University. In the event the Community Advisory Council adopts an amendment not approved by the Indiana-Purdue Student Government Association and IPFW Senate, either the Indiana-Purdue Student Government Association or IPFW Senate may withdraw its endorsement of the rights and responsibilities in whole or in part.

F. Definitions

 1. An IPFW activity is any teaching, research, service, administrative, or other function, proceeding, ceremony, program, or activity conducted by or under the authority of IPFW or with which IPFW has any official connection, whether taking place on or off campus. Included within this definition without limitation are IPFW cooperative education programs, internships, practicums, field experiences, and athletic or other intercollegiate activities.

 2. IPFW property means property owned, controlled, used, or occupied by IPFW.

Part II: Student Conduct Subject to Disciplinary Action                                                                                                                                                           ^ TOP

Preamble
Students are expected and required to abide by the laws of the United States, the State of Indiana, and the rules and regulations of IPFW. Students are expected to exercise their freedom to learn with responsibility and to respect the general conditions that maintain such freedom. IPFW has developed the following general regulations concerning student conduct which safeguard the right of every individual student to exercise fully the freedom to learn without interference. IPFW may discipline a student for committing acts of academic or personal misconduct.

1. Academic Misconduct

    This type of misconduct is generally defined as any act that tends to compromise the academic integrity of the University or subvert the educational process. At IPFW, specific forms of academic misconduct are defined as follows:

   1. Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise. The term “academic exercise” includes all forms of work submitted for credit or hours.

   2. Falsifying or fabricating any information or citation in an academic exercise.

   3. Helping or attempting to help another in committing acts of academic dishonesty.

   4. Adopting or reproducing ideas or statements of another person as one’s own without acknowledgment (plagiarism).

   5. Submitting work from one course to satisfy the requirements of another course unless submission of such work is permitted by the faculty member.

   6. Serving as or permitting another student to serve as a substitute (or ‘ringer’) in taking an exam.

   7. Altering of answers or grades on a graded assignment without authorization of the faculty member.

   8. Engaging in activities that unfairly place other students at a disadvantage, such as taking, hiding, or altering resource material.

   9. Violating professional or ethical standards of the profession or discipline for which a student is preparing (declared major and/or minor) as adopted by the relevant academic program.

    a. In order to ensure that the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct are promoted and supported at IPFW, academic departments should establish a written policy/statement, addressing the professional or ethical standards for their discipline, which is distributed to all students who are preparing in the discipline. Students have the responsibility to familiarize themselves with the academic department’s policy/statement.
   

2. Personal Misconduct

    IPFW may discipline a student for the following acts of personal misconduct that occur on campus property or in connection with an IPFW activity:

   1. Dishonest conduct, including but not limited to false accusation of misconduct; forgery, alteration, or misuse of any IPFW document, record or identification; and giving to an IPFW official information known to be false.

   2. Release of access codes for IPFW computer systems to unauthorized persons; use of an access code for a purpose other than that stated on the request for service.

   3. Lewd or indecent conduct, or obscene conduct, or obscene expression as defined by law.

   4. Disorderly or disruptive conduct that interferes with teaching, research, administration, or other IPFW or IPFW-authorized activity.

   5. Failure to comply with the directions of authorized IPFW officials in the performance of their duties, including failure to identify oneself when requested to do so, and violation of the terms of a disciplinary action.

   6. Unauthorized entry, use, or occupancy of campus facilities; refusal to vacate a campus facility when directed to do so by an authorized official of IPFW.

   7. Unauthorized taking or possession of IPFW property or services; unauthorized taking or possession of the property or services of others.

   8. Intentional action or reckless disregard that results in damage to or destruction of IPFW property or of property belonging to others.

   9. Possession of firearms or other weapons; possession or display of any firearm except as authorized by the IPFW police; and intentional possession of a dangerous article or substance as a potential weapon, or of any article or explosive calculated to injure or discomfort any person. Public law enforcement officials who are required by their departments to carry their firearms at all times must register with the IPFW police.

   10. Acting with violence; and aiding, encouraging, or participating in a riot.

   11. Harassment, as defined by the IPFW Anti-harassment Policy.

   12. Hazing, defined as any conduct that subjects another person, whether physically, emotionally, or psychologically, to anything that may endanger, abuse, degrade, or intimidate the person as a condition of association with a group or organization, regardless of the person’s consent or lack of consent.

