Hello and welcome to Orange County Community College. Hopefully this handbook will enable you to find the answers to many of your questions. Topics are listed in alphabetical order. Also included in this handbook are Student Rights and Responsibilities and an academic planner and calendar with important dates. Orange County Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action Institution. In accordance with Federal regulations, the New York State Human Rights Law and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Orange County Community College does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, gender or sexual orientation in employment or in the educational programs and activities which it operates. This handbook belongs to: Name: __________________________________________________ To return it, please contact one of these numbers: Home Telephone: ____________________________________ Academic Advisor: __________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________________ Or turn it in to the Student Life Office, Shepard StudentCenter. SUNY Orange MISSION: We are a community of learners dedicated to reaching out to all citizens of Orange County to enrich their lives through the highest-quality education possible. Intellectual rigor, personal commitment and enhanced citizenship distinguish a SUNY Orange education which will enhance students' economic opportunities, deepen their appreciation of culture and of their place in history while broadening their sense of responsibility in a democratic society. VISION: We will be the best college in the SUNY System, the college of choice for all Orange County citizens. We welcome all as individuals, ensure academic and intellectual challenge, and mentor all in a caring, supportive environment. Students will remember the College as one of their most richly rewarding experiences, the compass that guides their continued development. We consistently renew our promise to be a most rigorous and caring academic institution, to provide visionary leadership, and to create a symphony of opportunity for personal and professional growth. We aspire to be the most efficient in shepherding public resources and to be a strategic force in enhancing the quality of life in Orange County and beyond. VALUES: As community college educators our professional lives are informed by shared values of mutual respect, integrity in the rigorous and honest pursuit of academic inquiry, and a commitment to the highest standards of excellence in all we do. We further value a spirited dedication to service, a celebration of culturally rich campus environs, and the gathering to our community of the most varied mixture of maturity, ethnicity, patterns of thought, language and spirituality. Our sense of ethical and democratic responsibility bonds us to one another. All those who come here will experience at SUNY Orange a sense of belonging to a special community of learners and will speak with pride of our openness and inspiration in the creation of the strongest sense of local and global community. Building Location Key BT Bio-Medical Tech. Building HA Harriman Hall HO Horton Hall HU Hudson Hall LRC Learning Resource Center (Library) NEC Newburgh Extension Center OH Orange Hall PE Physical Education Building SW Sarah Wells Building SSC Shepard Student Center Academic Calendar You will find important dates for each semester—such as dates of holidays, final withdrawal from classes without penalty, finals week, etc.—included in the current course schedule and your college catalog. Academic Help If you are enrolled in curricula such as business, data processing, engineering, and science and mathematics which require computer capabilities, you have immediate and individual access to the computer through terminals linked to the IBM AS 400 mainframe. The Center, located on the ground floor of the Bio- Technology building, operates Monday through Friday during the academic year. Use of the facilities is limited to students registered in authorized computer programming courses. Learning Assistance Services Services are available to all students in the Tutorial Center and specialty labs (see below for details). Special support is available for students starting out in two or more developmental courses. To assist you in developing necessary skills to do well in college, a counselor/student advocate is here to work with you. If your assessment test results require that you take two or more developmental courses, the Advocate for Students in Developmental Studies is available to assist you with personal matters and academic and career concerns. The office for the Advocate for the Developmental Education Program is LRC 234. For additional information, call 341-4521. Tutorial Services The Tutorial Center provides tutoring for all credit students of the college upon request. Students must have instructor approval to be tutored. Tutors are recommended by faculty and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement in their subject area. A one-time processing fee of $30 is paid each semester. Tutoring sessions are typically scheduled for one hour, twice a week per course, not to exceed five hours in total. Scheduling depends on tutor and student availability. Students interested in being tutored or desiring employment as a tutor are encouraged to pick up an application or contact the Tutorial Center at 3414171. Tutors also staff specialty labs on campus to assist student on a drop-in basis. Check with academic departments for details about lab hours. Search and browse class schedules online: www. sunyorange. edu/ schedules Take advantage of tutoring. Call 341-4171 1 Sign up for automatic e-mail weather alerts: www. sunyorange .edu/alert 2 Tutorial Center LRC 2nd floor Open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday. NEC, Key Bank 122 Open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday. English Speaking Skills - To improve listening and speaking skills in a new language, you may use the Language Corner in LRC 235 (second floor of the Library). Use computer software to become more comfortable talking in class, at work, with friends, etc. For more information, please call 341-4171. Writing Centers - English Department: HA 109 and NEC Key Bank 215 These two facilities will help you in mastering key writing skills. Faculty and professional tutors will help you with instructor- developed materials, writing practice, and special computer- based software; they will help you to improve skills you need for writing assignments. You may use the Writing Centers if (a) you are taking courses which require weekly Writing Center attendance, (b) part of another course requirement is limited use of the Writing Centers, (c) course instructors recommend it, or (d) you drop in on your own for writing practice and instruction. Day and evening Writing Center hours are posted each semester. Contact Ms. L. Stroms, x4026, for more information. Reading Labs - English Department: BT 360 and NEC Key Bank 315 Reading labs are specifically designed for you when you are enrolled in Reading & Study Skills I and II. You must sign up for the weekly lab hour that best fits your schedule. Lab work and attendance are course requirements. In the lab, you work on individualized assignments created by your instructors. A Reading Lab Aide is available to offer assistance when needed. The SUNY Orange reading labs are not available for drop-in attendance. The Labs are open from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Friday, and during the specially-posted evening hours. Contact Ms. Elaine D’Ambra, ext. 4134, for more information. Technical Writing Lab: BT 260 This computer-equipped lab offers instruction and supervised individual work for you in (a) the 11160-11161 Technical Writing Modules, and (b) courses and departments involved in the Writing Consultancy Project. 11160-11161 students who have priority must schedule 2 lab hrs./week here. You work with your course instructors and lab personnel on technical and allied health writing assignments. While this is not a “drop-in” lab, some English instructors also arrange for their classes to be trained in the lab on a space-available basis. You must work with the lab faculty and staff while following posted lab rules. Contact Ms. D. Bliss, ext. 4014, for further information. Academic Policies 1) Conduct Expected of Students: See the Code of Student Conduct published in the Rights and Responsibilities Information Section. The college reserves the right to dismiss any student who engages in conduct incompatible with the purposes of the college. 2) Attendance: You are required to attend all classes. Your instructors are authorized to lower grades for unexcused absences. For excessive absences, you may be withdrawn from a course. In the event that you must be absent from class due to religious observations, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor to arrange for an opportunity to make up any examination or study requirements which you may have missed because of such absence. If illness, accident, or similar circumstances make it impossible for you to attend classes for three consecutive days or more, it is your responsibility to notify the Office of Records and Registration at once. Current or future awards of financial aid may be affected if you do not attend classes for which you are registered. Academic Policies & Procedures The degree requirements and academic regulations contained in the current catalog affect all who begin their study in the academic years covered by it. All information contained in the catalog is accurate as of the time of publication. However, policies are subject to change; current information relative to changes in program or academic policies can be obtained from the Office for Academic Affairs which is located on the second floor of Morrison Hall. The Vice President for Academic Affairs is authorized to waive the application of any college academic policy in a particular case. Consider parking at a distance. You will probably get to class much faster. 3 Need help? Go to the Advising, Assessment & Counseling Center. 3rd Floor Shepard Student Center 4 Academic Separation & Probation Academic Standing 1 CQPA 2.00 - 4.00 Good Standing ..................................................................................... 1 CQPA 1.50 - 1.99 Probation ..................................................................................... 1 CQPA Less than 30 0.00 - 1.49 credit hours Probation completed ..................................................................................... 1 CQPA 30 or more Probation 0.00 - 1.49 credit hours (If QPA3 is 2.00 or higher) attempted Separation (If QPA3 is 0.00 - 1.99) 1 CQPA - Cumulative quality point average 2 Grades of W, I, H, M, N, or Pass/Fail in Developmental courses do not apply 3 QPA - Semester quality point average Good Academic Standing Students who have achieved a CQPA (cumulative quality point average) of 2.0 or higher at the college are designated in good academic standing. Academic Probation Students who have achieved less than a CQPA of 2.0 at the college are placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation may continue study; however, they may not enroll in more than 14 credits in fall/spring or 6 credits in a summer session. Accident Insurance All full-time and part-time students are automatically enrolled in the Student Accident Insurance Program. This program provides coverage 24 hours/day for all students, up to the benefit limit of $7,500. Full-time students have an additional sickness benefit of $7,500. Information about these insurance programs, including student insurance ID cards, informational brochures and claim forms are available in the Health Services Office on the 2nd floor of the Shepard Student Center. This is a supplemental insurance program for students who have other insurance coverage, and primary insurance for those students who are otherwise uninsured. All accidents must be reported to the nurse and an accident report completed prior to submission of an insurance claim. For more information, call Health Services at 341-4870. Advising, Assessment & Counseling Center The Advising, Assessment & Counseling Center assists students in deriving maximum benefeit from their college experience and in developing the full range of their educational, personal, and social potential. The Center is staffed by counselors and advisors who work from a developmental perspective to help students clarify their goals, identify behavioral and social obstacles, and explore available resources for achieving those goals. Center services include: • Academic Advising • CLEP Testing • Individual Studies Degree Advising • Personal/Social Counseling • Placement Assessment • Transfer Counseling • Veteran Affairs • Undeclared Majors Advising It is recommended that you call the Center at 341-4070 for an appointment. The Advising, Assessment & Counseling Center is located on the third floor of the Shepard Student Center across from the Admissions Office. For Center hours and additional information, please check the college’s website or call 341-4070. Alcohol & Drug Policy It is unlawful to purchase, manufacture, possess, use, distribute, sell, or consume alcohol and/or other drugs on campus sites or at college-sponsored events. For additional information refer to the Rights and Responsibilities Section. Art Exhibitions Art exhibits and other timely exhibits are staged year- round in Orange Hall Gallery and Orange Hall Gallery Loft. Exhibits run four to six weeks and open with a reception that usually includes live music oftentimes featuring current or past student musicians. Receptions sometimes offer demonstrations by one or more artists. Exhibitions and receptions are free and open to the public and are part of the Lyceum Series of Events which is under the auspices of Cultural Affairs. Bad Weather? Call 344-6222 or 341-4065 or tune in to local radio stations (see pg. 9). 