FERPA, Nondiscriminatory Policy, and Other Student Rights

You have rights as students that are protected by law. This section summarizes some of those rights which are guaranteed to you and all students.

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy

John Brown University admits persons to its programs and activities without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, or gender. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, or gender in the administration of education policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-sponsored programs.

Rights of Access to Your Educational Records (FERPA)

The Buckley Amendment to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 extends to all former and presently enrolled students at JBU the right of access to certain educational records maintained by this institution. Student rights include:

1. Inspection and review.
2. Explanation or interpretation of contents.
3. Duplication of the record at a standard fee of 10 cents per page.
4. A formal hearing, if necessary, to challenge the contents of any such record.

“Educational records” include those records, files, documents, and other materials which contain information directly related to a student and are maintained by this institution or by a person acting for this institution. Not included in this term are:

1. Records in the sole possession of the maker thereof, which are not accessible or revealed to any other person.
2. Records maintained by a professional or paraprofessional in medical or psychological treatment of the student and which are not available to anyone other than the persons providing such treatment.
3. Records of employees of this institution who are not presently in attendance and which pertain solely to their employment.
4. Confidential letters and statements of recommendation placed in the student’s file prior to January 1, 1975.
5. If the student first signs a waiver the student will not have the access to confidential recommendations subsequently compiled respecting:
   1. admission to JBU
   2. application for employment
   3. receipt of honorary recognition
6. Financial records of parents of students.

Requests for access to educational records should be submitted in writing directly to the school official responsible for custody of the records. A standard form, “Student Request to Review Record,” is available at the Registrar’s Office. Consistent with time and record security limitations, access must be granted or permission denied and a reason stated within 45 days of the request to review the record. Access will be denied only for reasons specifically authorized by the act and applicable regulations.

An informal record review and resolution of conflict is urged. If this process does not prove satisfactory, the student may petition the Student Rights Committee for a formal hearing. Petitions for a hearing should be submitted through the registrar.

The Student Rights Committee has been appointed specifically to deal with student petitions under applicable federal laws and regulations, such as the Buckley Amendment. The student has the right to challenge the content of the record only on the ground that it is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student. No challenges will be heard regarding the merit upon which individual grades have been based. The record may be amended, based upon the committee’s findings, or the student may insert in the record a statement commenting upon or rebutting the document.

All determinations of the Student Rights Committee are subject to a final review by the President, if requested by the student in writing, within two weeks of the committee’s decision.

JBU’s Response to the Requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

A copy of the institutional policy adopted in response to the requirements of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office. Any student having pursued the administrative remedy may submit a further appeal in writing to: the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office (FERPA), Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, 330 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20201.

Release of Personal Data

At its discretion, John Brown University may provide directory information in accordance with the provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Directory information is defined as the information which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Directory information at John Brown University includes the following:

1. Name
2. Address
3. Telephone
4. Date and place of birth
5. Major field of study and year in school
6. Participation in officially recognized sports and activities
7. Weight and height of members of athletic teams
8. Dates of attendance
9. Degrees and awards received
10. The most recent previous educational agency or institution attended
11. Parents’ name and addresses
12. Marital status (name of spouse)
13. Religious preference

Students may request that directory information be withheld (non-disclosure) by selecting “Withhold Directory Information” at each term’s electronic pre-registration. Also, the student may amend their FERPA status at any time by contacting the appropriate Center.

Statement for the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Behavioral Expectations: The behavioral expectations of JBU for every member of its community include prohibiting the possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on its property or as part of its activities.

Treatment Support: Students may have as many sessions with the university counselor as the counselor deems necessary. Assessment and/or referral may be part of the process.

Behavioral Review and Actions: Students at JBU who are involved with alcohol and/or drug abuse are subject to review by the campus judicial system. The judicial process facilitates awareness, understanding, and restitution while encouraging desirable behavior and inhibiting undesirable behavior. The specific sanctions of the judicial process are as follows: admonition, formal warning, developmental contract, disciplinary probating, restitution, fines, denial of privilege, suspension, and dismissal.

