Chapter VI: Policies & Procedures

Alcoholic Beverages Policy

UWA acknowledges that the use of illegal drugs and the misuse of alcohol can disrupt the rights of everyone to a secure and productive educational environment or workplace. The university has a legal obligation to maintain a drug-free school and workplace. Consequently, UWA complies with and supports all federal, state, and local laws governing or prohibiting the possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, prescription drugs not prescribed by medical professionals, and/or illicit drugs. Unless otherwise specified by law, each individual is accountable for their mental or physical condition, even if influenced by alcoholic beverages or other substances. Students, faculty, staff, and employees of UWA are hereby informed of the university's alcohol policy and are expected to adhere to the guidelines outlined in this policy. Summary of State and Local Laws regarding Alcohol.

This policy statement is in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.

All campus leaders (faculty, staff, and students) must comply with the laws of the State of Alabama and the city of Livingston, as applicable.

1. Possession, use or purchase of liquor, beer, or wine by persons under 21 years of age. (Code of Alabama, 28-3-266)
2. Sale or advertisement of sale of alcoholic beverages without a license. (Code of Alabama, 28-3- 60:10)
3. Public drunkenness. (Code of Alabama, 28-3-260:3)
4. Providing liquor, beer, or wine to an underage individual. (Code of Alabama, 28-3-261)
5. Sale of alcoholic beverages on Sunday. (Code of Alabama, 28-3-261)
6. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. (Code of Alabama, 32-5A- 191)

University Regulations

1. No individual under the legal drinking age of 21 years will be allowed to consume, serve, sell, or possess alcohol on university property.
2. Public drunkenness or driving under the influence on campus is prohibited.
3. Sponsorship of events promoting or glamorizing the consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited (i.e., two-for-one specials, beer bashes, happy hours, etc.).
4. On-campus advertisements directly promoting the consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
5. Campus organizations must enforce additional group/individual standards, as directed by their national or international organizational bylaws, which may be more restrictive than those established in this policy.

Services Provided

UWA provides free, confidential counseling for students having drug or alcohol abuse problems. Referrals for extended treatment may be made to community counseling and local treatment programs.

Policy Distribution

The alcoholic beverages policy is made available to students, employees, and the general public through:

• The Tiger Paw, the student handbook, published and distributed through the Dean of Students' office.
• The Faculty and Staff Handbook, published and distributed by the Human Resources department.

Policy Violations

Enforcement of the alcoholic beverages policy for student organizations and students shall reside with the Dean of Students. Enforcement of the alcohol policy for faculty and staff resides with the Vice President of Administration and Human Resources. Violations of the policy will be handled as follows:

• University Organizations
  • First Time Offenders within an academic year:
    • Will be referred to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action.
    • Will be fined $100. *
  • Repeat Offenders within an academic year:
    • Will be referred to the Dean of Students for appropriate disciplinary action, including possible revocation or recognition as an approved organization.
    • Will be fined $250. *
• Students
  • First Time Offenders within an academic year:
    • Will be referred to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action, including community service, alcohol assessment and/or counseling, or suspension.
    • Will be fined $50. *
  • Repeat Offenders within an academic year:
    • Will be referred to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action, including community service, alcohol assessment and/or counseling, or suspension.
    • Will be fined $100. *
• Faculty/Staff
  • The Vice President of Administration and Human Resources will handle violations of the alcoholic beverages policy by faculty/staff.

*Money collected from fines for alcohol policy violations will be used specifically for alcohol education programs. If it is determined that the student does not have the ability to pay the monetary fine, the student will be required to work the fine off through school services, to be determined by the Dean of Students.

Drug-Free Campus & Workplace Policy

The University of West Alabama is committed to providing a campus environment free of the abuse of alcohol and the illegal use of alcohol and other drugs. In order to promote a safe and efficient educational as well as work environment, the Drug-Free Campus and Workplace Policy Statement has been adopted to supplement existing University policies, practices and procedures. Implementation of this policy statement is subject to restrictions contained in all local, state, and federal laws. This policy statement is in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.

Standards of Conduct

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of illicit drugs or alcohol by students or employees is prohibited at any time on any University property or at any University activity. No employee who is impaired by an illegal drug or by alcohol will report to work or will work or be present in the workplace. No student who is impaired by illegal drugs or alcohol will attend classes or any University activity.