5 Do you know that the BAT CAVE (BT 155) is a computer lab? 6 Athletics Each student pays an athletic fee to help support the intercollegiate program, which consists of men’s tennis, basketball, baseball, soccer and golf and women’s volleyball, tennis, basketball and softball. At registration, the college collects a student activity/athletic fee from each credit student. Full-time students (12 credits or more) pay $50 ($30 activity fee, $20 athletic fee) per semester. Part-time students pay $2 per credit, while evening students pay $1 per credit. Auditing Courses You may audit a course with completion of a special permission card obtainable at the Records and Registration Office. No credit is earned or grade given when auditing courses; however, you may change status from audit to credit or vice-versa if you file a special permission card during the first three weeks of a 15 week semester course. The deadline for half-semester courses is the end of the first week and a half of classes. If you are eligible for financial aid, you should consult with the Financial Aid Office before registering or changing to audit status. If audited courses are included in 12 credits of course work, you can become ineligible for TAP and other aid programs. Bookstore The Bookstore stocks texts and supplies for courses as well as incidentals to college life. Textbooks are generally available for purchase two weeks prior to the upcoming semester. The staff can advise you regarding the specific textbooks needed for each course. You should have the course numbers of classes in which you are enrolled available for accurate assistance. The Bookstore accepts cash, personal checks, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover cards for payment. Customers must show proper ID for all purchases. Various types of student financial aid are also accepted. Students must be pre-authorized to charge. Ask about our free Textbook Pre-Pack service. General Hours of Operation (when classes are in session): Monday, Tuesday & Thursday . . . . .8:30 am - 4:00 pm Wednesday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8:30 am - 7:30 pm Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8:30 am - Noon Specific hours of operation will be posted for each semester that may include some variation of the above. Additional evening hours are offered at the start of each semester. The Bookstore is located in the Shepard Student Center, second floor. The Bookstore Service at NEC is also available for a limited time at the start of each term. Call 341-4815 for more information. Refund Policy: Textbooks may be returned or exchanged up through the second week of classes for the fall and spring semesters and through the last day of the first week of classes for the summer semesters. Courses starting mid-term are allowed one week from the start of class for returns or exchanges. After those dates, all sales are final and no further returns or exchanges are allowed. For a refund or exchange to take place, the customer must be within the refund period and provide the original register receipt. Books must be in perfect, re-saleable condition free from any writing, stains, markings or damage. Original packaging and/or shrink-wrap must be intact. Non-text merchandise may be returned within 5 business days from purchase if the packaging is intact, the item is in re-saleable condition, and the original receipt is present. Defective items should be returned immediately and will be replaced within 90 days of purchase. Visit our website at www.sunyorangebookstore.com for additional information. Bursar’s Office The Bursar Office, located on the main floor of the Shepard Student Center and at the Newburgh Extension Center, provides the following services: collection of tuition and fees, collection of residence information and change of name and address forms, certification and disbursement of financial aid, Hope Scholarship Tax information, and billing. All students are expected to keep their address updated with our office and to submit tuition payments and residence information by the established deadlines. All correspondence we send has financial implications; please take the time to read it and call us at 341-4830 with any questions. Tuition payment options include: cash, check, money order, MasterCard, VISA, Discover, AMS TuitionPay payment plan, and finalized financial aid. Campus Parking Regulations Basic Parking and Driving Regulations are: • Permits must be displayed in designated area and can be obtained at the Student Life Information Desk, Shepard Student Center; Money? Assistance? Look for financial aid workshop schedule. 7 Fast food lover? Check out Stone Willy’s Pizza and Summit Subs in the College Cafe, 1st floor, Shepard Student Center. • Parking is limited to student lots indicated on the campus map*; • Some lots are reserved for faculty; some spaces are reserved for handicapped drivers and monitored by the Middletown Police Department ($130 fine); • Never park on grass areas; • Park within the specified lines provided in lots; • Obey the 10 mph speed limit on campus. The following may occur if you do not follow Parking Regulations: Ticketing by college security. If you ignore tickets, you will not be able to register for courses the following semester and your official college transcript will not be released until your tickets are paid! *Refer to campus map for designated parking areas. Career Services The Center provides assistance in all stages of career decision- making: planning college programs, career development, and employment. Services include counseling, career assessment software and exploration, workshops, a comprehensive library, and job assistance. The Center is located on the third floor of the Shepard Student Center. Job referral and employment counseling are available to both full-time and part-time students, as well as alumni. A one-credit career planning seminar is available to help evaluate career options. For an appointment or information call 341-4444. Cellular Phones The active use of any device classified as a “telecommunications device,” including, but not limited to, pagers, cellular phones, PDAs, and messaging devices is prohibited in classrooms as well as in other areas where a classroom atmosphere is assumed, except by special permission of the instructor; e.g., libraries, labs, theaters, and administrative offices. Passive use, including silent and vibrate mode, may be used provided it does not compromise the educational process or promote an unethical situation. Instructors reserve the right to regulate the monitoring of such devices as necessary. 8 Clubs At SUNY Orange, where all students are commuters, clubs and organizations contribute in a unique way to a student’s learning, development and success. You are afforded the opportunity to join with friends or to make new ones through activities which you enjoy, and are different from or which supplement classroom work. Club activities are student centered and student controlled and present a wonderful opportunity to develop projects and pursue interests as joint undertakings with other students. Clubs and organizations meet at Activity Hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 12 noon unless otherwise posted. For further information, contact the Student Life Office, Shepard Student Center, 2nd floor (341-4065). Copy Machine For your convenience, copy machines are located in the Learning Resource Center (Library), the Shepard Student Center, Harriman Hall, Bio-Tech building and the Newburgh Extension Center. Copies are 15 cents each. Delayed Openings In case of inclement weather conditions, listen to one of the following radio/TV stations for announcements on delayed opening, early closing, or cancellation of classes: Location Radio/TV Station Beacon WBNR 1260 WSPK 104.7 WHUD 100.7 WLNA 1420 Ellenville WELV 1370 WPKF 96.1 WFKP 99.3 WRNQ 92.1 WRKW 92.9 WKIP 1450 WRWD 107.3 WBWZ 93.3 WGHQ 920 Kingston WRNN-TV (Orange County TWC 22) Monticello WSUL 98.3/95.7 Newburgh WGNY 1200/103.1 Newton, NJ WSUS 102.3 WNNJ 1360/103.7 WHCY 106.3 WTSX 96.7 WDLC 1490 Want to join an athletic team? Call 341-4215 9 Obtain your parking permit and I.D. card at the College Information Desk. 10 Poughkeepsie WALL/WEOK 1340/1390WRRV 96.9/92.7 WPDH 101.5/106.1 WCZX/WZAD 97.7/97.3 WBPM 94.3 Woodstock WDST 100.1 New York City WNBC-TV You may also call the college’s main number (344-6222) for up- to-date recorded voice information. Inclement weather status is also posted on the college website as early as possible, but may be limited due to potential technical difficulties: www.sunyorange.edu http://www.orange.cc.ny.us Disability Services Office The Office of Disability Services of SUNY Orange’s Division of Student Development strives to provide qualified students with disabilities, whether temporary or permanent, with essential services that will help them achieve their academic, vocational and personal goals. Support services and academic accommodations allow students with disabilities equal access to all programs at the college. Eligibility: A student is eligible for services if they are considered a person with a disability that affects a major life activity, have identified themselves to the institution, have presented documentation regarding the disability to the institution, and need academic accommodations. To receive services, students must provide current documentation of their disability from a qualified health professional. For more information, contact the office at 341-4077. English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) If you are an incoming student whose primary language is not English, and you demonstrate the need to improve your English, the college offers: 11070 English-as-a-Second Language 11081 ESL Reading w/ 11089 Support Module Through the formal placement process, you may be required to take one or both of these courses before attempting later college- level study; you may also elect to take these courses. Working closely with the course instructors, you are immersed in reading, writing, and speaking & listening activities. Extension Site Newburgh Extension Center The college serves many of the educational needs of the citizens of Eastern Orange County at its Extension Center in Newburgh. Located at One Washington Center, the Extension Center is equipped with 17 classrooms including four computer labs, two technology training labs, an English as a second language lab, reading center, writing center, Math lab, science lab, a dining facility, and a breathtaking view of the Hudson River. There are a wide array of courses and services available at the Center. Over 125 course sections are offered each semester, and academic advisors are available to help students plan their program of study. Though students may complete many of their degree requirements at the Center, they must complete some of the course work at the college’s Middletown campus. There is a daytime shuttle bus service available between the Middletown and Newburgh campuses during the fall and spring semesters. The Continuing & Professional Education Department offers a variety of non-credit courses at the Newburgh Extension Center, including business training, personal enrichment, personal & professional development and workforce preparation classes. Computer training classes and our English-As-A-Second Language (ESL) course offerings are among the most popular. An ESL coordinator is available to help students select the appropriate ESL course. Persons age 60+ can enroll in the Over Sixties Program, which allows them to take credit classes free of charge. The Extension Center is the home to the Center for Youth Development which provides services for youth attending the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. The Liberty Partnerships Program, funded through the New York State Education Department, offers academic support services, counseling, workforce preparation, mentoring, cultural enrichment and parental involvement activities to junior and high school youth. The WIA Title II Youth Employment & Training, funded through Orange County Workforce Investment Board, links learning and earning. Youth are provided educational support, employment training, community service opportunities and entry-level work along a career path. CollegeCounts is a pre-collegiate program that will provide high school students the opportunity to learn the college selection process, search for colleges, prepare for the SAT, and visit college campuses. There is bus transportation between the Newburgh Extension Center and Middletown Campus during the week. 11 Need a job? Visit Career Services 3rd floor Shepard Student Center 12 Other Services at the Center: • Kindercollege provides educational child care to children (ages 2-5) of students and the community. • Career Services Counselors assist students in choosing and preparing for a career. •The Tutorial Program provides tutors for students needing academic support. • A Learning Resource Center (LRC) assists students in finding research and reference information. For additional information, please call 562-2454. Satellite Locations The college also offers evening credit and non-credit courses at Port Jervis High School, Warwick Valley High School, and Monroe-Woodbury High School. Students may choose from courses in Psychology, Early Childhood Education, Physical Education, Business, Criminal Justice, Art, Math, and English to name a few. In addition, a number of non-credit computer, leisure, language, art, and photography courses are offered throughout the semester. The variety of courses for college credit and the wide array of non-credit offerings enable individuals to take courses towards a degree, expand their job skills, or take some personal enrichment classes closer to home or work. For additional information, please call 562-2454 Financial Aid Assistance is provided by Federal, State, local and/or private sources to help students meet college costs. Financial aid consists of grants, loans, scholarships and/or work study. Applications and informational brochures are available at the Financial Aid Office in the Shepard Student Center. If you need to speak with someone regarding your financial aid, or need more information about scholarships and other options, call 341-4190. Fitness Facilities The Physical Education Building is equipped with 6 racquetball courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool, spinning room, weight room, dance studio, and gymnasium. A schedule is available at the beginning of each semester for use of these facilities by the campus community. A current student ID card must be shown in order to use the facilities free of charge. Weekend hours for the above facilities are also available to the general public for a nominal fee. For more information, call 341-4885 or e-mail sahearn@sunyorange.edu. Food Services No need to leave campus! The legendary STONE WILLY’S PIZZA and SUMMIT SUBS (Nationally branded franchises) are available to do it all for you! Freshly baked bread, subs & pizza at the all new Stone Willy’s Cafe, Shepard Student Center, lst floor. Open from 7:30am to 4:00pm Monday - Friday. Just grab ‘n’ go! Food and beverage kiosks are located in the Bio-Tech Building (Daily Grind) and in Harriman Hall. The college cafeteria is located in the Shepard Student Center and serves breakfast and lunch every weekday from 7:30am to 4:00pm. Vending machines are located in Harriman Hall, Bio- Tech Building, Shepard Student Center, LRC, Orange Hall and P.E. Building. The Daily Grind is located in Bio-Tech Building and is open Monday - Thursday, 11:30 am - 7:00 pm; Friday until 2:30 pm for soups, sandwiches, salads and more. Food for Thought is located in the lower level of Harriman Hall and The Java Hut is located in the LRC. At the Newburgh Extension Center, vending is located on Level B and a full service cafeteria serves breakfast and lunch weekdays from 7:00 am-2:30 pm, also on Level B. Game Room The Game Room is located on the first floor of the Shepard Student Center. It is equipped with a pool table, big screen TV and foosball. It’s a great place to relax with your friends. Game tournaments are also held throughout the year. Grades & Quality Points A four-point grading system, based on letter grades of A, B, C, D, and F, is used at the college. Each grade is assigned a numeric value:A or A- = 4,B+,B or B- = 3, C+,C or C- = 2,D+,D or D- = 1, and F = 0. Quality points are derived by multiplying the number of credits of a course by the numeric value of the grade earned. For example, an A in Freshman English I (3 credits) produces 12 quality points, and a C in Calculus I (4 credits) produces 8 quality points. To determine academic average for a given semester, divide the quality points earned by the number of semester hour credits calculated (QPA). The same formula is used to calculate the cumulative quality point average (CQPA); i.e., divide the total number of quality points by the total number of credits calculated. Though plus and minus modifications are entered on the academic record, they do not affect academic average. Do you know admission is free to most activities on campus? 