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Student Rights & Responsibilities

Creating a community grounded in respect, integrity, and professionalism.

Students interacting outdoors on a smart device

As a nursing student at St. John’s College, you are both a learner and a future healthcare professional. Your rights are protected, and your responsibilities are clearly outlined to ensure a respectful, safe, and ethical environment for all.

This page summarizes what you can expect from the College and what the College expects from you.

For full policies or reporting instructions, please visit the dedicated pages on FERPA, Title IX, and Complaints.

Your Rights

You are entitled to a fair and equitable academic experience, including:

Academic Fairness: Transparent and consistent grading and evaluation processes, as detailed in course syllabi.
Privacy and Access to Records (FERPA): Your educational records are protected by federal law. You have the right to review and request corrections.
Respectful Learning Environment: Faculty and staff are expected to foster inclusive, collaborative spaces—free from harassment, intimidation, retaliation, or unsafe conditions.
Complaint and Appeal Processes: If you believe your rights have been violated, formal appeal and grievance pathways are available.
Equal Treatment: You are protected from discrimination based on race, religion, gender identity, age, ability, or background.
Pregnancy and Parenting Accommodations: Students who are pregnant, parenting, or recovering from childbirth are entitled to reasonable accommodations under federal law.

Your Responsibilities

With these rights come essential responsibilities that reflect our professional standards:

Professional Conduct: Demonstrate compassion, courtesy, and ethical behavior at all times—in class, labs, and clinicals.
Academic Integrity: Do not engage in cheating, plagiarism, falsification, or sharing course content without permission. Violations may lead to probation or dismissal.
Respect for Others: Disruptive, hostile, or inappropriate behavior, including harassment or breaches of privacy, will not be tolerated.
Adherence to Policy: Follow all rules related to attendance, dress code, clinical readiness, and conduct as outlined in the Student Handbook.
Technology & Social Media Use: Communicate professionally in Canvas, email, and social media. Respect confidentiality, copyright, and HIPAA/FERPA obligations—including restrictions on posting clinical or classroom content.
Reporting Obligations: You are expected to report unethical, unsafe, or unprofessional behavior, especially in clinical practice.

Quick Reminders

Students needing accommodation should contact the Dean of Student Affairs.
All students must comply with HSHS Drug-Free Workplace policies.
Students may optionally designate a mental health emergency contact with the Registrar.
Silence cell phones during class and clinical.
Audio or video recording is prohibited unless formally approved through the Dean of Student Affairs.
Missing clinical or lab time may result in academic probation.
Respect all patient privacy (HIPAA) and classroom confidentiality (FERPA).