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Student Life: Table of Contents - Student Handbook 2007-2008 - Antioch University New England

Student Life:

Table of Contents

Technology Mission Statement

Consistent with Antioch New England’s mission and core values, our work is dedicated to the development and sustainability of individuals, organizations, and environments. While supportive of efficiency, we recognize the need to operate in a larger culture where technological efficiency holds a preeminent position. In our efforts to prepare students for multiple roles of practice in the 21st century, we therefore recognize that technology knowledge and skills are integral to both the profit and nonprofit sectors.

Our view is that technology cannot simply be regarded as a neutral tool or an autonomous force which determines the character of our world. Rather, we believe that it is critical that we engage in a thoughtful appraisal of technological options. We believe that we must pay careful attention to the intelligent and ethical use of technology, not only asking the question, “Is it possible?” but the equally important question, “Is it appropriate?” The modeling of appropriate technological usage, exercise of classroom dialog, and encouraging reflection which advances judgement that seeks to locate the balance between the possible and responsible are key elements in our hope that we can help to create vision for the ethical, balanced, and humane application of technology in contemporary society.

Antioch New England has created and will continue to develop communication infrastructures which allow students, faculty, and staff to expand their communications options, both to support instruction and to enhance community and service connectivity through email, conferencing, online research and course delivery.

Academic Computer/Technology Requirement

Matriculated students in all Antioch New England programs are required to have regular computer and Internet access available on a daily basis. Students are also required to activate, and regularly use, their account on the ANE FirstClass intranet system.

With this requirement, we are enthusiastic about the research and teaching resources that can become more widely available, without giving up the face-to-face community orientation of our programs.

Our intent is to provide student services including, but not limited to: expanded access to academic resources and services provided by the Antioch New England library; technological applications related to the delivery of courses and content via conferencing; enhanced and more convenient communication with faculty and staff around academic and enrollment matters; and a significantly enhanced sense of a learning community through communication opportunities between class meetings. And finally, we envision a substantial reduction in the amount of paper used to conduct business.

Should you need to purchase a computer to meet this requirement, and you have a financial aid package, the cost may be covered through financial aid. Please contact the Financial Aid Office at 603.283.2365 for further information. The FirstClass intranet connection software that you will need will be provided to you at no cost.

Please refer to the “Minimum Computer Requirements” listed below for details of specific hardware and software configuration requirements.

Minimum Computer Requirements

Hardware:
*Mac or *Windows PC with a minimum of 512 Megabites of RAM.

*Note: Please contact your department/program to find out if there is a Mac or PC preference.

Communications Hardware: If you access the internet through a modem, this should be 56K or faster. We highly recommend purchasing either cable modem or DSL access to your Internet Service Provider.

Software:

  1. Current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, available for free download on the internet at www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html
  2. Current version of FirstClass client software, available for free download on the internet. Instructions on how to access this software and activate an account are sent to students upon their acceptance to the graduate school.
  3. Current version of either Netscape or Internet Explorer web browsers, available for free download on the internet. If you are relying on a computer in your work environment, you will need to check to see that you are able to receive “cookies.”
  4. Any word processing program that saves and opens text files and that saves in multiple file formats. A good choice for students in general is a current office suite package such as Microsoft Office that includes word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, and other useful software. Some new computer purchases have this software already installed.
    NOTE: Microsoft Office suites are currently used at ANE.
  5. We highly recommend purchasing software for detecting computer viruses.
  6. Some programs highly recommend purchasing bibliographic/citation software such as Endnote.

Other
You will need access to the internet through the Internet Service Provider of your choice. However, since some students have experienced technical difficulties using AOL with FirstClass and our Library software, we recommend not using AOL.

If you need to purchase a new computer, you can find systems that meet these requirements for around $1000.

Important Note: These requirements are subject to change due to the changing nature of technology.

Academic Dishonesty & Plagiarism

As a community of scholar-practioners, Antioch New England seeks to live and promote the principles of academic integrity. Accordingly, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty are causes for concern and grounds for disciplinary measures.

