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Academic Rights of Students

Students have the right to receive grades based only upon fair and just evaluation of their performance in a course as measured by the standards announced by their instructor(s) in the written course syllabus at the first or second class meeting.  

Students have the right to receive a fair and just academic evaluation of their performance in a program. In addition to the student's overall academic record, evaluation may include the assessment of such activities as research and/or laboratory performance, qualifying examinations (QE), professional board examinations, studio work or performance activities, behavior in professional situations or interviews to determine continuation in a program. The program faculty and/or relevant administrative officer must inform the student as to which activities will be included in the academic assessment no later than the beginning of the activity to be evaluated.  

Students have the right to have their academic records kept separate and confidential unless they consent in writing to have them revealed.  However, the University Registrar or designee may disclose a student's academic record without the student's consent if the information is required by authorized University personnel for official use.

Students have the right to have an absence treated as excused when it meets the standard defined by the Academic and Student Policies.  

Undergraduate students have the right to receive a midterm grade.

Students have the right to have no more than two final examinations on the same day. Instructors must be informed that an exam needs to be rescheduled at least two weeks before the last day of classes.

Students have the right to notice and an informal meeting with the course instructor and department chair (or chair's designee) before a student is determined to have committed an academic offense. 

Students have the right of appeal to the Academic Appeals Panel to review the determination that a student has committed an academic offense and of the penalty imposed if it is not the minimum penalty for the violation.

Students who believe a violation of their academic rights affected their final grade in a course or caused the student to be placed on probation, suspended, or dismissed have the right to appeal the grade or decision to the Academic Appeals Panel.

Students' Responsibilities

Students are responsible for learning the rules and regulations that govern academic life at the University, including the student's rights, responsibilities, degree and graduation requirements.  

Other responsibilities include:​

  1. knowing and understanding the rules and regulations that govern their academic lives at the university;
  2. students are responsible for reading the course syllabus and understanding the course expectations;
  3. students are responsible for checking their UK email accounts on a regular basis;
  4. students are responsible for maintaining contact with the course instructor and informing him or her of issues affecting the student's coursework (e.g., to excuse an absence, students are required to inform the instructor no later than five business days after the student's return to class); and
  5. students should become familiar with the handbook provided by each college and/or department. 

Students should also become familiar with the Student Code of Conduct and the Office of the Registrar's website which contains the UK Bulletin, Academic Calendar, a GPA Calculator, Tuition, Fees, and Tuition Appeal information, etc.