/Institutions/Coker-University/json/2025-2026/Student-Handbook-local.json

/Institutions/Coker-University/json/2025-2026/Student-Handbook.json

Students' Rights

Non-Discrimination

Coker University, in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, marital status, veterans or military status, or against individuals with disabilities, or other legally protected classifications in the areas of employment, admissions, financial aid or access to educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities.

 

Right to Procedural Safeguards Under the University Code of Student Conduct

If a student is accused of breaking the Coker University Student Covenant or University policy (academic or nonacademic), they have the right to procedural safeguards as outlined in the University Code of Student Conduct section of this handbook. If a violation of civil law occurs on campus and is also a violation of a published University regulation, the University may institute its own proceedings against the offender if the University interest is clearly distinct from that of the community outside the University.

 

Right of Expression and Peaceful Assembly

The publications of Coker University, oral, written, and electronic, shall conform to journalistic ethics and to good practices of the profession. This includes the avoidance of libel and slander, indecency, undocumented allegations, attacks on personal integrity, and harassment and innuendo. With these standards, the publications of Coker University will be free from censorship, prior restraint, or advance approval of copy. The individual editors will employ their own discretion concerning editorial and news policy and will not be subject to arbitrary suspension or expulsion from the University because of editorial or news policy.

In the interest of academic freedom and the right of peaceful assembly, Coker University students are allowed to gather in any public area of the University, including corridors or other places set aside for public meetings, to support or protest any course of interest to them. All student gatherings or demonstrations must be orderly, must not interfere with the legitimate pursuits of other members or guests of the University, and must comply with the Code of Student Conduct. In an effort to protect this right and students’ safety, all student gatherings or demonstrations must be registered with the Senior Director of Student Experience office at least 48 hours prior to the event.

The students of Coker University are encouraged to voice their opinions, but they should realize that they speak only for themselves and not for the student body or University community as a whole. Participation of students in demonstrations and protests off the campus is left to their own discretion, subject only to the section of this code outlining the relationship between University code and civil authority. The Coker University name is retained for officially recognized organizations and activities and may not otherwise be used without special permission.

 

Right of Inquiry

Students and student organizations are free to examine, to discuss, and to express opinions or questions of interest to them. An individual or campus organization wishing to bring an outside speaker to campus must obtain approval from the Office of Student Engagement for proper scheduling of facilities and preparation for the event. The Office of Student Engagement may need additional support and or approval from the Vice President for Student Experience Office if deemed necessary. All persons should realize that sponsorship of outside speakers by the University does not imply approval or endorsement by the University of the views expressed. The University cannot shield from state or federal prosecution any speaker whose utterance at Coker University allegedly violated laws relating to reason, sedition, obscenity, nor will Coker University permit any such violation. The University reserves the right to remove from campus any person whose conduct is in violation of University standards or civil law.

Student Organizations should refer to the Registered Student Organization (RSO) Manual for further instruction and details.

 

Right of Privacy of Student Records

All student records will be released only under provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended. All records pertaining to non-academic student judicial cases shall be kept in the Office of Residence Life. All records pertaining to academic judicial cases shall be kept in the Office of the Provost.
The Office of Residence Life & Office of the Provost will retain judicial records (non-academic and academic, respectively) for penalties less than suspension, for 1 year after a student’s graduation, or 5 years after a student withdraws from the University. For cases of suspension or expulsion, records shall be retained indefinitely.

 

Access to Student Records

Each student who is attending, or has attended, Coker University is guaranteed access to his/her educational records as filed in the Office of Academic Records, the Student Solution Center, the Student Experience Office, or the Office of the Provost. Information contained in these files, including transcripts, will be communicated to persons or agencies specifically designated in writing by that student. A record of disclosure will be kept in the student’s record. Health records may be utilized by University health officials or by a physician of the student’s choosing upon written request by the student. Student credential files (if available) will be communicated to potential employers or graduate schools only upon written request of the student. Student access to these records is possible only if the student does not waive access at the time these records are compiled. The University may charge a reasonable fee for copying expenses. A student who wishes to review his/her record shall make such a request in writing to the appropriate office. The requisition shall be granted within a reasonable length of time, not to exceed forty-five (45) days.

 

The following exceptions are allowed under law and may be exercised by Coker University:

• Financial records of parents or guardians of the student or any information contained therein may not be reviewed by the student without written permission from the parent.
• Disclosure of a student’s records without that student’s permission is allowed as follows:
• A student who believes that information contained in his/her education records is inaccurate or misleading, or violates the privacy or other rights of the student, may request that the record be amended.

Notification of Parents or Guardians

Coker University recognizes that students are still developing independence and accountability. In order to foster this growth, we treat our students as adults who are responsible for their own actions and who must take ownership for the quality of their own educational experience through active participation in University life. Coker University also realizes that parents and guardians of young adults hold a deep concern for the well-being and happiness of their students while they are enrolled in college. In recognition of that interest from parents, Coker University expects students to initiate and maintain regular communication with parents about their academic and social progress.

 

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all educational agencies and institutions that receive funds under any program administered by the Department of Education. Additional information can be found by visiting the U.S. Department of Education Family Policy Compliance Office website. To allow access to your information or restrict access you must contact the Office of Academic Records.

 

When Do FERPA Rights Begin?

When a student reaches 18 years of age or attends a postsecondary institution, they become an “eligible student,” and all rights under FERPA transfer from the student’s parents/guardians to the student. FERPA regulations define “student” as any individual who is or has been in attendance at an educational agency or institution and regarding whom the agency or institution maintains education records. Attendance begins on the first day of class.

