General Policies & Procedures

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Student Disciplinary Procedures

General Statement

Student disciplinary procedures are applicable to any student or student organization that is charged with a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. These procedures are designed to allow for fact-finding and decision-making in the context of an educational community, and to encourage students to accept responsibility for their own actions. The intent is to provide adequate procedural safeguards to protect the rights of the individual student and the legitimate interests of the College. All student records generated during the information gathering/decision-making process associated with these procedures are subject to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Additionally, all procedures are subject to applicable laws and regulations, and the April 24, 2011, “Dear Colleague Letter” guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. 

Student Code of Conduct

As a community of scholars, South Louisiana Community College is committed to providing an environment that values academic excellence, personal integrity, justice, equity, and diversity in an orderly and peaceful environment. Such an environment is essential for fostering the intellectual growth and personal development of all students. All members of the College Community share responsibility for maintaining conditions which support the College’s mission.

The community supports each member’s right to study and work in a quiet, respectful, non-violent atmosphere that is conducive to the pursuit and acquisition of knowledge. Students who voluntarily join this College Community assume the obligation of abiding by the standards commonly held by that community. Every student at South Louisiana Community College is therefore obligated to assume responsibility for his/her actions, to respect constituted authority, to be truthful, and to respect the rights of others, as well as to protect personal and public property.

The goal of the disciplinary system is to educate and discipline the individual as well as to protect the integrity and security of the South Louisiana College Community and its mission by serving as a deterrent.

The College discipline system recognizes that not all violations of local, State, and Federal law affect the interests of the College Community and the discipline system accepts jurisdiction in those instances where the College Community’s interest is substantially affected, regardless of whether the conduct in question occurs on or off campus. The rules governing conduct may come under the jurisdiction of the legal system, but are typically and necessarily broader in coverage than statutes and ordinances.

South Louisiana Community College’s disciplinary system is not intended to be adversarial in nature and is substantially less formal than a court of law. The majority of cases, in which severe sanctions are not likely to be considered, can and should be handled informally. The objective of a system of student discipline is to promote responsible citizenship in a complex organizational or social setting.

The College has identified certain types of misconduct as subject to disciplinary sanctions.  These types include, but are not limited to:

