2023-2024 University Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 University Catalog

Student Rights and Responsibilities


Student Harassment Policy

Park University strives to provide educational, working, cocurricular, social, and living environments for all students, staff, faculty, trustees, contract workers, and guests that are free from Harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The University has deemed this to be unacceptable behavior which will not be tolerated. A person who believes that he or she has been subjected to harassment, or any person who has knowledge of harassment of a person associated with Park University, is encouraged to confer promptly with the Dean of Students. Please call Student Success at (816) 584-6377, or during nonbusiness hours - call Campus Safety at (816) 584-6444, who will assist in contacting the Dean of Students. If you prefer to use an online form, you are welcome to report any sort of harassment using the Park University Sexual Harassment Report Form at www.park.edu/student-life. To review the full non-discrimination policy, and see steps on reporting harassment, please check the Park website at: www.park.edu/student-life.

Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence: Title IX Policy

Title IX specifically prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex. Park University will not tolerate sex discrimination or harassment of applicants, students, or employees, whether by students, faculty, staff, administrators, contractors, or outside vendors. Park University recognizes not only its legal responsibilities but also its moral and ethical responsibilities to prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex and to take appropriate and timely action to ensure an environment free of such inappropriate conduct and behavior. Additionally, Park University will not tolerate retaliation in any form against an applicant, student, or employee for reporting a violation of this policy or assisting in the investigation of a complaint.

To see the complete Title IX Policy for Park University, go to www.park.edu/student-life.To file a Sexual Harassment, Title IX Complaint, complete the online form available through the Park University website at www. park.edu/student-life. If you wish to speak with Park’s Title IX Coordinator, contact Mr. Roger Dusing, Associate Vice President for Human Resources at Roger.Dusing@park.edu, or call him at (816) 584-6386. Outside office hours, or if not accessible at the number and email listed, contact the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinators through the Campus Safety Dispatcher at (816) 584-6444.

Student Employee Relationships

Park University Employees are prohibited from developing a romantic or sexual relationship with a Park University student. Employees are deemed to be primarily responsible for adherence to this policy, although both employee and student will be held accountable. Even among students - consensual romantic or sexual relationships in which one party maintains a direct supervisory or evaluative role over the other party are discouraged.

Procedures Regarding Harassment Complaints

Concerns about harassment and/or possible violations of Park’s Non-Discrimination Policy should be directed to the Dean of Students at jayme.uden@park.edu or (816) 584-6595.

Sexual Offender Registration

The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (CSPA) of 2000 is a federal law that provides for the tracking of convicted sex offenders enrolled at or employed by, institutions of higher education. The CSPA is an amendment to the Jacob Weatterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Act. The federal law requires state law enforcement agencies (in Missouri it is the Missouri State Highway Patrol) to provide Park University with a list of registered sex offenders who have indicated that they are either enrolled, employed or carrying on a vocation at Park University.

Park University is required to inform the community that a registration list of sex offenders will be maintained and available at the Park University Department of Campus Safety office located on the 1st floor of Thompson Center on the Parkville Campus. For other campuses, a list will be maintained by the Campus Center Director. Sex offender information is also available online. For information on sex offenders living in or near Parkville, please visit the Missouri State Patrol website at www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/CRID/SOR/SORPage.html. You may also view data on the Platte County Sheriff’s Department website at www.plattesheriff.org.

Student Conduct

As a student at Park University, you should be aware of the rights you have as a student and of the responsibilities associated with being a Park student. These policies apply to ALL Park University students, regardless of whether the student is taking classes online, at a Campus Center, or on the Parkville campus – all delivery modes and all locations, both undergraduate and graduate students. The Student Code of Conduct is based on respect for self and others and was developed to challenge students to embrace high ethical standards, and interact with other students, faculty, and staff with integrity.

The primary intent of this Code is to set forth community standards necessary to maintain and protect an environment conducive to learning. Park University standards reflect higher expectations of behavior than maybe prevalent outside the University community.

A suspicion of wrongdoing, based on probable cause, must exist before a student shall be subject to disciplinary review. Throughout the judicial procedures, staff will ensure that students receive adequate due process and make sure that their rights are protected.

