General Statement of Policy & Community Philosophy
(WAC 132B-120-020)

Definitions (WAC 132B-120-010)

Grays Harbor College is maintained by the State of Washington for the provision of programs of instruction in higher education and related community services. Like any other institution having its own special purposes, the college must maintain conditions conducive to the effective performance of its functions. Consequently, it has special expectations regarding the conduct of the various participants in the college community.

Admission to the college carries with it the prescription that the student will conduct himself/herself as a responsible member of the college community. This includes an expectation that the student will:

• obey appropriate laws
• comply with the rules and regulations of the college
• practice personal and academic integrity
• respect the dignity of all persons
• respect the rights and property of others
• discourage bigotry, striving to learn from differences in people, ideas and opinions
• demonstrate concern for other's feelings and their need for conditions which support their work and development
• refrain from and discourage behaviors, which undermine the respect all GHC community members deserve.

Student Rights (WAC 132B-120-065)
The college endorses the following rights for each student within the limitations of statutory law and college policy, which are deemed necessary to achieve the educational goals of the college community:

Academic Freedom

1. Students are guaranteed rights of free inquiry, expression and peaceful assembly upon and within college facilities that are generally open and available to the public provided.
2. Students are free to pursue appropriate educational objectives from among the college's curricula, programs and services, subject to the limitations of RCW 28B.50.090 (3) (b).
3. Students have the right to a learning environment, which is free from unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment.
4. Students are protected from academic evaluation, which is arbitrary, prejudiced or capricious, and are responsible for meeting the standards of academic performance established by each of their instructors.

Non-Discrimination
Students have the right not to be discriminated against on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender, marital status, national origin or ancestry, race, religion, sexual orientation or veteran status.

Due Process
Students have the right of due process. No disciplinary action may be imposed without notice to the accused of the nature of the charges. A student accused of violating the Code of Conduct (Section IV) is entitled to procedural due process as set forth in the code.

Campus Speakers
Recognized student organizations shall have the right to invite outside speakers to speak on campus subject to the availability of campus facilities, funding and compliance with college procedures.

Right to Assembly
Students shall have the right of assembly upon college facilities that are generally available to the public provided such assemblies:

1. are conducted in an orderly manner;
2. do not unreasonably interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic;
3. do not unreasonably interfere with classes, scheduled meetings or ceremonies or regular functions of the college;
4. do not cause destruction or damage to college property;
5. are in compliance with procedures established in Administrative Procedure 516.03.

Distribution of Materials
Handbills, leaflets, newspapers and similarly related materials may be distributed free of charge by any student or students, or by members of recognized student organizations, or by college employees on or in college facilities at locations specifically designated by the vice president for student services; and are in compliance with procedures established in Administrative Procedure 516.03 provided such distribution does not interfere with the ingress or egress of persons or interfere with the free flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

Such handbills, leaflets, newspaper and related matter must bear identification as to the publishing agency and distributing organization or individual.

All non-students shall register with the vice president for student services prior to the distribution of any handbill, leaflet, newspaper or related matter. Such distribution must not interfere with the free flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

Any person or persons who violate any provisions of this rule relating to the distribution of materials will be subject to disciplinary action.

Commercial Activities
College facilities will not be used for commercial solicitation, advertising or promotional activities except when such activities clearly serve educational objectives, including but not limited to display of books of interest to the academic community or the display or demonstration of technical or research equipment, and when such commercial activities relate to educational objectives and are conducted under the sponsorship or at the request of the college, or the Office of the Associated Students of the college; provided that such solicitation does not interfere with or operate to the detriment of the conduct of college affairs or the free flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

Fund Raising
Students and student organizations have the right to engage in fund-raising activities subject to the approval of the Vice President for Student Services.

Grievances
Students have the right to express and resolve misunderstandings, complaints and grievances according to the stated grievance procedures.

Student Responsibilities (WAC 132B-120-075)

Students who choose to attend Grays Harbor College also choose to participate actively in the learning process offered by the college. The college is responsible for providing its students with an educational environment rich in the high quality resources needed by students to attain their educational goals. In return, the college desires that each student assume responsibility to:

a) participate actively in the learning process, both in and out of the classroom;

b) seek timely assistance in meeting educational goals;

c) attend all class sessions;

d) prepare adequately to participate fully class activities;

e) participate actively in the academic advising system;

f) develop skills required for learning, e.g., basic skills, time management, and study skills;

g) assume final authority for the selection of appropriate educational goals;

h) select courses appropriate for meeting chosen educational goals;

i) make appropriate use of services;

j) contribute towards improving the college.

k) become knowledgeable of and adhere to the college's policies, practices and procedures;

l) abide by the standards set forth in the Code of Conduct.

BACK