Affirmative Action Policy Statement

It is the policy of Marshall University to provide equal opportunities to all prospective and current members of the student body, faculty, and staff based on individual qualifications and merit, without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation. This nondiscrimination policy also applies to all programs and activities covered under Title IX, which prohibits sex-based and gender-based discrimination in higher education. Marshall University strives to ensure equality of opportunity and treatment in all areas related to student admissions, instructions, employment, placement accommodations, financial assistance programs and other services.

Administrative Steps for filing a Complaint Regarding a Student or Student Organization

Marshall University expects all members of its community to act in respectful and responsible ways toward one another. Marshall University is committed to providing programs, activities and an educational environment free from discrimination and harassment of any kind. To file a general complaint against a student or student organization complete the General Complaint Form (https://marshall-advocate.symplicity.com/public_report/) or contact the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability, 2W29 Memorial Student Center, or call 304-696-2495.

Sexual Misconduct
According to Title IX, the Education Amendments Act of 1972, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” To file a complaint regarding sexual misconduct, complete the Title IX Complaint Form (https://marshall-advocate.symplicity.com/titleix_report/) or contact the Title IX Office, 107 Old Main, 304-696-2934, titleIX@marshall.edu.

Animal and Human Subject Research

Graduate students conducting research involving experiments that utilize animals must work under the supervision of faculty advisors who have written permission from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) before the students can start the research. Information about procedures and protocol forms may be obtained from the Office of Research Integrity through its website at www.marshall.edu/ori.

Graduate students who conduct research involving the use of human subjects must have the approval of the applicable Institutional Review Board (IRB), either Medical or Behavioral and Social Sciences, before starting the research and must work under the supervision of faculty advisors. Information about procedures and approval forms may be obtained at the Office of Research Integrity website at www.marshall.edu/ori.

Clery Act and Title IX Educational Program

Required training for all incoming graduate students

To maintain compliance with the Clery Act and Title IX requirements, Marshall University requires all incoming graduate students to complete a sexual assault and interpersonal violence prevention education program as approved by the Vice President of Student Affairs. The training also ensures students learn of the campus resources related to sexual assault and interpersonal violence. Students who do not complete the training by the end of the 8th week of their first semester of enrollment may not register for additional courses until completing the training. Students will receive multiple notifications regarding this required training program.

Contact for Questions
If you have any questions about the training program, please contact the Title IX Office at titleix@marshall.edu.

Copyright Compliance

Marshall University complies with U.S. copyright law, which prohibits unauthorized duplication and use of copyrighted materials, including written, audio-visual, and computer software materials. Further information is available by contacting the University Libraries at library@marshall.edu.

Cross-Level Linked Courses

The Graduate Council supports the limited use of Cross-Level Linked Courses (CLLC). Cross-Level Linked Courses refer to two courses, one undergraduate and one graduate, which are offered concurrently, in the same place, with the same instructor. Cross-Level Linked Courses supported by the Graduate Council include 400/500 and 400/600 courses. The Graduate Council does not recognize or support 300/600 level courses after the spring 2024 semester. The Graduate Council encourages the general practice of having separate and distinct undergraduate and graduate courses that are not linked in most circumstances but recognizes that CLLCs may be used on a limited basis if measures are in place that identify how the undergraduate and graduate courses differ. As such, the two courses must have a separate syllabus and address all the following:

1. The graduate course must result in a deeper understanding of the course material compared to the undergraduate course with which it is Cross-level Linked.

2. The graduate course assignments must differ from those of the undergraduate course in quality/depth/rigor, and quantity. This could include a difference in reading assignments, course textbooks, projects, or assignment scope.

3. The graduate course should include greater opportunities for independent study.

4. The graduate course must have learning objectives that are written with a higher level of expectation (e.g., Bloom’s Taxonomy). For instance, a greater focus on analysis, evaluation, and creation.

5. The assessment or evaluation of student performance (e.g., examination, written assignments, presentations, applied projects) should be different both qualitatively and quantitatively.

6. Course outcomes should reflect a clear distinction of academic preparation of the graduate students compared to the undergraduate students.

7. The graduate course must be commensurate in academic rigor with other graduate-level courses offered by the program or department.

8. Prerequisites should be appropriate for each course.

Education Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within forty-five days of the day the University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the University discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Marshall University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are:
   Family Policy Compliance Office
   U.S. Department of Education
   600 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, DC 20202-4605

Graduation Vs. Commencement

Graduation and commencement are related, but distinct, academic milestones.

