Student Handbook

Del Mar College Student Rights and Responsibilities

Serving the Coastal Bend for 75 years

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Del Mar College Student Rights and Responsibilities

Dear Students, Welcome to Del Mar College’s Student Rights and Responsibilities. This publication was created to empower you with information on Del Mar College and on your rights and responsibilities as a Del Mar College student.

Del Mar College is composed of individuals interacting with others for the mutual benefit of all, thereby developing a culture with standards of conduct and distinguishable aims. The College is a system based on the concept of freedom of choice that creates the educational and cultural conditions for the full development of students and members of the community.

It is the right of students attending Del Mar College to retain their individualism, personal freedom, autonomy and dignity, while respecting, at the same time, the rights of others. Students attending the College should be provided with the opportunity to learn, to develop to their fullest potential and to grow to new understanding. All students are individuals and display different abilities, skills, interests, appreciations, attitudes, beliefs and values.

As a Del Mar College student, you have a responsibility to yourself and to your fellow students to the law of the land and policies of the College in which, by your own choice, you enroll.

Please take the time to become familiar with the various policies and procedures outlined here and on the Del Mar College Manual of Policies and Procedures on our Web site (www.delmar.edu/policymanual).

Thank you, Sandra Valerio Interim Dean of Student Engagement and Retention

Table of Contents Standards of Student Conduct................................ 2

Student Rights..............................................................................................2 Student Obligations and Responsibilities......................................................2 Suspension or dismissal from the College......................................................4

Student Complaint Policy ..................................... 5 Discrimination & Harassment Complaint Policy for Students............................................... 7 Drugs & Alcohol Policy.......................................... 7

Applicability and Scope................................................................................8

Smoking Policy....................................................... 8

Del Mar College Student Rights and Responsibilities

Prohibition of Possession of Weapons.................... 9 Computer & Network Resources Use Policy........... 9

Web site Administration.............................................................................11

Parking Policy....................................................... 11 Safety.................................................................... 11

Campus Security.........................................................................................11 Reports.......................................................................................................11 Services . ....................................................................................................11 Telephone Numbers....................................................................................11 Emergency and Assistance Call Boxes.........................................................12 Crime Statistics...........................................................................................12

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Student Rights, Responsibilities, Safety The policies can be found in the Del Mar College Web site (www.delmar. edu/policymanual) and are also available from the Office of the Dean of Student Engagement & Retention, Harvin Student Center, Room 204.

Standards of Student Conduct [Chapter 7 – Policy #B7.13] B7.13 Standards of Student Conduct Policy: Revised September 28, 2010 This policy is applicable to all students enrolled in Del Mar College to ensure that all practices and actions of the College are applied to students in an equal and nondiscriminatory manner.

B7.13.1 Student Rights: B7.13.1.1 The right to exercise the privileges of an American citizen in a college setting.

B7.13.1.2 The right to inquire about and to recommend improvements in policies, regulations, and procedures affecting the welfare of the students.

Students may contact the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention for guidance on the processes available to recommend improvement in policies or in exercising their rights.

B7.13.1.3 The right to notice of the charges and evidence against the student, the right to counsel, and to a fair hearing when a finding of misconduct is made and a disciplinary action for misconduct, as defined by B7.13.5 and A7.13.9, is proposed for the student as an individual or as a group member.

B7.13.2 Student Obligations and Responsibilities: B7.13.2.1 The obligation to be fully acquainted with published rules, regulations, and policies of the College and to comply with them in the interest of maintaining an orderly and productive College community. A copy of the published rules, regulations and policies may be found in the College catalog, Student Handbook, the College’s website: www.delmar.edu/policymanual or in the Office of the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention.

B7.13.2.2 The obligation to respect the rights and property of others.

B7.13.3 Non-Scholastic Student Misconduct: The following are types of non-scholastic student misconduct which, if established, will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

B7.13.3.1 Knowingly furnishing false information to the College or filing or making known false charges against the College and/or a member of its faculty or staff.

B7.13.3.2 Destruction, damage, unauthorized possession, or misuse of College property, including Library and laboratory materials and equipment, or of private property on the campus.

B7.13.3.3 Forgery, alteration, unauthorized possession, or misuse of College documents, records, or identification cards.

B7.13.3.4 Physical or verbal abuse of another person in the College community. Any verbal threat or abuse or physical action against any College employee and/or student, where there is imminent danger that the continued presence of the student on College premises poses a substantial threat to themselves, to others, or disrupts the stability and continuance of normal College operations, is considered sufficient grounds for interim suspension from the College, pending a disciplinary review and student-initiated appeal in the case where a finding of misconduct is made.

B7.13.3.5 Participation in hazing in contravention of the Texas Education Codes, Sections 4.51 to 1.58, inclusive.

B7.13.3.6 Use, distribution, or possession of “alcoholic beverages”1), “dangerous drugs”2), or “controlled substances”3), while on College property or at any authorized activity sponsored by or for any College-related organization, whether on or off campus.

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1) As defined in Section 1.04(1) of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code.

2) As defined in Article 4476-14, Vernon’s Texas Civil Statutes.

3) As defined in Article 4~76-15 (Texas Controlled Substances Act) Vernon’s Texas Civil Statutes or in 21 U.S. Code Section 801 et seq.

B7.13.3.7 Disorderly conduct which inhibits or interferes with the educational responsibility of the College community or which disrupts the administrative or service functions of the College to include social-educational activities.

B7.13.3.8 Actions which violate State and federal law or city or county ordinances.

B7.13.3.9 Malfeasance or misuse of elected or appointed office in a student organization, or endangering its members, or the welfare of the College community.

B7.13.3.10 Incorrigible or persistently irresponsible behavior.

B7.13.3.11 Gambling on campus or on College property.

B7.13.3.12 Possession of any “weapon”4) on campus or on College property or at any activity sponsored by the College or in any vehicle owned by the College, unless duly authorized by law or approved for instruction in specialized programs (see Board Policy B3.13).

4) “Weapon” is defined to include any firearm, handgun (whether or not licensed under TRCS art. 4413 (29ee)), illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon as defined or listed in Sections 46.01 and 46.05 (a) of the Texas Penal Code.

B7.13.3.13 Conduct which disrupts teaching with detrimental effects upon other students.

B7.13.3.14 Any disruption of on-going educational activities of the College which warrants disciplinary action.

B7.13.3.15 Harassment, including sexual harassment, or other discriminatory treatment of a College employee or student, or retaliation against a College employee or student for complaining of discrimination or harassment, or for cooperating in an investigation of alleged harassment or discrimination as described in B7.19.

B7.13.4 Non-Scholastic Misconduct Disciplinary Actions: In response to non-scholastic student misconduct defined in B7.13.3, any one or more of the following disciplinary actions may be proposed and imposed by the College after notice and opportunity for a student-initiated appeal and hearing: B7.13.4.1 Admonition and warning.

B7.13.4.2 Loss of privileges. a. Removal from elective or appointive office. b. Loss of such other privileges which may be consistent with the offense committed and the rehabilitation of the student.

B7.13.4.3 Disciplinary probation with or without loss of designated privileges for a specified period of time. The violation of the terms of disciplinary probation or the infraction of any College rule during the disciplinary action will result in automatic suspension.

B7.13.4.4 Suspension from the College for a definite period of time.

B7.13.4.5 Expulsion from the College.

A7.13.5 Non-Scholastic, Student Misconduct Review Procedure: Complaints or information regarding a student’s violation of B7.13.3 should be submitted to the Director of Student Leadership/Campus Life. When the Director of Student Leadership/Campus Life receives information or a complaint that a student has allegedly engaged in non-scholastic misconduct, as defined by B7.13.3, a review of the allegations will be conducted by the Director of Student Leadership/Campus Life.

Del Mar College Student Rights and Responsibilities

A7.13.5.1 Within ten (10) business days of receiving information or a complaint that a student has allegedly engaged in non-academic misconduct as defined by B7.13.3, the Director of Student Leadership/Campus Life will conduct and complete a review of the allegations.