   13. Physical abuse of any person or conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of another person.

   14. Any form of communication that involves an expressed or implied threat to interfere unlawfully with an individual’s personal safety, or personally abusive language (“fighting words”) inherently likely to provoke a violent reaction in a face-to-face situation.

   15. Possession, consumption, distribution, or sale of alcoholic beverages as defined by state law, on campus except as expressly permitted by the Internal Operating Procedures for the Possession, Consumption,   Distribution, and Sale of Alcoholic Beverages on the Fort Wayne campus.

   16. Use, possession, manufacture, processing, distribution, or sale of any drug or controlled substance except as expressly permitted by law. The term “controlled substance” is defined in Indiana statutes, and includes, but is not limited to, substances such as marijuana, cocaine, narcotics, certain stimulants and depressants, hallucinogens, and unauthorized use of prescription drugs.

   17. Violations of other published IPFW regulations, policies, or rules.

   18. Violation of any IPFW rule governing student organizations, or the use of IPFW property (including the time, place, and manner of meetings or demonstrations on IPFW property), or of any other IPFW rule that is reasonably related to the orderly operation of IPFW.

   19. Obstruction or disruption of any IPFW activity or inciting, aiding, or encouraging other persons to engage in such conduct. Obstruction or disruption means any unlawful or objectionable acts or conduct: (1) that seriously threaten the ability of IPFW to maintain its facilities available for performance of its educational activities, or (2) that are in violation of the reasonable rules and standards of IPFW designed to protect the academic community from unlawful conduct, or (3) that present a serious threat to person or property of the academic community. Such phrases shall include, without limitation of the foregoing general definition, the unlawful use of force or violence on or within any buildings or grounds owned, used, occupied, or controlled by IPFW; using or occupying any such buildings or grounds in violation of lawful rules or regulations of IPFW, or for the purpose or with the effect of denying or interfering with the lawful use thereof by others; and injuring or harming any person or damaging or destroying the property of IPFW or the property of others, within such buildings and grounds.
   

3. Other Student Conduct Issues

   1. Demonstrations. Any individual or group activity or conduct, apparently intended to call attention to the participants’ point of view on some issues, is not of itself misconduct. Demonstrations that do not involve conduct beyond the scope of constitutionally protected rights of free speech and assembly are, of course, permissible. However, conduct that is otherwise improper cannot be justified merely because it occurs in the context of a demonstration. Demonstrations that involve violations of any subsection of Part II-A or B will not be permitted. A student will be charged with misconduct for any individual misconduct committed by the student in the course of a demonstration.

    2. Misconduct Subject to Other Penalties. As provided by Indiana statute, misconduct that constitutes a violation of these rules and regulations may be punished after determination of guilt by the procedures herein provided without regard to whether such misconduct also constitutes an offense under the criminal laws of any state or of the United States or whether such conduct might result in civil liability of the violator to other persons.

    3. Personal Conduct Not on IPFW Property. IPFW may discipline a student for acts of personal misconduct that are not committed on campus property or in connection with an IPFW activity if the acts distinctly and adversely affect the security of the campus community, the safety of others, or the integrity of the educational process.

    4. Status During Disciplinary Proceedings. Except where summary action is taken as provided inPart III-C, the status of a student charged with misconduct shall not be affected, pending the final disposition of charges. The effective date of any disciplinary penalty shall be a date established by the final adjudicating body (dean of students or the Campus Appeals Board). In case of suspension or expulsion, the student shall not be withdrawn any earlier than the date the notice of charges originated or later than the effective date established by the final adjudicating body.
   
   
   

Part III: Student Disciplinary Procedures

Preamble
IPFW procedures for imposing academic and disciplinary sanctions are designed to provide students with the guarantees of due process and procedural fairness. Except as provided in Part IV, the procedures hereby established shall be followed in all cases in which IPFW institutes disciplinary proceedings against students for violations of rules of student conduct set forth in Part II.

