- Responsibility for Security and Release of Students Records.
Dean of Student Development.
- Definition of Student Records. Records are defined as data of an
administrative or educational nature normally stored in a student's
cumulative record folder. Records not considered a part of the
official school records would include notes or other memory aides of
a confidential nature maintained by school personnel for their own
use in working with students. Such notes become part of the
student's official record only when they are shared with another
person.
- Right to Inspect Student Records. An eligible student's request
to inspect or review his or her record shall be honored within a
reasonable time by the Vice President of Student Services; in all
cases, within 45 days after the initial request.
- A. Personnel who may have access to student records:
- School officials within the local educational agency who
have legitimate educational interests.
- School officials of other local educational agencies in
which the student intends to enroll.
- Certain authorized representatives of the State and Federal
Government (PL 93-380).
- Official representatives of a college, university, or other
higher educational institution in connection with a student's
application for, or receipt of, financial aid.
- All other persons may gain access to a student's records
only with the specific written consent of the eligible student.
- Recipients of student records will be cautioned that student
information may not be released to third parties without the
consent of the eligible student.
B. Information from a student's record should
be furnished without the student's consent when required by a
judicial order or any lawfully issued subpoena upon condition
that students are notified by the law enforcement agency of all
such orders or subpoenas in advance of the compliance. Eligible
students will be provided with the opportunity to review and
challenge their records prior to compliance of the school with
the judicial order or subpoena.
-
Request from Prospective Employers. Every effort is made to
cooperate with prospective employers of Surry Community College
graduates. Information given is of a general nature, such as:
dates of enrollment; program of study; fair, poor, good,
excellent student; participation in extra-curricular activities,
etc.
The communicable disease policy of Surry Community College is an
effort to ensure the health and safety of all employees and
students. This policy includes, but is not limited to, acquired
immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), chicken pox, hepatitis, measles,
tuberculosis, meningitis, mononucleosis, and whooping cough.
Faculty, staff, students and employees of contractors
or contracted services infected with communicable disease have the
responsibility of reporting this fact to the Dean of Student
Development, the Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer,
or the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs.
The college will support an ongoing program of
educating and informing faculty, staff, and students about
communicable diseases, warning signs, and protective measures
through publications, seminars, and other appropriate means.
Surry Community College has become increasingly aware of the
immediate and long term health risks associated with the use of
illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol. These substances can create
both physical and psychological dependence. The harmful effects of
alcohol abuse are alcoholism; damage to brain cells; malnutrition;
blackouts; memory loss; personality disorders; degeneration of
muscles and bones; and the increased risk of cirrhosis, ulcers,
heart disease, heart attack, and cancers of the liver, mouth,
throat, and stomach. The harmful effects of drug abuse include
hallucinations, heart problems, malnutrition, loss of coordination,
coma, convulsions, damage to the lungs, brain, liver, and bone
marrow, risk of AIDS or hepatitis, or death.
Drugs and alcohol are detrimental to the learning
process. Surry Community College pledges full support to other
agencies in our community in the fight to rid our society of these
elements in the school environment. Therefore, drug or alcohol use,
possession, and distribution on school grounds and at school
functions by students or school personnel will not be tolerated.
Surry Community College will impose sanctions on students and
employees consistent with local, state and federal laws.
Students at Surry Community College are expected to complete their
coursework without resorting to any form of cheating or plagiarism.
SCC is a learning college committed to enhancing and improving
student learning; when students cheat on assignments and tests, they
rob themselves of the very learning opportunities they are paying
for.
Cheating involves giving unauthorized help of any kind to another
student on written assignments or tests. It also includes receiving
such help from another student. Examples of cheating include
possessing unauthorized notes during a test; assisting others to
cheat; altering grade reports; giving test questions to students who
have not taken the test; taking a test or writing an assignment for
another person; and entering an instructor's office without
authorization.
Plagiarism is offering the work of another person as one's own
without proper acknowledgement. Examples of plagiarism include
copying a source (whether it be phrases, sentences or paragraphs)
verbatim without using quotation marks; quoting or paraphrasing a
source without including a citation; failing to give credit for a
source's ideas; inaccurately citing and listing bibliographic
information; and purchasing papers on the Internet to submit (in
part or whole) under one's own name.
