Taking seriously the vision of George Whitworth to provide “an education of mind and heart,” the Whitworth Student Affairs Division participates in the educational mission of the university by viewing all aspects of life on campus as a laboratory for learning. We continue this tradition because we believe that this commitment to building character and cognitive skills reflects scriptural principles and community values; we also believe that this “whole person” approach to learning is educationally effective.

The student affairs division offers numerous services designed to support learning in all areas of life. Health and counseling center programs are available, as are career/life-advising services and support networks for students from around the world and for multicultural students who represent diverse U.S. ethnic backgrounds. In addition, a vibrant student-activities program is offered to enhance learning, to encourage fun and to help each student build connections within the Whitworth community.

Educational Support Program

www.whitworth.edu/ess

Whitworth University is committed to delivering a mission-driven educational program that cultivates in students the capacity to engage effectively across the many dimensions of diversity. Whitworth is committed to the fair and equal treatment of all students in its educational programs and activities. The university does not discriminate against students based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability; it complies with all applicable federal and state non-discrimination laws in its instructional programs.

If you have a documented condition that affects your learning or performance in the campus environment, contact the Whitworth Educational Support Services Office at ess@whitworth.edu to identify appropriate accommodations.

Students who have concerns about how they have been treated should contact the vice provost of academic affairs.

Whitworth is committed to providing equal opportunities to all academically qualified students. Resources are available to assist with learning and physical disabilities. Our policy is to ensure all students reasonable accommodation in the admissions process and in their programs of study and activities.

Academic requirements may be modified as necessary to ensure that Whitworth does not discriminate against students with disabilities, as long as accreditation of classes will not be at risk. These modifications will not affect the substance of the educational programs; nor will they compromise educational standards. Also, they will not intrude upon legitimate academic freedom. Modifications may include changes in the amount of time permitted for the completion of degree requirements, substitution of specific courses and other adaptations as needed.

Appropriate documentation of all disabilities is required for services to be rendered. It is the responsibility of each student to request accommodation or auxiliary aids at least eight weeks before classes, programs or activities begin.

Reasonable accommodations and auxiliary educational services that are not precluded by undue hardship to the institution may be requested through the Whitworth Educational Support Office. The use of tape recorders, Braillers, guide dogs or other adaptive devices in the classrooms or campus buildings is permitted. Auxiliary services may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Referral to appropriate on- or off-campus resources, services or agencies
• Note-taking services
• Academic and tutorial services
• Testing accommodations
• Arrangements for special auxiliary aids, including taped texts, large-print materials and/or interpreters
• Disability parking

Student Success

www.whitworth.edu/student-success

College is full of challenges, and these challenges are what make college such a powerful time of growth. Sometimes our challenges pile up, and it’s difficult to keep track of our big-picture goals in light of the small but urgent things demanding our attention.

That’s why Whitworth Student Success exists. With competent staff and peer success coaches, we’ll help you take on the challenges that keep you from pursuing your dreams. We’ll help you solve problems like managing your time, studying more efficiently, and getting answers to your questions about how to make the college experience work for you. Don’t let the little stuff keep you from the big stuff. Visit the Student Success Center today in Hixson Union Building Room 242 on the second floor, or email us at studentsuccess@whitworth.edu.

Center for Career & Professional Development/Student Employment

www.whitworth.edu/career-center

The Whitworth Center for Career & Professional Development helps students build career readiness from their first on-campus job to preparing for future careers. Our dedicated staff and career peer coaches provide support for all things job-related, including:

• Résumé reviews
• Cover letter and LinkedIn profile editing
• Internship guidance
• Career advising

The student employment program, located within the career center, assists Whitworth students in securing part-time employment opportunities that meet financial needs while offering meaningful career development experiences. Student job postings, internship opportunities and after-graduation careers are available on our career management platform, Handshake, at whitworth.joinhandshake.com.