 A. Disciplinary Procedures for Academic Misconduct

 The process for investigating disciplinary complaints of academic misconduct may vary depending upon the situation. An essential component of any disciplinary process should incorporate the ideals of due process. As such, a student whose conduct is being reviewed should know the nature of the information presented against them and be able to have a meaningful opportunity to be heard. Therefore, throughout Part III, Section A, of the herein Code, whenever there is a requirement for the student to have an “opportunity to be heard,” the minimum standard for that meaningful opportunity will include all of the following:

• notice of the nature of the alleged misconduct
• notice of the date, time, location, and general procedure of the review of the allegation
• notice of the potential outcomes of the review
• opportunity to address the information supporting the allegation

 1. When a student in a course commits an act of academic misconduct related to that particular course, the faculty member teaching the course has the authority to initiate academic misconduct proceedings against the student in accordance with these procedures.

 a. A faculty member who has information that a student enrolled in a course being conducted by the faculty member has committed an act of academic misconduct related to that course is required to hold a conference with the student concerning the matter within seven calendar days of discovering the alleged misconduct. The faculty member must advise the student of the alleged act of misconduct and afford the student the opportunity to address the information supporting the allegation.

 b. If the faculty member finds that the student did commit the act of misconduct as alleged, the faculty member is authorized to impose an appropriate academic sanction related to the particular course involved. An appropriate academic sanction for such misconduct may include,and is limited to, one or more of the following:

 (1) The student may be given a lower grade than the student would otherwise have received or a failing grade for any assignment, course work, examination, or paper involved in the act of misconduct.

 (2) The student may be required to repeat the assignment, complete some additional assignment, or resubmit any assignment, course work, examination, or paper involved in the act of misconduct.

 (3) The student may be given a lower grade than the student would otherwise have received or a failing grade for the course.

 c. After imposing an academic sanction, the faculty member is required to report the matter and action taken within seven calendar days in writing to the student, the chair of the department in which the course is offered, the dean/director of the college/school/division in which the course is offered, the chair of the student’s department, the dean/director of the student’s college/school/division, and the dean of students.

 d. The student has the right to appeal the faculty member’s findings and/or sanction through the procedures specified in Part IV of this Code.

 e. The chair of the student’s department has the authority to initiate additional academic sanctions against the student if the chair concludes, in consultation with the dean of students, that additional sanctions may be warranted by the nature of the act or because the student has committed previous acts of academic misconduct. The chair must notify the student in writing within seven calendar days of the date of the faculty member’s report if additional sanctions are contemplated at the department level. If additional sanctions are contemplated the student shall be provided an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the standards articulated in the opening paragraph of Part III, Section A. The chair must report the decision, including any sanctions imposed, in writing to the student, the college/school/division dean/director, and the dean of students within 10 calendar days of the student’s opportunity to be heard. Sanctions imposed at the department level may include academic probation, denial of future admission, or dismissal from the department. The student may appeal the chair’s decision (including sanctions) through the procedures specified in Part IV of this Code.

 f. The dean/director of the student’s college/school/division also has the authority to initiate additional academic sanctions against the student if the dean/director concludes, in consultation with the dean of students, that additional sanctions may be warranted by the nature of the act or because the student has committed previous acts of academic misconduct. The dean/director must notify the student in writing within seven calendar days of the date of the chair’s report if additional sanctions are contemplated at the college/school/division level. If additional sanctions are contemplated, the student shall be provided an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the standards articulated in the opening paragraph of Part III, Section A. The dean/director must report the decision, including any sanctions imposed, in writing to the student, the chair, and the dean of students within 10 calendar days of the student’s opportunity to be heard. Sanctions imposed at the college/school/division level may include academic probation, denial of future admission, or dismissal from the college/school/division. The student may appeal the dean’s/director’s decision (including sanctions) through the procedures specified in Part IV of this Code.

 2. When a student is alleged to have committed an act of academic misconduct that is not related to a course in which the student is enrolled, the chair of the student’s department has the authority to initiate a review of the allegation.

 a. The chair must notify the student in writing within seven calendar days of discovering the alleged misconduct if, in consultation with the dean of students, disciplinary action is contemplated at the department level. If disciplinary action is contemplated the student shall be provided an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the standards articulated in the opening paragraph of Part III, Section A. The chair must report the decision, including any sanctions imposed, in writing to the student, the student’s college/school/division dean/director, and the dean of students within 10 calendar days of the student’s opportunity to be heard. Sanctions imposed at the department level may include, and are limited to, one or more of the following: academic probation, denial of future admission, or dismissal from the department. The student may appeal the chair’s decision (including sanctions) through the procedures specified in Part IV of this Code.

 b. The dean/director of the student’s college/school/division has the authority to initiate additional academic sanctions against the student if the dean/director concludes that additional sanctions may be warranted by the nature of the act or because the student has committed previous acts of academic misconduct. The dean/director must notify the student in writing within seven calendar days of the date of the chair’s report if, in consultation with the dean of students, additional sanctions are contemplated at the college/school/division level. If additional sanctions are contemplated, the student shall be provided an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the standards articulated in the opening paragraph of Part III, Section A. The dean/director must report the decision, including any sanctions imposed, in writing to the student, the chair, and the dean of students within 10 calendar days of the student’s opportunity to be heard. Sanctions imposed at the college/school/division level may include, and are limited to, one or more of the following: academic probation, denial of future admission, or dismissal from the college/school/division. The student may appeal the dean’s/director’s decision (including sanctions) through the procedures specified in Part IV of this Code.