13 Don’t be a stranger to your faculty advisor. 14 To clear a grade of I (Incomplete) from the record, work must be completed by the deadline indicated on the Incomplete Form, which can be no later than the end of the next semester, Fall or Spring. If the work is not completed, the I will become an F. It is the student’s responsibility to remain in contact with the instructor and submit work by the deadline. The H (Hold) grade indicates a degree of progress, but not sufficient to warrant a grade of P (Pass). General Rules & Regulations Food and drinks are not permitted in lounges or recreation areas. Furniture should not be moved except for special events. Contact the Student Life Office for permission to move furniture or to reserve classrooms or other facilities for activity events. Prohibited • Smoking is prohibited in all college buildings and offices. • Smoking is prohibited within 20 feet of all college buildings. • Use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited anywhere on campus. • The college works within the framework of civil law regarding the use or abuse of narcotics. • Pets are not permitted on campus. • The campus cannot be used for private or individual commercial purposes. • Students may, of course, sell their texts or other personal belongings to students and may use designated areas to advertise such selling. • Firearms are strictly prohibited on campus. Degree Requirements The following academic standards apply to all first degrees: • 6 credits of Freshman English • 2 credits of Physical Education in addition to 60 credit hours • achievement of an overall “C” average (CQPA of 2.00) • 30 of the total number of required credits be taken at Orange. Each of the degrees must meet the minimum requirements as set forth by the New York State Education Law. These include at least 60 credit hours of study of which 45 credits must be in the liberal arts for the A.A. degree, 30 credits for the A.S. degree, and 20 credits for the A.A.S. degree. The degree earned depends upon the educational and career goals of the individual. Each of the degrees offered at Orange is listed by degree title in the college catalog with a description of the purpose, goals, and specific course requirements. Graduation Ceremony Participation in our Commencement Exercises is not automatic. You must initiate the process. If you intend to graduate in June, you must file for graduation in the Records and Registration Office during the month of February prior to June graduation. If you complete your graduation requirements at the end of the fall semester or during the summer sessions, you are invited to participate in the commencement ceremony the following June. See Academic Calendar and course schedules for filing deadlines. Application for Graduation: You must file an application for graduation along with a $35 fee in the Office of Records and Registration in Middletown by the deadline in the appropriate course schedule. Before you can be cleared for graduation, you must return all college property loaned to you and pay any monies owed to any office of the college. Health Services Health Services at SUNY Orange is designed to promote wellness on campus. Primary nursing and emergency care, health/ personal counseling with referrals, and educational programs are provided by registered nurses. You are eligible for services at no additional cost. Full-time students have paid $9/semester for Accident/Sickness Insurance, and part-time students have paid $2/semester for Accident insurance only. All accidents should be reported to the Health Services office so that an accident report can be completed. Insurance claim forms and instructions for claim submission will be provided by the nurse at that time. The Health Services office is located in the Shepard Student Center on the 2nd floor. For more information contact the Health Services office at 341-4870; office hours are Monday-Thursday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm and on Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Honor Society In Spring 1988, a local chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society, was established on our campus. Since its founding, Phi Theta Kappa has sought to recognize scholarship among associate degree students at two-year institutions of higher education. The honor society has developed opportunities for leadership, service and fellowship as well as provided a stimulating climate for continued academic excellence. If you have attained a cumulative average of a least a 3.5 after completion of at least 15 credit hours at SUNY Orange, you are eligible for membership. Transfer scholarships may be provided to members. 72% to 79% of students who attend Orange work full or part time. 15 Red phones can be used to call Security 4710 or the Nurse 4870. 16 Identification Card All full and part-time credit students receive an I.D. card free of charge when registering. This is the final step of the registration process. Your I.D. card must be validated each semester and should be carried at all times. The I.D. card also serves as a library card and a student activity pass which enables you to gain free admission or a special student rate to the various activities. Loss of a card must be reported to the Student Life Office. A replacement can be obtained from that office at a cost of $15.00. Immunization Fact Sheet New York State Public Health Law requires that all students born on or after 1/1/57 who wish to take six or more credits provide proof of immunity of Measles, Mumps and Rubella prior to registration. Meningococcal vaccine is not required at SUNY Orange, but NYS law requires that all students sign the Meningitis Response Form acknowledging receipt of information about the availability of the vaccine. Immunization records and Meningitis Response Forms should be submitted to the Health Services Office on the second floor of the Shepard Student Center. (Note: If you are a re-admitting student who has previously fulfilled this immunization requirement here at Orange, you do not have to re-submit your immunization records. You may check with the health Office to be certain that your records are on file.) You may prove your immunity in one of three ways: 1) Documentation of live virus vaccine given after 1/1/68 and on or after your first birthday for: Measles- Two Doses at least 28 days apart Mumps - One Dose Rubella - One Dose 2) Documentation of physician diagnosed disease and date of diagnosis for: Measles and Mumps only, immunization or serology required for Rubella. 3) Laboratory serologic proof of immunity (titer) for: Measles, Mumps and Rubella YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO REGISTER FOR SIX OR MORE CREDITS UNTIL YOU HAVE SUBMITTED YOUR IMMUNIZATION RECORDS TO THE COLLEGE HEALTH OFFICE. If you have any questions about these requirements, please contact the Health Services Office at 341-4870. Intramural Sports The Movement Science Department provides a variety of sports and activities for students, faculty, and staff. Students may participate in team sports such as ultimate frisbee, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Individual events and competition are also held in a variety of events, including racquetball, swimming, walking and fitness events. For more information on how to participate or work as a student official, call 341-4885 or e-mail: sahearn@sunyorange.edu. Kindercollege (Educational Child Care) Kindercollege provides child care and learning experiences for children of SUNY Orange students. Children of staff and faculty will be accepted as space permits. Community enrollments are accepted but are wait-listed. Morning, afternoon, and full-day programs provide a healthy, happy, and stimulating learning environment. Each child is able to explore and learn through a variety of activities, including music and movement, creative art, story-time, outdoor play, and child-directed center-based readiness experiences. Kindercollege has two locations. The Middletown Center is located in the lower level of the Sarah Wells Building and serves children 2 years nine months to 5 years old. The Center in Newburgh is located at 54 Grand Street and serves children 18 months to 5 years old. Learning Resource Center The mission of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) is to support the curriculum of the college through an on-site collection of over 95,000 print and nonprint resources and by providing access to electronic information available on online databases and the Internet. The periodical collection provides current newspapers, magazines, and professional journals in all fields relevant to the curriculum. To further extend the collection, the LRC offers an Interlibrary Loan Service and is a member of the SUNY Open Access Program. Students may access online databases from home through the LRC Remote Database Access (RDA) program. Information about the program, and a link to the RDA service is provided on the college web page. Visit the Student Life Office (SLO) to sign up for trips, obtain tickets, voter registration forms and information about the Student Senate, clubs and all activities. 17 Health Services is located in the Shepard Student Center 2nd floor. Stop by! 18 An extensive Library Instruction service is available to assist students in acquiring the basic library skills necessary to become self-reliant users of the information found in libraries. An Open Computer Lab is available on the first floor where students can access the Internet, conduct research on library databases, and do word processing. A college I.D. card is required for use of the lab and to check out library materials. During the regular academic year, the LRC is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 9pm; Saturday, 9am to 3pm; Summer and intersession hours as announced. Lockers Lockers are available free of charge in the Shepard Student Center on a first-come, first-served basis. Your property should be clearly marked with your name to prevent mix-ups and possible loss of books and coats. All personal property must be removed from all lockers at the end of each semester. Lost and Found Campus Lost and Found is located at the Student Life Office, Shepard Student Center, 2nd floor. Lyceum The ancient Greek word from which Lyceum is derived means a place for or an association providing a forum for ideas and presentations through lectures, entertainment, and concerts. Cultural Affairs at SUNY Orange presents Lyceum events which are offered throughout the year. Programming is diverse and is meant to broaden the educational and academic opportunities of the college community, as well as provide enriching experiences to the community-at-large. Inasmuch as SUNY Orange is a community college, the community is invited to participate and avail itself of all Lyceum programs. Lyceum events include: lectures — social studies, economics, humanities, science, art, music, film; film — foreign, classic, documentary, independent with introductions and discussions; music — classical, jazz, ethnic performances; theatre — classics, innovative, modern, and new works; children’s theatre; dance — classic, modern, folk, ethnic; poetry readings — plain, dramatic, and/or with accompaniment; master classes — music, art, theatre; art or other timely exhibits — one large or two concurrent changing every four to six weeks and including small and/or large musical performances during reception, and sometimes art demonstrations. Lyceum events are free to SUNY Orange credit students. All Lyceum events are open to the public and most are free. The Cultural Affairs committee is comprised of faculty, staff and students. Music/Art The Student Life Office, Cultural Affairs and the Arts and Communication Department sponsor a variety of musical concerts and events each semester through activities programming and the Lyceum Series, respectively. A variety of art exhibitions are mounted throughout the year in the Harriman Hall Student Gallery and in Orange Hall Gallery. Parking - see Campus Parking Regulations, page 7. Parking Permits Parking permits are required for day students and are available at the Student Life Office on presentation of a valid identification card. Tickets are issued for parking violations and can be paid at the Bursar’s Office, Shepard Student Center, 2nd floor. If you attend the Newburgh Extension Center (NEC), you are required to have a parking permit for evening classes also (not required for Middletown). Placement Assessment All matriculated students are required to participate in an assessment of their English and math skills prior to registering for classes, unless a waiver of the test is granted. This assessment is designed to ensure that students are placed into the appropriate classes based on their abilities. You may only take the assessment once. You cannot fail, but you can save yourself time and money by taking this assessement seriously and doing your best. Counselors are available to discuss how the results of the assessment fit into your academic and career goals. Placement testing is held in the Advising, Assessment & Counseling Center, which is located on the third floor of the Shepard Student Center across from the Admissions Office. Students who have a disability and wish to request special Contact or join the Student Senate. 2nd Floor Shepard Student Center 341-4076 19 Check out the Lyceum Series. It’s free and it’s great! 