A7.13.5.2 In conducting a review pursuant to A7.13.5, the Director of Student Leadership/Campus Life will meet with the student alleged to have engaged in the misconduct, giving the student an opportunity to present his/ her side of the situation.

A7.13.5.3 Within three (3) business days after completion of the review, the Director of Student Leadership/Campus Life may dismiss the allegation(s) as unfounded, or proceed administratively and make a preliminary finding that the allegations are supported. The Director of Student Leadership/Campus Life may propose a disciplinary sanction, as set forth in B7.13.4, where the Director of Student Leadership/Campus Life finds that the allegations are supported.

Any findings, dismissals and, or recommendations for disciplinary action will be presented in writing to the student, with a copy to the dean.

A7.13.5.4 A student may appeal a preliminary finding of misconduct and proposed disciplinary action, prior to the imposition of any proposed disciplinary action, as provided by A7.13.6 .

A7.13.6 Hearing Procedure for Student Disciplinary Actions Involving Non-Scholastic Misconduct: In those cases where a preliminary finding of non-scholastic misconduct is made and disciplinary action is proposed against a student, as defined by B7.13.4, the student will be entitled to appeal the finding and proposed disciplinary action, as provided herein, before the imposition of any such proposed disciplinary action.

A7.13.6.1 Within five calendar (5) days of receiving such notice of findings and proposed disciplinary action from the Director of Student Leadership/ Campus Life, the student may appeal the findings and proposed disciplinary action, in writing, to the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention, to take place within ten (10) business days of the student’s notice of appeal.

A7.13.6.2 Upon receipt of the student’s notice of appeal, the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention will give prompt notice to the student and the Director of Student Leadership/Campus Life that a hearing has been scheduled.

Seven (7) business days prior to the scheduled hearing, the Director of Student Leadership/Campus Life shall forward to the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention, the complete record of the matter, including the investigative file, findings, and recommendations. Such record may be considered by the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention in reaching a decision.

A7.13.6.3 The Dean of Student Engagement and Retention shall review the case and conduct such hearing utilizing the following procedural framework: A7.13.6.3.1 The student shall be given prompt notice of the hearing date. The hearing shall be held within ten (10) business days of the student’s notice of appeal to the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention, unless the parties mutually agree to a delay.

A7.13.6.3.2 Five (5) business days prior to the date on which the hearing will be held, the Director of Student Leadership/Campus Life and the student shall meet to exchange documents to be utilized during the hearing and exchange the names of any witnesses who may be relied upon, including a written general statement of the nature of the testimony of each witness.

A7.13.6.3.3 The hearing shall be conducted privately unless the student requests that it be open. If the hearing is conducted privately, only the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention, the student, the Director of Student Leadership/Campus Life, and their representatives and witnesses may be present. Witnesses may be excluded from the hearing until it is their turn to present evidence. The student and the Director of Student Leadership/Campus Life may each be represented by a person designated in writing to act for them.

Notice, at least two (2) days in advance of the hearing, shall be given by each party intending to be represented, including the name of the representative.

Failure to give such notice may result in postponement of the hearing.

Del Mar College Student Rights and Responsibilities

A7.13.6.3.4 The Dean of Student Engagement and Retention shall control the conduct of the hearing, the general order of which shall be as follows: a.) The Director of Student Leadership/Campus Life, or his or her representative, shall present such proof by documents or testimony, identified pursuant to A7.13.6.3.2, in support of his/her position. b.) The student, or his/ her representative, may cross-examine any witnesses offered by the Director of Student Leadership/Campus Life. c.) The student, or his or her representative, may present such witness testimony or documents, identified pursuant to A7.13.6.3.2, to support the student’s position or to rebut that of the Director of Student Leadership/Campus Life. d.) The Director of Student Leadership/Campus Life, or his/her representative, may cross-examine any witnesses offered by the student and offer rebuttal witness testimony or documents to any of the student’s witnesses. e.) Closing arguments may be made by each party.

A7.13.6.3.5 A record of the hearing shall be made if requested by either the student or the Director of Student Leadership/Campus Life.

A7.13.6.3.6 The Dean of Student Engagement and Retention shall issue a written decision no later than ten (10) business days after the termination of the hearing. The decision of the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention is final.

A7.13.6.4 The Vice President of Administration, Finance and Student Services may place a student on interim suspension immediately and without prior notice for an interim period pending a disciplinary hearing when there is imminent danger that the continued presence of the student on College premises poses a substantial threat and danger to themselves, to others, or disrupts the stability and continuance of normal College operations.

A7.13.6.5 The effective date of disciplinary action shall be the date of abandonment of the Del Mar College appeal process by the student or the decision of the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention, whichever comes first.

A7.13.6.5.1 A student is considered to have “abandoned” the Del Mar College appeal process when he or she fails to meet identified deadlines, including the deadline for appeal, or attend any scheduled meeting or hearing date, absent written notice to the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention, or a written request to the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention for an extension of time to hold the scheduled meeting or hearing date, either of which must be received by the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention prior to the meeting or hearing date.

B7.13.7 Student Scholastic Dishonesty: Faculty members are expected to maintain the good reputation and the integrity of Del Mar College and of their own profession by guarding against scholastic dishonesty by students.

Students are expected to maintain the integrity of the College by avoiding dishonesty in their own behavior and by expecting honest behavior from their fellow students. One of the requirements for passing the courses students take at Del Mar College is that students do their own work. Meeting this requirement means avoiding plagiarism, collusion, and cheating.

A7.13.7.1 Students Must Not Plagiarize: Plagiarism occurs when a student takes another’s words or ideas and uses them as if they were the student’s own.

This can happen in three (3) ways: A7.13.7.1.1 A student copies another’s words without using quotation marks and without giving the source.

A7.13.7.1.2 A student puts another’s ideas into the student’s words but does not give the source.

A7.13.7.1.3 A student duplicates another’s structure of thought or organization of ideas but does not give the source.

A7.13.7.2 Students Must Not Commit Collusion: Collusion occurs when someone else writes all or any part of a student’s paper.

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A7.13.7.3 Students Must Not Cheat: Cheating includes, but is not limited to, a student looking at another’s work or using unauthorized materials or electronic devises during a test or written assignment; or fabricating data, methodology, results, findings from those in an official document, publication, or research and claiming them to be authentic.

A7.13.8 Student Scholastic Dishonesty Disciplinary Actions: If a faculty member has reasonable grounds upon which to conclude that a student has plagiarized, committed collusion, or cheated, the faculty member may recommend one or more of the following disciplinary actions: A7.13.8.1 Give the work an F. A7.13.8.2 Give the work a zero.

A7.13.8.3 Drop the student with a W. A7.13.8.4 Give the student an F for the course and dismiss the student from the course. The issuance of this grade by the instructor takes precedence over a student’s prior or subsequent attempt to withdraw from the course to avoid penalty under this policy.

A7.13.8.5 Suspension or dismissal from the College.

A7.13.8.6 The degree of presumed intent to commit an act of scholastic dishonesty will be a factor in the faculty member’s recommendation(s) from among the penalties listed in A7.13.8.

A7.13.9 Student Scholastic Dishonesty Review Procedure: When a faculty member receives information that a student enrolled in a course taught by the faculty member has allegedly engaged in scholastic dishonesty, as defined

by B7.13.7, a review of the allegations will be conducted by the faculty member.

A7.13.9.1 Within ten (10) business days of receiving information that a student has allegedly engaged in scholastic dishonesty as defined by B7.13.7, the faculty member will conduct and complete a review of the allegations.

A7.13.9.2 In conducting a review pursuant to A7.13.9, the faculty member will meet with the student alleged to have engaged in the misconduct, giving the student an opportunity to present his/her side of the situation.

A7.13.9.3 If the student denies dishonesty during the faculty member’s review, the student will be given an opportunity to reconstruct or reproduce the work in a way agreeable to and under the supervision of the faculty member to prove that no dishonesty has occurred.

