Students Rights & Responsibilities

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Each student is guaranteed the privilege of exercising his/her rights within the College and Federal policies without fear of reprisal. Such rights include the following: 

• Students are free to pursue their educational goals, both inside and outside the classroom. 
• Academic evaluation of student performance shall be fair and clear; it shall not be arbitrary. 
• Free inquiry, expression, and assembly are guaranteed to all students, provided their actions do not interfere with the rights of others or violate established college policies. 
• Members of the UCB community have the right to expect safety, protection of property, and the continuity of the educational process. 
• Students have the responsibility to respect and comply with the College’s policies and procedures. 
• Students must comply with local, state, and federal law. 
• Students are responsible to act in a manner that promotes an atmosphere of learning and free expression. 
• The responsibility to respect the human rights of every individual in the College community. 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. 

For a complete listing of these rights and other privacy policies, please refer to the College Catalogue which can be found through the College’s website www.urbancollege.edu.

Students Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures

Code of Student Conduct 

Urban College of Boston is committed to promoting student learning in a stable and peaceful environment. Therefore, students are responsible for conducting themselves in a manner that is appropriate and non-threatening to others. Specifically, students should refrain from disruptive behavior, theft, falsification of records, possession of weapons, destruction of property, hazing, physical and verbal abuse, and acts of harassment towards anyone. Students who violate this code of conduct are subject to expulsion, suspension, or other penalties. Conduct subject to disciplinary action includes, but is not limited to, the following: 

Unprofessional Conduct

• Dishonesty, including, but not limited to, forgery, knowingly furnishing false information to the college, and alteration and/or use of college documents, financial instruments, or identification cards with intent to defraud. 
• Dishonesty involving academic integrity, including, but not limited to, cheating or plagiarism, will be addressed under the Academic Honesty Policy in the College Catalogue. 
• Disrespect of or insubordination to college personnel. 
• Use of oral or written profanity. 
• Sexual harassment of other students, faculty, or staff.

Misuse of College Property

• Littering, destroying, or damaging property of the college or property under its jurisdiction. 
• Violation of the college computer facilities and network use policy. 

Alcohol and Drug Violations

• Use of alcoholic beverages, including the purchase, consumption, possession, or sale of such items, except where specifically authorized in the policies and guidelines of the College. 
• Possession, use, sale, or distribution of any type of drugs for illegal purposes. 
• Appearing at any College premises while intoxicated or while under the influence of an illegal substance. 
• Violation of the college Non-Smoking policy. 
• Criminal Activity and Violent or Dangerous Behavior. 

Criminal Activity and Violent or Dangerous Behavior

• Violation of any local, state, or federal law. 
• Possession on college property of weapons, such as knives, firearms, or any dangerous chemical or explosive elements or their component parts.
• Threatening of any member of the UCB community. 

Sanctions

The following sanctions may be imposed, separately or in conjunction with other sanctions:

1. A written statement to a student that he/she is violating or has violated College policies and may be subject to more severe disciplinary action.
2. Required reimbursement for damage to or misappropriation of property. This may take the form of appropriate services or other compensation.
3. Interim Suspension: If, in the opinion of the Chief Student Services Office (CSSO) or designee, the presence of a student poses a serious threat to others, the CSSO or designee may suspend the student immediately. If the student requests an appeal of the decision, a hearing shall be held at the earliest reasonable time.
4. Termination of student status with the college for an indefinite, or permanent, period of time.
5. Withdrawal without refund. A student may be administratively withdrawn from the current or future semesters at the College and the course withdrawal refund policies described in the catalog will be followed.

Financial Aid Grievances

Students with concerns about financial aid issues should first contact the Business Office to discuss any concerns that they have. Many issues can be resolved via a conversation. In the event that the student is not satisfied after contacting the Campus Business Office then the student should follow the Non-Academic or Financial Aid Grievance Procedures as outlined in the College Catalogue. 

