Statement of University Policies
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information provided in this catalog, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Sacred Heart University reserves the right to make changes at any time and without prior notice. The University provides the information in this catalog solely for the convenience of the reader, who may not rely upon it as a promise or legal obligation. Sacred Heart University expressly disclaims any liability based on the contents.
The institution recognizes and complies with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, which protects the privacy of and defines the rights of students' educational records.
Sacred Heart University does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on a person's actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hair styles), color, national origin, ethnicity (including ancestry), religion, creed, political affiliation, citizenship or immigration status, sex (including but not limited to romantic or sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy, child-birth and related conditions, marital or domestic partnership status, family responsibilities, and domestic violence victim status) physical, mental, learning and intellectual disability, age, veteran or military status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law. Furthermore, SHU strictly prohibits retaliation against persons who file a complaint or assist in an investigation of discrimination or harassment or otherwise oppose, in a reasonable manner, that which they reasonably believe to be in violation of the SHU Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy.
The University's Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy applies to all Sacred Heart University students, faculty, staff, admitted students, and faculty and staff in pre-employment status while participating in SHU programs, activities, services and/or employment on or off campus, or where the conduct of such SHU community member is otherwise of substantial interest to SHU.
The full text of Sacred Heart University’s Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy is set as an appendix to this catalog and is also available on the University’s website.
Sacred Heart University is committed to the maintenance of a community environment where respect for the dignity and worth of each individual is demonstrated and where diversity and the free exchange of ideas is encouraged. The maintenance of that community requires its members to avoid behavior that creates division, to promote behavior that enhances cooperation among groups, and to encourage the development of each person as a unique individual.
The University is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant aliens as students.
Sacred Heart University’s General Procedures Supporting its Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy are set as an appendix to this catalog and are also available on the University’s website.
In accordance with the requirement of 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Titles I and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended (ADAAA) Sacred Heart University will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs or activities. SHU does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.S. Dept. of Education, the U.S. Dept of Justice, and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Complaints of Discrimination or Harassment based on a protected characteristic except sex or disability can be made via a Bias Incident Reporting Form or contacting SHU's Director of Equity Compliance and Support. The form and contact information can be found at https://www.sacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/inclusive-excellence/
Complaints of Discrimination or Harassment based on sex including but not limited to gender or sexual orientation, or sexual misconduct, including sexual violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking and relationship violence, are addressed by SHU’s Title IX Policy and Procedures and such complaints can be made to SHU’s Title IX Coordinator, at TitleIXCoordinator@sacredheart.edu or call 203-396-8392.
Complaints of discrimination based on disability are addressed by the SHU 504/ADA Accommodation Grievances and Discrimination Complaint Procedures and such complaints can be made to SHU’s ADA/504 Coordinator at equitycompliance@sacredheart.edu or call 203-396-8067.
Availability and use of these University procedures does not prevent a person from filing a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities or the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights at any time.
Sacred Heart University is committed to addressing student concerns related to both academic and administrative issues. Students should first address complaints to the appropriate University official to obtain resolution. In compliance with C.F.R. Section 668.43(b), if a student cannot resolve said issue within the University, they can bring the issue to the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) or the Connecticut Office of Higher Education (CTOHE). The contact information is as follows:
NECHE
301 Edgewater Place. Suite 210
Wakefield, MA 01880
Phone: 781-425-7785
www.NECHE.org
or
Connecticut Office of Higher Education
450 Columbus Blvd., Suite 707
Hartford, CT 06103-1841
Phone: 860-947-1800
www.ohe.ct.gov