Graduate Student Handbook
Rights, Responsibilities, and Policies
Rights of freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of thought, and freedom of privacy as a Bentley student are co-extensive with the rights of any other citizen except where otherwise indicated. However, there are certain responsibilities that are "assumed" by each student as a member of the Bentley community. It is impossible to list every right and responsibility. Some of the more important ones are as follows:
Freedom of Association
Bentley offers a number of organized associations and activities. Students are free to join the associations of their choice on and off campus, excluding those organizations on suspension or expulsion from the university.
Freedom of Petition
When a student believes that there is some matter of serious concern to the university community that does not promise a solution through administrative review procedures, he or she may present the case to the Student Government Association or the Graduate Student Association.
Freedom of Speech
Bentley respects students' rights to explore and discuss questions that interest them and to express opinions publicly and privately, within the limits of the law and policies of the university including the Bentley Beliefs.
Freedom of Assembly
It is the policy of Bentley to protect the right of each member of the academic community to assemble. The university makes its facilities available for peaceful assembly, welcomes guest speakers, and protects the exercise of these rights from disruption or interference, within reasonable time, place and manner limits.
The substitution of noise for speech and force for reason is a rejection and not an exercise of academic freedom; Therefore, Bentley cannot allow disruptive or disorderly conduct on its premises to interrupt its proper operation. If students engage in disruptive or disorderly conduct, they are subject to disciplinary action; to possible sanctions, including expulsion; and to charges of violations of law.
Freedom of Protest
Students have the right to protest, and the university respects the right of each member of the academic community to be free from coercion and harassment. The university recognizes that academic freedom is no less dependent on ordered liberty than any other freedom and understands that the harassment of others is especially reprehensible in a community of scholars.
The substitution of noise for speech and force for reason is a rejection and not an exercise of academic freedom; Therefore, Bentley cannot allow disruptive or disorderly conduct on its premises to interrupt its proper operation. If students engage in disruptive or disorderly conduct, they are subject to disciplinary action; to possible sanctions, including expulsion; and to charges of violations of law.
Cultural Diversity
Bentley is committed to offering a quality education to men and women of all races and economic backgrounds. Preparing students to function in an international business environment necessitates providing a culturally diverse educational environment. A diverse student population enriches each student's educational experience, offering the opportunity to interact with students of different races, cultures, religions, sexual orientation, states and countries.