Students who sell illicit drugs will have their relationship with the college terminated along with being referred to local authorities for prosecution.

Review of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statement: This statement is subject to biennial review by John Brown University in order to implement necessary changes and ensure consistent application.

Requirement to Report Violation: It is a requirement of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 that workplace drug convictions of employees be reported by the employee to his/her employer within five days of conviction. A condition of employment at JBU is that this requirement be adhered to.

Requirement to Support Drug-Free Policy: It is also a condition of employment that employees understand and support the Statement for the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse at John Brown University.

Weapons, Fireworks, and Explosives

Arkansas state law prohibits the possession of guns on any campus or site. This includes all firearms, BB guns, pellet guns, paint pellet guns, Airsoft guns, and all other devices which expel a projectile through a barrel by using energy generated by an explosion, burning substance, carbon dioxide cartridge, compressed air, etc. In addition, ammunition, martial arts gear, machetes, knives, bows and arrows, slingshots, and similar items that could harm others must be kept off campus and university property.

Students are not to carry weapons, fireworks, or explosives in their vehicle or onto the premises or buildings affiliated with John Brown University.

Questions about state laws that apply to firearms should be directed to the campus safety coordinator at 479-524-7403. If you see suspicious activities please call campus security at 479-524-7162 or 911.

Harassment Policy

Harassment, Including Sexual Harassment

John Brown University is committed to an environment in which all people are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to live and study in an atmosphere that promotes learning opportunities and prohibits practices such as harassment. Therefore, John Brown University expects that all relationships among students and employees will be collegial and free of harassment. John Brown University encourages reporting of all perceived incidents of harassment. It is the policy of JBU to investigate such reports. JBU prohibits retaliation against any person who reports harassment or participates in an investigation of such reports.

Definitions of Harassment

Sexual harassment may include a range of subtle and not so subtle behaviors and may involve individuals of the same or different gender. Depending on the circumstances, these behaviors may include, but are not limited to: unwanted sexual advances or requests for sexual favors; sexual jokes and innuendo; verbal abuse of a sexual nature; commentary about an individual’s body, sexual prowess or sexual deficiencies; leering, whistling or touching; insulting or obscene comments or gestures; display in the workplace of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; and other physical, verbal or visual conduct of a sexual nature.

Harassment on the basis of any other protected characteristic is also strictly prohibited. Under this policy, harassment is verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward any person because of race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship or any other characteristic protected by law or that of his/her relatives, friends or associates, and that: (i) has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment; (ii) has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s performance; or (iii) otherwise adversely affects an individual’s opportunities. Harassing conduct includes, but is not limited to: epithets, slurs or negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating or hostile acts; denigrating jokes; and written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group and that is placed on walls or elsewhere on the campus or at outlying centers, or circulated in the workplace.

Reporting an Incident of Harassment, Discrimination or Retaliation

John Brown University encourages reporting of all perceived incidents of harassment or retaliation, regardless of the offender’s identity or position. Students who believe that they have been the victim of such conduct should discuss their concerns with one of the University’s Title IX Compliance Coordinators by email to TitleIXCoordinator@jbu.edu, or by phone to André Broquard 479.524.7229 or Amy Fisher 479.524.7128. (See complaint procedures below.)

In addition, JBU encourages students who believe they are being subjected to such conduct to advise the offender promptly that his or her behavior is unwelcome and request that it be discontinued. Often this action alone will resolve the problem. JBU recognizes, however, that an individual may prefer to pursue the matter through informal or formal complaint procedures.

Informal Complaint Procedure

If for any reason an individual does not wish to address the offender directly, or if such action does not successfully end the offensive conduct, the student should notify a University Title IX Compliance Coordinator by email to TitleIXCoordinator@jbu.edu, or by phone André Broquard 479.524.7229 or Amy Fisher 479.524.7128, who may, if the student requests, talk to the alleged offender on the student’s behalf. In addition, there may be instances in which a student seeks only to discuss matters with one of the JBU designated representatives, and such discussion is encouraged.