“Plagiarize” is defined in Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary as “...to steal and pass off (the ideas and words of others) as one’s own; to use (a credited production) without crediting the source; to present as new and original an idea or product from an existing source...” Plagiarizing includes not only taking direct quotes from written or oral sources without citation, but paraphrasing others’ ideas as well.

Students found to have plagiarized or engaged in other acts of academic dishonesty will receive a no credit for the course and may be subject to other disciplinary sanctions through regular academic department and institutional procedures for misconduct, including probation or disenrollment.

Acessibility for Students with Disabilities

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Antioch New England does not exclude or discriminate against otherwise qualified students with disabilities. Students with disabilities, diagnosed by a qualified professional and disclosed to the Coordinator for Student Disability Services, may request and receive reasonable accommodations that will allow them to participate in the institution’s programs and services. For more information about Antioch New England’s procedures please contact the Coordinator for an appointment to discuss your needs and receive a copy of Antioch New England’s policies on accommodations.

Bookstore

Books for classes may be purchased at Antioch University New England’s Bookstore. The hours and days of operation will be posted each semester. Students may call the Bookstore to have their textbooks charged to their credit card along with a modest shipping fee in order to have their books shipped directly to them. Students may also purchase textbooks from the Antioch Bookstore.

Books for sites other than Keene can be purchased through Site Directors (unless otherwise notified). In addition to textbooks, the bookstore carries T-shirts, sweatshirts, notebooks, mugs, decals and snack items for sale. The bookstore staff is happy to special order non-textbook reading materials and computer products. There is also a fax service available. Rates are posted at the front of the store. Naturally, comments and suggestions are always welcome. The bookstore provides customer service comment cards for your convenience.

Class Cancellations and Notification

As it is very difficult to make up any lost class days, especially weekend courses, Antioch makes every effort to run classes and continue normal operations. If weather conditions force Antioch to delay opening or cancel all classes and close, this decision will be announced on the FirstClass Antioch Community Conference, on the Antioch voicemail phone message by 6:30am at the regular phone number, 603.357.3122, and on the ANE Web site at www.antiochne.edu.

If an individual department makes a decision to cancel a class or classes, it is the responsibility of the department to notify the students. Additionally, departments which run sites away from Keene (e.g. experienced educator programs in the Department of Education) shall establish their own procedures to close classes. If ANE closes early, the decision will be announced on the FirstClass ANE Community Conference.

On the rare occasion that the Graduate School cancels all classes and closes, the building will remain open. With the exception of essential functions, however, there will be no services available to the Antioch community or the general public. The essential functions include coverage for the receptionist, facilities services, information systems and academic technology, and the Psychological Services Center (PSC). The library will be closed, but online library services will be available. The Computer Resource Room will be open, however, there will be no support or printing available.

Campus Security Information

The Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, Title II of Public Law 101-542 requires an institution to begin to collect certain information about crimes on campus. It also requires that the institution prepare, publish and distribute this information to all current students, employees, and any applicants for enrollment or employment upon request. The spirit of this legislation is to make our campus a safer place through awareness, clear channels of communication, and encouraging each of us to take reasonable precautions.

Procedures For Reporting Criminal Action

Security concerns during the office hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm should be reported directly to the Chief Administrative and Financial Officer or to the Director of Facilities Services. After office hours and when the facilities are open, make your reports to the person on duty at the library desk. It is Antioch’s policy to respond quickly to any threats to the safety of students, employees or Antioch property. At off campus sites, criminal activity should be reported to the Site Director or faculty member present, who in turn will notify the appropriate local authority.

