Student Handbook (Policies)

Dear Student and Parent/Guardian, 

This handbook is intended to explain general expectations and policies of Boulder Universal. We look forward to a rewarding experience for you and  your student. 

Our Staff and Faculty are Committed to Empowering Every Student to: 

• become a productive, compassionate, and responsible citizen.
• develop the fundamental mindset essential to self-directed lifelong learning. 
• make educational and career plans. 
• learn and apply strategies for logical problem solving and decision making. 
• demonstrate consideration and respect for others. 
• use technology effectively and appropriately.

We Believe: 

• everyone has the right to learn without interference. 
• everyone should be respectful and be given respect. 
• everyone should feel safe for self and property. 
• everyone must complete online courses within the deadlines.
• everyone must cooperate with their educators, mentors, and tutors. 

Our Mission Statement: 

• Boulder Universal supports a diverse community of learners engaged  in an academically challenging, personalized learning environment that inspires them to pursue their goals with confidence.

If you need any clarification or further information, please contact our office. Any questions regarding policy and procedures can also be emailed to the administration.

Sincerely, 

Principal
Eric.moroye@bvsd.org

One of the attractive aspects of online learning is that students have flexibility scheduling their days and weeks. This daily/weekly schedule must be designed to stay on pace. Successful online learners:

• establish a pattern of consistent work habits to complete courses. 
• keep to a calendar to finish courses within the allotted time following the set Deadlines.
• communicate with course teachers and mentors as often as possible. 
• are involved in school activities, sports, and events to maintain friendships.

Safe2Tell is designed to help YOU.

Students, teachers & parents may anonymously report anything that is scaring or endangering you, your friends, or your family. You don't need to be afraid to call. You never have to give your name. In fact, Colorado State Law guarantees that you will remain unknown if you choose [COLORADO REVISED STATUTE 16-15.7-101]. We want to make our schools and communities safer by focusing on prevention. So if you've seen something suspicious, been bullied, felt threatened, or noticed that a friend needs help, call us and make a difference before something bad happens.

Safe-2-tell 1-877-542-safe (7233)

www.safe2tell.org

BU offers a safe and friendly place for students to come and work on their online courses with the assistance of their teachers, mentor or counselor.

• Our student lab is a student learning zone for our students. We ask parents not enter the lab without teacher/staff permission.
• Parents/Visitors are welcome to visit with a staff member to check-in, however, they should schedule a meeting with that staff member ahead of time.
• Unfortunately, we are not always available for walk in appointments. Please visit our Staff Directory for contact information.  

Students may park in the west parking in assigned parking.  

• Student parking is located West of the Arapahoe Campus Building.
• Vehicles parked in no parking zones, staff, reserved, visitor, or handicapped parking are subject to being towed. 
• Habitually violating the parking policy will result in loss of parking privileges on campus.
• Reckless driving will also result in loss of these privileges. 
• Additional discipline may also be invoked for parking and driving violations, as well as police involvement. 

High school students may also take the CTE bus to Arapahoe Campus from their home school.

For the safety and security of everyone, students are responsible for having their Student ID on their person while on campus. They will present it any time they enter the building.

• Full Time Students:
  • Will receive a BU student ID badge.
  • Replacement badges will cost $5.

Compulsory attendance is required for all students in the State of Colorado.  In an online setting, there are many ways to account for attendance.  The most effective means is based on student work completion.  Thus, Boulder Universal’s attendance will be determined based on student work submissions.  According to Colorado law, an online student with 4 missing assignments in a month, or 10 or more in a school year is considered ‘habitually truant’.  If a student is struggling with work completion, please reach out to your counselor immediately.

Students with continued truancy issues will be put on an attendance contract and potentially be referred to the BVSD Attendance Advocate.

Our goal is to provide a safe and successful environment for your child.

Research on Effective Schools states that if children feel safe at school they are productive and successful. Please review the 2021-22 Student Rights and Responsibilities so that you understand the district’s behavioral expectations and the consequences for failure to meet those expectations. 

