The Code of Responsibilities and Rights of the Students of Midwestern University is a part of each student’s educational commitment. The following definitions apply to the Code of Responsibilities and Rights:
- The “University” refers to Midwestern University. The term includes the physical plant (Facilities), the total educational program, students, faculty, employees, officers, and trustees.
- A “student” is anyone who has matriculated at the University and has commenced classes. The term does not include an individual who has applied for admission to but has not enrolled in classes at the University, nor does it include alumni status.
- The “faculty” constitutes those individuals appointed to the faculty by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the University.
- A “student organization” is any group of students given recognition by the appropriate Student Senate and/or an individual college Student Council/Student Government Association and the administration.
- Each “Student Senate” is a separate and independent student governance structure on each campus that oversees campus wide student clubs and/or organizations.
- “Student Services” includes areas of student interest and involvement through which their academic, social, and professional goals can be achieved.
- “University services” are the academic, business, administrative, professional, and public relations activities of the University. Included in this definition are activities carried out under the University’s auspices such as a clerkship/preceptorship at another institution.
- “University programs” are those educational programs established by Midwestern University.
- “Academic freedom” is the right of faculty and students to freely study, discuss, investigate, and function within their academic disciplines.
- “Requirements of the University” are those prerequisites for receipt of the degree or certificate of any University programs that are delineated in the University catalog and in official pronouncements of the Board of Trustees, faculty, and administration. Such requirements may change as the need arises to ensure acceptability and respectability of the various degrees offered by the University.
- A student is in "good academic standing" if they are meeting all stated academic requirements for their respective college.
- “Academic Warning” is a status that is used as a formal notification to a student that they are performing at a substandard academic level and cautions the student that continued performance at this level may result in the student being placed on academic probation. Students on “academic warning” are ineligible to run for or hold elected student organizational offices, unless approved by the Dean of Students and their respective college dean through an appropriate formal written appeal process (see Student Elections Section under the Policies category of the Student Handbook). Academic warning is not noted on the transcript.
- A status of “Academic Probation” represents notice that continued inadequate academic performance might result in suspension or dismissal. Students who are on academic probation are ineligible to run for or hold elected student organizational offices, unless approved by the Dean of Students and their respective college dean through an appropriate formal written appeal process (see Student Elections Section under the Policies category of the Student Handbook). All students need to be fully aware of their individual college’s academic policies regarding classifications of academic standing. Academic probation is not noted on the transcript.
- “Professional standing” refers to a student’s professional behavior and/or conduct. A student is in “good professional standing” if they are meeting stated professional requirements for their respective college and the University.
- "Disciplinary Warning" is a formal notification to a student that their professional behavior and/or conduct. is inappropriate and cautions the student that continued performance at this level may result in the student being placed on disciplinary probation. Students on "disciplinary warning" are ineligible to run for or hold elected student organizational offices, unless approved by the Dean of Students and their respective college dean through an appropriate formal written appeal process (see Student Elections Section under the Policies category of the Student Handbook).
- A status of “Disciplinary Probation” represents notice that continued inadequate professional performance might result in suspension or dismissal. Students who are on disciplinary probation are ineligible to run for or hold elected student organization offices, unless approved by the Dean of Students and their respective college dean through an appropriate formal written appeal process (see Student Election Section under the Policies category of the Student Handbook).
- A status of “Suspension” means that a student is temporarily suspended from all activities (academic and non-academic) within the University, although the student retains their student status in their program and the University. A student may be suspended for academic or disciplinary reasons. Suspension is noted on the student’s transcript. The status of suspension may precede dismissal but is not a required status change prior to dismissal.
- “Dismissal” is separation of the student from the University. After dismissal, the individual is no longer enrolled in their program and has no relationship to the University.
- A "Non-Disciplinary Incident Report" is non-disciplinary by definition but is used to formally document potential or minor violations of professional or academic misconduct. The documented form does not affect a student's "Good Standing” but does put them on notice that further academic or professional misconduct will lead to the submission of a formal written complaint and possible disciplinary actions. up to and including dismissal. The Non-Disciplinary Incident Report Form can be initiated and processed through the Dean of Student’s Office, through the Office of Safety and Security staff, or through the particular student’s program/college. Completed copies of the form are maintained in the Dean of Student’s office as well as the office of the respective college dean.
- "In Writing" refers to all forms of written communication including formal letters and emails, as well as formal written documents that are transmitted electronically, such as an attachment in an email.