Nov 21, 2024

2020-2021 Catalog and Student Handbook

2020-2021 Catalog and Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

College Policies and Procedures

Academic Records (Inspecting/Reviewing)
Complaint Policies and Appeals
Computer Resources/Acceptable Use Policy
Drugs and Alcohol Policy
Good Neighbor Policy
Notice of Non-Discrimination

Equal Education Opportunity Policy
Sexual Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy
Services for Students with Disabilities and Disability Discrimination Policy
Smoking Policy
Student Code of Conduct

Academic Records (Inspecting/Reviewing)

Students who wish to inspect or review their official academic records should submit a written request to the Registrar. For additional information on student record viewing and privacy see the Student Record Privacy - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) section.

Complaint Policies and Appeals

Administrative Student Complaint Policy

A student may file a complaint related to an administrative process. An administrative process complaint is a grievance resulting from an incident or event at Terra State Community College related to a Board of Trustees policy, an administrative procedure, or an administrative regulation.

A student considering a complaint should always seek an explanation of the policy, procedure, or regulation from a College official. After being provided with an explanation, the student should seek a resolution to the matter. If the matter is not resolved informally, the student may proceed with a formal complaint using the following procedure:

Obtain a Student Complaint Form available at the office of the Associate Dean of Students, located in B105, or visit http://www.terra.edu/about_us/institutional_info_policies/complaint_policies.php.
Complete the Student Complaint Form and submit it in person or electronically to the Associate Dean of Students.
The Associate Dean of Students, or designee, will contact the student within five business days of receiving the written complaint.

The Associate Dean of Students or designee may indicate the need for an interview with the student or witnesses and may identify additional time needed for an investigation of the matter. A response to the complaint by the College will be provided in writing by the Associate Dean of Students, or designee.

If the student is not satisfied with the College’s written response to the complaint, the student may compose a letter of appeal describing the initial complaint and explaining the reason for his/her dissatisfaction with the College’s written response. This letter should be addressed to the President and must be submitted within 10 business days after receiving the College’s written response. The President, or designee, will act on the appeal and render a final decision in writing to the student.

Non-Retaliation: Terra State Community College strictly adheres to and enforces a non-retaliation policy. Retaliation against an individual who has complained about sexual discrimination, harassment, and/or misconduct and retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a sexual discrimination and/or harassment complaint is unlawful and will not be tolerated by the College. Any person who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination if they are an employee, and/or dismissal if they are a student.

Instructional Student Complaint Policy

A student may file a complaint related to instruction. An instructional complaint is a grievance resulting from an incident or event at Terra State Community College related to lecture, laboratory, clinical, or similar class.

A student considering a complaint should always seek an explanation from the instructor. After being provided with an explanation, the student should seek a resolution to the matter. If the matter is not resolved informally, the student may proceed with a formal complaint using the following procedure:

Obtain a Student Complaint Form available from an Academic Division Office or http://www.terra.edu/about_us/institutional_info_policies/complaint_policies.php.
Complete the Student Complaint Form and submit it in person or electronically to the Academic Dean in the Academic Division for the course related to the complaint.
The Academic Dean, or designee, will contact the student within five business days of receiving the written complaint.

The Academic Dean or designee may indicate the need for an interview with the student or witnesses and may identify additional time needed for an investigation of the matter. A response to the complaint by the College will be provided in writing by the Academic Dean, or designee.

If the student is not satisfied with the College’s written response to the complaint, the student may compose a letter of appeal describing the initial complaint and explaining the reason for the dissatisfaction with the College’s written response. This letter should be addressed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and must be submitted within 10 business days after receiving the College’s written response. The Vice President for Academic Affairs, or designee, will act on the appeal and render a final decision in writing to the student.

General Public Complaint Policy

A member of the general public may file a complaint related to communication, personal interactions, policies and procedures, or facilities provided by Terra State Community College. An anonymous complaint will not be accepted.

Formal Complaint

A member of the general public considering a complaint in encouraged to seek an explanation from a College official. After being provided with an explanation, the individual may seek a resolution to the matter. If the matter is not resolved informally, the individual may proceed with a formal complaint using the following procedure:

Obtain a General Public Complaint Form available from the Office of the President, Building B, Room 207 or at http://www.terra.edu/about_us/institutional_info_policies/complaint_policies.php.
Complete the General Public Complaint Form and submit it in person or electronically to the Executive Assistant in the Office of the President who will then forward it to the appropriate member of the President’s Cabinet.
A member of the President’s Cabinet, or designee, will contact the individual within five business days of receiving the complaint.