• All forms of student academic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, and plagiarism.  The administration of this section of the Code is addressed in the College’s Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures.
• Endangering, threatening, or causing physical harm to any member of the College Community or to oneself, causing reasonable apprehension of such harm or engaging in conduct or communications that a reasonable person would interpret as a serious expression of intent to harm.
• Violating the terms of any disciplinary sanction imposed for an earlier violation of the Student Code of Conduct or other College rules.
• Violation of, or attempt to violate, other rules that may be adopted by the College.
• Impersonation of another, using another person’s identity or furnishing materially false information, including manufacturing or possession of false identification.
• Initiating, causing, or contributing to any false report, warning, or threat of fire, explosion, or other emergency.
• Failure to comply with the directions of College officials or agents, including law enforcement or security officers, acting in the good faith performance of their duties. This section is not intended to prohibit the lawful assertion of an individual’s Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
• Forgery, falsification, fabrication, unauthorized alteration, or misuse of College documents, records, or identification, including, but not limited to, electronic software and records.
• Unauthorized presence in or unauthorized use of College property, resources, or facilities.
• Unauthorized access to, disclosure of, or use of any College document, record, or identification, including but not limited to electronic software, data, and records.
• Interfering with or disrupting College or College-sponsored activities, including but not limited to classroom-related activities, studying, teaching, research, intellectual or creative endeavor, administration, service or the provision of communication, computing or emergency services.
• Misrepresenting oneself or an organization as an agent of the College.
• Possession of property the student knows or has reason to believe may be stolen or misappropriated.
• Misuse, theft, misappropriation, destruction, damage, or unauthorized use, access, or reproduction of property, data, records, equipment or services belonging to the College or belonging to another person or entity.
• Violation of College rules or applicable laws governing alcohol, including consumption, distribution, unauthorized sale, or possession of alcoholic beverages.
• Unauthorized use, sale, possession, or distribution of any controlled substance or illegal drug or possession of drug paraphernalia that would violate the law.
• Off-campus conduct that a reasonable person would believe may present a risk or danger to the health, safety or security of the College Community or to the safety or security of College property.
• Gambling as prohibited by applicable law or College policy.
• Engaging in, supporting, promoting, or sponsoring hazing; where hazing is defined as an act which endangers the health or safety of a student or which destroys or removes public or private property for the purposes of initiation, admission to, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.
• Engaging repeated or significant behavior toward another individual, whether in person, in writing, or through electronic means, after having been asked to stop, or doing so to such a degree that a reasonable person, subject to such contact, would regard the contact as unwanted.
• Engaging in discriminatory activities, including harassment and retaliation, as prohibited by applicable law or College policy.
• Interfering with any College disciplinary process, including but not limited to tampering with physical evidence or inducing a witness to provide false information or to withhold information.
• Sexual misconduct, including: sexual violence and other non-consensual sexual contact -actual or attempted physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person by force and without consent or where a person is incapable of giving consent due to circumstances including, but not limited to 1) use of drugs or alcohol, 2) intellectual or other disability, or 3) age;  sexual harassment - unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that is sufficiently severe or pervasive as to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; or other sexual misconduct including but not limited to indecent exposure, sexual exploitation or voyeurism, or non-consensual photographing or audio-recording or video-recording or another in a state of full or partial undress or while engaged in sexual activity, or publishing or disseminating such materials.
• Use, possession, display, or storage of any weapon, dangerous instrument, explosive material or device, fireworks, bomb-making materials or dangerous chemical on College property, at a College-sponsored activity or in violation of law or College policy.
• Photographing, videotaping, filming, digitally recording, or by any other means secretly viewing, with or without a device, another person without that person’s consent in any location where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, or in a manner that violates a reasonable expectation of privacy. This section does not apply to lawful security or surveillance filming or recording that is authorized by law enforcement or authorized College officials.
• Commission of any offense prohibited by Louisiana or federal law or local ordinance.

Any attempt to commit or conceal an act of misconduct prohibited by these rules is subject to sanctions to the same extent as completed acts.

Disciplinary Process

Incident Reporting

Possible violations of the Student Code of Conduct, College rules, policies, or regulations are to be reported to the Vice Chancellor for Student Services’ office. The incident reporting form is located in on the Student Life webpage.  The report must be made in writing and submitted within five days of the incident and should include the following information:

• Date, time, and location of the incident
• Nature and description of the incident
• List of the individual(s) involved
• List of witnesses
• Name and signature of the individual filing the report and the date of submission

Administrative Conference

It is intended that a majority violation will be disposed of administratively, with informal resolution, by mutual consent of the parties involved through a conference with the Vice Chancellor for Student Services or designee. At the completion of the administrative conference, the Vice Chancellor for Student Services or designee is responsible for accurate and confidential record keeping of notes from the administrative conference, subsequent conduct violation findings, and sanctions.

If the student admits to the violation, the Vice Chancellor for Student Services or his/her designee will assign an appropriate sanction according to the severity of the violation. If the student is believed to have committed a violation but denies responsibility, the case will immediately be moved to a Judicial Board Hearing.

In situations where the allegations are significant in nature, at the discretion of the Judicial Officer and Dean of Students, the case may also be moved immediately to the Judicial Board Hearing level without Administrative Conference.

Judicial Board Hearing

A Judicial Board Hearing is an internal review of the alleged violation(s) of the Student Code of Conduct, College rules, policies, or regulations. The purpose of the hearing is to determine if a violation(s) occurred.  These hearings may be held whether or not the accused and/or the complainant attend.

At the completion of the Judicial Hearing, the Director of Student Engagement (Judicial Hearing Board Officer) is responsible for accurate and confidential record keeping of notes from the judicial hearing, subsequent conduct violation findings, and sanctions.

