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Every student should understand the legal protections and institutional rights available to them. This glossary introduces key concepts worth researching further.
ADA/Section 504 — Guarantees equal access and reasonable accommodations for documented disabilities. Contact disability services to initiate the process.
Clery Act — Requires campus crime reporting and safety policies. Guarantees access to campus security information and emergency procedures.
FERPA — Controls access to your educational records. Gives you rights to view, correct, and restrict who sees your academic information (including parents).
First Amendment — Protects free speech and expression on public campuses. Private institutions have more discretion, but often maintain strong free speech policies.
Title IX — Prohibits sex-based discrimination, harassment, and assault. Provides supportive measures and formal complaint processes through campus coordinators.
Academic Grievance — Formal process for grade disputes, unfair treatment, or policy violations by faculty.
Athletic Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) — Student-athletes can now profit from endorsements, social media, and personal appearances while maintaining eligibility.
Financial Aid Appeals — Process for special circumstances affecting aid eligibility or FAFSA calculations.
Housing Rights — Due process for campus violations; tenant protections for off-campus housing under local/state law.
Intellectual Property Rights — You typically retain rights to your original academic work, but research, theses, and work-for-hire may have different ownership rules. Review institutional policies.
Mental Health Confidentiality — Counseling records protected by HIPAA and institutional policies, maintained separately from academic files, with strict disclosure limits.
Photo/Media Release Rights — You likely signed photo waivers during enrollment. Review your consent terms and opt-out options for institutional use of your image.
Research Participant Rights — If participating in campus studies, you have rights to informed consent, confidentiality, and withdrawal without penalty.
Social Media Conduct Policies — Many institutions have codes of conduct extending to online behavior. Review what digital activities could affect your enrollment or campus standing.
Student Conduct Appeals — Due process protections for disciplinary actions, including hearings and representation rights.
Student Employment — Labor law protections for work-study and campus positions, including wage and hour requirements. State laws may provide additional protections for student internships and unpaid positions.
Ombudsperson — Neutral advocate helping navigate institutional systems and policies.
Student Government — Often maintains advocacy resources and rights information.
Student Legal Services — Free legal consultation available on many campuses.
Note: Public and private institutions may have different obligations. Always check your specific campus policies.