The member of the President’s Cabinet or designee may indicate the need for an interview with the individual or witnesses and may identify additional time needed for an investigation of the matter. A response to the complaint by the College will be provided in writing by a member of the President’s Cabinet or designee.

If the complainant is not satisfied with the College’s written response to the complaint, the individual may compose a letter of appeal describing the initial complaint and explaining the reason for their dissatisfaction with the College’s written response. This letter should be addressed to the College President and must be submitted within 10 business days after receiving the College’s written response. The College President, or designee, will act on the appeal and render a final decision in writing to the complainant.

Board of Trustees Public Commentary Request

The Board of Trustees gives high priority to participation by the general public. A person(s) desiring to speak to the assembled board must seek special permission from the chairperson. The permission must be in writing and sought at least one week in advance of a regular board meeting. The board will limit the time each person is allowed to speak. The maximum time allotted to any given meeting will be 10 minutes. Written requests to speak should be submitted electronically or in person to the Executive Assistant in the Office of the President.

Non-Retaliation

Terra State Community College strictly adheres to and enforces a non-retaliation policy. Retaliation against an individual who has complained about sexual discrimination, harassment, and/or misconduct and retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a sexual discrimination and/or harassment complaint is unlawful and will not be tolerated by the College. Any person who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination if they are an employee, and/or dismissal if they are a student.

Contesting Grades

Students who wish to contest a grade should follow these steps within 90 days of receiving the grade or decision:

Speak with the instructor involved and try to resolve the issue.
If the issue cannot be settled satisfactorily with the instructor, meet with the dean in the appropriate academic division. The dean will initiate a review within five working days and render a judgment in a timely fashion.
If, after the dean has reviewed the situation, the student wishes to have another level of review, the student may appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will make a timely review of the situation with all involved parties. At the end of this review, the judgment of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, which will be provided in writing, is final and binding.

Appealing Transfer Credit Decisions

Initial questions concerning transfer credit evaluation should be directed to the Student Records Office. Students who wish to appeal a decision involving the application of transfer credit by Terra State should follow these steps within 90 days of receiving the evaluation of transfer credit.

Notify the Registrar that a formal review is requested. The Registrar will initiate a review of the evaluation within five working days and render a written judgment within 30 days.
In the event that the student is not satisfied after the review by the Registrar, the student may then appeal to the Senior Student Affairs Officer. The Senior Student Affairs Officer will initiate a review of the evaluation within 5 working days and render a written judgment within 30 days. The decision of the Senior Student Affairs Officer is final.

Computer Resources/Acceptable Use Policy

All college computers and technology resources are provided for the exclusive use of Terra State students (with current Terra State IDs) and staff.
All users must read and agree to an “acceptable use” policy available onscreen before logging in on any college computers or connecting devices to the college wireless network.

Zero-Tolerance

The following activities and/or uses of computers will not be tolerated by the college in any form:

Accessing, transmitting or otherwise making use of pornographic materials of any kind available over the Internet.
Any form of harassment activity, including but not limited to email transmissions.
Accessing, transmitting, or otherwise making use of “hate-group” or materials of any kind available over the Internet that may cause discomfort to any racial or ethnic group.
Illegal duplication or transmission of protected software.
Destruction or theft of computer equipment or software.

The first violation of any part of the above “Zero-Tolerance” section of the Acceptable Use of Computer Resources Policy will result in immediate forfeiture of computer access privileges. A second violation will result in formal disciplinary proceedings, which may include suspension or expulsion (students), or termination (staff).

Drugs and Alcohol Policy

Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Prevention Program

Terra State Community College supports the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.

All Terra State Community College students must abide by this statement: the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in or at Terra State Community College.

Health Risks and Understanding Drug Use

People use drugs for a variety of reasons, including to satisfy curiosity, to relieve stress, to cope with difficult problems and situations and to manage depression and low self-esteem. Drug use that begins casually or as experimentation can progress to problem use or even addiction, but a person doesn’t have to be addicted to drugs to have a drug problem. The key to preventing and treating drug abuse is to also treat the underlying reasons for use.

Drug abuse education is important. A thorough alcohol/drug education program includes three areas:

Early detection-Understanding the signs and symptoms of drug use.
Intervention-Helping someone who may have a problem with drugs.
Referral-Knowing where to get help or to send someone for help.