Any student who engages in these activities will be subject to
disciplinary action. Faculty members at SCC outline their policies
on cheating and plagiarism, including disciplinary actions, in
course syllabi. Students should be aware that there is no
college-wide system of penalties for plagiarism and cheating and
that individual instructor's policies are respected and followed.
Students do have the right to due process through the review and
appeal council. Any appeal or grievance should be filed with the
department chairperson, appropriate dean, or supervisor within 30
days after the incident or problem developed.
Student Responsibilities. It is the student's responsibility to
provide proof that all written work is indeed their work. Students
should copy all drafts, notes, revisions, and source material (e.g.,
note cards) to offer as proof of ownership if such proof is
requested. Students should acknowledge any assistance they have
received, including proofreading, and should decline any
unauthorized assistance on assignments. Students should not submit
the same assignment in more than one course unless they have
received prior permission from both instructors. Students should
avoid the appearance of cheating during tests by covering their
answers, sitting away from friends, keeping their eyes on their own
work, speaking only to the instructor, and clearing their work space
of all unauthorized material.
Federal regulations require that colleges inform all students and
employees about recent crime statistics and related concerns. There
were no occurrences of criminal activity reported and no arrests
made on campus during 2002.
Surry Community College is a drug-free campus. Policies relating to
this matter are available in their entirety in the Student Services
Office, Building A-Room 108, and on the college web site.
- Reporting Criminal Activity- Students and staff
are advised to report any emergency or crime to the SCC police
officer on duty and to the switchboard as soon as possible: In their
absence, the report should go to the Vice President for Student
Services or to the Dean of Evening Studies. These staff will report
any crime that takes place at SCC to the college security staff and
to outside law enforcement officials as appropriate. In cases of
extreme emergency, telephones are conveniently located throughout
the campus for "911" calls.
- Orientation - Students are advised of security
and safety regulations at SCC during fall orientation and in College
Student Success classes. Students are also familiarized with the SCC
Drug & Alcohol Policy and are advised to seek help in Student
Services for any related problems. Student Services staff refer
students to other community agencies for additional services when
appropriate.
- Safety Committee - SCC has an active safety
committee chaired by the Executive Vice President/Chief Financial
Officer. This committee continuously monitors all aspects of campus
safety and security. Recommendations for improvements to lighting,
visibility, parking lot security, and building security are made on
a regular basis.
- Campus Security - SCC is a certified law
enforcement agency, and as such, employs security staff to enhance
the safety of students and staff while on campus. Security staff
patrol the campus on a regular basis. The officers are authorized to
enforce federal, state and local laws, as well as certain campus
policies, and they do have the authority to make arrests. The SCC
Police Department cooperates with federal, state, and local police
agencies in law enforcement matters.
- Programs and Seminars - SCC plays an important
role in Surry County in providing drug, alcohol, and sexual assault
prevention educational programs. Anti-drug entertainment groups have
been brought to campus for performances, and other efforts are made
continuously to maintain a drug and alcohol-free campus.
- Publications - The annual campus security report
is published on the SCC website.
- Security Awareness and Crime Prevention Programs - The chief of
the SCC Police Department is responsible for collecting statistics
on campus crime and for maintaining a daily public crime log. The
Chief is also responsible for distributing the campus security
report to all employees. The Student Services Office is responsible
for distributing the report to students and for informing the campus
community in a timely manner of certain crimes considered to
represent a threat to students or employees.
Surry Community College attempts to provide a safe environment in
which to learn. The occurrence of crime on campus has been minimal
throughout the history of the college. However, students are advised
to keep up with books and other possessions and to lock their
vehicles. Evening students are advised to walk to their cars with
other students, especially if they stay late to complete a class or
assignment. In general, SCC parking lots are close to the classroom
buildings, well lighted. The college is committed to providing a
learning environment that is as safe and secure as possible.
Approved September, 2000; President's Cabinet
In order to be fair and guarantee due process for faculty,
employees, and students, the Board of Trustees of Surry Community
College recognizes the need for an Appeal Policy. In approving the
policy, the Board of Trustees recognizes that problems should be
solved at the level of occurrence. The adoption of an Appeal Policy
by the Board of Trustees does not relieve individuals of making
every effort to find a solution to the problem before making an
appeal to the next authority.
- Hearing the Appeal Procedure
A. If a person has a grievance or if an impasse occurs between
persons at the college, the aggrieved person may request in writing
within 30 days a hearing by the department chairperson and
appropriate dean or supervisor of employees. A hearing shall be
granted within seven days, and within five days after such a
hearing, the department shall render in writing a decision on the
grievance. A copy of the decision shall be given to the petitioner
and a copy filed with the president of the college.
