U n i versity of Northern Iowa BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE 2000 NCA Self-Study Report CRITERION V INTEGRITY 127 CRITERION V INTEGRITY U n i versity of Northern Iowa CRITERION V: The institution demonstrates integrity in its practices and relationships The University of Northern Iowa wishes to be known as an academic community that practices democratic principles. Equal access, equitable treatment, and nondiscrimination are some of these ideals. Likewise, the University aspires to integrity in all of its internal and external relations. Ethical University Policies The University of Northern Iowa has developed policies and procedures to maintain the integrity of its practices and relationships, both internal and external. Policies and procedures are developed with input from appropriate faculty, staff, student groups, and advisory committees. They are published and distributed as broadly as possible. The University makes a concerted effort to apply all policies and procedures consistently and fairly. Two major policies delineate and undergird the major functions of this institution of higher education: • Freedom of expression (Policies and Procedures, 13.10) The University of Northern Iowa has developed policies and procedures to maintain the integrity of its practices and relationships, both internal and external. • Ethics and Academic Responsibility (Policies and Procedures, 6.10) The latter policy affirms the University’s provision of intellectual freedom for its faculty and the necessity for faculty also to uphold this freedom “in all its actions.” This policy describes required responsibilities to scholarship, students, colleagues, the University, and the larger community that the University serves. University policies and procedures are accessible at http://www.uni.edu/pres/policies. Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity At http://www.uni.edu/equity/pres.html, President Koob expresses UNI’s commitment to the principles and implementations of a program of nondiscrimination and affirmative action in all employment and academic matters. The University, he says, is: dedicated to making all employment and academically-related decisions on the basis of relevant employment and academic criteria. Recognizing its unique role as a model for students who will be tomorrow’s workforce in education, government, and business, the University remains diligent in its efforts to demonstrate affirmative action wisdom and success. As a community, the University encourages the development of a work and academic environment which enhances affirmative action priorities . . . The University accepts responsibility for compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines concerning civil rights, nondiscrimination, and affirmative 128 action. The University of Northern Iowa is a diverse community . . . with a deep regard for civility. The University is hospitable to all persons regardless of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Affirmative Action Affirmative action, equal opportunity, and non-discrimination continue to be the CRITERION V INTEGRITY U n i versity of Northern Iowa responsibility of the Office of the President. The institution’s policies and procedures are to be followed by those who are empowered to hire new personnel to the University. Thus, the University continues to maintain its commitments to ethnic, gender, and cultural diversity in its workforce. The Office of Compliance and Equity Management coordinates the University’s commitment to nondiscrimination (equal opportunity) into an effective, organized system using applicable federal and state laws and regulations; develops the affirmative action plan; monitors those policies and practices affecting employment that are under the jurisdiction of government guidelines; and reviews all complaints alleging discrimination. Employees who have been unable to resolve a complaint through the established University procedures or who otherwise choose to do so may contact Compliance and Equity Management or Human Resource Services. UNI’s policy statement on non-discrimination and affirmative action can be viewed at http://www.uni.edu/equity/stnd. Americans with Disability The Office of Disability Services assures that the University is in compliance with the University continues to maintain its commitments to ethnic, gender, and cultural diversity in its workforce. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and to assist in identifying concerns in the area of ADA policies and procedures affecting the University. The office works closely with students with disabilities, employees with disabilities, Human Resources, Public Safety, Facilities Planning, the Office of Compliance and Equity Management, and other relevant departments. This office also provides input for positive changes in the area of physical accessibility and student and employee assistance for persons with disabilities. Harassment and Discriminatory Behaviors Sexual harassment is illegal and inhibits a healthy and prod uctive working and learning environment. To provide staff and students with a means of redress, the University has established harassment and grievance procedures. These procedures provide appropriate institutional appeal processes to ensure thorough and prompt investigation of allegations of harassment and discrimination. The University’s policies prohibiting discrimination and sexual harassment are accessible at http://www.uni.edu/equity/policies. Because education is the most effective tool to combat these behaviors, training programs that inform the campus community regarding these destructive behaviors are scheduled regularly throughout the year and also are offered upon request. 