A7.13.9.3.1 The student may decline an opportunity to reconstruct or reproduce the work without penalty. If the student declines the opportunity to reconstruct or reproduce the work, the faculty member will proceed with the review and his/her recommendation.

A7.13.9.3.2 If the student agrees to reconstruct or reproduce the work and produces what the faculty member agrees constitutes proof that the work is indeed the student’s work, then the matter is closed and the faculty member will grade the student accordingly. If the student produces what he or she believes constitutes proof that the work is indeed his or her own work, and the faculty member disagrees, the faculty member may proceed with the review and make a recommendation as provided by A7.13.9.4.

A7.13.9.4 Within three (3) business days after completion of the review, the faculty member may dismiss the allegation(s) as unfounded, or proceed and make a preliminary finding that the allegations are supported. The faculty member may propose a disciplinary sanction, as set forth in A7.13.8, where the faculty member finds that the allegations are supported. Any findings, dismissals and, or recommendations for disciplinary action against a student for scholastic dishonesty must be submitted through the department chair to the academic dean, in writing, with a copy provided to the student. [If the faculty is the department chair, the recommendation is submitted directly to the dean; if the faculty is the dean, the recommendation is submitted to the Provost andVice President of Instruction.]

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A7.13.9.5 A student may appeal a preliminary finding of scholastic misconduct and proposed disciplinary action, prior to the imposition of any proposed disciplinary action, as provided by A7.13.10.

A7.13.10 Hearing Procedure for Student Disciplinary Actions Involving Scholastic Dishonesty: In those cases where a preliminary finding of scholastic dishonesty is made and disciplinary action is proposed against a student, as defined by A7.13.8, the student will be entitled to appeal the finding and proposed disciplinary action, as provided herein, before the imposition of any such proposed disciplinary action.

A7.13.10.1 Within five calendar (5) days of receiving such notice of findings and proposed disciplinary action from the faculty member, the student may appeal the findings and proposed disciplinary action to the appropriate academic dean, to take place within fifteen (15) business days of the student’s notice of appeal.

A7.13.10.2 Within ten (10) business days of receipt of the student’s notice of appeal, the appropriate academic dean will convene an Academic Ethics Committee. The Academic Ethics Committee will consist of the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention, three faculty and two students. Faculty will be recommended by each department to generate a rotation pool of faculty, three of which will be appointed by the respective academic dean as needed.

Faculty will not be appointed from the same discipline from the case being heard. Students will be selected on a rotation basis from a pool generated from the active Registered Student Organizations. On the day of the hearing, but prior to the commencement of the hearing, the Academic Ethics Committee shall select a Chair. If the Academic Ethics Committee is unable to reach consensus as to the selection of a Chair, the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention shall serve as the Chair of the Committee.

A7.13.10.3 The appropriate academic dean will give prompt notice to the student and the recommending faculty member that a hearing has been scheduled. Two (2) business days prior to the scheduled hearing, the faculty member shall forward to the members of the Academic Ethics Committee a complete record of the matter, including the investigative file, findings, and recommendations. Such record may be considered by the Academic Ethics Committee in reaching a decision.

A7.13.10.4 The Academic Ethics Committee shall review the case and conduct such hearing utilizing the following procedural framework.

A7.13.10.4.1 The student shall be given prompt notice of the hearing date.

The hearing shall be held within fifteen (15) business days of the student’s notice of appeal to the appropriate academic dean, unless the parties mutually agree to a delay.

A7.13.10.4.2 Five (5) business days prior to the date on which the hearing will be held, the faculty member and the student shall meet to exchange documents to be utilized during the hearing and exchange the names of any witnesses who may be relied upon, including a written general statement of the nature of the testimony of each witness.

A7.13.10.4.3 The hearing shall be conducted privately unless the student requests that it be open. If the hearing is conducted privately, only the Academic Ethics Committee, the student, the faculty member, and their representatives and witnesses, may be present. Witnesses may be excluded from the hearing until it is their turn to present evidence. The student and the faculty member may each be represented by a person designated in writing to act for them.

Notice, at least two (2) days in advance of the hearing, shall be given by each party intending to be represented, including the name of the representative.

Failure to give such notice may result in postponement of the hearing.

A7.13.10.4.4 The Chair of the Academic Ethics Committee shall control the conduct of the hearing, the general order of which shall be as follows: a.) The faculty member, or his or her representative, shall present such proof by documents or testimony, identified pursuant to A7.13.10.4.2, in support of his/her position. b.) The student, or his/her representative, may cross-examine any witnesses offered by the faculty member, Del Mar College Student Rights and Responsibilities

c.) The student, or his or her representative, may present such witness testimony or documents, identified pursuant to A7.13.10.4.2, to support the student’s position or to rebut that of the faculty member. d.) The faculty member, or his/her representative, may cross-examine any witnesses offered by the student and offer rebuttal witness testimony or documents to any of the student’s witnesses. e.) Closing arguments may be made by each party.

A7.13.10.4.5 A record of the hearing shall be made if requested by either the student or the faculty member.

A7.13.10.4.6 The Chair of the Academic Ethics Committee shall submit a written decision to the appropriate academic dean, reflecting the consensus decision of the entire Academic Ethics Committee, no later than ten (10) business days after the termination of the hearing. The appropriate academic dean will notify the student of the decision. The decision of the Academic Ethics Committee is final.

A7.13.10.5 The appropriate academic dean may place a student on interim suspension immediately and without prior notice for an interim period pending a disciplinary appeal hearing when there is imminent danger that the continued presence of the student on College premises poses a substantial threat and danger to themselves, to others, or disrupts the stability and continuance of normal College operations.

A7.13.10.6 The effective date of disciplinary action shall be the date of abandonment of the Del Mar College appeal process by the student, or the decision of the Academic Ethics Committee, whichever comes first.

A7.13.10.6.1 A student is considered to have “abandoned” the Del Mar College appeal process when he or she fails to meet identified deadlines, include the date to appeal, or attend any scheduled meeting or hearing date, absent written notice to the appropriate academic dean, or a written request to the appropriate academic dean for an extension of time to hold the scheduled meeting or hearing date, either of which must be received by the appropriate academic dean prior to the meeting or hearing date.

Student Complaint Policy [Chapter 7 - Policy #B7.12]: B7.12 Student Complaint Policy: Revision Adopted December 14, 2010 The Student Complaint Policy is based on the belief that such complaints are best resolved at the level closest to the issue that led to the complaint.

Resolutions to such complaints must be reached through the participation of all parties involved in the issue that led to the complaint. All procedures developed in relation to this policy will be applied in an equitable and nondiscriminatory manner and will protect the rights of all parties. The President of the College is responsible for developing these procedures. A copy of the policy and procedures may be obtained from the Office of the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention, the College’s website (www. delmar.edu/policymanual/pmcurrent/ch7/index.html), the College Catalog or the Student Handbook.

Abuse of the process by a complainant will be subject to disciplinary action.

A complaint shall be considered an abuse of the process if the finding of facts shows that the complaint has absolutely no merit and/or is presented by the complainant in bad faith or for the purpose of harassment. A respondent shall be considered to have abused the process if the finding of the facts shows that the respondent has acted in bad faith or with egregious disregard for the complaint, complainant, and/or the complaint process.

A7.12.1.2 Student Complaint Review Board: The“Student Complaint Review Board”, also known as the “Review Board” consists of appointed members from the College’s constituency groups to hear complaints, afford due process, deliberate on the facts, and render a final decision on a complaint.

A7.12.1.3 Respondent: The “respondent” is an individual against whom a complaint is filed.

A7.12.1.4 Observer: The “observer” is an individual who may attend the hearing, at the request of the complainant or respondent. (Either party may bring in an observer.) The observer may not take an active role in the hearing, i.e., ask questions, make statements/comments, or cross-examine other parties involved, nor represent the complainant or the respondent in the hearing process. The observer may serve as an advisor outside of the hearing.

