Roosevelt University - Student Rights & Responsibilities

University Policies and Procedures

Discrimination Complaint Procedure
Drug & Alcohol-Free Campus Notification
Equal Opportunity Policy
Harrassment Policy
Persons with Disabilities Policy
Religious Holiday Policy

Residency Policy
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
Sexual Assault Policy
Student Email Policy
Student Health Policies
Use of Electronic Resources Policy
Whistleblower Policy

Accomodation of Students for Religious Holidays

Roosevelt University respects the rights of students to observe major religious holidays and will make accommodations, upon request, for such observances. Students who wish to observe religious holidays must inform their instructors in writing within the first two weeks of each semester of their intent to observe the holiday so that alternative arrangements convenient to both students and faculty can be made at the earliest opportunity. Students who make such arrangements by the deadline will not be required to attend classes or take examinations on the designated days, and faculty must provide reasonable opportunities for such students to make up missed work and examinations. However, all work missed for such absences, including papers and examinations, must be made up. Students who do not arrange for excused absences by the deadline are not entitled to such accomodations.

Instructors who will be absent for religious reasons must clearly inform their classes ahead of time, include the planned absence on the syllabus, and notify the department chair or program director. They must supply a substitute, reschedule the class at a suitable time or make special assignments for the time missed.

Accommodation of Persons with Disabilities Policy

When a student or applicant with a documented disability is able to perform the essential functions of the academic and program requirements, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to the needs of that individual, unless such accommodations would provide undue hardship to the University. Reasonable accommodations may include, but not be limited to, part-time or modified class schedule, purchase or modification of special equipment or devices. Reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Students with medically recognized and documented disabilities and who are in need of accommodation should notify the University of their needs. Students should contact the Office of Disability Services and provide documentation of their disability to this office.

Anti-Harrassment Policy

Roosevelt University is committed to the preservation of the dignity and worth of all members of the University community. To ensure an environment for working and learning in which all individuals (faculty, staff, students and visitors) are treated with respect, harassment in any form is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.

Because interpersonal relationships (romantic or sexual) between supervisors and the employees they supervise either directly or indirectly or between faculty and their students involve an imbalance of power, all such interpersonal relationships are prohibited and will subject employees to discipline. In such situations, it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine whether such a relationship is truly consensual and, therefore, if a complaint of sexual harassment is filed, the University will presume that the relationship was not truly consenting unless proven otherwise.

Sexual Harrassment

It is against Roosevelt University policy for any student or employee, male or female, to sexually harass another employee or student by:

making unwelcome sexual advances for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature a condition of an employee's continued employment, or a student's academic status;
making submission to or rejections of such unwelcome conduct the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting an employee or student; or
creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or education environment by such conduct.

Other Forms of Harrassment

It is also against Roosevelt University's policy for any student or employee to harass another student or employee based upon such person's age, ancestry, citizenship, color, creed, disability, gender, identity, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, source of income, veteran status, or as a result of being a victim of domestic violence or other protected characteristic.

Harassment becomes unlawful where 1) enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment or enrollment, or 2) the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create an environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile or abusive.

Offensive conduct may include, but is not limited to, offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, physical assaults or threats, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, acts of communication causing emotional distress, insults or put-downs, offensive objects or pictures, and interference with work performance.

Retaliation

Retaliation against persons filing a complaint, reporting a case of harassment, witnessing a case of harassment or cooperating in an investigation is also prohibited.

Consequence

An employee who is found to have engaged in unlawful harassment shall be subject to discipline up to and including termination in accordance with the procedures applicable to such employee. A student who is found to have engaged in unlawful harassment shall be subject to discipline up to and including expulsion from the University in accordance with the procedures contained in the Code of Student Conduct. A member of the Roosevelt community who is neither a student nor an employee and who is found to have engaged in unlawful harassment shall be subject to such procedures as are necessary to prevent such conduct from occurring, up to and including severance of the member's relationship with Roosevelt and being banned from its campuses.

Reporting Procedures

An employee or student who believes that he or she has been a victim of harassment in violation of this policy has the right to file a complaint in accordance with the University's Discrimination Complaint Procedure. The students and employees are also encouraged to:

Emphatically tell the harasser that the conduct is unwelcome, offensive, violates this policy and must stop, and/or
Report the incident to an employee in a supervisory or managerial position.

Employees and students are encouraged to ask questions about the policy to the following offices:

Offices of Human Resources, Auditorium Building, Room 846
(312) 341-4331

Office of Student Services, Auditorium Building, Room 358
(312) 341-2004

Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources Policy

For the latest version of this policy, go to www.roosevelt.edu/its/policies.

Reason for Policy

The purpose of the Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources Policy is to ensure an information infrastructure that promotes the teaching, learning, research, professional and community service missions of the University. Electronic resources are powerful enabling technologies for accessing and distributing the information and knowledge developed at the University and for facilitating communication and collaboration among members of the University community and with the world at large. As such, they are strategic technologies for the current and future needs of the University.

