PMB graduate program student rights and responsibilities

See also: University policy: Mutual Roles and Responsibilities for Faculty and Graduate Students 

Respectful and responsible conduct in the PMB graduate program

Student conduct

The University of Minnesota policy is that minimum standards of conduct are necessary to safeguard the rights, opportunities, and welfare of students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University community and to assure protection of the interests of the University as it seeks to carry out its mission. The University is concerned with matters that may impinge upon academic achievement and integrity and with maintaining an educational climate. Other matters of concern include preserving and protecting the rights, health, property and safety of members of the University community. Specific disciplinary offenses actionable by the University include scholastic dishonesty, falsification, disorderly conduct on the campus, theft and property damage, disruptive noise and demonstration, etc.

Relevant policies

Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is against the law. It is prohibited by Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Sexual harassment is broadly defined to include behavior that is not considered overtly sexual. Although not specifically prohibited, consenting sexual relationships between faculty member and student, or supervisor and employee, are actively discouraged.

Note:  All new employees, including graduate assistants, are required to complete the online training “Preventing and Responding to Sexual Misconduct for Employees,” available through Training Hub

Sexual harassment subverts the mission of the University of Minnesota, and threatens the careers of students, faculty, and staff. 

Relevant policy

Reporting

  • The Equal Opportunity and Title IX (EOT) office handles instances of alleged sexual harassment. Report occurrences of sexual violence or threats immediately by calling 911 or University Police (612.624.3550).
  • Faculty, staff (including postdoctoral researchers and fellows), and graduate student assistants are considered mandatory reporters under Title IX law and University policy and therefore are obligated to report harassment or discrimination to the University’s EOAA office. 

While the DGS and GPC can be first points of contact and help students who are facing harassment, resources are also available for students or faculty who feel they need to report an incident or inappropriate experience to someone outside of the program. 

  • UMN Boynton Mental Health & Counseling: Counselors are not mandatory reporters under University Policy and can be a fully confidential first point of contact for sexual harassment concerns.
  • Aurora Center: Aurora Center employees and volunteers are not mandatory reporters under University Policy and can be a fully confidential first point of contact for sexual harassment concerns.
  • Ureport: Ureport is a service independent of the University. It can be used to anonymously report “any situation or University conduct you believe violates an applicable law, regulation, government contract or grant requirement, or University policy.”
  • Student Ombuds Services

Note:  Graduate students who are found to be engaged in unethical behavior or to be perpetrators of sexual harassment may be removed from the program without a degree.

Disability Resource Center

The University views disability as an important aspect of diversity and is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is the campus office that collaborates with students who have disabilities to provide and/or arrange reasonable accommodations for courses, graduate program requirements, and lab and field research.

  • If you have, or think you have, a disability in any area such as mental health, attention, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical, contact the DRC office to arrange a confidential discussion regarding equitable access and reasonable accommodations.
  • Students with short-term disabilities, such as a broken arm, can often work with instructors and research advisors to minimize classroom and research barriers. In circumstances where additional assistance is needed, students should contact the DRC as noted above.
  • If you are registered with the DRC and have a disability accommodation letter, please contact your instructor, advisor, and the PMB Graduate Program to review how the accommodations will be applied in courses, graduate program requirements, and lab and field research.
  • If you are registered with the DRC and have questions or concerns about your accommodations, please contact your access consultant/disability specialist.
  • Additional information can be found on the DRC website or by emailing [email protected]. 

Equal opportunity

The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Direct concerns or complaints about discrimination to the Equal Opportunity and Title IX office and Bias Response and Referral Network

Relevant policies

Employment

For details about compensation, tuition benefits, performance evaluation, leaves of absence, parental leave, safety, conflict resolution, etc., see the Graduate Labor Union Collective Bargaining Agreement and the graduate student employment policy. 

Application materials 

Application materials are confidential documents and only to be used to evaluate an applicant at the time of the admissions process. Any information shared in these materials should not be assumed to be known information between the student and the advisor (co-advisor if you have one) or the advisory committee. If the student decides it is relevant and they want to re-share this information with the advisor, co-advisor, and/or committee members that is their choice. 

Grievances

Whenever possible, grievances and disputes should be resolved between the affected parties and through respectful conduct. If direct resolution is not possible, the DGS and the department head can get involved. When an academic or employment problem cannot be resolved through these channels, there are several outside groups that may be able to help:

Relevant policies

 

Simply put, students have the right to:

  • an academic environment that is free from intimidation, humiliation, and harassment; and
  • assistance when dealing with difficult situations, without concern for retaliation or punishment.