 

What Rights Do Students Have Under FERPA?

In accordance with regulations issued under FERPA, Coker University provides an Annual Notification of FERPA rights to our enrolled students of their rights under FERPA; as well as an explanation of the exceptions under FERPA that allows the University to disclose information from the student’s education record without consent. Students have the right to:

• Inspect and review their education record within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access to those records request an amendment to their education record
• Provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without student consent
• File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Family Policy Compliance Office

In accordance with regulations within the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 as amended, although Coker University is not obligated to do so, the University reserves the right to contact parents or guardians that can provide proof of the student’s dependency status as determined by annual tax returns under the following circumstances:

• When the student's enrollment is threatened by judicial action or poor academic performance;
• If the student is found responsible, through the University judicial process, for violating a local, state, or federal law, or institutional policy regarding alcohol or other controlled substances while on campus or otherwise representing the University.

Under FERPA, parents or guardians can be contacted under the following circumstances:

• When there is a health or safety emergency resulting in hospitalization.
• When the student's whereabouts are unknown and there is concern for his/her safety and well-being; (see Missing Student Policy)
• When the student poses a threat to the safety or personal well-being of him/herself or others;

What is Directory Information?

The University may disclose directory information without the consent of a student. The primary purpose of disclosing directory information is to allow Coker to include student information in certain publications such as commencement programs, recognition of awards, and athletic associated content. Information that is not specifically stated as directory information is protected. Coker University designates the following information as directory information:

• Student’s name
• Hometown, state, and/or country
• Coker email address
• Major or minor fields of study
• Classification (year of study)
• Eligibility for honor societies
• Date of admission
• Dates of attendance
• Athletic and student organization participation
• Athletic statistics and description, including weight, height, and position
• Enrollment status
• Degrees, awards, and honors received
• Photographic, video graphic, and electronic images
• Student employment (internship and work-study status)
• Relationship to University alumni

Students who do not wish to disclose directory information from their education records without prior written consent must submit a request to the Office of the Registrar to have this information withheld. To withhold directory information use the following form:

REQUEST FERPA BLOCK OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION

 

Students should consider very carefully the effect of a decision to withhold directory information. If that decision is made, any requests for such information will be refused (subject to the exceptions), even for celebratory purposes and student-athlete participation. Upon receipt, your request to withhold directory information will remain in effect until it is revoked in writing.
For additional information, please visit https://www.coker.edu/offices-services/academic-records/ferpa/

Right to be Free of Sexual Harassment

Coker University complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibit discrimination based on sex (including sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and sexual violence) in the University’s educational programs and activities. Title IX also prohibits retaliation for asserting such claims of discrimination. The University has designated a Title IX Coordinator to coordinate the University’s compliance with and respond to inquiries concerning Title IX.

It is a violation of Coker University policy to harass any member of the University community on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, marital status, veterans or military status, or against individuals with disabilities, or other legally protected classifications.

Harassment is defined by the University as any verbal, written, or physical conduct that serves to intimidate, demean, or degrade an individual’s or group’s character, self-worth or dignity. Harassment is further defined as conduct that has the effect of limiting or denying equal opportunity or treatment that is conducted in disregard for an individual’s or group’s human or civil rights and that may result in ridicule or harm, or serves to inflict mental, emotional or physical discomfort upon another individual. Hazing and sexual harassment / assault, as defined in this handbook, are also considered harassment. Offensive language or behavior that interferes with a person’s employment, educational status or performance, or that otherwise creates a hostile environment shall fall within the meaning of harassment (i.e. hate speech, bullying, etc.).

 

Persons who believe they have been harassed or discriminated against, on the basis of sex or otherwise, should contact the Title IX Coordinator to discuss supportive measures and the option to file a formal complaint. The situation will be referred to the appropriate investigative authority and resolved through the appropriate process, which may include the Title IX Grievance Procedure or the regular University judicial procedures, Employee Manual, depending on the nature of the conduct at issue in the report/complaint.

 

For incidents in which the harassment is sexual in nature, the University sexual harassment policy will be followed (See the “Student Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures” section of this Handbook) unless the conduct is “Title IX Sexual Harassment” as defined in the Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Process section of this Handbook, in which case the Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Process will be followed. (See the Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Process section of this Handbook). Processing a report or complaint under the Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Process does not preclude processing some or all allegations of a report or complaint under other policies and procedures to the extent allowed by Title IX and other laws.
The University also absolutely prohibits retaliation, which includes: threatening an individual or taking any adverse action against an individual for (1) reporting a possible violation of this policy, or (2) participating in an investigation conducted under this policy.

Right to a Safe Academic Community

Coker University desires to maintain a living and learning environment that is free from threats, intimidation, or violent acts. All violations of the Coker University Student Covenant, will be processed through the Coker University Code of Student Conduct. The maximum penalty for these violations is expulsion from the University. If the alleged acts are violations of both University regulations and public law, the University is not precluded from taking judicial action independent of action by public authorities. Students who feel they have been subjected to these behaviors or are aware of the above should report this via the University Reporting Form.

*Section 16-23-405 of the South Carolina Criminal Law and Motor Vehicle Handbook defines a weapon as “…a firearm (rifle, shotgun, pistol, or similar device that propels a projectile through the energy of an explosive), a knife with a blade over two inches long, a blackjack, a metal pipe or pole, or any other type of device or object that may be used to inflict bodily injury or death.” Misuse of other items may also be considered weapons.