University Policy Manual Guiding Framework

Organizational Chart

University Mission Statement

Preparing students for lifelong learning, rewarding careers, and adaptive leadership. (BOR 12/17/1992; 03/18/1993; 06/12/2008; 06/18/2014)

Equal Employment Opportunity, Equal Educational Opportunity and Non- Discrimination Policy

Emporia State University values and welcomes the benefits of diversity, and pledges to current and prospective students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the public that we expect and demand the worth and dignity of all people be recognized without regard to any classification that might preclude a person from consideration as an individual. The University regards inappropriate behavior, unfair treatment or harassment of any individual to be inconsistent with its goals of providing an atmosphere in which students, faculty, staff and administrators may safely learn, work, and live.

Emporia State University is committed to equal employment opportunity, equal educational opportunity, and non-discrimination in the operations and administration of all University programs and services. All decisions with reference to employment (including, but not limited to, selection, discipline, promotion, or termination) and all decisions with reference to student status (including, but not limited to, admission, academic achievements, or discipline) will be made without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, sex, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, or any other factors which cannot lawfully be considered, to the extent specified by applicable laws.

Students, employees, or members of the public who feel they have been discriminated against on the basis of any item set forth in the Equal Employment Opportunity, Equal Educational Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy should contact the Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Emporia State University, Office of Human Resources. Employees with inquiries may also contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Kansas Human Rights Commission. Students with inquiries may also contact the Office of Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education or the Kansas Human Rights Commission. (FSB 98015 approved by President 04/16/1999; FSB 00005 approved by President 11/14/2000; amended 09/02/2008; updated 06/22/2010; updated, approved by President 08/02/2011; FSB 15004 approved by Interim President 11/13/2015)

Affirmation of Values Statement

Emporia State University is an equal opportunity institution of higher education where individuals of diverse backgrounds and beliefs come to learn and work together professionally and respectfully. As a university, we seek to create and uphold high intellectual standards within a learning community, to make those intellectual standards accessible to all who engage in the learning process, and to foster a curiosity about life and society that will lead to informed and involved citizenship in all of its forms. Learning requires critical thinking about the production of knowledge and the various beliefs that people may hold, as well as opportunities to test and actively engage with new ideas. As an institution of higher education in a pluralistic society, Emporia State University is committed to helping students, faculty, staff, and administrators acquire those skills necessary to enable them to think critically, to question intelligently, and to analyze complex and diverse ideas in order to become thoughtful, educated world citizens.

ESU has a commitment to a positive, quality environment that nurtures academic and personal excellence in learning and teaching.

Students, faculty, staff, and administrators share a responsibility for sustaining an environment that is conducive to learning, teaching, and personal growth. ESU sets high intellectual standards, offers stimulating and challenging courses, and provides quality activities and interactions within the university community.

ESU has a commitment to recognize the value of diversity and the respect for individual ideas, opinions, and experiences.

Students, faculty, staff, and administrators provide opportunities within and outside the classroom that foster contact with and respect for diverse groups of people and increased appreciation for pluralistic ideas and experiences. We value and welcome the benefits of diversity. Therefore, we expect and demand that the worth and dignity of all people be recognized without regard to any classification that might preclude a person from consideration as an individual.

ESU has a commitment to academic and personal integrity.

Students, faculty, staff, and administrators set the highest standards of personal integrity and thus will not resort to cheating, plagiarism, and/or the use of unauthorized materials. In addition, the university strives to foster an environment of objectivity, fairness, and impartiality.

ESU has a commitment to open expression of ideas.

In any institution of higher learning it is inevitable that people will hold a multitude of perspectives on a wide range of issues. Discussions at Emporia State University occur in a challenging, but physically safe, non-threatening environment without fear of retribution. Students, faculty, staff, and administrators’ value and strive to engage in constructive listening, principled dialogue, and respectful disagreement in all forms of communication.

ESU has a commitment to a collegial and shared governance.

Students, faculty, staff, and administrators work together in a collegial manner to solve problems to benefit the university community in accordance with governance structure, policy, and procedures. This principle of collegial and shared governance requires mutual respect and civility, but does not exclude beneficial and constructive criticism. The principles of collegiality are also manifested concretely in a commitment to mutual respect for the purpose of strengthening all academic programs and collective endeavors. This commitment is essential as we mentor and support all our colleagues in their individual and collective endeavors of teaching, learning, scholarly activity, and service.

Positioning Statement

Emporia State University is the comprehensive state supported university for Kansas high school graduates, transfers, and graduate students from throughout the region, the country, and the world who want a personalized education that prepares them for fulfilling lives and successful careers. Emporia State University offers a safe, caring, nurturing environment in a close-knit community devoted to learning, that provides every student with instant opportunities for growth, involvement, and leadership.

Incorporation of Additional Policies

In addition to the policies contained herein, individual University units, schools, organizations, and facilities may have adopted additional policies and procedures. These additional policies and procedures are adopted herein by reference, insofar as that are not contradictory to or incompatible with the policies contained herein. Such policies and procedures that are incorporated by reference carry the same weight as the policies contained herein and are enforceable as policies of Emporia State University. Emporia State University is also subject to the MIAA and NCAA regulations, the Kansas Board of Regents policies, and State of Kansas laws and regulations and these policies are meant to supplement those.

Severability

In the event that any of the policies outlined herein, or the policies or procedures that are adopted by reference, are found to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, the portion of the policy determined to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable shall be separated from the remainder of that policy or procedure and remain valid and enforceable. If the portion of the policy or procedure determined to be illegal or unenforceable can not be functionally separated from the rest of the policy or procedure, the entire policy or procedure shall then be separated from the rest of the policies and procedures and shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining policies and procedures.