Electronic resources give individuals the ability to access and communicate sensitive information. This policy is designed to secure the rights of others to the privacy of their personal information.

Electronic resources are often shared resources. This policy provides the basis for equitable sharing of resources among members of the University community.

This policy explains the rights and responsibilities that users share in sustaining the electronic resources made available to them by the University. This policy will provide a reference for University students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, contractors and authorized guests, and will communicate the roles and responsibilities of those charged with maintenance, operation and oversight of University electronic resources.

Within the University community each person will have differing purposes for accessing electronic resources; however, each person also has a shared responsibility to utilize those electronic resources in a manner consistent with the University's policies and procedures. In addition, users are bound by the requirements of local, state, federal and international laws and contractual commitments.

By striving for compliance, the University can assure its ability to provide, maintain and protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of its data, systems, services and facilities.

Entities Affected by This Policy

Individuals Covered

This policy applies to all persons accessing or using University electronic resources. This includes University students, faculty, emeriti faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, contractors, agents and all other persons authorized for access or use privileges by the University, commonly referred to as users.

Resources Covered

Electronic resources covered by this policy include, without limitation:

all University owned, operated, leased and contracted computing, networking, telephony and information resources, whether they are individually controlled, shared, stand alone or networked;
all University information maintained in any electronic form and in any medium regardless of where it is stored;
all University voice and data networks, telephony systems, tele-communications infrastructure, communications systems and services, and physical facilities including all hardware, software, applications, databases and storage media; and
all creation, processing, communication, distribution, storage and disposal of information by any combination of University electronic resources and non-University resources.

Policy Statement - Use of Electronic Resources

Confidential Data

All users are to utilize all appropriate precautions to maintain the accuracy, integrity and confidentiality of confidential data, ensure that no unauthorized disclosures occur, refrain from sharing confidential information with anyone not authorized to access it, and comply with all University, local, state and federal policies and laws with respect to confidentiality of information, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Expectation of Privacy

The University provides electronic resources to users to facilitate their advancement of the University's mission. The University will not routinely monitor an individual user's electronic data, software or communication files. However, users should have no expectation of privacy in network activity or files stored on University equipment. Electronic messages (including email) and files that are transmitted, received or stored with the use of the University's resources, whether or not saved or deleted, are the property of the University.

User Rights

All users:

are granted access to and permitted use of the University's electronic resources for specific purposes based on the users' particular roles;
have the authority to read, write, edit, or delete information in files or databases as established by the designated owners of the information;
are provided access to the University's on-campus data network.

User Responsibilities

Users shall:

share confidential information with any other person only after ascertaining that he or she has approved access to the data in question;
be responsible for the security and integrity of information stored on his or her system, including:
- making regular backups of information and files,
- controlling and securing physical and network access to electronic resources and data,
- properly logging out of sessions,
- monitoring access to their accounts (If users suspect that their access codes have been compromised or that there has been unauthorized activity on their accounts, they are to report it and change access codes immediately), and
- ensuring that software that protects against viruses, spyware and other "malware" is installed, activated and regularly updated on their systems;
show a valid University ID to obtain access to computer labs/facilities, including those in libraries;
choose a password that is consistent with the University's password policy and guard the security of that password;
be responsible for all activity that occurs on their computer accounts;
understand that it can be dangerous to share access codes with anyone;
use only the access codes and privileges associated with their computer account(s) and utilize those account(s) for the purposes for which they were authorized;
respect and honor the rights of other individuals, with regard to copyright and intellectual property, freedom from harassment and use of electronic resources.

User Restrictions

Users may not:

comment or act on behalf of the University over the Internet, including email, without the authority to do so;
make use of accounts, access codes, privileges or electronic resources to which they are not authorized;
send email chain letters or unauthorized mass mailings;
alter the source address of messages, or otherwise forge email messages;
tamper with, modify or alter restrictions, or protection placed on their accounts, the University system or network facilities;
use the University's Internet access in a malicious manner to alter or destroy any information available on the Internet, or on any network accessible through the Internet, that they do not own or have explicit permission to alter or destroy;
introduce, create or propagate computer viruses, worms, Trojan Horses or other malicious code to electronic resources within or outside of the University;
damage computer and network systems, obtain extra electronic resources or gain access to accounts for which they are not authorized;
eavesdrop or intercept transmissions not intended for them;
physically damage or vandalize electronic resources;
attempt to degrade the performance of the system or to deprive authorized users access to any University electronic resources;
use University systems to relay mail between non-University email systems;
engage in activities that harass, degrade, intimidate, demean, slander, defame, interfere with or threaten others;
modify or remove computer equipment, software or peripherals that are part of the University's computer and network resources without authorization from the vice president for technology and chief information officer;
install network or computing devices that are not authorized by the vice president for technology and chief information officer or his/her designees. Such devices include but are not limited to wireless access points, network server hardware and software, and network devices such as hubs, routers,and switches. Unauthorized equipment is subject to confiscation.