Disciplinary Sanction

The University will impose sanctions (consistent with local, state, and Federal Law) upon all employees and students who violate these standards of conduct. Such sanction, may include but are not limited to: referral for prosecution, probation, suspension or expulsion of students, suspension or termination of employees.

Types of Drugs & Possible Effects

Alcohol is a powerful depressant. Alcohol use decreases alertness and inhibition. Accidents and/or risky behaviors occur with negative consequences to health such as disease transmission. Long-term, heavy drinking is linked to cancer, gastrointestinal problems, heart and liver damage, birth defects, and psychological dependence develop.

Tobacco use in the form of cigarette smoking is linked to emphysema, lung cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses. Physical and psychological dependence can develop. Smokeless tobacco use leads to cancer of the head and neck areas. Passive smoking increases upper respiratory illness.

Anabolic Steroids may produce behavior effects including aggressiveness, irritability, impaired judgment, impulsiveness, mania, and paranoid delusion. Sexual functioning is frequently impaired. Serious health problems include liver and heart disease, cancer, and death.

Stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) and methylphenidate (Ritalin) increase blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. Taking high doses of a stimulant can result in an irregular heartbeat, dangerously high body temperatures, and/or the potential for cardiovascular failure or seizures. Taking high doses of some stimulants repeatedly over a short period of time can lead to hostility or feelings of paranoia in some individuals. Tolerance as well as psychological and physical dependence develop. Continued use can cause heart problems, malnutrition, and death.

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that strongly activates certain systems in the brain. Methamphetamine is chemically related to amphetamine, but the central nervous system effects of methamphetamine are greater. Methamphetamine is referred to by many names, such as "speed," "meth," and "chalk." Methamphetamine hydrochloride, clear chunky crystals resembling ice, which can be inhaled by smoking, is referred to as "ice," "crystal," "glass," and "tina." The use of methamphetamine can cause irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, and aggressiveness. Methamphetamine causes increased heart rate and blood pressure and can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain, producing strokes. Other effects of methamphetamine include respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat, and extreme anorexia. Its use can result in cardiovascular collapse and death.

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive drug. The powdered, hydrochloride salt form of cocaine can be snorted or dissolved in water and injected. Crack is cocaine that has not been neutralized by an acid to make the hydrochloride salt. This form of cocaine comes in a rock crystal that can be heated and its vapors smoked. The term "crack" refers to the crackling sound heard when it is heated. The use of cocaine or crack can cause confusion, depression, and hallucinations. Tolerance and physical dependence develop. Effects are unpredictable; psychosis, convulsion, coma, cardiac arrest, and death are possible. Nasal membranes may be destroyed. Smoking causes lesion in the lungs. Brain damage may occur.

Depressants relax the central nervous system. Barbiturates, tranquilizers (Valium, Xanax), and Methaqualine may cause confusion and loss or coordination. Tolerance as well as physical and psychological dependence develop. Overdoses cause coma and death. Overdoses taken in combination or with alcohol are especially dangerous due to their combined effects.

Cannabis alters mood and perception. Marijuana may cause confusion and loss of coordination. Long-term use leads to tolerance and psychological dependence. Users frequently begin using other drugs. Long-term use causes damage to lung tissue and other illnesses.

Hallucinogens temporarily distort reality. Lysergic Acid Diethyfamine (LSD causes hallucinations and panic. Effects may recur ("flashback") even after use is discontinued. Tolerance and psychological dependence develop. Birth defects occur in user's children.

Phencyclidine causes depression, hallucinations, confusion, and irrational behavior. Tolerance develops. Overdoses cause convulsion, coma, and death.

"Designer Drugs" cause anxiety, depression, paranoia, illusion, and hallucination. Impaired perception occurs. Irreversible brain damage may occur.

Narcotics lower perception of pain. Heroin, Morphine, Codeine, and Opium cause lethargy, apathy, loss of judgment and self-control. Tolerance as well as physical and psychological dependence develops. Overdoses cause convulsions, coma and death. Risks of use include malnutrition, hepatitis and AIDS.

Deliriants cause mental confusion. Aerosol products, lighter fluid, paint thinner, amyl nitrate and glue cause loss of bowel and bladder control, confusion, and hallucinations. Overdoses cause convulsions, cardiac arrest, and death. Psychological dependence develops. Permanent damage to lungs, brain, liver and immune system may occur.

