UW-Whitewater Policies
Since its founding in 1868, UW-Whitewater has remained committed to the values of academic excellence, collaboration, and inclusivity. The university recognizes that academic freedom and freedom of expression are essential to upholding these values. Through these freedoms, members of the campus community can express ideas openly and respectfully, which deepens understanding and strengthens our purpose as a university.
UW-Whitewater has established institution-wide policies that protect these rights of students, faculty, and staff, while also ensuring campus safety and the uninterrupted flow of daily operations.
Below are the institutional policies related to academic freedom and freedom of expression. For departmental-level policies, please visit the Resources Section of the Policies webpage.
Accommodation of Religious Beliefs
Students, faculty and staff members sincerely held religious beliefs shall be reasonably accommodated with respect to scheduling all examinations and other academic requirements.
Campus Violence
Establishes a zero-tolerance policy for acts of violence, fear, harassment, and other forms of aggressive or intimidating behavior. All threat and incident reports will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.
Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression
Communicates the universities' and Board of Regents’ commitment to academic freedom and freedom of expression, along with the disciplinary action for those who violate these freedoms.
View the Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression Policy
Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation
Outlines expectations of conduct and procedures applicable to students, employees, and guests of UW-Whitewater to foster a respectful campus environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.
Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action
Establishes the obligation of the university to comply with federal and state laws to ensure equal opportunity in all employment practices. Provides procedures for addressing discrimination and harassment complaints that protect the rights of each employee.
View the Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action Policy
Events
Applies to all events hosted on the UW-Whitewater campus and sponsored by a Student Organization or University Department. Outlines processes to be followed for large events and the consequences for non-compliance with university event policies.
Facilities and Grounds
Ensures the safe, effective, and appropriate use of UW-Whitewater’s facilities and lands in support of the institution's educational mission, in accordance with Chapter UWS 21.
Facility Use for Political Purposes
Facilities are open to political parties and candidates for the purpose of holding public meetings on campus, if the facilities have not been previously scheduled, are not being used for academic purposes, and are otherwise available. The use of campus facilities requires a recognized student organization, administrative office, department, or college on campus to sponsor the event.
Protest Guidelines
Provide general guidance to UW-Whitewater’s community concerning the university’s response to protests and demonstrations consistent with our shared priorities and institutional values.
UC Facility Use
Establishes guidelines for using the University Center, Drumlin, and Esker facilities. Provides the sponsoring groups' responsibilities and the applicable university and state policies.