Student Rights

Student Rights

Messiah University students are protected under individual laws that protect their access to education and the expectations outlined in the University student code of conduct.

Students have the right to access their education free from harassment and discrimination.

Students have the right to report retaliation for University response and expect that the University will take the report seriously. 

Students have the right to report incidents of harm or misconduct through any of the following means:

1. A student can speak to his/her RA, RLE, faculty member, advisor, supervisor, or coach.
2. A student can speak to the Director of Standards and Conduct, also serving as the University Title IX Coordinator.
3. A student can speak to a Safety officer.
4. A student can report the incident through the University reporting platform: www.messiah.edu/incident

Students have the right to a fair, prompt process that follows University policy and procedures.

Students that have reported experiencing harassment have the right to not “work it out” with an accused individual or respondent.

Students have the right to request an informal or formal resolution process through the University.

Students that are notified of a formal complaint or University investigation because they have been accused of harassing others have the right to know the identity of their accuser, if it is known.

Students have the right submit an appeal to the University following a formal resolution process, according to University policy. 

Students have the right to hear options for interim measures of safety and support.

Students that are victims of potential harassment have the right to request reasonable accommodation through University resources (such as Student Success, Housing, and Academic Accessibility).

Students that have been the victim of a potential crime have the right to report their experience to local law enforcement, or to not report their experience to local law enforcement.