• Graduation refers to the actual awarding of a degree after the University has verified that all academic requirements have been successfully completed. This includes the posting of final grades, a comprehensive review of the student's academic record, and formal degree conferral by the University.
• Commencement is a ceremonial event held at the end of each fall and spring semester to recognize students who are candidates for graduation. Participation in commencement, or submission of an application for graduation, does not guarantee that a student has graduated.

All degrees are subject to final review after the term concludes. A student is not officially graduated until their degree is conferred by the Registrar's Office and recorded on the student's academic transcript. 

Students are encouraged to monitor their degree progress through DegreeWorks and consult with their academic advisor to ensure they are on track to meet all graduation requirements.

Hazardous Substances

Graduate students who will be using, or who will be generating, hazardous substances in their research must work under the supervision of faculty advisors who obtain permission for such research through the appropriate college safety committee. The college will arrange for proper disposal of these materials. Proposals must be submitted to the appropriate safety committee for approval.

Integrity In Scientific Research Policy Statement

Research and scholarship are essential parts of Marshall University. The virtues of scholar­ship are forged from a combination of patience with eagerness, inspiration with meticulous care, and a reverence for integrity with a willingness to challenge cherished assumptions. It is within the research process that these virtues must be held in the highest esteem and measured against a strict set of standards. In this light, it is incumbent upon the institution to insure accurate, objective, valid and reliable research in the finest tradition of scholarship.

It shall be the policy of Marshall University that no faculty member shall knowingly plagia­rize, fabricate, or present incorrect data in research or creative activities conducted under the auspices of the institution. Further, in the case of alleged scientific misconduct, all pertinent rules and regulations of the Public Health Service (PHS), such as 42 CFR Part 50 and allied docu­ments, will prevail in providing definitions, procedures, and deadlines.

The complete policy statement may be found on the web at www.marshall.edu/murc/files/MURC_Misconduct-in-Research-Policy2_Revised-2017.pdf.

Liability

Marshall University, as a state agency, cannot assume responsibility for any loss for personal injury or property damage.

Sexual Harassment Policy Statement

Sexual Harassment, a form of sex discrimination, is illegal and against the policies of the university. Sexual Harassment is defined as conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following criteria:

1. Quid Pro Quo Harassment: A school employee conditioning the provision of a school-related aid, benefit, or service on an individual's participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.
2. Hostile Environment Harassment: Unwelcome conduct on the basis of sex that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the school's education program or activity.
3. Specific Offenses Including:
   • Sexual Assault: Any non-consensual sexual act proscribed by federal, tribal, or state law, including when the victim lacks capacity to consent.
   • Dating Violence: Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim.
   • Domestic Violence: Violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse under domestic or family violence laws.
   • Stalking: Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others, or suffer substantial emotional distress
   • Sexual Exploitation: Taking non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for one’s own advantage or benefit, or to benefit a person other than the one being exploited.

Here are examples of possible sexual harassment under the above definitions, but not limited to:

• A professor offering a student a higher grade in exchange for sexual favors.
• A supervisor promising a graduate assistant a research opportunity or funding in return for a date.
• An administrator suggesting that a staff member will receive a promotion if they engage in sexual activities.
• Persistent and unwelcome sexual advances or comments from a classmate that make it difficult for a student to concentrate in class.
• Repeatedly displaying sexually explicit materials in a shared office space, making it uncomfortable for colleagues.
• A faculty member making derogatory comments about a student's gender identity during lectures, creating a hostile classroom environment.
• Unwanted sexual intercourse with a student or staff member, whether by force, threat, or coercion.
• Sexual activity with an individual who is incapacitated due to alcohol or drug use.
• Physical abuse or threats of violence by a current or former intimate partner.
• Emotional manipulation and control by a dating partner, including threats of harm.
• Physical violence or abuse by a spouse or intimate partner.
• Psychological abuse, such as isolating the victim from friends and family.
• Repeatedly following or monitoring a student or staff member, causing them to fear for their safety.
• Sending threatening or obscene messages through email or social media.
• Taking non-consensual photos or videos of a person in a sexual act or private setting.
• Sharing sexual images or videos of someone without their consent.

These examples illustrate various forms of sexual harassment and misconduct that can occur in a university setting. 