University Processes

Data Backup and Recovery

Electronic data, software and communications files stored on central servers are copied to backup media and stored. Backups are intended to enable recovery of data in case of major system failures; however, individual email messages may be recovered. Users are responsible for backing up their own personal computer data.

Monitoring of System Activity

All activity on systems and networks may be monitored, logged and reviewed by system administrators or discovered in legal proceedings. In addition, all documents created, stored, transmitted or received on University computers and networks may be subject to monitoring by systems administrators.

University Rights

Accessing Electronic Content

The University has the right to access, monitor and disclose the contents and activity of an individual user's account(s) and to access any University-owned electronic resources and any non-University-owned electronic resource on University property that is connected to University networks. This action may be taken:

to maintain the network's integrity and the rights of others authorized to access the network,
if the security of a computer or network system is threatened,
if misuse of University resources is suspected,
if the University has a legitimate business need to review such files, or
when compelled by court order.

This action will be taken with written authorization from the vice president for technology and chief information officer and the designated responsible administrator (as defined in the "Enforcement" section of this document).

Monitoring and Blocking Content

The University has the right to monitor or block electronic content in three ways. The University may:

employ what are commonly called "SPAM blockers" to eliminate messages from known purveyors of junk email;
block access to websites that are known to spread viruses, spyware, adware or other malicious content;
block or limit access to resources that illegally distribute music, video or other multimedia content.

Controlling Network Bandwidth

The University may also control the amount of network bandwidth available at any given time for specific types of applications or classes of users. Examples include allocating increased bandwidth for resident students and student laboratories during hours when offices are not typically open and classes are not in session, and constraining the bandwidth allocated for streaming audio and video if there is no demonstrated academic application for the service.

University Restrictions

University employees, including personnel in the Division of Information Technology, may not:

monitor the content of an individual user's electronic data, software or communication files without authorization as outlined in this policy;
inspect individual user's files, diskettes, tapes and/or other computer-accessible storage media without following the processes outlined in this document;
monitor or block electronic content except under the conditions specified in this document.

Copyrights and Licenses

Software may not be copied, installed or used on University electronic resources except as permitted by the owner of the software and by law. Software subject to licensing must be properly licensed and all license provisions (including installation, use, copying, number of simultaneous users, terms of the license, etc.) must be strictly observed.

All copyrighted information, such as text and images, retrieved from electronic resources or stored, transmitted or maintained with electronic resources must be used in conformance with applicable copyright and other laws. Copied material used legally must be properly attributed in conformance with applicable legal and professional standards.

Non-University Use

Computer and network resources are provided to support University functions. The University permits the use of its computer and network resources for limited personal activities, but personal use must conform to University policies and must not interfere with the primary goals of supporting teaching, learning, research and service.

Users may not use electronic resources for:

private business or personal commercial enterprise;
compensated outside work, except as authorized by the graduate dean and vice provost for research pursuant to an approved grant or sponsorship agreement;
the benefit of organizations not related to the University, except those authorized by the vice president or dean for the University-related service;
partisan political activities;
lobbying activities not approved by the vice president for governmental relations and University outreach.

University electronic resources may not be used for commercial purposes, except as specifically permitted under other written policies of the University or with the written approval of senior vice president, finance and operations and CFO. Any such commercial use must be properly related to University activities and provide for appropriate reimbursement to the University for taxes and other costs the University may incur by reason of the commercial use.

Users are also reminded that the ".edu" domain on the Internet has rules restricting or prohibiting commercial use; activities not appropriate for the ".edu" domain that otherwise are permissible within the University's electronic resources should be performed on other domains.

Policy Enforcement

Responsible Administrators

The University designates "responsible administrators" for cases involving possible misuse of electronic resources or for the inspection of email or other user files. The responsible administrators are: the president for cases involving members of the Executive Council, the provost and executive vice president for cases involving academic deans and faculty, the vice president for human resources for cases involving staff and administrators, and the vice president for enrollment and student services for cases involving students.

Suspected Misuse

In any and all cases where acceptable use comes into question, management of the University reserves the right to determine what is appropriate and acceptable and what is not. This section outlines the procedures that will apply in the case of suspected violations of University policies.

Reporting Misuse and Cooperation with Officials

All users are encouraged to report to the chief information officer, or through procedures outlined in the University's Whistle Blower Policy, any suspected violations of University computer policies. Users, when requested, are expected to cooperate with University officials in any investigation of system abuse. Failure to cooperate may be grounds for cancellation of access privileges, or other disciplinary actions.

Disciplinary Action

If University officials have sufficient evidence of misuse of computing resources, and if that evidence points to the computing activities or the computer files of an individual, they shall pursue one or more of the following steps, as appropriate, to protect other users and electronic resources.

Provide notification of the investigation to the designated responsible administrator; the appropriate vice president and, if applicable, dean; and the vice president for technology and chief information officer. This step should be taken in every case.
Temporarily suspend or restrict the user's computing privileges during the investigation.
If necessary, with written authorization from the designated responsible administrator and the chief information officer, inspect the user's files, diskettes, tapes and/or other electronic media.
Refer the matter for possible disciplinary action through the University's established procedures.