The process begins with a meeting between the accused and the Director of Student Engagement who will serve as the Hearing Chair or designee. This meeting provides the opportunity for the Hearing Chair or designee to aid the student with understanding the judicial process and the student’s rights and responsibilities. The Hearing Chair or designee will present all charges, in written form, to the accused student and establish a date, time, and location for the hearing, not less than five or more than fifteen business days after the meeting. The accused student and the complainant will have two business days following the meeting to submit, in writing, the names of any witnesses to the Hearing Chair or designee for approval.  It is the responsibility of the participants to notify approved witnesses of the date, time, and location of the hearing.

Members of the Judicial Hearing Board serve as advisory to and are selected by the Director of Student Engagement and are responsible for determining whether or not a violation(s) occurred.  The Board will consist of five members: two faculty members, one non-faculty employee, and two students.  One alternate member from each group will also be appointed.  A minimum of one faculty member, one non-faculty employee, and one student must be present to conduct a hearing.

The Hearing Chair or designee will preside over the hearing and will serve as a resource to the Board during the deliberation process. The Hearing Chair is also responsible for reviewing the case with the Board, directing the proceedings, making certain that only relevant information is reviewed, and ensuring that both the accused student and the complainant are given ample opportunity to present the facts of the possible violation in their own words to the Judicial Hearing Board.

Judicial Board Hearings will be conducted according to the following guidelines:

• All hearing proceedings will be conducted in private and held in strict confidence.
• There shall be a single verbatim record of the hearing, such as an audio recording, which will be the property of the College.
• All procedural questions related to the hearing will be decided by the Hearing Officer.
• Admission of persons to the hearing and the admission of evidence, including pertinent records, statements, and exhibits, will be at the discretion of the Hearing Officer.
• In cases dealing with sexual assault, cases must be immediately forwarded to the Title IX Coordinator
• Both the accused and the complainant have the right to be assisted at the hearing by an advisor of their choice.  Any expense related to having an advisor present is the responsibility of the hiring party.  Those involved in the hearing are required to present their own cases and advisors, if any, are not permitted to speak or otherwise participate directly during the hearing proceedings.
• Both parties and the Judicial Board have the privilege of presenting witnesses during the hearing proceedings and to make cross-examination inquiries.
• Except in the case of a student charged with failing to obey the summons of the Judicial Hearing Board or College official, no student may be found to have violated the Student Code of Conduct solely because of their absence from a hearing.
• The Judicial Hearing Board will deliberate at the conclusion of the hearing to determine, on a section by section basis, whether or not a violation(s) of the Student Code of Conduct occurred. The determination will be made based on whether or not a preponderance of evidence exists to indicate that the Code was violated.
• The Judicial Hearing Board will forward a written report of their determination or wrongdoing and sanctions within five business days following the close of the hearing to the Vice Chancellor for Student Services or designee. The Vice Chancellor for Student Services or designee will contact the student to schedule a meeting to administer sanctions for any student conduct violations found by the Judicial Hearing Board.

Sanctions

One or more disciplinary sanctions may be imposed on a student following an Administrative Conference or Judicial Board Hearing. The Vice Chancellor for Student Services or designee is responsible for determining and imposing the appropriate sanction(s) in all cases.

The following sanctions may be imposed upon students:

• Warning - an official warning that the student’s behavior is in violation of the South Louisiana Community College Student Code of Conduct.  If a student is found guilty of a Code violation while on warning, sanction(s) resulting from the subsequent violation may be more severe.

• Probation - restrictive conditions may be imposed for a specified length of time which varies according to the severity of the offense. These conditions may include, but may not be limited to the following: loss of good standing, which may become a matter of record; ineligibility to receive any College award, scholarship, loan, honorary recognition, or initiation into any local or national organizations, and denial of the privilege to occupy a position of leadership or responsibility in any College student organization, publication, or activity, or ability to represent the College in an official capacity or position. While on probation, the student may continue to attend classes and will be given the opportunity to show capability and willingness to behave in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. If a student is found guilty of a Code violation while on probation, sanction(s) resulting from the subsequent violation may be more severe.  Any educational sanctions assigned with probation must be completed prior to the conclusion of the probation; otherwise, the probation will remain in effect.