Business Office 
2 Boylston St. 2^nd Floor 
Boston, MA 02116 
617-449-7030

Policies and Procedures

Alcohol and Drug Policy

UCB strives to achieve a healthy living, learning, and working environment. As part of this commitment and pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug Free Schools and Community Act Amendments of 1989. The College also complies with all local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to alcohol and illicit drugs. The unlawful manufacture, dispensing, possession, use or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs by students or employees on UCB’s property is prohibited.

All members of the UCB community are responsible for knowing and acting in accordance with the applicable laws and college policy concerning the purchase, possession, consumption, and sale of alcoholic beverages.

UCB will continue to distribute materials to students and provide educational workshops/training as a means of prevention. Student Affairs personnel can provide referrals to other agencies and organizations for individuals experiencing or affected by persons with substance abuse issues.

Drug-Free Policy

UCB strives to achieve a healthy living, learning, and working environment. As part of this commitment and pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug Free Schools and Community Act Amendments of 1989, Urban College of Boston uses multiple strategies to provide comprehensive education regarding alcohol and other drugs.

Legal Sanctions for Unlawful Possession of Alcohol and Drugs

Violation of the alcohol and drugs policy will result in actions ranging from mandated participation in drug counselling and rehabilitation programs, to dismissal.

Drug Related Crimes and Federal Financial Aid

In addition to these provisions, the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 included a new student eligibility provision. It provides that, effective July 1, 2000, a student is ineligible for federal student aid if convicted, under federal or state law, of any offense involving the possession or sale of a Controlled Substance (generally meaning illegal drugs, but not including alcohol or tobacco). The period of ineligibility begins on the date of the conviction and lasts until the end of the statutorily specified period. The student may regain eligibility early by completing a drug rehabilitation program that meets certain statutory and regulatory requirements (including two unannounced drug tests), or if the conviction is overturned.

Health Risk of Alcohol and Drug Use

The negative physical and mental effects of the use of alcohol and other drugs are well documented. The use of these drugs may cause blackouts, poisoning and overdose, physical and psychological dependence, damage to vital organs, as well as an inability to learn and remember information, and psychological problems. For more information about the health risks associated with the misuse of alcohol and illicit drugs, please visit www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/commonly-abused- drugs-charts.

Treatment Resources for Alcohol and Drug Addiction

As required under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, Urban College of Boston uses multiple strategies to provide comprehensive education regarding alcohol and other drugs. UCB will continue to distribute materials to students and provide educational workshops/training as a means of prevention. Student Affairs personnel can provide referrals to other agencies and organizations for individuals experiencing or affected by persons with substance abuse issues.

Free Alcohol, Drug, and Other Rehab Resources

Service Animals Policy

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) a service animal (sometimes called an assistance animal) is defined as, “any guide dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability”. A service animal is specifically trained to perform tasks related to the person’s disability and is not considered a pet. Both therapy animals and emotional support animals may be part of an individual’s therapy or treatment plan, but unless they have been specifically trained to do work or perform tasks related to an individual’s disability, they are not to be considered service animals and cannot be brought on campus. All service animals must be registered with UCB’s Student Services and Support Department.

The following policies apply to service animals used on the UCB campus:

• All service animals must be licensed in accordance with city and county regulations.
• All service animals must be current in their immunizations against diseases specific to the type of animal. Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies, distemper, and parvovirus and other animals must have the appropriate vaccinations that are required for that animal. A licensed veterinarian must certify that the animal has been vaccinated and is healthy and free of any communicable diseases.
• The service animal must be always leashed and under control of its handler/partner. The care and supervision of the service animal is solely the responsibility of its handler/partner.
• Any service animal that is not in control and that, in the opinion of UCB staff, poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others may be excluded from the UCB campus.
• When physically possible, the handler/partner is responsible for cleaning up after their service animal.

