Reasonable Student Rights and Responsibilities

Reasonable Student Rights and Responsibilities

Those rights which students ought to expect by virtue of Saint Mary’s University being a publicly accessible institution of post secondary education.

All students (refers to any person currently enrolled in at least one three (3) credit hour course offered by Saint Mary's University) have the right to:

a use a defense which states that if a charge or accusation of wrongdoing constitutes a violation of this Charter (refers to the document created by SMUSA, officially known as the Charter of Rights and Responsibilities as ratified by the Student Representative Council on September 28, 2003) that this violation be considered as a factor in settling said dispute.

In return, students shall recognize that no violation of this Charter can currently be
sustainable charge in and of itself if such a charge cannot be supported by preexisting University approved documentation.

b be meaningfully and proportionately represented at all levels of University governance and participate in the affairs of the University through the Students’ Association (or “the Association”, refers to the Saint Mary's University Students’ Association as incorporated on April 6, 1966 by Bill 36 of the Nova Scotia Legislature).

In return, students are responsible for advising the President of the Association of
instances where their views and/or interests have not been represented or where representatives do not act in accordance to the Constitution of the Association or in good faith.

c be consulted regarding tuition and/or fee increases.

In return, students are responsible for making themselves aware of the University’s and/or Association’s budget process and direct feedback accordingly.

d access to information, policy and practices regarding their rights and the expectation the University has of them.

In return, the University expects students to make use of this access to make themselves aware of any and all rules and regulations that may be applicable to any contested situation the student may find her or himself in.

e an accurate and complete description of campus services, programs, and a reasonable rationale for any fees incurred as a result of using such services or programs. (In addition, students have the right to opt out of the student health plan provided by the students’ association)

In return it is the responsibility of the individual not to abuse systemic practices, services or programs in a self-serving manner so as to cause an imbalance or inequity among fellow community members

f (Although this can be beyond the University’s control) enjoy reasonable financial and living conditions that facilitate study and the University shall endeavour to assist students, where it is within its resources, mandate and capabilities to do so, in obtaining adequate on and off-campus accommodation and means of financial support.

It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that all timelines and University protocols are met, regulations adhered to and good faith is shown in utilizing whichever resources the University may offer as means of assistance. Ultimately the student alone is responsible for his or her living and financial situation.

g know where and when specific information may be obtained within the
University and also to expect information, where available, to be accurate, up-to-date and given promptly.

It is the responsibility of the student to expect that information shall or shall not be given in accordance with the provincial Freedom of Information, Protection of Privacy Act (FOI-POP), as well as the federal Personal Information Protection & Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) or where distributing such information compromises academic impartiality or may prejudice the governance of the University

h have material needs and constraints recognized and respected, such as the necessity to undertake part-time work or to cater for dependants.

In return it is the responsibility of the individual not to abuse systemic practices, services or programs in a self-serving manner so as to cause an imbalance or inequity among fellow community members