Behavior Policies

Sexual Misconduct and Title IX

Whitworth University has a clearly defined policy, which applies to all campus constituencies, prohibiting all forms of sexual harassment. Because Whitworth University is committed to providing an environment that is free from any form of harassment and discrimination, every member of the university community must recognize that harassment and discrimination of any type compromises the integrity of the university’s mission.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) (34.C.F.R. Part 103) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs operated by institutions that receive federal financial assistance. Programs and activities that may be included are admissions, recruitment, financial aid, academic programs, athletics, housing and employment.

For the purposes of this policy, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or academic advancement; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions or academic decisions affecting such individuals; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creates a demoralizing, intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment.

Sexual harassment of students is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX and includes acts of sexual violence. Both male and female students are protected from sexual harassment and/or violence in all educational programs and activities operated by Whitworth University.

Students who believe that they have been discriminated against based on their sex or who have been subjected to sexual harassment and/or assault should consult one of the university's Title IX coordinators.

The Title IX coordinators are responsible for coordinating the university's compliance with and responsibilities under Title IX. Major duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
•    Being available to meet with students who believe sexual harassment or assault has occurred
•    Ensuring that complaints are handled in accordance with established practices and standards
•    Personal investigation of the incident or oversight of that investigation

Students who believe that they have been subjected to sexual harassment, including sexual assault, sexual violence or other sexual misconduct, and those who have experienced any other form of gender discrimination prohibited by Title IX should freely and without fear of retaliation report such misconduct or file a complaint under Title IX with the following Whitworth administrator or online:

Fantei Rainbolt
Director, Title IX & Student Conduct
Email: TitleIXCoordinator@whitworth.edu

Classroom Behavior

Students and faculty are expected to demonstrate civility, understanding and mutual respect. The faculty handbook states that faculty should “demonstrate respect for students as individuals and adhere to their proper role as intellectual guides and counselors.” By the same token, students should demonstrate respect for faculty and student peers in all academic settings and should contribute positively to the learning environment.

Disruptive classroom behavior will not be tolerated. Disruptive behavior may include, but is not limited to, threatening or abusive language or behavior, making unreasonable demands on faculty for time and attention, erratic and/or irrational behavior, continually speaking without being recognized, other verbal or behavioral expressions that interfere with the classroom environment, bringing unregistered persons to class without the permission of the instructor, and persistent disruptions including inappropriate computer use, ringing of electronic devices, etc. If a student exhibits disruptive classroom behavior, the faculty member should confront the student, clearly identify the disruptive behavior, and require that the behavior cease. A faculty member may at any time remove a student from the classroom for disruptive behavior. A faculty member, in consultation with the department chair or program director, may develop a classroom behavioral contract outlining expectations and consequences for a student who does not meet expectations, or may refer a disruptive student to the vice provost for student or academic affairs.

The vice provost will meet with any student who is referred, or who continues to disrupt the learning environment. Students may be placed on behavioral probation or suspension based on the nature of the disruption. Behavioral suspension may include suspension from one or more classes for the duration of the current term or for a longer period.

Behavioral Probation and Suspension

Students may be suspended or placed on behavioral probation based on their cumulative record, which may include behavioral policy violations, academic honesty violations, violations of civil law, or actions that have the potential to place the student, the Whitworth community, its mission, or any of its members in jeopardy.

Behavioral probation consists of a contract between a student and the university specifying behavioral criteria for continued enrollment. Any violation of these criteria on the part of the student may result in behavioral suspension. The decision to place a student on behavioral probation is made by the dean of students or her/his designee.

Behavioral suspension includes suspension from classes as well as from all other Whitworth facilities and services, and it may be imposed at any time a student’s behavior warrants such action.

The decision to suspend a student on behavioral grounds is made by the dean of students or her/his designee. If students feel that there are mitigating circumstances, they may request a review by contacting the vice president for student life (or a designee) within five business days of being notified of the outcome of the case.

Implementation of these policies, including the review appeal process, is regulated by the Student Bill of Rights, Section V, as printed in the student handbook. 

Rules and Regulations

Whitworth expects each student to follow university rules and regulations as stated in the catalog. In instances where no appeal procedure is spelled out and students believe that a special set of circumstances makes appeal reasonable, they may appeal to the provost and executive vice president. The appropriate vice president or their designee will either render a decision on the appeal or refer the student to the proper office for a decision.