The University retains final authority to define what constitutes proper use and may prohibit or discipline use the University deems inconsistent with this or other University policies, contracts and standards. The University also reserves the right to change the policies, information, requirements and procedures announced in this policy at any time. Changes required by University contractual commitments shall become effective and binding upon users upon execution of any such contract by the University. A user shall be deemed to have accepted and be bound by any change in University policies, information, requirements or procedures if such user does use electronic resources at any time following announcement or publication of such change.

Individual Unit Policies

Individual units within the University may define supplemental policies or conditions of acceptable use for electronic resources under their control with the written review and approval of the chief information officer. These additional policies or conditions must be consistent with this policy but may provide additional detail, guidelines and/or restrictions. This policy will supersede any inconsistent provision of any unit policy or condition.

Warranties and Liabilities

The University makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for providing electronic resources to any user. The University bears no responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information or services obtained through electronic resources. The University will not be responsible for any damages suffered from the use of University electronic resources, including loss of data, delays, service interruptions, missed deliveries or failed deliveries. Use of University electronic resources is at the user's own risk, including the reliability or security of information obtained, transmitted, received or stored.

This policy document is based, in part, on the acceptable usage policy documents of Stanford University and Marquette University.

Discrimination Complaint Procedure

Submitting a Complaint of Discrimination

If an employee, applicant or student ("complainant") believes that he or she has been discriminated against (including sexual harassment or other forms of unlawful harassment) in violation of University policy or state or federal law, including but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act, title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Illinois Human Rights Act and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Older Workers' Protection Act, the complainant shall file a written complaint describing the alleged action and the person involved with the vice president of human resources or the associate vice president for student services as soon as possible. If the complainant is more comfortable initially discussing the allegations with another employee, he or she should do so. The employee who receives an allegation of unlawful discrimination should immediately bring the allegation to the vice president of human resources or the associate vice president for student services. However, to initiate an investigation, a Complainant must file a written complaint. The vice president of human resources or the associate vice president for student services may appoint a complaint manager to assist the student or employee in filing the complaint.

Investigation of a Complaint

The vice president of human resources or the associate vice president for student services shall undertake an investigation by appointing another administrator or other qualified person to conduct the investigation. The vice president of human resources or the associate vice president for student services may provide for the assistance of the Counseling Center or other administrator or may also involve the assistance of the University's attorneys in the investigation.

Neither the complaint nor the identity of the complainant will be disclosed except when necessary for a full investigation of the complaint.

The investigator shall file a written report of his/her findings within thirty (30) working days after the complaint has been made. In the event the report cannot be completed within thirty (30) working days, the report shall state the reasons for the delay. The complainant shall be notified of the findings of the investigation within ten (10) working days of the completion of the report.

If the complainant is not satisfied with the results and findings of the investigation, he/she may appeal the findings of the investigation within ten (10) working days to the provost and executive vice president unless the provost and executive vice president is the person against whom the complaint has been filed. In such case, the appeal shall be to the president. In the event that the complaint is against the president, the appeal shall be first to the provost and executive vice president and then to the executive board of the board of trustees. The appeal shall be reviewed and a decision made within twenty (20) days of the filing of the appeal.

The records of discrimination allegations will be kept for at least three (3) years from the date of the final decision on the complaint.

Discipline

An employee who is found to have engaged in unlawful discrimination shall be subject to discipline up to and including termination in accordance with the procedures applicable to such employee. A student who is found to have engaged in unlawful discrimination shall be subject to discipline up to and including expulsion from the University in accordance with the procedures contained in the Code of Student Conduct. A member of the Roosevelt community who is neither a student nor an employee and who is found to have engaged in unlawful discrimination shall be subject to such procedures as are necessary to prevent such conduct from occurring, up to and including severance of the member's relationship with Roosevelt and being banned from its campuses.

Intent of Equal Opportunity Policy

This policy is intended to meet the requirements of federal and state law prohibiting unlawful discrimination. If this policy is inconsistent with such law, it is the University's intent to follow applicable law.

Drug and Alcohol-Free Campus Notification

Statement of Policy

In compliance with federal, state and local law, University policy prohibits the unlawful manufacture, dispensation, distribution, sale, possession or use of a controlled substance or alcohol by students, faculty and staff in the workplace or while conducting college business or activities. In carrying out this commitment, Roosevelt University will fully comply with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 as amended by Public Law 101-226 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-690, Title V, Subtitle D, Section 5160).

Disciplinary Sanctions

Consistent with federal, state and local law, the University will impose disciplinary sanctions upon students and employees who violate this policy. Violations of the federal, state and local laws and ordinances governing drug and alcohol abuse by employees or students may result in referral for criminal prosecution. Legal sanctions, including fines and/or imprisonment, may be imposed by the courts. Students in violation of the policy may be required by the University to receive treatment, change housing assignments or to be suspended or expelled. Faculty and staff in violation of this policy may be required to receive treatment. The University may exercise disciplinary actions against faculty and staff in violation of the policy, up to and including termination.