A7.12.1.5 Mediation: “Mediation” is a discussion held at an informal level between the complainant and respondent involved in a dispute with the Dispute Resolution Center, a neutral agency, to effect an agreement, settlement, compromise, or to reconcile differences prior to filing a formal complaint.

A7.12.1.6 Complainant: The “complainant” is a student who believes there has been an unfair breach or misinterpretation of College policy, procedures, applicable rules, or practices within the College.

A7.12.1.7 Non-Academic Complaint:The “Non-Academic Complaint” is a complaint by a student which does not involve grades or any academic issues.

This procedure does not include a complaint by a student against another student. A student with a complaint against another student will consult with the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention on the proper procedure to follow when filing this type of complaint.

A7.12.1.8 General Academic Non-Grade Complaint: The “General Academic Non-Grade Complaint” is a complaint by a student who has any academic disagreement not directly related to the assignment of a grade(s). A complaint of this nature may not seek to limit or lessen faculty’s rights to full freedom in the classroom to discuss the subject(s) that they teach, as protected by Board Policy B6.1.

A7.12.1.9 Grade Complaint: The “Grade Complaint” is a complaint filed by a student related to a grade dispute.

A7.12.1.10 Confidentiality: Complaints generally involve sensitive matters.

All parties involved in a complaint shall take the process seriously and respect the privacy of the complainant, the respondent, the reviewer(s), and any witnesses. . Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent provided by law.

A7.12.1.11 Reprisal: There will be no retaliation, interference, or harassment toward any party to a complaint.

A7.12.1.12 Workday: The “workday” is defined as regular College hours of operation, Monday through Friday.

A7.12.2 Non-Academic Complaint: The Non-Academic Complaint is a complaint by a student which does not involve grades or any academic issues.

The Dean of Student Engagement and Retention or designee shall review the complaint procedure with the complainant. The complainant that has a non-academic complaint will take the following steps in an effort to reconcile a complaint.

A7.12.1 Definitions: A student’s disagreement with the application of a specific College rule, practice and/or policy is processed through this procedure. Sexual harassment issues will be processed in accordance with Board Policy B7.19.

A7.12.2.1 Step One: The complainant may: 1) informally discuss the nature of the complaint with the respondent; or 2) submit a written complaint to the respondent within five (5) working days of the date of the complainant’s awareness of the occurrence. The respondent will inform the complainant in writing of a decision on the complaint presented within five (5) working days of receipt of the written complaint.

A7.12.1.1 Student: The “student” is an individual officially enrolled at the College in a college-level credit or non-credit course, including GED courses, in the semester in which the complaint took place. For the purpose of this procedure, an individual who is not enrolled in a course or program is not a student at the College and unable to file a complaint under this procedure.

A7.12.2.2 Step Two: If the complainant has attempted an informal discussion and/or has submitted a written complaint and received a written response and remains dissatisfied, then the complainant may request mediation. The respondent may also request mediation in the event that a resolution was not achieved by informal discussion or written response. A mediation session will

Del Mar College Student Rights and Responsibilities

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take effect only after agreement by both the complainant and respondent. If either party chooses not to participate in mediation, the complainant may proceed to Step Three.

The Dean of Student Engagement and Retention will submit the Request for Dispute Resolution Form to arrange the mediation session. Any proposed resolution from the third party mediation session(s) will be reviewed by the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention to make sure that all points are within Del Mar College policies, procedures, and practices. If the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention is unclear whether the proposed resolution is within College policies and procedures, then the mediation session will continue at a later date after clarification has been obtained.

A7.12.2.3 Step Three: If the complainant remains dissatisfied after Step One (or Two), he or she, after receipt of the written response, has five (5) working days to appeal in writing to the Student Complaint Review Board through the Office of the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention. Using the appropriate form, which may be obtained from the Office of the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention, the complainant shall address only one subject in any one complaint. A written complaint shall contain a clear and concise statement of the complaint, referring to the actual policy that is alleged to have been violated, where appropriate, the date the incident took place, the issue involved, and the remedy sought. The Review Board shall hold a hearing, produce a tape recording and written record, and issue a written recommendation to the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention.

A7.12.2.4 Student Complaint Review Board Membership: At the beginning of each academic year, the President will appoint the Student Complaint Review Board. The Review Board shall consist of seven (7) members randomly selected by the President from a pool of representatives previously recommended by the Faculty Council, Council of Chairs, Nonexempt Personnel Advisory Council, the Exempt Personnel Advisory Council and students.

The Student Complaint Review Board shall consist of one faculty member, one Department Chair, one Exempt staff member, one Nonexempt staff member, and three students. The students on the Review Board will be randomly selected. At the beginning of each fall semester, Department Chairs and faculty will be asked to announce, in class, the need for students to serve on the Review Board. The names will be forwarded to the President’s office.

The Review Board will name its own chair. A member from the Equity and Affirmative Action Office (EAAO) and/or their trained designee shall be present at all Review Board meetings. The EAAO representative will assure that all applicable policies, procedures, and due processes are followed. The EAAO will be responsible for tape recording and producing a written transcript of the Review Board meetings. The complaint hearing will be held in closed session unless both the complainant and respondent agree, in writing, to an open hearing. The hearing is considered an administrative process and not subject to legal proceeding requirements.

A7.12.2.5 Hearings: The complainant and/or respondent may have an individual of choice to attend the hearing as an observer to counsel and advise them. The observer may not take an active role in the hearing, i.e., ask questions, make statements/comments, cross-examine other parties nor represent the complainant or respondent in the hearing process. The Review Board shall hold its hearings within ten (10) working days of the date that the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention is notified in writing that Step One (or Two) of the complaint process is being appealed. A decision by the Review Board will be forwarded to the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention or designee who will evaluate the Review Board’s recommendation for matters of compliance with policy and procedure only. Within five (5) working days of receipt of the Review Board’s decision, the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention shall provide the complainant a written notice of the Review Board’s decision. The Review Board’s decision is considered final and will exhaust all administrative requirements for the complainant.

A7.12.2.6 Time Limits: If the complainant fails to meet the time limits at any step, the complaint is automatically considered dropped; if the administration or College personnel, at any step, fails to meet the time limits, the complaint

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is automatically advanced to the next step. Extension of time limits, for extenuating circumstances, may be requested in writing, by the complainant, respondent, or Review Board through the Vice President of Administration, Finance and Student Services or designee. All parties affected by the complaint will be notified of the extension through the Vice President of Administration, Finance and Student Services or designee.

A7.12.3 General Academic (Non-Grade) Complaint: Revision Adopted December 14, 2010 -- The General Academic Non-Grade Complaint is a complaint by a student who has any academic disagreement not directly related to the assignment of a grade(s). A complaint of this nature may not seek to limit or lessen faculty’s rights to full freedom in the classroom to discuss the subject(s) that they teach, as protected by Board Policy B6.1. [See A7.12.4 for complaints concerning grade assignments.]

The Dean of Student Engagement and Retention shall review the complaint procedure with the complainant. A complainant who has a non-grade-related academic complaint against a faculty or staff member will take the following steps in an effort to reconcile the complaint.

A7.12.3.1 Step One: Discuss the matter with the faculty or staff member involved within five (5) working days after the occurrence of the event giving rise to the complaint.

A7.12.3.2 Step Two: A written decision by the faculty or staff member should be made to the complainant within five (5) working days of the complainant/faculty or staff member conference. That decision is final unless the complainant is dissatisfied with the decision.

A7.12.3.3 Step Three: If the complainant remains dissatisfied after Step Two, he or she, after the receipt of the written decision, has five (5) working days to complete the appropriate form, available in the Office of the Department Chair or the Office of the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention, and present it to the Department Chair or the staff member’s Immediate Supervisor for review. The complainant shall address only one subject in any one complaint. A written complaint shall contain a clear and concise statement of the complaint, referring to the actual policy that is alleged to have been violated, where appropriate, the date the incident took place, the issue involved, and the remedy sought.

A7.12.3.4 Step Four: The Department Chair or the Immediate Supervisor has five (5) working days from receipt of the appropriate form to investigate, reach a decision, and notify the complainant and respondent in writing of the decision.