Access to Campus Facilities

From Monday through Friday, while classes are in session, Antioch facilities are generally open during the hours of 8:00am to 10:00pm or one-half hour after the end of the last scheduled class, whichever is earlier. When classes are scheduled on the weekends, the appropriate spaces within the facilities are open from 8:00am to 5:00pm or one-half hour after the end of the last class, whichever is earlier. On those days when there are no classes scheduled, but the administrative offices are open, the appropriate campus facilities are generally open during the hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm. Off-campus sites are open during posted hours. Since Antioch is a private university, access to our facilities is limited to current and prospective students, staff and faculty, and their guests. A community member should report anyone in the building they suspect is not a member of the educational community.

Campus Law Enforcement Policies

Antioch employees who are involved with security matters are authorized to take actions required to protect Antiochians’ and property of Antioch from immediate danger. They are not legal law enforcement officers so they will immediately call the Keene Police Department when there is danger to persons or facilities. It is our policy to promptly report all crimes to the Keene Police Department. As stated in “Procedures for Reporting Criminal Action”, report any suspected criminal activity to the appropriate official. In an emergency involving immediate threat to persons or property you should call 911 or the Keene Police Department at 352.2222, and notify the appropriate Antioch staff member as soon as is reasonable. Antioch New England is on one of the Keene Police Department’s routine patrol routes.

Other Information on Campus Security

As a non-residential campus with a regional student body, Antioch New England relies on local, state and federal programs to inform its students, faculty and staff of crime prevention methods.

Career Services

Antioch New England assists students in planning their careers and seeking employment in several ways. Job listings are posted on bulletin boards maintained by each of the academic departments. Reference books on resume writing and interviewing for jobs are available in the library. Your advisor can also help you with advice on career planning and professional networking in your field of interest. Academic departments also sponsor practicum and job fairs for current students.

Alumni and finishing students may also access our online Alumni Career Center for career consulting tips, job listings, and networking with other alumni.

Consensual Sexual Relationships with Antioch Employees

Consenting romantic and sexual relationships between employees (faculty, staff and administration) and students are potentially problematic and can raise serious concerns. The employee-student relationship inherently involves disproportionate power and influence, creating the potential for serious abuse. Codes of ethics for most professional associations forbid sexual relationships between professional and client. In the view of Antioch University New England, some employee-student relationships are analogous to those of professional and client.

For these reasons, consenting romantic and sexual relationships between a student and a faculty member and/or administrator with direct evaluative responsibility (i.e., instructional or supervisory) for that student, if developed subsequent to a student’s entry into Antioch University New England, are unacceptable and constitute personal and professional misconduct on the employee’s part. Employees found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate sanctions, up to and including termination. Consensual sexual relationships between faculty/staff and students not in direct evaluative relationships require disclosure to the appropriate supervisor so arrangements can be made for objective decision making with regard to the student. Failure to inform will be viewed as a violation of policy and employees will be subject to appropriate sanctions, up to and including termination.

Relationships existing prior to a student’s entry must also be disclosed to the employee’s supervisor, so appropriate steps may be taken.

In either disclosure example presented above, it is expected that supervisors will respect confidentiality, limiting their disclosures to a “need to know” basis.

Violations of the consensual sexual relations policy will be reviewed by the president or his designee. Based on that review, appropriate sanctions will be determined by the president. The decision by the president will be final.

Drug-Free Policy

Under the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Community Act Amendments of 1989, Antioch New England students and employees are prohibited from the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs, and the abuse of alcohol, as a condition of their enrollment or employment at Antioch.

Any student or employee convicted under a criminal drug statute for conduct at Antioch New England is required to report this to the University Personnel office within 5 days of the conviction, and may be subject to the following:

  • required participation in a drug rehabilitation program approved by Antioch
  • suspension from employment or enrollment until satisfactory progress has been made in a drug rehabilitation program
  • immediate dismissal from employment or enrollment

Upon entering, students are provided with literature covering the health risks of drug and alcohol abuse, and an overview of the legal sanctions applicable under local, state and federal law. Information concerning drug and alcohol counseling, treatment and rehabilitation is available in the Antioch New England Office of Human Resources.

A complete policy statement regarding the sale and use of illegal drugs, along with the brochure, “Creating a Drug Free Workplace”, is distributed to all employees and students each year.