Employee Notification of Criminal Drug Statute Conviction

Employees must, as a condition of employment, comply with this policy and notify their immediate supervisor of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five calendar days after such conviction. The supervisor is responsible for notifying Human Resources immediately upon notice from the employee.

Health Risks Associated with Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Abuse

The University's primary interest is to assist Roosevelt students, faculty and staff in avoiding the physiological and psychological damage that results from drug and alcohol abuse. The health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol include physical impairment such as liver, heart, digestive impairment, memory loss, impaired judgment and other personality disorders.

Treatment and Rehabilitative Services

Faculty, staff and students may receive confidential alcohol and drug counseling treatment through the counseling staff and referral information regarding drug or alcohol counseling, treatment and rehabilitative programs available through Cook County or Public Services, other support groups and local licensed mental health care professionals.

Counseling Services Available

Students or employees who are having difficulty with drug or alcohol use are urged to seek confidential counseling from appropriate University offices. Anyone who is aware of others (either students, faculty or staff) with drug or alcohol abuse problems should also seek guidance, in complete confidence, from these offices.

Questions and referrals concerning the policy with respect to student use of drugs or alcohol may be directed to the Office of Student Services at (312) 341-2004.

Questions and referrals concerning the policy as it applies to faculty and staff may be directed to Human Resources, Auditorium Building, Room 864, (312) 341-4334.

Additional information about physiological drug outcomes and sanctions is available upon request from the offices listed above.

Equal Opportunity Policy

Policy Statement

Roosevelt University has been committed from its inception to a policy on non-discrimination. No person shall be discriminated against because of age, ancestry, citizenship, color, creed, disability, gender, gender identity, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, race, religion, sexual orientation, source of income, unfavorable discharge from military service, veteran status, or as a result of being the victim of domestic or sexual violence in its programs and activities.

Students who believe they have experienced unlawful discrimination are advised to file a written complaint in accordance with the Discrimination Complaint Procedure as described in this handbook.

Residency Policy

At Roosevelt University, we believe on-campus living provides a community for students, and nurtures and cultivates connections to peers and to the institution. Studies have shown that students who live in residence halls are more likely to complete their degrees as compared to those who live outside of University housing. Students will benefit from the cultural experiences, civic engagement and internship opportunities that Chicago has to offer.

All new first-year, full-time students enrolled at the Chicago Campus of Roosevelt University are required to live in University housing for their first two years. This policy applies to students who have earned fewer than 30 semester hours of transferable credit and are under the age of 21 on the first day of the initial term of enrollment. The following exceptions may apply: a student who lives at home with his/her parent(s) or legal guardian, a student who is married and/or is a parent, a student with demonstrated financial need that causes a significant gap between the financial aid award and the student/family resources, or a student who should not live on campus because of medical or psychological reasons. If
a student wishes to apply for exemption from the residency policy, he/she must complete an exemption application. Applications are available in the Office of Student Services, Auditorium Room 358.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy

The Roosevelt University Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy can be found on the Office of Financial Aid website.

Sexual Assault Policy

Sexual assault, which includes rape, acquaintance rape and other forcible and non-forcible sex offenses, is a violation of individual rights and dignity that will not be tolerated by Roosevelt University. Roosevelt University strongly encourages victims to report sexual assault incidents to appropriate University and governmental authorities as outlined in this policy. Victims of sexual assault have the following rights:

Respectful treatment from all campus authorities;
Confidential counseling;
Assistance in changing on-campus housing and academic situations if such changes are reasonably available;
Pursuit of disciplinary action through the Code of Student Conduct;
Assistance in the pursuit of criminal and/or civil charges; and/or
Access to a victim's advocate.

In order to ensure criminal prosecution and to preserve evidence for proof of a criminal offense, a victim of sexual assault should report the incident to the Office of Campus Safety and to local law enforcement authorities promptly. If requested by the student, the University will provide assistance to the student in notifying the appropriate authorities. Additionally, a victim of sexual assault may report the incident to the University through any of the following: Student Services, Human Resources or Residence Life. University policy requires that all crimes be reported to the local police.

Sexual assault constitutes a violation of the University's Code of Student Conduct. Students who are victims of sexual assault are strongly encouraged to initiate a complaint with the Office of Student Services, in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct. In such cases, the procedures of the Code of Student Conduct will be followed. If a Student Review Board review occurs, both the victim and the accused are entitled to the opportunity to have another person present at such review. Students who are found to have violated the Code of Student Conduct are subject to discipline up to and including expulsion from and denial of re-admission to the University. Both the accused and the accuser will be informed of the University's final determination and the discipline imposed, if any, against the accused.

Victims of rape or sexual assault should turn to the Counseling Center for crisis counseling. Call (312) 341-3548 for assistance. The Counseling Center maintains a referral file and will assist victims in obtaining access to other resources. When the Counseling Center is closed, referral information is available on its Roosevelt University website: www.roosevelt.edu/counseling. Counseling services are free and confidential. Hospital emergency rooms also have rape kits and referral information. The Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline and Rape Victim Advocates are also useful resources for victims.

