Student Rights

Paris Junior College (PJC) is committed to fostering a respectful, equitable, and student-centered learning environment. As members of the PJC community, students are afforded specific rights and protections under federal and state law, as well as under College policy. These rights ensure equal access to educational opportunities, protection of personal information, freedom from discrimination and harassment, and fair treatment in academic and administrative processes.

Students are encouraged to review the following important policies and protections that safeguard their rights while enrolled at PJC:

• Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination protecs freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation: Other Protected Characteristics
  For more info: Board Policy FFDB (Legal) and FFDB (Local)

• Title IX: PJC Policy Prohibits Sexual Harassment , sex discrimination, sexual misconduct, dating/domestic violence, stalking, etc.
  For more info: Board Policy FFDA (Legal) & FFDA (Local)

  Report Online:
  https://www.parisjc.edu/titleix

  Title IX Coordinator:
  Melanie Hatcher
  903-782-0483

• FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

  Under FERPA, students have the right to:

  • Inspect their records
  • Request corrections
  • Limit release of directory information
  • File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education

  📘 FERPA Page: https://www.parisjc.edu/records/ferpa.php

  Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Paris Junior College to comply with FERPA.

  The office that administers FERPA is:
  U.S. Department of Education
  Student Privacy Policy Office
  400 Maryland Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC 20202

  For more info: Board Policy FJ (Legal) & FJ (Local)

• Directory Information - In compliance with FERPA, Paris Junior College gives notice that certain directory information may be released to the public without prior written consent. Certain information may be released unless a student submits a written restriction during the first 12 class days (fall/spring) or first 4 days (summer).

  📘 More about Directory Information: https://www.parisjc.edu/records/directory.php

  For more info: Board Policy FJ (Legal) & FJ (Local)

• Public Information Requests under the Texas Public Information Act must be submitted in writing. Requestors may email pir@parisjc.edu with their request or find out more at https://parisjc.edu/about/public-info.php. 

• Military & Veterans Protections including excused absences for active military personnel called to duty in accordance with state and federal law.

PJC supports veterans and active military students. Students using VA benefits will not be penalized for delayed VA payments.

Includes:

• Hazlewood Act
• VA Educational Benefits
• Excused absences for active military service

📘 Veterans Services: https://www.parisjc.edu/financial-aid/veterans.php

For more info: Board Policy FC (Legal)

• Religious Holy Days including excused absences for the observance of religious holy days as provided by Texas law. Students observing a religious holy day will be excused without penalty if prior notice is given to instructors.
  For more info: Board Policy FC (Legal)

• Student Records Retention - Admission materials submitted to Paris Junior College must be original documents. Once received by the Office of Admissions, documents become the property of the College and, except for foreign transcripts, will not be returned.

  Applications and supporting documents from individuals who apply but do not enroll are retained and disposed of in accordance with the Retention Schedule on file with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

  For more info: Board Policy FJ (Legal) & FJ (Local)

• Student Communications - PJC assigns each student an official college email (Dragonmail) address upon enrollment. This email account is the primary means of communication between the College and the student. All official correspondence—including notices of academic status, financial aid, billing, registration, and campus alerts—will be sent to the student’s PJC email account.

• Bacterial Meningitis Requirement - Texas law requires proof of vaccination (within 5 years) for entering students under age 22 unless exempt.

  📘 Details & Exemptions: https://www.parisjc.edu/admissions/meningitis.php
  For more info: Board Policy FFAA & State SB 1107 compliance

Together, these policies reflect PJC’s commitment to upholding student rights while maintaining a safe, orderly, and academically focused campus environment. Students who have questions about their rights or believe their rights have been violated are encouraged to contact the appropriate office within Student Services for assistance.

NEXT: PJC Admissions