  1. Acts of Dishonesty. Acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to the following:
    1. Academic Dishonesty. Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty. Please note that Academic Honesty is a policy that is also enforced by the faculty member of the course. A detailed description is included under “Academic Honesty” in the Catalog and on the Park website.
    2. False Information. Furnishing false information to any University Official.
    3. Forgery. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any Park University document, record, or instrument of identification.
  2. Sexual Misconduct. Includes sexual harassment, sexual violence, stalking, and domestic/dating violence as defined by the Park University Title IX policy.
  3. Retaliation. Any behavior, direct or indirect, perceived as an attempt to harass, intimidate, or improperly influence any individual associated with the student conduct process or any other University grievance or complaint process.
  4. Threatening, Abusive, or Harassing Behavior. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the physical health, mental health, or safety of any person. This includes bullying and cyberbullying behaviors that are not protected by freedom of expression.
  5. Disruption. Causing or attempting to cause disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or other University activities, including its public service functions.
  6. Theft. Attempted or actual theft of property belonging to Park University or a member of the Park University community, or other personal or public property.
  7. Damage and Destruction. Attempted or actual damage to property of Park University or a member of the Park University community, including vandalism.
  8. Lewd or Disorderly Conduct. Conduct that is disorderly, lewd, or indecent; breach of peace; or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on University premises or at University-sponsored activities.
  9. Hazing. Any behavior which constitutes hazing, whether such behavior occurs on University Premises at University Activities or off campus.
  10. Failure to Comply. Failure to comply with directions of University Officials or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties including failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so.
  11. Unauthorized Entry. Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any University Premises or unauthorized entry to or use of University Premises.
  12. Unauthorized Activities. Any activity that occurs on or off University Premises that could adversely affect the health, safety or security of a member of the Park University community.
  13. Controlled Substances. Use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of Controlled Substances except as expressly permitted by law. Students with confirmed possession or use of controlled substances on University Premises or during any University Activity with no right to legally use such controlled substances may face immediate dismissal. (See Drugs and Alcohol Use policy.)
  14. Alcohol. Use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, or public intoxication on University Premises or during any University Activity. (See Drugs and Alcohol Use policy.)
  15. Firearms/Weapons. All of the University Community are strictly prohibited from possessing, manufacturing, transferring, selling, storing, or using any Weapons on University Property and University Facilities and in vehicles, including inside of company-owned or personal vehicles, regardless of whether one possesses a valid Concealed Carry permit.
  16. Unauthorized Use of Electronics. Any unauthorized use of electronic or other devices to make an audio or video record of any person while on Park University Premises or while conducting University business, without his/her prior knowledge, or without consent when such a recording is likely to cause injury or distress. This includes, but is not limited to, surreptitiously taking pictures of another person in a gym, locker room, or restroom, or using consensual photographs, videos, or audio in a manner not agreed to by all parties. (See Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy.)
  17. Computer Theft and Abuse. Theft or other abuse of computer facilities and resources, including file-sharing and intellectual property. (See Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy.)
  18. Abuse of Student Conduct System. Abuse of the Student Conduct System, including failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Student Code.
  19. Residential Life Policy. Violation of any published Resident Life and Education polices found at http://www.park.edu/residence-life-and-education.
  20. Policy Violation. Violation of any other published University policies or rules which appear in full in the Park University Catalog, and/or Park University website.
  21. Local, State and Federal Agencies. Park University will cooperate with local, state and federal criminal agencies, and may initiate criminal investigations into the conduct of Park University Students when deemed appropriate.

Interpretation and Revision

  1. Any question of interpretation or application of the Student Code shall be referred to the Dean of Students or his or her designee for final determination.
  2. The Student Code shall be reviewed every three (3) years under the direction of the Dean of Students.

Documenting Potential Violations of the Student Code

Any member of the Park University community may file an incident report regarding potential violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Any incident report should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place, preferably within one (1) week of the incident. A form for this purpose is available at www.park.edu/about-park/student-conduct-code.

Sanctions

The following sanctions may be imposed upon any student found to have violated the Student Code:

  1. Warning – A notice in writing to the student that the student is violating or has violated institutional regulations.
  2. Probation – A written reprimand for violation of specified regulations. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions if the student is found to violate any institutional regulation(s) during the probationary period.
  3. Loss of Privileges – Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time. These specified privileges could include but are not limited to inclusion on Dean’s List, access to University Facilities, and/or participation in University Programs.
  4. Fines – Previously established and published fines may be imposed.
  5. Restitution – Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.
  6. Assessment – Student may be required to complete an alcohol or drug assessment (at his/ her own expense).
  7. Discretionary Sanctions – Work assignments, essays, service to the University, or other related discretionary assignments.
  8. Interim Suspension – Interim Suspension from the residence halls and/or other campus facilities or programs may be imposed to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the University community, to ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being, or if the student poses an ongoing threat of disruption of, or interference with, the normal operations of the University. The Interim Suspension does not replace the regular process, which shall proceed on the normal schedule, up to and through a Student Conduct Board Hearing, if required.
  9. Residence Hall Suspension – Separation of the student from the residence halls for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
  10. Residence Hall Expulsion – Permanent separation of the student from the residence halls.
  11. University Suspension – Separation of the student from Park University for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
  12. University Expulsion – Permanent separation of the student from Park University.
  13. Revocation of Admission and/or Degree – Admission to or a degree awarded from Park University may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violation of University standards in obtaining the degree, or for other serious violations committed by a student prior to graduation.
  14. Withholding Degree – Park University may withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the completion of the process set forth in this Student Conduct Code, including the completion of all sanctions imposed, if any.