The Counseling Center provides information and educational sessions on rape and sexual assault for Roosevelt students during the year.

Student Email Policy

For the latest version of this policy, go to: www.roosevelt.edu/its/policies.

Purpose of Policy

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the proper access, usage and disclosure of Roosevelt University's email system by its students. Email is a tool provided by the University to complement traditional methods of communications to support teaching and learning, research, services and administration. Users have the responsibility to use this resource in an efficient, effective, ethical and lawful manner. Use of the University's email system evidences the user's agreement to be bound by this policy. Violations of the policy are a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and may result in disciplinary action.

Account Creation

Email accounts are created once a student registers for a class at the University. The email account name is based on the official name of the student as reflected in the University student database (Banner). Requests for mail aliases based on name preference, middle name, nicknames, etc., cannot be accommodated. The only requests for name change that will be processed are to correct a discrepancy between email account name and official University records, in which case the email account name will be corrected.

Ownership of Email Data

The University owns all email accounts and all data transmitted or stored using email capabilities.

Privacy

While the University will make every attempt to keep email messages secure, privacy is not guaranteed and users should have no general expectation of privacy in email messages sent through the University system. Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary for the IT staff or other appropriate University officials to access email files to maintain the system, to investigate security or abuse incidents or violations of this or other University policies. Such access will be on an as-needed basis and any email accessed will only be disclosed to those individuals with a need to know or as required by law.

Data Retention

Individuals are responsible for saving email messages as they deem appropriate. Messages are automatically purged from folders as follows:

Inbox – 1 year
Sent - 120 days
Trash - 30 days

Due to finite resources, the University has the right to restrict the amount of user space on the email server as necessary, to revise the above retention policies with appropriate IT Committee approval and advance notice, and to purge and remove email accounts of students who have not been registered for a period of nine months.

Data Backup

The email system is backed up on a regular basis as a way of recovering from a systematic loss impacting the entire email system. User files and folders are not backed up individually, and the IT staff cannot accommodate requests to restore these files or folders. Each email user is responsible for backing up individual messages and folders as appropriate.

Expiration of Accounts

Student email accounts will remain in effect for as long as the student remains enrolled in the University and for a minimum of nine months following graduation. If the student leaves Roosevelt prior to graduation, the account will be deleted in nine months. Student email accounts will be deleted immediately upon the account holder being suspended from the University for any reason or declared inactive by the University registrar. See Computer Account Deletion Policy for details: www.roosevelt.edu/its/policies.

Appropriate Use

Email is provided as a professional resource to assist Roosevelt students in fulfilling their educational goals. Incidental personal use is permitted as long as it does not have negative effects on any other email account, jeopardize the email system, get in the way of fulfilling your educational goals or violate the law or any other provision of the Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources Policy or of any other policy or guideline of Roosevelt University. Each user is responsible for using the email system in a professional, ethical and lawful manner.

Personal Use

While incidental personal use of email is acceptable, conducting business for profit using University resources is forbidden. Examples of inappropriate use:

Any inappropriate email, some examples of which are described below and elsewhere in this policy, is prohibited. Users receiving such email should immediately contact the University Help Desk.
The creation and exchange of messages that are harassing, obscene or threatening.
The unauthorized exchange of proprietary information or any other privileged, confidential sensitive information.
The creation and exchange of advertisements, solicitations, chain letters and other unofficial, unsolicited email.
The creation and exchange of information in violation of any laws, including copyright laws, or University policies.
The knowing transmission of a message containing a computer virus.
The misrepresentation of the identity of the sender of an email.
The use or attempt to use the accounts of others without their permission.

Material that is fraudulent, harassing, profane, obscene, intimidating, defamatory or otherwise unlawful or inappropriate may not be sent by email or other form of electronic communications. If a student engages in this type of behavior, it will be considered a violation of the policy and may result in disciplinary action.

User Responsibility

Automatic forwarding of your emails to other email accounts is not offered as an option. Students are expected to read email on a regular basis and manage their accounts appropriately. An email message regarding University matters sent from an administrative office, faculty or staff member is considered to be an official correspondence and may be the only form of correspondence a student will receive. Sharing of passwords is strictly prohibited. Each individual is responsible for his/her account, including the safeguarding of access to the account. All email originating from an account is deemed to be authored by the account owner, and it is the responsibility of that owner to ensure compliance with these guidelines.

Student Organization Accounts

Requests for shared student organization accounts will be accommodated upon verification of registration with the Center for Student Involvement (Chicago Campus) or Center for Campus Life (Schaumburg Campus). These accounts require a designation of an account manager, who will administer the addition, deletion or modification of names within the account, as well as manage the account as per these guidelines. These accounts will be created with an expiration date of one year, at which time the manager can request a renewal, which will be granted pending verification of registration with the Center for Student Involvement (Chicago Campus) or Center for Campus Life (Schaumburg Campus) and the member list.

