Student Rights and Responsibilities

The College community is a place where individuals accept their obligations to others and to the environment. In keeping with our commitment to the environment, we encourage community members to take responsibility for the environs at Prescott College and the City of Prescott. Both on- and off-campus conduct should demonstrate concern for the health, safety, and welfare of community members and reflect students’ fitness to be a member of the local community. Common areas at the College and public places should be treated with respect. Responsible citizenship should extend to our neighbors as well as to the global community. 

Nearly all of the student rights are encompassed in two basic tenets: the right to a liberal arts education and the right to fair and reasonable treatment by other members of the Prescott College community.

In particular, each student has the following rights and responsibilities:

1. Every student has the right to receive regular and organized instruction and guidance consistent with the aims of the course for which s/he registered. The instructors have the responsibility to determine the methods of instruction suited to the course and to maintain conditions in the classroom that are conducive to the learning process.
2. A student should be free to take reasoned exception to the data and views offered in any course, but may not impede the progress of instruction. The student is responsible for learning the content and skills required by the course.
3. A student’s course evaluation and grade should be determined only by academic achievement consistent with the aims and content of that course. At the beginning of the course, the instructor should make known the factors that will be considered in evaluating a student’s performance, such as class attendance, class participation, portfolio, class projects, papers, and examinations. The student evaluation cannot be changed without consent of both parties. Contracts serve as an agreement between the faculty member and the student.
4. The student has the right to participate in Student Union, student organizations, and all College- sponsored activities and events in which they are qualified to participate.
5. The student has the right to use the educational resources of the College in accordance with the rules concerning their use.
6. Each student has the right to apply for financial aid. Specific financial aid rights and responsibilities can be found in the Financial Aid Office.
7. Each student has the right to fair and reasonable treatment by other members of the College community. Each member has the responsibility to treat others in a manner that does not interfere with others’ rights.
8. Prescott College is committed to providing access and resources to students with disabilities. Students with disabilities have all rights and responsibilities explicit to all other students. Students with disabilities have the right to access of resources and reasonable accommodations under statute 504.

Statement of Respect for Diversity

The mission of Prescott College is to “educate students of diverse ages and backgrounds.” Diversity includes geographic factors, socioeconomic status, age, values, career histories, gender, disability, sexual orientation, dietary choices, religious affiliation, and culture and ethnicity. Prescott College encourages students to become aware of and value the differences among people.