Administrative Policies Relating to Federal Guidelines
Boston University adheres to the following federal guidelines for
its students enrolled in degree programs on military bases.
Equal Opportunity Policy
Boston University prohibits discrimination
against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion,
sex, age, national origin,
physical or mental handicap, marital, parental, or veteran
status. This policy extends to all rights, privileges, programs,
and activities,
including admissions, financial assistance, employment, housing,
athletics, and educational programs. Boston University recognizes
that nondiscrimination does not ensure that equal opportunity
is a reality. Because of this, the University will continue
to implement affirmative action initiatives that promote equal opportunity
for
all students, applicants, and employees. Inquiries regarding
the application of this policy should be addressed to the Office
of
Equal
Opportunity, 25 Buick Street, Boston, MA 02215; telephone
617-353-4475.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (Buckley Amendment)
The
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ensures confidentiality
of student educational records and restricts disclosure to or access
by third parties, except as authorized by law. Parents of dependent
students, as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1954, are accorded full access by the University to their
dependents’ educational
records, with certain exceptions, and they may receive copies
of their dependents’ grade reports each semester from the Office
of the University Registrar. The University assumes that its
undergraduate students are financially dependent unless a parent or
the student
informs the University Access Officer in the Office of the
University Registrar that the student is financially independent. Students
may
provide this notification to the Access Officer via the Financially
Independent Student form, a copy of which may be secured from
the Office of the University Registrar.
Students have the right to inspect their educational records, with
certain exceptions. If they believe these records are inaccurate,
they may request an amendment and, if denied, have the right to a hearing
and to place a letter of disagreement in their file if the outcome
of that hearing is negative. Students are eligible under the
Act to
file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Family
Policy and Regulations Office, Federal Office Building Number 6, Room
3021,
400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20202, if they believe
Boston University failed to comply with the requirements of the Act.
The
University’s policies and procedures for implementation of
this Act are enumerated in the Notification of Student Rights
Regarding Educational Records, copies of which are available to students
at the
Office of the University Registrar, 881 Commonwealth Avenue,
Second Floor, Boston, MA 02215.
The University does not release personally identifiable information
contained in student educational records except as authorized by law.
Boston University has designated certain types of personally identifiable
information as “directory information.” These include the
student’s name; local or residence hall address, e-mail address;
and telephone number; College of registration; degree program and major
and minor; dates of attendance; part- or full-time status; degrees,
honors, and awards received; and hometown for press releases. Students
may restrict release of this information if they wish, and this data
will not be released by the University except as authorized by law.
Students are informed of their rights under this law by the University
Registrar. The parents of incoming freshmen and transfer students
each year are informed of their rights under this law, and how
to exercise them, by the President.
Grievance and Arbitration Procedures Under Title IX
Students who believe
they have been discriminated against because of their race,
color, creed, religion, ethnic origin, sex, age, or
physical disability may file in writing a formal grievance
with the associate dean of Metropolitan College. The written
statement should
be as specific as possible regarding the action that precipitated
the grievance: date, place, and people involved; efforts
made to settle the matter informally; and the remedy sought.
Within one week of receiving the statement, the associate dean forwards
a copy to the appropriate person. If the complaint raises an academic
question, the statement is forwarded to the dean of the School or College
involved; if a non-academic unit is concerned, the statement is forwarded
to the administrative head of that unit. Individuals whose actions
or inactions are the subjects of the grievance receive a copy from
the associate dean and have an opportunity to respond in writing.
The associate dean will try to meet with all concerned parties within
two weeks of receiving the statement. He or she may receive both oral
and written presentations and may make independent inquiry.
Within one week after such a meeting, the associate dean makes a decision
as to the merits of the statement and appropriate resolution of the
grievance. Copies of this decision are sent to the student, the individuals
whose actions are the subject of the grievance, the dean of students,
and the provost. If dissatisfied with the decision, the student may
appeal to the dean of students, and from there to the provost.
A record of all formal grievances is kept in the Office of the Dean
of Students, East Tower of the George Sherman Union, 775 Commonwealth
Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. Copies of all written statements, letters,
and so on relating to a grievance should be sent to that office.
Veterans Information
The Boston University graduate programs at military
sites are approved by the State Approving Agency for the enrollment
of persons
eligible for education assistance benefits from the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Entitled veterans, participants
in the Montgomery GI Bill contributory program, active duty
military
in
voluntary education programs, drilling National Guard, drilling
Reservists, and eligible spouses and offspring who have applied,
met all admissions
criteria, and been fully accepted and actively matriculated
may be certified to the U.S. DVA Regional Office as enrolled
and in pursuit
of an approved program of education.
A student who is eligible for veterans’ benefits or who would
like more information about DVA rules and veterans’ programs,
should contact the local Boston University offices in Massachusetts,
North Carolina, or Virginia. DVA certification is available through
these offices. For information about monetary benefits, contact the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in your area. Contact
information is available at local field offices.