Anyone who believes he or she has been the subject of sex-based discrimination, gender-based discrimination, harassment, or violence is encouraged to report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator through the Title IX Complaint Form (https://marshall-advocate.symplicity.com/titleix_report/) or the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability through the General Complaint Form (https://marshall-advocate.symplicity.com/public_report/). Additionally, reports can be made in person or by phone to the following: Title IX Office – Old Main, Room 107, Phone – (304) 696-2934 / Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability – Memorial Student Center, Room 2W29, Phone – (304) 696-2495. The university is committed to providing support and ensuring a safe and equitable environment for all members of the community.

If You Witness or Recognize Behaviors
If you become aware that a member of Marshall University has experienced harm, please contact the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Office will assess immediate safety concerns and conduct outreach to provide tailored consultation and support. Learn more at www.marshall.edu/titleix.

Other Reasons You Might Need to Contact Someone
If you have received instructions that require mandatory reporting as part of your position, program, or department, follow those instructions. If you have questions about what is expected of you, contact the Marshall University Title IX Office by email at titleix@marshall.edu, in person at Old Main, Room 107, or by phone at (304) 696-2934 .

Responsible Employee
A Responsible Employee is a university employee who must report incidents of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator. All university employees, unless deemed confidential, are considered responsible employees and must report actual or suspected sexual misconduct to the Title IX coordinator.

If an employee is unsure whether they are a responsible employee, they should contact the Title IX Coordinator to determine whether they are a responsible employee.

Before a person reveals information that they may wish to keep confidential, a responsible employee should make every effort to ensure that the person understands their reporting obligation as a mandatory reporter and where to go if they want their information to be kept confidential, such as the Student Counseling Center or the Employee Assistance Program.

When reporting an incident to the Title IX Coordinator, a responsible employee must report all of the information shared with them, such as the name of the victim-survivor, accused individual, location, and information related to the incident. If the individual does not provide this information, please do not ask. Only report the information shared with you. However little that may be.

A responsible employee can inform an individual that a report to the Title IX Coordinator does not automatically initiate a formal investigation. Instead, this reporting obligation ensures that students and employees are informed of their rights and options to address their experiences, including obtaining advocacy and support services and filing a formal complaint.

If You Are an Employee, Here Are Examples of What to Say When Receiving a Disclosure:
Here is an example of what you can say to interrupt and inform a student or employee of your reporting obligations:

“Thank you for coming to me with this, but I need to stop you for a moment. It sounds like you might have experienced something I may be required to report. I care about you and want you to get the resources you need, but there are certain things that some employees, like me, have to report, which would include giving your name and the details you share with me.

I want you to make an informed choice about what you disclose to me today. If you’re going to tell me something I might have to report, you may instead want to talk to someone who can help protect your confidentiality. I am more than happy to connect you with a confidential resource if you’re not ready to report this officially.

If you’d like to share information with me, the Title IX Office will reach out to inform you of your options, which include receiving supportive measures or starting an investigation if you choose. Further, they can also assist you with reporting it to the police.”

What You Should Not Say When Receiving a Disclosure If You Are an Employee:
If a student or employee shares information about a sexual assault or any unwanted incident with you, here is what you should not do:

• Do NOT promise confidentiality. As a responsible employee, you cannot maintain confidentiality and must report incidents of suspected sexual misconduct to the Title IX Office.
• Do NOT promise an outcome.
• Do NOT promise counseling or guidance beyond your training or expertise. Instead, refer the person to a trained resource (Title IX Office, Violence and Prevention Office, Counseling Center, Ombudsperson, and Employee Assistance Program).
• Do NOT discourage the person from further reporting. If you have doubts about the incident, keep them to yourself.
• Do NOT minimize (or magnify) the incident or the impact on the person.
• Do NOT blame the person for the incident. Be aware that blame may be stated or implied through comments, body language, or questions.
• Do NOT question the person about the incident. It is not the responsible employee's role to investigate the incident, and asking too many questions can make a person feel uncomfortable or even attacked. Questions should be limited to the following: 1) the person's name, the accused perpetrator's name, date, time, and location of the incident, and 2) assessing for any immediate health and safety needs.
• Do NOT say that you know what the Complainant is going through.
• Do NOT Panic. Take a deep breath and focus on the Complainant.

How to Report
Acts of discrimination and harassment, including sex/gender-based offenses (sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking), can be reported by going to the Title IX website at www.marshall.edu/titleix and clicking the “File A Report” button on the right side of the page. Reports may also be made in person by choosing the button on the right side of the webpage entitled “Schedule a Meeting with the Title IX Office.” Additionally, you can email the Title IX Office at titleix@marshall.edu.