Appeals

  1. A decision reached or sanction imposed by the Student Conduct Officer that is academic in nature may be appealed by the Accused Student(s) or Complainant(s) to the Provost within five (5) school days of the decision. Such appeals shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the Provost or designee.
  2. A decision reached or sanction imposed by the Student Conduct Officer that is not academic in nature may be appealed by the Accused Student(s) or Complainant(s) to the Dean of Students within five (5) school days of the decision. Such appeals shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the Dean of Students or designee.
  3. Except as required to explain the basis of new information, an appeal shall be limited to a review of the record of the Student Conduct Hearing and supporting documents for one or more of the following purposes:
    • To determine whether the Student Conduct Hearing was conducted fairly in light of the charges and information presented, and in conformity with prescribed procedures giving the complaining party a reasonable opportunity to prepare and to present information that the Student Code was violated, and giving the Accused Student a reasonable opportunity to prepare and to present a response to those allegations. Deviations from designated procedures will NOT be a basis for sustaining an appeal unless significant prejudice results.
    • To determine whether the decision reached regarding the Accused Student was based on substantial information, that is, whether there were facts in the case that, if believed by the fact finder, were sufficient to establish that a violation of the Student Code occurred.
    • To determine whether the sanction(s) imposed were appropriate for the violation of the Student Code which the student was found to have committed.
    • To consider new information, sufficient to alter a decision or other relevant facts not brought out in the original hearing, because such information and/or facts were not known to the person appealing at the time of the original Student Conduct Board Hearing.
  4. If an appeal is not upheld, the matter shall be considered final and binding upon all involved. If an appeal is upheld by the Provost or Dean of Students, the appeal officer may take any of the following actions:
    1. Affirm the charge;
    2. Impose greater or lesser sanctions; or
    3. Order a new Student Conduct Hearing

The actions of the appeal officer will be communicated to the student in writing and shall be considered final and binding.

Additional details on the appeals process and the student conduct issues is available on the Park website at: www.park.edu/studentconduct-code.

Administrative Appeals

Complete information about the appeals processes and procedures for each area are contained within that section. The following is a list of Administrative Appeals steps.

  • Financial Aid
    • Director of Student Financial Services
    • Financial Aid Appeals Committee
  • Housing
    • Director of Residence Life
    • Dean of Students
  • Student Employment
    • Coordinator/Student Employment
    • Director of Student Financial Services
    • Financial Aid Appeals Committee
  • Finances/Accounting
    • Controller
    • Vice President for Finance and Administration
  • Grades (Park KC Area Programs and Park Campus Centers and Online Learning)
    • Faculty
    • Department Chair/Campus Center Director
    • Associate Dean/Dean
  • Admissions (Parkville 16-week Campus)
    • Admissions Advisory Committee
    • Provost or Designee

Complaints/Grievances Policy

Park University has a variety of complaints/grievances procedures related to harassment, disciplinary actions, financial aid appeals, and traffic violation appeals. Students should use these processes when appropriate, contacting the Student Success Center for guidelines, procedures, etc. Students who use these procedures will not be permitted to use the following procedures on the same incident or issue. However, students may choose instead to use this procedure in which the treatment rather than the outcome is being challenged.

It is the policy of Park University to provide equal opportunity for all enrolled students without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Students who feel that they have been discriminated against should file a student complaint with Student Life: www.park.edu/student-life

Park University has developed the following procedures for assuring that the student has the opportunity to have his/her concerns addressed.

Higher-education institutions delivering courses by distance education are required to provide the contact information for official entities or agencies within each state designated to handle complaint resolution. States are required by the US Department of Education (34 CFR 668.43(b)) to have a complaint process available to any enrolled or prospective student. Students enrolled in online and distance courses, as well as on-campus courses, should attempt to resolve complaints by following the Grievance Procedure(s) as outlined in the University’s Catalog. If students wish to file a complaint about the University with its accreditor regarding issues of institutional quality, students may do so by following the instructions on the Higher Learning Commission website (information available here: https://www.hlcommission.org/Student-Resources/complaints.html). For distance education students ONLY who have exhausted all processes described above, please email the Missouri Department of Higher Education at Amy.Werner@dhe.mo.gov or (573) 522-1377.