Fax Machine

Antioch New England sends and receives facsimile (fax) transmissions. The institution’s fax number is 603.357.0718; individual departments also have fax facilities. In sending a document to ANE, please be sure to include a cover transmission sheet stating to whom the document should be delivered. Confidentiality of faxes cannot be guaranteed.

Holiday Policy

Antioch New England recognizes that we are a multicultural community with a variety of spiritual and religious practices and therefore, supports the needs of individual faculty, students, and staff to observe their traditional holidays. Given our unique program structures and delivery systems, whenever possible and feasible, it is the intention of the Graduate School to provide accommodations for both federal and religious holidays.

Each year Antioch New England seeks to avoid obvious conflicts with holidays that involve Antioch students, faculty, and staff, and tries to schedule semester breaks to avoid as many conflicts as possible.

Academic departments have the autonomy to schedule classes within the boundaries of the academic calendar to avoid conflict with religious holidays. If a conflict does exist, the academic department is expected to make accommodations based on the need of the individuals involved. Faculty should communicate with students at the beginning of each semester to identify conflicts. Students who wish to observe holidays that fall on class days must inform their instructors of their intent to observe the holiday, in order that alternative arrangements can be made.

Students are expected to make up classroom work, and the faculty is expected to provide reasonable opportunities for students to make up missed work. Students should not be penalized for missing classes for religious holidays.

Faculty, staff, and students should also be responsive to the needs of religious groups when planning special events, avoiding conflict whenever possible.

Library

All of the library’s services and collections are designed to support the low-residency, adult graduate student. Our services serve students on campus, off campus, and at cluster sites.

Individualized service is the reference support model, and faculty librarians offer professional and personal research support to our graduate students, both online and in person. As guides and teachers, the librarians help the students negotiate the landscape of scholarly information. Librarians also offer course-specific sessions and workshops on topics of interest throughout the semester.

The library’s curriculum-focused collection includes print and electronic books and journals, and online research databases. Items not held in the local collection can be obtained through Interlibrary Loan at no cost to the student.

The Library offers circulating audio-visual equipment, including data projectors, camcorders, tape recorders, conference phones, laptop computers, and more. Reservations are recommended.

The electronic infrastructure of the library requires that students have computer systems and skills that meet the ANE standards as noted in this handbook. All electronic communications with the library must come through the student’s FirstClass email account (not a personal email account), which authenticates the student. The library provides complete technical support for all electronic library services.

For complete policies regarding circulation, interlibrary loan, audiovisual equipment, and other library resources and services, please check the library’s website.

Fines and Fees

The Library reserves the right to charge replacement and processing fees for damaged items. Patrons with overdue books or unpaid fines may be denied access to further library services. After due process, all unpaid fines and other charges will be turned over to the appropriate department for collection. Once this action is taken, library privileges will be suspended until payment is received. The provision of enrollment or other academic services (such as transcripts, diplomas, registration for future terms) to students with outstanding library charges may be affected.

Library Hours

Library hours are posted at the beginning of each semester. In general, the library is open seven days a week when school is in session. More limited hours are offered during work week and vacation periods. For up-to-date information on library hours, check the library’s web site.

Contact Information

The library can be reached at 603.283.2400, or by emailing library_circulation@antiochne.edu. Library staff contact information can be found on the library’s web site.

Mailboxes

Student mailboxes, located in the student lounge on the second floor, are in alphabetical order and are shared with other students. Many in-house memos and general information issued to students are placed in your mailbox, and we suggest that you check it frequently. Personal mail sent c/o Antioch New England is not accepted and will be returned to sender.

Mailboxes for chairpersons, faculty, and administrators are located on the first floor in the north wing. Adjunct faculty at Antioch New England who teach courses that start after 5:00pm have mailboxes located above the student mailboxes in the student lounge.

There is an “after hours” mailbox available on the first floor in the lobby by the elevator. You may use this for leaving completed forms, messages, and information for employees in the evenings and on weekends.