 3. A student may not be placed on disciplinary probation or suspended or expelled from IPFW because of an act of academic misconduct unless the dean of students concludes that such a sanction is justified by the nature of the act or because the student has committed previous acts of misconduct. If the dean of students concludes that additional disciplinary sanctions are warranted, the proceedings will be governed by the same procedures that apply to acts of personal misconduct (Part III-B).

 B. Disciplinary Procedures for Personal Misconduct

 Any member of the IPFW community may initiate a complaint with the dean of students. Disciplinary proceedings are those proceedings initiated by the issuance of a notice of charges and are governed by the following procedures.

 1. Notice of Charges

 a. A disciplinary proceeding is initiated by the dean of students by sending a notice to the student who is the subject of the complaint. If disciplinary proceedings are initiated against a student under the age of 18, the dean is required to make reasonable efforts to assure that the parent(s) or, when appropriate, the legal guardian of the student is notified concerning the proceedings and the nature of the complaint.

 b. The notice shall be sent by certified mail to the student’s address as it appears in the official records of IPFW or shall be delivered personally to the student. The notice shall quote the rule claimed to have been violated and shall fairly inform the student of the reported circumstances of the alleged misconduct. The notice shall require the student to appear in the office of the dean of students at a time and on a date specified (which ordinarily will not be earlier than three calendar days after the mailing of the notice) for a hearing on the alleged violations. A copy of these regulations shall accompany each notice of charges.

 c. The notice shall inform the student of the following:

 (1) The offense the student is alleged to have committed by citing the relevant section of these regulations;

 (2) The date, time, and place of the alleged offense, and other relevant circumstances;

 (3) The date, time, and place of the hearing to discuss the alleged violation;

 (4) That the student may have an advisor or other counsel present during the hearing; that an advisor or counsel is limited to the role of advising the student; and that an advisor or counsel may not participate in presenting the case, questioning the witnesses, or making statements during the hearing;

 (5) That the student need not answer questions and that a choice to remain silent will not be taken as an admission of guilt, nor shall it be detrimental to the student’s position;

 (6) That, if the student fails to appear for the hearing, the dean of students may (a) reschedule the conference; (b) dismiss the charges; or (c) if the dean reasonably believes the failure to appear to be inexcusable, impose any of the prescribed disciplinary penalties.

 2. Hearing

 a. When the student appears as required, the dean of students shall inform the student as fully as possible of the facts concerning the alleged misconduct and of the procedures that follow. The student may, but need not, make responses and explanations.

 b. If, after discussion and such further investigation as may be necessary, the dean of students determines that the violation alleged is not supported by the evidence, the dean shall dismiss the accusation and notify the student.

 c. If, after discussion, or if the student fails to appear, the dean of students believes that the violation occurred as alleged, the dean shall so notify the student and shall impose a disciplinary sanction by means of a written notice. The student, by such notice, shall have the option of accepting the finding and sanction or appealing the finding and/or sanction through the procedures specified in Part V of this Code.

 d. Both the student and the student’s accuser shall be informed of the outcome of any hearing brought alleging a sexual assault.

 3. Disciplinary Sanctions

 The dean of students is authorized to impose a sanction including, and limited to, one or more of the following:

 a. Reprimand and Warning. A student may be given a reprimand accompanied by a written warning that the student may receive additional sanctions if the student engages in the same misconduct again or commits any other violation of this code.

 b. Disciplinary Probation. A student may be placed on disciplinary probation for a specified period under conditions specified in writing by the dean of students, with a warning that any violation of the conditions or any further acts of misconduct may result in additional disciplinary sanctions, including suspension or expulsion from IPFW. As a condition of probation, the student may be required to participate in a specific program, such as an alcohol-education program, or to provide a specific service, such as the repair or restoration of any property damaged or taken by the student.

 c. Restitution. A student may be required to pay the cost for the replacement or repair of any property damaged by the student. If the student fails to pay the cost or make the repairs, the student may be subjected to additional sanctions, including suspension or expulsion.

 d. Participation in a Specific Program. A student may be required to participate in a specific program, such as an alcohol-education program. If the student fails to participate in the program as directed, the student may be subjected to additional sanctions, including suspension or expulsion.

e. Provision of a Specific Service. A student may be required to provide a specific service, such as the repair or restoration of any property damaged or taken by the student. If the student fails to provide the service as directed, the student may be subjected to additional sanctions, including suspension or expulsion.

f. Suspension. A student may be suspended from classes and future enrollment and excluded from participation in all aspects of campus life for a specified period of time.

g. Expulsion. A student may be permanently dismissed from IPFW.

