Introcution, Preamble, and Purpose

Introduction

This Charter of Rights and Responsibilities has been created by the Saint Mary’s
University Students’ Association with the intent of having it used as a pocket guide
to regulations of the University and to provide academic support to students. This
document was made possible by the contributions of many students, administration,
faculty, and staff but would not have been successful without the input and
support given by the Academic Planning Committee and more specifically the
Strategic Initiatives Fund subcommittee.

Preamble

Saint Mary’s University is an institution that believes that all students are equal in
terms of their fundamental rights and responsibilities, and the policies and practices
of the University reflect this belief. It is the expectation of students to be treated fairly and with respect by all members of the University and in return students are expected to make themselves aware of their responsibilities as members of the University community.

Purpose

This Charter is to be used as a reference guide to the policies and practices of the
University as outlined in the Academic Calendar, the Community Standards Statement, the “Residence Life Handbook”, and any and all other preexisting documents that have been approved by the Academic Senate and/or the Board of
Governors. This Charter has been written with the intent of condensing regulations
into statements outlining rights and responsibilities. It does not seek to replace any existing document(s), but rather to serve as a quick reference for frequently asked questions, or as a guide for exploring individual rights and responsibilities as they may relate to an unfavourable situation. In the event of confusing or conflicting statements between the Charter and the document(s) it makes implied or direct reference to, you are encouraged to read the original document in full. Some information has been abbreviated for clarity or to give the “gist” of something where regulations already exist. It is not intended that the Charter will constitute a binding agreement, rather it is the framework designed to be of benefit to all University community members.