Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of
1974 (FERPA)
The University complies with the Family Education Rights
and Privacy Act 1974. This act was designed to protect the
privacy of student records and to establish a method for
student's inspection of their own files and records.
Students have the right, in the event of affirmed noncompliance
with the act, to file a complaint with the Dean of Administration.
RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
The University reserves the right to change any of its
policies (including adjusting tuition and fee schedules)
without notice. The University further reserves the right
to refuse admission to any applicant at the discretion of
the President or the Deans and to disqualify, suspend, or
exclude any student at the discretion of the President or
the Deans.
This policy updates and changes to catalog are posted on
bulletin boards throughout the campus. Where conflict exists
between any of these sources, the most recent rule, regulation
or policy will be upheld.
MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS
SCUSOMA maintains all student academic and financial records
including transcripts for a minimum period fifty electronically
and in computer diskettes.
ACADEMIC FREEDOM GUARANTEE
As University health care practitioners, all
faculty members are allowed free expression in their writing,
speaking, teaching, and their personal opinions so long
as they do not violate any academic, institutional or legal
regulations. Faculty members are entitled to full freedom
in research and in publishing within their fields of academic
competence. Faculty members are free as individuals and
as citizens to speak and write about all academic matters,
whether they are directly related to the subjects they teach
or not. Students are also free to learn and to take their
own academic positions.
Faculty members are responsible for safeguarding the academic
freedom of their students to learn by encouraging free inquiry
into controversial issues, presenting alternative viewpoints,
refraining from undue influence of the process of learning,
taking dissenting student opinion seriously, and offering
a forum for discussion.
ACCOMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITES
It is the policy of SCUSOMA to provide reasonable accommodations
for students with disabilities, including learning disabled
students and those with health impairments, as well as those
with other disabilities. Students, whose disabilities may
require some type of accommodation, including course load
modification or exam testing accommodation are encouraged
to discuss these with the Dean of Administration, as early
as possible. Suitable adjustments and accommodations will
be worked out on a case by case basis between the Dean of
Administration and the student. It is acceptable for the
school to require documentation of disabilities when the
individual with the disability puts the disability in issue.
When medical/physical disabilities are at issue, a doctor’s
statement will usually be enough, so long as that statement
describes both the disability and the limits the disability
poses for the student. However, students are advised that
any accommodations made by the University relate strictly
to matters directly under the control of the University,
and there is therefore no promise, representation or assurance
by the University the same accommodations or any accommodations
will be made or offered by any other people or agencies.
Drug Free Campus
The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of
1989 require notice to each student and employee of campus
standards of conduct on the abuse of alcohol and illegal
drugs, the legal sanctions which apply, possible health
risks, and available counseling and support programs.
Under this law, the University is committed to upholding
a drug free-working environment, one conducive to promote
wellness and positive self-development of all members of
its community. In keeping with this objective, the University
will ensure that all of its workplaces are safe and free
from the problems and risks associated with the unauthorized
use and abuse of alcohol and the illegal use and abuse of
drugs.
- Standards of Conduct
On students’ fitness for health care professionals,
the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illegal
drugs or alcohol by student are prohibited. The University
also reserves the right to discipline students and employees
for off campus conduct not in keeping with these standards
should if affect their performance in the workplace or
classroom.
- Available Support
SCUSOMA will keep a listing of substance abuse and emergency
phone numbers in the student clinic.
- Disciplinary & Legal Sanctions
Violations by students of standards of conduct may result
in probation, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Employees who violate standards may be disciplined, up
to termination of employment. In addition, violations
of law committed on campus property, or at a University
event, will be subject to prosecution by federal, state
and local government agencies. Penalties for violations
may include imprisonment, fines or both. Incidents on
the University campus or incidents involving members of
the University community may be reported to civil authorities
for legal action.
Sexual Harassment
It is the policy of the University that sexual harassment
of employees and student is unacceptable and will not be
tolerated. These policy statements directed towards all
forms of sexual harassment among peers and co workers, supervisors
and subordinates, and faculties and students.