Prevention and Engagement

• Training and Education - Attend campus workshops and training. Information and details regarding training are available at www.marshall.edu/titleix.
• Inform yourself - For Title IX-related information relevant to employees and students, consult Marshall University’s policies and procedures, which can be found at www.marshall.edu/titleix.
• Get involved - Commit to working collectively towards and maintaining equitable, respectful, and inclusive work and learning environments.
• Resources and Support - If you have experienced any form of sex discrimination, support resources are available throughout the Title IX process.
• Marshall University Counseling Center for Students - (304) 696-2550
• Marshall University Employee Assistance Program - https://www.marshall.edu/human-resources/employee-assistance-program-eap/

Federal and State Laws and Regulations
Laws and regulations, including Title IX, established in 1972, prohibit sex discrimination. Marshall University policies incorporate these legal mandates and apply to every member of the Marshall University community: students, staff, faculty, and other academic personnel.

Marshall University Policies
Marshall University policies prohibit sex and gender-based discrimination, including sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, and other forms of sexual misconduct. See relevant policies at www.marshall.edu/titleix.

Confidentiality and Policy
Certain resources have legally protected confidentiality and only share information with others when the survivor/victim gives specific permission or when required by law. Marshall University’s Title IX Office protects the privacy of individuals who have been impacted by sexual misconduct and  share information as needed to respond to the requests, assess community safety, or comply with legal requirements.

File a Report
You have the right to make a report to Marshall University or submit a report to the police. Go to www.marshall.edu/titleix for more information about making a report and available academic, workplace, and other support measures.

Students with Disabilities

Introduction

Marshall University is committed to providing equal opportunity and access to all programs, services, and activities for students with disabilities. Marshall has three (3) offices or centers that provide services for students with disabilities. These programs include two nationally recognized centers for excellence: the College Program for Students with Autism and the Higher Education Learning Problems (H.E.L.P.) Program. Each of these has different intake processes and procedures. Please check with each program for specific questions. For more specific information on their services, processes, and fees, please use the web links that follow:

The Office of Accessibility and Accommodations

www.marshall.edu/disability/

The Office of Accessibility and Accommodations is the university-wide office responsible for working with both faculty and students with disabilities to provide reasonable accommodations, assistive technology, and/or auxiliary aids and services. This office helps to ensure Marshall University is providing equal opportunity and access for all students with disabilities without cost to the students.

College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

www.marshall.edu/collegeprogram/

(Focus is on students with autism.)

Participation in this program requires that students pay for services. College Program services are highly individualized, but every student receives supports from graduate assistants and West Virginia Autism Training Center staff who work to oversee that the student is accessing the services they need to have a successful college experience. 94% of students who have received College Program supports have graduated or are currently on track to graduate. College Program staff are also available to provide Allies Supporting Autism Spectrum Diversity Training to campus departments. The one-hour online or in-person training can be tailored to fit the needs of various populations such as faculty member, peers, community members, and employers. The College Program also hosts a 3-day employment preparedness workshop in June and a high school summer transition program during summer session III.

H.E.L.P. Program

www.marshall.edu/help/

(Focus is on students with learning disabilities.)

Participation in this program requires that students pay for services. The H.E.L.P. Program (Higher Education Learning Problems) is located in Myers Hall, on the Huntington campus of Marshall University. H.E.L.P. is a comprehensive academic support program for Marshall University students with diagnosed Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The H.E.L.P. Program offers one-on-one academic tutoring, academic coaching, and diagnostic evaluations. Students participating in the program must have met acceptance criteria for Marshall University and are considered for entry to the H.E.L.P. Program, via a separate application process.

Confidentiality and Disability Disclosure Statement

Students with disabilities are admitted to Marshall University under the same admittance criteria and process for all students. Students with disabilities are not required to disclose their disability during the admissions process nor during their time at Marshall. However, if they seek accommodations including assistive technology, or auxiliary aids/services they must make their request to the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations.

Accessibility

Marshall University is committed to making all programs, services, and activities fully accessible to students with disabilities.

