2022-2023 Student Handbook
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
All those who enroll in the university accept the terms and conditions stated in the Student Code of Conduct and Policies. Students must also follow the policies and procedures in all university publications when applicable. The university reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any student at any time when, in the judgment of university authorities, the general welfare demands such action.
All policies, practices, procedures and regulations listed in university publications are subject to change. Policies may change due to State of Illinois Reopening Regulations, Illinois Department of Public Health, Cook County Department of Public Health, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, particularly as it relates to COVID-19. Every effort will be made to provide appropriate supplements and announcements indicating major alterations in current policies, practices, procedures and regulations.
To receive more information about university policies and procedures, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at (708) 524-6822.
MISSION STATEMENT
As a Sinsinawa Dominican-sponsored institution, Dominican University prepares students to pursue truth, to give compassionate service and to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.
VISION STATEMENT
Dominican University will be an innovative leader in empowering graduates from diverse backgrounds to meet the challenges of an increasingly interdependent world.
IDENTITY STATEMENT
Dominican University is a diverse, relationship-centered community rooted in a vibrant liberal arts and sciences education, offering rigorous, integrative, and innovative undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. At the heart of the University is its Catholic, Dominican tradition, grounded in the compatibility of faith and reason, which affirms the dignity of the human person and concern for the common good. The University's curricula, research and campus life demonstrate a commitment to ethics, community service, social justice and global citizenship. Dominican University educates one student at a time in the company of others, engaging a multiplicity of cultural, religious and secular worldviews, transforming students, faculty and staff into agents of positive change.
COMMITMENT TO NONDISCRIMINATION
It is the policy and practice of Dominican University to provide and promote employment and academic opportunities for all students, faculty and staff members without regard to race, color, gender, age, marital status, order of protection status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, medical condition, national origin, ancestry, military status, physical or mental disability, or pregnancy (collectively, “the bases for unlawful discrimination”). All students, faculty and staff members are expected to abide by this policy and to assist in its enforcement.
It is the policy of the University to hire, accept, train, educate, promote, compensate and/or administer all employment and/or academic practices, as the case may be, without regard to any of the bases for unlawful discrimination. Harassment, including sexual harassment, of staff members, students or faculty members because they are members of any of the previously-stated protected groups is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Any student, faculty member or staff member who engages in such prohibited conduct will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination or dismissal, depending on the seriousness of the conduct in question and the surrounding circumstances.
The University will periodically develop and mandate training programs for students, faculty and staff members in furtherance of this policy. Failure to participate in mandatory training may result in registration holds for students and notices of non-compliance or other disciplinary action for members of the faculty and staff.
CARITAS COMMITMENT
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a disruptive, stressful influence on all of our lives. As a member of the Dominican University community, I understand that I have an important role in keeping myself healthy and in protecting others from the spread of this virus. My commitment to the following community expectations is a lived expression of Dominican caritas and veritas.
Community
• Extending patience and support to others, knowing that this is a complex and stressful situation for all
• Fostering a just and humane campus climate by treating each person fairly and with respect, and helping one another to adhere to this commitment with compassion and empathy
Prevention
• Complying with the University’s vaccination policy
• Following recommendations and requirements related to travel and gatherings on and off campus
• Apprising visitors and guests on campus, including in the residence halls, of Dominican’s policies
• Washing my hands frequently with soap and water or sanitizing them regularly
• Complying with mask mandates, when in place
• Practicing respiratory etiquette and covering my cough/sneeze
• Cleaning and disinfecting my personal space, shared common space, and my belongings daily
Monitor and Care
• Conducting daily self-monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19
• Reporting any positive COVID-19 tests to the COVID Tracker
• Agreeing to self-isolate if I test positive for COVID-19 and to follow guidance on returning to campus
• Participating in COVID-19 testing, if required
• Participating fully and honestly with contact tracing to determine whom I may have exposed to COVID-19
I understand that Dominican University may modify these guidelines and expectations, based on the fluidity of the COVID-19 virus. It is my responsibility to stay informed to protect myself and the University community. I also acknowledge that these expectations are a condition of my enrollment and/or employment and that any failure to comply with the Caritas Commitment may lead to disciplinary action.
I understand COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus and it is possible to contract the disease, even if I follow all of the safety precautions above and those recommended by the CDC, local health department, and other agencies. I understand that, although the University is following the guidelines issued by the CDC and other experts to reduce the spread of infection, I can never be completely shielded from all risk of illness caused by COVID-19 or other infections.
I understand that Dominican University is not responsible, and cannot be held liable, if any community member becomes infected with COVID-19.
I have read this document and understand it is my responsibility as a member of the Dominican community to uphold the Caritas Commitment.