129 CRITERION V INTEGRITY U n i versity of Northern Iowa Board of Regents Policies and Procedures The day-to-day operations of the institution are governed not only by University policies– the University of Northern Iowa Policies and Procedures Manual (http://www.uni.edu/pres/policies) –but also by the following: • Board of Regents Procedural Guide (http://www.uni.edu/pres/policies/bor) • Master Agreement Between the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, and the UNI United Faculty (http://www.uni.edu/vpaa/faculty_contract/) • Professional-Scientific Personnel Policies and Procedures (http://www.uni.edu/hrs/p&s/) • Merit System Staff Handbook (http://www.uni.edu/hrs/merithb/) Compliance with Federal Regulations Log of Student Complaints Records of formal, written, and signed student complaints are maintained by the Office of the Provost, the Vice President for Student Services, the Office of Compliance and Equity Management, and the Graduate College. These records include summary information regarding the name(s) of the complainant(s), the date and nature of the complaint, and steps taken to During the 1988-1989 academic year there were 3,663 loans made to students totaling $7.4 million. resolve the complaint, including referral to outside agencies and other external actions initiated by the student and known to the University. A summary of these records will be available to the NCA Consultant-Evaluators at the time of the University’s comprehensive evaluation. Only summary data will be provided, in order to maintain confidentiality and to protect the privacy of complainants and others. Federal Student Loan Default Rate During the 1988-1989 academic year there were 3,663 loans made to students totaling $7.4 million. By comparison, during the 1998-1999 academic year there were 11,386 loans made totaling $36.1 million. When considering all aid programs, a total of 18,166 awards totaling $22 million were made in 1989. For the 1998-1999 year, more than 28,000 awards from all programs were made totaling $63 million. This represents an increase of about 54 percent in the total number of awards and approximately 186 percent in the total amount allocated over the last two years. Default rates for loans at the University of Northern Iowa are extremely low. The default rate for the Perkins loan is 6.49 percent (6-30-99). The default rate for Federal Direct Student Loan Program is 4.3 percent (1996-1997, the latest data available). 130 University Catalog and Schedule of Classes The University catalog is published biennially for students, faculty, staff, and others who are interested in knowing more about the University. Its purpose is to communicate as completely and objectively as possible what the University is and what it does. In addition to a print format, the catalog is available online at www.uni.edu/pubrel/catalog/index.htm. CRITERION V INTEGRITY U n i versity of Northern Iowa The catalog provides general information regarding admissions requirements, enrollment and registration procedures, fees and financial aid, student life, University facilities, and educational services, degree requirements, academic regulations, and specific program requirements for both undergraduate and graduate programs. The catalog also includes information on program certificate requirements, graduate assistantships, course descriptions, and listings of the members of the Board of Regents, the administrative staff, and current as well as emeritus faculty. The University catalog is supplemented by the Semester Schedule of Classes (published in the fall, spring, and summer). The Schedule of Classes lists the classes offered that semester. It also contains general information regarding curricular offerings, fees, and related policies and procedures. Other information in the Schedule of Classes includes the procedure for applying for graduation, dates to observe, an explanation of course numbers, fees and billing, the final examination schedule, grade information, learning skills and new student assistance, the UNI policy on nondiscrimination and affirmative action, the Student Right to Know Act, and veterans information. Every effort is made to make this publication accurate as of the date of publication. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to use it as a reference tool throughout the semester, Important policy information is distributed to students each semester in the Schedule of Classes. and entering students are instructed at orientation how to read and use the Schedule. “Student Handbook” For a number of years, the University distributed student policy information in printed form but in 1997 discontinued this practice in favor of Web distribution. Notice of the “Student Handbook” Web site (www.uni.edu/vpess/handbook) is announced in the Northern Iowan, through printed bookmarks and half-page handouts, by means of UNI-Online (first initiated in Fall 1999), and in other ways. Students who live in the residence halls receive a copy of Day By Day, which contains much of the information formerly included in the student handbook. As information proliferates, we have found, that printed materials are too bulky, prohibitively expensive, quickly outdated, and not read by students. Important policy information is distributed to students each semester in the Schedule of Classes. In addition, a publication for all students, faculty, and staff addressing drugs, alcohol, and campus safety issues is distributed annually and will probably also appear on the Web in the near future. The University has found that it is better to inform students by distributing relevant policies and procedures in multiple venues rather than by just saying, “It’s in the handbook!” 131 CRITERION V INTEGRITY U n i versity of Northern Iowa Personnel Policies and Procedures The University of Northern Iowa has established personnel policies and procedures that serve to guide and govern the rights and responsibilities of all constituents on our campus. These policies and procedures are defined and described in detail in various published handbooks, manuals, brochures, and pamphlets. They have also been incorporated as part of the UNI main web site. These resources define and propose courses of action for handling internal disputes at the University of Northern Iowa. All of these resources are available in hardcopy and electronic format for students, faculty, and staff. Information on the existing and updated policies and procedures is provided to new and already employed faculty and staff through print media and online. Students are regularly informed about policies related to grievances, complaints, and discrimination procedures through publications, newspaper inserts, and electronic media. Procedures and policy statements are updated regularly and cover a wide range of issues, from complaints and grievances to issues of discrimination, sexual harassment, and disability. Developing or revising personnel policies and procedures is an ongoing process. For example, Procedures and policy statements are updated regularly and cover a wide range of issues, from complaints and grievances to issues of discrimination, sexual harassment, and disability. the UNI Policies and Procedures document(http://www.uni.edu/pres/policies/grievance.html) covers a wide range of topics relevant to the entire University regarding nondiscrimination (13.03), affirmative action (13.01), persons with disabilities (12.06), and resolution of discrimination complaints (12.07). Specific publications that cover University policies and procedures are targeted for students, faculty, and staff. Policies and Procedures for Students UNI Policies and Procedures and the Student Handbook are intended to clarify the many policies relating to students. UNI Policies and Procedures Chapter 12 of the UNI Policies and Procedures addresses grievance procedures for graduate students, undergraduate students, student employees, and graduate assistants. Furthermore, the Northern Iowa Student Government appoints students to the Affirmative Action Council on Academic Affairs, the Affirmative Action Council on Education and Student Services, the Educational Policies Commission, the Ethnic Minorities Cultural and Educational Policy Board, the Human Rights Commission, and the University Judicial Committee (see http://www.uni.edu/pres/policies/grievance.html). 132 Student Handbook Additional sources of policies and procedures on students’ rights and responsibilities with regard to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, academic grievances and ethics, disagreements, and complaints by student employees and persons with disabilities are contained in the Student Handbook (see http://www.uni.edu/vpess/handbook.html). CRITERION V INTEGRITY U n i versity of Northern Iowa Graduate Student Handbook Information on policies and procedures related to academic ethics, academic grievances, sexual harassment, and other issues is made available to graduate students through the Graduate College and the Graduate Student Handbook, which is available currently in print format. Policies and Procedures for Faculty The Master Agreement and UNI Policies and Procedures both contain faculty personnel policies. Master Agreement In Article Ten, the Master Agreement Between the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, and the UNI-United Faculty (July 1, 1999-June 30, 2001) defines the scope of grievance and outlines steps for grievance procedure (see Appendix D and http://www.uni.edu/vpaa/faculty_contract/mainpage). The Master Agreement and UNI Policies and Procedures both contain faculty personnel policies. UNI Policies and Procedures In addition to the Master Agreement, the UNI Policies and Procedures handbook details, among other policies, academic policies (Chapter 2), faculty employment policies (Chapter 6), and faculty grievance procedures concerning disabilities and discrimination (Chapter 12). (See http://www.uni.edu/pres/policies/.) Policies and Procedures for Staff The UNI Policies and Procedures, the Professional and Scientific Personnel Policies and Procedures, and the HRS Policies and Procedures describe the University’s procedures and policies for staff. Professional and Scientific Personnel Complaints and grievances procedures by professional and scientific personnel at UNI