Appendix D: Student Rights of Privacy and Expression

General rights of privacy and expression

Students have the same rights of privacy and expression as other citizens and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, surrender none of these rights by becoming members of the University community.

Privacy

1. Privacy of Residence Hall Rooms. Searches of residence hall rooms are only permissible under the following limited circumstances:
   
    
   1. Emergencies.
      In cases of extreme emergency such as suspected suicide or a problem involving the immediate safety of the occupant or fellow occupants; provided that such searches will be made only with the permission of an occupant of the room and in his or presence if possible, by authorization of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or his or her designate, or by authorization of the highest official present if time is of the essence and the preceding conditions cannot be immediately satisfied.
       
   2. Suspected Violation of State or Federal law.
      In cases of investigation for a suspected violation of State or Federal law, only through the procedures required for a lawful search including the use of a lawful search warrant.
       
   3. Health and Safety.
      In instances of concern for health and safety such as unauthorized cooking appliances, pets or pest control, only as needed; and in cases of room inspection to effect normal maintenance and repairs, only as conducted by properly identified University employees and only on a regular schedule announced in advance by the Department of University Housing.
       
2. Privacy of Student Records
   
    
   1. Access to Academic Records.
      Access to any student's permanent academic record will be governed by the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Academic records shall be maintained in such a way as to be physically separate from disciplinary records.
       
   2. Other Official Student Records.
      Other official student records are retained in the appropriate University offices; e.g., the Office of the Dean of Students, the Student Health Service, University Career Services, and the academic school or department.

Student Expression

1. Confidentiality of Unpublicized Views and Associations.
   Information about student views, beliefs, and political associations acquired by professors in the course of their work as instructors, advisors, or counselors is confidential, and is not to be disclosed to persons outside the University except under legal compulsion.
    
2. Freedom of Publication.
   A currently enrolled student or officially recognized University organization may publish material on campus without prior approval. Such publications shall be subject to all applicable protections available relevant policies and laws.
    
3. Right of Peaceful Protest and Free Access.
   All members of the University community shall have the right of peaceful protest. Any lawful organization may recruit personnel at the University. All members of the University community shall have access to these organizations, and other members of the University community shall not interfere with the right of any individual in the University to participate in arranged interviews with that organization's representatives, or with the rights of such representatives.

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