University Policies

Universitywide Policies

Equal Opportunity Plan

It is the policy and commitment of Fitchburg State University not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status, marital status, or national origin in its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment policies, and to comply with the requirements of Federal Executive Orders 11246 and 11375 as amended, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, Title IX of the Educational Act of 1972, Violence Against Women’s Act, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 402, Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Civil Rights Act of 1991, and pertinent laws, regulations, and Executive Orders, directives of the Department of Higher Education of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and other applicable state and federal statutes.

Inquiries concerning the application of, or compliance with, the laws and regulations prohibiting such discrimination should be addressed to:

Jessica Murdoch, Associate Vice President, Human Resources, Payroll Services and Affirmative Action
jmurdoch@fitchburgstate.edu
(978) 665-3172

Inquiries concerning the application of, or compliances with, the laws and regulations prohibiting harassment should be addressed to:

Jessica Murdoch, Associate Vice President,  Section 504 and Title II of the ADA
jmurdoch@fitchburgstate.edu
(978) 665-3172

Inquiries concerning the application of, or compliances with, the laws and regulations regarding Title IX should be addressed to:

Kristin Murphy, Director of Title IX Compliance (Title IX Coordinator)
kmurph72@fitchburgstate.edu
(978) 665-4141

Dr. William Cummings, Dean of Students (Deputy Title IX Coordinator)
wcummings@fitchburgstate.edu
(978) 665-3130

For inquiries regarding sex, gender, disability, age, race, color and/or national origin, you may also contact:

U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights/ED
5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02109-3921

Telephone: (617) 289-0111
FAX: (617) 289-0150
TDD: 877-521-2172
E-mail: OCR.Boston@ed.gov

Discrimination and Sexual Violence Policy

The Massachusetts State Universities set forth policies prohibiting: discrimination, discriminatory harassment and retaliation, sexual violence (including sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking), which is located in the Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Affirmative Action Plan. This plan also defines terms and sets forth the procedures to be followed when the University receives notice of such conduct.

The Universities are dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people. Therefore are committed to a policy of non-discrimination, Equal Opportunity, diversity and affitmative action.

The Universities do not unlawfully discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its educational programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, or veteran status.

The Universities prohibit unlawful discrimination or discriminatory harassment on all of those bases. Such behaviors violate the Universities’ Non-Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Policy, will not be tolerated, and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion.

It is also the policy of the Universities to provide each student, employee, and other person having dealings with the institutions an environment free from unlawful sexual violence and all forms of misconduct on the basis of gender. The Universities prohibit rape, statutory rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, incest, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking, and retaliation. These behaviors will not be tolerated, and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion.

The Universities’ Non-Discrimination, Discriminatory Harassment and Retaliation Policy and Sexual Violence Policy apply in all University programs and activities, including, but not limited to, athletics, instruction, grading, housing, and employment. They apply to all members of the campus communities, including, but not limited to, students, faculty, librarians, staff, visitors, contractors and applicants for employment or admission. They also apply to off-campus conduct that negatively affects a community member’s experience in the University environment.

Each University has appointed an Equal Opportunity Officer (“EO Officer”) to oversee its compliance with this Plan, as well as the state and federal non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws. Details regarding the EO Officer’s specific duties and responsibilities can be found at at  https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/about/equal-opportunity-diversity-and-affirmative-action-title-ix/

Anyone with questions, concerns or complaints regarding discrimination, discriminatory harassment or retaliation may contact the EO Officer.

Fitchburg State University Intellectual Property Policy

Fitchburg State University (FSU) encourages students to obtain real-world experience through participation in faculty-approved internships, field studies, and/or independent projects with businesses, governments, non-profits, and other organizations (“Intern Parties”) outside of the University. FSU also encourages its faculty members to assist students to find and participate in such internships. FSU recognizes that in the course of such internships, various works may be developed or created which could be covered by copyright, trademark, tradename, patent, and other laws applicable to intellectual property (“IP”). It is FSU’s policy that for all internships, field studies, and/or independent projects which are not sponsored or financed in whole or in part by financial grants made available through FSU from third parties, (a) FSU will have no claim of ownership in any such IP and (b) no student or faculty member involved in such internship will have any claim of ownership in any such IP unless otherwise agreed in writing with the applicable Intern Parties and any other persons providing sponsorship or financial support to the internship or Intern Parties.