are resolved in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Professional and Scientific Personnel Policies and Procedures, Article VIII, Complaints and Grievances, can be found at http://www.uni.edu/hrs/p&s/index.html. The Board of Regents originally approved these policies and procedures in February 1980. Policies and procedures contained within the 133 CRITERION V INTEGRITY U n i versity of Northern Iowa document cover position appointment procedures, the various types of University service appointments, information on the performance appraisal program, classificationcompensation plan provisions, reduction-in-force proceedings, fringe benefit program offerings, and certain other miscellaneous policies. Merit System Employees Chapter 5 of the UNI Policies and Procedures provides information on Merit Staff employment policies, and Chapter 12.03 details Merit System grievance and appeals procedures. Merit employees are governed by both the Regents Merit System Rules and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) collective bargaining agreement. Work rules and Regents Merit System Rules are accessible at http://www.uni.edu/hrs/merithb. Office of Public Relations The Office of Public Relations offers and coordinates services to enhance the visibility The Office of University Marketing and Public Relations provides the campus ommunity with a wide range of publication services, from traditional print formats to new electronic formats, to the campus community through seven divisions. and accurately project the image of the University of Northern Iowa. The office is responsible for media relations, news, publications, advertising, marketing communication, and institutional identity. According to the Office mission statement: The Office of Public Relations provides leadership for a strategic, comprehensive communications effort that enhances understanding and appreciation of the University’s mission, supports the strategic plan, and advances the institution’s internal and external relations goals. The UNI Office of Public Relations works closely with campus groups to produce clear and informative documents. The Office provides the campus community with a wide range of publication services, from traditional print formats to new electronic formats, to the campus community through seven divisions: Printing and Mailing Services; Teleproduction Center; Photography Services; Campus Communications; Community Relations; Media Relations; and Publication and Interactive Communications. As the University implements its 2001-2006 Strategic Plan, the Office of Public Relations will go forward with a more focused mission and a new name: The Office of University Marketing and Public Relations, in concert with the various University constituents, develops and coordinates the implementation of an integrated marketing program. Designed to enhance the visibility and to accurately project the culture of the University of Northern Iowa, the plan reflects and works toward the goals of the University’s strategic plan through 134 the judicious use of a variety of communications. Areas of public relations emphasis and thematic approaches in publication and advertising design correspond with and support the mission and select areas of excellence. Priorities are set within these parameters. A high priority of the Office of University Marketing and Public Relations is media CRITERION V INTEGRITY U n i versity of Northern Iowa relations, which includes developing internal credibility to assure that information is provided to media accurately and in a timely fashion. Prompt response to media queries and counsel to University officials in crisis situations are of primary importance. The office recognizes that news media are not in the business of promoting the University, and that their dissemination of our information to their readers/viewers on such things as programs, activities or cultural events is done as a public service. Of equal importance to the Office of Marketing and Public Relations is the projection of the institution’s image and vision through communications media that are designed with integrity and consistency of central message, and in compliance with institutional identity standards. Central to all the Office’s efforts is the portrayal of outcomes that best illuminate the University’s core goals. Student achievement, faculty research and accomplishments, the results of programs and initiatives, the partnerships that effect economic development, and promotion of the general education curriculum all comprise tangible evidence of UNI’s mission. Integrity in the Grant Process and Ethics in Research The Grants and Contracts unit of the Graduate College has responsibility for managing the business and financial aspects of sponsored project agreements and for authorizing submission of proposals to, and acceptance of, awards from external funding agencies. Applications and proposals prepared by faculty and staff are subject to an internal review procedure, evidenced by signatures on a Request for External Funds (REF) Form. The staff The Grants and Contracts unit of the Graduate College has responsibility for managing the business and financial aspects of sponsored project agreements and for authorizing submission of proposals to, and acceptance of, awards from external funding agencies. member’s department head, college dean and administrative unit head(s), as applicable, must provide standard approvals. Special reviews and approvals are required when projects involve the use of human and animal subjects. All grants and contracts are assigned an account with the Controller’s Office to which expenditures are charged and sponsor payments deposited. This segregation of accounts provides an audit trail for sponsor-paid financial transactions. All sponsored project spending is subject to the University’s financial policies and procedures, which are consistently applied. The Grants and Contracts unit monitors cases that involve more restrictive financial terms and conditions. Unallowable expenditure object codes are omitted from the account setup. 