While on school grounds, in school facilities, in school vehicles, or at school-sponsored activities, students shall comply with all policies and regulations pertaining to student conduct. Specifically:

• Student conduct shall at all times reflect consideration for the rights and privileges of others; cooperation with all members of the school community is required. 
• Students shall maintain high personal standards of courtesy, decency, morality, and honesty in their relationship with others.
• Students shall respect the authority of school staff and officials. This includes compliance with school regulations, district policies, and Colorado law.
• Diligence in study and achievement commensurate with ability is expected of all students. Respect for scholarship should be encouraged and scholastic integrity shall be maintained. Students are expected to be prompt and regular in their attendance of school and classes and are responsible for work missed due to excused or unexcused tardiness or absence. 
• No student shall engage in or encourage behavior which poses a clear and convincing threat of disruption of the school operations.
• No student shall engage in or encourage behavior which is detrimental to the welfare or safety of students, teachers, or school personnel on or off school property.
• Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature may constitute sexual harassment, even if the harasser and the student being harassed are the same sex and whether or not the student resists or submits to the harasser
• Students shall not use, bring, carry, possess, buy, sell, or exchange alcohol, narcotics, or other dangerous or restricted drugs or controlled substances. 
• No student shall use, possess, bring, or carry any dangerous weapon of any kind or a knife of any blade length on school property, in school-approved vehicles, or at school-sponsored activities without prior permission of the school principal or designee or the Superintendent or designee. 
• Students shall not cause or attempt to cause damage to school or private property, nor steal or attempt to steal school or private property. 
• No student shall engage in bullying behavior in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated school bus stop, or at school activities or sanctioned events.

Violations of Colorado law, district or school rules of conduct will result in disciplinary action, which may include suspension or expulsion. Specific district policies referenced in this section are:

• Student Absences and Excuses — Policy JH, JH-R
• Dangerous Weapons in the Schools — Policy JICI
• Student Abuse of Alcohol and Other Drugs — Policies JFCH/JFCI and JFCH/JFCI-R
• Tobacco-Free Schools — Policy ADC • Searches — Policy JFGA
• Student Conduct on School Buses — Policy JFCC
• Student Suspension/Expulsion — Policy JGD/JGE
• Non-Discrimination — Policy AC/AC-R
• Sexual Harassment - Policy JBB
• Student Dress — District Policy JICA, JICA-R

BVSD policy, ADC - Tobacco Free Schools, and State law mandate that all schools and school grounds are tobacco free (this includes vaping). Therefore, the Boulder Universal Open Lab is a smoke free environment. The use of any tobacco product in school buildings and on school grounds is prohibited. This includes the two RTD bus stops which are located on BVSD property. Related District Policy: (ADC)

• Boulder County Ordinance 2004-2: “Boulder County Ordinance, an ordinance prohibiting smoking in public places and places of employment in unincorporated Boulder County, is enforced on this property.
•  Violators are subject to a fine up to $100 for the first offense, up to $200 for a second offence, and up to $500 for each subsequent offense.”

Integrity and honor are central to Boulder Universal’s mission of preparing students to become independent, responsible, and productive citizens. As members of the Boulder Universal community, faculty and students accept the responsibility to maintain the highest standards of intellectual honesty and ethical conduct in completing all forms of academic work.  Since assignments, exams, and other classwork are measures of student performance, integrity is required to ensure accurate measurement of student learning.

In order to uphold academic honesty and integrity, students will abide by BVSD Policy JFA, JFA-R. This includes but is not limited to the following:

1. Students will not misrepresent their work by handing in the work of someone else.

• Plagiarizing: unacknowledged use of information, ideas, or phrasing of others. This includes: copying exact words of another writer or source without proper documenting of source, completing an assignment using unauthorized electronic sources, stealing or passing off words, graphics, and artwork that is not one’s own
• Purchasing a paper from a service, person, or other sources
• Reproducing another person’s paper (or portion of) and submitting it as one’s own
• Having someone else take an exam, complete an assignment,  or using unauthorized supports (e.g. resources, people, or calculator, etc)
• Inventing of information or citation in an academic exercise and misquoting or quoting out of context
• Submitting a reproduction of another person’s work
• Signing of another’s name to an official document and/or submission of information known to be false.