Medical Facilities

If you have the misfortune of being involved in an accident, or have a medical problem that requires attention, Keene has excellent medical facilities. Dartmouth Hitchcock Keene is located on Court Street. It is open daily and the hospital has around-the-clock medical assistance and a complete emergency staff on call.

Parking

Antioch New England’s campus on Avon Street has ample on-site parking.

In addition to generating neighborhood complaints and damaging Antioch’s relationship with the Keene community, students who park illegally run the risk of being ticketed or having their cars towed. We ask that faculty, staff, and students not park along Avon Street or in front of the businesses on Avon Street.

Pets

Dogs and other pets are absolutely not allowed. This policy applies to field trips as well; please leave your pet at home.

Phone & Student Calls

The phones at Antioch are not to be used for personal calls. Also, it is our policy not to accept collect calls unless special arrangements have been made with the person whom you are calling. Pay phones for student use are located on the first and second floors near the restrooms, as well as one inside the front foyer of the building. Incoming personal calls to Antioch New England on the day(s) you attend classes must be limited to emergency calls only.

Psychological Services Center

The Antioch Psychological Services Center (PSC), is located at the Avon Street entrance adjacent to the Clinical Psychology Office on the first floor. The center is a clinical training and service facility operated by the Department of Clinical Psychology. One aspect of its mission is to provide services—including individual, group, and family counseling—for Antioch students. The center also offers psychological testing and assessment for learning, behavioral and emotional concerns.

Given its limited staff resources, its contractual commitments to provide services to other client groups, and its training mission, the PSC may not always be able to provide services to students when asked. When requested services cannot be provided, the PSC will make every effort to help Antioch students find appropriate services elsewhere. The PSC is also not equipped to accommodate “walk-ins” and requests for emergency services.

To set up an appointment with a PSC clinician, please call 603.352.1024.

Room Requests - Guidelines for Student Use of Antioch New England’s Facilities

Room scheduling policies have been developed with consideration of the nature of our academic delivery model, the physical characteristics of our building, limited facilities, our status as a commuter campus, and current liability insurance coverage. All room reservation requests will be governed by these policies.

Gatherings beyond the scope of the academic program, (ie purely social events), are discouraged due to liability, security, and associated costs (reception coverage and cleaning).

  1. All room requests, whether for individual use or group activities, must be sponsored by your department, and faculty/staff must be present during the event, particularly if this occurs after hours.
  2. Requests are to be submitted by the department administrative assistant with specifics as to event, faculty sponsors, numbers of attendees, and planned activities. Since events are scheduled for only those evenings we’re open for classes, the coordinator may not approve events that could be disruptive to scheduled classes.
  3. Conference rooms are primarily for administrative purposes, academic/faculty meetings, etc. Conference rooms may be scheduled as above for meetings of a recognized student group (SERD, CTEC, etc.), with department sponsorship and faculty presence at the meeting or event.
  4. The casual use of rooms other than those scheduled according to the above parameters is strongly discouraged. Although a room may appear empty, other groups (internal and external) may be assigned to the space. We have requested that faculty request break-out rooms for classes in which groups may move to remote (ie, out of classroom) space to discuss academic issues.
  5. Events are not to be announced publicly until appropriate room reservations have been requested via a department adminstrative assistant, and acknowledged.
  6. Use of first and second floor lobby areas is arranged by the process noted above.

Safety & Emergency Procedures

General Safety Guidelines

  • For all emergencies requiring Police, Fire, or Ambulance assistance without the need to sound the fire alarm, dial 9 (for an outside line) followed by 911.
  • Life Safety and Fire Codes of the State of New Hampshire and the City of Keene prohibit candles and smoldering type incense within our “clean air” designed building.

Minor Safety Concerns
All minor safety concerns including but not limited to spills of non-toxic materials, body fluids (vomit, blood, etc.), electrical or chemical odors, mechanical malfunctions, hazardous storage, blockage of corridors, stairways, entrances and exits, must be brought to the attention of the Facilities Services Office by either phoning them directly at extension 268 or by contacting the receptionist in the lobby. On weekends please see the librarian.