A7.12.3.5 Step Five: If dissatisfied with the results of the decision at Step Four, either party may appeal in writing within five (5) working days of receipt of the Department Chair’s or Immediate Supervisor’s decision. Any such appeal will be made to the appropriate Dean. The Dean has five (5) working days from receipt of the appeal to investigate, reach a decision, and notify the complainant and respondent, in writing, of the decision. The decision of the Dean is final.

[If the respondent is a department chair, the complainant will have five (5) working days to appeal the case to the Instructional Dean, who will review the complaint and render a written decision. If the Immediate Supervisor of the staff member does not report to a Dean, then the next level Supervisor will make the final decision. The Dean’s or next level Supervisor’s decision is final. If the instructor is a Dean, the appeal is made to the Department Chair and then the Provost and Vice President of Instruction, who is the final decision maker.]

[A prospective complainant denied admission to any special program of the College may appeal to the appropriate Department Chair. If dissatisfied, the complainant may then appeal to the appropriate Instructional Dean. The decision of the Instructional Dean is final.]

A7.12.3.6 Time Limits: If the complainant fails to meet the time limits at any step, the complaint is automatically considered dropped; if College personnel, at any step, fail to meet the time limits, the complaint is automatically advanced to the next step. Extension of time limits, for extenuating circumstances, may Del Mar College Student Rights and Responsibilities

be requested in writing, by the complainant, the faculty or staff member, or the Department Dean or Immediate Supervisor through the Provost and Vice President of Instruction or designee. All parties affected by the complaint will be notified of the extension by the Provost and Vice President of Instruction or designee.

A7.12.4 Grade Appeals: The evaluation of academic work is the prerogative of the instructor and the rules for determining final course grade should be established by the instructor and provided to the students in an electronic or printed course syllabus at the beginning of the semester. A student who believes grounds exist for the appeal of a final grade must first consult with the instructor. If the appeal cannot be resolved, a student may proceed to the grade appeal process.

The procedures described in this policy are available only for appeal of a semester or term grade based on one or more of the following reasons: A mathematical error in calculation of the grade or clerical error in recording of the grade that remains uncorrected; The assignment of a grade to a particular student by application of more exacting requirements than were applied to other students in the course; The assignment of a grade to a particular student on some basis other than performance in the course; The assignment of a grade by a substantial departure from the faculty member’s previously announced standards; Extenuating circumstances such as illness, incapacity, or absences of the instructor generate uncertainty regarding appropriateness of the grade assigned.

Grades given as a result of academic dishonesty cannot be appealed under the grade appeal procedure, but should be made under the provisions of the Policy on Scholastic Dishonesty B7.13.6.

The procedures for submitting a grade appeal are available in the office of the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention. They shall also be published in the Student Handbook and the procedures reviewed, periodically, by the College’s Curriculum and Academic Standards Committee.

Discrimination & Harassment Complaint Policy for Students [Chapter 7 – Policy #B7.19] B7.19 Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Policy for Students: Adopted February 16, 2010 Del Mar College, in its continuing effort to seek equity in education and in support of federal and state antidiscrimination legislation, provides a complaint procedure for the prompt and equitable investigation and resolution of complaints of unlawful discrimination or harassment of students based on their race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability, or veteran or military status. This complaint procedure also constitutes the grievance procedure for complaints alleging unlawful sex discrimination required under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

As used herein, “complaint” is synonymous with “grievance.” This procedure may be used by any student of the College.

A7.19.1 Discrimination and Harassment Complaints: The Discrimination and Harassment Complaint procedure provides a process through which the College may receive, respond to, and prevent incidents of alleged discrimination and, or harassment of students based on their race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability, or veteran or military status.

A7.19.2 Exclusion: Student grievances and general complaints that do not contain allegations of discrimination, or harassment based on the student’s race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability, or veteran or military status are excluded from this process. Such complaints will be addressed under B7.12 for student issues that do not contain complaints of discrimination or sexual harassment.

A7.19.3 District Student Complaint Coordinator: Revision Adopted December 14, 2010. The District Student Complaint Coordinator, who is Del Mar College Student Rights and Responsibilities

the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention, shall receive any complaint of alleged discrimination or harassment as identified herein, assist the Complainant in the use of the complaint form, and provide the Complainant with information about various internal and external mechanisms through which the complaint may be filed, including applicable time limits, if any, for filing with external agencies. The District Student Complaint Coordinator may identify a designee to receive and, or assist with the investigation of complaints.

If any Del Mar College employee receives a complaint of discrimination or harassment from a student, he or she will immediately notify the District Student Complaint Coordinator of the complaint.

A7.19.4 Complainant’s Rights: The Complainant is always free to file a complaint with any appropriate state or federal agency at any point during the complaint process.

Students who wish to submit complaints of discrimination or harassment should contact the District Student Complaint Coordinator.

Point of contact: District Complaint Coordinator for Student Complaints of Discrimination or Sexual Harassment Office of the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention Harvin Student Center, Room 204 (361) 698-1277 (361) 698-1599 101 Baldwin Boulevard, Corpus Christi, TX 78404-3897

Drugs & Alcohol Policy [Chapter 5 – Policy #B5.40] B5.40 Policy on Drugs and Alcohol: The purpose of this policy is to inform the Del Mar College Community of its intent to comply with the “Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986” (PL 99-570).

B5.40.1 General Statement: Del Mar College is committed to working to maintain a safe, healthy, lawful, and productive working and educational environment for all employees and students. Studies have shown that use of illegal drugs and abuse of alcohol increases the potential for accidents, absenteeism, tardiness, unsatisfactory performance, inefficiency, poor employee morale, and damage to the College’s reputation. The intent of this policy is to make Del Mar College a better place to study and work through upgrading the mental and physical health of the total College community. It acknowledges the freedom of choice of those individuals who require or seek information relative to drug/alcohol abuse.

B5.40.1.1 Definition of Legal Drugs: A “legal drug” is a prescribed drug or over-the-counter drug which has been legally obtained and is being legally used for the purpose for which it was prescribed or manufactured.

B5.40.1.2 Definition of Illegal Drugs: An “illegal drug” is any drug or controlled substance which is (1) not legally obtainable or (2) is legally obtainable but was not legally obtained. The term “illegal drug” includes all illegal drugs, dangerous drugs, and controlled substances defined and listed in Articles 4476-14 and 4476-15 (Texas Controlled Substances Act) Vernon’s Texas Civil Statutes. Marijuana, hashish, cocaine, PCP, LSD, heroin, dilaudid, qualudes, steroids, and methamphetamine are only a few of the dangerous drugs or controlled substances which are included within such terms.

B5.40.2 Educational Objectives: B5.40.2.1 To include the subject of illegal drug and alcohol abuse in future College-sponsored student and employee training programs.

B5.40.2.2 To inform employees of the College’s informational service and of this policy through various means, such as divisional and departmental meetings, and new employee orientation processes.

B5.40.2.3 To inform students of the College of this policy and informational services through various means, such as the campus newspaper Foghorn, Counseling Office, club meetings, “drug free”- related activities each semester, and the College’s electronic data board located in the campus student centers.

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B5.40.3 Applicability and Scope:

College.

B5.40.3.1 This policy applies to all students and employees of Del Mar College, as well as College visitors, contractors, and all other persons occupying space in/on conveyances, offices, buildings, facilities, or grounds over which Del Mar College has custody and control, including but not limited to rentals and leasing of auditorium and classroom spaces.

B5.40.7 Condition of Employment: As a condition of employment with the College or as a condition of receiving or continuing to receive a federal grant, each person affected shall abide by the terms of the requirements and prohibitions set out in this policy and shall notify the College President, in writing, of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such conviction.

B5.40.3.2 This policy does not cancel or supersede other laws, orders, instructions, or regulations which make the use, possession, and/or distribution of dangerous drugs, and controlled substances illegal.