C. Summary Action
 Summary action by way of temporary suspension and exclusion from IPFW property may be taken against a student without the issuance of a notice of charges and without the procedures prescribed in Part III-B or Part IV on the following conditions: Summary action shall be taken only by the chancellor or the chancellor’s designee, and only after the student shall have been given an opportunity to be heard if such procedure is practical and feasible under the circumstances. Summary action shall be taken only if the chancellor or the chancellor’s designee is satisfied that the continued presence of the student on IPFW property threatens imminent harm to the student or to any other persons or to the property of IPFW or of others, or to the stability and continuance of normal university functions. Whenever summary action is taken under this provision, the procedures provided for in Part III-B for hearing and appeal or the procedures provided for in Part IV shall be expedited so far as possible in order to shorten the period of summary action.

D. Time Limitations
Time limitations specified in the preceding sections of this code may be extended by either the dean of students or the Campus Appeals Board for a reasonable period if an extension is justified by good cause under the totality of the circumstances. The documentation for extending the time limitations must be provided to the student.

 

Part IV: Students Complaint Procedures

A. Students having complaints concerning actions or decisions of faculty or staff members which are claimed to violate rights established under Part I.A.3 or Part I.A.4 of the Code, by using the Purdue University Procedures for Resolving Complaints of Discrimination and Harassment.

B. Students having complaints concerning actions or decisions which are claimed to violate other rights established under Part I of the Code must first make a reasonable effort to resolve the complaints informally with the faculty/staff member whose action or decision is the basis for the complaint. The effort to resolve the complaint informally with the faculty/staff member must be initiated by the student in a documented manner no later than the fourth week of the fall or spring semester immediately following the session in which the action or decision occurred. The documentation only needs to be dated and indicate that the student has made a good faith effort at initiating the conversation with the responsible faculty/staff member. For a complaint to continue to receive consideration under these procedures, the student must initiate each successive step in the process within 20 calendar days of conclusion of the previous step. In addition, it is expected that each step in the process will be concluded within 20 calendar days of initiation.

C. If the complaint is not resolved informally between the student and the responsible faculty or staff member, the student may pursue the complaint informally with the faculty or staff member’s department head who shall investigate, mediate, and suggest a resolution.

D. If the complaint remains unresolved after the department head’s attempt to mediate a resolution, the student may continue to pursue the complaint with the head of the next highest administrative level, e.g., the college/school/division dean/director, who shall investigate, mediate, and suggest a resolution. 

E. Only after all such remedies have been exhausted may the student request a hearing before the Campus Appeals Board. To request a hearing before the Campus Appeals Board the student must file a complaint with the dean of students. The complaint must describe the action or decision claimed to violate established rights, identify the right(s) claimed to have been violated, and specify the remedy sought. The dean shall direct properly received complaints to the chair of the Campus Appeal Board. The Campus Appeals Board shall have the authority and duty to reach findings and to convey recommendations to the chancellor of IPFW. See Part V of the Code for information about the Campus Appeals Board.

 

Part V: Campus Appeals Board

A. Composition
The Campus Appeals Board (CAB) shall consist of nine members selected in the following manner: Four students appointed by the president of Indiana-Purdue Student Government Association subject to confirmation by the IPSGA Senate; three faculty members elected by the IPFW Senate; and two administrative staff members appointed by the chancellor, one of whom shall be designated as chair of the Campus Appeals Board. An equal number of alternates from each constituent group shall be appointed at the same time and in the same manner as the regular members. From the members and alternates, the chair shall designate a hearing panel consisting of a minimum of three members including at least one student. A minimum of three panel members including at least one student is required for quorum. 