2. Students will not submit information that is obtained dishonestly.

• Copying homework
• Working with another student on work that is intended to be done independently
• Downloading and submitting term papers [or other documents] from on-line resources
• Sharing answers through data storage devices
• Using cameras, cell phones, or PDA devices to take electronic pictures of exams
• Text-messaging (or other electronic means) answers of academic work
• Stealing or borrowing materials from teachers or classmate

3. Students will not give or sell their work to another person who plans to submit it as his or her own.

• Giving work to another student to be copied
• Giving someone answers to an exam during an exam
• Discussing an assessment with students who have not yet been assessed on the material
• Giving or selling a written assignment to another student

Protocol - Consequences will depend on the severity and impact of the violation. In some cases, a consequence may not follow the sequence outlined below.

• First Offense: The student may receive a zero on the assignment at the teacher’s discretion. The teacher will notify the parents of the violation.  Teacher will explain why the event violates the Academic Honor Code and will set expectations moving forward. The teacher will notify school administration to document the violation in the student’s discipline file.  Student will be required to complete Boulder Universal’s Plagiarism Course.
•  Second Offense: The student will receive a zero on the assignment. The teacher will notify the parents of the violation.  The teacher will notify school administration to document the violation in the student’s discipline file. School administration will have a meeting with the parents and student to discuss the violation.  The administrator will review the discipline referral and consequences will be aligned with Boulder Valley School District’s Board Policy JFA-R*.
• Third Offense: The student will receive a zero on the assignment. The teacher will notify the parents of the violation. The teacher will notify school administration to document the violation in the student’s discipline file. The school administrator may suspend the student and the student may receive a failing grade in the course of the third violation in accordance with Boulder Valley School District’s Board Policy JFA-R*. School administration will have a meeting with the parents and student to discuss the violation.

*Possible consequences to infractions may include:

• Parent/Guardian conference with teacher(s) and/or administration
• A certified letter to be signed by the parent/guardian
• A failing grade for the assignment
• Redo the assignment within a given amount of time
• Out of School Suspension
• Suspension of Internet access
• Suspension of Network privileges
• A failing grade for the class
• Ineligibility for school groups/activities
• Ineligibility to Honor Societies
• Community service
• Restorative Justice 

Boulder Universal anticipates a commitment to Academic Integrity or compliance to accepted ethical standards from each student. The completion of the enrollment process signifies that a student is committed to academic integrity as a student at Boulder Universal. Students are expected to respond to academic challenges with the highest degree of integrity and honesty. District educators will encourage the development of ethical behavior in their students and support constructive dialogue regarding the characteristics of academic integrity in their classes. Related District Policy: (JFA-R)

Academic Dishonesty:  Deliberate, unacceptable behaviors that include but are not limited to: misrepresentation, obtaining unauthorized information, and tendering of information

Misrepresentation: Students misrepresent their work by handing in the work of someone else:

• Plagiarizing: unacknowledged use of information, ideas, or phrasing of others.  
• Copying exact words of another writer without proper documentation of source
• Stealing or passing off words, graphics, and artwork that is not one’s own
• Purchasing a paper from a service or other sources
• Reproducing another person’s paper and submitting it as one’s own
• Having someone else take an exam
• Inventing of information or citation in an academic exercise and misquoting or quoting out of context
• Submitting a reproduction of another person’s work
• Signing of another’s name to an official document and/or submission of information known to be false
• Students also cannot turn in the same submission for multiple assignments

Incidents will be noted in Infinite Campus with repeated instances resulting in either a loss of credit for that assignment or removal from the courses with a failing grade. Possible consequences to infractions may include:

• Parent/Guardian conference with teacher(s) and/or administration
• A certified letter to be signed by the parent/guardian
• A failing grade for the assignment
• Redo the assignment within a given amount of time
• Suspension
• Suspension of Internet access
• Suspension of Network privileges
• A failing grade for the class
• Ineligibility for groups/activities
• Community service
• Restorative Justice

Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) is pleased to offer students access to district computers, communications systems, the Internet, and an array of technology resources to promote educational excellence.

Each student is responsible for her/his use of technology, whether personal or district provided. While using district and personal technology resources on or near school property, in school vehicles and at school-sponsored activities, as well as using district technology resources via off-campus remote access, each student must act in an appropriate manner consistent with school, district, and legal guidelines. It is the joint responsibility of school personnel and the parent or guardian of each student to educate the student about his/her responsibilities and to establish expectations when using technology. Failure to follow the appropriate use procedures may lead to the loss of the privilege to use these educational tools, school disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion, legal action, and/or restitution by the user for costs associated with any damages caused by such violations.

