Academic Policies
These are your academic rights and responsibilities as part of the Whitworth community.
All academic policies are listed in the Whitworth Academic Catalog (http://catalog.whitworth.edu/academicinformation/). The following policies are listed here for ease of reference, but students should consult the catalog for a complete list of academic policies.
Academic Honesty
The academic honesty policy and procedures are published in the university catalog: http://catalog.whitworth.edu/academicinformation/
Academic Grievances
The university catalog provides explanations of how to submit a grievance about a classroom or experience or challenge a grade. Please see the catalog for information: http://catalog.whitworth.edu/academicinformation/
Academic Warning, Probation and Suspension Policy
The university catalog explains the criteria used for evaluating academic status and the appeal process here: http://catalog.whitworth.edu/academicinformation/
Classroom Behavior Policy
Students and faculty are expected to demonstrate civility and respect. The faculty handbook states that faculty should “demonstrate respect for students as individuals and adhere to their proper role as intellectual guides and counselors.” By the same token, students should demonstrate respect for faculty and student peers in all academic settings and should contribute positively to the learning environment.
Disruptive classroom behavior will not be tolerated. Disruptive behavior may include, but is not limited to, threatening or abusive language or behavior, erratic and/or irrational behavior, making unreasonable demands on faculty for time and attention, continually speaking without being recognized, other verbal or behavioral expressions that interfere with the classroom environment, bringing unregistered persons to class without the permission of the instructor, and persistent disruptions including inappropriate computer use, ringing of electronic devices, etc.
If the behavior is threatening or dangerous, the instructor may ask the student to leave the classroom immediately. If a student exhibits disruptive behavior that is not dangerous or threatening, the instructor should confront the student, clearly identify the disruptive behavior, and require that the behavior cease (i.e. issue a warning). If the disruptive behavior continues after the warning is issued, the instructor may ask the student to leave the classroom. An instructor, may consult with the department chair, program director, or Associate Provost, to develop a classroom behavior contract outlining expectations and consequences for a student whose behavior is disrupting the learning environment. The associate provost may also meet with any student who is reported for allegedly disrupting the learning environment. If the student is found responsible for violating the policy, the associate provost (in conjunction with the dean of students or their designee) can identify appropriate sanctions, which could include removal from the course, behavioral probation, or suspension.
Registration Information
The complete list of registration procedures and policies are in the university catalog. (http://catalog.whitworth.edu/academicinformation/).