B. Terms of Office
The term of office for student members and their alternates shall be one year, and for the faculty and administrative members, it shall be two years, except that members shall continue to have jurisdiction of any case under consideration at the expiration of their term. The terms of office for all members shall begin at the start of the fall semester. No member shall serve more than two consecutive terms. If any appointing authority fails to make the initial appointments to the Campus Appeals Board, or to fill any vacancy on the panel of alternates within seven calendar days after being notified to do so by the chancellor, or if at any time the Campus Appeals Board cannot function because of the refusal of any member or members to serve, the chancellor may make appointments, fill vacancies, or take such other action as deemed necessary to constitute a Campus Appeals Board.

C. Training
All persons chosen to serve as CAB members or alternates will complete appropriate training before being permitted to engage as a CAB panelist or investigator. The Chair of CAB is responsible for determining appropriate training, coordinating the training, and assuring that all members and alternates complete the training as required.

D. Jurisdiction and Time Extensions
The Campus Appeals Board may hear the following types of appeals from students: appeals of disciplinary findings and sanctions imposed by the dean of students, including findings and sanctions concerning student organizations; appeals of disciplinary findings imposed by faculty members, department chairs, or academic deans or division directors; appeals of IPSGA Judicial Court rulings; and appeals of faculty/staff decisions claimed to violate established student rights (per Part IV). Extension to any time limits specified below must be approved by the Chair of the Board.

E. Filing and Notification
Students who wish to request CAB action shall submit a written appeal to the dean of students within ten calendar days of the date of the disciplinary sanction letter or within twenty calendar days of the conclusion of the previous step in the appeal process, as applicable. The dean shall in turn forward properly-filed appeals to the Chair of the Board. To be properly filed, the appeal must be submitted within the established time limits, signed and dated by the student, identify the action or decision being appealed, name the party whose decision or action is being appealed, list witnesses, identify any right claimed to have been violated (if applicable), and specify the remedy sought. Within ten calendar days of the Chair’s receipt of the appeal, the Chair will assign a Board member or alternate who is a faculty member or administrator to investigate the appeal and notify the party named that an appeal has been filed. Notification will include a copy of the appeal and the identity of the student who filed the appeal. The party whose action or decision is being appealed will be requested to respond in writing within ten calendar days from the date of notification. To protect both the student and the named party CAB appeals will be treated with the greatest degree of confidentiality possible.

F. Investigation of Appeals
As soon as practicable following appointment, the investigator will interview the student who filed the appeal. The student may have an advisor or legal counsel (at their own expense) present at meetings with the investigator. However, the advisor or counsel may not stand in place of the student or otherwise participate in the investigation process.  In the case of an appeal where student rights are claimed to have been violated, within seven calendar days following completion of the interview with the student, the investigator will notify the Chair as to whether or not the allegations set forth in the appeal, if substantiated, would constitute a violation of established rights. If the investigator’s notification indicates such allegations, if substantiated, would not constitute a violation of established rights, the Chair may dismiss the appeal, and the decision shall be final. The Chair shall provide the student and named party with written notice of such dismissal. In all other cases, the investigator will conduct a thorough fact-finding investigation, and will meet separately with the student and named party, interview pertinent witnesses, and review relevant documents regarding the appeal. The investigation shall be completed within twenty calendar days following the assignment of the appeal to the investigator. Within seven calendar days following conclusion of the investigation, the investigator will prepare and deliver a report to the Chair, the student filing the appeal, and the named party. The report will include a finding based upon a preponderance of evidence that the appeal shall be upheld or denied. The ‘preponderance of evidence’ standard requires that the evidence supporting the finding is more convincing than the evidence offered in opposition to it. The report will include the basis upon which the investigator reached the finding and recommendation for remedy, if any.

G. Determination
Within ten calendar days of receipt of the investigator’s report, the Chair will convene a meeting of the CAB hearing panel. The student and the named party will be notified of the date, time, and location of the meeting. Prior to the meeting the student, named party, and panel members shall be furnished with a copy of the investigator’s report and copies of the appeal and response. The student may have an advisor or legal counsel (at their own expense) present at the meeting. However, the advisor or counsel may not stand in place of the student or otherwise participate in the hearing process. At the meeting the panel will be afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the investigator. The student who filed the appeal and the named party will be afforded the opportunity to make a brief statement to the panel, after which the panel members may ask questions. The panel shall meet separately with the student and the named party. Within seven calendar days following the final meeting with the panel, the Chair shall render the written recommendation of the hearing panel and include a brief explanation of the recommendation setting forth the findings upon which the recommendation is based. The Chair shall furnish copies of the recommendation to the Chancellor, the student who filed the appeal, the party whose decision is being appealed, and to others within IPFW with a need to know as determined by the panel. The Chancellor shall render a written and final decision within ten calendar days of receiving the panel’s recommendation.