Since sexual harassment is a violation law (Title IX of
the Educational Amendments of 1972), the University is committed
to creating and maintaining a community in which students,
faculties and administrative and academic staff can work
together in an atmosphere free of all forms of harassment
including sexual harassment.
Definition of Sexual Harassment
For general policy purposes, sexual harassment maybe described
as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors,
and other physical and expressive behavior of a sexual nature
where: (a) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly
or impliedly for condition of an individual’s employment
or education;(b) submission or rejection of such conduct
by an individual is used as the basis for academic or employment
decisions affecting the individual; or (c) Such conduct
has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with
an individual’s academic or professional performance
or creating an intimidating, hostile or demeaning employment
or educational environment.
It includes, but is not limited to: (a) Unsolicited oral,
written, physical and/or visual contact with sexual overtones
such as suggestive or obscene letters, notes and invitations,
jokes, slurs, comments, epithets, touching, assault, impeding
movement, patting or pinching, leering, gestures, display
of sexually suggestive objects, pictures, posters. (b) Continuing
to express sexual interest after being informed that sexual
interest is unwelcome. (c) Making representation of express
or implied threats of reprisal after a negative response.
Conduct such as changing grades, withholding support for
an appointment, or promotion, change of assignment, suggesting
a poor performance report or suggesting failure or probationary
status is included in this category. (d) Engaging in implicit
or express coercive sexual behavior which is used to control,
influence, or affected the career, salary or work environment.
(e) Offering favors of academic or employment advancement
in exchange for sexual favors.
University’s Responsibility
The University believes that prompt and proper action should
be taken to avoid or reduce the incidence of sexual harassment.
Fitting disciplinary action will be taken against anyone
found to be in violation of this policy.
Sexual Assault Victims Policy
It is the policy of SCUSOMA to provide a healthy and safe
environment where students can learn, faculty can teach,
and staff can administrate. Fundamental to this policy is
the belief that safety is a daily habit and that the responsibility
for creating a safe, nurturing environments is shared by
all within the community.
Avoidance of injury and prevention of bodily harm such
as sexual assault is our primary goal. It is the policy
of the University that all victims of sexual assault committed
on the grounds of the campus shall receive treatment and
information. The University will explore all reported incidents
and take proper action to protect the rights of the victim.
The University has minimal resources to provide emergency
treatment for sexual assault victims. The victim, will need
to use public services such as 911 Emergency services; public
counseling services such as the Rape Crisis Hot line and
the local Police Department or the County Sheriff’s
Office for law enforcement services; the County District
Attorney’s Office or local legal aid societies for
information about their legal rights for criminal or civil
prosecution.
All reports of incidents or requests for information from
victims of sexual assault are confidential and will be kept
in a locked file in the Dean’s office. Access to these
files will be restricted to the Chief Executive Officer
and the Dean, the victim, and law enforcement officials.
Following are guidelines for victims of sexual assault at
or on the grounds of SCUSOMA:
Immediately
1) Notify school officials of the incident. Report to
the Dean or President of the University.
2) School officials call 911 and ask emergency services,
if needed.
3) Report the incident to the local Police Department.
4) Get medical treatment for injuries.
Post incident
5) File a written report with the University administration.
6) Call Rape Hot line and discuss the incident.
7) Schedule a post trauma counseling session as needed.
Campus Crime
It is the policy of the University to encourage the accurate
and prompt reporting of all crimes on campus. The following
guideline has been set up to protect students, faculty and
employees of the University.
- To possess firearms or other weapons is not allowed
on the campus or at any University sponsored event.
- Any event of vandalism, violence or fighting should
be reported immediately to an administrative official.
- Cars should be locked when parked in the parking lot.
- Any unidentified individuals noted loitering on the
campus or in the parking lot should be immediately reported
to an administration official.
- Never leave personal property unattended in an office
or classroom or other places.
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