Legal Sanctions

Possession, Use or Distribution of Alcohol Beverages

Alabama state law prohibits the purchase, consumption, possession, or transpiration of alcoholic beverages by persons under 21 years of age. Penalties for conviction may include a fine and/or jail sentence.

Public intoxication, driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), and the unlicensed sale of alcoholic beverages are also against the law. Penalties for such convictions may include a fine, jail sentence, suspension of driver's license, and/or required completion of an alcohol rehabilitation program.

Possession of Controlled or Illicit Drugs

Marijuana

Possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use only is a misdemeanor punishable by a prison sentence of up to 1 year, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.

Possession of marijuana for other than personal use or a second conviction for personal use is a felony punishable by a prison sentence of 1 to 10 years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

Possession of more than 2.2 ponds of marijuana is considered "drug trafficking" and is punishable by a minimum prison sentence of three years and a fine of at least $25,000.

All Other Controlled Substances

Possession of a controlled substances other than marijuana is a felony punished by a prison sentence of 1 to 10 years and a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

Possession of large amounts of a controlled substance other than marijuana is considered "drug trafficking" and I publishes by a minimum prison sentence of three years and a fine ranging from $50,000 of $500,000.

Sale of Controlled or Illicit Drugs

The sale of any controlled substance is a felony punishable by a term of 2 to 10 years or a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

The sale or distribution of a controlled substance within a three -mile radius of any school or college is punishable by a mandatory prison sentence of five years in addition to other penalties described above.

Federal trafficking penalties for first offenses range from up to one year of imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000 to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $4 million, depending on the illicit drug involved.

Repeat offense penalties range from up to two years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $4 million, depending on the illicit drug involved.

Repeat offense penalties range from up to two years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $200,000 to mandatory life imprisonment and a fine of up to $8 million, depending on the illicit drug involved.

Drug Education & Treatment Programs

A full range of education and treatment programs is available to students and employees of The University of West Alabama. Programs fall generally into three categories:

1. Information/Education/Referral
2. Self-Help
3. Professional Treatment

Local Programs

West Alabama Mental Health Center

P.O. Drawer J

Demopolis, Al 36732

205-289-2410

Other Area Programs

Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act Requirements

Each employee who is employed under a federal grant will be given a copy of this policy statement and will sign a statement certifying that the employee will, as a condition of employment under the grant:

Abide by the terms of this policy statement on a drug-free workplace, and

Notify The University of West Alabama of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after such conviction.

Upon receiving such notification from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction, The University of West Alabama will:

Within ten days, notify the agency responsible for the grant, and

Within thirty days, take appropriate personnel action against any employee who is so convicted, up to and including termination; and/or require such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a federal, state, or local health, law enforcement or other appropriate agency.

Implementation of The University of West Alabama Drug Prevention Program

An Advisory Committee for a Drug-Free Campus and Workplace has been appointed to:

establish procedures and develop informational materials for annual distribution to students and employees,

provide recommendations to promote and further develop the University's drug prevention program, and

evaluate the University's drug prevention program biennially to determine its effectiveness and ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.

Dangerous Weapons & Firearms Policy

Purpose

The University of West Alabama seeks to provide a safe learning environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The University is committed to the prevention of crime; the protection of life and property; the preservation of peace, order, and safety; the enforcement of laws and ordinances, and the safety of the University community and visitors; and adopts this policy for possession of dangerous weapons and firearms on campus and at events.

Definitions

Campus - All property owned, leased, or controlled by the University and any affiliated buildings and outdoor premises, such as parking lots and other outdoor property.

Dangerous Weapon - Includes the following:

• Any device that shoots or delivers a bullet, BB, pellet, arrow, dart, flare, electrical charge, or other projectile, whether loaded or unloaded, including those devices powered by CO2.
• Any explosive device, including fireworks.
• Any instruments/devices that are designed or may be used as a weapon to injure or threaten another individual, including, but not limited to, non-culinary knives with a blade greater than four (4) inches.
• A firearm, as defined herein, is not included in this definition of dangerous weapon.

Firearm - A pistol, handgun, rifle, or shotgun and any associated ammunition.

Policy

Except as otherwise stated in this policy or as otherwise allowed by law, the University prohibits the possession, transportation, and use of firearms and other dangerous weapons on campus. This policy applies to all persons on campus, including faculty, staff, students, contractors, and visitors.