Part VI: Policy on Involuntary Withdrawal of Students 

Preamble
Subject to IPFW’s duties under applicable law and if a student poses a direct threat to the health or safety of self or other persons, or substantially disrupts the normal activities of IPFW, the student may be asked to withdraw voluntarily or may be administratively withdrawn involuntarily from IPFW.

A. Review and Hearing Procedures

1. The dean of students shall determine in each individual case whether it shall be handled through this policy or through regular student disciplinary procedures.

2. A student may be requested in writing and/or orally (depending upon the situation) to attend a meeting with the dean of students for the purpose of determining whether or not the student should be permitted to continue his/her enrollment. Such a request will include a statement of the reasons for IPFW concern. Parents, spouses, or other appropriate persons (e.g., faculty, counselors, psychologists, etc.) may be contacted either by the student or by IPFW for information and may, with the consent of the student, participate in the meeting. At the meeting the reasons for IPFW’s concern regarding the student will be stated, and the student will be given an opportunity to respond to these concerns. If after the meeting the dean determines, in consultation with an IPFW personal counselor, that the student should be permitted to continue his/her enrollment, the student will be so informed in writing of the decision, including any conditions that the student must meet to continue enrollment.

3. If, after the meeting, the dean of students decides that the student should withdraw from IPFW and be permitted to re-enter IPFW only with dean of students approval, the student shall be informed of such decision and the reasons therefore. The student will be sent a written notice of the decision and reasons within 10 calendar days after the meeting. If the student agrees to withdraw from IPFW on such conditions, they will be permitted to withdraw voluntarily without grades and with full refund of current semester charges (with the exception of campus housing charges which would be pro-rated in accordance with the terms of the housing contract).

4. If the student refuses to accept the decision of withdrawal reached by the dean of students and refuses to voluntarily withdraw from IPFW, the student shall notify the dean of such refusal. The student may then appeal the withdrawal decision to a committee appointed by the chancellor of IPFW, consisting of a faculty member, a student, and an IPFW administrator, other than a member of the staff of the dean of students. The committee shall hear the entire matter again after notice to the student and the dean. The issues to be determined by the committee shall be (1) whether the student poses a direct threat to the health and safety of self or other persons or to the normal activities of IPFW, and (2) if so, whether the student should be involuntarily withdrawn from IPFW. The student and the dean and the IPFW counselor may attend the hearing and present evidence and question witnesses. They may be represented by counsel. The committee may, at its discretion, authorize an independent evaluation of the student by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist at IPFW’s expense. The committee shall make a written report containing its findings and conclusions within 10 calendar days after the hearing. Copies of the report shall be furnished to the student, the dean, and the chancellor of IPFW. The decision of the committee shall be binding upon the student and IPFW. Should the committee concur with the decision of the dean, the student will be withdrawn without grades and with full refund of current semester charges (with the exception of campus housing charges which would be pro-rated in accordance with the terms of the housing contract). 

 

Part VII: Authority, Application, and Amendments

A. Authority
As provided in the Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne Management and Academic Mission Agreement, “Purdue University shall be responsible for all policies related to student matters. IPFW student rights, responsibilities, and standards of conduct will be established by campus administrators in consultation with the student and faculty government organizations and with the IPFW Community Advisory Council and shall be consistent with the principles established by Purdue and Indiana universities.”

B. Application
These regulations, as from time to time amended, shall apply to all undergraduate and graduate students with either Indiana or Purdue University affiliation while enrolled at IPFW and shall be deemed a part of the terms and conditions of admission and enrollment at IPFW. In case of any conflict or inconsistencies with any other rules, regulations, directives, or policies now existing, these regulations shall govern. They shall be enforced by the chancellor of IPFW.

C. Amendments
These regulations, and any amendments hereto, shall remain in effect until rescinded or modified by the Community Advisory Council subject to approval by the President of Purdue University. Amendments may be proposed by the Indiana-Purdue Student Government Association, IPFW Senate, administrative officials, or the Board of Trustees and shall be submitted to the Indiana-Purdue Student Government Association and IPFW Senate, for consideration and recommendation before adoption by the Community Advisory Council and approval by the President of Purdue University. In the event the Community Advisory Council adopts an amendment not approved by the Indiana-Purdue Student Government Association and IPFW Senate, either the Indiana-Purdue Student Government Association or IPFW Senate may withdraw its endorsement of the rights and responsibilities in whole or in part.