Complaint

A complaint is an informal claim of discriminatory treatment. The complaint form is available on the Park University website at www.park.edu.

Grievance

A grievance is the written allegation of discrimination that is related to:

  • Treatment while enrolled in an educational program
  • Employment as a student on campus or in campus-based programs
  • Financial aid awards
  • Participation in clubs and/or organizations
  • Other matters relating to campus life or student life.

*Please note: If the grievance is related to a Student Harassment Policy or Title IX Policy situation, please refer the matter immediately to the Dean of Students, who serves as the Title IX Deputy Coordinator. More information on these policies is available on the Park website at www.park.edu/student-life. Students will not be subjected to adverse actions by any school officials as a result of initiating a complaint.

All students with complaints should follow the outlined grievance procedures. If the complaint is not resolved at the institutional level, students may send the complaint, in writing, to the appropriate state higher education board. For contact information, refer to the Accreditation/Memberships  section in the catalog.

To contact and/or submit a grievance to your state higher education board, please see the contact information on Accreditation/Memberships .

Procedures

  1. Students wishing to make an informal complaint or file a grievance should contact their Student Success Advisor or Campus Center Director for the correct procedures to be followed, or complete the online Concern/Complaint Form, available at: https://my.park.edu/ICS/Student/ConcernComplaint/. Record-keeping will be the responsibility of the appropriate Student Success Advisor or Campus Center Director.
  2. In the case of complaints, the Dean of Students (or the designee) will either:
    1. direct the complainant to the supervisor of the area where the alleged incident occurred or
    2. contact the supervisor on the student’s behalf.
  3. Students filing a grievance will be instructed to send a written statement which documents the alleged discrimination to the Dean of Students and to the immediate supervisor of the area where the alleged incident occurred. A written response from the supervisor will be made within ten working days.
  4. If after reviewing the written response the student wishes to pursue the matter further, copies of the entire file are to be forwarded to Park University’s Human Resources Officer. This officer will be free to interview those directly involved, and will be free to contact any who have information, in order to resolve the matter. The student’s right to appeal stops with the Human Resources Officer. The goal of this procedure is to prevent reoccurrence. However, in instances where an individual is found responsible for serious discriminatory action, the Human Resources Officer will consult with the President regarding sanctions.
  5. The President may choose to impose a variety of sanctions, including verbal warnings or letters of reprimand or dismissal from employment or enrollment at Park University.

Please refer to the Academic Regulations and Policies section for material specifically relating to academic grievances and grade appeals.

Academic Grievances and Grade Appeals

Refer to Academic Regulations and Policies, Academic Complaint Grievance and Grade Appeal Policy .

Identification Cards

The Park University photo identification (ID) card should be carried at all times for use at the Park University library, campus athletic events, the Office of the Registrar, the Cashier’s Office, and other offices where identification may be needed. There is a replacement fee (payable at the Enrollment Services) if the ID card is lost or stolen.

Photo ID pictures for Kansas City area students will be taken in Campus Safety, on the first floor of Thompson. Students and faculty attending the Downtown campus must have an ID parking pass which is issued by the Downtown Kansas City Campus at 911 Main. IDs may be secured by presenting a Student Data Sheet (SDS) stamped by the cashier certifying that fees are paid. Contact Campus Safety at (816) 584-6444 for further information or for questions.

ID cards for all other campus centers can be obtained from the Campus Center Director. These cards may be used by students, faculty and staff, and may be required by the local facility as part of the information needed to gain entry onto the installation. The ID may be obtained only after tuition and fees have been paid for the term. An expiration date will be noted on the ID.

Tobacco Use Policy

Please note that as of July 1, 2015, the Parkville Campus of Park University is entirely smoke-free. The Downtown Kansas City, Missouri; Independence, Missouri; and Austin, Texas campuses are also smoke-free as of July 1, 2015. The use of tobacco (smoking, smokeless, and electronic cigarettes) is prohibited on property and in vehicles located on property. Violators will be fined and/or removed from campus property.

Reporting a Crime or Emergency

Faculty, staff, students, and guests are strongly encouraged to report all crimes and emergencies to the Department of Campus Safety. The Department of Campus Safety is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can be reached at (816) 584-6444. Campus Safety dispatchers will take your call and dispatch an officer, and if necessary call the police, fire department or EMS agency to assist in your emergency.