A student reporting harassment or retaliation should be aware however that JBU may decide it is necessary to take action to address such conduct beyond an informal discussion. This decision will be discussed with the student. The best course of action in any case will depend on many factors and, therefore, the informal procedure will remain flexible. Moreover, the informal procedure is not a required first step for the reporting individual.

Formal Complaint Procedure

As noted above, students who believe they have been the victims of conduct prohibited by this policy statement or believe they have witnessed such conduct should discuss their concerns with one of the University’s Title IX Compliance Coordinators by email to TitleIXCoordinator@jbu.edu, or by phone: André Broquard 479.524.7229 or Amy Fisher 479.524.7128.

John Brown University encourages the prompt reporting of complaints or concerns so that rapid and constructive action can be taken before relationships become irreparably strained. Therefore, while no fixed reporting period has been established, early reporting and intervention have proven to be the most effective method of resolving actual or perceived incidents of harassment.

Any reported allegations of harassment, discrimination or retaliation will be investigated promptly.

The investigation may include individual interviews with the parties involved and, where necessary, with individuals who may have observed the alleged conduct or may have other relevant knowledge.

Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the investigatory process to the extent consistent with adequate investigation and appropriate corrective action.

Retaliation against a student for reporting harassment or discrimination or for participating in an investigation of a claim of harassment or discrimination is a serious violation of this policy and, like harassment itself, will be subject to disciplinary action. Acts of retaliation should be reported immediately and will be promptly investigated and addressed.

Misconduct constituting harassment, discrimination or retaliation will be dealt with appropriately.

Responsive action may include, for example, training, referral to counseling and/or disciplinary action such as warning, reprimand, housing reassignment, temporary suspension or dismissal, as JBU believes appropriate under the circumstances.

If a party to a complaint does not agree with its resolution, that party may appeal to the president of JBU. False and malicious complaints of harassment or retaliation as opposed to complaints, which, even if erroneous, are made in good faith, may be the subject of appropriate disciplinary action.

Conclusion

John Brown University has developed this policy to ensure that all its students can live and work in an environment free from harassment and retaliation. JBU will make every reasonable effort to ensure that all concerned are familiar with these policies and aware that any complaint in violation of such policies will be investigated and resolved appropriately.

Any student who has any questions or concerns about these policies should talk with one of the University’s Title IX Compliance Coordinators who can be reached by email at TitleIXCoordinator@jbu.edu, or by phone: André Broquard 479.524.7229 or Amy Fisher 479.524.7128.

Finally, these policies should not, and may not, be used as a basis for excluding or separating students of a particular gender, or any other protected characteristic, from participating in academic and social activities or discussions. In other words, no one should make the mistake of engaging in exclusion in order to avoid allegations of harassment. The law and the policies of John Brown University prohibit disparate treatment on the basis of sex or any other protected characteristic, with regard to terms, conditions, privileges and perquisites of attendance. The prohibitions against harassment and retaliation are intended to complement and further those policies, not to form the basis of an exception to them.

AIDS Policy

No plan or policy can deal adequately with the AIDS phenomenon; yet the presence of this lethal disease without remedy forces colleges, hospitals, businesses, and many other organizations to articulate procedures. At best, the JBU plan reflects updated medical opinion, legal considerations, review of other policies, and documented experience with the impact of the disease. For John Brown University, the special concern is how AIDS fits into the Christian world view. As Christians, it is our desire to “… bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” (II Cor. 10:5b).

A descriptive document of the university’s perspective on AIDS is available in the Student Development Office on the main campus.

The JBU policy shall be that a person with AIDS should be treated as any other with the exception of (1) consideration of the risk of infection to the person with AIDS or others, (2) the support necessary for the person with AIDS, and (3) the full cooperation of the person with AIDS in meeting guidelines for continued enrollment or employment.

The community standards of JBU may require discipline or employment of action for some due to the method of acquisition of AIDS, but people with AIDS will be viewed no differently than others who participate in similar actions.