• Suspension - a suspension may be imposed for a specified length of time which varies according to the severity of the offense.  During a period of suspension, a student may not attend classes or participate in College-related activities, whether they occur on or off campus. A student on suspension may not otherwise be present on College premises unless authorized in writing in advance under conditions approved by the Vice Chancellor for Student Services. Any educational sanctions assigned with a suspension must be completed prior to the conclusion of the suspension; otherwise, the suspension will remain in effect.

• Dismissal - a dismissal is a permanent separation of the student from the College without the opportunity for the student to graduate or re-enroll in the future.

• Educational Sanctions - in conjunction with the sanctions listed above, a student may be assigned educational sanction(s).  These may include but are not limited to, College service, community service, reflective or research papers, classes or seminars.

• Restitution - may be required as compensation for damage, loss, or injury.  Forms of restitution may include appropriate service, monetary compensation, material replacement, or a combination of forms.

The following sanctions may be imposed upon student groups or organizations:

• Warning
• Probation
• Deactivation - the deactivation of a student group or organization includes a loss of all privileges, including College recognition, for a specified period of time.
• Educational Sanctions
• Restitution

Interim Suspensions

• In the majority of situations, students involved in the disciplinary process will remain as active participants (able to attend classes, participate in activities, etc.) in the College Community pending the determination of an appropriate sanction.

• In certain circumstances, the Vice Chancellor for Student Services or designee may impose an interim suspension on a student prior to a Judicial Board Hearing.  Interim suspensions may be imposed to ensure the safety and well-being of the student or the College Community or the preservation of College property.  Interim suspensions may also be imposed in cases where a student poses a threat of interference or disruption with normal College operations.

• During a period of interim suspension, a student may not attend classes or participate in College-related activities, whether they occur on or off campus. A student on interim suspension may not otherwise be present on College premises unless authorized in writing in advance under conditions approved by the Vice Chancellor for Student Services or designee.

Appeals

1st Level Appeal 

A student who wishes to request a review of the determination of the Administrative Conference or Judicial Hearing may do so by submitting a written request to the Dean of Student Services. Such requests must be made within fifteen calendar days of a hearing or sanction assignment. Determinations or sanctions are considered to be final after the fifteen-day period.

Requests for an appeal hearing make the Dean of Students Services aware of irregularities or illegalities in the hearing proceedings or of significant new evidence that could not have been provided to the Judicial Hearing Board for consideration prior to their determination.  

Requests shall be based on one or more of the following grounds:

• Irregularities in the proceedings, including but not limited to any abuse of discretion or misconduct by the Judicial Hearing Board, or by the Hearing Officer, which has deprived the student of a fair and impartial disciplinary process.
• Newly discovered material evidence which could not have been presented during the fact-finding or hearing process.
• Excessive severity of the sanction.
• The decision is not reasonably justified by the evidence or is contrary to law.

Following receipt of the student’s request for review, the Dean of Students will first determine whether the student’s request sets forth proper grounds for review or rehearing and will then initiate any review deemed necessary to resolve the issues that have been raised.  Based on the results of the review, the Dean of Students may uphold or modify the previous decision. 

2nd Level Appeal 

The decision of the Dean of Student Services,is considered to be final in all cases except those involving dismissal. A student dismissed or suspended from college-related activities may appeal to the Vice Chancellor for Student Services by submitting a written request for consideration within fifteen calendar days.

3rdLevel Appeal 

Students who wish to appeal a determination or suspension or dismissal sanction beyond the college may do so by submitting a written request for appeal to the Board of Supervisors of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System.  Requests for appeal to the LCTCS Board must be made within thirty calendar days of the date of the decision made at the College. 

