Do You Know Your Student Rights On Campus?
By Samantha Sandoval
Many students are unaware that they have rights while on campus, but with the help of student government, they can begin protecting them.
On Sept. 4, Chaffey College's Student Government held a workshop in the Student Life Lounge to talk to students about their 9+1 Rights. Every student on campus has rights, and better understanding and knowing them leads to becoming a better student and peer.
In this workshop, student government representatives discussed these nine rights including ways to be informed and express concerns while also providing examples on different situations where students can have the opportunity to use their rights.
Student government member and political science major Valaria Chavez says,
“A lot of people don’t know about their 9+1 rights, and that's why I, as the Director of Regional Affairs, want to make sure everybody knows they have a place in the law to have their voice heard and bring all this information to campus.”
It is of utmost importance for Chaffey students to understand their rights, whether it be speaking out or defending themselves.
Student Government advisor Sadie Grantham said,
"It's important for students to know their 9+1 Rights because it helps them feel confident and supported as they navigate college life. These rights ensure that students have a clear understanding of their opportunities to engage, advocate, and participate fully in campus activities. By becoming familiar with these rights, students can make informed choices and feel empowered to use their voices in positive ways."
For students that may not be aware, the 9+1 Rights include:
1. Grading policies
2. Codes of student conduct
3. Academic disciplinary policies
4. Curriculum development
5. Courses or programs which should be initiated or discontinued
6. Processes for institutional planning and budget development
7. Standards and policies regarding student preparation and success
8. Student services planning and development
9. Student fees within the authority of the district to adopt
To ensure that students are aware of any rights being disregarded, the workshop provided examples for students.
For grading policies, if a student feels that their final grade in a class was unfairly given or incorrect, they are able to make an appeal and change the grade.
Other examples include a change in dress code, a new school rule/policy, a change in curriculum, unfair budgeting and a drastic change on student fees, like parking permits and admission. All of these can affect students in negative ways, but can be modified with student input.
If students have a problem on campus or discover something that they feel is violating student rights, it is encouraged to inform a student government representative or staff member. This will help direct concerns toward the formal committee for further investigation.
Knowing these rights ensure that students are protected to the fullest extent of the law. The ultimate inspiration is that students on campus will be able to allow themselves to get their voices heard on various issues that they feel are important.
Grantham also stated,
“My hope is that students walked away with both knowledge and connection. Knowledge in the sense that they now understand their rights and how those rights create opportunities for involvement, leadership and advocacy. Connection because they were able to meet CCSG members, who will continue to serve as a resource and partner for them throughout the year.”
The future of advocacy at Chaffey starts with students knowing their rights.