Student Rights and Responsibilities

In accordance with the Mission Statement, St. Edward’s University strives to create an environment where freely chosen beliefs can be deepened and expressed. Freedom of expression and inquiry are essential elements of the university community. The responsibility to promote and respect conditions conducive to the freedom to learn is shared by all members of the St. Edward’s community. In order to encourage the continuing growth of a free and cooperative community dedicated to learning, St. Edward’s puts forward this expression of rights and responsibilities. The protection of the freedom to learn is a trust shared by all members of the St. Edward’s community. Students must exercise their freedom with responsibility.

In all instances of general discipline, the student has the right to due process. Due process, as applied to student-university relationships and the disciplinary process, is equated with procedural fairness. The student should expect that he or she will be informed of the nature of the charges against him or her, that he or she will be given a fair opportunity to refute them that judicial bodies or officers will not be arbitrary in their actions, and that provisions will be made for appeal of a decision.

Students have the right to freedom from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, age, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. St. Edward’s University considers freedom of inquiry and discussion essential to a student’s holistic (spiritual, intellectual, personal, physical, vocational, and social) development. Thus, the university recognizes the right of all on students to engage in discussion, to exchange thoughts and opinions, and to speak respectfully on subject matters appropriate to our mission.

Student have the opportunity to participate in the formulation of policy directly affecting students through membership on appropriate committees as determined by Student Government Association and other recognized groups within the university.

Students, as members of the university community, have the responsibility to participate in any disciplinary proceedings and to testify as witnesses when reasonably notified.

Students have the right to be secure in their possessions, against invasion of privacy and unreasonable search and seizure.