Academic Catalog 2025-2026

Student Rights

As outlined by Federal and State Laws:

An Education that is Free from Discrimination and Harassment 

Title IX, Title VI, California SB493, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act

To ensure compliance with federal, state, and local civil rights laws and regulations, and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the education program or activity, Point Loma Nazarene University has developed the Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and Resolution Process to provide for prompt, fair, and impartial resolution of allegations of protected characteristic discrimination, harassment or allegations of retaliation. 

PLNU’s Nondiscrimination Statement can be found at www.pointloma.edu/nondiscrimination. 

Reports of discrimination or harassment can be reported through any of the following methods1: 

Point Loma Nazarene University
3900 Lomaland Drive
San Diego, CA 92106

Office Location: Nicholson Commons

Phone: (619) 849-2313
Email: biasincident@pointloma.edu, titleix@pointloma.edu

1

These reporting tools are for non-emergency incidents only. For emergencies including safety concerns dial 911, then contact the Department of Public Safety at (619) 849-2525.

Protection from Sexual Misconduct and Access to Supportive, Fair, and Trauma-Informed Processes

Title IX, California SB493, The Jeanne Clery Act, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

PLNU is committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment where students are protected from all forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence. Under federal and state laws—including the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Clery Act, Title IX, and California Senate Bill 493 (SB 493)—students are entitled to clear rights and protections:

If you experience sexual misconduct, you have the right to:

  • Report the incident to the university, law enforcement, or both—and to choose not to report, without losing access to supportive measures. Reports of sexual misconduct and relationship violence can be reported to the University through any of the following methods: 

Director of University Compliance
Title IX Coordinator, Title VI Coordinator, Deputy ADA Coordinator

Point Loma Nazarene University
3900 Lomaland Drive
San Diego, CA 92106

Office Location: Nicholson Commons

Phone: (619) 849-2313
Email: biasincident@pointloma.edu, titleix@pointloma.edu

More information on University reporting, grievance process and how to file a police report can be found at https://www.pointloma.edu/title-ix/get-help-now.

  • Receive supportive measures (such as academic accommodations, housing modifications, or no-contact directives), regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed. Contact titleix@pointloma.edu or visit https://www.pointloma.edu/title-ix/get-help-now for  more information on supportive measures.
  • Access a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution process, free from conflict of interest or bias, with equal rights for both parties to present evidence, have an advisor, and be informed of all decisions and outcomes. PLNU’s Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and Resolution Process and Title IX Grievance Process provides detailed information about PLNU’s investigation and resolution processes.
  • Be treated with dignity and respect throughout the process, including through trauma-informed approaches.
  • Receive written explanations of your rights, options, and available resources.
  • Be protected from retaliation for reporting or participating in an investigation or resolution process.
  • Receive timely updates and notification of outcomes, appeals, and any sanctions resulting from the process.

These rights apply whether the misconduct occurred on or off campus, and whether or not the person involved is a member of the PLNU community. The university will take appropriate steps to address the behavior and ensure your continued safety and well-being.

A Safe and Transparent Campus Environment

Clery Act, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Students have the right to a safe and well-informed campus experience. Under the Jeanne Clery Act and VAWA, PLNU is required to provide accurate, timely, and accessible information about campus safety, crime statistics, and emergency procedures. These laws also ensure that students are informed about their rights and available resources in cases involving sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.

This includes:

For questions about campus safety or crime statistics, please contact Public Safety at 619-849-2525. 

Disability Access and Reasonable Accommodations

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Students with disabilities have the right to equal access to PLNU’s academic programs, services, and activities. Under federal law, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), PLNU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations and auxiliary aids to ensure that all students have access to an equitable educational experience.

While all students are expected to meet the essential course requirements as established by each instructor, students with documented disabilities may request academic adjustments or auxiliary aids and services as needed to support their learning.

The Educational Access Center (EAC) is the designated office for handling disability-related accommodations for all PLNU students: 

Bond Academic Center
EAC@pointloma.edu
619-849-2533
https://www.pointloma.edu/offices/educational-access-center

Any current or prospective student may file a grievance if they believe they have experienced discrimination or harassment on the basis of disability. This includes concerns related to access, accommodation decisions, or disability-based mistreatment by university employees, students, or third parties. Students may also use this process if they are dissatisfied with their accommodation or academic adjustment plan. Reports of discrimination or harassment can be reported through any of the following methods:

Point Loma Nazarene University
3900 Lomaland Drive
San Diego, CA 92106

Office Location: Nicholson Commons

Phone: (619) 849-2232
Email: ada@pointloma.edu

For more information on the process, please review PLNU’s Accommodation and Grievance Policy.

Support for Pregnancy and Parenting

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

Under Title IX, students who are pregnant, have recently given birth, or are parenting have the right to continue their education free from discrimination or academic penalty due to pregnancy or related conditions. PLNU is committed to supporting students through pregnancy and parenting while ensuring equal access to educational programs and activities.

Students have the right to:

  • Request reasonable modifications related to pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions 
  • Access excused absences for medically necessary pregnancy-related reasons, with the ability to make up any missed work.
  • Continue participating in classes, extracurricular activities, and university programs without discrimination or penalty.
  • Seek support for parenting responsibilities, including lactation accommodations and flexibility around academic or housing needs, when possible.