It is also FSU’s policy that for all internships, field studies, and/or independent projects which are sponsored or financed in whole or in part by financial grants made available through FSU from third parties, (i) FSU will have no claim of ownership in any such IP and (ii) such sponsor or maker of the financial grant will have ownership of all such IP unless (A) otherwise specified in the sponsorship or grant documentation (copies of which can be obtained from FSU) or (B) otherwise agreed in writing with the sponsor or maker of the financial grant and the applicable Intern Parties, students, and faculty members involved in the internship.

Fitchburg State University hereby advises all students and faculty members who may be concerned about their rights in any IP or other property developed or created in connection with an internship (“Property”) to consult independent legal counsel.  FSU will not, under any circumstances, become involved in any determination, mediation, or arbitration of the ownership of rights in and to any Property. FSU will not, under any circumstances, be responsible or liable to any student, faculty member, or any other person with respect to any rights they might have in any such Property, the cost of enforcing or defending their rights in any such Property, their infringement of any other person’s or entity’s rights in any such Property, or the cost of any defense they might raise against any alleged infringement by them of any other person’s or entity’s rights in any such Property.

Institutional Discrimination Complaint Procedures

The Massachusetts State Universities have established specific internal discrimination complaint procedures to help resolve claims and complaints of discrimination, discriminatory harassment and retaliation, and sexual violence on the campus. These procedures will serve as a system of review and resolution for both informal claims and formal complaints of discrimination, discriminatory harassment and retaliation, and sexual violence. Any member of the university community and/or any applicant for employment who believes they have been a victim of discrimination, discriminatory harassment or retaliation, or sexual violence may initiate an informal claim or formal complaint as outlined in the identified procedures.

Hard copies of the discrimination and sexual violence complaint procedures are available in the Human Resources and Affirmative Action Office. The discrimination complaint procedures are also available at: http://www.fitchburgstate.edu/offices/administration/human-resources-payroll/affirmative-action-plancomplaint-procedure/

Further advice or information regarding the university’s discrimination complaint procedures may be obtained by contacting Jessica Murdoch, Associate Vice President, Human Resources and Affirmative Action, Section 504 and Title II of the ADA, at (978) 665-3172 or jmurdoch@fitchburgstate.edu. 

Report of Harrassment/Discrimination

Personnel
Location: http://www.fitchburgstate.edu/offices/administration/human-resources-payroll/affirmative-action-plancomplaint-procedure/ 
Contact: Associate Vice President of HR/AA
E-Mail: jmurdoch@fitchburgstate.edu
Phone: 978-665-3172

Students
Location: Student & Academic Life
Contact: Vice President for Student Affairs
Email: lbayless@fitchburgstate.edu
Phone: (978) 665-3130

Harassment/Discrimination Policies

Privacy and Confidentiality Regulations

A Fair Information Practices Act (FIPA) administrator directs the Privacy and Confidentiality Regulations. Copies of the regulations as part of FIPA Chapter 766 (of the Acts of 1965) are posted on bulletin boards at the university and kept on file at the Registrar’s Office.

Students should note that if any of these regulations should conflict with applicable provisions of the Federal Privacy Act of 1974 as amended, or with any regulations promulgated pursuant to said act, the provisions of said federal act or federal regulations shall control.

Institutional Review Policy

The university has established an Institutional Review Board and Institutional Review Policy which reviews and approves the adequacy of protection provided for human subjects serving as research subjects. The university is cognizant of its responsibility to protect the privacy, safety, health, and welfare of such subjects. A copy of this policy may be obtained from the Institutional Review Board-Human Subjects Committee website.

Drug-Free Environment

Fitchburg State University is in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989. Information regarding these acts and the university’s compliance with them is distributed to the university community yearly and is also available from the Office for Human Resources at (978) 665-3172.

Alcohol Policy

Fitchburg State University enforces all state laws and city ordinances regarding the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages including those prohibiting drinking by individuals under 21 years of age. University policy restricts when, where, and how alcohol may be served and the amount of alcohol that a resident student may bring into the residence halls.

The Fitchburg State University community recognizes the importance of personal and communal responsibility with regard to its alcoholic beverage policy. It assumes that any student who has consumed alcohol accepts responsibility for their consequent behavior. Being intoxicated will not be accepted as an excuse for erratic, irresponsible behavior either to an individual or others’ person or property. Any student found to be intoxicated will be considered in violation of the Alcohol Policy and will be subject to disciplinary action.

Massachusetts law forbids the possession of, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under 21 years of age. The law also forbids falsifying age and identification cards. The university enforces the law and expects all students, faculty, administrators, and staff to abide by it.