If you are on a campus other than the Parkville Campus, please report your crime or emergency to the Campus Center Director or the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Crimes should be reported to the Department of Campus Safety so that the statistics can be reported to the U.S. Department of Education in compliance with the Federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act). A copy of this report, along with more information on the Jeanne Clery Act, Emergency Procedures, Timely Warnings, and Campus Alerts is available online at: www.park.edu/campus-safety. For a printed copy of the report, please contact the Department of Campus Safety at (816) 584-6444.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Park University recognizes that misuse of alcohol and other drugs and the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol pose major health problems, are potential safety and security problems can adversely affect academic and job performance, and can generally inhibit the educational development of students. Park University is committed to the standards outlined by the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. As a result of this commitment, Park University has established regulations forbidding the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of illegal or illicit drugs and alcohol on Park University premises or property or as part of any Park University activity planned for or by students. These regulations shall assure that Park University is in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, and ordinances. Under Federal Law, the University prohibits the possession and use, in any form, including medical use of all Schedule 1 Drugs as defined under federal law, including the use of cannabis/marijuana and all of its derivatives on University owned, leased, and controlled property.  If there are questions, students can contact the Dean of Students and employees can contact Human Resources.

Please see the full Park University Alcohol and Drug policy at: www.park.edu/campus-safety/drug-and-alcohol-use-policy.html. The policy includes information about being a Drug-Free School, the impact of illegal drug use on student financial aid eligibility, applicable disciplinary sanctions from the University, legal sanctions, health risks, plus prevention, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation information and resources.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse Information 

Park University has developed a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees. The program provides services related to drug and alcohol abuse, including dissemination of informational materials, educational programs, counseling services, referrals, and college disciplinary action. Park University provides the following services:

  • Alcohol and Drug Education — Employee Assistance Program; classes during First-Year Seminar for students; Periodic education programs by the Office of Student Life.
  • Counseling Services — Counseling services are available through the University’s Counseling Center, Synergy Services, and United Healthcare Insurance Services.
  • Referral Services — Referrals are made to the Counseling Center, Synergy Services, and Employee Assistance Programs.
  • University Disciplinary Actions — Students are referred to the Office of Student Life for disciplinary actions. Employees are referred to the Office of Human Resource Services for disciplinary actions.

Additional programs may be available from the military for students and staff located at our campus centers located on military installations. Please refer to your campus center director for assistance in accessing these programs.

Information Technology Policies and Procedures

University Information Technology resources constitute a valuable University asset that must be managed accordingly to ensure their integrity, security, and availability for teaching, research, and business activities. Carrying out this mission requires the university to establish basic Information Security policies and standards and to provide both access and reasonable security at an acceptable cost. Park University Information Technology Policies and Procedures are intended to facilitate and support authorized access to university information.

Users of University information technology resources are personally responsible for complying with all University policies, procedures, and standards relating to information security, regardless of campus center or location and will be held personally accountable for any misuse of these resources. The Information Technology Policies and Procedures are located in MyPark. The Acceptable Use Policy can be accessed from the Student Tab, under Information Technology Resources. The use of a student user ID and password to access the computer system is the equivalent of a legal signature and creates the same obligations for the student. The student will be responsible for any and all future registration(s) by accessing the computer with the assigned ID number. All activities on Park University information technology resources are subject to random monitoring and all transactions on the computer system constitute official records recognized by the institution. All appeal decisions related to policy or procedures will be based on the computer system transaction records.

Computers, Internet, Email, Voice Mail and Fax Machines Use

The Park University Information Technology Network and the University Telephone System (“University Systems”) exist to enable the University to carry out its educational mission. While the University does not completely prohibit personal use of the University Systems during personal time, the University limits such use and reserves the right to prohibit personal use on a case-by-case basis. The University has no liability to persons who use the University Systems and no liability for any loss of or damage to personal information while in the University Systems.

The University Information Technology Policies and Procedures Manual describes in detail the policies and procedures that govern the use of the University Information Technology Network and all users of the University Information Technology Network are charged with knowledge of those policies. Copies of this Manual are available in the Academic Affairs Office. The Student Conduct Code, the Faculty Manual, and the Employee Policy Manual may also be applicable to user violations of University policies.

The University has the right to monitor all use, personal and otherwise, of all University Systems including the University Information Technology Network and is legally entitled to review, retain, use or release copies of any incoming or outgoing information. Persons who use the University Systems have no right to privacy when using those Systems and users should always assume that any voice, data, or written material on the University Systems is totally accessible to University officials.