To learn more about your rights and available resources, or to request accommodations or support, please visit: PLNU Pregnancy & Parenting Policy.

You may also contact the Title IX Office at titleix@pointloma.edu for assistance or to discuss your individual needs confidentially.

Any current or prospective student may file a grievance if they believe they have experienced discrimination or harassment on the basis of pregnancy or parenting through one of the following methods: 

Director of University Compliance
Title IX Coordinator, Title VI Coordinator, Deputy ADA Coordinator

Point Loma Nazarene University
3900 Lomaland Drive
San Diego, CA 92106

Office Location: Nicholson Commons

Phone: (619) 849-2313
Email: biasincident@pointloma.edu, titleix@pointloma.edu

Access to Student Records and Privacy

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Students have certain rights in regards to their educational records. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records and ensures transparency in how records are accessed and shared.

Under FERPA, students have the right to:

  • Inspect and review their education records maintained by the university.
  • Request the correction of inaccurate or misleading records.
  • Provide written consent before PLNU discloses personally identifiable information from their education records, except under certain authorized exceptions (e.g., health or safety emergencies, school officials with a legitimate educational interest).

Educational records include transcripts, class schedules, grades, disciplinary records, and any documents maintained by the university that are directly related to a student.

PLNU respects students’ privacy and is committed to protecting the confidentiality of student information while also complying with legal and safety obligations.

For more information about FERPA and PLNU’s student records policy, please visit the Academic Policies section of the Traditional Undergraduate Catalog.

If you believe your rights under FERPA have been violated, you are encouraged to report your concern by emailing compliance@pointloma.edu or by completing the Student Rights and Compliance Concern Form. You also have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if you believe your rights have been violated. 

Be Free from Hazing and Harmful Initiation Practices

Stop Hazing Act, California Penal Code § 245.6

Point Loma Nazarene University strictly prohibits hazing in all forms. Hazing includes any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of an individual in connection with group affiliation or initiation—regardless of a person’s willingness to participate. This policy applies to all students and student organizations, whether recognized or not.

PLNU offers annual hazing prevention training and provides multiple avenues for confidential reporting. In compliance with federal and state law, substantiated incidents involving student organizations may be published in the university’s Campus Hazing Transparency Report.

To view the full Hazing Policy, including definitions, reporting options, training details, and disciplinary procedures, visit <Link to Policy>

Reporting Form: [danielle to create link]

Director of University Compliance
compliance@pointloma.edu
619-849-2313
Title IX Office, Nicholson Commons

Undergraduate Dean of Students
DeanofStudents@pointloma.edu
619-849-2708
Student Life and Formation, Nicholson Commons

Reports may be made anonymously. PLNU prohibits retaliation against any individual who makes a good-faith report of hazing.

Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, Section 103 (38 U.S.C. § 3679(e))

In compliance with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, Point Loma Nazarene University permits1 covered individuals to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date in which the individual provides to PLNU a certificate of eligibility (COE) for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 and ending on the earlier of the following dates:

  1. The date on which the US Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) provides payment for a course of education to PLNU.
  2. The date that is 90 days after the date on which the educational institution certifies for tuition and fees following receipt of the COE from the student.

To qualify for this provision, students are required to:

  1. Submit a Certificate of Eligibility (CH33) or VRE Authorization (CH31) to PLNU no later than the first day of a course.
  2. Provide a written request to use CH33 entitlement, or have a VRE Authorization on file for CH31 for each term student is requesting to use benefits.
  3. Submit a signed PLNU VA Student Agreement form, one time, upon first requesting benefits.

If there is a difference in the amount of the student’s financial obligation to PLNU and the amount that the student is eligible to receive from the DVA, the student may incur an additional fee or may be required to make an additional payment to make up the difference.

For more information, please see PLNU’s Veterans officer.

1

A covered individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Veteran Readiness and Employment, or chapter 33, Post 9/11 GI Bill®2 benefits.

2

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

External Complaint and Reporting Resources

Students are encouraged to first utilize PLNU’s internal reporting systems whenever possible, but these external agencies are available for additional support and formal review. If a student believes that their rights have been violated and is not satisfied with the resolution offered through PLNU’s internal processes, they may file a complaint with the appropriate state or federal agency. These agencies provide oversight and may investigate complaints related to discrimination, accessibility, harassment, consumer protection, and other areas of concern in postsecondary education.

Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE)

Under the Program Integrity Rule of the Higher Education Act, students enrolled at institutions that receive federal student financial aid—such as PLNU—have the right to access a clear process for filing consumer complaints.

This process allows students to report:

  • Alleged violations of state consumer protection laws, including fraud, false advertising, or deceptive practices.
  • Alleged violations of state laws or regulations related to postsecondary licensure.
  • Concerns regarding the quality of education or compliance with accreditation standards.

California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH)

For complaints related to discrimination or harassment on the basis of a protected characteristic (including sex, race, religion, disability, or veteran status).

2218 Kausen Drive, Suite 100, Elk Grove, CA 95758
www.calcivilrights.ca.gov
(800) 884-1684