20 accommodations must make arrangements prior to the test. For additional information about placement assessment, please call 341-4045. Posting Information on Campus In order to post ads or flyers, you must first obtain permission from the Student Life Office, 2nd floor, Shepard Student Center. Flyers may be posted only on bulletin boards. They may not be hung on walls, windows or doors. Probation If you have achieved less than a CQPA of 2.0 at the college, you are placed on academic probation. While on academic probation you may continue study; however, you may not enroll in more than 14 credits in fall/spring semester or 6 credits in a summer session. Publications Student Publications: Publications, including the student newspaper, The Word, are open to all students and provide an array of experience from editing, designing and lay-out of publications. Refund Policies Students who officially withdraw (drop) from a credit course or from the college may be eligible for a refund of tuition and appropriate share of fees. PLEASE SEE COLLEGE CATALOG FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION. Registrar’s Office The Registrar is the official record keeper of the college. The Registrar’s Office handles curriculum changes after enrollment, registrations, address changes, withdrawal from the college, course changes, graduation applications, and transcript requests. Religious Activities Local clergy of all faiths extend a welcome to attend their services and church activities. Safety Our campus is generally a safe and secure environment; however, it is a public access facility, and we cannot guarantee who is on the campus and for what purpose. As an individual using the campus, you must be alert for your own safety and security. Listed below are some suggestions for your safety. • Pay careful attention to your personal belongings; do not leave them unattended. • Put your name in each of your books. Textbooks are expensive and may tempt a thief. • Evening students should have their car keys in hand before leaving a building. • Whenever possible, walk in groups to cars and bus stops when leaving a class. • Lock your car and leave nothing in view of a potential thief. Expensive sound systems in cars may attract thieves. • Evening students should carry change. A public pay phone is located in front of the Shepard Student Center in case of emergency. • Use Red phones: - for confidential calls, dial “4932” to reach John Aherne, Safety and Security Director - to call “77” for emergencies - to call “4710” for non-emergencies or auto escorts • Emergency exterior Yellow phones are located: - front of Horton Hall - Bennett St. entrance of Shepard Student Center - Bio-Tech South Street entrance - between Bio-Tech and Hudson (inner campus) -behind Harriman Hall - behind Physical Education Building • Emergency Tower Phone is located near Harriman on the Inner Campus Alumni Green. Sexual Harassment Orange County Community College is committed to all provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and other human rights and equal opportunity laws. These laws include prohibition of discrimination in employment and educational programs and services on the basis of sex. Recent guidelines for Title VII of the Civil Rights Act focus upon sexual harassment as an unlawful practice. Recent interpretations of the Title IX of the Education Amendments similarly delineate sexual harassment as discriminatory and unlawful. Sexual harassment takes many forms, from constant joking to physical assault. It may involve threats that you will fail in class or that you will lose your job. It may make your study, work, or living environment uncomfortable through continued sexual comments, suggestions or pressures. It may include: Remember your I.D. card. It’s your library card and facilities use pass, too. 21 Did you pick up your Student Life Calendar? 22 • derogatory or dehumanizing gender reference • subtle or overt pressure for sexual activity • physical contacts Sexual harassment is defined by EEOC as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature if: • submission to, or rejection of, such conduct on or off campus is made (either explicitly or implicitly) a term or condition of instruction, employment, or participation in other college activities; • submission to, or rejection of, such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for evaluation in making employment or academic decisions affecting the individual; • such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic or work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive college environment. Orange County Community College is committed to maintaining a workplace and a learning environment free of sexual harassment and intimidation. Sexual harassment is unacceptable behavior, unlawful, and not tolerated. Any member of the college community found guilty of sexual harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Any questions or allegations should be directed to the Affirmative Action Hearing Officer, (845) 341-4662. Snow Closings See Delayed Openings, page 9. Sign up for automatic college delays and closings e-mail alerts at www.sunyorange.edu/alert. Student Life Co-Curricular Activities The hub of Student Life is the second floor of the Shepard Student Center where the Office of the Director of Student Life is located. You will find information and assistance for all student activities at the Student Life Office (SLO) and information desk. Activities sponsored by the Student Senate, the Student Activities Committee (SAC), and clubs and organizations range from theater, dance and musical presentations to lecture, comedy, novelty/variety shows and various trips to recreational, educational and cultural events. The second floor is also the site of the Bookstore, Health Services, Student Lounge, C.A.L.L. Center (Center for Adult Lifelong Learning), and the Student Success Center. The Game Room, offices for Student Government, and the Student Organization Resource room are located on the first floor in the cafeteria. Student Housing Orange County Community College was established for commuting students; there are no dormitories nor is there any approved housing. Landlords occasionally post notices of available rooms/apartments on the bulletin board on the second floor of the Shepard Student Center. Apartment listings are also available through the Times Herald-Record. The college, however, does not assume responsibility for these accommodations or rental arrangements. The responsibility for these accommodations, adhering to the rules and regulations of the landlord, and resolving disagreements with the landlord rests with the student and/or his parents and not with the college. You must notify the college of any and every change in your local address. Student Senate At registration, the college collects an activity/athletic fee from each credit student. Full-time students (12 credits or more) pay $50 per semester. Part-time students pay $2 per credit, evening students pay $1 per credit. When you pay your activity fee, you automatically become a member of the Student Association. As a member of the Student Association, you have the right to run for or elect representatives to the governing body of the Student Association, the Student Senate. The Student Senate is ultimately responsible for appropriating activity fees, chartering clubs and organizations, and acting on behalf of the Student Association’s best interest. In short, the Student Senate is your representative voice on campus. You are encouraged to attend Senate meetings and/or bring your concerns to the attention of one of the members of the Senate. The Senate meeting room and office are located on the first floor of the Shepard Student Center in the cafeteria. If you wish to contact the Senate office via phone, call extension 4076. Letters or messages may be left at the Student Life Office where all Senate and club mailboxes are located. Eligibility for Elections Students interested in participating in Student Government should contact the Student Life Office. First time students must Lockers are located on 1st floor of Shepard Student Center. Bring your own lock. 23 Make sure you update your college ID each semester. 24 be enrolled for a minimum of six credits to be eligible to run for the position of Student Senator. Returning students must be enrolled for a minimum of six credits and must have attained a cumulative quality point average of 2.00 by the end of the semester preceding the election in order to be eligible to run for the position of Senator. (Any student who wishes to run for the position of President, Vice President or Treasurer must fulfill the aforementioned requirements and, in addition, must have completed a total of twenty-four credits prior to assuming office. Students wishing to run for the position of secretary must be enrolled for a minimum of six credits and fulfill the aforementioned requirements. These positions are voted on within the Senate.) Maintaining Eligibility All members of the Student Senate must maintain throughout their term a minimum of six credits per semester and a Quality Point Average of 2.00 and a cumulative Quality Point Average of 2.00 to remain an eligible participant in Student Government. TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) TRIO Student Support Services is a comprehensive federally funded program that provides academic support to 232 students at SUNY Orange. Students can become participants at any point in their degree program and remain in the program until they receive their degree at SUNY Orange. There is no charge for services provided to students through SSS. The goal of the SSS Program at SUNY Orange is to support student success and increase retention and graduation rates of eligible students. The program offers special academic workshops, advising, counseling, cultural trips, scholarship, peer mentoring, fee tutorial waiver, and other services. To be eligible for SSS, students must meet at least one of the following requirements: 1) be a first-generation college student (neither parent having a four-year degree), 2) meet income eligibility guidelines, or 3) have a physical or learning disability. For more information, contact SSS at 341-4642. Transfer to 4-Year Colleges If you earn an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree from a SUNY two-year institution, the State University of New York guarantees a place for you as a full-time student at a senior college campus—but not necessarily the one of your first choice. For the application deadline dates for the Guaranteed Transfer Program, contact the Advising, Assessment & Counseling Center. The SUNY applications are also available in the Advising, Assessment & Counseling Center. If you plan to transfer, you should take advantage of transfer days and visitations by four-year college transfer representatives. Watch for announcements of these events in the fall. Whether you plan to transfer to a SUNY unit or a private college, you should select your courses at Orange with care. Consult your assigned advisor or counselor if your advisor is not available. Transfer information resources are available in the Advising, Assessment & Counseling Center, third floor, Shepard Student Center. You may also visit www.sunyorange.edu/student. Veteran Affairs Educational benefits under existing public laws can be received from the Veterans Administration, which has a contractual agreement with the college. For details on procedures for application and certification, contact the Veteran Affairs Representative in the Counseling Center located on the third floor, Shepard Student Center. You may also visit www.sunyorange.edu/student. Waiver for Physical Education forHealth Reasons If you seek a waiver of physical education as a graduation requirement because of a physical limitation you must follow this procedure: • Pick up a “Physical Education Waiver Request” form for your physician from the Associate Academic Vice Presidents’ office located in the LRC. • Give the “Physical Education Waiver Request” form to your Physician. (He or she must read it before sending a letter requesting a physical education waiver.) • Have your physician write a letter using his or her letterhead and following the instructions on the “Physical Education Waiver Request” form. • Return the physician’s letter to the Associate Academic Vice Presidents’ office located in the LRC. NOTE: Students with long term disabilities should make their application for waivers their first semester at college. Withdrawal from a Course When you find it necessary to withdraw from a course(s), you must complete and file the Drop/Add form, by the withdrawal Visit “Sugar” our resident Mastodon on display in the Bio-Tech Lobby 25 Orange Hall Theater Home of fabulous student productions 26 deadline stipulated in the academic calendar, with the Office of Records and Registration. If you officially withdraw from college or course(s) by the end of the tenth week or its equivalent, you will receive a grade of W; thereafter, only the instructor may give a grade of W through the thirteenth week of a course (or its equivalent). After such time, an academic letter grade will be assigned by the instructor. If you are required to enroll in developmental courses, you must complete them. (This does not preclude Official Withdrawal from College by the withdrawal deadline listed in the academic calendar.) If you seek a waiver of this policy, you must obtain permission of the instructor, advisor, and the Office for Academic Affairs (Director of Academic Services or Coordinator). If you choose to enroll in developmental courses, you may withdraw with the signature of your advisor. If you receive financial aid, you should check with the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawal since it may affect current or future awards of aid. Withdrawal from College You may withdraw from the college and from all current semester courses, including developmental, if you do so by the end of the thirteenth week or its equivalent. You should discuss this decision with your advisor prior to withdrawal. You must complete the Total Withdrawal from College form and the Drop/Add form with appropriate signatures by the end of the thirteenth week of class or its equivalent (see Academic Calendar). Exit interviews with Counseling Center staff members are required of all matriculated students. If you receive any form of financial aid, you are required to obtain a financial aid officer’s signature. If you are a non-matriculated student, you should complete and file the forms with Records and Registration. Network Utilization Policy Orange County Community College makes certain computing resources available to its administrators, faculty, staff, and students to support the instructional, student services, and administrative activities of the College. These computing resources include host computer systems, personal computers, and communication networks, e-mail and Internet access, software, and data files. Resources are granted to individuals while they are affiliated with the college, based upon their current status. All students taking courses for credit may utilize computing resources to support their academic career. Faculty, administrators, and staff are provided access for academic and professional use. Acceptable Practices Users of the college's computing resources are expected to abide by the following: • Maintain appropriate system security, including the protection of personal passwords, so that computing resources are not subject to unauthorized use. • Users may not grant permission to others to use their accounts without prior approval of the Department of Technical Services. Respect the rights of others to privacy, freedom from theft, harassment, or copyright infringement by: • Refraining from unauthorized copying, modifying, or destroying of work on the computer systems, both at the college and available over the network, and from accessing or attempting to access computing resources for which the user is not authorized or granted explicit permission. • Avoiding practices which would create a hostile