Student Rights and Responsibilities
Alverno College expects that all members of this community act in ways that contribute to a supportive living and learning environment. When you commit yourself to being the most effective learner you are capable of becoming, you automatically link into an ever-growing community of learners. Creating a positive learning and working environment does not mean that everyone is always in agreement or that interactions are always smooth and easy. Conflict within a community is inevitable; therefore, learning how to effectively manage conflict without interfering with an individual’s liberties is essential. Coming to meaningful understandings may mean investing in difficult and painful discussions with diligence and supporting one another even as we work to understand other perspectives. Students have the responsibility to respect the rights and dignity of others, treat others with care and respect and be sensitive to the impact of one’s behavior on others.
Behavior Expectations
Behavior expectations are designed to protect individual liberties within a community setting. This expectation calls for behaviors that demonstrate self-discipline, respect for self, respect for others, and respect for the community.
Students exhibiting unacceptable behavior, both on or off campus, shall be subject to the disciplinary process as outlined in Alverno College Policies. Alverno has designed a Code of Conduct which describes behavior expectations that are applicable in a variety of settings (e.g. classroom, offices, public spaces, residence halls). Unacceptable behaviors include the violation of college policies, rules or regulations, and civil laws and ordinances on or off campus.
Complaint and Conflict Procedures
All persons are expected to communicate in positive ways to resolve issues and conflicts. Constructive controversy promotes increased learning in a collaborative culture. It encourages better problem solving, creativity, and involvement because it influences individuals to view problems and issues from different perspectives and to rethink their response. Generally, complaints are handled within each functional area and the student should ordinarily attempt to resolve the matter by making an informal complaint with the person involved and if dissatisfied with the outcome, appeal the issue through the director of the department or the dean of the school.
