Declaration of Student Rights

1. Declaration of Student Rights George Mason University Student Government, 2014 Rachel Grimesey, Student Body Attorney General

2. Office of the Attorney General § 901 Establishment The Office of the Attorney General is established as an executive departmental office of the Student Government of George Mason University. §902 PurposeThe purpose of the Office of the Attorney General is: External Purposes: A)To help establish and enforce a University Student Bill of Rights. B) To strengthen the relationship between the students and the University Judicial system. C) To increase students awareness of the University’s policies on Student Conduct and Drugs & Alcohol. D) To increase ties with the local judicial system and George Mason University. E) To increase awareness of students’ legal rights on and off campus. F) To establish working relations with other offices on campus such as the Office of Student Conduct and the Office of Academic Integrity. Internal Purposes: • To serve as Student Government’s Prosecutor or Defense in all EDC Grievances that pertain to any legislation, impeachment, or any other grievances that do not deal with disputes between the two branches of Student Government.

3. AG Responsibilities Office of Student Conduct Office of Academic Integrity Student grievances & inquiries EDC grievances Declaration of Student Rights

4. Stakeholders • Office of the University President • University Police • University Life • Student Involvement • Wellness, Alcohol, and Violence Education and Services (WAVES) • Women and Gender Students Center (WGST) • Student Conduct • Office of Student Support and Case Management • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Resources (LGBTQ) • Housing and Residence Life • Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) • Disability Services (ODS) • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) • Dean of Students • Academic Integrity • Undergraduate Academic Affairs • Office of the Registrar • Office of Academic Integrity

5. Purpose of a Student DOSR • Clarify • Make sure students understand existing Student Conduct policies • Contract • Have administrators and students agree on students’ rights • Ensure fairness in treatment for all students • Transparency • Give students clear access to University disciplinary processes • Strong communication between Admin and students • Protect Mason Students

6. DOSR Timeline • Pass as Student Senate Resolution • Present to Senate: February 6 • Office Hours for feedback: February 10- 13 • First reading in Senate: February 20 • Second reading in Senate: February 27 • Discussion with Administrators (March) • Pass as Constitutional addendum through Student Body vote (April)

7. Welcome to NOVA!Did You Know? • Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor • Includes any speed over 80 mph or 20 mph over the posted speed limit • If you live in VA but use a different state’s license for more than 60 days you’re committing a crime • Virginia punishments for DUIs are severe • Synthetic marijuana is illegal • Possessing or using prescription drugs that have not been prescribed to you can be charged as a felony

8. Topics I. Classroom II. Expression III. Institutional IV. Due Process V. Student Health

9. Statement of Purpose The George Mason University Declaration of Student Rights will serve as a contract of understanding between the student body and Institution. The Bill will protect the rights of all Mason students to pursue higher education in a safe, transparent, and fair institution and classroom environment.

10. I. Classroom • Accommodations for disabilities • Inclement weather • Exams • Classroom • Equality • Freedom from discrimination based on race, age, citizenship status, political beliefs, weight, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, culture, national origin, or other methods of affiliation • Optimal learning environment • Safety • Classroom maintenance • Access to course information • Ensure syllabus and book information is made available to students more than 2 weeks prior to classes beginning • Right to notification of potential failing a course before final exam

11. II. Expression • Student media • Social media • Community outlets • Access to student representatives (SG members) • Protest and expression on campus • Right to submit grievances against any institutional body • Directly or through student representatives

12. III. Institutional • Protection of all student information • Financial, health, grades, student conduct, etc. • Justification and transparency in tuition spending • Right to request justification for funds

13. IV. Due Process • Right to Appeal • Right to have decision reviewed by a third party • Right to be present during appeal hearings • Right to be tried in front of a jury of peers • Student Conduct • Right to be provided the Student Code of Conduct and all relevant University policies • Understand specific outcomes that could result from a particular offense • Understand, inclusively, all violations of University policies • Written notice to be provided in a timely manner • Response from SC within 24 hours

14. V. Student Health • Good Samaritan Policy • Freedom from retribution for calling emergency services on behalf of students in danger • Sexual assault victims • University sexual assault hotline • Counseling services • Option to bring WAVES representative or counselor to hearings • Alcohol/ substance abuse • Access to counseling and health assistance without fear of retribution or punishment • Mental health • Easy and efficient student access to mental health services • Protection from discrimination

15. Feedback? • Office Hours: • Tuesday, Feb 11: 4:30-8pm • Thursday, Feb 13: 12-2:45pm • Contact Information • Email: mgrimese@gmu.edu • Phone: (804) 916-0915