Student school accounts, such as Schoology, Google, IXL, etc. are property of the school. Therefore, individual student avatars can be a school picture only or can stay as the default avatar provided by the platform. No memes, other photos, or symbols are allowed to be substituted. For further information, please refer to BVSD Board Policy JS, Student Use of the Internet and Electronic Communications. 

When students are in a live online setting, BU may require students to have their cameras on to fully engage with the online setting.  In a live online learning environment, camera backgrounds are considered part of the learning environment.  Please make sure that backgrounds are school appropriate.  Thus, the use of Google backgrounds can be used and are encouraged

All students will be granted access to district technology resources in order to: 

• Perform word processing, build spreadsheets, create presentations, browse the Internet, or use Google Apps for Education
• Conduct research on classroom or library computers or other digital devices
• Search the school library catalog for books/resources
• Download or educational videos, podcasts, simulations, or content
• Publish student work
• Fulfill requirements in computer lab assignments
• Conduct curricular work using computer-based simulations or content
• Create digital presentations
• Engage in distance learning experiences
• Complete online testing
• Use digital assessment technologies
• Engage in online collaborative projects
• Engage in electronic discussions with experts outside the classroom
• Share or exchange files with students in or outside the classroom
• Store student work for retrieval at home
• Complete online college applications or apply for financial aid online
• Complete other assignments requiring technology as assigned by your student’s teacher(s)

Email Accounts

At the secondary level (6-12), students will be given a district email account. At the elementary level (K-5), email accounts are not made available to students unless requested by a teacher, connected to a specific curriculum unit, explicit parent/guardian and principal permission is acquired, and close supervision by adults is provided.

Password Requirements

Students are required to use strong passwords for accessing District technology and email. IT changes the passwords for grades K-5 every 180 days. Students in grades 6-12 are required to change their password every 90 days.

Boulder Universal is pleased to offer students access to digitally available curriculum, communications systems, the use of computer and Internet while in our lab and an array of other technology resources to promote educational excellence. The Internet and electronic communications (email, chat rooms and other forms of electronic communication) have vast potential to support curriculum and student learning. The Board of Education believes they should be used in schools as a learning resource to educate and to inform. Students should take responsibility for their own use of district computers and computer systems to avoid contact with material or information that may be harmful to minors. Related District Policies: (EGAEA)

As a digital citizen I understand:

• Any computer work may be lost and I should be careful to back-up important work.
• Some things from the Internet I read may not be true.
• Cyber-bullying is a violation of BVSD/Boulder Universal policies and if caught doing it I can be subject to school disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion, legal action, and/or restitution by the user for costs associated with any damages caused by such violations.
• The network and some computers may belong to the District/Boulder Universal and that using them is a privilege, not a right.
• I may not create, transmit, or communicate any material accessible via the Internet that contains items that are illegal, obscene, harassing, insulting, ostracizing, or intimidating to others.
• The intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other potentially inappropriate materials as well. BVSD/Boulder Universal does not condone or permit the viewing or use of this material and uses content filtering software to protect students to the extent possible. Parents are also encouraged to monitor their child’s Internet activity.
• Content filtering tools are not completely fail-safe and while at school, direct supervision by school personnel of each student using a computer is desired but not always possible.
• That things I do using a school computer or network are not private; even when generated on my personal device.  Teachers and District staff may review my work and activities at any time I am using a BVSD log on and while engaged in Schoology or other online class content. 
• Any and all BVSD log on histories can be inspected. This includes Internet history/cache anytime during the school year. For example; teachers may track BVSD log on access and activities today, last hour, last week or last semester.