By utilizing the University Systems, the user agrees not to violate any University policies or any applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and regulations including those that prohibit libel, copyright violations, the use of obscenities, intimidation, harassment, or discrimination, and agrees to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against all claims, damages, costs and/or expenses, sustained by the University, including reasonable attorneys fees, arising out of the user’s violation of any University policies and all improper, illegal or otherwise actionable use of the University Systems. Users of the University Systems may also be subject to criminal prosecution and/or civil suits in which the University seeks damages and/or other legal and/or equitable remedies.

The University will respond to and investigate any complaint of a violation of University policies. Usually the University will first attempt to deal with misuse of the University Systems in an educative manner. However, the University retains the right to restrict student use of the University Systems as well as the right to discipline, suspend or expel a student and discipline or terminate an employee who misuses those Systems.

All users of the University Systems have an obligation to comply with all University policies, make reasonable efforts to avoid the introduction of computer viruses, and report suspected violations of this policy to a University vice president.

MyPark

MyPark is a web portal that is designed to be a “one-stop” place for Park University faculty and students to access important information on the web. It also serves as a gateway to many online resources and communication tools at Park University. MyPark features include:

  • Ability to easily enroll in classes, check grades, obtain degree audits and more
  • Access to Google Apps for Education, online classes, and other online resources
  • Quick access to online library resources as well as Park’s calendars, news and announcements.

MyPark can be accessed directly at https://my.park.edu or from the MyPark link on Park’s home page at www.park.edu. To log on to MyPark, faculty and students must use their Park University provided ID number@park.edu and their university password which is provided by Student Success Center or the Information Technology Help Desk or your password can also be recovered at the Identity Management system at https://myaccount.microsoft.com/.

Students will be able to register themselves online after consulting with their advisor or Campus Center Director. Faculty Advisors, Student Success Coaches, or the local Campus Center Director will also be available to input registration. Technology Support is available by phone at (800) 927-3024 or by e-mail at support.technology@park.edu. For up-to-date information on what we offer our students, please visit the help page at www.park.edu/help.

Park Email

(Provided by Google Apps for Education)

All Park students are assigned a Park Email account when they are accepted into the university. Park Email is the official means of communication between students, faculty and staff to provide information to, or request information from, students. It is the responsibility of all students and faculty to check their Park Email account on a regular basis.

Single Sign On (SSO):  Park utilizes a Single Sign On (SSO) system that allows one to access MyPark, Canvas,  Park email and Gmail upon successful sign on to their Park University provided IDnumber@park.edu account. 

What is your student email address?

Your Park Email address is typically created according to the following format: firstname.lastname@ park.edu (Example: John Doe’s email address would be: john.doe@park.edu). In the case that two individuals share the same first and last name exactly, the second person to have their email account created will get numerically incremented (Example: john.doe02@park.edu). Other than this method of duplicate address resolution, Park Email addresses are changed to match legal name changes only (we do not accept preferential requests). Please also note that email addresses are not case sensitive, so John.Doe@park.edu is the same address as john.doe@park.edu.

To log in to Park Email directly:
Step 1: Go to gmail.park.edu in any standard web browser
Step 2: Use your Park University-provided ID number@park.edu for your user-name and click Next
Step 3: Use your Park University-provided password to authenticate
Step 4: Click the “Signin” button to access your email account

To access Park Email through MyPark:
Step 1: Log in to MyPark and navigate to the Student Tab
Step 2: Click “Academic Email” from the Quick Links menu on the left hand side

NOTE: If you do not know your University-provided password, please contact the Student Success Center or the Information Technology Help Desk to obtain it.

More information about Park Email

Park Email is provided through a partnership between Google and Park University, as a service of Google Apps for Education. More information about Apps for Education can be found at google.com. Search “Apps for Education”. The student can also email support.technology@park.edu or call (800) 927-3024 for assistance. Park Email accounts are only provided to admitted students, active faculty, and alumni of Park University.

Online Classroom Help:
Online classroom help is available by contacting https://pdl.park.edu/pages/learnersupport or https://canvas.park.edu

Accessing the Online Classroom

  1. Go to http://canvas.park.edu.
  2. Under “Sign In” enter your Park University ID number@park.edu.
  3. Under “password,” enter your MyPark password.
  4. Click on the button immediately below that says “Log In.”

Access Help

If you have forgotten your ID or Password, or need assistance with your MyPark account, please email support.technology@park.edu. Course Help (Canvas) For technical assistance with the online classroom, visit https://pdl.park.edu/pages/learnersupport. Your instructor can help you with course content questions or contact the Canvas 24/7 help number (844) 470-5727. For all other information, please email FAST@park.edu.