Non-Smoking Policy

Urban College of Boston (UCB) commits to being a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus to support the health and well-being of the College’s students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Per the Tenant Handbook provided by Colliers International New England, LLC (which manages the China Trade Center - 2 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116 - that houses UCB), “China Trade Center is a smoke- free building. Smoking is not permitted in any area of the building. As a smoke free environment, smoking is not permitted within 50 feet of any entranceway into the building.” In addition to maintaining a smoke-free environment, UCB also bans the use of any tobacco products on all property owned, controlled, or leased by the college, as well as any tobacco- related advertising or sponsorship. The policy applies to products including - but not limited to - cigarettes, cigars, e- cigarettes, vape pens, hookah, and smokeless tobacco.

Security Policy

Student safety is of the utmost importance at Urban College and we all must work together to maintain a safe and secure campus community. Students should maintain awareness of campus safety, and immediately report issues and circumstances that may reduce safety and security for our students.

Preparing The Annual Disclosure Of Statistics

UCB prepares an annual report to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. The report is prepared in cooperation with the local law enforcement agencies surrounding our main campus and alternative learning sites.

The full report shall be accessible online at http://www.urbancollege.edu/Data/Sites/1/the-urban- college-of-boston-annual-security-report-2023_amended.pdf. An annual email notification is sent to all enrolled students, faculty, and staff that provides the website to access this report. Copies may also be requested from the Office of Enrolment Services. All prospective employees may obtain a copy from Human Resources and the website address will be attached to UCB employment applications.

Reporting A Crime And Other Emergencies

Members of the community, including visitors, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to report all crimes and emergencies in a timely manner. The reporting of a crime may occur even if the victim is not able or elects to do so. A crime is considered “reported” when it is brought to the attention of a Campus Security Authority (CSA) or law enforcement by a victim, a witness, another third party, or by the offender. The report must be made to the local public law enforcement entity, on-campus and off-campus, and Campus Security Authorities (CSA). Suspicious activities or individuals seen within the campus vicinity should also be reported to the relevant authorities. Crimes should be reported for the purpose of making timely warning reports to the community and for inclusion in the annual statistical disclosure.

Accurate Prompt Reporting

Community members, students, faculty, staff, and guests are encouraged to report all crimes and public safety-related incidents to UCB staff in a timely manner. To report a crime or an emergency on the UCB campus, call 9-1-1. To report a non-emergency security or public safety-related matter, call 617-449-7070. When a potentially dangerous threat to the UCB community arises, timely reports or warnings will be issued through e-mail announcements, the posting of notices at buildings containing UCB classrooms, in-class announcements, or other appropriate means.

To Report A Crime

Anyone can report a crime or emergency by contacting the local police by dialing 911 or the President at (617) 449-7037. To report any suspicious activity or person seen loitering inside buildings with UCB classrooms, or to report non-emergencies, contact a UCB CSA:

To Report Complaints of Sexual Violence:

A victim of sexual violence has the right to file (or not file) an Affirmative Action Discrimination Complaint Form with the College. Contact the College’s Title IX Coordinator, the Director of Student Services and Support, Rosana Perella, Email: Rosana.perella@urbancollege.edu. For Title IX purposes, the Title IX Coordinator will keep information confidential to the full extent permitted by law.

Response To A Reported Crime

The Boston Police Department will work with individuals reporting a crime to obtain information and conduct a thorough investigation. When appropriate, crime suspects may be adjudicated through the criminal justice system and/or college.

Campus Law Enforcement

The Boston Police Department and/or or respective law enforcement for alternative learning sites have full law enforcement authority, including the authority to effect arrests, on campus at UCB and at alternative learning sites. Their jurisdiction includes all property owned or controlled by the college, as all streets within the city of Boston and all alternative learning sites. The main campus has a municipal building officer on site who is a sworn officer of the Boston Police Department. The Boston Municipal Protective Services are special licensed police officer with full arrest and investigation authority. Although there is no formal memorandum of understanding, UCB maintains a healthy working relationship with the Boston Police Department, as well as other local and state law enforcement and emergency response agencies. UCB personnel attend regular meetings with local law enforcement to exchange ideas and problems which may be of concern for the UCB community.

Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence or Stalking

The College is obligated to investigate all allegations of sexual violence, even if the alleged victim chooses not to file a formal complaint and/or participate in the investigation. Additionally, a complaint filed in another forum, including a criminal or civil complaint, shall not delay the college’s investigation of a complaint of sexual violence. The college shall promptly and thoroughly investigate all such allegations in accordance with the Policy on Affirmative Action’s Complaint Procedure and shall provide the victim with periodic updates on the status of the investigation.

Procedures to Follow for Victims of Sexual Assault domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.

Ensure Safety

Call the Boston Police Department by dialing 911. It is imperative to ensure your safety and avoid remaining in a dangerous situation.

Seek Medical Care

Seek immediate medical treatment. It is important to receive medical attention, even if you feel you were not physically hurt. The survivor has the right to accept or reject any part of the medical exam. If you were the victim of a sexual assault, sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) are specially trained to care for survivors of sexual violence and to perform sexual assault evidence collection kits. The SANE program serves seven hospitals in the greater Boston area:

• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Boston Medical Center
• Cambridge Hospital
• Children’s Hospital
• Massachusetts General Hospital
• Newton-Wellesley Hospital

Preserve Evidence

It is important to preserve evidence in cases of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, if possible. Victims should take certain actions promptly to preserve evidence for criminal prosecution and/or to obtain a protective order.

Victim Identification

Personal identifiable information about a victim will be treated as confidential and only shared with persons with a specific need to know and/or who are investigating and/or adjudicating the complaint, delivering resources or support services to the victim or as public safety requires.

The College does not publish the names or other identifiable information of victims. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a victim may request that no directory information maintained by the college be released without their prior written consent.

Report the Incident

In addition to contacting local law enforcement, you may also file a complaint with the college. A college complaint (Sexual Misconduct Complaint) may be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator at 617-449-7380 or titleix@urbancollege.edu. Ultimately, it is the student’s choice whether or not to make a report and to decline to notify any of the above-listed entities.

Written Notification

UCB will provide written notification to students and employees who report sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking about existing counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid, and other services available on and off campus. UCB will further provide written notification to survivors about options requesting changes to academic or working situations, as well as how to request protective measures.

Disciplinary Actions

After a final determination has been made regarding sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking policies, UCB is authorized to impose a sanction. In determining the appropriate sanction, UCB shall consider the severity of the violation, the safety of the complainant and the community, and the education or changes needed from the respondent.

Possible sanctions for students include: a disciplinary warning, disciplinary probation, disciplinary suspension, disciplinary expulsion, required participation in educational seminars or programs, domestic violence education or treatment programs, restitution, directed study of a related topic, and no contact orders, as well as criminal prosecution.

Possible sanctions for employees include: a disciplinary warning, disciplinary probation, suspension from employment, termination of employment, required participation in educational seminars or programs, domestic violence education or treatment programs, restitution, directed study of a related topic, and no contact orders, as well as criminal prosecution.

Protections for Victims of Sexual Violence

A person subjected to sexual violence shall:

• Be provided with a copy of the college’s Sexual Violence - Victim’s Rights and Information Advisory, which shall include information concerning counseling, health, and mental health services, victim advocacy and support, law enforcement assistance, and other services available on and off campus;
• Have the right to pursue, or not pursue, assistance from campus administration officials or campus law enforcement;
• Not be discouraged by college officials from reporting an incident to both on- campus and off-campus authorities;
• Be provided assistance in contacting local law enforcement if requested and have the full and prompt assistance and cooperation of campus personnel should a civil and/or criminal complaint be pursued.
• Be free from any suggestion that they somehow contributed to or had a shared responsibility in the violent act.
• Receive the same level of support at any proceeding before college officials as is permitted to the accused party, including the presence of a personal advisor during any disciplinary proceeding and the right to be notified in a timely manner of the outcome of such proceedings and any appeal right available.
• Receive full and prompt cooperation from college personnel in obtaining and securing evidence (including medical evidence) necessary for any potential criminal proceedings.
• Have access to existing college advising, support services, and to obtain referrals to off- campus counseling and support services if desired.
• Be permitted to attend classes, work and participate in college activities free from unwanted contact or proximity to the respondent insofar as the College is permitted and able.
• Be permitted to request changes to an academic schedule if such changes are requested by the alleged victim and are reasonably available; and
• Be informed of any no-contact or no-trespass orders issued to the respondent by the college and the college’s commitment to honor any court-issued restraining or protective orders, to the extent permitted by law.

