Students are expected to observe acceptable classroom behavior, which is behavior that fosters an atmosphere of learning, free and open exchange of thought, and respect for the instructor and classmates within the learning environment. Instructors are also expected to maintain a safe environment for students free from intimidation, bullying, and harassment per the Faculty Policy Manual. All students participating in Northwest Nazarene University courses are responsible for their conduct in the classroom. The “classroom” is defined as an on-campus location, off-campus location for a required classroom activity (clinicals, field experience, class trip), or an online course shell.
Freedom of speech and expression is valued in the academic setting, and education often requires active engagement around differences of opinion or interpretation. However, members of the NNU community are expected to commit to behavior and use of language that enhances and grows our personal character by using words that uplift and encourage one another, choosing to avoid any language and behavior that may be construed as harassment based upon gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or other defining identity traits, excluding from our conversation vulgar, obscene, or bullying language, and striving to live lives free from lying, dishonesty, fraud, perjury, and any disruptive or offensive actions, whether spoken, written, or otherwise.
Students are expected to abide by the following guidelines including, but not limited to:
- Accessing the learning management system and other classroom resources for lawful purposes only.
- Respecting the privacy of other members of the class and other students including not sharing classroom discussions with non-class members, or externally on social media or other public platforms.
- Respecting the diversity of opinions among the instructor and members of the class, and communicating differences in a courteous manner.
- Avoiding the use of threatening, harassing, sexually explicit, or discriminatory language, or conduct that violates state or federal law or NNU policy on sexual harassment or discrimination.
- Avoiding any unauthorized posting or transmitting of sexually explicit or disturbing images or other content that is deemed by any instructor or administrator to be offensive.
- Behaving in a way that does not disrupt the educational environment of other students either online or off-line.
- Keeping all electronic communication respectful including avoiding the use of ALL CAPS in your writing, which can be considered a form of verbal abuse.
Any violations of the University Standards of Student Behavior policy may be subject to discipline as deemed appropriate by the instructor and/or university administration. Disciplinary action could be, but is not limited to, consequences such as a “zero” or “no credit” for a classroom session or assignment associated with inappropriate classroom behavior, failure in the course, removal from the course, program, or University, or involvement of Campus Safety or law enforcement.
Individual academic programs may have additional policies on student conduct or behavior that could result in further disciplinary action. If a student is dissatisfied with the action of the instructor and/or University administration, the student may appeal the decision in accordance with the Academic Appeals policy.