Students are required to turn portable electronic devices over to school personnel when requested. Under certain circumstances, law enforcement authorities may be notified. Portable electronic devices are considered personal effects in a student’s possession and thereby subject governing searches of such items. Except in cases of emergency, a cell phone or other electronic communication device will not be searched without the consent of either the student or parent. BVSD shall not be responsible for loss, theft or destruction of portable electronic devices brought onto school property. Related District Policies: (JS)

The Colorado state legislature enacted laws that impact all Colorado schools. These laws will be enforced as well as the policies set forth in the student and parent handbooks, as well as the Students and Parents rights document published by the Boulder Valley School District.  Related District Policies: (JF), (JF-R), (JFC), (JG)

The following behaviors have been determined to be so serious that STUDENTS WHO ENGAGE IN THESE BEHAVIORS WILL FACE IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION FOLLOWED BY MANDATORY EXPULSION BY THE BVSD BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR UP TO ONE CALENDAR YEAR:

• The behaviors which have been determined to be detrimental to the welfare or safety of students and/or school personnel are: 
• carrying, bringing, using or possessing a dangerous weapon without the authorization of the school or the District (including parking lot). 
• selling, giving, or exchanging a drug or other controlled substance (not alcohol). 
• the commission of an act (robbery, assault, etc.), which if committed by an adult would be considered a crime. 
• the declaration of a student as a habitually disruptive student. 
• assault which if charged could be a 1st or 2nd degree assault. 

A Dangerous Weapon includes, but is not limited to, a firearm, loaded or unloaded, or firearm facsimile, any pellet or BB gun or other device, whether operational or not, designed to propel projectiles by spring action or compressed air, a knife, bludgeon, or any weapon or instrument, which when used in the manner in which it was intended, is capable of producing death or bodily injury. 

• Assault: an event in which a person is seriously injured or where the action is intercepted just before the serious injury but where the intent to cause serious injury is clearly evident. 
• Habitually Disruptive Student: a student who has caused disruptions while at school or on school grounds, at a school sanctioned activity or event, or while being transported in a school-approved vehicle. 
• Disruptive Behavior: behavior initiated by a student which is willful and overt and which requires the attention of school personnel to deal with the disruption. 

BVSD high schools are here to help support our students and families throughout this process. We will be tracking our student’s progress in achieving the requirements and working closely with our counseling staff and administrators to ensure that students that need additional support receive it. All information regarding requirements can be found on the BVSD Website Graduation Requirements Page.

Credit earned for online courses will be awarded toward graduation requirements only if the courses have been approved by the BU mentor or school counselor.  It is imperative that students secure this approval PRIOR to registering for the courses. The recommended course plan is 50 - 60 credits a year over the course of five sessions; online students will determine the course load that meets their needs with the assistance of the mentor or school counselor.

Transfer credits from accredited institutions are granted based on BVSD Board Policy JECD-R. Homeschool credits are generally not accepted; however, please refer to JECD-R for specifics. 

Course selection is very important to a student’s career progression. With the assistance of the school counselor, students will create and maintain academic and career plans tailored to their individual interests and goals.

Read More...

Grading

All forms of reporting, including progress reports or conferences, should primarily reflect the student's individual progress toward the program expectations in art, music, and physical education, and achieving the course level curriculum in all other subject areas.  The impact of other factors such as effort, behavior, and attitude shall be clearly explained in the grading procedures distributed by the teacher. Related District Policy: (IKA-R)

Grading Scale:

•  A = achievement at the advanced level  (4.0 grade points; 5.0 for weighted courses)
•  B = achievement at the proficient level (3.0 grade points; 4.0 for weighted courses)
•  C = achievement at the basic  level (2.0 grade points; 3.0 for weighted courses)
•  D = achievement less than basic level (1.0 grade point; 2.0 for weighted courses)        
•  F = failure to achieve at a level to earn credit

Transcripts

• Transcripts can be ordered by using our Transcript Request Form on our website.
• Transcripts will be sent within 3 business days.
• Class rank will not be placed on report cards or transcripts. Grades of Pass/Fail will be allowed only by principal approval and only under rare, special circumstances. The use of Pass/Fail grading to elevate a student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) is expressly prohibited. 
• Related District Policy: (IKC), (IKC-R)

Classes taken by middle level students will not appear on high school transcripts or be used in calculating high school GPA.’s. This action is intended to create equity in high schools regarding GPA.’s and is not intended to prevent students from graduating early who are otherwise eligible to do so. Principals can consider high school classes taken at the middle school level when deciding to authorize early graduations.