B. If the person receives an unsatisfactory decision from the
hearing as outlined in Paragraph I.A., the petitioner may request in
writing within seven days for a hearing or a review of the decision
by the Appeal Council of the college. The Appeal Council shall
render its decision in writing within five days after receiving the
request from the petitioner.
C. If the person receives an unsatisfactory decision from the Appeal
Council, the petitioner may request in writing for a hearing or a
review of the decision by the President. The person shall file his
or her request within seven days from the time he or she receives
the decision of the Appeal Council.
D. A dean or supervisor of employees shall file his or her grievance
directly with the Appeal Council.
- Appeal Council
The Appeal Council is composed of the college's Vice-President
for Instruction, the Dean of Continuing Education, Vice-President
for Student Services, and three faculty representatives selected by
the Employees Association.
A. Schedule of Hearings. Upon receipt of a written request for
hearing by a petitioner, the Appeal Council shall conduct such
hearing within a period of seven days.
B. Notice of Hearing. The petitioning party shall be given at least
three days' notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing.
C. Conduct of Hearing
1. The petitioning party shall appear before the Appeal Council with
witnesses and evidence to support his or her contentions as to the
reasons the decision should not be affirmed, but should be changed
or modified.
a. It shall be at the discretion of the Appeal Council to determine
the number of witnesses it will hear about the matter under
consideration.
b. All witnesses may be questioned by the petitioner and by the
members of the Appeal Council.
2. Within five days after the termination of the hearing, the Appeal
Council shall render its decision in writing and furnish a copy to
the petitioner and file a copy with the President of the College.
- Board of Trustees
Requests for Hearing. Within 30 days after a petitioner receives
an unsatisfactory decision from the President, the petitioner may
file a written request with the President of the college for a
hearing by the Board of Trustees stating the reason for the appeal.
The hearing by the Board of Trustees shall be conducted according to
Article VI of the Bylaws of the Board of Trustees of Surry Community
College.
- Failure to File Notice of Appeal
Failure to file a notice of appeal within the specified time
limit shall result in the termination of the right to appeal unless
such failure to file is the result of just cause not attributable to
the petitioner.
Surry Community College is proud of its history, its faculty, and
its student body. A statement at this time does not indicate any
special concern in regard to possible activities on our campus such
as have been witnessed on college campuses across the country.
However, in view of the temper of the times, we believe it proper to
reassure our students, faculty, alumni, and friends by a clear
statement relative to the following items:
- Surry Community College is a county owned and state operated and
controlled community college. It has grown and expanded over the
past few years with state and local funds. In accordance with state
law, its management and control are the responsibility of the Board
of Trustees.
- Surry Community College proudly affirms its belief in and
support of the philosophy of individual freedom and responsibility.
Academic freedom is not academic license, and the right to criticize
and protest is not the right to disrupt or interfere with the
freedom of others. Surry Community College believes in a government
of law and not of men. It is the right of any citizen to criticize,
protest, and attempt to change the law in accordance with
constitutional procedures. It is not the citizen's right, however,
to disregard or disobey the law even under the excuse of his own
conscience.
- A student enters Surry Community College voluntarily. Students
apply presumably because they wish to further their education and
because they believe Surry Community College, with its traditions
and reputation, is capable of advancing their intellectual
development. Any student who is not in agreement with the rules and
regulations, traditions, and policies of the college is always
welcome to suggest changes in an orderly manner; however, having
been accepted and having decided to enroll, he or she is expected to
abide by the laws of our nation and comply with the rules and
policies of Surry Community College until change is accomplished by
proper procedure.
- Moreover, the administration of the college pledges
unequivocally to give full and prompt attention to proposals
presented in a serious and orderly manner. The use of violence,
disturbances, or force of any kind--whether by single students, a
minority or a majority group--will not be tolerated.
Accordingly, the Board of Trustees formally announces this college
offers no sanctuary to any individual or group which condones,
advocates, or exercises the taking over or damaging of property or
the use of intimidation or physical force. Any who engage in such
activities will be held legally and individually responsible.
Corrective steps may include suspension, expulsion, and/or
prosecution in the courts of the State of North Carolina.
