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  (Georgia Board of Regents)

Waycross College Intellectual Diversity

(a) OVERVIEW

Waycross College exists with the belief that intellectual diversity and academic freedom are central principles of higher education. Thereby, Waycross College strives to provides an intellectually diverse learning and living environment that enables students and all who come under its influence to become innovative and critical thinkers, problem solvers, and responsible citizens. To accomplish these goals, several policies are vigorously maintained….

(1) STUDENT ACADEMIC FREEDOM

Waycross College students, as members of the academic academy with faculty, are entitled to the academic freedoms involved in intellectual inquiry and dissemination of information through ethical channels regardless of their political or religious beliefs. In this context, a student may disagree with and/or question assertions from faculty and administrators as well as engage in research, writing, and other scholarly pursuits to enhance his/her learning experience.

(2) FACULTY ACADEMIC FREEDOM POLICY

Waycross College faculty, as members of the academic academy with students, are entitled to the academic freedoms involved in the course of intellectual inquiry and dissemination of information through ethical channels. Such academic freedoms enable faculty members to pursue knowledge, question, and challenge. In this context, faculty members may express opinions, profess academic positions, as well as question assertions with fearlessness when engaged in research, writing, and other scholarly pursuits.

(3) STUDENT GRIEVANCE POLICY

A student grievance is defined in this policy as a violation of ANY student academic freedoms and/or personal freedoms as perceived by the student. If a grievance occurs a student may seek to resolve the issues through a variety of resolution alternatives to ensure confidentiality. The student may choose a variety of resolution options including talking with the campus ombudsmen, meeting with the faculty conflict resolution officer, discussing the matter with the college Dean for Academic Affairs.

To formally seek resolution, a student is encouraged to pursue the grievance resolution in the following ascending order if deemed appropriate and comfortable for the student:

• A student with a faculty grievance of performance should seek to resolution with the faculty member during the instructor's scheduled office hours. If deemed inappropriate “by the student” for any reason, the student should meet with the Division Chairperson to mediate a discussion between the instructor and the student.
• If no resolution is reached, the student will be referred by the Division Chairperson to schedule a meeting with the Division Chairperson and Vice President & Dean of Academic Affairs to discuss resolution options.
• If all else fails, the student has the option to appeal in writing to the College President for a terminal resolution of the grievance.

(Note: all faculty and administrator contact numbers can be found on the College website in the faculty staff directory, at http://www.waycross.edu/facstaff.htm)

(4) COLLEGE EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In all academic and related venues, students and faculty are encouraged to engage in the discussion and the free exchange of ideas in an environment that is free of retribution or disadvantageous.

Elements & Limitations of Academic Freedom:

1. Classes should not be used as vehicles to propagate personal views or to indoctrinate students.
2. Faculty will foster an environment of cultural competency in which students are exposed to a variety of ideological, social, political, and other perspectives.
3. Students are encouraged to challenge prevailing dissident ideologies, thoughts, and beliefs that are relevant.
4. The expression and discussion of divergent points of view will be civil and respectful.
5. Grading policies will reflect student achievement and will not be adversely affected because of perspectives, personalities, or appearance.
6. The college web site and all course syllabi will include statements of the college intellectual diversity policies.
7. Instructions for filing grievances can be accessed on the college web site.

(5) STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly and respectful manner to all.

In accordance with this policy, it is the right of every student to:

1. Know the policies and procedures that will be used to determine his/her grade.
2. Be assessed and graded according to a uniform academic standard.
3. Initiate discussions expressing varying points of view, perspectives, and/or alternative ideologies.
4. Seek redress when they perceive that the college policies and procedures have been violated, neglected, and/or circumvented.