Institutional Policies

Academic Freedom

It is the policy of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology to encourage freedom of inquiry, discourse, teaching, research, and publication and to protect members of the faculty against influences that would restrict the exercise of these academic freedoms in areas of scholarly interest. As such, The Chicago School subscribes to the principles of academic freedom formulated by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) as summarized below:¹

¹ By adopting the AAUP statement regarding academic freedom, The Chicago School does not adopt or endorse AAUP interpretive statements or other policies.

Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology acknowledges its ethical and statutory responsibility to afford equal treatment and equal opportunity to all persons and thus affirms its policy of compliance with all applicable laws and directives that promulgate nondiscrimination and equality of opportunity through affirmative action. The Chicago School prohibits discrimination and harassment against its employees, students, and applicants based on race, gender, religion, age, national origin of ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, marital or parental status, arrest record, military discharge status, or any other impermissible reason. The Chicago School prohibits behaviors that include but are not limited to any unwelcome, deliberate or repeated unsolicited verbal, physical, visual, or sexual contact, or solicitations of favors that are offensive, abusive, intimidating, hostile, denigrating, or demeaning.

Harassment can take many different forms. Examples of verbal harassment include derogatory comments, slurs, accusations, or negative stereotyping. Physical harassment examples include assault, impeding movement, or any physical interference with normal work, or movement directed at an individual, as well as visual forms including cartoons, drawings, graphic materials, or derogatory posters.

The Chicago School further prohibits behaviors that inappropriately assert sexuality as relevant, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or communications constituting sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is unsolicited, offensive behavior that inappropriately asserts sexuality over status as an employee or student. Sexual harassment can take many different forms. Examples of verbal sexual harassment include sexual innuendo, suggestive comments, insults, humor and jokes about sex or gender-specific traits, sexual propositions, and threats in campus-based classes as well as online environments. Nonverbal harassment includes suggestive or insulting sounds, leering, whistling, and obscene gestures. Physical sexual harassment includes touching, pinching, brushing the body, assault, and coerced sexual contact including, but not limited to, intercourse.

The Chicago School also bars retaliation against an employee, student, or applicant who files a good faith complaint of discrimination/harassment or otherwise participates in an investigation relating to same.

Reporting Conduct That Violates this Policy

Anyone who feels that s/he has been subject to unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation (whether by faculty members, employees, site supervisors, visitors, or other students) should bring the issue to the immediate attention of his/her program chair or academic head of the program, campus president, associate vice president of engagement and student affairs, or director of student services. A thorough review of the facts and circumstances of each situation will be undertaken to determine whether particular conduct constitutes harassment under this policy. Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible.

Individuals who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the institution.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), also known as the Buckley Amendment (20 USC S. 1232g), affords students certain rights with respect to their education records.  For purposes of compliance with FERPA, The Chicago School considers all students independent.  Questions about FERPA and student records may be directed to the Office of Student Services.

Student Rights

1. A student has the right to inspect and review his/her education records within forty-five (45) business days after the school receives a written request for access. A written request identifying the record(s) to be inspected should be submitted by the student to the Office of Student Services. The director or designee will make arrangements for access and notify the student of next steps for inspecting the records. If the Office of Student Services does not retain the records requested, the student will be advised of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. A student has the right to request an amendment of his/her or his education records if s/he believes the record is inaccurate or misleading. To request an amendment, the student should write a formal letter to the school official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record to be changed, and specify why the record is inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the school will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. The campus president or the associate vice president of student services will act as the hearing officer regarding all challenges to the accuracy of educational records and the denial of requested changes. The student will be permitted to present information and materials in support of his/her assertion that the record is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise erroneous. A representative of The Chicago School will be permitted to present information and materials that supports the school’s position. Each party will be present during the hearing and may challenge information and materials of the other party. If a student is unable to attend the hearing in person due to distance (e.g. students participating in online-blended programs), the student may be offered the opportunity to participate via a phone conference. The hearing officer will render a decision on the matter generally within five (5) business days after the conclusion of the hearing. FERPA does not provide a process to be used to question substantive judgments, which are correctly recorded. For example, the rights of challenge do not allow students to contest a grade in a course because they believe a higher grade should have been assigned.
3. A student has the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position; a person or company with whom the school has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, collection agent, or official of the U.S. Department of Education or other federal agency); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
   
   The Chicago School may disclose education records in certain other circumstances:
   
   • to comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena
   • to appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency
   • to officials of another school, upon request, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll
   • in connection with a student’s request for or receipt of financial aid, as necessary to determine the eligibility, amount, or conditions of the financial aid, or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid
   • to certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller General, to state and local educational authorities in connection with certain state or federally supported education programs
   • to accrediting organizations to carry out their functions
   • to organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of The Chicago School
   • the results of an institutional disciplinary proceeding against the alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence may be released to the alleged victim of that crime with respect to that crime

Additionally, The Chicago School must, upon written request, disclose to the alleged victim of any crime of violence or a nonforcible sex offense, the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the school against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such crime or offense.  If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of the crime or offense, the information shall be provided, upon written request, to the next of kin of the alleged victim.