working or learning environment or cause harm to others and/or to the system as a whole, including engaging in or disseminating illegal, obscene, threatening, or unwelcome electronic communication, displaying or printing sexually explicit material in a public location, or damaging computer resources physically or electronically. • Share resources equitably by using the computer system responsibly and avoiding activities that place a burden on system resources. • Activities which directly support the college's instructional programs and its administrative and student services operations must take priority over other academic or professional use. • Resource intensive applications (activities which require large amounts of network resource, such as video conferencing or transfers of very large files) must be scheduled with approval of the Department of Technical Services. • Forward requests in advance to the Technical Help Desk at extension 4749. • Report security violations, including theft, vandalism, or unauthorized access, to Help Desk right away. Sign up for automatic e-mail weather alerts: www. sunyorange .edu/alert 27 Sign up for automatic e-mail weather alerts www. sunyorange. edu/alert 28 Internet Access and E-Mail Accounts Purpose for Service: Orange County Community College encourages communication among the members of the college and educational community. It also recognizes the needs of the college community to access the valuable resources found on the Internet. However, we must manage its resources in an effective and equitable manner. Students: On-campus Internet access is available at no cost to students currently enrolled in credit classes. Services are available from computers at the college campuses only. Faculty, Administrators, Staff, and Members of the College Community: E-mail and Internet access is available to faculty, administrators and staff, upon the written request of their supervisors. Accounts remain active only while an individual remains affiliated with the college in an eligible capacity. Access is from campus computers using a network or dial-in connection. Individuals may access their college e-mail account from their homes using an independent Internet service provider. Privacy: Computer files on college equipment, including e-mail documents, are not private. Similar to written communications in file cabinets, this material is college property and subject to subpoena. Files may be locked from user access and released by the college. While the college will make every effort within its resources to prevent unauthorized access, it does not guarantee against unauthorized access. Remove Objectionable Material: The college does not monitor electronic communications or publications. In the event of a complaint, however, the college reserves the right to remove/ suspend publication of the objectionable material. Respect the rights of others. Don't send abusive, threatening, or harassing materials. Use humor, cynicism, etc., with caution. Never rely on your postings being confidential or private, even if addressed to only one person. Loss of Privileges: These guidelines have been developed for the purpose of providing equitable and secure access to campus computing resources to the entire college community. Users who do not observe these requirements are subject to restriction or loss of computing privileges resources, and could be subject to civil and criminal penalties. Students who do not observe these requirements may be in violation and subject to disciplinary action. Procedures for Addressing Computer System Abuses The recommended initial response for addressing computer user's abuse problems is as follows: In the event a system abuse is detected by or reported to a representative of one of the college's computer support areas, that representative is to immediately report the abuse to the support area's administrator or coordinator. For those matters that cannot be satisfactorily resolved through informal means, individuals administering the support area at the time of the report may take immediate action to prevent further system abuse. The support area's administrator or coordinator may order the suspected user to leave the facility, or remove the user's access to a resource for a maximum of 24 hours. Administrators or coordinators may also choose to allow the abuse to continue in order to gather further evidence on the abuser. Upon receipt of an abuse notification, the support area administrator or coordinator is to contact the area supervisor and/or the Administrative Director of Human Resources, providing notification of the incident. This should be followed up with a written complaint outlining the problem. A prompt review of the incident by the area supervisor will determine if the abuse warrants further action and if any control is to remain in place pending a hearing. A final determination on the college's response to the incident will be made during these proceedings. Definition of Computer System Abuse: • Engaging in or disseminating illegal, obscene, threatening, or unwelcome electronic communication. • Copying, modifying or destroying college network or Internet- based files. • Accessing or attempting to access the college network or Internet resources for which the user is not authorized or granted explicit permission. • Willfully engaging in practices that place undue burdens on college resources (i.e., Spamming). Network and Department Based Computer Resources The College Network: The college network consists of the wide area network interconnections among the campuses, the campus backbones and sub net infrastructures; and the college and campus servers connected directly to this infrastructure. The Office of Information and Technologies Services has the responsibility for designing, implementing and administering this resource. Backbone Infrastructure: The college network is made up of a primary backbone for the transport of both academic and administrative traffic between buildings, among the campuses and to the Internet. Access to the backbone will be through campus or building routers and/or switches. Call the Event Hotline for the lastest listing of college events 8665907776 29 Search and browse class schedules online: www. sunyorange. edu/ schedules Connection of Non-College Equipment to College Systems for Demonstrations Request Process: A college department, office or student may arrange for a temporary connection of non-college equipment to the college network. Initial requests must go to the Office of Information and Technologies Services and include the following: • The description and purpose of the connection. • The location where the connection is required. • The type of connection requested. • The date and time the connection is needed. The College will work through this department to deliver the service. Requests should be made with adequate advance notice and are subject to the availability of facilities and bandwidth. Information Directory (845) 344-6222 Admissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341-4030 Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341-4815 Bursar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341-4837 Career Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341-4444 Community Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341-4890 Advising, Assessment & Counseling . . . . . .341-4070 Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341-4190 Health Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341-4870 CAPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341-4770 Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341-4140 Transcripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341-4155 LRC (Library) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341-4855 Student Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341-4065 Tutorial Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341-4171 Veteran’s Rep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341-4071 Newburgh Extension Center . . . . . . . . . . . .562-2454 30 Orange County Community College Student Life Office Rights andInformation Important information students and staff have the Right and the Responsibility to know . . . • Access to Official College Records • Student Grievance Procedures • Code of Student Conduct • Religious Rights • Alcohol and Other Drug Policy • Parking Regulations • Campus Safety and Security Student Rights and Responsibilities Orange County Community College is proud of its reputation for academic excellence and the safe and conducive environment for learning which exists on the the main campus in Middletown and at the Newburgh Extension Center. In an effort to maintain the quality of life, both in and outside of the classroom setting, the college has adopted various codes, policies and grievance procedures for the benefit of all students. ACCESS TO OFFICIAL COLLEGE RECORDS The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act was designed to ensure that the educational records of colleges and universities would be open to inspection and correction and that recorded information, in whatever medium, would not be made freely available to individuals outside the college without student consent. Copies of the Act are available from the Records and Registration Office on request. The official academic file for each student is maintained in the Records and Registration Office. A typical file contains the following documents: • Official transcript • College application and acceptance letters • High School transcript or GED • Test scores if not on high school transcript • College assessment results • Transcripts from previous college(s) and transfer credit evaluation(s) • Verification of submission of Medical Form to College Nurse • Change of grade, curriculum, permanent address forms • Registration and drop/add forms • Graduation waivers and substitutions • Absence notices • D-F-W reports filed by instructors • Graduation application and recommendations • Notice of academic action (probation, separation) • Notice of disciplinary action • Student’s request for nondisclosure of directory information Disclosure to Student 1. On presentation of proper I.D., a student may request to review the contents of his or her academic file. An appointment will be made, within a reasonable amount of time (and no later than 45 days), with the student, a staff member or counselor to review the file in the Records and Registration Office. 2. Copies of student transcripts will be released to third parties only on written request from the student and payment of the transcript fee. 3. Students may receive a student copy of his/her transcript on written request and payment of the transcript fee. Official copies bearing authorized signature and/or the College Seal are directly mailed or faxed to third parties by the College. 4. Any document submitted by or for students to support application for admission or award of transfer credit remains in the student’s file. These documents will not be forwarded to a third party. They must be requested from the originating institution by the student. Disclosure to Relatives/Guardian/Spouse Information will be released with permission of the student or on subpoena. Students and former students will be notified of the latter case. See also Directory Information. Access to Records by Faculty & Administration Faculty and administrative staff who have an educational interest in student academic files may review them in the Records and Registration Office. Medical, counseling, and security records are not open to faculty and administrative staff for general review except where covered by the Act. Disclosure to Other Individuals, Institutions, & TelephoneInquiries (Directory Information) The following items are matters of public record and will be released without student consent unless the student wishes to deny release to all but those authorized by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, except disclosures allowed through the Solomon Act. Students should address their written requests for nondisclosure to the Director of Academic Services. 1. Student status. 2. Current enrollment or dates of enrollment. 3. Curriculum (program) and year of study. 4. Degree/certificate (if any), date of award, major, and honors received. 5. Names and addresses of graduates requested by state or local representatives who wish to send congratulatory messages. 6. Names and addresses of graduates requested by bona fide educational institutions who seek to inform graduates of transfer opportunities and other educational options. Not to be Released: • Address and telephone numbers. • Grades, test scores, averages, academic status, or terms of suspension/ dismissal. • Date or place of birth. • Health status, attendance, course work, or disciplinary action. Student Appeal Process Students are advised that grievance procedures can be initiated in the event that protected rights and freedoms have been violated. See Student Grievance Procedure, for details. Any requests for assistance or questions concerning the Privacy Act should be directed to either the Vice President for Student Development or the Director of Academic Services. Disclosure by Other Offices of the Institution 1. The foregoing guidelines are applicable to handling any request for academic information about students or former students received by any member of the faculty, administration, or clerical staff. The guidelines are intended to protect the individual’s right to privacy and the confidentiality of his academic records throughout the institution. 2. All institutional personnel should be alert to refer promptly to the Office of Records and Registration requests for transcripts, certifications or other information which that office provides. Faculty and other staff members should restrict their responses to acknowledging, when appropriate, the receipt of request for student information, or limit their response to that information germane to their sphere of responsibility or their relationship to the student (faculty advisor, major professor, instructor, etc.). 3. Should placement files be set up, information contained therein would have been submitted by the student for the purpose of employment, it obviously may be released to anyone for this purpose, but for this purpose only. Whenever there is a need for the institution to issue a transcript of the student’s educational record in connection with employment, it should be specifically requested of the Records and Registration Office by the student. Withholding Information Release of information, grade reports, transcripts, certifications, etc., will be withheld at the request of the appropriate office for unmet financial obligations, violation of non-academic regulations, unreturned books to the Library, unreturned materials to individual departments or divisions. Student Records/Confidentiality All student records are maintained and made available in accordance with the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. With some exceptions, all student records are available for review upon request by that student, and the right to challenge the content is provided. No records are released to third persons except as provided in the Act. Further information is available from the Office of Records and Registration, or in the SUNY Orange Rights and Responsibilities Booklet. Notification of Student Rights under FERPA The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are: 1.The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Students should submit to the director of academic services or vice president for student development written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the College official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed. 2.The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing. 3.The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the College will disclose education records without consent to officials of another school which a student seeks or intends to enroll (barring any indebtedness to this College). 