Student Handbook - Claflin University

Claflin University Vision
Claflin University will be recognized as one of the premier undergraduate teaching and
research universities in the world that prepares effective and visionary leaders with global
perspectives.
Mission Statement
Claflin University is a comprehensive institution of higher education affiliated with the United
Methodist Church. A historically black university founded in 1869. Claflin is committed to
providing students with access to exemplary educational opportunities in its undergraduate,
graduate and continuing education programs. Claflin seeks to foster a rich community comprised
of students, faculty, staff, and administrators who work to nurture and develop the skills and
character needed for engaged citizenship and visionary and effective leadership.
In its undergraduate programs, Claflin provides students with the essential foundation of a liberal
arts education. Emphasizing critical and analytic thinking, independent research, oral and written
communication skills, the University invites students to use disciplined study to explore and
confront the substantive challenges facing the global society. Claflin’s graduate programs provide
opportunities for advanced students to increase their 2 specialization in particular fields of study
oriented toward professional enhancement and academic growth. Its continuing education
programs provide students with expanded avenues for professional development and personal
fulfillment.
Undergirding the mission is the University’s commitment to excellence in all its endeavors.
Claflin’s Guiding Principles
At the center of everything we do is a system of values informing and guiding all policies and
programs. These values, expressed through our actions and decisions, are defined by five overarching
guiding principles:
• Commitment to Excellence
• Commitment to Valuing People
• Commitment to Being Customer Focused
• Commitment to Exemplary Educational Programs
• Commitment to Financial Accountability
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Official Information
when they are requested by officers or departments of the University for use in these offices or departments.
Academic probation and suspension are noted on the permanent record. The record will be a
clear statement in that it contains no disciplinary information except that which affects a student’s
eligibility to return to the University. Disciplinary suspensions will be noted on this record. Any transcript
issued during a period of suspension will carry notation of this act.
B. Disciplinary Records
1. This record will be maintained in the official folder of the student kept in the Office of the Registrar.
It will contain all entries of disciplinary action which suspend or dismiss the student or restrict,
limit or condition the student’s eligibility to return or reregister at the University. It will also
bear a record of probation or other disciplinary action taken against the student.
2. A copy of this record will also be maintained in the Office of the Vice President for Student Development
and Services.
3. Data from disciplinary files will be available to other educational institutions to which the student
has applied for transfer, authorized University personnel or authorized government officials, when
required in the course of their duties. It will be made available to other persons only with the consent
of the student.
C. Placement Records
Personnel and placement records, including the student’s initial application to the University, will not
be made available to other than University personnel without the consent of the student.
D. University Health Service Records
Medical records are privileged and confidential. Information based on these records may not be made
available to other than authorized University personnel without the consent of the student.
E. Office of Financial Aid Records
Records in this office are confidential and will not be released to other than authorized University personnel
except at the request of the student.
RECORDS
A. Records shall be created for all reported cases of student misconduct.
B. Disciplinary records are considered academic records and are protected by the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Records may be released to university officials on a need-toknow
basis only.
C. All disciplinary records are the property of Claflin University and are maintained in the Office of
the Vice President for Student Development and Services. The University reserves the right to
maintain these records for any time depending on the severity of the infraction. Major offenders
involving criminal charges or suspensions and expulsions shall be maintained indefinitely.
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