B5.40.4 Drug and Alcohol Information Services: The College recognizes that alcoholism and drug dependency are “illnesses” or “disorders” and the College will provide information to any employee or student seeking assistance.

B5.40.4.1 When personal or behavioral problems begin to affect an employee’s work or a student’s academic performance and this appears to be the result of drug or alcohol abuse, the individual may be referred to the College Counseling Office for information on drug/alcohol and/or to local community professionals. The following guidelines apply to all persons seeking help.

B5.40.4.2 Employees or students shall not be discriminated against because they are known to have had alcohol, drug, or any other behavioral problems as evidenced by their responsibly seeking or utilizing counseling or treatment services.

B5.40.4.3 As outlined in the College’s Sick Leave Policy (B5.27), employees may utilize accumulated sick leave or a reasonable leave of absence without pay for the purpose of treatment or rehabilitation as in any other illness.

B5.40.4.4The employee or student shall be responsible for any cost and/or fees incurred for professional services.

B5.40.4.5 It is recognized that a person’s job performance or academic studies may be affected by persons in the employee’s or student’s family who have alcohol, drug, or other emotional or behavioral problems. Therefore the College will offer information services to these family members, but accept no further responsibility.

B5.40.4.6 Information concerning a student’s or employee’s diagnosis, treatment, and medical records will be kept strictly confidential.

B5.40.5 Prohibition of Anabolic Steroid or Human Growth Hormone: Section 7, Section 4.11, Texas Controlled Substances Act (Article 44.76, Vernon’s Texas Civil Statutes), requires that the following notice be posted in a conspicuous place in the gymnasium: Anabolic steroids and growth hormones are for medical use only. State law prohibits the possession, dispensing, delivery, or administering of an anabolic steroid or growth hormone in any manner not allowed by State law. State law provides that body building, muscle enhancement, or increasing muscle bulk or strength through the use of an anabolic steroid by a person who is in good health is not a valid medical purpose. Only a medical doctor may prescribe an anabolic steroid or human growth hormone for a person. A violation of state law concerning anabolic steroids or human growth hormones is a criminal offense punishable by confinement in jail or imprisonment in the Texas Department of Corrections.

B5.40.6 Prohibition (Drugs and/or Alcohol): The College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances and/or alcohol in the workplace. The College further prohibits the consumption of any alcoholic beverage or being under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substances within the workplace or in College owned vehicles. An individual need not be legally intoxicated to be considered “under the influence of a controlled substance or alcohol.”

B5.40.6.1 Exemptions (Presidential Approval Required): Adopted June 8, 2010 The College President is authorized to approve exemptions to B5.40.6 to allow the serving of alcoholic beverages, as provided by law, at various Foundation, Alumni, and community events sponsored or approved by the College. Exemption requests shall be made on a form provided by the

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B5.40.7.1 Within thirty (30) days of receiving notice from an employee or grant recipient, or otherwise receiving actual notice of a conviction for criminal drug statute violation occurring in the workplace, the College shall either (1) take appropriate personnel action against the employee up to and possibly including termination, or (2) require the employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a federal, State or local health agency, law enforcement agency or other appropriate agency.

B5.40.8 Notice: Each employee, full-time or part-time, as well as student workers and grant recipients, shall be given a copy of the College’s policy on drugs and alcohol and must sign a statement attesting to the receipt of the policy.

B5.40.8.1 A copy of this policy shall be printed in the College Student Handbook.

A5.40.9 Drug Prevention Program: The Administration hereby adopts and implements a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by employees and students in the workplace. This policy will be maintained in compliance with federal regulations on behalf of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities legislation.

A5.40.9.1 Annually the College will distribute copies of this policy and others related to it to each employee and to each student enrolled in a credit course or courses.

A5.40.9.2 For all of the above persons, the College prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol on College property or as part of College activities.

A5.40.9.3 All students and staff are reminded that local, State, and federal laws provide legal sanctions for unlawful possession of illicit drugs and alcohol.

These sanctions may include probation and/or imprisonment.

A5.40.9.4 Numerous health risks are associated with the use of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs. These include fetal alcohol syndrome, cancer, heart problems, cirrhosis of the liver, AIDS, and mental and other health problems.

A5.40.9.5 The College provides limited counseling services for students and employees who desire them, but prefers to refer those in need of treatment and rehabilitation to local community professionals. Current employee health benefits include insurance coverage for treatment of illnesses associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.

A5.40.9.6 The College will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees which are consistent with law and other policies which have been or will be established. These sanctions may extend up to, and include, expulsion from the College or termination of employment and referral for prosecution.

A disciplinary sanction may include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program.

A5.40.9.7 The College will undertake a biennial review of this program through the College Heads-Up Committee to determine its effectiveness, implement changes as needed, and ensure that its disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.

Smoking Policy [Chapter 5 – Policy #B5.39] B5.39 Smoking Control: Conduct Affecting Public Health: Del Mar College will comply with Ordinance 19338 of the City of Corpus Christi, effective September 1, 1986, and subsequent local, State, and federal requirements, which prohibit smoking of tobacco and other products in non-designated Del Mar College Student Rights and Responsibilities

smoking areas within the city.

by the President of the College or the President’s designee.

B5.39.1 Purpose: In order to protect and promote the health, safety, and welfare of employees, students, and the public, Del Mar College will provide an environment free from exposure to tobacco smoke. Neither smoking nor the use of tobacco products is permitted in College facilities or in Collegeowned vehicles.

A3.23.1.2 These computer and network resources may not be used for personal, commercial, or for-profit purposes without the written approval of the President of the College or the President’s designee.

A5.39.2 Provisions: Administrators and other supervisory personnel shall take appropriate steps to provide adequate notice that smoking will not be permitted within College facilities.

A5.39.2.1 The Director of Physical Facilities will ensure that signs are appropriately placed in all College facilities.

A5.39.2.2 The Director of Purchasing will ensure that signs are appropriately placed in all College vehicles.

B5.39.3 Responsibility: All faculty, staff, and students have the responsibility to monitor conditions that are hazardous to the health of both nonsmokers and smokers.

Prohibition of Possession of Weapons [Chapter 3 – Policy #B3.13] B3.13 Prohibition of Possession of Weapons: Del Mar College prohibits weapons on campus, at College events, or in vehicles operated under College authority, except as to those duly authorized by law or approved for instruction in specialized programs.

A3.13.1 Prohibition and Definitions: With the exception of those duly authorized by law or approved for instruction in specialized programs, all persons (including students, employees, and members of the public) are prohibited from carrying or possessing, or causing to be present, any weapons or facsimiles of weapons anywhere on Del Mar College campuses or property, including but not limited to any buildings, grounds, driveways, streets, sidewalks, walkways, parking lots, parking garages, and parking areas, or in any Del Mar College vehicle or on any grounds or building at which an activity sponsored by Del Mar College is being conducted, unless pursuant to written authorization by the College. “Weapon” is defined to include any firearm, illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon as defined or listed in Sections 46.01 and 46.05 (a) of the Texas Penal Code.

Computer & Network Resources Use Policy [Chapter 3 – Policy #B3.23] B3.23 Computer and Network Resources Use Policy: Del Mar College computer and network resources are privileges provided to conduct the legitimate business of the College and to support the missions of the institution.

Del Mar College procedures will promote the security and integrity of the College’s computer systems and the information contained on those systems and will provide a framework for responsible access to information technology resources. The President of the College, the Provost and Vice President of Instruction, the Chief Information Technology Officer, instructors, supervisors, Chairs, or Deans may elect to impose additional requirements or restrictions.

Del Mar College extends these principles and guidelines to systems outside the College which are accessed via the College’s facilities. Computing or network providers outside Del Mar College may impose their own additional conditions of appropriate use, for which users at Del Mar College are responsible.

A3.23.1 Legitimate Use: Computer resources of Del Mar College are privileges provided solely for legitimate use by the following: currently registered students; authorized faculty, staff, and other individuals; and authorized agents of the District performing activities for the benefit of or with respect to the instructional or administrative mission of the District.

