Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

University Policies



Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity

Recognizing these obligations, the university will not discriminate on the basis of a person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital or civil union status, order of protection status, disability, military status, arrest record, veteran status, citizenship status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other basis prohibited by law, in any area of university employment or in services to its students.

Accommodating Religious Observances

Governors State University will not discriminate against students for observing religious holidays and will reasonably accommodate the religious observance of individual students in regard to admission, class attendance, and the scheduling of examinations and academic work requirements (Policy 38).

It is the responsibility of the student to notify in writing the GSU administrator/faculty member involved at least three class periods in advance of the date of the religious observance to be accommodated.

Accommodations considered unreasonable are those which would necessitate the modification of academic standards or create undue hardship on the university or its staff.

If a student feels he/she has been discriminated against, redress can be sought through the Student Grievance Procedure.

This policy must be published in the Student Handbook and the University Catalog.

Unlawful Harassment

Governors State University will not tolerate unlawful harassment of students or employees. If a student believes he/she has been harassed, that student should bring his/her allegations to the attention of the university. Such allegations will be investigated and if appropriate, the university will take action to eliminate the harassment. The university environment must be free of unlawful harassment in work and study. Students who believe they have been victims of unlawful harassment should contact the Department of Human Resources.

Services for Students with Disabilities

The Office of Student Disability Services also known as Access Services for Students with Disabilities’ (ASSD) role is to assist in providing an accessible environment and equality of educational opportunities for students with documented disabilities.  GSU’s goal is to focus on a student’s ability not the disability.  The ASSD office operates under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Legally mandated access and accommodations are available to all qualified students who self-identify with ASSD. Students must provide documentation by a qualified professional who can verify the functional impact of the disability as well as provide recommendations for appropriate accommodations. The information provided by students is voluntary and confidential.  To arrange for reasonable and appropriate accommodations, contact ASSD at 708.235.3968 or ASSD@govst.edu

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

All students are prohibited from the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol, or the abuse of alcohol and drugs on university property or in connection with any university activity. Sanctions consistent with local, state, and federal law may be imposed for the violation of the standards of conduct cited above. A complete description of the applicable legal sanctions under state and federal law for unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol is included in the Student Conduct Policy.

Smoking

In compliance with the Illinois Clean Indoor Air Act, as of July 1, 1993, smoking is prohibited in the university.

In compliance with the Illinois Smoke Free Campus Act, Governors State University is a smoke-free campus as of July 1, 2015. Guidelines for smoking in private property while on campus, e.g. inside privately owned vehicles, are posted on the University website.