The university may release records in compliance with a court order or subpoena but only after notifying the student or parent(s) of dependent students.

Student requests to withhold Directory Information may be submitted to the Office of Registrar and to the Housing Department relative to residence hall information.

FREEDOM FROM RETALIATION
The faculty member, whether in the classroom or in conference, fosters relevant free discussion, inquiry and expression. A student is free to take reasonable exception to the information offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion without threat of undue censure by the faculty member. Information about student views, beliefs, and political associations which the faculty member acquires in the course of their work as instructor, advisor, and counselor is considered confidential.

Faculty members are required to inform students of the content and requirements of each course and the criteria by which student performance is to be evaluated. A student is responsible for learning the prescribed content of the course in which he or she enrolls. The faculty member evaluates student performance in the classroom solely on an academic basis and not on a student’s philosophies or conduct in matters unrelated to academic performance.

A student who contends to have encountered a prejudiced academic evaluation may use the University’s Student Grievance Procedure as a means of seeking redress. (See Undergraduate or Graduate catalog). Academic honesty is a primary responsibility of the student. Students found guilty of academic dishonesty will incur sanctions as prescribed by the University’s undergraduate or graduate student judicial system.

FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) OF 1974
To comply with the requirements of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, Jackson State University periodically announces publicly the policies and procedures implementing the act. Additional information is available within the Offices of the Vice Provost for Student Life and the Office of Judicial Affairs.

Different types of student records are maintained in various University offices, and the chief administrator in each of these offices is responsible for them.

Generally, with certain exceptions, the law provides that students and former students have the right to review their records, request explanations concerning them, obtain copies and challenge records that they feel are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate. The challenge procedure includes a full and fair opportunity for the student to present relevant evidence at a hearing. The law also provides that students may waive their right of access to confidential letters of recommendation and may also grant permission to release certain personally identifiable information to specific personnel.

The exception to this law includes educational personnel records; records maintained for law enforcement purposes; employment records on non-students; records maintained by a physician, psychiatrist or psychologist; and, financial records of a student’s parents.

The law also provides that, in addition to University employees having a legitimate educational interest, certain other governmental and quasi-governmental agencies and parents certifying that a student is carried as a dependent for income tax purposes, may have access to student records.

REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES
Any time a student’s rights as outlined herein are violated, the student has the right to petition for redress through grievance procedures. A grievance is defined as the claim of an individual student that there has been a violation, misinterpretation or misapplication of a rule, policy or procedure in relation to University Polices and Procedures.

Jackson State University assures prompt and impartial consideration to any complaints which its students may have during the course of their matriculation at the university. When circumstances require, students are encouraged to submit complaints or grievances in accordance with the following procedures. Students may use this procedure without penalty or fear of reprisal.

Discuss the problem with the unit or department director (e.g. Area Coordinator, Academic Facilitator, Director of Housing, Dean of Students, etc.). In cases involving academic matters, the grievance should be presented to the appropriate Department Chairperson.

If “A” is not considered desirable by the student, discuss it with the appropriate dean, (Dean of Students/School Dean).

If “A” and “B” are not considered desirable by the student, discuss it with the appropriate Area Vice President/Provost who may render a decision or refer the grievance to the appropriate committee for review and recommendation. The final decision will be promptly communicated to the student and the referring administrator.

All grievances should be filed in writing, state the specific nature of the grievance(s), the individual(s) involved, and include the time and place the event(s) occurred.