WAC 132S-40-320   Student rights.  The following enumerated rights which are deemed necessary to achieve the educational goals of the college are guaranteed to each student within the limitations of statutory law and college policy:

     (1) Academic freedom.

     (a) Students have the right to pursue educational objectives from among the college's curricula, programs, and services subject to the provisions of this chapter.

     (b) Students have the right to a learning environment that is free from unlawful and/or discriminatory actions.

     (c) Students have the right to present their own views, even though they may differ from those held by faculty members, and will not be subject to adverse action by faculty when such views are expressed in a manner that does not interfere with the rights of others.

     (d) Students are protected from academic evaluations which are arbitrary, prejudiced, or capricious.

     (2) Admission requirements. Columbia Basin College operates under an open door admission policy and grants admission to applicants who are eighteen years of age and/or graduated from high schools accredited by a regional accrediting association or who have a GED certificate. Home school graduates and graduates from nonaccredited high schools are admitted based on course placement assessment scores.

     (a) Applicants who do not meet CBC's admission requirements will be considered for admission upon request by the admissions/graduation committee.

     (b) Students under sixteen years of age will not be admitted, except where such students are qualified "running start" students pursuant to chapter 392-169 WAC and provided that such admission is not inconsistent with the best interests of the applicant, other students, or the orderly operation of the college.

     (c) Admission to CBC does not guarantee admission to all degree or certificate programs. Students should consult the catalog for admission requirements in specific programs.

     (3) Due process.

     (a) No disciplinary sanctions may be imposed upon any student without notice to the accused of the nature of the charges.

     (b) Once notified of the charges, the accused student is entitled to explain his/her version of the facts in response, explanation, and defense of the allegation(s) and is entitled to the other procedures as specified herein.

     (4) Distribution and posting of printed material. Students may distribute or post printed material subject to official procedures available in the office of student programs.

     (5) Freedom of assembly. Students may conduct or may participate in any assembly on college facilities which are generally available to the public provided such assemblies:

     (a) Are conducted in an orderly manner.

     (b) Do not unreasonably interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

     (c) Do not unreasonably interfere with classes, scheduled meetings or ceremonies, or with the general educational process of the college.

     (d) Do not unreasonably interfere with regular college functions.

     (e) Do not cause destruction or damage to college property.

     (6) Freedom of association and organization. Students are free to organize and join associations to promote any legal purpose. Student clubs and organizations must be granted a charter by the associated students of Columbia Basin College (herein referred to as ASCBC) before they may be officially recognized.

     (7) Nondiscrimination. Students have the right not to be discriminated against on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

     (8) Use and maintenance of education records. Students have the right to maintain confidentiality of records and access to records as outlined in college policy. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (herein referred to as FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

     (a) The right to inspect and review the student's education records within forty-five days of the day the college received a request for access.

     (b) The right to request an amendment of the student's education records the student believes are inaccurate.

     (c) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

     (d) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failure by the college to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

     (9) Use of college facilities. Any recognized ASCBC club or organization may request use of available college facilities for authorized activities. The use of facilities for purposes other than what has been approved or in an irresponsible manner, may result in withdrawal of this privilege.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.140. 06-19-006, § 132S-40-320, filed 9/7/06, effective 10/8/06.]