According to the U. S. Department of Education’s OCR Compliance Review No. 11-11-6002:

“Accessible” means a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally effective and equally integrated manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use. Educational benefits and opportunities afforded by technology are “accessible” if a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally effective and equally integrated manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use. A person with a disability must be able to obtain the information and engage in the same interactions as fully, equally, and independently as a person without a disability. Although this might not result in identical ease of use compared to that of persons without disabilities, it still must ensure equal opportunity to the educational benefits and opportunities afforded by the technology and equal treatment in the use of such technology.

Requesting Services

Registration and Documentation

To receive accommodations, assistive technology, and/or auxiliary aides, students must schedule an appointment with the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations director to register for services. Web conferencing can be arranged for students who have long travel distances, take online courses, or are attending classes at remote campus locations. Students will need to schedule this initial appointment either through email or telephone contact to the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations director. At this initial meeting, students need to provide documentation of their need for reasonable accommodations, assistive technology, and/or auxiliary aids/services.

Please note that the H.E.L.P. Center and Autism Center’s College Program have different intake procedures for students. Please contact them directly.

Course Substitution

Students with disabilities may apply for course substitutions as a reasonable accommodation under the following policy:

Conditions

A student with a disability seeking a course substitution must meet the following conditions:

• Completion of the Course Substitution Form. This form requires that the student attach a recent (within three years) diagnosis of a disability warranting a substitution or waiver. (The form is available in the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations.) A licensed psychologist, a licensed school psychologist, or a properly credentialed education specialist must have made the diagnosis in the case of a learning disability.
• Verification on the Course Substitution Form from the dean of the student’s college, that the course for which a substitution is requested is not an integral part of the student’s course of study. If the course is integral to the course of study the substitution or waiver request shall not go forward.
• Submission of the Course Substitution Form to the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations.

Procedure

Submission of the Course Substitution Form and supporting documentation by the student to the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations initiates the process. The Office of Accessibility and Accommodations confirms that a diagnosis of a disability is presented by the student and that the disability is known to hinder or prevent successful completion of the course of study for which the substitution is requested.  Once the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations approves the request, the form is forwarded to the Dean or Associate Dean.  If there is no such diagnosis the request is denied.  All confidential materials submitted by the student will remain housed with the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations. The Dean or Associate Dean will determine if the course is or is not an integral part of the student’s course of study. The Dean or Associate Dean are charged with identifying courses that would constitute appropriate substitution and reporting these courses to the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations.

A student who is denied a course substitution or waiver may appeal in writing within 10 working days to the Vice President for Student Affairs. Students should be aware that a course substitution would not be valid at any other institution and would have to be approved by the new college or department if the student changes major or declares a second major at Marshall University.

Appeals Process

Students who believe they have been inappropriately denied a reasonable accommodation by the Autism Training Center, the H.E.L.P. Center, or the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations may appeal as follows.

Step One: The student will submit the Accommodation Appeal Form to the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations within two (2) days of the denial of accommodations. This appeal form requires the recommended accommodations as provided by a licensed physician, psychologist or other appropriate medical professional. In addition, the student will provide a written statement indicating why the denial of the accommodations is in error and a potential detriment to the student’s ability to participate in curricular and co-curricular activities.

The Office of Accessibility and Accommodations will, within five (5) business days, attempt to informally resolve the appeal. Resolution may be an affirmation of the refusal of the accommodation with a rationale for the decision, recommend provision of the accommodation, or submission of the appeal form for a Step Two review.

Step Two: If the student is not satisfied with the decision from Step One, he or she may forward the Accommodation Appeal Form within two (2) days of receipt the Step One decision to the Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA), or his/her designee who will further investigate the appeal. This investigation may involve a meeting with the student, staff of Autism Training Center, the H.E.L.P. Center, and/or the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations, faculty and staff involved in the appeal, and others whose expertise may inform the review. The VPSA will render a decision, including a rationale, in a timely manner within five (5) business days. The VPSA may also submit the appeal form for a Step Three review.

Step Three: If the student is not satisfied with the decision from Step Two, he or she may forward the Accommodation Appeal Form within two (2) days of receipt the Step 2 decision to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost or his/her designee, (VP AA&P), who will further investigate the appeal. The VPAA&P will render a decision, including a rationale, within five (5) business days. The decision of the VP AA&P shall be final.

Failure to Provide An Accommodation or Issues with Providing an Accommodation

Students, the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations, or the faculty or staff who believe an employee of Marshall University failed to or has issues with providing an accommodation approved by the Autism Training Center, the H.E.L.P. Center, and/or the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations will submit the Accommodation Complaint Form to the Office of Disability Services. The Office of Accessibility and Accommodations will, within five (5) calendar days, report to the student and the VPSA the result of an investigation of the complaint and the action taken, if any.