Surry Community College will provide intercollegiate athletic
programs to the extent that facilities, as well as student and
financial resources, are available to support them. Such programs,
and the teams that comprise them, will continue to receive college
sponsorship as long as they remain in good standing with the college
and resources allow.
Students are requested to contact the Vice President for Student
Services to begin the process of creating a new athletic program.
New programs will be started as club teams. If significant long-term
interest and adequate support can be identified, National Junior
College Athletic Association (NJCAA) caliber teams will be
sponsored. All teams will be financed with student activity funds
and/or monies raised by the participants. No student activity funds
will be used for administrative expenses or coaching supplements.
Surry Community College sponsors all athletic programs without
regard to race, religion, national origin, age, gender, veterans
status, or disability. Moreover, the college operates its athletic
programs in accordance with the NJCAA bylaws for Division III
schools, which prohibit athletic scholarship aid of any kind.
Although some SCC teams may compete at the Division I and II levels
at times, the college will retain its Division III status and will
provide no scholarship monies for student athletes.
Introduction
Surry Community College recognizes the human dignity of each member
of the college community and believes that each member has a
responsibility to promote respect and dignity for others so that all
employees and students are free to pursue their goals in an open
environment, able to participate in the free exchange of ideas, and
able to share equally in the benefits of the college's employment
and educational opportunities. To achieve this end, the college
fosters an academic and work environment that is free from
harassment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin,
ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital or
veteran status. The college's Workforce Harassment Policy covers
this issue for employees. The following policy applies to student
behaviors. In addition, the college's more specific Sexual
Harassment Policy applies to both employees and students.
Policy Statement
It is the policy of Surry Community College that no student may
engage in conduct that falls under the definition of harassment as
described above and defined below. All students and employees are
assured of the right to study and work in an environment free from
harassment and retaliation.
Definitions and Examples
Harassment is unwelcome, offensive, abusive, belittling or
threatening behavior directed at students or staff. It is usually
based on some real or perceived difference such as gender, race or
disability, and may lead to the person harassed being offended,
humiliated, intimidated or disadvantaged. Harassment of students or
staff is against college policy, and certain forms of harassment may
also be unlawful under both state and federal legislation.
Examples of conduct that may constitute harassment include, but are
not limited to the following types of behavior:
- unnecessary or unwanted physical contact
- blocking someone's path or impeding movement
- physical interference with work
- stalking, physical assault or coerced or forced sexual activity
- deliberate destruction of property
- display of offensive material or objects
- insulting comments, gestures, sounds, or whistles
- innuendo or other suggestive, offensive or derogatory comments
or jokes about sex or gender-specific traits
- obscene or harassing messages sent via computer or left on an
answering machine or voice mail
Retaliation is adverse treatment or action taken toward anyone who,
in good faith, alleges harassment or who provides information
related to a grievance. Such retaliation may be the basis for an
additional grievance. To the extent possible, the college will
maintain the confidentiality of anyone who reports an alleged
violation of this policy.
Complaint Procedures
Anyone who believes that he or she has been subjected to
prohibited harassment under the preceding definition is encouraged
to report the situation before it becomes severe or pervasive.
Complainants must submit a written complaint to the Vice President
for Student Services within thirty calendar days of the harassing
action. In each case, the Vice President will determine whether an
immediate fact-finding investigation is necessary. Although
circumstances will affect the time needed to conduct such an
investigation, response to an alleged violation of this policy will
be handled in a timely manner and a determination reached as soon as
possible. In all cases, the college will take appropriate remedial
action within sixty calendar days from receipt of the written
complaint. The college president will receive a report of each
complaint.
- Campus bulletin boards are provided for use by recognized
student organizations and by individual students for the sale of
used books.
- For purposes of this policy a "recognized student organization"
is defined as an organized student group that is recognized through
the Student Services Office. To attain this recognition, a student
group must file with the Vice President for Student Services an
application stating the names, addresses, and student identification
numbers of at least ten students who are members of that group, the
name and signature of a Surry Community College faculty member who
has agreed to serve as advisor for the group, and a copy of the
group's bylaws, constitution, or other document outlining its
purpose or function.
- Prior to posting, all materials must be presented to the Vice
President for Student Services (or his designee) for verification of
the group's recognized status. Neither the recognition of a student
organization nor the authorization for its use of campus bulletin
boards is the affirmation or acceptance by Surry Community College
of the organization's purpose, philosophy, or objective.