Nondiscrimination: John Brown University will not exclude an individual from admission, employment, facilities usage, or activities solely on the basis of having AIDS. A person with AIDS may, however, be excluded from university functions based on medical determination of risk of infection to or from others. A short-term exclusion may be used when it is determined there is a need for additional medical diagnostic appraisal or a situation of such a serious and urgent nature that temporary exclusion of the infected person is in the best interest of all concerned.

Education as Key: Education is the primary method by which our university can deal with preventing and understanding AIDS. Concurrent with a campus AIDS policy is the need for an educational program that presents the community with current knowledge through diverse formats. A community that is aware of the truth about AIDS is better able to handle its reality in its members’ lives. While the university’s response in some cases may need to deal with the lifestyle expectation and standards set out in scripture, we also wish to respond to each individual person in Christian love and compassion. We must “… bear each other’s burdens” and “do good to all people” (Gal 6:2,10). We must “… weep with those who weep” with the compassion Christ had for those who were suffering (Luke 7:13; 10:33; 15:20).

Confidentiality: The rights of privacy and confidentiality will be maintained within the purview of those persons with direct administrative and health care responsibilities.

Testing: The university encourages students and employees who desire confidential AIDS testing to contact the Counseling Office. Pre- and post-AIDS counseling are also recommended. Students under disciplinary review for sexual intercourse and/or drug abuse may be asked to submit to a confidential blood test as a condition for continued enrollment.

Responsibilities of Persons Infected with AIDS: Persons with AIDS, ARC, or positive HTLV-III antibody test are required to (1) secure qualified medical care, (2) abstain from high-risk behavior, and (3) inform the university counselor of their situation.

Federal and State Regulations: JBU will comply with federal and state regulations and policies that protect the confidentiality of medical and educational records and with the requirements for timely reporting of test results or medical conditions to health authorities.

Evaluation: These policies will be reviewed regularly to seek to assure that they are based on the latest and most reliable medical information reasonably and generally available regarding management of AIDS cases. They may be modified at any time based on new findings and recommendations from medical and health agencies.

Guidelines for Use of Human Subjects in Testing

To ensure the ethical treatment of human participants in research, John Brown University has instituted the Human Subjects Committee of the Institutional Review Board to evaluate and monitor research with human participants carried out by JBU faculty, staff, administration, and students. Research that collects responses from subjects regarding sensitive aspects of personal behavior (e.g., illegal conduct, drug use, sexual attitudes or behavior, use of alcohol, rape, incest, racial attitudes) must undergo either full or expedited review. Also, research that involves psychologically invasive procedures such as detailed personality inventories must undergo either full or expedited review. Research procedures that do not require review by the Human Subjects Committee are listed below.

Human Subjects Committee Exemptions

Primary research survey procedures, interview procedures, or observation of public behavior are exempt from the review process in the following instances:

• Data are recorded so that subjects cannot be individually identified.
• There will be no disclosure of the human subjects’ survey responses outside the research that could reasonably place the subjects at risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the subjects’ financial standing, employability, or reputation.
• The study is for taste and food quality evaluation or consumer acceptance.
• The procedures involve the public behavior of elected or appointed public officials or candidates for public office.

Secondary sources are exempt if publicly available or the secondary source information is recorded by the investigator in such a manner that subjects cannot be identified in any way.

Graduate and Online Undergraduate Degree Programs: Student Policy Statement

The mission of John Brown University is to provide a Christ-centered education that prepares people to honor God and serve others by developing their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives. JBU encourages all of its students to live by Christian commitments as articulated in scripture, including, for example, practicing kindness, stewardship, fidelity in marriage, chastity in singleness, forgiveness, reconciliation, justice, and self-control and refraining from dishonesty, obscene language, pornography, and abuse of alcohol and other substances. However, JBU also recognizes that students in its graduate or online degree programs are adults, and are, therefore, responsible for their own choices about moral behavior.

Accordingly, JBU requests from each student exclusively enrolled in graduate school or online undergraduate degree program a sympathetic appreciation of, if not adherence to, JBU’s Christian commitments. JBU reserves the right to address persistent behavior or advocacy in conflict with these Christian commitments that unduly disrupts the learning of other members of the JBU community.