Interim Protective Measures

Title IX requires the college to take reasonable steps to ensure equal access to its education programs and activities and protect individuals from Prohibited Conduct, including taking interim protective measures before the final outcome of an investigation. The college shall take these steps promptly once it has notice of an allegation of Prohibited Conduct, including sexual violence.
Examples of interim protective measures include, but are not limited to, the following:

• access to counseling services and assistance in scheduling an appointment, on or off campus.
• imposition of an interim suspension or on-campus “no-contact” order;
• rescheduling of exams and assignments.
• providing alternative course completion options.
• changing class schedules, including withdrawing from a course without penalty.
• changing work schedules or job assignments.
• limiting access to certain college facilities or activities pending resolution of the matter.
• voluntary leave of absence.
• providing an escort to ensure safe movement between classes and activities; and/or
• providing academic support services, such as tutoring.

Amnesty

Students may be hesitant to report sexual violence out of concern that they, or witnesses, might be charged with violations of the college’s drug/alcohol policies. While the college does not condone such behavior, it places a priority on addressing allegations of sexual violence. Accordingly, the college may elect not to pursue discipline against a student who, in good faith, reports, witnesses or possesses personal knowledge of an incident of sexual violence.

Retaliation

UCB prohibits retaliation against any person who presents a formal or informal complaint of sexual violence or who testifies or offers evidence connected with a complaint. Retaliation is a violation of this policy whether or not the underlying claim of sexual violence is confirmed.

Programs & Prevention

Resources for Survivors of Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking Current contact information on rape crisis centers in Massachusetts can be found at the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services’ Website under Consumer Information at http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/.

Greater Boston Area

Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, Cambridge, 617-492-7273 Hotline, 617-492-6434 TTY

Northeastern Massachusetts

North Shore Rape Crisis Center, Beverly, 800-922-8772 Hotline, 978-921-8729 TTY Rape Crisis Services of Greater Lowell, 800-542-5212 Hotline, 978-452-8723 TTY YWCA of Greater Lawrence, 877-509-9922 SA Hotline, 978-686-8840 TTY

Central Massachusetts

Rape Crisis Center of Central Mass., Worcester, 800-870-5905 Hotline, 508-852-7600 TTY Rape Crisis Center of Central Mass., Fitchburg, 800-870-5905
Wayside Victim Services, Milford, 800-511-5070 Hotline, 508-478-4205 TTY Voices Against Violence, Framingham, 800-593-1125 Hotline, 508-626-8686 TTY

Southeastern Massachusetts

A Safe Place, Nantucket, 508-228-2111 Hotline, 508-228-0561 TTY Independence House, Hyannis, 800-439-6507 Hotline, 508-778-6782 TTY Women Support Services, Vineyard Haven, 508-696-7233 Greater New Bedford Women Center, New Bedford, 888-839-6636 Hotline, 508-996-1177 TTY New Hope, Attleboro, 800-323-4673 Hotline/TTY
Stanley Street Women Center, Fall River, 508-675-0087 Hotline, 508-673-3328 TTY Woman’s Place Crisis Center, Brockton, 508-588-8255 SA Hotline, 508-894-2869 TTY

Western Massachusetts

Elizabeth Freeman Center, Pittsfield, 413-443-0089 Hotline, 413-499-2425 TTY Everywoman Center, Amherst, 413-545-0800 Hotline, 888-337-0800 TTY NELCWIT, Greenfield, 413-772-0806 Hotline/TTY
YWCA, Springfield, 800-796-8711
YWCA of Western Mass, Westfield, 800-479-6245 Hotline/TTY

Transition House

www.transitionhouse.org
Call 617-661-7203 for emergency shelter and transitional and supported housing

Casa Myrna Vazquez www.casamyrna.org