Health Risks of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Alcohol is the most abused drug in society as well as on college campuses. Alcohol is directly involved in many injuries, assaults and the majority of deaths in people under age 25.

Other commonly abused illegal drugs include marijuana, cocaine, stimulants, hallucinogens, depressants, narcotics, steroids and inhalants. Legal drugs such as caffeine, nicotine, over-the-counter and prescription drugs also have wide use and associated risks.

Health risks of using alcohol or other drugs include both physical and psychological effects. The health consequences depend on the frequency, duration and intensity of use. For all drugs, there is a risk of overdose. Overdose can result in coma, convulsions, psychosis or death. In addition, combinations of certain drugs, such as alcohol and barbiturates, can be lethal. Finally, the purity and strength of doses of illegal drugs are uncertain.

From the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (www.niaaa.nih.gov):

Alcohol’s Effects on the Body

Brain:

Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways, and can affect the way the brain looks and works. These disruptions can change mood and behavior, and make it harder to think clearly and move with coordination.

Heart:
Drinking a lot over a long time or too much on a single occasion can damage the heart, causing problems including: Cardiomyopathy - Stretching and drooping of heart muscle, Arrhythmias - Irregular heart beat, Stroke, High blood pressure

Liver:
Heavy drinking takes a toll on the liver, and can lead to a variety of problems and liver inflammations including: Steatosis, or fatty liver, Alcoholic hepatitis, Fibrosis, Cirrhosis

Pancreas:
Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can eventually lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels in the pancreas that prevents proper digestion.

Cancer:
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of developing certain cancers, including cancers of the: Mouth, Esophagus, Throat, Liver, Breast

Immune System:
Drinking too much can weaken your immune system, making your body a much easier target for disease. Chronic drinkers are more liable to contract diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis than people who do not drink too much. Drinking a lot on a single occasion slows your body’s ability to ward off infections - even up to 24 hours after getting drunk.

Retrieved: June 21, 2017 from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body

Continued use of substances can lead to tolerance (requiring more and more of a drug to get the same effect), dependence (physical or psychological need) or withdrawal (painful, difficult and dangerous symptoms when stopping the use of drugs). Long-term chronic use of drugs can lead to malnutrition, organic damage to the body, and psychological problems. The risk of AIDS and other diseases increases if drugs are injected. The consumption of alcohol or drugs by pregnant women may cause abnormalities, such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (the third leading cause of birth defects) in babies.

For a full description of health risks associated with alcohol and drugs, National Institute on Drug Abuse. www.drugabuse.gov

Risk Factors for Drug and/or Alcohol Use

A number of factors put people at risk for drug abuse. Several of the higher risk factors are:

Family history of alcoholism or drug abuse
Inadequate interpersonal skills
Favorable attitudes toward drug use
Friends who use drugs
Low self-esteem or self-worth
College student between 18-25 years old
Academic failure
Depression
Poor coping skills

Self-Assessments:

Alcohol: Am I using it, or is it using me?

Do you drink to make yourself feel better if you’re having a hard time at work or at home?
Has your drinking increased in the last two years, year, six months?
Are you annoyed or defensive if anyone mentions your drinking?
Have you ever tried to limit your drinking by drinking only at a certain time of day or on certain days of the week?
Do you start drinking sooner, and stop drinking later, than most of your friends?
Have you had a morning drink in the past year?
Has your drinking ever caused you problems at home or at work?
Do you ever feel guilty or regretful about how you’ve behaved when you’re drinking?
Have you ever had a memory lapse after an evening of drinking?
Do you secretly worry that drinking is damaging your life?

If you answered “yes” to two or more questions, there is a good chance that you may be heading for a dangerous drinking problem-if you don’t already have one. Only you know the truth about your own drinking.

Are you experiencing co-dependency (a family illness)?

Do you lose sleep because of a problem user?
Does your attitude change toward the problem user (alternating between love and hate)?
Do you mark, hide, dilute and/or empty bottles of liquor or other substances?
Do you think that everything would be OK if only the problem user would stop or control the use?
Do you feel alone, fearful, anxious, angry and frustrated most of the time?
Are you beginning to dislike yourself and wonder about your sanity?
Do you feel responsible and guilty about the chemical problem?
Have you taken over many chores and duties that you would normally expect the problem user to assume or that were formerly his or hers?
Do you feel utterly defeated, that nothing you can say or do will influence the problem user?
Do you believe that he or she cannot get better?