Supported Email Clients

The method for accessing email is through a web client. Use of an alternate method, such as the Outlook client, is not available. End-user support for the system will be provided through the Technology Help Desk. The University's Department of Technology is continually evaluating tools and technologies and reserves the right to modify the list of supported clients with appropriate notification.

Spam and Virus

While the incoming email is scanned for viruses and for messages deemed to be ‘SPAM', it is impossible to guarantee protection against all SPAM and virus infected messages. It is therefore incumbent on each individual to use proper care and consideration to prevent the spread of viruses. In many cases viruses appear to be sent from a friend or coworker; therefore attachments should only be opened when the user is sure of the nature of the message. If any doubt exists, the user should contact sender to verify the authenticity of the message and/or the attachment.

This policy document is based, in part, on the Email Policy of Villanova University and that of Harvard Medical School.

Student Health Policies

Immunization Policy

Students are required by Illinois law to have an immunization record on file if they were born on or after January 1, 1957, and are planning to enroll in six or more credit hours at any time during their attendance at Roosevelt University. This record must contain proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria and tetanus. A second measles immunization with live attenuated virus vaccine is to have been given at least 28 days after the first measles immunization. You must provide these immunization records only once during your enrollment at Roosevelt.

Students who do not have immunization records to verify these vaccinations should immediately contact their physician to obtain a copy of their records or have the appropriate immunizations administered.

All eligible students must have a current immunization record on file before the end of their first semester at Roosevelt. The immunization records will be kept on file for 10 years from the first semester of attendance.

General Instructions and Information (Compliance is Mandatory)

Letters explaining the immunization policy are mailed to new students upon their acceptance to Roosevelt. Students must complete the Certificate of Immunity form, enclose all necessary documents that show proof of immunization and return all materials to Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Ave., Enrollment Services Room 854, Chicago, IL 60605-1394. All information must be in English.
Illinois high school or college immunization records are acceptable if they contain all necessary information on the required immunizations and are properly certified.
Anyone on an approved schedule to receive all necessary doses of vaccine must indicate the date of the first and the expected dates of the last two remaining doses.
A physician, school/college/university health service, registered nurse or public health official must certify all dates by signature and must include his or her address and phone number. Month, day and year must be listed for all dates.
Any laboratory or radiological evidence submitted by students must include copies of any reports showing their names and dates of tests and results.

Exemptions

Only the following exemptions will be accepted if they are supported and properly verified by statements that accompany the Certificate of Immunity form:

Medical Contraindications: Students can submit written, signed and dated statements from their physician specifying the vaccines that are contraindicated and the duration of the medical condition(s) that contraindicates them. If such contraindications are temporary, students must then comply with the immunization policy as soon as their physician approves.
Pregnancy or Suspected Pregnancy: A signed statement from a physician verifying pregnancy or suspected pregnancy will temporarily exempt a student from this requirement. The physician's statement must indicate the expected date of delivery. After delivery, the student must then comply with the immunization policy as soon as her physician approves.
Religious Exemptions: Objections to immunization on religious grounds must be corroborated by a letter stating that such objections are based on bona fide religious tenets or practices. The letter must be signed by the student or parent.

Insurance

Roosevelt's Student Health Insurance is required of all students living in university housing as well as all F1 and J1 international students unless proof of comparable insurance can be shown prior to the published deadline.

Optional participation for all other students is contingent upon registration for degreeseeking undergraduate students and graduate students. Students must be currently registered to be eligible for insurance.

Insurance plan brochures are available in Auditorium Building Room 124 or 358, Chicago Campus and Room 125, Schaumburg Campus or students can call (312) 341-2004. Visit www.aetnastudenthealth.com for more information.

Emergencies

In the event of a serious emergency, students should call 911 or have someone take them to the nearest emergency room. The student should show his or her insurance identification card to inform the emergency room personnel of coverage for emergencies.

Smoke-Free Environment

The Illinois Clean Indoor Air Act became effective on July 1, 1990. This act applies to Roosevelt University as it applies to "any enclosed indoor area used by the public or serving as a place of work including, but not limited to, restaurants, retail stores, offices elevators, indoor theaters, libraries, concert halls, educational facilities, auditoriums, arenas and meeting rooms." Under this Act, Roosevelt must prohibit smoking in all of its public areas, on all campuses, including lobbies, libraries, lounges, bathrooms, and in all of its work areas and conference rooms. In addition to this prohibition on indoor smoking, the Chicago Clean Indoor Air Ordinance that became effective January 16, 2006, prohibits smoking within 15 feet of the entrances to Roosevelt's Chicago Campus buildings. Fines and other penalties are assigned for non-compliance.

No cigarettes or other tobacco products will be sold on University premises.

Students who would like to break the smoking habit may call the Counseling Center for an individual referral to an appropriate smoking cessation program.

Whistleblower Policy

Rationale

Best practices suggest a mechanism for an organization's staff, faculty, students, trustees and others who do business with the organization to report instances of suspected wrongdoing either through established channels or through a confidential hotline. This policy complements existing Roosevelt University policies and reporting mechanisms while providing an additional avenue through the confidential hotline to be established. It is an umbrella policy intended for use when one believes wrongdoing has occurred.