Dangerous weapons are not allowed on campus at any time. Any dangerous weapons may be confiscated.

Faculty, staff, and students may not possess firearms on campus or while otherwise engaged in duties associated with their education/employment, except for a firearm properly maintained in a personal vehicle in a manner consistent with Alabama law. 

Consistent with Alabama law, all persons are strictly prohibited from possessing firearms at locations where guards and other security features are employed, such as athletic events.

This policy will be published in the Handbook for Faculty and Staff and the UWA Student Handbook, and supersedes any contrary provisions.

Enforcement

Persons on campus and in violation of University policy are trespassers and may be dealt with accordingly, including, but not limited to, being removed from campus and receiving a written directive to remain off campus. Contractors and vendors are expected to comply with policy and contract terms. Violations of Alabama law may be dealt with by appropriate law enforcement. Student violations may be addressed in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct as well as other applicable policies and may include sanctions, up to and including expulsion. Employee violations may be resolved in accordance with employer policies, up to and including termination.

Exceptions

This policy does not prohibit use or possession of dangerous weapons or firearms by (1) certified law enforcement officers acting within the scope of their employment; (2) private security, who with express prior permission of University Police, possess firearms or dangerous weapons while in the employ of the University or for a permitted event; and (3) members, coaches, and authorized staff of a recognized team or course who are acting within the scope of activities that University Police has pre-approved. This Policy also does not apply to University Police officers who are attending classes as students. If, however, University Police officers are not in uniform during class, they must keep their weapons concealed. Any other use or possession of dangerous weapons or firearms on campus must be authorized by University Police.

Student Group Advertising Policy

The University provides bulletin boards throughout the campus for the purpose of disseminating information important to members of the University community. Each of the colleges has an official bulletin board which is reserved exclusively for the use of the Dean in posting official announcements and other information specifically related to the college. In addition, other official bulletin boards are located in proximity to various offices and are reserved for official information related to the respective offices. No materials should be posted on these official bulletin boards without the approval of the person in charge.

Materials for bulletin boards within the residence halls must be turned in at the Housing Office, Brock Hall 121, for approval and posting.  Once approved, materials will be distributed to the residence halls and posted by members of the Housing staff.  Any materials posted on bulletin boards within residence hall areas without prior approval from the Housing Office will be removed and thrown away.

General bulletin boards-those not assigned to specific offices-are available for posting of important information by faculty, staff, and students, including notices from student organizations and other groups directly related to the University. Since bulletin boards are provided for meaningful communication within the University community, all notices should be relevant to faculty, staff, and/or students and should comply with accepted standards of good taste. All flyers and posters posted on bulletin boards must conform to the "poster regulations."

Poster Regulations

Although the word "poster" is used, the following regulations apply to posters, flyers, leaflets and similar promotional materials.

1. All posters must be 17 x 23 inches or smaller. Approval for larger posters may be requested from the Coordinator of Student Involvement.
2. Posters are not permitted on doors, walls and on any glass surfaces.
3. Posters are prohibited on the outside of buildings and on trees.
4. No more than two posters for the same event are permitted on the same floor of any academic building; only one poster is permitted in each stairwell per floor of an academic building.
5. Posters must be removed by 10:00 a.m. the morning following the advertised event; in case of a weekend function, 10:00 a.m. Monday is the deadline.
6. Posters must be sponsored by a recognized UWA student organization or University department, except for student elections (see #9 below).
7. UWA does not permit posters that promote events taking place at bars and similar establishments, nor may posters include any reference to alcoholic beverages.
8. Failure to comply with the above rules may result in suspension of poster privileges for the offending organization. Unauthorized posters may be thrown away by University personnel.
9. Student Elections: Special poster regulations governing student election campaigns may be adopted by the Student Government Association.
10. All posters and flyers for posting in the residence halls must be submitted to the Housing Office for approval.  If approved, members of the Housing staff will put up the materials.

Campus Visitor Policy

The University of West Alabama will implement and enforce a strict visitor policy on campus. The policy will be enforced on all parked vehicles and on all other streets and in UWA parking lots. For purposes of this policy, a legitimate visitor is defined as a visitor with a stated and specific purpose of appropriate business on the University campus.

