UAA encourages people of all ages to develop their skills and talents according to their individual abilities and interests so that, collectively, they contribute to the continuum of democracy. University policies, procedures and regulations are formulated to guarantee each student’s freedom to learn and to protect the rights of others.
The concept of rights and freedoms, no matter how basic or widely accepted, carries with it corresponding responsibilities. Students, as well as other members of the university community, enjoy the same constitutional and civil rights guaranteed all citizens. At the same time, they are subject to the laws of the nation, the state of Alaska and the local community. All members of the university community have a responsibility to protect and maintain an academic climate in which the freedom to learn can be enjoyed by all. To this end, certain basic regulations and policies have been developed to govern the behavior of students as members of the university community.
Freedom of Expression
The rights of free speech and peaceable assembly are fundamental to the democratic process. The University supports the rights of students of the university community to express their views and opinions on actions or ideas, to associate freely with others, and to assemble peacefully.
Whether expressing themselves as individuals or in organized groups, members of the university community are expected to conduct themselves responsibly, according to law, and to respect the basic educational goals of the University. Accordingly, the University insists that free expression not violate the rights of others. Disruption of the educational processes and functions of the University, or violation of law, would constitute such a violation.
Freedom of Access
Within the limits of its resources, the University of Alaska Anchorage shall be open to all applicants who are qualified according to current enrollment and admission requirements. The University of Alaska Anchorage does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, parenthood, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, or other legally protected status in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services, programs, and activities.
Freedom of Association
Students are free to associate to promote their common interests. They have the right to seek through official procedures establishment of organizations, so long as they are not in conflict with the educational purposes of the University. Students have the right to affiliate with officially registered campus organizations of their choice, within the membership requirements of those organizations.
Freedom from Unreasonable Search/Seizure
Students shall be free from unreasonable search and/or seizure regarding their person and their personal property. If a situation should occur in which a student is arrested by university police officers, that student has the right to remain silent, the right to be free of coercion, and the right to be advised of these rights.
Student Participation in Institutional Government
Students shall be free, individually and collectively, to express their views on issues of institutional policy and on matters of general interest to the student body. The student body shall have clearly defined means to participate in the formulation and application of institutional policy affecting academic and student affairs.
Maintaining a Positive Learning Environment
Members of the university community are responsible for modeling appropriate classroom behavior by limiting outside influences such as cell phones, pagers, children, guests, animals (other than approved service animals), etc., that could otherwise compromise the learning environment.
In order to evaluate student learning, grades indicate achievement of course objectives and are assigned by faculty to individual students. Student behaviors such as class attendance, class participation, completion of all assignments, and achievement of passing marks on all graded activities are the foundation for success of the student.