Disciplinary Records

• Records of student disciplinary proceedings and actions will be confidentially maintained in accordance with the College’s document retention policies, for a period of not less than five years. Disciplinary records may be retained for a longer period, or permanently, at the discretion of the Vice Chancellor for Student Services
• Upon graduation, students may apply to have disciplinary records, other than those involving dismissal, removed by submitting a written request to the Vice Chancellor for Student Services or designee.

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Services

Lafayette Campus, Ardoin Building

1101 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA 70506

Phone: 337.521.8957 / Fax: 337.521.8992

Confidentiality

The student disciplinary process is designed to be confidential. No discussion or disclosure of the specifics of any case with any individual within or outside of the College Community will occur unless such discussion or disclosure is deemed necessary in the determination of guilt or appropriate sanction by the Vice Chancellor for Student Services, or unless such an action is specifically imposed as part of the sanction for a violation.

Interpretation and Revision

• Questions regarding the Student Code of Conduct and disciplinary procedures are to be directed to the Director of Student Engagement, Campus Directors, and Vice Chancellor for Student Services who is responsible for issuing interpretations as necessary.

• The Student Code of Conduct and disciplinary procedures will be reviewed periodically by the Student Conduct Review Committee. The Student Conduct Review Committee is comprised of the (2) Faculty Members, (2) Staff Members, (2) Student Leaders, and (1) Non-Student Leader, Director of Student Engagement, Ex. Officio

Student Rights and Responsibilities

South Louisiana Community College is a learning community designed to foster collaboration, open communication, mutual respect and inclusiveness among students, faculty and staff as they engage in the education process. As members of this community, all students are entitled to certain rights and privileges, which are protected. In order to protect the rights and privileges of all students, there are guidelines for conduct that are intended to facilitate the desired environment and educational goals of SLCC and its students. It is important that each student become familiar with the rights and responsibilities afforded students enrolled at SLCC.

Student Rights

• The right to participate in self-governing student bodies which provide channels of communication and means for using democratic processes to solve problems.
• The constitutional rights of freedom of expression and assembly.
• The right of freedom to hear and participate in dialogue and to examine diverse ideas.
• The right to a learning environment free from harassment, discrimination, and violence.
• The right to due process in disciplinary procedures in accordance with the rules and procedures prescribed in the Student Code of Conduct.

Student Responsibilities

• The responsibility of assuming the consequences of one’s actions.
• The responsibility for knowledge and observance of established college policies presented in official college publications.
• The responsibility that free discussion represents the scholarly nature of the learning community.
• The responsibility to ensure that no student organization, constitution, nor other organizational documents include discriminatory clauses.
• The responsibility to respect the rights and privacy of others.

Student Grievance Procedure

A student grievance refers to non-academic and non-financial complaints of students against employees of South Louisiana Community College. It does not include grade appeals, academic status appeals, admission appeals, student discipline by the institution, financial aid appeals, refund appeals, and all other matters that are within the jurisdiction of other committees of the institution. 

The procedures contained in this memorandum are to be followed for all complaints and/or grievances, as defined above, which are filed against employees of the College. The College is committed to affording all students, including distance education students, the opportunity for accessibility and due process during the student grievance process. To ensure this, at each step of the process an available distance option will be provided when necessary. Please review the policy for full procedures before completing the Student Grievance Form.

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in all areas of education programs and activities such as admissions, financial aid, housing, facilities, scholastic, intercollegiate, club, and intramural athletics.

Sexual harassment, which includes acts of sexual violence and sexual assault, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. SLCC is committed to ensuring all students feel safe and have the opportunity to benefit fully from education programs and activities.

SLCC has adopted policies and procedures to be in compliance with the federal and state requirements related to the Title IX Act, the VAWA Act, and the SaVE Act. The college has also adopted a Sexual Misconduct Policy.

