Legal Statements

General Legal Statements

The Faulkner University Undergraduate Catalog sets forth general academic policy and specific undergraduate academic policy. The University also publishes separate Graduate Catalogs, which describe master’s and doctoral programs, and a Student Handbook, along with supplementary publications for various programs.

While the provisions of this catalog will ordinarily be applied as stated, the University reserves the right to change any provision listed in this catalog including, but not limited to, academic requirements for graduation without actual notice to individual students. Every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes. Information on
changes will be available in the Office of the Registrar and/ or the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. It is important that each student be aware of his or her individual responsibility to keep apprised of current graduation requirements for the student’s respective degree program.

All students must read and follow the rules and regulations as presented in the Student Handbook and such program specific supplementary handbooks as may be applicable. The handbook contains conduct regulations, penalties for failure to comply, grievance procedures, and a statement on student rights. Failure to follow the conduct regulations
contained in the handbook can result in disciplinary action, including suspension and expulsion from the University. The Student Handbook and such program specific supplementary handbooks as may be applicable, as they may be amended from time to time, are incorporated in this catalog by reference for all purposes.

Students agree that any and all claims (in tort, contract, or otherwise) asserted by them against Faulkner University or its employees that arise in any way whatsoever out of their relationship with Faulkner as students or former students will be governed either by applicable Federal law or by the laws (both decisional and statutory) of the State of
Alabama, except that Alabama’s choice of law or conflict of laws provisions will not be applicable.

Students agree that any civil action they commence against Faulkner University or its employees that arises in any way whatsoever out of their relationship with Faulkner University as students or former students can be heard only by a state or federal court sited in Alabama.

Students agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction of the State of Alabama in the case of any civil action instituted against them by Faulkner University or its employees that arises in any way whatsoever out of their relationship with Faulkner as students or former students.

The Faulkner University Undergraduate Catalog, Graduate Catalog, Student Handbook, and other handbooks or guides are available on the University’s website at www.faulkner.edu.

University-Student Agreement

Universities and colleges exist for the transmission of knowledge, skills, and dispositions for the general wellbeing of society. A key commitment of the University is the preservation and perpetuation of the principles of a democratic society, individual freedom, a government of law, the American spirit of community service, and personal responsibility. As a Christian liberal arts university, Faulkner accomplishes this through open inquiry, investigation, and engagement to promote knowledge, professionalism, critical thinking, leadership, lifelong learning, and service to others. In this light, Faulkner University has established the following mission- and vision-driven student rights and responsibilities to create a caring Christian environment for the development of the whole person.

Student Rights

Students have a right to:

1. Learn in a caring Christian environment.
2. Participate in all areas and activities of the University, free from any form of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, disability, age, or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, except as otherwise permitted under federal or state law as a consequence of the University’s religious mission and values.
3. Participate in a free exchange of ideas within the mission, vision, and core values of the University.
4. Enjoy personal privacy within the mission, vision, and core values of the University except as otherwise provided by the University’s policies, regulations, or procedures and those provided by law.
5. Receive or access the University Catalog, Student Handbook, University Calendar, or other relevant program handbooks via the University website (www.faulkner.edu).
6. Access modifications, enhancements, additions, or alterations to the materials listed in #5 above in a reasonable time frame via the University website (www.faulkner.edu).

Student Responsibilities

Students have a responsibility to:

1. Uphold the principles of personal and moral integrity contained within the Bible and exemplified by Christ.
2. Foster the creation of a caring Christian environment.
3. Foster the character traits of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship within others and themselves.
4. Respect and observe the personal privacy of others within the mission, vision, and core values of the University, except as otherwise provided by the University’s policies, regulations, or procedures and those provided by law.
5. Respect the rights and property of others, including other students, the faculty, the administration, the University, and its vendors.
6. Recognize that student actions reflect upon the individuals involved and upon the entire University community.
7. Know, adhere to, and abide by the regulations, policies and procedures in the current University Catalog, Student Handbook, and relevant program handbooks.
8. Know the modifications, enhancements, additions, or alterations to the regulations, policies, and procedures to the current University Catalog, Student Handbook, and relevant program handbooks posted on the University website (www.faulkner.edu).
9. Know the University calendar, including critical events and deadlines.
10. Read and review all mail-electronic and otherwise-from the University.

Postsecondary Student Rights under Family Education Rights and Privacy Act

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all educational institutions that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. FERPA authorizes the disclosure of certain information about students in the absence of their consent. This information is known as “directory information,” and includes the following: student’s name, address (including email address), telephone number, place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and weight and height of athletes on an intercollegiate team sponsored by the University. By this provision, students and parents are hereby given notice of the categories of information the University has designated “directory information” and that such information will be provided without consent of either students or parents unless the parent, student, or guardian informs the Registrar in writing that some or all of such information should not be released without their prior consent.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
5. The right to obtain a copy of Faulkner University’s student records policy. This policy is available in the Office of the Registrar.

Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Faulkner University complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. (The University considers itself a religious institution that falls within the exemption regarding public accommodation provisions that Title III of the ADA provides for such institutions.) Most campus buildings are equipped for and accessible to handicapped persons. The University provides reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. New construction is in full compliance with the Act.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Faulkner University does not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, marital status, veteran status, or disability in connection with its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, educational programs, or activities to those who meet its admission criteria and are willing to uphold its values as stated in the Conduct Regulations contained in the Student Handbook and relevant program handbooks.

Faulkner University is a church-affiliated liberal arts institution committed to employing a highly qualified and diverse administration, faculty, and staff, who reflect the University’s religious traditions, values, affiliation, and purpose. Thus, the institution invites individuals affiliated with the Churches of Christ to submit applications regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Faulkner University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, marital status, or disability in connection with its employment practices. However, Faulkner University exercises a preference in employment for those qualified
applicants who are members of the Churches of Christ, and whose lifestyles are consistent with the mission of the University and with the beliefs and values of the Churches of Christ. The religious tenets followed by the University may also, in certain situations, limit or impact the employment of persons on the basis of sex.

Based upon this commitment, Faulkner University follows the principle of nondiscrimination and operates within applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination. As a recipient of federal financial assistance, Faulkner is required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, as amended, not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its admissions policies, treatment of students, employment practices, or educational programs except in accordance with its religious tenets. Inquiries concerning the application of federal and state laws or regulations may be referred to the Office of Human Resources.

Athletic Participation Rates and Financial Support Data

Information regarding Faulkner’s athletic participation rates and financial support data is available to students, prospective students, and the public upon request via the Athletic Director’s Office.

Harassment on the Basis of a Protected Characteristic

Harassment on the basis of any federal or state protected characteristic (e.g. race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability) will not be tolerated by the University. It subverts the mission of the University and threatens the careers, educational experience, and well-being of students, faculty, and staff.

Students who wish to make a complaint about discriminatory conduct on the basis of a protected characteristic, including harassment or sexual harassment, should file a complaint pursuant to the Student Complaints and Conflict Resolution policy set forth in the Student Handbook.

Smoking and Weapons

Smoking or other use of tobacco including vaping on University properties or in University facilities and vehicles is prohibited. Faulkner University prohibits possession, use, and transportation on University properties of any dangerous or potentially dangerous weapons, including fixed-blade knives, shotguns, rifles, handguns, bows and arrows, crossbows, brass knuckles, air guns, swords, and fireworks or explosive devices.

Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act

Faulkner University complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, which requires the compilation and dissemination of certain crime data and security. Campus Crime Statistics are posted on the University website.