135 Scientific misconduct is a concern of the entire scientific community. The University of CRITERION V Northern Iowa’s Policy for Responding to Allegations of Scientific Misconduct provides clear INTEGRITY procedures that address scientific misconduct, safeguard the rights of all concerned, ensure U n i versity of Northern Iowa due process for a respondent, and protect from retaliation a complainant who makes an allegation in good faith. The policy applies to all persons engaged in or associated with research funded by the Public Health Service or National Science Foundation. The policy applies to any person paid by, under the control of, or affiliated with the University of Northern Iowa, such as scientists, trainees, technicians and other staff members, students, fellows, guest researchers, or collaborators at the University. Members of the University community who suspect that scholarly pursuits have been compromised by dishonesty are encouraged to communicate their concerns, informally or formally to the appropriate administrative official(s). Internal Audit All sponsored project accounts are subject to the University’s annual audit conducted by the Auditor of State. In addition, the Auditor of State performs a special audit of federally funded grant and contract accounts active during the fiscal year being reviewed. This audit The UNI Policy on Use of Computer Resources addresses unauthorized or inappropriate use of the University of Northern Iowa computing resources, sexual harassment using electronic technology, and communication on campus including e-mail correspondences and news groups. is conducted under the guidelines of OMB Circular A-133, “Audits of States, Local governments and Nonprofit Organizations.” Integrity in the Use of Technology In addition to the UNI policy on copyright-protected computer materials, the Policy on Use of Computer Resources delineates the University’s computer use policy. It addresses unauthorized or inappropriate use of the University of Northern Iowa computing resources, sexual harassment using electronic technology, and communication on campus including email correspondences and news groups. This policy specifically lists a number of behaviors with respect to the electronic environment that are expressly prohibited: • Accessing without authorization or attempting to access, alter, erase or intercept computer data that are not one’s own • Accessing, or attempting to access, equipment or networks at UNI or elsewhere via UNI resources, without permission • Using, or attempting to use, someone else’s authorization • Permitting others (at UNI or elsewhere) to use one’s own authorization • Modifying or extending network services and wiring beyond their intended use • Concealing or attempting to conceal one’s identity when using University resources, except when anonymous access is explicitly provided • Forgery or misrepresentation of one’s identity 136 • Impairing, interrupting or inhibiting any other person’s access to or use of resources except consequential to normal and acceptable use • Sending anonymous, deceptive, fraudulent, or unwelcome electronic communications, such as chain letters CRITERION V INTEGRITY U n i versity of Northern Iowa • Violating license agreements, copyrights or intellectual property rights • Violating contractual obligations of the University • Re-transmitting UNI-specific or commercially obtained network resources outside of the University community • Commercial use of information from University databases or University resources. Athletics The Board of Regents has strongly committed itself to integrity in the administration of intercollegiate athletic programs. (See Board of Regents policies and procedures relating to intercollegiate athletics, 10.21, Policy on Athletics, pages 60-63, at http://www2.state.ia.us/regents/policy.html). In 1991, the Board of Regents adopted a policy asserting presidential control of athletics at the three Regents universities, as well as academic integrity, financial integrity, and accountability through certification. In 1992, the Board specified consequences for serious infractions of NCAA, conference, or University rules and regulations and established a reporting procedure. In 1999, the Board of Regents added to its policies a statement of principles vesting all responsibility and authority for administration of university athletic departments in the The Board of Regents has strongly committed itself to integrity in the administration of intercollegiate athletic programs. presidents and committing itself “to a philosophy of firm institutional