I) Student Association

A) The St. Cloud State University (hereafter "University") Student Association consists of all persons enrolled for credit at the University. The purpose of the Student Association is to enhance the educational potential and learning environment of the University through the promotion of a student-centered policy process.

B) Members of the Student Association are responsible for meeting the academic standards of the University, being responsible members of the campus community, and adhering to the University Student Code of Community Standards, as approved in consultation with the Student Association.

C) Rights and Restrictions

1) Members of the Student Association shall be afforded the protection of all rights granted by this Student Constitution, University policy, Minnesota State policy, and state and federal laws.

2) Neither the University nor any system to which the University belongs shall employ institutional powers to limit or infringe upon these rights.

3) Members of the Student Association shall be afforded equal opportunity without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, reliance on public assistance, physical disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or inclusion in any group or class against which discrimination is prohibited by state or federal law.

4) Academic Rights

a) To encourage free discussion and inquiry, students shall be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment on matters of opinion.

b) Student performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis.

c) Students shall not be subject to unlawful harassment, intimidation, or interference with or disruption of classes.

d) Prior to enrollment, students shall be provided with relevant information regarding courses. Academic and program information shall be comprehensive and accurate.

e) Student creators shall retain the rights to their own intellectual property.

5) Each member of the Student Association shall have the right to one vote in Student Association general elections and referenda.

6) Privacy Rights

a) Students have the right to determine and conduct their own personal lives, provided they do not violate the law, reasonable University regulations, or the rights of others.

b) Students residing on campus shall be free from unreasonable search and seizure to the same extent as students residing off campus.

7) Information Rights

a) Students shall have the right of access to institutional information within the University, except that which is specifically protected by state or federal law.

b) In conjunction with appropriate Student Association representatives, the University shall develop, maintain, and publish for students a Student Record Policy consistent with state and federal law.

8) Participation Rights

a) Student representatives shall be included in the process of selecting executive leadership at both the University and system levels.

b) Through committees and procedures authorized by Student Government policy, students shall have the right to participate and serve in areas and committees of student and campus interest.

9) Student Activity Rights

a) Registered student organizations may sponsor speakers and events with reasonable planning.

b) Student-funded media shall have editorial autonomy and shall not be subject to censorship, nor shall the allocation process be used as a means of editorial control. Student media officers may not be suspended or removed from their positions by Student Government.

D) Students who violate local, state, or federal laws or University regulations on University property; who infringe on the rights of others; or who practice academic dishonesty shall have the right to due process and may be subject to University sanctions.

E) Members of the St. Cloud State University Student Association shall also be members of a statewide student association, as determined by applicable laws and policies.