Medical Emergencies
In the case of a medical emergency, stay with the patient and keep him/her still. Send someone else to notify the receptionist. She will then contact the appropriate personnel. If there is no receptionist present, go to the nearest phone and dial 9 (for an outside line) followed by 911. Provide all the requested information and do not hang up until instructed to do so by the dispatcher.

Fire Emergencies
For all emergencies involving fire, smoke, explosions, large spills of toxic chemicals, strong irritating odors or gases, pull the nearest fire alarm and evacuate the building immediately. This will automatically alert the Fire Department. Report all necessary information to the Director of Safety, Director of Finance and Operations OR to the Fire Department Incident Commander as soon as possible.

There are no “fire drills” at Antioch New England. All alarms are real. When the alarm sounds, leave the building immediately. Make your way quickly and safely to the nearest uninvolved ground floor exit. These are marked by lighted green EXIT signs. Maps for general evacuation routes are posted inside the door of all rooms throughout the building and in corridors and common areas. Proceed to the end of the parking area farthest from the building and wait for additional instructions. Do not enter vehicles and attempt to leave the parking area. This action will result in delaying the incoming emergency apparatus. If there is to be a long delay in reentering the building, the Fire or Police Department will set up traffic control to facilitate departure in a controlled manner.

Earthquakes, Explosions, Building Collapse
Should an earthquake occur, seek shelter from flying glass and possible collapse of building components, under the nearest desk or, if unavailable, lay face down against the nearest interior wall. Protect your neck and head with your arms. When quaking stops, evacuate and help others to evacuate, by the nearest outside opening. If you must leave through a window opening, use any means available to clear glass from the frame.

Sexual Harassment & Sexual Assault

Antioch University reaffirms that it is the policy and intent of the institution that all members of the community—students, faculty and staff, be free from sex discrimination in the form of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is a form of misconduct that undermines the integrity of the employment and student/faculty relationship.

Sexual harassment includes a wide range of behaviors from actual coercing of sexual relations, including sexual assault, to the unwelcome emphasizing of sexual identity. Antioch New England, in accordance with university policy, uses the following definition issued by the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission in judging whether behavior constitutes sexual harassment.

“Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when:

  1. submission to such conduct is either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment (favorable academic evaluation and/or continuation in a graduate program in the case of a student),
  2. submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis of employment decisions (academic evaluation decisions in the case of a student) affecting such an individual, or
  3. such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonable interference with an individual’s work (academic) performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working (learning) environment.”

Policies and complaint procedures are detailed in the “Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Policies and Complaint Procedures” handbook distributed to all students at orientation.

Smoking Policy

Antioch New England has adopted the following policies with regard to smoking.

  1. There will be No Smoking allowed anywhere, anytime within the building(s) at Antioch New England, and No Smoking within 60 feet of the building(s). Establishing this rule avoids the situation where participants who are smokers make it unhealthy for themselves and non-smokers. It also eliminates the need for bringing up the topic at the beginning of every meeting and removes the need for non-smokers to continually initiate the request.
  2. Any class that is more than an hour-and-a-half will include a break during which smokers may leave the building to have a cigarette.
  3. All employees will take responsibility for informing guests of the “No Smoking” policy.

These procedures are based on the following assumptions:

  1. Working and learning conditions are important to all because they:
    1. affect the work of the organization;
    2. affect the health of each individual
  2. The evidence is unequivocal that smoking not only harms the smoker, but others in the room.
  3. Everyone here should have access to a smoke-free working and learning space.
  4. The burden should not be on non-smokers to raise the objections to smokers and ask them to cease.
  5. Where the two are in conflict, institution rules should come down on the side of the non-smoker.

