Section 8.01 Student Expression
Students, individually and collectively, are free to examine, discuss and express opinions and views using appropriate channels for expression and respecting the maintenance of order. They are free to support causes by orderly means that do not disrupt the operation of the College or substantially interfere with the learning environment. At the same time, it should be made clear to the academic and larger community that in their public expressions or demonstrations, individuals speak only for themselves.
Student organizations may invite and hear any speaker of their choice, subject only to routine procedures required for the scheduling of facilities and preparation for the event. The group should clarify that sponsorship of guest speakers does not imply approval or endorsement of the views expressed, either by the sponsoring group or the College.
Section 8.02 Social Network
The growing use of social networking sites among Doane College students has led to the importance of sharing some cautions and concerns.
- Please be cautious as to what extent private or identifying information is posted. Note that nearly anyone can access another person’s page. Doane encourages students to avoid posting information like date of birth, social security number, address, or phone numbers on these sites as it could leave students open to identity theft or stalking. Both sites provide privacy settings for information contained on its pages; use these settings to protect these types of private information.
- Please be aware that potential current and future employers can often access information that is posted, and many are increasingly using these sites for this purpose. Students are encouraged to review any information posted as potentially providing an image of themselves to a prospective employer.
- Placing images or information online for short periods of time does not mean that it goes away completely when taken off line. Search sites cache pages on a regular basis so the information removed a month ago may still be cached on their old system and may still show up in a search. Sites such as Wayback Machine also exist that archive old web pages. From here, people/employers can search for copies of pages that no longer exist on live sites.
- Although Facebook similar sites are hosted outside the Doane College server, violations of College policy posted on them (e.g., harassing language, possible College alcohol or drug policy violations, etc.) are subject to investigation and sanction via the Doane College computer use policy, Student Code of Conduct, and other relevant College policies.
- It is recognized that students are using these venues in positive ways to connect with and interact with other students. At the same time, users should be cautious when posting information.
Section 8.03 Student Involvement in College Government
- Students have a role in the formulation of College policies as members of standing College committees: assessment, instructional technology, interterm, library, public events, leadership, and teacher education. The members of Student Congress have been designated as a governing body. There are no reviews of Student Congress actions except where review procedures are provided in advance to the Vice President for Student Leadership.
- Residence Hall councils shall participate with the institution in suggesting ideas affecting students’ living environment. The College will maintain reasonable standards to be consistent with federal, state, and local laws.
Section 8.04 Student Publications
Student publications shall be free of censorship and advance approval of copy. Editors and managers shall be protected from arbitrary suspension and removal because of student, faculty, administration, alumni, or community disapproval of editorial policy or content. However, there will be from time to time intense dialogue and discussion about sensitive issues and publication of irresponsible comments. Being a part of the media requires a balanced factual orientation that carries responsibility, along with freedom. The same freedom and responsibility is assured oral statements of views on the College television and radio stations.
- Editorial freedom involves the corresponding obligation to be governed by the canons of responsible journalism and applicable regulations of the FCC for radio and television, such as: the avoidance of libel, indecency, undocumented allegations, attacks on personal integrity, and techniques of harassment and innuendo.
- The student press shall provide fair opportunities for expression of differing opinions and should state on the editorial page that the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the College or student body.
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