Use or possession of alcoholic beverages in public areas (campus grounds, athletic events, parking lots, academic buildings, dining hall, Campus Center) regardless of age, except at approved functions, is prohibited. Open containers of any alcoholic beverage is a violation of this policy.

A complete copy of the Alcohol Policy is available in the undergraduate Student Handbook or from the Office of Student and Academic Life.

Substance Abuse Policy

In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, Fitchburg State University has adopted the following Substance Abuse Policy:

Only in an environment free of substance abuse can the university fulfill its mission of developing the professional, social, cultural, and intellectual potential of each member of its community. The use of illicit drugs and alcohol impairs the safety and health of students and employees, inhibits personal and academic growth and undermines public confidence in the university. For these reasons, it is the policy of Fitchburg State University that all university activities and university property shall be free of the unlawful use of drugs and alcohol.

Prohibited Conduct

The students and employees of Fitchburg State University shall not unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, or use controlled substances or alcohol. Any individual who violates this prohibition will be subject to disciplinary action. Sanctions may include expulsion or firing from the university, mandatory participation in an alcohol/drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, as well as referral of the matter to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

Students and employees are required to notify the Human Resources Office (and, in the case of students, the director of financial aid) within five days of being convicted of violating a criminal drug statute in the workplace.

A complete copy of the Substance Abuse Policy is available in the undergraduate Student Handbook or from the Office of Student and Academic Life.

No Smoking Policy

Effective July 1, 1994, Fitchburg State University became a smoke-free environment. Smoking  or vaping is not allowed inside any university building, including residence halls.

Those members of the university community who have special difficulties in complying with a smoke-free environment are urged to seek the assistance of either the Human Resources Office or the Health Services Office.

Inclement Weather Policy

Whenever inclement weather, usually in the form of snow and/or ice, makes driving conditions exceptionally hazardous, classes for that day will be cancelled. In the event that day classes (on-campus and/or off-campus sites) are cancelled, all evening classes and programs for that date are automatically cancelled. Make up sessions are required.

Cancellation announcements can be heard on:

In addition, Fitchburg State Alert will enable the university to notify you of cancellations and other important campus announcements. Fitchburg State Alert is setup to send notifications to your Fitchburg State University email by default.  Mobile phones, land lines, and additional email addresses must be entered by the user.  To sign up for Fitchburg State Alert, please find more information at alert.fitchburgstate.edu.

The decision to cancel classes scheduled for weekends or holidays rests with the instructor. Students should consult with their instructors for their class cancellation and make-up policies.

Technology: Acceptable Use Policy

The Technology Department supports information systems and electronic resources for the faculty, staff and students at Fitchburg State University. Computer facilities and services are provided to support University business and its mission of education, research and public service. Practices that threaten the integrity of the system, privacy or safety of others or are illegal are forbidden. This policy sets guidelines regarding the issues of privacy and respect for property, ownership of data, system security, and misuse of the system.

The complete Acceptable Use Policy, and other Technology policies, can be found on our website at fitchburgstate.edu/technology/policies.

Technology: Residential Network Usage Policy

The residential network at Fitchburg State University allows students residing in University resident halls and apartments to access network resources from their room. This policy identifies specific activities that are prohibited and details support options for our students. The complete Residential Network Usage Policy, and other Technology policies, can be found on our website at fitchburgstate.edu/technology/policies.

Syllabus Guidelines/Course Information

Prior to the end of the first week of the semester, the instructor will distribute to each student in each course and section a written and dated course syllabus, which must contain at least the following information:

• The instructor’s name, discipline, course number and title, semester/days/time of class, office location, office hours, email address and telephone number
• Official course description
• Course goals and learning objectives, as defined by the instructor
• The instructor’s attendance and/or participation policies for the course (e.g. no attendance taken, number of absences allowed, any penalty for extensive absence, etc.)
• A list of texts and/or additional resources such as software for the course, indicating which are required and which are optional
• The course requirements for assessment, such as papers, projects, and examinations (with due dates if possible)
• A statement regarding whether the instructor will include a final and the form that final will take (e.g. exam, project report, presentation, etc.)
• A list of topics to be covered and the activities expected from the students
• The method by which a student’s final grade in the course will be determined
• The instructor’s policy on work handed in late and makeup examinations
• Any special rules, regulations, or procedures of the course
• A statement indicating each student is responsible for completing all course requirements and for keeping up with all activities of the course (whether a student is present or not)
• A statement regarding the University Academic Integrity Policy
• An informational statement about disability services available to students

Waiver of Academic Regulations

The university acknowledges that extenuating circumstances relative to rules, regulations, and programs occasionally require a waiver of regulations. Although students may petition for a waiver, they should understand that the justification for a waiver should be as exceptional as the granting of one.

