Student Rights and Responsibilities

Purpose:
This policy outlines the standards and expectations for all students within Living the Dream University’s programs. These standards ensure that all students, particularly those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, receive equitable, supportive, and effective educational experiences.

Policy Statement:
All students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that fosters accessibility, inclusion, and success in alignment with the mission and values of Living the Dream University.

Inclusive Participation

 

  • Students are expected to engage with course materials in accessible formats (e.g., clear language, visual supports, alternative text, and simplified layouts).

  • Students should participate using various learning approaches, including visual, auditory, and hands-on methods.

 

 

Respectful Communication

 

  • Students must communicate respectfully.

  • All interactions should be constructive, encouraging, and focused on mutual growth.

  • Students are encouraged to seek clarification and support to ensure understanding and engagement.

 

Assessment Engagement

 

  • Students must follow the Assessment Guidelines, demonstrating knowledge through assignments, quizzes, or exams.

  • Students may request alternate assessment methods (e.g., oral responses, visual projects, or demonstrations) when appropriate and approved.

 

 

Supportive Online Classroom Environment

 

  • Maintain a patient, respectful, and supportive online classroom atmosphere at all times.

  • Encourage participation without pressure or judgment.

  • Use positive reinforcement and celebrate progress, regardless of pace.

 

Collaboration with Support Staff

 

  • Students are encouraged to coordinate with academic support specialists, counselors, and aides to meet individual learning plans or accommodations.

  • Any concerns regarding personal well-being or academic progress should be reported promptly to the Program Coordinator or Student Support Office.

 

Personal Development

 

  • Students are encouraged to participate in ongoing training related to self-advocacy, understanding personal learning styles, and trauma-informed practices.

 

Individualized Learning Support

 

  • Students should communicate their individual needs to faculty and support staff.

  • Seek additional explanation, visual examples, or repetition when needed.

 

Respect for Self and Others

 

  • Treat every individual with dignity, respect, and equality.

  • Encourage independence, self-advocacy, and decision-making in all learning activities.

 

Confidentiality and Privacy
  • Students must respect the confidentiality of their peers and maintain the privacy of personal information shared within the university environment, in compliance with FERPA and institutional policy.

Monitoring and Compliance

 

  • The Office of Student Affairs will conduct regular reviews of online classroom practices and student feedback to ensure compliance with these standards.

  • Students who fail to meet these expectations may be subject to counseling or disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

 

I. Student-to-Student Harassment Policy

Policy Statement

Living the Dream University maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment, intimidation, or bullying in any form, whether verbal, physical, or online. Every student has the right to learn in an environment free from hostility, discrimination, and fear.

This policy applies to in-person and online interactions, including social media, messaging, and any university-related digital communication.

Legal Authority

This policy is adopted in accordance with:

  • Tennessee Code § 49-7-2406 (Student-to-Student Harassment – Higher Education Context), under the Tennessee Campus Free Speech Protection Act.

  • Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

  • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Key Provisions

  1. Definition

    • Harassment includes any behavior or expression that is so severe, pervasive, or objectively offensive that it effectively denies another student equal access to educational opportunities or participation in university activities.

    • Conduct protected under the First Amendment (free speech, opinion, academic debate) is not considered harassment unless it meets the definition above.

  2. Scope

    • Applies to conduct occurring on campus, at university-sponsored events, or through university-related online platforms.

    • May extend to off-campus behavior if it has a substantial impact on the university environment.

  3. Reporting Procedures

    • Students may report incidents to the Title IX Coordinator, Student Support Office, or Dean of Students.

    • Reports may be made online anonymously.

    • The university will begin review within 48 hours and, if appropriate, a full investigation within 20 calendar days as outlined by Tennessee law.

  4. Disciplinary Action

    • Verified harassment may result in disciplinary actions, including formal warning, mediation, counseling, probation, suspension, or expulsion.

    • Retaliation against any person who reports or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited.

  5. Supportive Measures

    • Counseling, academic accommodations, and mediation may be provided.

    • LTDU ensures confidentiality to the fullest extent allowed by law.

II. Academic Integrity and Cheating Policy

Policy Statement

Academic honesty is a core value of Living the Dream University. Students are expected to uphold integrity in all coursework, assessments, and academic activities. Cheating, plagiarism, or academic dishonesty of any kind is strictly prohibited.

Definitions

  • Cheating: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, assistance, or devices in any academic exercise.

  • Plagiarism: Presenting another person’s work, ideas, or words as one’s own without proper citation.

  • Collusion: Unauthorized collaboration with another student or person on an assignment or exam.

  • Misrepresentation: Submitting false information to obtain academic credit or advantage.

Examples of Violations

  • Copying another student’s quiz, test, or assignment.

  • Using notes, devices, or outside help during a closed-book assessment.

  • Submitting work completed by another person.

  • Fabricating data, results, or references.

  • Assisting another student in committing academic dishonesty.

Procedures and Consequences

  1. Reporting:

    • Instructors who suspect academic dishonesty must document the concern and report it to the Academic Affairs Office within 3 business days.

  2. Student Notification:

    • The student will be notified in writing and given an opportunity to respond or appeal.

  3. Sanctions:

    • Sanctions may include grade reduction, assignment failure, course failure, probation, suspension, or dismissal, depending on severity and intent.

  4. Repeat Offenses:

    • Multiple violations may result in permanent dismissal from the university.

Prevention and Support

  • Faculty are encouraged to design assessments that promote authentic learning and reduce opportunities for dishonesty.

  • LTDU provides workshops and resources to help students understand academic integrity, citation, and responsible collaboration.

Effective Date:

This policy is effective Fall 2027 and applies to all Living the Dream University students, faculty, and staff.

Responsible Offices: 

  • Office of Academic Affairs

  • Title IX and Student Conduct Office

  • Student Support Services