The purpose of establishing a strict policy for visitors is an attempt to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff, to prevent unauthorized use of University facilities, to protect University property, and to provide a campus environment consistent with the mission of the institution.

• Frequent visitors to the campus will be provided a hang tag. This card will be good for a period of four years. The frequent visitor card will be provided, at no charge, upon completion of a request form at the Craiger House. The hang tag request must include a legitimate reason for being on the campus, name, make of automobile, tag number, and proof of liability insurance on the vehicle. This will include local residents and alumni who frequently visit the SUB, cafeteria, pool, fitness center, and other campus facilities. (Vendors in vehicles clearly identifying the company will not be required to have a visitor card).
• Hang tags that are assigned to a particular individual and vehicle are not transferable. Also, when the visitor changes vehicles, the card must be transferred to the new vehicle.
• Persons parking vehicles on campus while walking the loop will be required to have a hang tag and should park in the lower SUB lot or at the tennis court lot.
• Infrequent visitors, upon the request of the sponsoring UWA department, will be provided dash cards indicating the dates of the visit. When large groups are visiting the campus for events such as orientation, athletic and other camps, it is the responsibility of the sponsoring organization to secure and distribute dash cards. The policy will not be enforced at athletic and other public events where the general public is invited and encouraged to attend. An occasional student guest will not be required to have a visitor card as long as a student who has a current student I.D. card accompanies the guest.
• Cards will be issued by the UWA Police Department and will be available in the University Police Office located in the Craiger House. Questions regarding frequent visitors or dash cards should be referred to Chief Josette White of the UWA Police Department.

Student Educational Records Policy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or the Buckley Amendment, FERPA is a federal law that was enacted in 1974 to protect the privacy of student educational records. All institutions that receive federal funding must comply with FERPA. As a student at UWA, it is important that you understand your rights under FERPA.

The Act endows students with four primary rights:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's educational records.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student's educational record(s) if the student believes they are inaccurate or misleading.
3. The right to provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information from the student's educational records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
4. The Right to be notified of their FERPA rights at least annually.

Students who have questions regarding their official records should address them to the Registrar.

Information Technology Policies

The Office of Information Technology will provide high-quality infrastructure, support services and innovation in the delivery of technology products and services for the University community by supplying the leadership and resources necessary to ensure the availability and reliability of all systems and the overall security and integrity of data. Information Technology works in partnership with all areas of the University to ensure that all systems function as needed to facilitate the realization of the UWA's mission.

All applicable policies can be found at: https://policies.uwa.edu/hc/en-us 

Policies and Procedures Regarding Equal Opportunity, Harassment, & Nondiscrimination

The University of West Alabama is committed to providing an educational and employment environment free of harassment and other forms of discrimination on the basis of Race, Religion, Hearing status, Personal appearance, Color, Sex, Pregnancy, Political affiliation, Religion, Creed, Ethnicity, National origin (including ancestry), Citizenship status, Physical or mental disability (including perceived disability), Age, Marital status, Sexual orientation, Gender identity, Gender expression, Veteran or military status, Predisposing genetic characteristics, Domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any grievance process on campus, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other human rights agencies. University policies relating to harassment and/or discrimination are published and are accessible on the University's web page. 

Affirmative Action Statement

The University of West Alabama does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, hearing status, personal appearance, color, sex, pregnancy, political affiliation, creed, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability (including perceived disability), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any grievance process on campus, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other human rights agencies.

Student Complaint Procedures

UWA is committed to reviewing and responding to student complaints appropriately. A complaint is an expression of discontent based on the result of behavior or circumstances that the student believes are unjust, unsafe, inequitable, or create unnecessary hardship.

This Complaint Procedure applies to student complaints that are not addressed in other University procedures that have established processes for resolution, such as the Academic Grievance Policy, Academic Integrity Appeal, Student Conduct, or Title IX.

If a complaint does not fall within established procedures, a student may submit a complaint by following these procedures.

Informal Complaint Resolution Process:

Prior to initiating the formal complaint process, a student complainant should first request to meet with the individual(s) with whom they have a concern. There are times when it is not possible to initially address the individual(s) of concern directly.  At that point, the student should consider meeting with the Director of Student Advocacy, who has been tasked with hearing all informal complaints.

Formal Complaint Resolution Process:

If a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached informally, a student complainant may initiate the formal complaint procedures by submitting the Student Complaint Form to the Dean of Students. All formal complaints must be completed via the online form, which is authenticated by your student email address.