4. A student has the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by The Chicago School to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC, 20202-5920.
5. A student has the right to restrict the release of “directory information” except to school officials with legitimate educational interests and others as indicated above. To restrict the release of directory information, a student must make the request in writing to the Office of Student Services. Once filed, this request becomes a permanent part of the student’s record until the student instructs The Chicago School, in writing, to remove the request.
   
   The Chicago School designates the following as public or “directory information”:
   
   • Student name
   • Mailing address(es)
   • Email address(es)
   • Telephone number(s)
   • Major field of study
   • Degree sought
   • Expected date of completion of degree requirements and graduation
   • Degrees and awards received
   • Dates of attendance
   • Full- or part-time enrollment status
   • Previous educational agency or institution attended
   • Participation in officially recognized activities
   • Photograph(s)

Tuition Recovery Fund (California Campuses only)

The Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) was established to protect any California resident who attends a private postsecondary institution from losing money if he or she has pre-paid tuition, paid the STRF assessment, and suffered a financial loss as a result of the institution engaging in any of the following:

1. closing of an institution;
2. failing to pay refunds or charges on behalf of a student to a third party, or to provide equipment or materials for which a charge was collected within 180 days before the closure of the institution;
3. failing to pay or reimburse federal student loan proceeds or reimburse proceeds received by the institution prior to closure in excess of tuition and other costs;
4. failing to met minimum operating or academic standards as determined by the Bureau, or as outlined in the institution’s enrollmen agreement; and
5. refusing to pay a court judgment.

To be eligible for STRF reimbursement, a student must reside in California at the time the enrollment agreement is signed or when receiving lessons at a California mailing address from an approved institution offering distance-learning instruction. Students, who are temporarily residing in California for the sole purpose of pursuing an education, particularly those who hold student visas, are not considered California residents and do not fulfill the residency requirements.

A student seeking reimbursement under the Fund must file a Student Tuition Recovery Fund Application Form with the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.  Students whose total charges are paid by a third party are not eligible to apply for payment by the Fund.

Students are encouraged to keep copies of enrollment agreements, financial aid papers, receipts, or any other information that documents the monies paid to the school.

Religious Observance

The Chicago School respects the right of individuals to observe religious holidays during the academic term. A student should notify the instructor at the beginning of each semester/term if s/he will be absent from class or other required activities due to religious observances and determine at that time what accommodation, if any, is available. In the event a student needs to arrange a special accommodation (e.g., change of exam date, alternate assignment, etc.) it must be coordinated within the Add/Drop Period for the course. The instructor’s determination as to the accommodation, if any, is final.

Campus Security

The Chicago School publishes its crime statistics and annual security report on its website. Any student, who believes s/he has been the victim of a crime on or around school premises, should report the incident to the director of facilities. The institution publishes an annual security report which includes information on the following:

• Campus policies on reporting criminal actions and other emergencies
• Security and access to campus facilities
• Campus law enforcement
• Crime prevention programs
• Policy on the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs
• Drug and alcohol abuse programs
• Crime statistics

The Chicago School has a 24/7 recorded information line at 800.750.5579 and Campus Advisories webpage for all Chicago School campuses. Both of these outlets will accompany campus email as a means to help disseminate information in the event of a campus emergency, global class cancellation, or school closing.

Chicago Campus

Security cameras can be found in the public areas of each of our floors at 325 N. Wells St. and in the Chicago School’s Merchandise Mart space. Cameras will be found in: 1. the main hallways on each floor and in the Mart space; 2. sixth floor computer lab; 3. fifth-floor student lounge; 4. the kitchen areas; and 5. the sixth floor IT suite. This security camera system is not used for 24/7 monitoring, but as a tool for capturing and archiving footage to help law enforcement investigate a crime if one were to occur.

If you observe suspicious activity on campus, please report it to the fourth-floor reception desk or call 312.329.1392, the main lobby security desk. The security number for the Merchandise Mart is 312.527.7700.

