UWM Undergraduate Catalog 2009-10

ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, national origin, disability, or any other protected status recognized by Wisconsin or federal law. In 1990, s. 36.12, Wisconsin Statutes, was enacted which provides as follows:

No student may be denied admission to, participation in or the benefits of, or discriminated against in any service, program, course or facility of the (UW) System or its institutions or centers because of the studentÕs race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, disability, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status or parental status.

University policies also prohibit harassment or retaliation against complainants on any of these bases. These policies are in compliance with all relevant Wisconsin and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

Questions about the application of any of these policies, or complaints about violations, may be directed to the appropriate admitting or employing office, or to the campus Office of Equity/Diversity Services, Mitchell, Room 359, or phone 229-5923.

An information booklet on the UWM Disciplinary Guidelines and the appropriate sections of the Wisconsin Administrative Code covering conduct on University lands and student disciplinary procedures is available in the lobby of Mellencamp Hall and in several offices, including the Office of the Dean of Students, Mellencamp Hall, Room 118. Board of Regent rules require adherence by students and others present on the campus. Failure to comply with these rules may subject students to disciplinary action and to civil forfeitures. State of Wisconsin Statutes and Federal Law also apply on the campus of the University.

Under the provision of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, a student is entitled to review the education records related to the student that the University maintains. A student may request a hearing regarding any alleged inaccurate, misleading, or inappropriate information contained in the record.

The University may not disclose information from a studentÕs record to a third party unless the student gives consent, or unless permitted to do so by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. A student may contact the Undergraduate Records Office or the Office of the Dean of Students, both in Mellencamp Hall, for further information.

You may restrict the release of your address and phone number and other limited information by checking a box on your registration form. If you do this, your address and phone number will not appear on most mailing lists used by UWM student organizations, campus departments, or on mailing lists obtained from UWM by non-University groups.

The various academic units at UWM have set up appeals and grievance procedures. Students may avail themselves of these procedures by contacting a department chair, the deanÕs office of the school or college from which the course was taken, or the Office of the Dean of Students.

UWM Equal Opportunity Policy

It is the policy of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to provide equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment for its employees and students in all programs, activities, and employment. UWM is committed to actively implement all federal and state equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, executive orders, policies, plans, rules and regulations.

UWM's Discriminatory Conduct Policy (Including Sexual Harassment) (S-47) defines discrimination as conduct that (1) adversely affects any aspect of an individual's employment, education, or participation in activities or programs at UWM; and (2) is based on one or more characteristics of the individual that are protected under federal, state, or local laws. Characteristics that are protected under federal, state, or local law (protected statuses) may include age, ancestry, arrest or conviction record, color, disability, identity as a veteran, disabled veteran, or Vietnam veteran, marital status, membership in the national guard, state defense force or any other reserve component of the military forces of the United States or this state, national origin, pregnancy, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or use of lawful products off the premises during non-working hours (e.g. smoking cigarettes).

Harassment is a form of prohibited discrimination. UWM defines harassment as conduct that (1) is of any type (oral, written, graphic, or physical); (2) is directed towards or against a person because of the person's protected status (as listed above); and (3) unreasonably interferes with the individual's work, education or participation in activities or programs at UWM or creates a working or learning environment that a reasonable person would find threatening or intimidating. Sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal and physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Speech or expressive behavior (e.g., use of visual, recorded, or written materials) used in the context of an instructional setting may be found to constitute harassment only if the speech is persistent, pervasive and not germane to the subject matter, or so singularly severe as to create a hostile environment. Protected Expressive Behavior in an instructional situation is explained in UWM Selected Academic and Administrative Policies No. S-44, Public Expression of Opinion.

In addition, the University is prohibited from retaliating against any student, employee or applicant for employment because he/she has made a complaint, assisted with or served as a witness in an investigation, or instituted proceedings alleging discrimination.

UWM maintains a written affirmative action plan in order to meet its commitment to the principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action. The plan is available to all persons for inspection and is on reserve in the University Library and on UWM's website.

To protect the rights of employees and students, numerous grievance procedures have been developed on this campus. Although all grievants are encouraged to resolve complaints by working with the relevant parties and administrators, inquiries involving complaints of discrimination or harassment based on protected class status may be directed to the UWM Office of Equity/Diversity Services, Mitchell Hall 359, 229-5923.

University Policies and Programs Concerning Illicit Drugs and Alcohol

Consistent with the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) provides a comprehensive educational and abuse prevention program for students. Included are presentations to classes and student organizations, workshops, awareness campaigns, and a variety of printed materials. UWM prohibits the unlawful possession, use, distribution, manufacture or dispensing of illicit drugs and alcohol on university property or as part of university activities. An insert in the Schedule of Classes for each semester describes pertinent laws, rules, and sanctions as well as the health effects of abuse and a list of treatment resources.

Last update: June 9, 2000. --- URL: http://www.uwm.edu/ugbulletin/AdminPol.html
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