Student Health Insurance

Antioch New England as an institution does not offer student health insurance. However, we do have information available on student health insurance administered by a private carrier, the National Association of Graduate Professional Students (NAGPS). Further information can be obtained at the Student Accounts Office, or by contacting a representative at NAGPS at office@nagps.org.

Student Identification Cards

Student Identification Cards are available from the Registrar’s Office for use while you are enrolled. Your student I.D. will admit you to the Antioch New England library and will also serve as identification at functions which offer student discount rates.

Student Lounge

The main student lounge, located on the second floor, is a place for students to meet, relax and study.

We ask that students please help us keep the lounge an inviting place for fellow students and visitors by picking up after themselves.

Student Rights & Responsibilities and the Judicial Process

General Statement

At Antioch New England we have created an educational community committed to shared responsibility for the well-being of the community as well as respect for the individual. Inherent in these ideals is the need for a system of justice which protects the community as a whole, as well as each of the individual members of the community.

The affairs of our community are best managed with the perspective gained from an understanding of adult development and accompanying moral development, with our daily life here managed according to a set of clearly and commonly understood expectations, procedures, rules and regulations. Continued membership as a student in the Antioch New England community is a privilege, and students are expected to abide by the graduate school’s rules and regulations, uphold principles of academic honesty and integrity, and act in a fashion that preserves the rights of others. Further, students in professional training programs are expected to follow the ethical code of their particular profession.

When there are infractions of rules or regulations, and/or when serious concerns arise, efforts are made to address and resolve these matters through consultation, mutual agreements, departmental procedures, etc. However, at times formal disciplinary actions may be necessary. The procedures outlined below have been developed to address such situations. It is also possible that prosecution in criminal or civil courts may result. However, Antioch New England procedures shall be considered independent of, and in addition to, any criminal or civil proceedings; no principle of “double jeopardy’ shall apply as Antioch New England is not intended to serve in lieu of the criminal or civil courts.

Outline of the Judicial Process

The following procedures will be followed, except in those cases where extraordinary circumstances, as determined by the Vice President of Acadmemic Affairs (VPAA) of Antioch New England, warrant a change. It must also be noted that response timeframes indicated below are designed to convey a spirit of timely attention; however, special circumstances (e.g. travel, availability, etc.) may make strict adherence impossible.

Questions of charges related to misconduct shall initially be brought to the attention of the VPAA, who will determine if there is sufficient evidence of misconduct to warrant an investigation. The VPAA, or his designee, may request that additional information be supplied, may conduct an investigation and/or arrange for a personal meeting with the student(s) in question.

At the point of an interview with the student(s) allegedly involved in the misconduct, the VPAA or his designee will discuss student rights, outline hearing procedures and options, and specify particulars of the accusation. This oral communication shall also be confirmed in writing to the student(s) by the VPAA, or his designee. The student then has forty-eight hours after the verbal communication to decide whether he/she wishes to discuss the case and have sanctions assigned by the VPAA, or his designee, or have the Antioch New England Judicial Hearing Board conduct a hearing to determine guilt or innocence. That decision must be communicated in writing to the VPAA, or his designee. If the student does not request a hearing by the Judicial Hearing Board, the student waives all rights to hearing by the Judicial Hearing Board, and the VPAA, or his designee, shall make a full determination of the matter.

If the VPAA, or his designee, is to deal with the matter, it will be done at the earliest possible date. If the Judicial Hearing Board is requested to review the matter, it will normally conduct the hearing within two weeks of the students request.

The determination of the innocence or responsibility for wrong-doing of the student by the Judicial Hearing Board and the assignment of appropriate sanctions assigned by either the VPAA or the Judicial Hearing Board are final and irrevocable, subject only to the right of the student(s) to appeal as outlined below.

All decisions will be rendered, in writing, within twenty-four hours after the conclusion of the hearing, and then sent to the VPAA, or his designee, and to the student(s).

The Judicial Hearing Board

Membership of the Judicial Hearing Board, including its Chair, will consist of three persons drawn from the constituent parts of the Antioch University New England community—faculty (including adjuncts), administration, and students.