Los Angeles Campus

Security cameras can be found on The Chicago School public area entry points of the 617 W. 7th St Campus. This security camera system is not used for 24/7 monitoring, but as a tool for capturing and archiving footage to help law enforcement investigate a crime if one were to occur. If you observe suspicious activity on the Los Angeles Campus, please report it to the reception desk 213.627.2580 or call the main lobby security desk at 213.362.0552.

Online-Blended Programs

If, as an online student, you suspect suspicious activity, please contact the Director of Student Services for Online-Blended Programs at onlinestudentservice@thechicagoschool.edu.

Grayslake Campus

Security cameras can be found in the public areas, all entrances and in the parking lots at the University Center of Lake County at 1200 University Center Drive, Grayslake, IL 60030. If you observe suspicious activity or experience a crime at the University Center of Lake County campus, please report it to Security via the house or parking lot phones at extension 1111 or 9-911. The direct line to the Security office is at 847.543.2081.

Washington, D.C. Campus

Security cameras can be found in public areas.  This security camera system is not used for 24/7 monitoring, but as a tool for capturing and archiving footage to help law enforcement investigate a crime if one were to occur.  If you observe suspicious activity on the D.C. campus, please report it to the reception desk, which is staffed 24 hours daily.

Crime Awareness and Campus Security Information Report

To view a copy of the latest Crime Awareness and Campus Security Information Report, visit the Campus Advisory page of the school website.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities

In pursuit of its mission and in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The Chicago School is committed to providing qualified students with disabilities equal access to academic courses, programs, and school activities.  A student seeking accommodation for a disability should contact the director of student services as soon as possible, and provide materials from a healthcare provider explaining and documenting the disability, the prognosis, the barriers the student faces given the disability, and suggestions for accommodations that are designed to overcome the barriers without imposing an undue burden on the school and/or fundamentally altering the nature of the service, program or activity at issue.

The decision as to what, if any, accommodation(s) will be provided lies with the school. Reasonable accommodations may include adaptations in the way specific course requirements are accomplished, the use of auxiliary equipment and support staff, and other modifications including testing procedures. Such aids and services are determined on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the student who has identified the need for accommodation.

Additional information about disability support services available on the school website.

Tobacco, Drug, and Alcohol Regulations and Policies

Smoke-Free Environment

The Chicago School campuses are smoke-free. In addition, smoking is not permitted within fifteen (15) feet of any entrances. If a local law ordinance provides greater protection for the rights of non-smokers, it shall apply.

Drug-Free Environment

In compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) of 1986 as amended in 1989, The Chicago School explicitly prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs by students or employees on school premises or as part of any of its activities. In addition, the school prohibits the misuse of legal drugs including alcohol.

Legal Sanctions Under Federal and State Law

Federal penalties and sanctions for illegal possession of a controlled substance are as follow.

• First conviction: up to one year imprisonment or a fine of at least $1,000
• After one prior drug conviction: at least 15 days in prison, not to exceed two years, and a fine of at least $2,500 but not more that $250,000, or both
• After two or more prior drug convictions: at least 90 days in prison, not to exceed three years, and a fine of at least $5,000
• Special sentencing provisions for possession of crack cocaine: mandatory sentencing of at least five years in prison, not to exceed 20 years, and a fine of up to $250,000, or both, if the first conviction and amount of crack possessed exceeds five grams, the second crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds three grams, third or subsequent crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds one gram
• Forfeiture of personal property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance, if that offense is punishable by more than a one-year imprisonment
• Forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft, and any other conveyance used to transport or conceal a controlled substance
• Civil penalty of up to $10,000
• Denial of federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses, for up to one year for first offense or up to five years for second and subsequent offenses
• Ineligibility to receive or purchase a firearm.
• Revocation of certain federal licenses and benefits, (e.g., pilot licenses, public housing tenancy, etc.) as vested within the authorities of individual federal agencies
• Any person convicted of drug trafficking occurring within 1,000 feet of an academic institution is subject to prison terms and fines twice as high as listed above with a mandatory prison sentence of one year for each offense

General State Laws of Alcohol Possession and Consumption

Individuals younger than 21 years old may not purchase, accept as a gift, or possess alcoholic beverages on any street or highway or other public place. Consumption by minors is expressly prohibited. Licensees to sell alcoholic beverages are prohibited from selling, giving, or delivering alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21 years of age. It is unlawful for anyone of legal age to purchase or obtain alcoholic beverages and then sell, give, or deliver them to a minor.

