Official Hartford Seminary Policies

The relationships and conduct of students, faculty and staff at Hartford Seminary are expected to be consistent with the purpose and mission of Hartford Seminary as stated in the catalogue and in keeping with local, state and federal law. On rare occasions, questions may arise about whether certain conduct of an individual or individuals is compatible with the nature and purpose of the Seminary. The policies and procedures in the Official Policies section of the catalogue and the Student Handbook have been developed to specifically address such issues or situations should they arise.

It is the responsibility of all students to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the purpose and mission of the Seminary as stated in the catalogue or Student Handbook. It is the right of all students to address any concern, issue or grievance informally as well as formally in keeping with the appropriate policies and procedures for any given issue or situation as stated in the catalogue or Student Handbook. Students may also consult directly with the Dean of the Seminary for assistance or guidance regarding any issue that may arise.

Crime Awareness and Campus Security

The Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 is legislation that "requires all institutions to annually publish and distribute a security report containing campus security policies and procedures as well as campus crime statistics." Please see the Student Handbook for the full report.

Non-Discrimination Policy and Equal Opportunity Statement

Hartford Seminary subscribes to the principles and laws of the State of Connecticut and the federal government pertaining to civil rights and equal opportunity, including Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments. Hartford Seminary policy prohibits discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, religious creed, color, age, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, marital status, present or past history of mental disorder, mental retardation, learning disability or physical disability including, but not limited to, blindness or veteran status, or any other reason prohibited by an applicable law or regulation in the employment of faculty, staff and students; in the recruitment and admission of students; and in the operation of all Seminary programs, activities and services. Students with disabilities are eligible for disability support services when they are enrolled in courses for graduate credit or in certificate program courses required for the completion of the program certificate. Additionally, the Seminary will not condone acts of violence or harassment reflecting bias or intolerance of any of the above mentioned classes. Evidence of practices, which are inconsistent with this policy, should be reported to the Office of the Dean.

Drug Free School/Workplace Policy

Hartford Seminary is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and the amended Drug-Free Schools and Communities legislation and wholeheartedly endorses national standards for prevention programs. Hartford Seminary joins with other institutions of higher education to eliminate substance abuse. The unlawful manufacture, possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and unauthorized alcohol by students and employees on its property or at any Seminary-sponsored activity, function or event is strictly prohibited. Although the conditions of alcohol and drug dependency may be considered disabilities or handicaps under state and federal law and these groups will not be discriminated against because they have these disabilities, all are considered to be responsible for their actions and their conduct.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Hartford Seminary works to conform to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Please refer to the full policy in the Student Handbook.

Guidelines for Research Conducted by Persons Affiliated with Hartford Seminary

It is expected that all persons who conduct research under the auspices of Hartford Seminary will treat everyone involved in the research with respect and care. Please see the full text of our guidelines in the Student Handbook.

Inclusive Language Policy

Hartford Seminary is committed to a policy of inclusion in its academic life and mission. All members of the community are expected to communicate in language that reflects the equality of genders, openness to diverse cultural and theological perspectives, and sensitivity to one another's images of God.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism, the failure to give proper credit for the words and ideas of another person, whether published or unpublished is strictly prohibited. Please see the full Plagiarism policy in the Student Handbook.

Sexual Harassment Policy

Hartford Seminary observes the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (E.E.O.C.) Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Guidelines and strives to create a fair, humane and respectful environment. Details of the Sexual Harassment Policy are provided in the Student Handbook.

Smoking Policy

Hartford Seminary is a smoke-free environment. All Hartford Seminary academic buildings (74-76 Sherman, 77 Sherman, and 80 Sherman) are designated as non-smoking. Those choosing to smoke must do so outside.

Student Discipline Policy and Procedure

It is the policy of Hartford Seminary to conduct an impartial investigation of the facts, an impartial hearing and review of those facts and to make recommendations as to what action should be taken with regard to any issue concerning student conduct brought to the attention of the Dean in writing. Details of the Student Discipline Policy and Procedure are provided in the Student Handbook.

Student Grievance Policy and Procedure

It is the intention of this policy to encourage and facilitate resolution of a grievance that a student may have with a faculty member, supervisor, administrator, member of the staff, or another student. The desire is to resolve the grievance in the early stages of the procedure. However, the procedure does provide for full mediation in a fair, equitable and timely manner. Please see the Student Handbook for details.