Preamble. This statement of integrity articulates the overreaching principles that inform IPFW policies, procedures, and conduct. Policies that reflect these principles exist in official university documents or will be developed if a need for additional policies is identified.

Statement. We as a university community are committed to integrity and ethical conduct. We foster an environment that nurtures and supports the complementary concepts of freedom and responsibility. Paramount to our commitment is continued validation and support of the highest ethical standards of equity, fairness, and confidentiality. We respect differences and embrace diversity. We are committed to equitable treatment and mutual respect for all members of the IPFW community.

We respect both individual rights and the public interest. We encourage a learning environment in which open and free pursuit of knowledge takes place and individuals share their personal convictions without imposing them on others. Additionally, we embrace the ideal of freedom of expression for faculty, staff, and students in their academic work and as citizens of the university. The professional contributions of all individuals involved are fully and accurately acknowledged.

It is the responsibility of the entire IPFW community to honor the principles of ethics and academic integrity. Students and faculty have the right to expect their work to be assessed on its academic merit. All members of the IPFW community are expected to espouse academic honesty and every individual is responsible for upholding this expectation. Ethical and honest behavior is required in all actions that support IPFW’s academic mission.

IPFW takes seriously its responsibility to the citizens of Indiana. All faculty, students, and staff of the university will be responsible stewards of the public trust.

Working with our community partners, we share knowledge and resources for reciprocal benefit and advancement. IPFW faculty and staff pledge to uphold the highest ethical standards while providing an education of the highest academic quality.

(Reprinted from IPFW Faculty Senate Document SD91-5, revised Dec. 10, 2001)

The IPFW Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct (hereafter, the Code) sets forth general policies and procedures governing the use of university facilities by students. The purpose of these guidelines is to interpret these policies and procedures specifically for students using the university’s computing facilities.

University computer resources are designed to be used in connection with legitimate, university-related purposes. The use of university computing resources to disseminate obscene, pornographic, or libelous materials; to threaten or harass others; or to otherwise engage in activities forbidden by the Code is subject to disciplinary action as specified in the Code.

Intellectual property rights and responsibilities. Central to an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of student computer users is the notion of intellectual property. In brief, this concept holds that materials stored in electronic form are the property of one or more rightful owners. Like any other property, electronically stored information, whether data or programs, can be stolen, altered or destroyed, misappropriated, or plagiarized. Such inappropriate activities violate the Code and are subject to disciplinary action as set forth in the Code.

Access rights and responsibilities. The use of lab, e-mail, Web, and other computing resources should be focused on facilitating individual or small-group interaction; other uses—for example, using computer resources to conduct a commercial enterprise or private business—constitute theft from the university subject to disciplinary action as specified in the Code. Similarly, the introduction of information that interferes with the access or information of others—for example, the introduction of programs of a type commonly called “viruses” or of nonacademic, network-game simulations—is subject to disciplinary action. E-mail should not be used for junk mailings.

Junk e-mail, including chain mail, wastes system resources and the time of those who receive it. Neither should e-mail be used to forge a message so as to have it appear to come from another user. All such inappropriate uses of e-mail are subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, loss of the university-sponsored e-mail account.

Certain university-controlled computing resources are openly available to all students on a first-come, first-served basis; access to other resources is limited—often only by means of posted notices—to students in certain disciplines or specified courses; access to still other resources is carefully controlled by such means as user IDs and passwords.

Students are responsible for adhering to the spirit and the letter of these access controls. Violations of access rights can be interpreted under the Code as theft of university services whether or not those services have been separately billed. Students are also responsible for ensuring the confidentiality of access rights under their control. For example, release of a password, whether intentional or inadvertent, invites misuse by others and may be subject to disciplinary action.

General rights and responsibilities. Despite access controls imposed, system failures may occasionally make it possible for students to inappropriately read, use, copy, alter, or delete information stored electronically on a university computer system. Students are responsible for not exploiting such system failures and for reporting them to proper university personnel so that corrective steps can be taken.

The university strives to maintain a quiet, library-like environment in its computer labs in order that lab users can use their time productively and with minimal distractions. Proper use of computer resources follows the same standards of common sense and courtesy that govern the use of other public facilities. Improper use violates those standards by infringing upon others’ ability to fulfill their responsibilities.