We, the student body, of UMass Lowell, recognize that it is the shared responsibility of all students, faculty and members of the administration to create an environment that is conducive to learning and to respect of all university members. The Student Government Association, will represent the voice of students to the administration and faculty in matters pertaining to the rights and responsibility of students, as articulated in this document. 

Articles and Sections of the Students' Bill of Rights and Responsibilities are consistent with polices and procedures articulated in the university catalog, student code of conduct and the contractual agreement between the Board of Trustees of the University of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Society of Professors/Lowell, an affiliate of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the National Education Association.

Article I: Academic Rights And Responsibilities

University of Massachusetts Lowell students have the right to a quality education and curriculum.
University of Massachusetts Lowell students are expected to exhibit respect, to behave in ways that support a beneficial learning environment, and to comply with University Policies and Procedures

Section 1

Every student is entitled to fair and non-discriminatory classroom environments. Grading systems shall be based solely on academic standards that are made known to students at the beginning of each semester. Students shall be free from arbitrary or biased evaluation.
Students have the right to appeal any grade that they feel was not a fair evaluation of their performance in accordance with procedures and policies set forth in the university catalog.
Students have the responsibility to be aware of procedures and policies set forth in the university catalog and in course syllabi. 

Section 2

Students have the right to be informed of any curriculum changes that arise during the course of a semester. Students have the responsibility to check University of Massachusetts Lowell e-mail, websites, and to attend lectures to be notified of such changes.

Section 3

Students are entitled to prior notice of professor absences and class cancellations to the extent possible. Students have the responsibility to notify teachers of absences to the extent possible. 

Section 4

Students have the right to be made aware of course scheduling errors on the part of the university. The university is responsible for correcting any such errors with no penalty to the student. 

Students have the responsibility to regularly check University of Massachusetts Lowell e-mail and other scheduling services to be made aware of potential scheduling problems. 

Section 5

Students have the right to course content that is clear and understandable. Students have the responsibility to understand the requirements and prerequisites for every course and to prepare appropriately.

Section 6

Students have the right to communicate with faculty at times other than class meetings. Students have the responsibility to regularly check University of Massachusetts Lowell e-mail for faculty communication.

Article II: Freedom of Individual Expression

All University of Massachusetts Lowell students shall share the same individual freedoms.

Section 1

No member of the university community shall discriminate based on: race, age, gender, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, reserves status, marital status, genetic information, fear of retaliation, criminal record and/or socioeconomic status.

Section 2

All students have the right to fair treatment and professionalism from all university administrative bodies; students are expected to apply the same standards towards faculty and staff.

Section 3

Students have the right to appropriately express their opinions and concerns to the administration on all matters related to their education.

Section 4

All eligible students have the right to participate in all activities on campus funded by the Student Government Association.

Article III: Administrative Accountability

All University of Massachusetts Lowell students have the right to receive clear, accurate, timely, comprehensive, and readily accessible information about academic programs, policies and services.

Section 1

Students are entitled to transparency in regards to all policy developments that directly or indirectly affect them.

Section 2

Students have the right to representation and input on campus-wide administrative committees that directly or indirectly affect students. Students also have the right to be made aware that these opportunities are available.

Section 3

Students shall be notified by the administration of any activity or event that directly impacts them.

Section 4

Students have the right to receive accurate and relevant responses to all substantive inquiries made to the administration.

Article IV: Financial Accountability

All University of Massachusetts Lowell students shall have their fees, fines, and tuition used to provide a quality education and to advance the university’s mission.

Section 1

Students have the right to a transparent financial process. Students also have the right to have input and access to this process, and to be provided with the rationale behind the allocations of funds by the administration and have the right to representation on the budget committee. 

Section 2

Students have the right to be notified about all changes in fees, fines, financial aid, and tuition as soon as possible and before the actual implementation of such changes

Article V: Safety and Environment

All University of Massachusetts Lowell students have the right to a well-maintained and secure campus environment.

Section 1

All students have the right to their personal safety and, when accused of misconduct, are entitled to present a defense at conduct board hearings, which will include their peers. 

Section 2

In the case that any student suffers harassment or personal attack, the said student maintains the right to report the incident with the assurance that all personal information will be treated confidentially, in accordance with university, state and federal policies.

Section 3

Students have the right to be notified of scheduled searches to their room. Their person or property cannot be searched unless there is probable cause of possession of illegal substances or agents harmful to self or others.

Section 4

It is the university’s responsibility to provide clean, healthy, safe, functional and secure facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, housing, academic, recreational, and dining facilities. Also, it is the university’s responsibility to respond, in a timely manner, to repair requests or inquiries made by students. Students have the responsibility to respect all university property.

Section 5

Students have the right to the use of any campus buildings and facilities available for their use in accordance with posted hours.

Section 6

Students have the right to a safe and secure campus with strategically placed security technologies within and around all university buildings, which are overseen by professionally trained and legally certified personnel.

Section 7

Students have the right to be notified in the event of any emergency or safety hazard on campus. Students are responsible for providing accurate information so that they may be contacted in the event of emergency.

Section 8

Students have the right to timely and efficient transportation on campus