- The use of campus bulletin boards by recognized student
organizations or by individual students for the sale of books is
subject to the following general regulations:
- All materials posted on campus bulletin boards must be
directly related to college programs.
- All posted materials must be clear and legible, must include
the organization's name and must provide current contact
information.
- Posted materials shall not include: (1) any commercial
advertisement; (2) any endorsement of the use, sale,
consumption, or distribution of alcohol, controlled substances,
or illicit drugs; or (3) profanity, or other language that is
offensive, discriminatory, or harassing.
- No notice, advertisement, document, or signage of any kind
may be affixed to any building, wall, window, door, street,
sidewalk, traffic sign, campus signage, light post or pole,
trash can, staircase, railing, tree or other vegetation, or any
other part of the campus of Surry Community College. Campus
bulletin boards are the sole designated location for posting of
communication.
- The use of campus bulletin boards to advertise the sale of
used books is limited to current or former students of Surry
Community College and limited to required or supplemental books
used in courses offered through Surry Community College.
- Any violation of this policy shall result in the immediate
forfeiture of the privilege
of using campus bulletin boards.
Electronic information technology systems at Surry Community
College are essential and indispensable tools for learning, research
and administration. It is the policy of the College that the
facilities be used ethically and legally, in accordance with
applicable licenses and contracts, and according to their intended
use for educational purposes in support of the college's mission and
goals. The systems are owned by the college and provided for the
appropriate use of students, faculty, and staff. It is expected that
all users of these systems will do so responsibly, respecting the
rights of other users, maintaining the integrity of the physical
facilities and adhering to all applicable laws and regulations.
Access to electronic systems is a privilege that is granted by the
College and comes with a responsibility to respect the rights of
other users and the rights of the college at all times. All
technology equipment and records are considered the property of
Surry Community College, and their use may be monitored as a means
to ensure their proper and effective use. Users should be aware that
seemingly private computer records may be subject to public
disclosure.
Examples of specific activities not permitted on college-owned
equipment include:
- sending or displaying offensive messages, pictures or materials;
- using obscene language, or sending/posting any harassing,
abusive, libelous, or obscene materials, or assisting in any similar
activities;
- damaging electronic components, computers, computer systems, or
networks, including knowingly transferring viruses;
- violating the rights of any person protected by copyright,
trade secret, patent, or other intellectual property laws,
including, but not limited to, the installation or distribution of
"pirated" or other software products that are not appropriately
licensed for use by the College;
- trespassing in others' files, folders or storage areas of any
kind or using others' passwords;
- intentionally wasting limited resources (Internet time,
supplies, etc.);
- using the network for commercial, political or any unlawful
purposes;
- connecting to inappropriate Internet sites, such as
pornography, hate groups, and other similar sites.
North Carolina criminal statutes outlaw certain computer-related
conduct, including unauthorized access or use of another person's
computer, computer system, or computer network to (1) commit fraud
or obtain property under false pretenses; (2) cause computer-related
damage; or (3) alter, disable, delete, or copy computer data. Most
of these criminal provisions apply in incidents involving computer
"viruses" or "hacking." It is also a crime to send (or allow to be
sent) electronic communications that (1) threaten harm to a person
or property; (2) are sent, repeatedly, for the purpose of "abusing,
annoying, threatening, terrifying, harassing, or embarrassing any
person," or (3) contain any false statement "concerning death,
injury, illness, disfigurement, indecent conduct, or criminal
conduct . with the intent to abuse, annoy, threaten, terrify,
harass, or embarrass." Educational institutions or officials who are
victimized by such conduct, therefore, may file criminal charges
against perpetrators of such crimes, and may recover damages through
civil actions.
Electronic information systems include, but are not limited to,
terminals, computers, computer peripherals, communication devices,
telephones and telecommunications equipment, fax machines, computer
data networks, video equipment, tapes or video networks,
photocopying machines, computer software, supporting documentation,
supplies, storage media, support facilities and energy sources.
Electronic systems are limited to those leased, rented, owned by, or
loaned to the College wherever located.
Violation of this policy should be reported to the appropriate
area supervisor. Violations may result in suspension of privileges
to access the information technology involved, initiation of college
disciplinary procedures, or in extreme cases, criminal prosecution
under federal or state law. Before attempting any activity about
which you are in doubt, or if you have questions about this policy,
consult your local area supervisor, dean or vice-president.
|
