Student Rights

Students of Pima Community College are guaranteed certain rights as citizens of the college community.  Students have a right to academic evaluation which is neither prejudiced nor capricious.  At the same time, they are responsible for achieving standards of academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled.  Information about students' views, beliefs, and political associations are considered confidential, and under no circumstances will become a part of their academic records or transcripts.

Students' official transcripts and records will be released to persons outside the college only with the written consent of the student or as authorized by law.  Students must be informed of any requests received from off-campus persons or agencies and will make any decision regarding release of information.  The general laws of invasion of privacy apply in questions of privileged or confidential communications.

Student rights include -

1. The rights guaranteed under the constitutions of the United States and the State of Arizona.  The right to pursue an education including the reasonable and legal use of those services and facilities intended for students' learning and development.
2. The right to academic advisement and/or counseling.
3. The right to take stands on issues, to examine and discuss questions of interest, and to support legal causes by orderly means that do not disrupt College operations or interfere with the rights of others.  (Students or student groups wishing to engage in peaceful demonstrations must obtain a permit to do so from the campus Dean of Student Development and comply with the Public Access - College Regulation 3605/A.)
4. The rights, when creating student publications or broadcasts, inherent in the concept of "freedom of the press."  (All publications and broadcasts shall be subject to the canons of responsible journalism, including the avoidance of defamation, indecency and obscenity, undocumented allegations, and harassment.) 
5. The right to freedom from discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, national origin, age, military status, and/or disability - Board Policy 1501 and related Regulations and Standard Practice Guides.
6. The right to freedom from harassment including sexual harassment - Board Policy 1503.
7. The right to privacy of personal information and the right to review their academic records in accordance with state and federal laws. (FERPA)
8. The right to receive a detailed course syllabus (summary of course requirements, instructor expectations and grading standards) within the first week of class.
9. Students have the right to expect instructors, advisors, and counselors to post and maintain office hours. 
10. The right to fair and consistently applied academic evaluations based on the course syllabus.
11. The right to due process in responding to any complaint or College action against them.
12. The right to bring a complaint forward if, in their view, they have been unjustly treated.  Further information can be found in the Student Complaint Procedures.