4.Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with FERPA requirements: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 202024605. Parents’ Rights Message to Parents in Regards to Student Records: Orange County Community College is guided by the principle that students' active involvement in their education enhances their learning and development. In keeping with this principle, SUNY Orange considers its primary relationship to be with its students. When the student is a tax dependent of parents/guardians, it is important that both parties discuss how they will communicate. Academic progress is reported to students with the expectation that this information will be part of on-going discussions with parents/guardians. If said discussions are not taking place with the student, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act has provided two ways in which parents/guardians of dependent students may inspect the educational records of the student. The first is to obtain a signed written consent from the student and submit consent to the Director of Academic Services in the Office of Records and Registration. A student's signed written consent must specify the records to be inspected; state the purpose for disclosure; and identify the person(s) to whom the disclosure should be made. A new consent form would be required each year or when access to additional educational records not covered in the first consent form is being requested. If the consent form does not specify the actual records to be inspected or simply states something equivalent to ‘all educational records', the only educational records that will be disclosed are those that appear on the most current academic transcript. If the student is unwilling to provide a signed written consent, the final alternative is for the parents/guardians to provide the Director of Academic Services with a copy of the preceding year's tax returns to demonstrate the student is a tax dependent. The copy provided must have either been completed by a third party (i.e., H&R Block) or be an official full complete copy (not the shortened version) from the Internal Revenue Service. Information on how to obtain this version can be found by contacting the IRS Office at 1-800-829-1040. When the documentation is submitted, the parents/guardians must also specify the records to be inspected. If the request simply states something equivalent to ‘all educational records', the only educational records that will be disclosed are those that appear on the most current academic transcript. According to FERPA, an institution has up to 45 days after a valid request is presented to arrange for the inspection of the specified educational records. The meetings in the majority of cases will be made with the Director of Academic Services who acts as the FERPA Officer for the institution, and not with individual faculty members. STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE The following procedures are in place at Orange County Community College for any student who feels that his or her rights or freedoms have been violated. Students should remember that if they do have a grievance, there are people on campus whom they can approach to discuss their problem and who can provide guidance and advice with respect to the grievance procedures. These people include their advisors, and college counselors. The student is encouraged to contact the Advising, Assessment &Counseling Center for assistance. In pursuing the grievance, the principals may be accompanied by an advocate once the grievance reaches the vice presidential level. I. Academic Grievance: When a student believes that his or her academic rights or freedoms have been violated, that student may attempt to redress that violation as follows: A. Time Frame: An informal grievance must be concluded and a formal grievance, if any, must be submitted no later than thirty days after the start of the semester following the semester in which the problem arose. If a grievance arises in the spring semester or during the summer session this means that the student must file the formal grievance, if any, no later than thirty days into the following fall semester. B. Procedure: When a student believes that his or her academic rights or freedoms have been violated, the student may attempt to redress that violation as follows: 1. Informal Stage: The student should: a. Meet with the faculty member to discuss the issue. b. If grievance is not resolved in a reasonable amount of time, the student should meet with the Department Chairperson to discuss the issue. c. If the grievance is not resolved in a reasonable amount of time, the student should meet with the appropriate Associate Vice President to discuss the matter. 2. Formal Stage: a. If the grievance has not been resolved informally, the student may file a formal, written grievance (including documentation if appropriate) with the appropriate Associate Vice President. The Associate Vice President will inform the faculty member and department chair of the grievance and will have ten working days to investigate and render a written decision including a rationale. (Submission of additional documentation, information or claims will cause the ten working day countdown to begin again.) b. Within ten working days of receipt of the Associate Vice President’s decision, if the grievance is not settled, the student may file a written grievance with the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The student should indicate whether he/she wants the Vice President for Academic Affairs to render a decision immediately or he/she wants the Committee for Student Grievances to hear the complaint first. 1.a.If the grievance is to be heard immediately by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, he/she will have ten working days to render a written decision including a rationale. (The submission of additional documentation, information or claims will cause the ten working day countdown to begin again.) b.Final Appeal - The decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs may be appealed for final disposition to the President of the college within ten working days. The decision of the President is final. 2.a.If the grievance is to go to the Committee for Student Grievances, the Vice President for Academic Affairs will request that the Vice President for Student Development appoint the Committee for Student Grievances and convene it within twenty working days. b. The Committee for Student Grievances is an ad hoc committee which shall consist of: 1. Two students appointed by the Student Senate. 2. One full-time faculty from the same discipline in which the grievance occurred. 3. One full-time faculty from a different discipline. 4. One representative from the appropriate administrative office. c. The Committee for Student Grievances shall have the responsibility of recommending a decision about the grievance. To this end, written or oral statements may be initiated or solicited from the principals in the grievance, and/or from other observers who can provide pertinent information. In addition, each principal in the grievance may have an advocate at the hearing. d.When all the information pertinent to the case has been presented to the Committee, the Committee will convene without the principals in attendance to discuss the case. e.The Committee for Student Grievances will have ten working days to complete its deliberation. The recommendations of the Committee are to be presented in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs within five working days after the completion of the deliberations. A decision and supportive rationale shall be communicated in writing by the Vice President to the principals, and to the Chairperson of the Committee for Student Grievances within five days. f. Final Appeal - The decision of the Vice President may be appealed for final disposition to the President of the College within ten working days. The decision of the President of the College is final. 3. Record Keeping: A permanent file containing appropriate documentation relating to the grievance shall be kept in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs for six years. II. Non-academic Grievance: When a student believes that his or her rights or freedoms in a non-academic area have been violated, that student may attempt to redress that violation as follows: A. Approach the staff or administrative person in question. B. Approach the appropriate supervisor if the grievance is not resolved at step (a) within a reasonable amount of time. C. Approach the appropriate Vice President or request that the Student Grievance Committee be convened if the grievance is not resolved by step (b) within a reasonable amount of time. The Student Grievance Committee: The student, after going through the proper procedures, has the right to be heard by the Student Grievance Committee. The student must go to the Office of Student Development to have the Committee convened. At this point in the process, the grievance must be put in writing if this has not been done already. The ad hoc committee shall consist of: A. Two students appointed by the Student Senate. B. One full-time faculty or staff member from the same discipline in which the grievance occurred. C. One full-time faculty or staff member from a different discipline. D. One representative from the appropriate administrative office. This Student Grievance Committee shall have the responsibility of recommending a decision about the grievance. To this end, written or oral statements may be initiated or solicited from the principals in the grievance, and/or from other observers who can provide pertinent information. In addition, each principal in the grievance may have an advocate at the hearing. When all the information pertinent to the case has been presented to the Committee, the Committee will convene without the principals in attendance to discuss the case. The Student Grievance Committee will have ten (10) working days to complete its deliberation. The recommendations of the Committee are to be presented in writing to the appropriate vice president within three (3) working days after the completion of the deliberations. A decision and supportive rationale shall be communicated in writing by the vice president to the principals, and to the Chairperson of the Student Grievance Committee. Final Appeal: The decision of the Vice President may be appealed for final disposition to the President of the College. The decision of the President is final. Time Frames: Any grievance a student has can be initiated at any time, but no later than 30 days after the start of the semester following the semester in which the problem arose. If a grievance arises in the spring semester or during the summer session, this means that the student must initiate the process no later than 30 days into the following fall semester. Confidentiality Once a person files a grievance, either formally or informally, all matters pertaining to the grievance shall be kept confidential. All documents, communications, and records dealing with the processing of the grievance shall be filed with the Office of Student Development. Student grievance records including but not limited to grievance, investigative records, hearing proceedings, decision rendered, student appeal records of arbitration procedure, final decision and correspondence will be retained for six (6) years after the grievance is resolved, as dictated by the State Archives and Records Administration. At this time, the records will be destroyed. RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER ON THE CAMPUS OF ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1. Statement of Purpose. The following rules have been adopted by the Board of Trustees in compliance with Section 6450 of the Education Law and have been filed with the Commissioner of Education and the Board of Regents on July 20, 1969, as required by that section. Nothing herein is intended, nor shall it be constructed, to limit or restrict freedom of speech nor peaceful assembly, and it is not intended by any provision herein to curtail the rights of students, faculty, or staff to be heard upon any matter affecting them in their relations with this institution. In the case of any apparent violation of these rules by such persons, which in the judgment of the chief administrative officer or his designee does not pose any immediate threat of injury to person or property, such officer may make reasonable effort to learn the cause of the conduct in question and to persuade those engaged therein to desist and to resort to permissive methods for the resolution of any issues which may be presented. In doing so, such officers shall warn such persons of the consequences of persistence in the prohibited conduct, including their eviction from any premises of the institution where their continued presence and conduct is in violation of these rules. 2. Application of Rules. These rules are not intended to repeal, supersede, or preclude any other rules or policies relating to the same subject matter except to the extent they are inconsistent therewith. The rules hereby adopted shall govern the conduct of students, faculty, and other staff, licensees, invitees, and all other persons, whether or not their presence is authorized, and also upon or with respect to any other premises or property under the control of the institution used in its teaching, administrative, service, cultural, recreational, athletic and other programs and activities. 