The matter may be appealed if the student, the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations, faculty or staff believes that:

• any agreed to resolution of the matter has not been adhered to or followed, or
• the accommodations are still not being provided,
• no resolution can be reached concerning the issue, or
• there is a dispute regarding how/what accommodations should be provided.

Appeal of Failure to Provide an Accommodation

Step One: The student, the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations, the faculty or staff will submit the Accommodation Complaint Form within two (2) days of the issue or incident of providing an accommodation occurs to the Office of the VPSA. This appeal form requires the recommended accommodations as provided by a licensed physician, psychologist or other appropriate medical professional. In addition, the student, Office of Accessibility and Accommodations, the faculty or staff will provide a written statement indicating what resolution attempts, if any, have been taken. Indicate which of the reasons indicated in 2.2 has occurred.

Step Two: The Office of the VSPA will, within five (5) business days, attempt to resolve the appeal. This attempt at resolution may involve a meeting with the student, staff of the Autism Training Center, the H.E.L.P. Department, and/or the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations, faculty and staff involved in the appeal, their director, chair, dean, and/or others whose expertise may inform the review. The Office of the VPSA will render a decision, including a rationale, in a timely manner within five (5) business days. The VPSA may also submit the appeal form for a Step Three review.

Step Three: If the student, the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations, faculty or staff is not satisfied with the decision from Step Two, he or she may forward, within two (2) days of the Step Two decision, the Accommodation Complaint Form to the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost or his/her designee, (VP AA&P), who will further investigate the appeal. The VP AA&P will render a decision, including a rationale, within five (5) business days. The decision of the VP AA&P shall be final.

The VPAA&P shall have the authority to direct University faculty and staff to provide any accommodation to which the VP AA&P finds that the student is entitled to receive.

Accommodations which have been approved by the Autism Training Center, the H.E.L.P. Department, and/or the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations, must be provided during the appeal process.

If faculty or staff are found to have failed to provide an accommodation after all the measures outlined herein have been exhausted or at any time during the appeal process, then the matter will be referred to The Office of Equity Programs/Title IX for further investigation and possible disciplinary actions.

Right to Accommodation for Any Judicial or Appeal Process

All students with a previously approved accommodation may be entitled to receive reasonable accommodations during any judicial or appeal process. Upon notification by the student, or by the individuals conducting a judicial or appeal process, the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations will coordinate the provision of the accommodation and have the authority to identify how best to provide the accommodation. Provided that, the student may be required to register with the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations to receive those accommodations in accordance with University policy and procedures.

Retaliation Prohibited

No individual may retaliate against the student or any person that assists the student in the receipt of accommodations or this appeal process.

“Retaliate” means to take an adverse action against an individual or subject an individual to conduct that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with that individual’s educa­tional experience, work or academic performances, or creates an educational experience or aca­demic or work environment that a reasonable person would find intimidating or hostile because of something that individual did to further the University’s policy for providing accommodations.

Weather-Related and/or Emergency Closings and Delays

(from Board of Governors Policy UPGA-2, effective May 14, 2025)

Policy

Generally, it is Marshall University's policy to maintain its normal schedule, even when conditions are inclement. However, that is not always possible. 

Huntington Campus Delays and Closings

In those instances when it is necessary to alter the schedule in response to weather conditions, every effort will be made to notify all those affected-students, faculty, staff and the general public-as expeditiously and as comprehensively as possible in the following ways: 

• The university subscribes to a third-party service to provide notifications by e-mail, text message, and telephone, referred to as "MU Alert" at Marshall. All students, faculty and staff will be enrolled in the MU Alert database with their university e-mail addresses, and, in the case of faculty and staff, their office telephone numbers. Students, faculty and staff may provide additional contact methods, including those for text messaging and cell phone numbers, through the use of the myMU portal.
  In cases of weather-related or other emergency closings and delays, University Communications staff will use MU Alert to send notification. 
• Television stations in Huntington and Charleston will be notified.
• Radio stations in Huntington and Charleston will be asked to announce the delay or closing.
• Time permitting, newspapers in Huntington and Charleston will be notified. Often, however, decisions must be made after deadlines of newspapers.
• The Office of University Communications will communicate the specific details of the delay or closing to the Office of Public Safety at 304-696-HELP.
• Notifications will be posted on the University's official social media accounts.​

Information about closing, cancellations, or delays will ordinarily be disseminated to area radio and television stations. The authoritatively correct statement of the University's condition (Huntington) is stipulated to be the message on the main page of the website at http://www.marshall.edu.