Petitions for a waiver of regulations begin with the appropriate academic dean.

The provisions of this catalog are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between the university and its students.

VALOR Act Academic Credit Evaluation Policy

In accordance with the VALOR Act, students may have their military experience, coursework or training reviewed to determine whether their training or actual job duties are commensurate with the content of courses offered at Fitchburg State University. Fitchburg State uses multiple methods for evaluating military occupation, training, experience and coursework for academic credit, including the ACE Guide to the evaluation of education experiences, CLEP and DANTES (DSST). All military transcripts are reviewed for transferability of credit in accordance with our university-wide policy. A maximum of 60 military credits can be applied to a degree at Fitchburg State. Students are aware of the VALOR Act credit evaluation policy through our website http://www.fitchburgstate.edu/offices/student-services/registrar/veteran-services/

Any questions related to the transfer of military credits can be directed to the Registrar, Linda Dupell, at (978) 665-4196.

Notice of Catalog Changes

The rules, regulations, policies, fees and other charges, courses of study, and academic requirements that appear in this catalog were in effect at the time of its publication. Like everything else in this catalog, they are published for informational purposes only, and they do not constitute a contract between the university and any student, applicant for admissions or other person.

Whether noted elsewhere in this catalog or not, the university reserves the right to change, eliminate, and add to any existing (and to introduce additional) rules, regulations, policies, fees and other charges, courses of study and academic requirements. Whenever it does so, the university will give as much advance notice as it considers feasible or appropriate, but it reserves the right in all cases to do so without notice.

Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014

The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146) changed the amount of tuition and fee charges which can be reported to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  Effective July 1, 2015, public institutions of higher education must charge qualifying veterans, dependents and eligible individuals tuition and fees at the rate for in-state residents.  Any institution not meeting this requirement will be disapproved by VA for the Post-9/11 Gl Bill and Montgomery Gl Bill.

Individuals qualifying for in-state tuition under Public Law 113-146 are:

•    A Veteran receiving benefits under the Montgomery Gl Bill (Chapter 30) or the Post-9/11 Gl Bill (Chapter 33) who lives in the state in which the institution is located (regardless of his/her legal state of residence) and enrolls in the institution within three years of discharge from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.

•    A spouse, child or individual using transferred benefits under the Post-9/11 Gl Bill (Chapter 33) who lives in the state in which the institution is located (regardless of his/her legal state of residence) and enrolls in the institution within 3 years of the transferor’s discharge from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.

•    A spouse, child or individual using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship who lives in the state in which the institution is located (regardless of his/her legal state of residence) and enrolls in the institution within three years of the Service member’s death in the line of duty following a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.

If the veteran, dependent or eligible individual enrolls within three years after the veteran’s discharge, the requirement to charge no more than the in-state tuition rate would apply for the duration the individual remains continuously enrolled at the institution.

Federal law permits public institutions of higher education to require eligible veterans, dependents or individuals to demonstrate intent to establish residency in the state by means other than satisfying a physical presence requirement.  For example, institutions can request documentation such as a driver’s license, car registration or voter registration, signed lease or rent receipt to help establish an applicant’s intent to establish residency in Massachusetts.  Please note that the federal law does not include a durational residency requirement, nor does it include a requirement that the eligible veteran, dependent or individual demonstrate intent to remain in Massachusetts indefinitely.

Finally, please note that the federal law does not bar institutions from requiring the eligible veteran, dependent or individual to meet other requirements, unrelated to residency, in order to be eligible for the in-state tuition rate.

Delayed VA Payments

Under S2248 PL 115-407 Section 103, Fitchburg State University will not impose a late fee, denial of access to facilities, or other penalty against a veteran or eligible dependent due to a late payment of tuition and/or fees from the VA up to the certified benefits amount.  Any portion of the student bill not covered by VA benefits is still expected to be settled by the due date.