If the college is notified of sexual harassment or violence, we will:

  Take immediate and appropriate steps to investigate the incident

  Take prompt action to end the harassment and resolve the situation

  Take appropriate steps to prevent recurrence of future incidents

To learn more about Title IX at SLCC or to contact a Title IX representative, Please visit our webpage: http://solacc.edu/students/title-ix-%E2%80%93-know-your-rights

Field Trips

Field trips sponsored by SLCC complement classroom instruction and are considered an important part of the educational process. While the College endorses the field trip concept, it also stresses the importance of students performing all class work in a timely manner. If a student has to miss other classes in order to participate in a field trip, it is the student’s responsibility to make up all work covered during this absence.

“Field trip,” as used in this context, includes all events organized by a staff or faculty member in which South Louisiana Community College students are taken off campus to participate in instructional or cultural activities which are directly related to their course of study.

The appropriate Divisional Dean must approve written requests for field trips at least one week prior to the scheduled event that includes a listing of all participants and complete details of the planned event that support course objectives. Overnight field trips require special approval of the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and this approval must be obtained prior to making arrangements for the trip. Instructors must ensure in this case that both the VCAA approval and Division Dean approval must be secured at least two weeks prior to any anticipated event. Any class considering a field trip that has early college academy (ECA) students enrolled, prior to creating a written request for approval must meet with the Divisional Dean.

Importantly, a student is not allowed to participate in a field trip sponsored by the College unless a signed waiver of liability is submitted to the staff/faculty member conducting the trip. The student submitted forms must be returned to the Divisional Dean to be filed with the approved request. Safety is emphasized at all times during field trips, in going to and from, and while touring the facility visited. Proper instruction must be provided to the class prior to departure.

Identification Cards

All students are required to obtain College identification cards. Students should contact Security and provide a schedule or a student identification number to obtain a Student Identification Card. The issuance of an ID card is a part of the registration process. There is no cost for ID cards, however, fees must be paid in full before the ID card will be issued. ID must be shown when requested by college staff. Identification cards are non-transferable and students who misuse these cards are subject to disciplinary action. If an identification card is lost, it must be reported and replaced.

Student E-mail Addresses

South Louisiana Community College’s official communication method to students is through SLCC e-mail addresses. Students are assigned e-mail addresses once admitted to SLCC. Official communications concerning the student or the student communicating with the college should occur using this e-mail address only. The College reserves the right to not communicate or respond to alternative e-mail addresses. Students are therefore encouraged, and reminded, it is their responsibility to check their SLCC e-mail account daily for announcements, communications or advice during emergencies.

Students who have questions regarding SLCC e-mail may contact the IT Helpdesk at itsupport@solacc.edu

Information Technology

South Louisiana Community College expects all individuals to use information and information technology responsibly

South Louisiana Community College provides computer services for students. SLCC computer use is governed by the SLCC Computer Usage Policies. SLCC Computer Usage Policies apply to everyone who has an account through the college. Students may access and submit a request for new accounts by contacting the SLCC Helpdesk. Students are expected to be professional and ethical and demonstrate good judgment when using SLCC technological resources.

Equipment/Services

Equipment/Services are the property of the state of Louisiana and are to be used for legitimate college purposes only. Equipment and services include and is not limited to all computer hardware (CPU’s; monitors; keyboards; mice; printers. Routers; wireless access points), Internet/Intranet services, e-mail, and other online services.

Content

No obscenities, vulgarities, materials with sexual content; racial, age, disability, ethnic, or gender-oriented communications; or defamatory and/or derogatory information are to be transmitted, received, printed, or stored. A recipient of improper (discriminating, harassing, obscene, defamatory, or derogatory) communications should immediately lodge a complaint with the Vice Chancellor of Student Services as a matter of student misconduct.

Privacy and Security

Access to SLCC information and information technology is granted to an individual and may not be transferred to another individual. All forms of recorded information, whether it be electronic, oral, visual and regardless of the media shall be safeguarded. SLCC expects individuals to use information technology in a manner consistent with maintaining professionalism and respect in regards to the work and study in all its forms.

All users must ensure the privacy of any and all information. This is especially important in the case of any personal information. SLCC has the right to view personal files and to remove personal file found in violation of this policy.