3. Prohibited conduct. No person, either singly or in concert with others, shall: a. Willfully cause physical injury to any other person, nor threaten to do so for the purpose of compelling or inducing such other person to refrain from any act which he has a lawful right to do or to do any act which he has a lawful right not to do. b. Physically restrain or detain any other person, nor remove such person from any place where he is authorized to remain. c. Willfully damage or destroy property of the institution or under its jurisdiction, nor remove or use such property without authorization. d. Without permission, expressed or implied, enter into any private office of an administrative officer, member of the faculty, or staff member. e. Enter upon and remain in any building or facility for any purpose other than its authorized use or in such manner as to obstruct its authorized use by others. f. Without authorization, remain in any building or facility after it is normally closed. g. Refuse to leave any building, facility or area after being requested to do so by an authorized administrative officer. h. Obstruct the free movement of persons and vehicles in any place to which these rules apply. i. Deliberately disrupt or prevent the peaceful and orderly conduct of classes, lectures, meetings, and administrative functions, or deliberately interfere with the freedom of any person to express his views, including invited speakers. j. Knowingly have in his possession upon any premises to which these rules apply, any rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver, or other firearm or weapon without the written authorization of the chief administrative officer whether or not a license to possess the same has been issued to such person. k. Willfully incite others to commit any of the acts herein prohibited with specific intent to procure them to do so. l. Be involved in any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health or involves the forced consumption of liquor or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization. 41 4. Freedom of Speech and Assembly, Picketing and Demonstration. No student, faculty, or other staff member or authorized visitor shall be subject to any limitation or penalty solely for the expression of his views nor for having assembled with others for such purpose. Peaceful picketing and other orderly demonstrations in public areas of ground and building will not be interfered with. Those involved in picketing and demonstrations may not, however, engage in specific conduct in violation of the provisions of the preceding section. 5. Penalties. A person who shall violate any of the provisions of these rules shall: a. If he/she is a trespasser or visitor without specific license or invitation, be subject to ejection. b. If he/she is a licensee or invitee, have his authorization to remain upon the campus or other property withdrawn and shall be directed to leave the premises. In the event of his/her failure or refusal to do so, he/she shall be subject to ejection. c. If he/she is a student, be subject to expulsion or such lesser disciplinary action as the facts of the case may warrant, including suspension, probation, loss of privileges, reprimand or warning. d. If he/she is a faculty member on probation or on tenure, be guilty of misconduct and be subject to dismissal or termination of his/her employment or such lesser disciplinary action as the facts may warrant, including suspension or censure. e. If he/she is a staff member in the classified service of the civil service, be guilty of misconduct, and be subject to the penalties prescribed in the civil service law. f. If he/she is a staff member other than one described in paragraphs (d) and (e), be subject to dismissal, suspension or censure. 6. Procedure. The chief administrative officer or his/her designee shall inform any licensee or invitee who shall violate any provision of these rules that his/her license of invitation is withdrawn and shall direct him/her to leave the campus or other property of the institution. In the event of his/her failure or refusal to do so, such officer shall cause his/her ejection from the campus or property. In the case of any other violator who is neither a student, faculty, nor other staff member, the chief administrative officer or his designee shall inform him/her that he/she is not authorized to remain on the campus or other property of the institution and direct him/her to leave such premises. In the event of his/her failure or refusal to do so, such officer shall cause his/her ejection from such campus or property. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to authorize the presence of any such person at any time prior to such violation nor affect his/her liability to prosecution for trespass or loitering as prescribed in the Penal Law. In the case of a student, charges for violation of any of these rules shall be presented and shall be heard and a recommendation to the chief administrative officer shall be made under the “Code of Student Conduct” for the disposition of charges. In the case of a faculty member, charges of misconduct in violation of these rules shall be made by the chief administrative officer or his/her designee and thereafter heard and determined by the Board of Trustees of Orange County Community College within 30 days. In the case of a staff member, charges of misconduct in violation of these rules shall be made by the chief administrative officer or his/her designee and thereafter heard and determined by the Board of Trustees of Orange County Community College within 30 days. 7. Enforcement Program. The chief administrative officer shall be responsible for the enforcement of these rules and he/she shall designate in writing the other administrative officers who are authorized to take action in accordance with these rules when required or appropriate to carry them into effect. In any case where violation of these rules does not cease after warning and in other cases of willful violation of these rules, the chief administrative officer or his/her designee shall cause the ejection of the violator from any premises which he/she occupies in such violation and shall initiate disciplinary action as herein before provided. The chief administrative officer or his/her designee may apply to the public authorities for any aid which he/she deems necessary in causing the ejection of any violator of these rules and he/she may request the county attorney to apply to any court of appropriate jurisdiction for an injunction to restrain the violation or threatened violation of these rules. Adopted: Board of Trustees 7/15/1969 CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT ARTICLE I: STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Orange County Community College Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, and staff have a primary concern for the academic achievement, standards, and personal integrity of our students. We recognize our obligation to protect college property and we take a special interest in the mental and physical health and safety of our community. We are committed to preserving the peace, uplifting campus morale, and creating a civil climate on our campuses. The College has adopted the following policies and procedures as an expression of its expectations of student conduct. ARTICLE II: CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT SECTION A: Jurisdiction of the College College jurisdiction shall be limited to conduct which occurs on College premises or which occurs off College premises and adversely affects members of the College community and/or the pursuit of the College mission. SECTION B: Conduct – Rules and Regulations Any student or organization found to have committed or to have attempted to commit any of the following acts of misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in Article IV. 1. Acts of dishonesty, including, but not limited to: a. Cheating, including cybercheating b. Fabrication c. Facilitating academic dishonesty d. Plagiarism, including internet plagiarism e. Forgery f. Bribery g. Multiple submission (submitting the same assignment to more than one instructor without the permission of the instructors). Please refer to the College Academic Policy for other means of resolution for academic dishonesty issues. 2. Violation of any provisions of the professional and/or ethical codes of programs in the fields of Allied Health, Nursing, Kindercollege or any other applicable programs. 3. Interference with the College approved operation of any College recognized student organization. 4. Disorderly conduct, including but not limited to: disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, other College activities, and other campus activities. 5. Conduct which alarms, threatens or in some manner disrupts the learning process of another student and/or the ability of faculty to teach. 6. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, stalking, coercion and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health, wellbeing or safety of any person. 7. Sexual misconduct (see Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Policies). 8. Harassment which serves to degrade the status of another person. Most often, harassment focuses on a personal attribute, singling it out for ridicule, attack or disparagement. Attributes include, but are not limited to: race or ethnic origin, gender, physical or mental disability, age, religion, economic class, and sexual orientation. Harassment may include physical contact, written or verbal comments or suggestions, obscene or offensive pictures or “jokes,” hostile or threatening gestures or other forms of degradation. This includes acts of harassment carried out by one or more students on behalf of and/or at the request of another student. 9. Theft of and/or damage to property of the College, property of a member of the College community, or other personal or public property. 10. Hazing, which is an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or involves the forced consumption of liquor or drugs, or which destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization. Consent of the participants is not a defense against a complaint of hazing. 11. Failure to comply with directions of a College employee or emergency or service personnel acting in performance of their official duties. 12. Failure to identify oneself to a College employee or emergency or service personnel acting in performance of their official duties when requested to do so. 13. Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys, combinations, or access cards to any College premises or unauthorized entry to or use of College property. 14. Violation of published College policies, rules or regulations found in, but not limited to, the Student Handbook, the Rights and Responsibilities booklet, Parking and Traffic Regulations, Individual Department Handbooks, Academic Policy, and the College Catalog. 15. Use, possession or distribution of illegal drugs, narcotics or other controlled substances, and drug-related paraphernalia, except as permitted by federal, state and/or local law. 16. Public intoxication or the use, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages except as expressly permitted by federal, state and/or local law and College regulations (see the College Alcohol Policy). 17. Possession of firearms, explosives, or other weapons, or unauthorized use of dangerous chemicals or substances on College premises. 18. Participation in a campus demonstration which disrupts the normal operations of the College and infringes on the rights of other members of the College community; leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any campus building or area. 19 Intentional obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on College premises or at College sponsored or supervised functions. 20. Conduct which is disorderly, lewd, or indecent; breach of peace; or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on College premises or at functions sponsored by, or participated in, by the College. 21. Theft or other abuse of computer resources, including, but not limited to: a. Commercial use of computing resources; b. Data interception; c. Forgery; d. Willfully engaging in practices that place undue burdens on college resources (ie. Spamming); e. Engaging in or disseminating illegal, obscene, threatening, discriminating, fraudulent, defamatory, intimidating, harassing, embarrassing or unwelcome electronic communication; f. Copying, modifying or destroying college network or internet-based files; and, g. Accessing or attempting to access the college network or internet resources for which the user is not authorized or granted explicit permission. 22. Abuse of the judicial system, including but not limited to: a. Failure to comply with the directive to appear before a hearing panel or disciplinary conference administrator after having received appropriate notification of such a directive. b. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a hearing panel or disciplinary conference administrator. c. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a judicial proceeding. d. Knowingly instituting a judicial proceeding without cause. e. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the judicial system. f. Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the judicial system. g. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a hearing panel or of a disciplinary conference administrator prior to and/or during the course of a judicial proceeding. h. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of any person involved in a judicial proceeding. i. Failure to comply with a sanction imposed under the Student Rights and Responsibilities. j. Failure to comply with an agreed upon informal resolution. 23. Engaging in gambling activities defined as illegal by federal, state or local law and/or by College regulations. 24. Behavior prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws. ARTICLE III: JUDICIAL PROCEDURES SECTION A: Complaints and Hearings 1. Any member of the College community may file a complaint against a student for allegedly violating the Code of Conduct. The person who files the complaint shall be the Complainant. The student alleged to have violated the Code of Conduct shall be the Respondent. 2. All complaints shall be prepared in writing and directed to the Vice President for Student Development. A complaint shall contain; a. The identity of the Complainant, the Respondent; b. The specific element(s) of the Code of Conduct alleged to have been violated; c. The date, time and place of the alleged violation(s); and, d. The names of any witnesses. 3. Complaints should be submitted as soon as possible, but in no event later than 30 days, after the violation occurs. A complaint may be filed after 30 days only when the Vice President for Student Development finds special circumstances exist that warrant a late filing. Incident/security reports may be considered complaints and filed with the Vice President for Student Development, in which case the College may be considered the Complainant. 4. The Vice President for Student Development shall determine if the alleged conduct may constitute a violation of the Code of Conduct. If so, the case shall proceed for adjudication. SECTION B: Informal Resolution 1. Filing a complaint shall not always require a formal adjudication process. In the event that the Vice President for Student Development elects to seek an informal resolution, the Vice President for Student Development may review all relevant information, interview pertinent witnesses, and bring together the Complainant and Respondent, if desirable. 2. Resolution shall be achieved when the Vice President for Student Development, Complainant and Respondent are satisfied that the behavior at issue has been addressed and a mutually acceptable outcome has been achieved. The resolution shall be reduced to writing by the Vice President for Student Development and mailed to the parties. 