For official University policy see www.uiu.edu and look for the "Academic Policies" link on the "Current Students" page of the Web site.
Upper Iowa University is committed to maintaining a quality educational environment that is safe and healthy allowing learners to grow personally and professionally. If you have additional questions about these policies and/or regulations need more information, contact a UIU staff member.
The Disciplinary Process
Reprimand and removal from class for one class session are handled by the Center, External Degree or Online Program Coordinator/Director. All other actions involve a hearing by the Disciplinary Hearing Committee. The Disciplinary Hearing Committee consists of the Executive Director of Quality Assurance for the Extended University, the Dean of the Extended University, the Associate Vice President for the Extended University and director and the coordinator of the center or program involved.
Types of Disciplinary Sanctions
The following types of disciplinary sanctions may be imposed by the University in handling disciplinary cases. All disciplinary actions will be documented in the student's file. The types of action are listed in ascending order of severity. Fines and restitution may be included in any disciplinary action.
- Reprimand – verbal or written warning issued by faculty or University administration.
- Removal from Class for one class session – determined by faculty and referred to Center, External Degree or Online Program Coordinator/Director.
- Temporary Suspension– The program directors have the authority to impose a temporary suspension, which becomes effective immediately. The suspended student (and victim, if any) will be informed. Such action will be taken only in those cases presenting clear and present danger of harm to the individual(s) charged, the victim(s), other member of the University community, the educational process, University property, or guest and/or visitors of the University and their property. The student under temporary suspension is denied permission to return to University property or University sponsored activities pending the adjudication by the Disciplinary Hearing Committee and appeal (if appropriate).
- Suspension – an interruption of the student's enrollment at the University for a definite stated time. This may be for a short, definitely prescribed period, as set by the Disciplinary Hearing Committee. Generally, the period of time is at least the balance of the current term. The action may be made applicable for the following term, with the student permitted to finish the current term. The student is eligible for consideration for readmission upon petition to the Disciplinary Hearing Committee upon the conclusion of the suspension period.
- Dismissal – The student's enrollment is immediately terminated for an indefinite period, usually for a minimum of one calendar year. After the minimum period of dismissal indicated by the Disciplinary Hearing Committee, the student may petition the committee for reinstatement.
- Expulsion – The student is permanently excluded from the University and is not eligible for consideration for readmission.
- Other sanctions as deemed appropriate by the University may include, but are not limited to, fines and restitution.
If a student is suspended, dismissed or expelled, that student's tuition and fees are not refundable. At the time of a student's suspension or dismissal, all outstanding financial obligations to the University must be met. A student under suspension may not apply for readmission until these obligations are first cleared.
The committee collects evidence of the incident, interviews witnesses of the incident and prepares a written report. The student is notified of a hearing date and time and given a copy of the written report. At the hearing, the respondent is entitled to the following:
- To appear in person to present a defense to the hearing body and to call witnesses. Witnesses must have observed the situation or have supporting evidence. All witnesses are required to submit written statements one day in advance of the hearing. (If the respondent does not appear, the hearing will be held and a decision will be made.)
- To ask questions of the committee. To pose questions for witnesses in writing which, at the discretion of the committee, may be asked.
- To refuse to answer questions.
- To receive an expeditious hearing of the case.
- To be represented by another student, staff or faculty member as an advisor. A non-University person may not serve as an advisor, since this is not a legal hearing.
- The student is entitled to an explanation of the decision. The committee will inform the student if a decision has been reached at the conclusion of the hearing. In addition, the final decision will be sent in writing to the student within 24 business hours. The student will be notified of the right of appeal.
- A record of the alleged violation, accompanying documents and recommended action will be maintained in the Dean's office and become part of the student's file.
Right of Appeal
Appeals must be filed in writing within 24 business hours after receiving notice of the hearing decision. Appeals should be sent to the Senior Vice President for the Extended University. The decision of the Senior Vice President or designee will be made within 24 business hours.
Student Protections
The official University nondiscrimination policy can be found at this webpage: Affirmative Action
Because scheduling classes in accessible facilities may require reasonable advanced planning, people with disabilities accepted for admission should identify themselves to their program coordinator/director no later than three months prior to the start of their entry term.
The University will make accommodations only for those learners who report a learning, psychological or physical disability and provide appropriate documentation. It is the learner's responsibility to report a disability in a timely manner as well as arrange and pay for all disability assessments.
For appropriate accommodations to be made, necessary documentation of the relevant disability filed with federal or state agencies and/or from prior schools and colleges must be on file with your program coordinator/director. The procedure is as follows:
- Complete an "Accommodation Request and Release" form available at your Program office.
- Provide written documentation of disability to your program coordinator/director.
- After documentation is received, a meeting will be held with your program coordinator/director and, if necessary, a faculty representative to assess learner needs and recommend reasonable accommodations. The Disability Compliance Coordinator may also be involved. Accommodation is based on each individual learner's needs.
- Re-apply for accommodations and services for each new term.
If you feel that you are not receiving reasonable/appropriate accommodations for your disability, you may contact the Disability Compliance Coordinator (Extended University Operations Director at euoperations@uiu.edu). Your grievance will be investigated and resolved in a fair and timely manner and may include an appeal to the Senior Vice President for the Extended University.
The official University AIDS policy can be found at http://www.uiu.edu/policies.
Informal Affirmative Action/Section 504/ Title IX Hearing Committee & Grievance Procedure
The University provides procedures to insure that all learner grievances will be given a fair hearing. You may use any of the University grievance procedures provided to refer grievances, including the informal and formal Affirmative Action/Section 504/Title IX Hearing Committee and Grievance Procedures. Your use of these procedures does not in any way change your status with the University.
You may discuss possible grievances with the Affirmative Action/Section 504/Title IX Coordinator for the Extended University, by calling 563-425-5394 or email at euoperations@uiu.edu.
Student Records/Release of Student Information
In compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, Upper Iowa University has established and maintained a policy of access to and release of student record information. The policy statement is found in the Registrar's Office and other offices where records are maintained and at this webpage: FERPA.
Directory Information
The University may, at its discretion, provide directory information in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act. The following information has been designated as public and may be disclosed by the University for any purpose: student name, home and email address, home and cellular telephone numbers; date and place of birth; dates of attendance; major field of study; academic classification and schedule of classes; previous institution(s) attended; awards; honors and degrees conferred, including dates.
While currently enrolled, you may withhold disclosure of directory information under the Privacy Act. You must notify your program office, in writing, within two weeks after the first day of classes. Requests for nondisclosure will be honored by the University for only one academic year; therefore, authorization to withhold directory information must be filed annually with the Center, External Degree or Online Program office.
Safety
In case of fire, your responsibility is to protect yourself by leaving the building in a calm, orderly manner. Find out where the nearest fire alarm box is, and learn the correct way to start the alarm. Also, study the instructions for the operation of nearby fire extinguishers.
Campus Security
Upper Iowa University is committed to creating an environment that promotes the intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual or ethical, and physical well-being of its community members. The commitment includes encouraging and reinforcing healthy, responsible living and respect for campus standards and regulations, and community laws. Extended University staff work with local law enforcement officials to provide a secure environment for learners. A campus security report is published and distributed annually. More information is available from your center coordinator.
