2024-2025 Student Handbook

• About The Student Handbook
• Statement of Intent
• Back to the Academic Catalog

About The Student Handbook

The Ponce Health Sciences University Student Handbook provides students with important information about policies, procedures, requirements, and services. The Handbook is considered a supplement to the university’s Academic Catalog. Please refer to the catalog for specific academic policies and procedures.

Students in PHSU are those who are officially registered. Students are required to read, understand, and adhere to the Handbook’s provisions. Lack of awareness of standards and procedures included in this Handbook will not excuse students from being penalized for offenses established herein.

An updated version of the Handbook is published each Academic Year. The yearly update (and any subsequent updates during the Academic Year) supersedes all prior editions and provides the latest rules, policies and procedures to create the most up-to date student reference. The Handbook’s provisions do not constitute and irrevocable contract between PHSU and its students since plans, policies, requirements, and services may be altered from time to time. Therefore, PHSU reserves the right to amend, modify, add, or delete information within the Handbook at any time without advance notice. Any amendment to these policies will be duly published and distributed. This version is the most up-to-date version, and it was last revised on June 30, 2023. Please contact the Vice President of Student Affairs for questions or to submit and update.

Statement of Intent

Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) has created this Student Handbook with the purpose of diffusing the rights and responsibilities of our students, as well as providing a guide for the establishment of a respectful and healthy learning environment. All dispositions in this Handbook are in accordance with the university’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.

Objectives of the Handbook:

1. Inform all students of their rights and responsibilities as students of Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU).
2. Identify the Institutional Representatives responsible for handling all matters pertaining to or addressed in this document.
3. Establish proper norms of behavior in PHSU in order to ensure the safety and health of all members of our community, and determine the possible sanctions or penalties applicable in any given situation established in the Handbook.
4. Identify the official Student organizations to encourage student participation in the daily operation of our Institution.
5. Guaranteeing all students their right to be treated justly without discrimination against race, color, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual identity, religion, nationality, civil status, political ideas or affiliations, physical and/or mental impediments, social origin or status, or any other discriminatory motive prohibited by law.
6. Guaranteeing students their right to defer and protest their rights in an orderly manner, adhering to the norms of conduct and lifestyle pertaining to the University without it interfering or impairing with academic processes and institutional order, so harmonious coexistence is preserved.