REFORM UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND CREATE AN EFFECTIVE STUDENT BILL OF RIGHTS
- Target:
- The University of Tampa; Office of the President
- Region:
- United States of America
- Website:
- www.facebook.com
As Concerned Alumni of the University of Tampa, as Students attending the University of Tampa (UT), and as Community Members, we agree to be bound by the terms and conditions as set forth in UT’s “Student Rights and Responsibilities,” (Student Code).
The UT Student Code consists of 25 Articles. No area of the Code provides for the basic protection of our individual due process rights as Students. In the event we are accused of violating the Code, we are not guaranteed the right to question our accuser(s), call and present relevant witnesses, have a decision determined by substantial evidence, or even the inference to be deemed “innocent" until proven “Responsible” by the University.
Without these basic protections, we are not guaranteed that a fair and reasonable process will result.
We, the undersigned, as Alumni, Students, and University Members, understand that by agreeing to currently attend a private university, UT Students have entered into a contract with the UT Administration. We realize that UT Students have a lesser say in how the Student Code of Conduct is enforced by the University of Tampa.
In order to prevent any further injustice and to protect the basic rights of all UT Students, real reform of the Student Code is needed. We support our fellow Students and demand that the UT Code be amended.
We call upon the Board of Trustees, Faculty, and the UT Administration to live up to the standards espoused within the Code and to work with us to ensure that UT exists as a community with “shared respect for the law.” To achieve this end, the following process must begin within 30 days of the submission of this Petition:
1. An effective “Student Bill of Rights” shall be established by the start of the 2014 Spring Semester to guarantee that our due process rights exist within all segments of the UT community.
2. UT shall appoint Senior Member(s) of the Administration to come up with a Standard Written Procedure within the Code in order to directly Address Student Concerns or Grievances against Any Member of the UT Community, (who may have abused his or her authority or power in their dealings with the Students). Such oversight shall include any actions specifically taken by members of the Office of Student Affairs, and the UT Office of Student Conduct.
3. Any student who chooses to report a University Staff, Faculty Member, or Administration member regarding his or her concerns shall be protected and free from any harassment or negative impact by the UT Community.
4. Student Government shall play an important role in overseeing any changes to the UT Student Code, and shall assist Students with communicating and expressing their concerns or grievances regarding the existing Student Code and its impact on their experience at UT.
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The REFORM UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND CREATE AN EFFECTIVE STUDENT BILL OF RIGHTS petition to The University of Tampa; Office of the President was written by Jason Ciofalo and is in the category Students' Rights at GoPetition.