Registration

  1. Course registration is available online or with staff assistance at a Park University campus center. Students taking online courses must have access to a computer and their own email account to enroll in online courses.
  2. Students who pre-enroll for online classes will be able to login to the Park Online Campus https://canvas.park.edu on the first day of class or when they receive MyPark notification that they are granted access to login to their course(s). Students enrolling for classroom-based courses:
    • Select the Campus Center from which you are taking the course
    • Select the year
    • Select the Term (Fall, Fall I, Fall II, Spring, Spring I, Spring II or Summer)
    • Select the letter designation of the department
    • Select the course number and title
    • Click on “Update”
  3. In order to maintain registration students must demonstrate funding for the term with completed and processed financial assistance in the form of Veterans Administration education benefits, Pell Grant, Stafford Student Loan, Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS), Military Tuition Assistance and tuition assistance from any other agency. Proper approval signatures must be obtained by the student. Students who are not funded by Military Tuition Assistance must pay for all tuition and fees at the time of registration. VA Vocational Rehabilitation students are exempt from this policy. If, for any reason, the assistance, benefits, or payment cannot be collected by the University, the student assumes the obligation to pay in full all outstanding tuition/fees. Payment can be made using check, money order, American Express, MasterCard, Discover or Visa to pay for all fees and costs.

Term dates can be found at www.park.edu/calendars/term-dates or at the campus center home page. Students cannot be given credit for a course for which they have not registered. In order to receive credit for a course, students must have either been registered for the course at Park or have received transfer credit through evaluation.

*For information and resources about student loan repayment, or to submit a complaint relating to your student loans or student loan servicer, please visit www.wsac.wa.gov/loan-advocacy or contact the Student Loan Advocate at loanadvocate@wsac.wa.gov

Virtual Applications (Citrix Workspace)

The goal of Citrix Workspace is to provide Faculty, Students, and Staff with 24/7, on-demand access to a library of popular licensed software applications. The Citrix Workspace can be accessed from any standard computer, Android, or iOS device anywhere an internet connection is available.

While anyone will still be able to visit labs for specific software, VirtualApps allows people with a Park University username to log in to a cloud-based system to access specialized software. This access gives Park students, faculty and staff the flexibility of using the software on campus, at home, and even while studying abroad (some of the specialized applications will be available only to groups that software pertains to).

Our initial efforts in virtualized softwareis not platform-specific and can be used by Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS operating systems.

You can access our Citrix Workspace at https://citix.park.edu .  Instructions for connecting to our Citrix Workspace environment can be found here: www.park.edu/virtual. You can send any questions, comments, concerns, etc., relating to Citrix Workspace apps to helpdesk@park.edu

Annual Security Report

Park University is dedicated to providing faculty, staff and students with information that they need to help make each Park campus center safe.

Park University encourages the accurate and prompt reporting of crimes and emergencies. At the Parkville Campus, such incidents should be reported to the Park University Office of Campus Safety. This report can be filed in person at the office located in Thompson Commons or by phone at (816) 584-6444. At the Downtown Kansas City, Mo., Campus Center, reports should also be filed at the Security Department of Tower Properties, 911 Main (lower level), (816) 374-0617. All other Park University Campus Centers should report such incidents to the local policing authority with a follow-up report to the campus center director who shall forward these to the Park University Director of Campus Safety for reporting purposes.

Park University Campus Safety officers do not have arrest powers. Any crime or emergency that occurs off-campus, but at an officially recognized activity of Park University, shall be reported as if it happened on campus.

Timely Warning Policy

In the event that a situation arises, either on or off any Park University campus that in the judgment of the Director of Campus Safety constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a campus wide “timely warning” will be issued. This warning will be issued through the University e-mail system to students, faculty and staff, and through the Parkville Campus newspaper, The Stylus.

Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime, especially in all situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community and individuals, the Office of Campus Safety may also post a notice on its website at www.park.edu/campus-safety, providing the University community with more immediate notification. In such instances, a copy of the notice will be posted in each residence hall. If the incident occurs on a campus other than the Parkville Campus, a notice shall be posted in plain view at that campus, in addition to the above listed locations.

Anyone with information warranting a timely warning shall report the circumstances to the Office of Campus Safety at (816) 584-6444, or in person at the Campus Safety office in Thompson Commons on the Parkville Campus, or with the campus center director of your respective campus.

Reporting the Annual Disclosure of Crime Statistics

The Park University Office of Campus Safety prepares and publishes a report of certain crime statistics for the entire University, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (The Clery Act). The crime statistics for the past three years can be found on our website at www.park.edu/campus-safety. A more detailed report can be found on the U.S. Department of Education website at Campus Security (ed.gov).