The membership composition for each seating of the Judicial Hearing Board will be appointed by the VPAA from a pool of individuals who have agreed to serve, and must include at least one student who is part of the student’s academic field/program. The initial Judicial Hearing Board composition will be determined by the VPAA within ten working days after a student(s) requests a hearing, after which the student(s) may make a maximum of two requests for removal of appointed members in conflict of interest reasons.

General Guidelines for the Judicial Hearing

  1. Formal rules of evidence will not apply in the hearing process.
  2. Decisions of the Judicial Hearing Board require a majority vote (with abstentions recorded as a negative vote).
  3. Decisions will be made on the basis of a preponderance of evidence.
  4. Conduct of the hearing will be the responsibility of the Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board.
  5. Deliberations of the Judicial Hearing Board are confidential. Individual members retain the right to disclose only their own position; members may not disclose the voting position of others or deliberations of the Board.
  6. Questions surrounding ethical issues are of concern both to the graduate school and its academic departments. The judicial process focuses on issues relevant to membership in the Antioch New England community. In accordance with procedures consistent with established guidelines of the specific professions, the ethical issues around a person’s membership in a particular profession continue to be subject to separate consideration by academic departments.
  7. In sexual assault matters:
    1. the accuser and accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during the proceedings; and
    2. both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of the proceeding.
  8. Should the Board decide that a person is responsible for the alleged misconduct, the Board shall then consult with the VPAA, or his designee, and the appropriate Department Chairperson, or designee, on what consequences are appropriate up to and including disenrollment. The determination on the consequences shall be set by the Judicial Hearing Board.

Appeal Procedure

Decisions of the Judicial Hearing Board may be appealed to the VPAA by the student(s) against whom a decision has been rendered on the basis of:

  1. procedural grounds,
  2. specific new substantive evidence, or
  3. sanctions.

The appeal request must be submitted in writing to the VPAA within forty-eight hours after receipt of the protested decision. Within seven days after receipt of the appeal, the VPAA, or his designee, shall determine whether there was fair consideration, or if there were prejudicial, arbitrary or capricious actions on the handling of the matter; if new and significant information has arisen since the matter was presented for hearing and disposition, or whether sanctions were appropriate.

If the VPAA, or his designee, finds that fair consideration has been given; that there were not prejudicial, arbitrary, or capricious actions in the handling of the matter; no significant new information has arisen; and that sanctions were appropriate, the matter will not be considered further. If, however, a deficiency is found, the VPAA, or his designee, shall reconsider the matter and decision on the basis of the deficiency.

Student Rights

The following fundamental concepts will be followed in a hearing process:

  1. Students against whom charges have been made are entitled to notification in writing of those charges and will be given a reasonable time in which to prepare for a disciplinary hearing.
  2. Burden of proof in disciplinary matters will rest with those bringing the charge(s), and all information upon which a decision might be based must be introduced at the time of the hearing before the Judicial Hearing Board. An information summary will be made, including taping of the proceedings, and will become part of the hearing records.
  3. Students against whom charges have been made have the opportunity to appear, to speak, and to present information and witnesses. Witnesses against the student(s) will normally testify in the presence of the student and be available for cross-examination. Signed written testimony will be accepted, but it must be made available to the student(s) as well. Accused students have the right to present individual witnesses to testify on their behalf, subject to reasonable limitations on numbers to be determined by the Judicial Hearing Board. Accused students have the right to remain silent (not to testify against oneself), though it must be recognized that the matter will be considered by the Judicial Hearing Board on the basis of evidence presented. The right to appeal, as outlined above, is guaranteed.
  4. Accused students have the right to be assisted by an “advisor” of his/her choice from within the Antioch New England community (administration, faculty, and students). Professional legal counsel will not be permitted in either of the above options unless simultaneous legal action for the same offense is pending in criminal court.

© 2007 Antioch University New England, 40 Avon Street, Keene, NH 03431-3516    800.553.8920

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Last Updated: 4/21/08