Institutional Policy on Alcohol Consumption

Beverage alcohol may be served to and consumed by persons of legal drinking age on school premises or practicum and internships sites in conjunction with a specifically authorized function. Individuals consuming alcohol should do so in a responsible manner.

Sanctions to Be Imposed on Students Who Violate Regulations and Policies

As a condition of matriculation to The Chicago School, students agree to abide by the terms of these regulations and policies and agree to notify The Chicago School of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring on campus no later than five (5) business days after such conviction. The Chicago School, through the Student Affairs Committee or campus leadership, will take appropriate action (consistent with local, state, and federal law) against a student who violates the standards of conduct contained herein, up to and including dismissal from the institution and referral for prosecution.

Health Risks Associated with Use of Illicit Drugs, the Misuse of Legal Drugs, and Alcohol Abuse

There are health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and abuse of legal drugs and alcohol including impaired functioning of the following major organs: liver, kidneys, brain, and other aspects of the central nervous system including impaired immune functioning and impaired lung and pulmonary functioning. The effects are both immediate and long-term. Immediate effects include impaired judgment, impaired attention span, and impaired gross and fine motor control. Long-term effects include the risk of premature death. The use of needles to inject drugs into the blood stream engenders the risk of contracting AIDS or hepatitis. These health risks may affect one’s daily life activities, as well as familial, social, and working relationships.

Drug and alcohol abuse causes physical and emotional dependence, in which users may develop a craving for a particular substance. Thus, their bodies may respond to the presence of such substances in ways that lead to increased drug and alcohol use.

Certain drugs, such as opiates, barbiturates, alcohol and nicotine create physical dependence. With prolonged use, these drugs become part of the body chemistry. When a regular user stops taking the drug, the body experiences the physiological trauma known as withdrawal.

Psychological dependence occurs when taking drugs becomes the center of the user’s life. Drugs have an effect on the mind and body for weeks or even months after drug use has stopped. Drugs and alcohol can interfere with memory, sensation, and perception. They distort experiences and cause loss of self control that can lead users to harm others as well as themselves.

Counseling, Treatment, or Rehabilitation Programs

Any student who fails to abide by the terms of the Tobacco, Drug, and Alcohol Regulations and Policies may be required to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a federal, state or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency. Specific programs of counseling or rehabilitation are available within the greater Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas, and Orange County. The Office of Clinical Services* can provide a list of referral sources or other rehabilitation agencies such as: Narcotics Anonymous (818) 773- 9999; Alcoholics Anonymous; and the National Counsel of Alcoholism (providing referrals) 1-800-NCA-CALL.

* The Office of Clinical Services can be reached at (312) 410-8803.

Reproduction of Materials

The photocopying or reproduction by other means of copyrighted materials is a right granted under the federal Copyright Act that defines the rights of a copyright holder and how they may be enforced against an infringer. The unauthorized reproduction and distribution of copyrighted material is strictly prohibited. Students identified as having violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including but not limited to dismissal from the institution, or legal action as appropriate, or both

Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.

Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or “statutory” damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For “willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys’ fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.

Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.

All students of The Chicago School are subject to the restrictions imposed by the Copyright Act. The copyright law applies to all forms of photocopying, whether it is undertaken at a commercial copying center, at the school’s copying facilities, or at a self-service machine. Students must exercise prudent judgment when reproducing the works of others so as to not violate the copyright law. Any concern about a student’s reproduction of materials should be brought to the attention of the student’s department chair, associate department chair, or the associate vice president for engagement and student affairs.

For more information, please visit U.S. Copyright Office website, especially their FAQ.

Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) Notification and Response Plan

In compliance with additional requirements of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of 2008 and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), The Chicago School developed a policy in order to combat unlawful file sharing of copyright materials. In particular, The Chicago School’s plan requires students, employees and visitors using Chicago School networks or computers to comply with pertinent U.S. and international copyright laws. Failure to comply with the policies in the DMCA plan may result in disciplinary action as well as civil and criminal penalties. The full policy can be found here.

Immunization Policy

For students attending The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington, D.C. campus, the D.C. Department of Health requires confirmation of immunization for all degree students under the age of 26 prior to enrollment in school. The following immunizations or tests are required: Tetanus/Diphtheria (Td), Measels/Mumps/Rubella (MMR), Hepatitis B (Hep B), and Varicella (Chicken Pox). 

Students must submit a Certificate of Immunity along with proof of immunization as part of the enrollment process. Please see instructions included with the certificate of immunity for additional information. 

Chicago School campuses in Illinois and California are exempt from state immunization requirements.