E-mail

Student use of the internet/intranet, e-mail, or other online communications and the materials stored on any SLCC computer, including computer hard drives and other media, is not private. The policy extends to anything created, received, printed, or sent. All materials stored on SLCC computers, on any media and stored electronic documents, such as e-mail transmissions, are subject to review, for cause, at any time by IT supervisory personnel.

Abuses

Information Technology’s network personnel track usage and periodically review equipment for patterns of abuse. Any discrepancies are brought to the attention of the Dean of the appropriate Division. Abuses include all use of Intranet access, email, or other online services that are unrelated to legitimate college purposes. Access to chat sites and adult sites that offer access to sexual/pornographic materials, hate information, or racially or ethnically offensive materials is strictly prohibited.

Copyrighted/Patented Materials

Certain online information is copyrighted or patented, including texts, pictures, videos, and sounds. Students are not allowed to duplicate or download any software or materials that are copyrighted, patented, or identified as intellectual property. This policy is used in conjunction with all other policies related to the use of computer equipment, software, and computer-related services.

Enforcement and Penalties for Violation

Any student, who violates any provision of this policy or other related SLCC policies, or applicable city, state, or federal laws or regulations, can face sanctions or expulsion from SLCC, depending on the severity of the offense.

Access

SLCC provides no guarantees for availability and may discontinue services at any time. Student accounts and drives are purged after each semester. By accessing SLCC resources you agree to the terms of this Policy and that the SLCC, its staff, and officers shall not be liable for any damages or costs of any type arising out of or in any way connected with your use of this service. All security issues should be immediately reported to the Information Technology Director.

Modifications

SLCC reserves the right to review and change the policy regarding the use of IT services at any time and to notify the user by posting an updated version of the agreement to the SLCC website. The student is responsible for regularly reviewing SLCC policies. Continued use of the Service after any such changes shall constitute consent to such changes. Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved.

FERPA-Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 is a federal law which states (A) that a written institutional policy must be established and (B) that a statement of adopted procedures covering the privacy rights of students be made available. The law provides that the institution will maintain the confidentiality of student education records. In accordance with the above act, students enrolled at SLCC are hereby notified of their rights of access to their official records as described in the act.

A student desiring access to his/her education records shall make a request in writing to the appropriate office: permanent academic records or admission records, would make the request to the Registrar; personnel records and financial records, would make the request to the Vice Chancellor of Administration/Finance; other academic records, would make the request to the Dean of Instruction.

Anyone is permitted access to a student’s education records with prior written consent from the student. Parents are permitted access without written consent only if that student is a dependent.

Under the provision of the act, certain information concerning the student is designated as directory information and may be released by the College unless the student has informed the College that such information should not be released. Directory information includes: the student’s name, address(es), telephone number(s), date and place of birth, dates of enrollment, college or school, classification, major degree(s) earned, academic awards and honors, participation in officially recognized activities, and the most recently attended education agency or school. Any person who wishes any or all of the listed information not released must complete the appropriate form each semester in the Office of the Registrar prior to the end of the first week of classes.

The college may release personally identifiable information from the education records of a student to appropriate parties in connection with an emergency if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health and safety of the student or other individuals.

If further information is desired, contact the Office of the Registrar. South Louisiana Community College has designated the following as directory information:

• Name
• Address
• Students College E-mail address
• Telephone Numbers
• Academic awards and honors received
• Dates of attendance
• Enrollment Status
• Major or department
• Classification
• Degree(s) earned
• Participation in officially recognized activities

Drug-Free Campus Policy

South Louisiana Community College is committed to maintaining a drug-free facility for all students and employees. SLCC complies with all federal and state laws which prohibit the abuse of drugs, including alcohol, on campus or at any activity sanctioned by the college. It is unlawful to possess, use, or distribute illicit drugs on SLCC’s property or at any college-sponsored event whether or not the event is conducted on campus. SLCC is a drug and alcohol-free zone under Louisiana Law and will not shield any student, employee, or visitor from action by civil authorities. The Office of Student Services provides counseling, referral services, and other assistance to students, faculty, and staff who seek help with substance abuse problems.