First 1–3 days of the semester: Students can add a new classes (although this doesn't happen very often). Elective class changes are typically not possible, owing to full courses. If a student is missing a core class (science, math, world language, social studies, language arts), they should email their counselor directly as soon as possible. No student will ever be denied one of the core five classes! Level change requests in core classes are often not possible due to full classes.

First 15 days: Students may drop a class without penalty. They must, however, maintain the minimum number of classes. Freshman and sophomores: minimum of six classes. Juniors and seniors: minimum of five classes.

Days 16–30: A W grade will appear on the student's transcript. This does not count against the student's GPA; it is a placeholder on the transcript that says to colleges, “I dropped a class late in the semester."

After 30 days: F grade will appear on the student's transcript, unless there are extenuating circumstances (e.g., a death in the family, severe mental or physical health issues).

*Clean Drops are defined as removing a class from the schedule and the transcript.
**WP is defined as a withdraw pass. This is shown on the transcript but does not affect the grade point average.  
**WF is defined as a withdraw fail. This is shown on the transcript but does not affect the grade point average.  

The State of Colorado mandates that students take certain statewide tests depending upon grade level. These tests are mandatory for all Boulder Universal students.

• Grades 3-8, and 11 participate in the the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) testing in the spring of each school year. 
• 9th grade students in Boulder Universal are required to take the PSAT 8/9.  
• 10th grade students in Boulder Universal are required to take the PSAT 10.
• 11th grade students in Boulder Universal are required to take the SAT.  Students will receive a voucher from BU that will pay for a test administration at one of the SAT national test centers. 

Most colleges require an admissions test for all entering freshmen. These tests may be taken at various dates and testing centers. You should consult your Naviance account to research  the colleges you are interested in attending to be certain you take the correct entrance exams. 

• American College Test (ACT) 
• College Entrance Examination Board Tests (CEEB) SAT I & SAT II 

The Colorado High School Activities Association requires that high school students carry a minimum of five classes (25 credits) at the time of participation to be eligible for athletics. Students must remain eligible on a weekly basis. During the semester of participation and the preceding semester, students must have a minimum load of 5 classes and must have passed a total of 25 credits. Students who have any questions about their academic or general eligibility should direct any questions to the BU administration. Eligibility will be based on the student’s home attendance area or approval from the district athletic director.

• Full-time students must take a minimum of 5 courses per semester. Because course selection is carefully coordinated by counselors and mentors, all schedule changes and course drops must have prior approval.

Questions can be answered by emailing our Registrar at Julie.robbins@bvsd.org.

The Boulder Universal Website is designed to provide students and parents with resources to help them troubleshoot throughout their coursework all in one place. Please be sure to utilize including the following:

Students - School Life

• Student Lab
  • Content Resources
  • School Calendars
  • Resource Videos
  • Course Deadlines
  • How to Submit Assignments Online
  • Safe2Tell
• Clubs and Activities
• Lunch Menus 
• Bus Schedules
• Troubleshooting Technology

Parents

• Staff Directory
• Health Room
• Revtrak
• Announcements and News
• Supplemental Programs
• Polices
• Schoology Guardian Account
• Weather Delays and Closures
• BVSD Parent Website
• Parent Engage Network

Deadlines

All BU students will have weekly deadlines with a due date of Monday 8am for each of their classes throughout the school year.  Extensions and late work are not accepted.  If there are extenuating circumstances with meeting a deadline, please communicate prior to the weekend with your mentor.

In Person Proctored Exams

In person proctored exams are becoming increasingly more common in the online learning world to hold students accountable for their knowledge base. The staff at Boulder Universal finds value within proctored exams due to data supporting increased student achievement with proctored exams.  Please plan on coming into the lab to take any assigned proctored exam.  However, if a student has a documented compromised immune system, please work with your counselor at the beginning of each school year to make alternative arrangements.  All students who live within a 45 minute radius of the BU Campus are required to be in-person for all proctored exams.

Any BU faculty member (ex: Teacher, Counselor, Administrator) may require a student to take a summative assignment in person at the BU Lab.

All BVSD schools charge Board of Education fees for certain classes, programs, materials, etc. Boulder Universal charges school fees as well. Due to the nature of online learning, our school fees are minimal compared to brick and mortar schools. Please click here to view our fees flyer for all grade levels for the 22-23 school year.