Upon receipt of a formal complaint, the Dean of Students

1) will respond to and acknowledge receipt of the complaint and inform the complainant of the next steps,

2) forward the matter to the proper university office for a response or

3) initiate an investigation as outlined in the following paragraph.

If the complaint can be resolved with a direct response from the appropriate office, the complaining party will receive a written response within 10 business days of receiving the written complaint. If the Dean believes an investigation is warranted, the complaining party will be informed of the initiation of an investigation, the name of the investigating party, and the date they should receive a report of its outcome. The investigation should be carried out by the senior administrator of the office/department from which the complaint arose unless that individual is named in the complaint. It should conclude within 30 business days of the formal complaint unless extenuating circumstances occur. Once the investigation has been completed, it is the responsibility of the office/department investigating the complaint to recommend a resolution to the appropriate Vice President's Office, who will determine the resolution.

Following the investigation process and resolution determination outlined above, the Vice President who supervises the area or individual(s) involved in the complaint will provide a written response to the student complainant to address the appropriate action(s) taken by the University. The matter will be considered closed once this response has been sent to the student, and the Vice President's decision is final.

Complaint Tracking

The Office of the Dean of Students will track each formal student complaint and will maintain a record that includes, at a minimum, the following information:

• The names of the Student(s) initiating the complaint and the Individual(s) named in the complaint
• The date that the Student Complaint was received
• The Student(s) identified with the Complaint;
• The nature of the complaint, including a copy of the Student Complaint, to be retained for not less than two (2) years after its final disposition;
• The University official(s) assigned to investigate the complaint and the steps taken to resolve it;
• The date and final resolution or disposition of the complaint;

The information tracked will be made available to regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies, including the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, as required in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and policies.

Public Complaints

Complaints with Regional Accrediting Agency

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

The University of West Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate's, baccalaureate, master's, education specialist and doctoral degrees. Questions about the accreditation of the University of West Alabama may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website at www.sacscoc.org

Complaints Regarding State Consumer Protection Laws

Individuals wishing to file a complaint regarding a consumer issue may contact the Alabama Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-5658 or 334-242-7335. You can also visit their website at https://www.alabamaag.gov/consumer-complaint/ .

Academic Grievances

From time to time, students may raise questions concerning academic decisions made by instructors or academic policies established by the University. Questions regarding academic decisions may deal with grades, such as setting standards, evaluating student progress, and reporting grades accurately, but they may also concern other academic issues such as an instructor's policies concerning absences, classroom behavior, and other matters specified in an instructor's syllabus.

An instructor is expected to apply grading standards and other academic regulations equitably and to carefully guard against errors in all of these academic matters. If a student raises questions about a grade or another academic circumstance, the instructor should respond constructively, explaining the situation as carefully as possible and checking to be sure that no error has been made. Most questions concerning grades and other academic matters can be resolved in this manner, but when this is not possible, a student may appeal for further consideration by following, in detail, the process outlined below.

A student who believes that the grading standards have not been equitably applied or that the instructor may have made an error in calculating his/her grade or who has other questions regarding his/her grade or other academic policies or decisions has the right to full explanation and clarification of such questions. This policy has been adopted by the University to ensure the student's right to appeal for reconsideration of such decisions. A student who wishes to appeal a grade or other academic decision must comply specifically with the following policies and procedures:

1. Any appeal of a grade must be initiated no later than 30 days after the final grade has been assigned, and any appeal involving application of an academic policy must be initiated no later than 30 days after application of the policy at issue. An appeal to a higher level must be made within five class days following the student's receipt of a response from the previous level.
2. The student must first confer with the instructor in an attempt to resolve the question before appealing to any administrator. When a student raises such questions, the instructor should carefully explain the basis for the decision and should allow the student to examine relevant documents. This does not mean that the instructor must provide the student with copies of tests, and he/she, of course, must not allow the student to see documents relating specifically to other students. After the instructor has explained the basis for the decision, the student may request him/her to reconsider, in which case the instructor should reevaluate the situation.
3. If unable to reach a resolution through conference with the instructor, the student may appeal to the instructor's department chairperson. The chairperson may request the instructor to provide, for information purposes, a written statement regarding the basis of the grade or decision and the result of the conference with the student and may also request permission to examine relevant tests and other documents as necessary. The department chairperson may find no basis for further consideration or may request the instructor to review the situation in order to be sure the student has been treated fairly and equitably. The department chairperson should handle the appeal expeditiously and should inform the student of his/her conclusions within five class days after receiving the student's request.
4. If the matter is not resolved at the departmental level, the student may appeal to the dean of the college in which the class is offered (If the matter involves an online course and is a procedural rather than an academic matter, the academic dean will confer with the online dean). The student must present his/her grievance to the dean in writing, specifying in detail the basis of the appeal. The dean may require written statements from the instructor and/or department chairperson, as well as copies of tests and other relevant documents relating to the student in question and to other students in the class, which may assist in making a determination that the instructor has applied grading standards equitably. The dean may request the instructor to review the situation or may determine that no basis has been established for further consideration. The dean will inform the student of the decision, in writing, within 10 days after receipt of the written grievance statement, with copies to the instructor and the department chairperson.
5. If the matter is not resolved by the dean's action, the student may appeal in writing to the Provost. The dean will forward to the Provost copies of the student's original grievance statement, the statement of the dean's decision, and all other documents considered. The Provost may require the student, the instructor, the department chairperson, and/or the dean to provide additional information as necessary. The Provost may request the instructor to review the situation or may determine that no basis has been established for further consideration. The Provost will inform the student of the decision, in writing, within 15 class days after receipt of the student's written appeal, with copies to the instructor, department chairperson, and dean.
6. Final appeal for an academic grievance is to the President of the University, who will follow essentially the same process as the Provost after receiving the appeal in writing, requiring additional information as he/she deems necessary. Again, the President may request the instructor to review the situation or may dismiss the student's complaint. The President will inform the student of the decision, in writing, within 15 class days after receipt of the student's written appeal, with copies to the instructor, department chairperson, dean, and Provost.

 In considering the student's appeal, the President, Provost, dean, or department chairperson may find it appropriate to talk with other students in the class or pursue other lines of inquiry in order to have as much relevant information as possible. If so, such inquiries should be handled with discretion and with care to protect the privacy and the interests of both the student and the instructor.

The setting of grading standards for a specific class is the responsibility and prerogative of the instructor in that class. The administration's concern is limited primarily to assuring that student progress is carefully evaluated, grades are accurately reported, and established grading standards are applied fairly and equitably to all students in the class. However, if at any stage of the appeal process the instructor is asked to reconsider a grade or other academic decision, he/she should do so carefully and thoughtfully to ensure that the student is treated fairly and equitably in all respects. The instructor has the authority to change a grade with the approval of the appropriate academic administrator. The University reserves the right to administratively change a grade in cases including, but not limited to, incompetence, bad faith, fraud, error, or similar infractions.

Students should also be aware that although the University is concerned to ensure that students are treated fairly and equitably in academic matters, it will not condone frivolous or irresponsible allegations against faculty members.

Academic policies are established to provide guiding principles for fair decision making and, in some instances, to comply with regulations from accrediting bodies. A student who believes that an academic policy has not been equitably applied or who has other questions regarding the policy has the right to full explanation and clarification of such questions. A student who wishes to appeal reasonable application of the policy (Only the application of the policy and not the policy itself may be appealed) must comply with the following:

1. Any appeal involving application of an academic policy must be made no later than 30 days after application of the policy at issue. An appeal to a higher level must be made within five class days following the student's receipt of a response from the previous level.
2. If the matter is not resolved through the explanation of the policy by an instructor or chairperson, the student must present his/her grievance to the dean in writing, specifying in detail the basis of the appeal. The dean will inform the student of the decision, in writing, within 10 days after receipt of the written grievance statement.
3. If the matter is not resolved by the dean's actions, the student may appeal in writing to the Provost. The dean will forward to the Provost copies of the student's original grievance statement, the statement of the dean's decision, and all other documents considered. The Provost will inform the student of the decision, in writing, within 15 class days after receipt of the student's written appeal with a copy to the dean.
4. Final appeal for an academic policy grievance is to the President of the University, who will follow essentially the same process as the Provost after receiving the appeal in writing, requiring additional information as he/she deems necessary. Again, the President may request the dean to review the situation or may dismiss the student's complaint. The President will inform the student of the decision, in writing, within 15 class days after receipt of the student's written appeal, with copies to the dean and Provost.