A3.23.1.1 Legitimate uses of the College’s computer and network resources are limited to: College-related instruction, independent study, research, and official work of College administration, staff, students, campus organizations, and agencies of the College, and such other specific uses as are expressly authorized Del Mar College Student Rights and Responsibilities

A3.23.1.3 Consistent with the College’s Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action policies, the computer and network resources may not be used to store, transmit, or receive any text, image, audio, or video materials that are discriminatory, abusive, profane, threatening, harassing, or sexually offensive.

A3.23.2 Ownership and Copyright: All College-provided computer resources, including hardware, software, and all computerized information and data entered on or developed with these resources are licensed from vendors or owned by the District. Users have no rights of ownership to these computer resources, or to the information they contain.

A3.23.2.1 Each user shall comply with all licensing agreements for Collegeprovided software. Each user shall comply with all copyright laws.

A3.23.3 Responsibilities of the User: When using Del Mar College’s computer and network resources, (a) students are required to operate those resources in a manner consistent with this policy and with the College’s “Standards of Student Conduct”; and (b) faculty, staff, and individuals, and authorized agents of the College are required to operate those resources in a manner consistent with this policy and with all policies published in the Del Mar College Manual of Policies and Procedures.

A3.23.3.1 Any unauthorized use, access, alteration, addition, destruction, duplication, or deletion of the computer or network resources, or the information contained therein, is prohibited.

A3.23.3.2 These computer privileges shall not be transferred or extended by the College’s students, faculty, staff, or administration without the written approval of the President of the College.

A3.23.3.3 The user shall maintain considerate and ethical behavior in the use of College computer resources.

A3.23.3.4 The user shall avoid wasting computer resources by activities beyond the scope of legitimate administrative or instructional requirements.

A3.23.3.5 The user shall be sensitive to the public nature of all computing facilities. All networks, network message traffic, and computer systems, including individual workstations, may be monitored for compliance with existing College policies.

A3.23.3.6 The user shall determine the licensing status on any software or date prior to copying or transferring the product.

A3.23.3.7 The user shall have prior written approval from the appropriate Chair, supervisor, or administrator before installing on College computers or networks any software not provided by the College. The user shall be responsible for the registration and license compliance for any software not provided by the College. Only lawfully acquired software may be installed on College computers and networks.

A3.23.3.8 The user shall not willfully create, copy, or disseminate computer viruses nor threaten to install or to infect the College’s computer resources with any virus.

A3.23.3.9 The user must insure the integrity of all foreign software, disks, or hardware before installing or using such software, disks, or hardware on College computers or networks. “Integrity” in the context of this policy includes assurance of compatibility with existing software, disks, or hardware, as well as freedom from contamination by any type of computer virus. “Foreign” computer software, disks, or hardware includes any computer software, disks, or hardware which: (1) have not been provided by the College, or (2) have been removed from and then returned to the campus, or (3) have been used on the campus in, or in connection with, any computer software, disks, or hardware not provided by the College.

A3.23.3.10 The user shall obtain from the appropriate College authority

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prior written approval for the planned installation and proposed applications of any type of computing server device or server software. All information or material placed on any type of computer server device shall comply with all applicable College policies and practices and all laws governing the use of computer, network devices, and the Internet.

A3.23.3.11 The user shall access only those computing resources and those accounts authorized by the appropriate College authority. The user must protect the integrity of personal files, personal data, and personal passwords.

The user shall respect the privacy of the College’s and other users’ resources.

A3.23.3.12 The user shall not access the Internet through the College telephone system without written approval from the President of the College or the President’s designee.

A3.23.4 Purpose of Del Mar College World Wide Web Site Pages: Del Mar College’s World Wide Web Site provides online information about Del Mar College for external as well as internal audiences. These pages provide access to information about programs, administrative services, informational and support services, and the faculty, staff, and students at Del Mar College.

A3.23.4.1 Contents of Del Mar College World Wide Web Site: This policy governs information to be contained in any Del Mar College Web page. Failure to comply with this policy may result in a refusal to upload documents to Del Mar servers or a removal of documents from the servers.

A3.23.4.1.1 The front page of all documents on the Del Mar College servers must contain: • the email address of the person(s) or service unit(s) in charge of the page.

• the date of last review; all pages should be reviewed every six months to ensure accuracy.

• a link to Del Mar’s front page, www.delmar.edu • a link to the Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action and the disclaimer statements, www.delmar.edu/legal.html • The phrase “Del Mar College” included in the title of the page (appears in the top frame of the browser window). [Example: “Department of Business Administration” becomes “Del Mar College Department of Business Administration”] A3.23.4.1.2 Documents on the Del Mar College servers must not contain: A3.23.4.1.2.1 Copyrighted or trademarked materials in any form without written permission of the person who created them or owns the rights. The only exceptions to this policy are those instructional materials covered by the 2002 TEACH Act, which broadens the ability of instructors at accredited, nonprofit educational institutions to transmit (or post online) performances or copyrighted works if certain criteria are met. For more information, please visit the TEACH Act Toolkit site: www.lib.ncsu.edu/scc/legislative/teachkit/ A3.23.4.1.2.2 Images (e.g., photographs, drawings, paintings or other derivatives thereof), audio, videos, or movies of people without their written consent. Talent releases are available for this purpose, and may be obtained through the College Relations Office (www.delmar.edu/CRO/CRO.html.).

A3.23.4.1.2.3 Commercial activities or advertisements not related to the instructional or administrative mission of the College. To ensure proper use of public tax-supported College resources, Del Mar College’s Web pages may not contain material that is commercial in nature, nor provide links to commercial or for-profit material, enterprises, or organizations. Exceptions to the policy require the written approval of the Del Mar College president.

A3.23.4.1.2.4 Any information, confidential or otherwise, pertaining to other individuals who do not want the information included.

A3.23.4.1.2.5 Any images or data that are discriminatory, abusive, profane, harassing, or sexually offensive. (See the College’s Statement of Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action.) When a complaint regarding discriminatory, abusive, profane, harassing, or sexually offensive material is received by Del Mar College, the matter will be turned over the Web Advisory Committee

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for review. Recommendations will then be made to the appropriate Dean or office.

A3.23.4.2 Types of Web Pages: Del Mar College servers will house the following four types of Web pages: • A3.23.4.2.1 Del Mar College Home Pages: Del Mar College’s home page is considered an official College publication as well as a campuswide information source. For this reason, the Office of College Relations oversees the top levels of the Del Mar College Web site, referred to as the home pages.

• A3.23.4.2.2 Official Pages: Official pages are defined as the departmental and administrative pages that are linked from appropriate categories on the Del Mar College home page. Departmental and administrative areas are encouraged to develop their own official pages. As with printed publications, only approved College information will be communicated on official pages. Departmental and administrative areas are responsible for the text and images on their own pages. Whenever possible, links to other pages on the Del Mar College site should be created. This will reduce duplication of effort and help ensure consistency and accuracy.

• A3.23.4.2.3 Professional Pages: Information related to an individual’s administrative or academic responsibilities at Del Mar College may be included on professional pages. Professional pages are accessible through official pages. Personal messages may not be included on professional pages, and the author assumes all responsibility for the content of his or her professional page. A return link should be created back to official pages from professional pages. Prior to the initial uploading of a new professional page, faculty or staff must obtain written approval from their divisional dean or the appropriate vice president. Subsequent updates to the initial uploading of the page do not require dean or vice presidential approval. Faculty and staff members assigned to teach courses that utilize the Web to deliver instruction do not need approval to access the College Web page for that teaching assignment. Once approval is obtained, the pages may be uploaded to the server. To ensure efficient usage of College server space, faculty and staff should work with Information Technology Internet personnel to upload new pages.

Since professional pages are housed on Del Mar College’s servers, they must adhere to the same policies that bind other College Web pages.

Thus, they are subject to review by the Web Advisory Committee and/ or the Technical and Content Webmasters to insure compliance with those policies.