Notice of Availability

The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 clarified the information that universities must disclose to current students. The following Notice of Availability describes the kinds of information available and where you can gain access to it. You may request a paper copy of any information referenced below by contacting the office listed.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Description: FERPA is a federal law governing the privacy and disclosure of student information
Location: www.fitchburgstate.edu/registrar
Contact: Registrar
E-mail: registrar@fitchburgstate.edu
Phone: (978) 665-4196

FFEL/Direct Loan Deferments for Performed Services

Description: FFEL/Direct Loan deferments available for Peace Corps or volunteer service
Location: www.fitchburgstate.edu/finaid
Contact: Director of Financial Aid
E-mail: finaid@fitchburgstate.edu
Phone: (978) 665-3156

Financial Assistance Available

Description: Federal, state and institutional need-based and non-need based financial assistance available to students. Rights and responsibilities of financial aid recipients are also available
Location: www.fitchburgstate.edu/finaid
Fitchburg State University Undergraduate and Graduate Course Catalog
Contact: Director of Financial Aid
E-mail: finaid@fitchburgstate.edu
Phone: (978) 665-3156

Cost of Attendance

Description: Cost of attendance for undergraduate day students
Location: www.fitchburgstate.edu/studentaccts
Fitchburg State University Undergraduate and Graduate Course Catalog
Contact: Director of Student Accounts
E-mail: stuaccnts@fitchburgstate.edu
Phone: (978) 665-4126

Return of Title IV Funds Refund Policy

Description: Policy regarding recipients of federal Title IV financial aid that withdraw from the University
Location: www.fitchburgstate.edu/finaid
Fitchburg State University Undergraduate and Graduate Course Catalog
Contact: Director of Financial Aid
E-mail: finaid@fitchburgstate.edu
Phone: (978) 665-3156

Withdrawal Policy

Description: Policy regarding students enrolled at Fitchburg State University who officially withdraw from the University
Location: Fitchburg State University Undergraduate and Graduate Course Catalog
Contact: Dean of Students
Phone: (978) 665-3130

Academic Programs

Description: Information regarding Fitchburg State University’s academic programs
Location: www.fitchburgstate.edu/academics
Fitchburg State University Undergraduate and Graduate Course Catalog
Contact: Registrar
E-mail: registrar@fitchburgstate.edu
Phone: (978) 665-4196

Accreditation/Approval/Licensure

Description: Entities that accredit, license, or approve the university and its programs and procedures for reviewing Fitchburg State University’s accreditation, licensing, or approval documents
Location: www.fitchburgstate.edu/aboutus, click on Facts and Figures
Contact: Vice President for Academic Affairs
Phone: (978) 665-3421

Facilities and Services for Students with Disabilities

Description: Services and facilities available for students with disabilities
Location: www.fitchburgstate.edu/disability
Contact: Disability Services Office
E-mail: disabilityservices@fitchburgstate.edu
Phone: (978) 665-4020

Study Abroad

Description: Federal Title IV financial aid eligibility for students enrolled in a Study Abroad program
Location: www.fitchburgstate.edu/finaid
Contact: Director of Financial Aid
E-mail: finaid@fitchburgstate.edu
Phone: (978) 665-3156

Completion/Graduation Rates

Description: The percent of first-time full-time freshmen who successfully complete a baccalaureate program at this university within six years
Location: www.fitchburgstate.edu/planningandir
Contact: The Office of Institutional Research
E-mail: IRP@fitchburgstate.edu
Phone: (978) 665-3145

Title II Institutional Report

Description: Required annual report on the number of undergraduate and graduate students who complete the university’s initial licensure programs, as well as additional information on the state of the university’s education preparation program
Location: www.fitchburgstate.edu/edunit
Contact: Dean of Education
Phone: (978) 665-3515

Campus Security Report

Description: The Department of Public Safety/Campus Police Annual Security Report which includes required policies and procedures and crime statistics
Location: www.fitchburgstate.edu/campuspolice
Contact: Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police
Phone: (978) 665-3584

Report on Athletic Program Participation Rates and Financial Support Data

Description: Data regarding athletic program participation rates of students at Fitchburg State University and related costs and revenues
Location: Athletics Department
Contact: Director of Athletics
E-mail: mburke43@fitchburgstate.edu
Phone: (978) 665-3313

Report of Harassment/Discrimination

Personnel
Location:  http://www.fitchburgstate.edu/offices/administration/human-resources-payroll/affirmative-action-plancomplaint-procedure/
Contact: Associate Vice President of HR/AA
E-mail: jmurdoch@fitchburgstate.edu
Phone: (978) 665-3172

Students
Location: Student & Academic Life
Contact: Vice-President for Student Affairs
Email: lbayless@fitchburgstate.edu
Phone: (978) 665-3130

Harassment/Discrimination Policies