Student Handbook - William Jewell College

On this campus, the concepts of rights and personal responsibility are inextricably bound. The college
community, like any other, functions upon the principle that each member will respect, and indeed will
protect, the rights of our fellow college citizens. Thus, when one chooses a college and joins its community, a
person commits to its philosophy of education and its policies and regulations. Even though students may not
agree with some rules established by the College, it is expected that they will comply with them in a manner
conducive to the highest moral standards and in keeping with the discipline of the academic community.
Students are encouraged and enabled to develop values consistent with those of mature, self-disciplined
persons who appreciate the privilege of education and are willing to accept its responsibilities.
William Jewell College is committed to the highest standards within an educational experience. When
students commit infractions and offenses, our community’s aim will always be to expect honesty leading to
responsibility, restitution, and restoration through the College’s processes. However, William Jewell College is
also an institution within larger communities, involving local municipal and county authorities, the State of
Missouri and the United States of America. Students should expect that the College will cooperate with civil
authorities regarding violations of civil and criminal law, and, in some cases, will initiate contact with civil
authorities.
History and Process
This charter was developed during the 2011-12 academic year in a cooperative effort of the College
administration and the presiding Student Senate leadership, who initiated the revision. The Charter replaces
the Student Bill of Rights, an important statement of ideals and aspirations that was a student statement that
did not officially express or guide College policy. In 2012, the College administration with the Student Senate
agreed to draft a new document that would express and guide College policy. It is a melding of the Student Bill
of Rights (originally developed in the 1980’s, revised in 2005 and 2012), the statement on Community
Standards from the Student Handbook 2011-12, and ideas gained by reviewing similar documents at selected
colleges and universities. A taskforce composed of students, faculty, staff, and administrators finalized the
charter language in the summer of 2012. The Charter was added to the Student Handbook for the 2012-13
academic year.
This document will be reviewed every three years by the Student Life office in consultation with the leadership
of Student Senate and Faculty Council.
Statements of Student Rights and Responsibilities
William Jewell College students understand their obligation to uphold College policy as outlined in the College
Catalog, Student Handbook, the Honor Code, and other such documented College policy and to responsibly
exercise the rights and responsibilities herein delineated.
Section 1. General Rights & Responsibilities
William Jewell College affirms the following general rights and responsibilities regarding students.
Clause 1. Students have the right to the best education possible and the responsibility to be active cocreators
in their learning. Students have the right to ready access to academic information, ideas, and
material promoting their learning;
Clause 2. Students have the right to the establishment and practice of representative self-government
as set forth in the constitution and bylaws of the Student Senate;
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