General

The purpose of this section is to clarify as much as possible what the student and the University should expect of each other in the area of rights, responsibilities, and conduct.

All students enrolled at Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico – Orlando Campus assume an obligation to conduct themselves at all times as responsible members of the campus community and respect the personal and property rights of others and the educational mission of the University. Because those who earn a degree ultimately determine the University’s reputation, the University will insist upon its students demonstrating personal and professional integrity in addition to academic excellence. The University’s Board of Trustees has delegated full authority to the University administration to prepare and administer policies and procedures for the welfare and discipline of its students.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico – Orlando Campus recognizes the rights of students as outlined in the American Association of University professors’ Joint Statement, dated 1967. These rights include the following:

Freedom of access to higher education
Freedom of classroom expression
Confidentiality of records
Participation in student affairs
Off-campus freedoms
Procedural standards in disciplinary proceedings

Code of Conduct

The University is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and learning, as well as to the development of responsible personal and social conduct. Each student, by registering, assumes the responsibility of becoming familiar with and abiding by the general standards of conduct expected by the University. Specifically, each student is expected to refrain from:

Academic dishonesty of any kind with respect to examinations or course work. This includes any form of cheating and plagiarism. (see Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism section).
Falsification or alteration of University documents, records, or identification cards.
Forgery, issuing bad checks, or not paying financial obligations to the University.
Theft and the deliberate damaging or misusing of property belonging to others and the property of the University.
The manufacture, possession, use, or distribution of any form of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs while on University property.
Possession, display or use of any dangerous instrument; weapon or explosives (law enforcement officers required by their employer to carry a firearm are excluded).

Disrupting the study of others or of University activities, or interfering with the freedom of movement of any member or guess of the University community.

Deliberate interference with academic freedom and freedom of speech and movement of any member or guest of the University community.

Participation in any activity which disrupts or interferes with the education of others or the orderly operation of the University.

Physical abuse, threatening acts or harassment, toward others.

Expulsion, suspension, or any lesser penalty may be imposed upon any student enrolled who is found to be in violation of these standards of conduct.

Harassment

Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico – Orlando Campus does not tolerate any form of employee or student harassment, either verbal or physical, based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, physical disability, medical condition, or marital status. The University strives to provide a work environment free of sexual harassment. Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is a policy of the University that sexual harassment of employees or students is regarded as unprofessional and improper conduct.

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual or otherwise offensive nature.

Conduct of this nature is improper whether, a) submission to the conduct is either an explicit or implicit term or condition of employment or student status; b) submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as a basis of employment or student standing; c) the conduct has the effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance; or d) the conduct or sexually suggestive conduct or language has the effect of causing uncomfortable living or working conditions.

All employees and students of the University are expected to avoid any behavior or conduct toward any other employee or student that could be interpreted as sexual harassment.

Students who believe they have been the victim of sexual or other harassment should immediately report the matter to their advisor or, if necessary, to an administrator or a faculty member.

Any faculty member or administrator who has received a complaint from an employee or student alleging harassment will immediately notify the Campus Director. Similarly any administrator, faculty member or supervisor who becomes aware of a situation involving potential harassment of an employee or student will contact the Campus Director.

All complaints of harassment will be investigated promptly and will be kept confidential to the extent possible. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any employee or student found to have engaged or abetted in harassment.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

University policy strictly prohibits consumption or use of alcohol and illegal drugs on University property. It is the obligation of all members of the University, as well as students, to uphold the laws of the federal, state and local authorities that regulate the use of drugs and alcohol.

Any violations that cannot be handled through counseling, or which endanger the welfare of the person involved or the community will be reported to law enforcement authorities. Any student or member of the University found guilty of a drug or alcohol felony is subject to dismissal from the University and prosecution consistent with local, state and federal law. Information regarding the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse is posted visibly around the University campus.

Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism

The University seeks to foster a spirit of honesty and integrity. Any work submitted by a student must represent original work produced by that student. Any source used by a student is to be documented through normal scholarly references and citations, and the extent to which any sources have been used must be apparent to the reader. The University, further, considers resubmission of a work produced for one course in a subsequent course or the submission of work done partially or entirely by another to be academic dishonesty. It is the student’s responsibility to seek clarification from the course instructor about how much help may be received in completing an assignment or exam or project or what sources may be used. Students found guilty of academic dishonesty or plagiarism shall be liable for sanctions up to and including dismissal from the University.

The University requires students to adhere to the writing style prescribed in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Fourth Edition, 1995. This manual includes clear definitions of plagiarism, paraphrasing and other related matters. All students are urged to acquire and use this manual early in their studies at the University.

The University’s policies call for all written work to be submitted typed and “in standard written English.” If necessary, students may employ an editor to assist with grammar and style, but not content. The editor’s name, address, and telephone number must appear on the document and the student’s unedited work must be attached.

Dual Relationships with Students

In the interest of avoiding situations in which students may feel that they (or other students) are receiving special attention or privileges, all University faculty and staff are advised to totally avoid any financial relationships with students (or their employers) as long as there is any potential for the University employee to influence the student’s grades, progress, or success in our programs. Similarly, faculty and staff members are advised to avoid close personal relationships with students. Even if a relationship is “above board,” the appearance of favoritism can be a problem.

Gifts from Students

Students (individuals or groups) are asked not to offer gifts to members of the University faculty or staff. If an employee has done an outstanding job or provided exceptional service (and we hope that occurs regularly), a short note of appreciation or a verbal “thanks” is ample reward.

Collection for group gifts for faculty or staff can easily be perceived as coercive if some students in a class do not share the organizers’ enthusiasm or financial means. Gifts can become a dangerous norm and can be seen as leading to preferential treatment.

If a student (or group) offers a gift, employees have been advised to express appreciation and explain that our policies prohibit accepting gifts. General tokens of appreciation such as flowers for the lobby or snacks to be shared by employees and students do not violate the policy or its intent.

Academic Credentials

The University maintains a strong commitment to developing practitioners who demonstrate high levels of professionalism. All students are expected to pursue their academic programs with honesty and integrity.

Evaluation of Instructors by Students

At the conclusion of in-residence courses and upon the completion of on-line or independent studies, students will be asked to provide candid feedback regarding their perceptions of the quality of the course and the performance of the course instructor. All students are expected to participate in these evaluation sessions as student input is an important contribution to the University’s efforts to improve its programs.

Evaluation of Student Support Services

Two times a year, a Student Services Survey is sent to all students to provide evaluative feedback of the following: physical facilities and equipment, classroom environment, registration process, financial aid, student records, student resource and information center, computer access and equipment, textbooks and materials, academic advising, faculty access and interaction, international student concerns, etc. The Survey also gives each student an opportunity to make general comments and suggestions regarding the University.

All students are urged to participate in these evaluation activities, as student input is an important component of the University’s efforts to improve its programs and enhance student services and support.

Grievance Procedures

The University provides students with opportunities to request administrative or peer review of actions taken by University faculty or staff that the student perceives to be unfair. Students who believe that they have been treated in a based fashion, in violation of University policies or without due process may file an appeal with the Campus Director or designee. The student may initiate the grievance process by sending the Campus Director a written account of the actions leading to the grievance and a description of the student’s attempts to resolve it informally (if any).

The Campus Director or a designee will contact the involved parties directly and will attempt to resolve the matter informally. If a satisfactory resolution is not achieved informally, the Campus Director will convene a committee of faculty members and/or administrators to consider the matter and recommend a resolution. Considering the recommendation of the committee, the Campus Director will again contact the parties involved and inform them of the University’s response to the appeal.

Academic and Professional Behavioral Code of Conduct