TUOS Student Handbook

Your Guide to University Policies and Community Standards

The Student Handbook at The University of Ontological Science serves as your comprehensive resource for understanding the rights, responsibilities, and expectations that shape our academic community. These policies and guidelines create the foundation for a respectful, ethical, and intellectually vibrant environment where all scholars can pursue deep inquiry into questions of consciousness, reality, and human experience. This overview highlights key aspects of the handbook to help you navigate your graduate journey with clarity and confidence.

Academic Policies & Standards

Academic Integrity
Upholding scholarly ethics:

Comprehensive definition of academic integrity in research and scholarship
Specific examples of plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, and unauthorized collaboration
Citation requirements for ideas, not just direct quotations
Guidelines for proper attribution across disciplines
Special considerations for collaborative research
Procedures for handling suspected violations
Educational approach to first-time minor infractions

Degree Requirements & Progress
Understanding program expectations:

Credit hour requirements for master’s and doctoral programs
Continuous enrollment policies and exceptions
Time limits for degree completion
Qualifying examination and candidacy procedures
Thesis and dissertation guidelines
Minimum GPA requirements for good standing
Program milestone tracking and notification system

Grading Policies
Assessment standards and procedures:

Grading scale and criteria for graduate courses
Incomplete grade policies and resolution timeframes
Grade dispute procedures and appeal process
Course withdrawal and grade impact guidelines
Pass/fail option limitations for graduate courses
GPA calculation methods and academic standing
Grade replacement options for repeated courses

Registration & Enrollment
Managing your academic schedule:

Registration periods and procedures
Add/drop deadlines and implications
Course load requirements for full-time status
Impact of enrollment status on financial aid and assistantships
Leave of absence policy and re-enrollment procedures
Inter-departmental registration procedures
Cross-registration with consortium institutions

Research & Intellectual Property

Research Ethics
Responsible conduct in scholarly inquiry:

Human subjects research requirements and IRB procedures
Animal research guidelines and IACUC approval process
Conflict of interest disclosure requirements
Data management and retention policies
Responsible authorship and publication practices
Collaborative research agreements
Reporting procedures for research misconduct

Intellectual Property
Understanding ownership and rights:

Student ownership of intellectual creations
Patent and copyright policies
Thesis and dissertation copyright considerations
Technology transfer procedures
Revenue sharing for commercialized innovations
Open access policies and options
Confidentiality agreements in research partnerships

Research Safety
Promoting safe research practices:

Laboratory safety requirements and training
Field research safety protocols
Hazardous materials handling procedures
Required safety certifications by research type
Accident and incident reporting procedures
Safety equipment requirements and access
Mental health considerations in sensitive research areas

Graduate Assistantships & Employment

Assistantship Policies
Understanding your role and compensation:

Teaching assistantship duties and expectations
Research assistantship responsibilities
Work hour limitations and exceptions
Stipend payment schedules
Tuition remission policies
Benefits eligibility and enrollment
Performance evaluation procedures

Professional Conduct
Standards for graduate student employees:

Confidentiality requirements for student information
Office hours and availability expectations
Professional communication standards
Conflict of interest guidelines
Appropriate boundaries with undergraduate students
Attendance and reliability expectations
Progressive discipline procedures

Employment Rights
Protections for graduate student workers:

Non-discrimination and equal opportunity policies
Harassment prevention and reporting procedures
Workplace accommodation process
Grievance procedures for employment concerns
Protection from retaliation for good faith complaints
Union representation rights (if applicable)
Family and medical leave provisions

Community Standards & Campus Life

Code of Conduct
Expectations for behavior in our community:

Respect for diversity and inclusion principles
Prohibited behaviors and consequential framework
Reporting options for concerning behaviors
Resolution procedures including restorative approaches
Rights of involved parties in conduct proceedings
Sanctions and educational interventions
Appeals process for conduct decisions

Diversity & Inclusion
Commitment to an equitable community:

Non-discrimination policies covering all protected categories
Bias incident reporting and response procedures
Inclusive language guidelines and resources
Religious observance accommodation procedures
International student rights and responsibilities
Gender inclusion policies for facilities and programs
Resources for historically underrepresented students

Campus Safety
Creating a secure learning environment:

Emergency notification system and protocols
Campus security services and access
After-hours building access procedures
Inclement weather policies and notifications
Fire safety and evacuation procedures
Active threat response guidelines
Personal safety resources and recommendations

Substance Use Policies
Guidelines for alcohol and drugs:

Alcohol service at university events
Cannabis and controlled substance prohibitions
Prescription medication policies
Substance-free residential options
Impairment concerns in academic settings
Support resources for substance use concerns
Medical amnesty policy for emergency situations

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Privacy & Records
Protection of your information:

FERPA rights and university compliance
Directory information and opt-out procedures
Access to your educational records
Challenging inaccurate record information
Electronic privacy considerations
Research data confidentiality
Records retention timeframes

Grievance Procedures
Addressing concerns appropriately:

Step-by-step process for resolving academic concerns
Mediation options for interpersonal conflicts
Formal complaint procedures for policy violations
Appropriate channels for different concern types
Timeline expectations for resolution
Documentation requirements for formal grievances
Rights of all parties during resolution processes

Accommodation Process
Supporting equitable access:

Disability accommodation procedures and documentation
Religious observance accommodations
Pregnancy and parenting accommodations
Gender transition support and name change procedures
Temporary medical condition accommodations
Service and emotional support animal policies
Appeal process for accommodation decisions

Free Expression & Academic Freedom
Balancing rights and responsibilities:

Commitment to freedom of inquiry and expression
Time, place, and manner guidelines for demonstrations
Guest speaker policies and procedures
Posting and distribution of materials
Classroom discussion guidelines
Academic freedom principles and limitations
Balance between expression and inclusive environment

Facilities & Resources

Library Policies
Maximizing research resources:

Borrowing privileges and loan periods
Special collections access procedures
Interlibrary loan services and limits
Graduate study space allocation
Technology and equipment loan policies
Copyright compliance for course materials
Food and beverage restrictions

Technology Use
Guidelines for digital resources:

Acceptable use policy for university networks
Data security requirements for research information
Software licensing and appropriate use
University email communication expectations
Cloud storage guidelines for sensitive data
Personal device security requirements
Technology support services and limitations

Campus Spaces
Accessing and using university facilities:

Graduate student lounge access and policies
Reserving meeting and event spaces
After-hours building access procedures
Graduate housing policies and application process
Shared office space guidelines
Laboratory and research space allocation
Study space reservation system

Administrative Procedures

Financial Policies
Managing your educational investment:

Tuition payment deadlines and methods
Financial aid disbursement schedule
Assistantship payment procedures
Student account access information
Late payment consequences and appeals
Refund policies for withdrawal or leave
Emergency financial assistance programs

Communication Expectations
Staying informed and responsive:

Official communication methods and requirements
Email response time expectations
Required university announcements and notices
Communication during emergencies
Social media guidelines for affiliates
Media inquiry referral procedures
Graduate student representation in governance

Graduation Requirements
Completing your degree successfully:

Graduation application deadlines and procedures
Thesis and dissertation submission requirements
Final examination scheduling protocols
Clearance procedures for departing students
Commencement participation eligibility
Diploma issuance timeline
Alumni status and continuing benefits

Accessing the Complete Student Handbook

The full TUOS Student Handbook is available in several formats:

Digital version: studentaffairs.tuos.edu/handbook
PDF download through the Student Portal
Limited print copies at the Graduate School Office
Searchable policy database at policies.tuos.edu
Mobile-friendly version through the TUOS app

Updates to the handbook typically occur annually before the fall semester, with notification of significant changes sent to all students. Policy interpretations and clarifications can be obtained from the Dean of Students Office (students@tuos.edu) or the Graduate School (gradschool@tuos.edu).

We recommend that all graduate students review the handbook sections most relevant to their current program stage at the beginning of each academic year. While this overview highlights key aspects, the complete handbook contains additional important information about your rights and responsibilities as a TUOS student.

The policies and procedures outlined in the Student Handbook reflect our shared values of intellectual integrity, ethical conduct, and respect for the diverse members of our community. By understanding and upholding these standards, you contribute to a scholarly environment that supports the profound inquiry at the heart of ontological science while preparing for ethical leadership in your future professional endeavors.