Weapons Free Campus

South Louisiana Community College prohibits unauthorized possession of weapons as defined by state law and College policy. Any student found in violation of this policy will be suspended, expelled, or barred from the College, in addition to any and all other applicable penalties.

Campus Safety and Security

SLCC’s Safety and Security Department is charged with the responsibility for on-campus security, safety, law enforcement, emergency services, traffic, and parking. SLCC secures its property and the safety of its students and personnel through security guards provided through the private sector. The SLCC Safety and Security Department will investigate all criminal activity and incidents committed on SLCC property. In addition, SLCC has a full-time commissioned safety officer. The department is located in the Devalcourt Building at the Lafayette Campus, or in the main office at each corresponding SLCC campus. All offices operate on a schedule that encompasses college operating hours. If assistance is needed, please contact the office at (337) 521.8914. Officials from area law enforcement agencies are also available for assistance on a 24-hour basis.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act

The SLCC Department of Public Safety complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics. This Act requires colleges/universities across the United States to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. SLCC posts campus crime statistics in general public areas. Students, employees, and others can obtain a copy of the campus crime statistics by contacting the SLCC Office of Public Safety in Room 140 of the Lafayette campus at 320 Devalcourt, or by visiting http://ope.ed.gov/security/ Enter “South Louisiana Community College” to receive a listing of all campuses.

Parking

South Louisiana Community College has the responsibility of regulating vehicular traffic on all of its campuses and sites. The College also is responsible for ensuring that all motor vehicles and bicycles used on campus follow college guidelines for orderly and safe operation.

Starting fall 2018, everyone who parks on campus, including visitors, must register each vehicle with the Office of Safety and Security.  All vehicles parked on any SLCC campus/site, at any time, must be properly registered and display a valid parking tag/decal/permit.  

Parking lots will be identified and Student and Faculty/Staff will have assigned parking.

Anyone operating a vehicle outside of College guidelines will be issued a warning or citation by campus security. Warnings/Citations will be issued to those who:

• Park in handicapped parking spaces without the proper credentials
• Park in areas that are signed for specific needs (e.g. visitor parking, parking with cones in place)
• Do not follow the basic rules of parking- such as no parking in driveways, grass areas, or near the loading dock.

Smoke-free Buildings, Campuses, and Facilities

In accordance with Louisiana No. 211 of the 2013 regular session, SLCC seeks to provide a safe, healthy, pleasant environment for its faculty, staff students, and visitors. To this end, SLCC maintains by policy and practice, a tobacco and tobacco product free environment. The college will classify electronic delivery devices (ex. E-cigarettes, vape pens, vaporizers, mechanical mods, etc.) in the same manner as traditional tobacco products. Signage is present throughout SLCC facilities clearly indicating that all buildings and outdoor areas are smoking free. Use of tobacco and all tobacco products is prohibited in all indoor facilities and outdoor areas and within all state-owned vehicles. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on campus and this policy extends to all faculty, staff, students guests and visitors to SLCC.

Lost and Found

SLCC’s Campus Security coordinates Lost & Found. Lost & Found items can be turned in or picked up at corresponding SLCC Campus Security offices, or contact the appropriate Campus Coordinator in the main office at each of the College sites.

Children on Campus

The College seeks to provide an environment that is conducive to study and work. Parents who bring children on campus must recognize this and ensure that there is no disruption to others caused by children. Students may bring children on campus if they are under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian at all times. A child should not be allowed to attend class but may be provided an exception with the permission of the instructor.

The College has health and safety obligations to staff, students, and visitors. Children cannot be allowed in areas, such as labs or workshop areas, where there may be unreasonable health and safety risks. Therefore, children’s access to some areas will be restricted for safety reasons.

The College reserves the right to direct that a child is removed from campus where the presence of the child is causing an unacceptable health and/or safety risk.