Standard 6: Student Services

1. The institution provides an environment which fosters the intellectual and personal development of its students consistent with its mission and purposes. It is sensitive to the non-academic needs of its students and recognizes that their educational experience consists of an academic component and interrelated developmental opportunities provided through a co-curricular program of student services. These services are guided by a philosophy, disseminated and reviewed on a regular basis, which is conducive to the development of a shared learning community and which prepares students to become responsible members of society.
2. In accordance with its mission and purposes, the institution in providing co-curricular services adheres to both the spirit and intent of equal opportunity and its own goals for diversity. It ensures that appropriate services and facilities are readily accessible to students in all programs in the institution, including members of historically under-represented, physically disabled, evening, part-time, commuter, and off-campus populations.
3. The institution systematically identifies the characteristics and learning needs of its student population and then makes provision for responding to them. It assists students to resolve personal, physical, and educational problems.
4. Student financial aid is provided through a well organized program. Awards are based on the equitable application of clear and publicized criteria. The program is subject to periodic audit.
5. The institution provides appropriate and effective orientation, academic advisement, career development and placement counseling, and relevant health education and access to professional health care, including psychological health care.
6. The institution supports opportunities for student leadership and participation in campus organizations and governance.
7. If appropriate to its mission and purposes, the institution provides adequate opportunities and facilities for both female and male students' recreational and athletic needs. If the institution offers intercollegiate athletics, they are conducted in a manner consistent with sound educational policy, with standards of integrity, and with the institution's purposes. The administration and faculty of the institution have responsibility for the control of these programs, including their financial aspects. Educational programs and academic expectations are the same for student athletes as for other students.
8. The institution ensures that individuals responsible for co-curricular activities are qualified by formal training, work experience, and personal qualities to represent the needs of students effectively. Facilities and funding are adequate to implement the institution's student service policies and procedures.
9. The institution has identified, published widely, and implemented an appropriate set of clearly stated ethical standards to guide student service activities. Policies on student rights and responsibilities, including grievance procedures, are clearly stated, well publicized and readily available, and fairly and consistently administered.
10. The institution has policies regarding the kinds of information that will be included in the permanent record of students as well as policies regarding the retention, safety and security, and disposal of records. Its information-release policies respect the rights of individual privacy, the confidentiality of records, and the best interests of students and the institution.
11. Through a program of regular and systematic evaluation, the institution determines whether the co-curricular goals and needs of the students are being met. Information obtained through this evaluation is used to revise these goals and improve their achievement.