This report is prepared with local law enforcement agencies surrounding the Parkville Campus and all campus centers. Other select campus authorities also contribute to this report. Campus crime, arrest and referral statistics include those reported to the Park University Office of Campus Safety, local law enforcement and designated campus officials, included but not limited to campus center directors, Office of Student Life staff, athletic coaches, residence hall staff, advisors to student organizations, and the director of human resource services.

Each year, an e-mail notification is made through the University e-mail system to all faculty, staff and students that provide web access to this report.

Confidential Reporting Procedures

If you are the victim of a crime and do not wish to pursue action through the University judicial system or the criminal justice system, you may still want to consider making a confidential report. With your permission, the director of campus safety can file a report on the details of the incident without revealing your identity. The purpose of a confidential report is to comply with your wish to keep the matter confidential while taking steps to ensure the future safety of yourself and others. With such information, the University can keep an accurate record of the number of incidents involving students, faculty, and staff, determine where there is a pattern of crime with regard to a particular location, method or assailant, and can alert the campus community to potential danger. Reports filed in this manner are counted and disclosed in the annual crime statistics for the University.

Access Policy

During normal business hours, the University (excluding residence halls) will be open to students, faculty, staff, parents, contractors, vendors, guests, and invitees. During nonbusiness hours, access to all University facilities is by key or swipe card, if issued, or by admittance via the Office of Campus Safety.

Residence halls are locked 24 hours a day and admittance is by swipe card. Some facilities on campus may have individual hours, which may vary at different times of the year. Examples are computer labs, the McAfee Memorial Library, meeting rooms, 24-hour study room. Thompson Commons on the Parkville Campus is open 24 hours a day.

Emergencies may necessitate changes or alterations to any posted schedule. Periodic security surveys are conducted on the Parkville Campus by the Office of Campus Safety and the Campus Safety Committee. These surveys examine security issues such as landscaping, locks, alarms, lighting, and communications. The Campus Safety Committee meets once per month to discuss campus safety issues and to develop safety policy.

Access to other Park University campus centers is determined by the campus center director at that campus. Since most of the other campuses are on military installations, additional access may be determined by the installation authorities. Check with your campus center to ascertain its policy.

Campus Police Authority and Jurisdiction

The Park University Office of Campus Safety does not have arrest powers. However, they will respond to and investigate all reports of crime on campuses located in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

If minor offenses involving University rules and regulations are committed by a University student, the Office of Campus Safety may refer the individual to the disciplinary division of the Office of Student Life.

Misdemeanors and major offenses such as rape, murder, aggravated assault, robbery, arson, and auto theft will be jointly investigated by the Office of Campus Safety and the Parkville (MO) Police Department or Platte County (MO) Sheriff, if they are committed on the Parkville Campus or at a Park University event in Platte County. If the crime occurs at the Downtown Kansas City Campus, the Office of Campus Safety will investigate the crime with the Kansas City, MO, Police Department. If the crime occurs on the Independence Campus, the crime will jointly be investigated with the Independence (Mo.) Police Department. The prosecution of all crimes will be conducted either in the appropriate municipal court or in the county court in the county in which the offense occurred.

Crimes committed on other campuses will be investigated by the appropriate civilian or military law enforcement agency, with a report being filed with the Office of Campus Safety. Prosecution of those crimes will be conducted in the court having jurisdiction where the crime occurred.

The Park University Office of Campus Safety works closely with the Parkville Police Department and the Platte County Sheriff. Park University has direct radio contact with Parkville Police and Platte County in an emergency.

The Park University Office of Campus Safety officers have the authority to ask persons for identification and to determine whether individuals have lawful business at Park University. Campus Safety officers have the authority to issue parking tickets and citations for moving violations on campus. These fines are billed to the financial accounts of faculty, staff and students. Campus Safety officers also have the authority to sign complaints, which will result in the arrest of persons violating the law on Park University property.

Security Escort Services

Security escort services are available on the Parkville Campus through the Office of Campus Safety. If you want an escort to your car or residence hall after an evening class or activity, call the Campus Safety dispatcher at (816) 584-6444 and request an officer to escort you. At the Downtown Campus, please call (816) 421-5398.

Security Awareness Programs

The Office of Campus Safety in consort with Residence Life staff presents a program for residence hall students at the beginning of each semester. Campus Safety also publishes brochures with a common theme of awareness and crime prevention materials, which encourage students and employees to be aware of their responsibility for their own security and the security of others.

Crime Prevention Programs

The Office of Campus Safety sponsors a program on women’s safety, presented by the Kansas City, MO, Police Department. This program is comprised of a lecture and hands-on self defense techniques. Campus Safety officers also give presentations on crime prevention to clubs and organizations, when invited.