This policy supports Roosevelt University's strategic goals as follows:

Goal #5: Maintain the University's Commitment to Financial Sustainability
Goal #6: Create an Overall Image and Reputation of Distinguished Quality

Policy Statement

Roosevelt University recognizes its obligation to its employees and constituents to maintain the highest ethical standards. To protect the integrity of the University's learning community, and to ensure the highest standards of conduct by and among members of the University community, the University will investigate any alleged Improper Activity (as used here and throughout, all italicized terms shall have the meaning delineated in the "Scope of Policy and Definitions" section of this policy) by its employees or students. Anyone found to have engaged in an Improper Activity is subject to disciplinary action by the University up to and including dismissal or expulsion, and civil or criminal prosecution when warranted.

All members of the University community are strongly encouraged to report any potential Improper Activity through the University's whistleblower hotline.

The University has contracted with a third-party vendor to administer its confidential whistleblower hotline. Protocol will be established to distribute any reports received through the hotline according to a distribution matrix, unless the individual listed in the distribution matrix is also named in the report. In such an instance, the report will be distributed to legal counsel.The preferred method of reporting any issue of concern is for the employee, student or other constituent to file a report describing the potential Improper Activity and the person or persons involved to the vice president of human resources or the director of the internal audit. To initiate an investigation, the report should be in writing. The University may, in its discretion, investigate any report made orally that is subsequently not made in writing.

Additionally, constituents of the University may report a potential Improper Activity through the University's whistleblower hotline when one is uncomfortable reporting the potential Improper Activity to the vice president of human resources or the director of internal audit or if the potential Improper Activity involves either the vice president of human resources or the director of internal audit. The University has contracted with a third-party vendor to administer its confidential whistleblower hotline. The third-party vendor, EthicsPoint, can be contacted by calling 1-888-269-8194 or through the link on the University's Human Resources web pages, www.roosevelt.edu/hr.

Once a report has been filed, the vice president of human resources, the director of internal audit or legal counsel, shall undertake an investigation by appointing another administrator or other qualified person to conduct the investigation. The vice president of human resources or the director of internal audit may obtain the assistance of the University's attorneys in the investigation. The report and the identity of the person who filed the report will not be disclosed except when necessary for a full investigation of the report. The investigator shall file a written report of his/her findings with the vice president of human resources, the director of internal audit, or legal counsel within 25 working days after the report has been made. If the investigatory report cannot be completed within this time frame, the report shall state the reasons for the delay.

The University will not tolerate any: (i) retaliatory actions against any employee or constituent for making a good faith report of a potential Improper Activity; or (ii) direct or indirect use or attempted use of the Official Authority or Influence of an employee's position or office for the purpose of interfering with the right of another employee or constituent to make a Protected Disclosure directly to the University or through the University's whistleblower hotline.

The University will take whatever action that may be necessary to prevent and correct violations of this Whistleblower Policy; notwithstanding the foregoing, any individual who files a Baseless Allegation shall not be protected under this policy.

Scope of Policy and Definitions

The University's Whistleblower Policy shall incorporate the following definitions:

Baseless Allegation
Any allegation of improper activity made without reasonable cause to believe that the information disclosed is true. Individuals making such allegations may be subject to institutional disciplinary action and/or legal claims by individuals wrongfully accused of such conduct.

Improper Activity
Any activity undertaken by a University Trustee, employee or student which is found, after due process, to be in violation of any applicable local, state or federal law, rule or regulation, or University policy or procedure, including, but not limited to, those relating to: corruption; malfeasance; bribery; theft; fraud; coercion; conversion; or misappropriation or misuse of assets.

Official Authority of Influence
Promising to confer or conferring, any benefit; effecting or threatening to effect any reprisal; taking, or directing others to take, or recommending, processing or approving, any personnel action, including, but not limited to, appointment, promotion, transfer, assignment, performance evaluation, sus-pension or other disciplinary action.

Protected Disclosure
Any good faith communication that discloses or demonstrates an intention to disclose an alleged Improper Activity.

Questions

Any questions about the University's Whistleblower Policy may be directed to:

Director of Internal Audit
(312) 341-6482

or

Vice President for Human Resources
(312) 341-2479

Dissemination of Policy

A copy of this University policy shall be distributed to each employee and student annually through employee and student communications such as employee and student handbooks and the University catalogs.

Effective Date

This Whistleblower Policy shall be effective as of September 15, 2007, and is available on the Roosevelt University Human Resources website at www.roosevelt.edu/hr.

Roosevelt University reserves the right to change, phase out, or discontinue any policy or program. Such changes take precedence over handbook statements. The provisions of this handbook are for informational purposes only and are not intended to create a contract or agreement or implied contract between the University and any applicant or student. Students are responsible for knowledge of, and adherence to, all rules, regulations and requirements stated in the handbook and for keeping up to date with published changes. Students are encouraged to seek information and assistance from appropriate staff should they have questions regarding services, requirements or policies.