• A3.23.4.2.4 Student Pages: Faculty or other College authorities may, with concurrence of the immediate supervisor, sponsor currently registered students and registered student organizations to create pages that are related to the instructional or administrative missions of the College. Links will be created back to the professional page of the sponsor who is responsible for the content of these pages, or to the registered student organization’s page. Student pages created as part of the instructional requirements of a course will be removed from the server at the end of the semester. It is the responsibility of the sponsor to archive their student pages. Student pages must be identified as such somewhere on the main (index) page.

A3.23.4.2.4.1 Sponsors are responsible for all content on their students’ pages. Since student pages are housed on Del Mar College’s servers, they must adhere to the same policies that bind other College Web pages. Thus, they are subject to review by the Web Advisory Committee and/or the Technical and Content Webmasters to insure compliance with those policies. Prior to the initial uploading of a new student page, faculty or staff must obtain written approval from their divisional dean or the appropriate vice president. Once approval is obtained, the pages may be uploaded to the server. To ensure efficient usage of College server space, faculty, staff, and students should work with Information Technology Internet personnel to upload new pages.

Subsequent updates to the initial uploading of the page do not require dean or vice presidential approval. However, the supervising instructor or sponsor of student pages must preview and approve updates and revisions of student Del Mar College Student Rights and Responsibilities

pages prior to upload.

A3.23.4.3 Web site Administration: A3.23.4.3.1 The Del Mar College Web site is administered by a team comprised of the Content Webmaster, the Technical Webmaster, and the Web Advisory Committee. As a team, these individuals all have responsibility for long-range planning of the site, the administration and enforcement of policy and procedures relating to the site, and decisions relating to the organization, content, and overall structure of the site.

A3.23.4.3.2 All Del Mar College pages and servers must be registered with the Technical Webmaster and linked through Del Mar’s main server. Servers on campus can and do have different server names, which are applied by the Information Technology Department. All elements at Del Mar College must be originally accessed through one of the main Del Mar College servers or index pages as appropriate.

A3.23.4.3.2.1 Examples of main College servers include, but are not limited to: www.delmar.edu library.delmar.edu academy.delmar.edu

approval through their Dean or Vice President before a page may be placed on a Del Mar server. Authors are ultimately responsible for the information contained in their pages.

A3.23.5 Violation and Consequences: Anyone who engages in conduct prohibited by the College’s Computer and Network Resources Use Policy and procedures, or by federal, state, or local laws and regulations, whether such conduct takes place on or off campus, shall be accountable and subject to disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal or termination as outlined in the Del Mar College Manual of Policies and Procedures or the “Standards of Student Conduct.” In addition, civil or criminal penalties may be imposed for such prohibited conduct.

Parking Policy [Chapter 4 – Policy #B4.30] B4.30 Parking/Tow-Away: (see Del Mar College Parking Rules and Regulations):The administration shall implement the following parking control plan: B4.30.1 Prohibited Areas: Areas of the campus in which parking is prohibited shall be clearly identified. Signs warning that vehicles in these areas will be towed away at the owner’s expense and without liability to the College shall be posted.

A3.23.4.3.2.2 Index pages are primary, or “home” pages of departmental, professional, or student Web sites. By way of example, the following are considered index pages: • www.delmar.edu/sbdc (Home Page for the Del Mar College Small Business Development Center) • www.delmar.edu/improvements/index/html (Home Page for the Del Mar College Capital Improvement site.)

B4.30.2 Removal of Cars: The administration may arrange with a commercial firm to remove cars parked in prohibited areas. Before cars are removed, their physical condition shall be inspected and recorded on an appropriate record to be maintained by the College.

A3.23.4.3.2.3 Specific non-index pages should not be utilized or advertised as points of entry to the Del Mar College site, as these non-index pages may change locations or be taken down from time to time.

For a complete list of Del Mar College parking regulations, visit www.delmar.edu/sthandbook/rights.php#18

Examples of non-index pages include those pages reached through the index pages: • www.delmar.edu/improvements/info/overview/west.html (section of the Capital Improvements site dealing specifically with the West Campus.)

A3.23.4.3.3 All pages on Del Mar servers may be periodically reviewed by the Web Advisory Committee for compliance with all Del Mar College policies and procedures. Questions and concerns about the Del Mar College Web site may be forwarded to the Web Advisory Committee, the Technical Webmaster, or the Content Webmaster.

A3.23.4.3.4 If a problem in content or design is discovered, the author or sponsor will be contacted by the Content Webmaster, the Technical Webmaster, or Information Technology staff with a request that the problem be reviewed and corrected. If not corrected, the page(s) will be removed.

A3.23.4.3.5 The College reserves the right to limit a file size in order to facilitate the most efficient use of the servers and to facilitate efficient browsing.

A3.23.4.4 Authors of Pages: A3.23.4.4.1 It is the responsibility of each individual who uses the technology resources of the College to be familiar with and abide by all current operational policies. Authors of web pages agree to all portions of this policy. The use of any technology resource at Del Mar College implies acceptance of these and all other current operational policies.

B4.30.3 Expenses/Liability: The College shall not bear any of the expense of towing away vehicles or for storage of such vehicles. Neither the College not its employees shall have liability to owners of vehicles towed away.

Safety Campus Security Campus Security is a public service-oriented security operation that is responsible for protecting College students, faculty, staff and property.

Reports All incidents, thefts, or other criminal offenses on College property should be reported to Campus Security. You can assist Campus Security by reporting: • Crime, no matter how insignificant it may seem; • Suspicious activity; • Suspicious persons on campus.

Your report may prevent a crime.

Services • Safety escorts to vehicles, when requested by College administrators; • Escorts to and from classes, depending on circumstances, when requested

by College administrators; • Addressing classes or groups regarding crime prevention and safety awareness.

Campus Security is located in the Physical Facilities Offices on the East Campus and in the Coleman Center on the West Campus. Individuals are encouraged to contact security 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as necessary.

A3.23.4.4.2 Authors of documents and those who store resources on Del Mar servers are responsible for what they allow users to access. Infringement of copyright or privacy laws and obscene, harassing, or threatening materials on Del Mar servers can be in violation of local, state, national, or international laws and can be subject to litigation by the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Telephone Numbers • (361) 698-1199 - emergency (East and West Campuses, Del Mar College Annex) • (361) 698-1946 - non-emergency (East and West Campuses, Del Mar College Annex)

A3.23.4.4.3 Authors or sponsors of web pages must obtain the written

Emergency and Assistance Call Boxes

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Emergency and Assistance Call Boxes, mounted on light poles or in freestanding blue pedestals, may be used to request help during an emergency, to request personal escorts, or for any assistance or information needed. The call boxes are located on both the East and West Campuses, as well as the Del Mar College Annex. When using a call box, be prepared to state your name, location and the nature of your emergency.

The Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 requires educational institutions to keep and to report statistics of certain crimes occurring on campus which are reported to campus authorities during the most current year. These statistics are available in the Office of the Interim Dean of Student Engagement and Retention in the Harvin Student Center on the East Campus, or in the Safety Office in the Maintenance Building on the East Campus.

Crime Statistics

Revised 2/2011 CRO RWG ITJ 150 2010-2011

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Disclaimer The provisions and information set forth in this publication are intended to be informational and not contractual in nature. Thus, this publication is not intended, and shall not be construed, to constitute a contract between the Del Mar College District and any student, prospective student, agency of the local, state, or federal government, or any other person or legal entity of any and every nature whatsoever. Del Mar College hereby reserves and retains the right to amend, alter, change, delete, or modify any of the provisions of this publication at any time, and from time to time, without notice, in any manner that the Administration or the Board of Regents of Del Mar College deems to be in the best interest of Del Mar College.

Del Mar College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and Educational Institution. The College takes affirmative action to endeavor that no person shall be denied the benefits of equal employment or be subjected to discrimination in employment or educational programs and activities of Del Mar College on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, or any other constitutionally or statutorily impermissible reason.

Accreditation Del Mar College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award certificates and associate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Del Mar College.

www.delmar.edu

Š Copyright 2011 Del Mar College. All rights reserved.