This section applies only to the Huntington campus and all releases should make it clear that it relates only to the Huntington campus. The chief administrative officer (as designated by the University president) will manage the weather-related closings policy for the South Charleston campus and other education centers for the respective location, and all releases should make clear that the release applies only to the affected location. The South Charleston phone number is 304-746-2500. See the following section for information on procedures for other locations.

Types of delays and closings:

• University Closed: All classes suspended and offices closed.
• Classes Cancelled: All classes suspended; offices open.
• Classes Non-Mandatory: Classes meet as normal and offices are open. Instructors are required to excuse absences to students in in-person classes who are unable to travel to the class.

Delay Code A: Means a delay in the opening of classes BUT no delay in the opening of offices. Delays will usually be in the range of one to two hours. Employees are expected to report to work at their normal starting times unless they feel that travel is unsafe. If an employee feels that he/she cannot travel safely to work, he/she may charge accrued annual leave for the portion of the workday from 8:00 a.m. (or their normal start time) until their arrival at work.

Delay Code B: Means a delay in the opening of classes AND a delay in the opening of offices. Delays will usually be in the range of one to two hours. Employees do not have to report to their offices until the stated delay time. If they believe they cannot travel to work safely by the stated delay time, they may charge accrued annual leave for the work hours from the stated delay time until they can next report to work.

Class operation under delays: Under both categories of delay, students should go to the class that would begin at the stated delay time or the class that would have convened within 30 minutes of the stated delay time. A two-hour delay means that classes that begin at 10:00 a.m. begin on time. Classes that begin at 9:30 a.m. meet at 10:00 a.m. and continue for the remaining period of that class.

Exceptions with regard to employees: Certain critical and emergency employees may be required to report to work on time or earlier than normally scheduled despite the particular delay code published.

Faculty

Once operations are resumed, deans and departmental chairs must take steps to ensure that faculty meet their scheduled classes or substitutes secured so that class schedules are met.

Decision Making

Decisions on closings and/or delays will be made jointly by the Chief of Staff, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Senior Vice President for Operations following the consultation with other appropriate officials, including the President. Should only one or two of those three persons be available, the ones available will make the decision.

Every effort will be made to reach decisions to allow time for adequate notification of those affected.

South Charleston Campus and Other Education Centers

Because weather conditions can vary substantially, it is possible that classes will be delayed or cancelled at some locations and not at others. The chief administrative officer for each location, in consultation with local staff, will decide on class cancellations.

South Charleston campus: 

Notification of delays or cancellations at the South Charleston campus will be announced by:
(a) University website
(b) MU Alert
(c) University official Facebook and Twitter social accounts, and
(d) Local media. Students may check the status of their classes by checking the website.

Point Pleasant, Beckley, Teays Valley and other educational centers:

Procedures for delayed openings and class cancellations are similar to those for the South Charleston campus. At Point Pleasant, Beckley, and Teays Valley, information regarding cancellations will be provided on the University website, and through MU Alert, the University's official Facebook and Twitter social media accounts, and local media.

Remote locations and other education centers:

Because there may be classes meeting on an irregular schedule in a geographically dispersed area throughout the semester, decisions about whether to meet during inclement weather will be made by the instructor. Those decisions will be transmitted to students by e-mail or other methods as agreed by students and the instructor.

Types of delays and closings for the South Charleston campus:

South Charleston Closed: All classes cancelled and offices closed.

South Charleston Classes Cancelled: All classes cancelled. Details provided by site.

South Charleston Classes non-mandatory: Classes meet as normal. Instructors must excuse absences for students in in-person classes who are unable to travel to class.

South Charleston Delay: A delay in the beginning of non-class activities, e.g. a two- hour delay would mean the normal workday would begin at 10:00 a.m. rather than 8:00 a.m.

Marshall University School of Medicine

Due to the unique nature of its obligations to its constituents, the Marshall University School of Medicine may maintain a separate set of procedures for weather-related and emergency closings.

MU Alert

Information on Marshall University’s Emergency Messaging System (MU Alert) can be found on the website at www.marshall.edu/emergency/mualert.