3. Respondent’s failure to respond to a request by the Vice President for Student Development or designee’s request to participate in an informal resolution may result in a letter to the Respondent warning the Respondent that failure to respond may result in referral of the complaint to the Board of Inquiry for a hearing. 4. If the Vice President for Student Development is unable to resolve the complaint to the mutual satisfaction of the Complainant and the Respondent, the Vice President for Student Development shall advise the Complainant of his/her right to proceed formally. SECTION C: Formal Adjudication 1. If the complaint is to be adjudicated using formal procedures, the Vice President for Student Development shall convene the Board of Inquiry to act as the hearing panel. 2. All complaints to be adjudicated by the Board of Inquiry shall be presented to the Respondent in written form. 3. No student may be found responsible for the alleged violation of the Code of Conduct solely because the student failed to appear before a hearing panel, however, the hearing will proceed as scheduled if the Respondent fails to attend. In all cases, the evidence in support of the complaint shall be presented and considered. 4. As the Board of Inquiry does not meet during the summer months, all alleged violations of the Code of Conduct during that time period shall be resolved by the Vice President for Student Development through informal resolution. If informal resolution fails, the case will be referred to an alternate Board of Inquiry composed of faculty, staff and students as available. SECTION D: Hearing Procedures The following procedures apply when a complaint has been directed by the Vice President for Student Development to the Board of Inquiry, which will serve as the hearing panel. 1. Composition of the Board of Inquiry-The Board of Inquiry is composed of seven members; four students appointed by the Student Senate at the beginning of the fall semester to serve for a period of one academic year, and three faculty members appointed by the College Governance System. One of these faculty members shall be designated as the Chair of the Board of Inquiry. The College Governance System shall appoint alternate faculty members and the Student Senate shall appoint alternate student members. 2. Advisors-The Complainant and Respondent may be advised by a faculty or staff member of Orange County Community College. Members of the Board of Inquiry, The Vice President for Student Development and the Director of Student Life shall not serve as advisors. The student may not appear by or be represented by an attorney. The advisor may be an attorney or member of the legal profession, so long as such individual acts in the capacity of advisor only, and not in the capacity of attorney, and the same rights and limits on participation that apply to advisors, generally, shall apply to an advisor who happens to be an attorney or member of the legal profession. 3. Scheduling the Hearing-Absent exigent circumstances, or unless the student and the College otherwise agree in writing, a hearing shall be scheduled to take place not more than fifteen (15) business days after the Respondent has been notified of the complaint. 4. Attendance-The hearing shall be closed and attendance shall be limited to members of the Board of Inquiry, the Judicial Advisor, the Complainant, the Respondent, their respective advisors, and any witnesses deemed necessary by the parties 5. Role of Panel Chair-The chair of the hearing panel shall preside over the hearing. All procedural questions shall be subject to the final direction and discretion of the chair. The chair of the hearing panel shall introduce members of the hearing panel and ask all hearing participants to identify themselves. All testimony and questioning shall be at the direction and the discretion of the chair. The chair may limit or exclude testimony or questioning of any hearing participant to the extent that such testimony or questioning is repetitive of matters previously presented or is not relevant to the incident in question. The chair may recess the hearing at any time. 6. Role of Judicial Advisor-The Judicial Advisor shall be available to the hearing panel for consultation regarding procedural elements any time during the hearing. The Judicial Advisor may request that the chair recess the hearing at any time. 7. Hearing Procedures-All hearings shall contain the following elements: a. The chair shall make opening remarks. b. The Complainant shall have the opportunity to present a statement about the incident in question. The Respondent shall then have the opportunity to present a statement about the incident in question. c. After the statements by the Complainant and the Respondent, members of the hearing panel shall have the opportunity to question both the Complainant and the Respondent. The Complainant and the Respondent shall have the opportunity to question each other. Only questions relevant to the alleged incident, and not repetitive to the hearing panel’s questioning, shall be allowed. d. The Complainant shall be offered the opportunity to present relevant evidence and witnesses one at a time. Members of the hearing panel shall have the opportunity to ask questions at the conclusion of each witness’s testimony. The Complainant and the Respondent shall have the opportunity to question the witness at the conclusion of each witness’s testimony. The chair shall permit witnesses to be present in the hearing room only during their testimony. e. The Respondent shall be offered the opportunity to present relevant evidence and witnesses one at a time. Members of the hearing panel shall have the opportunity to ask questions at the conclusion of 49 each witness’s testimony. The Complainant and the Respondent shall have the opportunity to question at the conclusion of each witness’s testimony. The chair shall permit witnesses to be present in the hearing room only during their testimony. f. Members of the hearing panel shall have the opportunity to ask final questions. Prior to deliberations, the Complainant and the Respondent shall be asked if they have any other testimony they wish to present. g. After the presentation of all testimony, witnesses and evidence, and subsequent questioning, the chair shall call the board to deliberate. The Complainant, the Respondent, and their advisors shall be excused by the Judicial Advisor. The witnesses shall remain available at the hearing site until dismissed by the board. 8. A record of the proceedings shall be kept, including the evidence presented, documents and other exhibits, witnesses who testified, and the final findings and recommendations of the Board of Inquiry and the members’ votes. SECTION E: Deliberations 1. Normally, deliberations shall be carried out and completed as soon as practical following the hearing. Deliberations shall take place in private, with only the members of the hearing panel present. The Judicial Advisor shall be available to the hearing panel during the deliberations for consultation regarding the hearing procedure. During the sanctioning phase of the deliberations, the Judicial Advisor shall provide information regarding any previous judicial action involving the Respondent. SECTION F: Findings of Fact and Recommendations 1. Upon hearing all testimony, witnesses and evidence and after deliberations, the hearing panel shall either dismiss the complaint or find that the Respondent violated the Code of Conduct. 2. Findings that the Respondent violated the Code of Conduct shall be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the Respondent violated the Code of Conduct. 3. A Respondent shall be presumed not responsible for a violation of the Code of Conduct until it has been demonstrated through credible testimony and evidence that it is more likely than not that the student committed the violation. 4. If the Board of Inquiry determines that the Respondent violated the Code of Conduct, it shall recommend to the Vice President for Student Development a sanction for the violation. 5. Prior to making a recommendation of sanction, the Judicial Advisor shall advise the Board of Inquiry of any previous judicial action taken against the Respondent. The hearing panel may recommend any level or combination of sanctions. 6. The findings of fact and recommendations shall reflect the majority opinion of the Board of Inquiry. SECTION G: Communication and Implementation of Findings of Fact and Recommendations 1. The written findings of fact and recommendations shall be forwarded to the Vice President for Student Development for action within two business days after the end of the hearing under normal circumstances. 2. The Vice President for Student Development may accept, reject, or modify the recommended sanction. The sanctions, as determined by the Vice President for Student Development, shall be implemented unless an appeal is filed. 3. The Vice President for Student Development shall communicate his/her decision in writing to the Respondent, the Board of Inquiry, the Judicial Advisor, the Complainant (as appropriate with concern to the Respondent’s privacy rights) and any other appropriate College authorities. Under normal circumstances, the Vice President for Student Development shall communicate his/her decision within five days after receipt of the Board of Inquiry’s recommendation. SECTION H: Appeal Procedures 1. The Respondent may file a written appeal to the hearing panel’s decision to the President not more than five business days after receiving notification of the decision. Filing shall mean “received in the Office of the President”. 2. In the written appeal, it shall be the responsibility of the appellant to provide evidence of one or more of the following grounds for appeal: a. The original hearing was not conducted in conformity with prescribed procedures; b. Insufficiency of the evidence to reasonably support the decision; c. The sanction imposed was unduly harsh for the violation committed; d. Availability of new evidence that was not available at the time of the hearing sufficient to alter the decision. 3. If an appeal is granted by the President, he/she shall have access to the hearing record, including all documentary evidence, the written findings, and any other pertinent written information. After receiving the materials, he/she shall proceed in one of the following manners: a. The President may alter the recommended sanction by making it more severe, less severe or otherwise different; or b. The manner may be remanded to the hearing panel for re-opening of the hearing to allow reconsideration of the original determination and/or recommended sanction(s). 4. If an appeal is denied by the President, the decision of the hearing panel shall stand and the recommended sanction(s) shall be imposed. 5. The President shall provide written notification of the appeal decision to the hearing panel, Complainant (when necessary and appropriate), Respondent, the Judicial Advisor, and any other appropriate College authorities. 6. Recommended sanctions shall not be imposed during the pendancy of an appeal unless the nature of the conduct under review or the circumstances involved dictate otherwise. ARTICLE IV: SANCTIONS SECTION A: Interim Suspension of Privileges 1. Faculty members retain the right to remove from the classroom (for the duration of that class period) any student demonstrating disruptive behavior. It is the responsibility of the faculty member to report the incident to the Vice President for Student Development and to indicate if they do not want the student to return to class (interim suspension) and the rationale for that request. This request will be acted upon by the Vice President for Student Development or designee prior to the next class session. 2. The Vice President for Student Development may issue an interim suspension of privileges for the following reasons: a. To insure the safety and well-being of members of the College community or to preserve College property; b. To insure a student’s own safety or well being; or c. If a student poses a threat of disruption or interference with the normal operations of the College. 3. During the interim suspension, a student may be denied access to College activities, facilities and/or classes or other privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible, as the Vice President for Student Development may determine to be appropriate. 4. The decision to alter or suspend privileges for an interim period shall be communicated by the Vice President for Student Development in writing to the Respondent and shall be effective immediately. Notification shall either be hand-delivered or sent by certified mail. Failure or refusal to take receipt of notification shall not negate or postpone said action. The appropriate College officials shall be notified of the interim suspension including those directly involved in the pending complaint. 5. The interim suspension or altered privileges shall remain in effect until a final decision has been made regarding pending complaints or until the Vice President for Student Development determines that the reason for imposing the interim suspension of privileges no longer exists. Absent exigent circumstances, or unless otherwise agreed to by both parties, an expedited hearing shall take place within 10 business days of notification of the interim suspension. SECTION B: Other Sanctions 1. The following sanctions may be imposed individually or in combination for any violation(s) of the Code of Conduct: a. Warning – A written notice to the student, identifying the nature of the Code of Conduct violation(s). The warning shall be placed in the student’s official record. b. Loss of privileges – Revocation of specified privileges for a specified time period (e.g. use of College facilities, co-curricular activities, work study). c. Restitution – Compensation for loss, damage or injury. Restitution may be monetary, an appropriate form of service, or the replacement of specific materials, as dictated by the situation. d. Educational Project – Completion of a project specifically designed to help the student understand why the Code of Conduct violation was inappropriate. e. Probation – A written reprimand for violation of a specified item in the Code of Conduct. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions if the student is found responsible for violating the Code of Conduct during the probationary period. f. Suspension – Separation from the College for a specified period of time, after which the student is eligible to return or the organization may resume its activities. g. Expulsion – Permanent separation from the College. 2. The proper College authorities shall be notified of any sanction imposed. 3. Disciplinary sanctions shall be recorded in the student’s confidential file maintained in the Office of Student Development. 4. The following sanctions may be imposed upon student clubs or organizations: a. Those sanctions listed above in section B 1, a-f. b. Deactivation – Loss of recognition for a specified period of time. ARTIC