control of athletics, to the unquestioned academic and financial integrity of the athletics programs, and to the accountability of the athletics departments to the values and goals befitting higher education” (p. 62). Among the principles asserted are an affirmation that the “welfare, health and safety of student athletes are primary concerns of athletics administration on the campuses,” and that “every student athlete – male and female, majority and minority, in all sports – will receive equitable and fair treatment.” The admission and continuing athletic eligibility of student athletes is to be based on their showing reasonable promise of academic success. Graduation rates of student athletes are to be as high as those of comparable nonathletes. Athletics departments budgets are to be monitored and audited. Thus the Board of Regents commits itself and the University of Northern Iowa to the highest standards of integrity in intercollegiate athletics. The Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Council (IAAC) oversees all aspects of UNI’s athletic program as it relates to the academic quality and integrity of the institution. 137 CRITERION V INTEGRITY U n i versity of Northern Iowa According to its mission statement (http://www.uni.edu/iaac/mission_statement.html), the Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Council supports the development and maintenance of a competitive intercollegiate athletic program which reflects favorably upon the university; monitors policies and activities related to the welfare of student athletes; and formulates and recommends to the Provost and/or Vice President for Administration and Finance, and/or the University Senate, new policies regarding athletics and student athletes. The Council meets regularly and reports annually to the Provost, the Vice President for Administration and Finance, the Professional & Scientific Council, and the University Faculty Senate. The Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Council is charged to do the following: • Review, with the NCAA Faculty Representative, the status of institutional compliance with the NCAA rules and guidelines, the issues and opportunities pertaining to athletic conferences in which UNI participates, and problems involving student athletes at UNI • Review, with the Athletic Director, the status of and activities undertaken by Intercollegiate Athletics at this institution • Participate on search committees for head coaches and other athletic administrative The University of Northern Iowa offers a 20-sport intercollegiate athletic program. positions • Conduct team meetings with participants in each sport to inform student athletes about the IAAC, the rights and responsibilities of student athletes at UNI, and IAAC concerns for student welfare, academic integrity, and institutional control • Conduct exit interviews with student athletes • Monitor schedules of all athletic teams • Review grade reports, graduation rates, admission and retention data, and related information for the institution and then compare these data with those of the nonathlete student body at UNI and with those of other NCAA Division I institutions. The University of Northern Iowa offers a 20-sport intercollegiate athletic program. All programs are offered at the Division I level, with football recognized as a I-AA program. More than 475 student-athletes compete in these 20 programs. The Missouri Valley Conference serves as the league affiliation for all sports except football and wrestling. Football competes as a member of the Gateway Football Conference, and wrestling competes as an independent member of the NCAA. Women’s soccer is the newest varsity sport at UNI, beginning competition in Fall 2000. It is the mission of the University’s athletic program to offer the same athletic programs at the Division I level that are offered as championship sports by the Iowa High School Athletic Association. The addition of women’s soccer completes that mission. Currently, the athletic program and its personnel; policies and procedures are undergoing an extensive evaluation process. This process is a part of the North Central Association 138 process as well as the NCAA certification process, which will take place during the 2000-2001 year. Within that evaluation process is an effort by the new Director of Athletics to reorganize CRITERION V the department. An evaluation of job duties and responsibilities as well as departmental INTEGRITY mission, goals, and objectives is being undertaken. Intercollegiate athletics at the University of Northern Iowa is committed to live up to Title IX. Student athletes at UNI receive fair and equitable treatment. They are mainstreamed yet U n i versity of Northern Iowa supported with respect to academic advising and learning assistance. Graduation rates of student athletes, on average, exceed those of the student body. (see Table V.1). Table V.1: Graduation Rates Comparison Funding for women’s teams–in dollars, practice facilities, mode of travel, and accommodations–is approaching the level of funding for men’s sports. And institutional control provided by President Koob and the Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Council ensures the welfare of our student athletes. Intercollegiate athletics at the University of Northern Iowa is committed to live up to Title IX. 139