If you answered “yes” to any three of these questions, chemical dependency exists in the family and is producing negative changes in you.

Free Online Self-Assessment

Terra State students, faculty and staff have access to an online self-assessment through ULifeline: http://www.ulifeline.org/TSCC/self_evaluator.

Drug and Alcohol-Related Campus Sanctions

Terra State Community College reserves the right to warn, reprimand, suspend or dismiss any student or employee who violates the college conduct and discipline policy or the law. The college’s response will depend on the severity of the offense, number of previous offenses and extenuating circumstances. For students, all college judicial and appeals procedures will be followed except in rare cases when the possibility of imminent danger exists. For employees, due process will be followed.

The student may additionally be referred to an alcohol/drug counseling or treatment facility..

If a student is convicted of a criminal drug violation, the student must notify the college. Law requires the college, within 30 days of such notification, to:

Take appropriate action against such student, up to and including dismissal; or
Require such student to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purpose by a federal, state or local health, law enforcement or other appropriate agency.

Drug and Alcohol-Related State and Federal Laws

Ohio law prohibits illicit selling, cultivating, manufacturing or otherwise trafficking in controlled substances, including cocaine, heroin, amphetamines and marijuana; knowingly or recklessly furnishing them to a minor; and administering them to any person by force, threat or deception with the intent to cause serious harm or if serious harm results. These offenses are felonies.

The law also prohibits knowingly obtaining, possessing or using a controlled substance and permitting drug abuse on one’s premises or in one’s vehicle. These offenses may be either felonies or misdemeanors. The law further prohibits obtaining, possessing or using hypodermics for unlawful administration of drugs, and the sale to juveniles of paraphernalia for use with marijuana. These offenses are misdemeanors.

A felony conviction may lead to imprisonment or imprisonment and fine. The maximum prison term is 25 years. A misdemeanor conviction may lead to imprisonment for up to six months and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

With regard to beer and intoxicating liquor, Ohio law provides that a person under 21 years of age who orders, pays for, attempts to purchase, possesses or consumes beer or liquor or furnishes false information in order to effect a purchase commits a misdemeanor.

Ohio law prohibits the possession of beer or liquor which was not lawfully purchased, and a court may order that any place where beer or liquor is unlawfully sold not be occupied for one year, or that the owner or occupant of the premises be required to furnish a surety bond of $1,000 to $5,000.

Federal law forbids the illegal possession of, or any trafficking in, controlled substances. A person convicted for the first time of possessing a controlled substance, other than crack cocaine, may be sentenced to up to one year in prison and fined between $1,000 and $100,000. A second conviction carries a prison term of up to two years and a fine of up to $250,000. Subsequent convictions carry prison terms of up to three years and fines of up to $250,000.

Imprisonment for five to 20 years and fines of up to $250,000 apply to persons possessing more than five grams of crack cocaine on the first conviction, three grams on the second and one gram on subsequent convictions. In addition, a person convicted of possessing a controlled substance may be punished by forfeiture of property used to possess or facilitate possession if the offense is punishable by more than one year in prison; forfeiture of any conveyance used to transport or conceal a controlled substance; denial of federal benefits, such as student loans, for up to five years; ineligibility to receive or purchase a firearm; and a civil penalty of up to $10,000.

Campus Resources

Community Resources

24/7 CRISIS HOTLINE: 1-800-826-1306

24/7 CRISIS TEXT LINE: Text 4hope to 741741

Treatment and Recovery Support Resources Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties

RESOURCE	SERVICES OFFERED	PHONE NUMBER
Christian Counseling Center	Mental Health Counseling	419-447-8111
Community Health Services	Behavioral Health Services	419-334-3869
Corporate Anointing Ministries (CAM)	Alcohol and Drugs Recovery Housing - Male and Female	419-333-0733
FACTOR	Addiction Support Group for Individuals, Families and Friends	419-294-8740
Families Recover Too	Support Group for Families and Friends Affected by Addictions	419-262-2436
Family and Children First Council - Sandusky	Wrap-around - Family Services	419-332-9571
Family and Children First Council - Seneca	Wrap-around - Family Services, SMYL - Youth Mentoring Program	419-443-0981
Family and Children First Council - Wyandot	Wrap-around - Family Services, Way - Youth Mentoring Program	419-294-6438
Firelands Counseling and Recovery Services - Fostoria	Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs and Crisis	419-435-0204
Firelands Counseling and Recovery Services - Fremont	Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs and Crisis	419-332-5524
Firelands Counseling and Recovery Services - Tiffin	Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs and Crisis	419-448-9440
Firelands Counseling and Recovery Services - Upper Sandusky	Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs and Crisis	419-294-4388
Lorain County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services	Women’s Residential Program for Alcohol and Other Drugs	440-282-4777
Liberty Center of Sandusky County	Homeless Shelter Offering Behavioral Health Treatment	419-332-8777
Life Enhancement Services of Ohio	Behavioral Health Services - Outpatient Treatment	419-552-1882
Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio	Mental Health and Chemical Dependence Counseling Services	419-334-3431
NAMI of Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties	Mental Health Family Support, Education and Advocacy	419-334-8021
New Housing Ohio, Inc. (The Cottage)	Alcohol and Drug Recovery Housing - Male	567-245-5150
New Housing Ohio, Inc.	Mental Health Housing - Male and Female	567-245-3744
New Transitions Counseling	Behavioral Health Services - Outpatient Treatment	419-448-4094
Oriana House, Inc.	Recovery Support Coach and Medication Assisted Treatment	419-447-1444
Peer Recovery Support Group	Peer Mental Health and Alcohol and Drug Recovery Support	419-448-0640
Peer to Peer Recovery	Support Group for Individuals from Mental Health or Addictions	419-552-0118
ProMedica Physicians Behavioral Health - Fremont	Behavioral Health Services	419-333-2785
Rigel Recovery Services	Opiate Specific Outpatient Treatment Services	567-220-7018
Road to Hope Project	Addiction Support Program 1-Year, Faith-Based Program - Male	419-455-5616
RU Recovery Program (Reformers Unanimous)	Addiction Support Group (Christ-Centered)	419-547-8251
Sandusky County Re-Entry	Employment Support for Sandusky County	567-201-2206
Suicide Prevention Coalition	Education and Support for the Prevention of Suicide	419-448-0640
Summit Psychological Associates, Inc.	Behavioral Health Services - Outpatient Treatment	800-967-3327
TASC - Sandusky County	Drug Testing and 12-Step Support Program	419-334-4644
Tiffin Community Health Center	Behavioral Health Services, Federally Qualified Health Center	419-455-8140
Upper Sandusky Counseling & Life Coaching	Wellness, Life Coaching and Counseling	419-294-5795
Wyandot Counseling Associates	Behavioral Health Services - Outpatient Treatment	419-294-1212

Treatment and Recovery Support Resources Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties

Resource	Service Area	Information, Website and/or Services Provided
4CRFour County Recovery Huron, Erie, Sandusky and Seneca Counties 419-577-4331	Bellevue \| Norwalk	Huron, Erie, Sandusky and Seneca Counties. Four County Recovery is a new non-profit group committed to assisting those struggling with addiction and their families. Bellevue Meetings for Addicts and Recovered Addicts, City Council Chambers, 3000 Seneca Industrial Parkway, Bellevue: Monday-10:00 a.m.; Tuesday-6:00 p.m.; Wednesday 10:00 a.m.; Thursday-6:00 p.m.; Sunday-11:00 a.m. (group yoga session). Bellevue Meeting for Family and Loved Ones, Bellevue Public Library, 224 East Main Street, Bellevue: Saturday-11:00 a.m. (biweekly). Norwalk Meetings for Addicts and Recovered Addicts, Norwalk Recreational Center, 100 Republic Street, Norwalk: Contact Rory McClain at 614-907-1030.
Al-Anon	Ohio	http://www.ohioal-anon.org/
Alcoholics Anonymous	NW Ohio	www.area55aa.org
Alcoholics Anonymous	North Central Ohio	www.ncoa-aa.org
Narcotics Anonymous	Ohio Region	http://bmlt.naohio.org/
Celebrate Recovery	Fremont	Celebrate Recovery is a biblically balanced program that helps overcome hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Grace Community Church, 900 Smith Road, Fremont: Wednesday-6:30 p.m. in “The Block”, Childcare provided.
FACTOR 419-294-8740	Tiffin	Support group for individuals in recovery, families and friends affected by addictions. A Little Faith Ministries, 230 S. Washington Street, Tiffin: Monday 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Fight for Recovery 419-603-8963	Clyde	Families dealing with addictions: focus to bridge the gap between families and the mind of an addict. Also offering support group for individuals in recovery. Young People’s Recovery Meeting, Clyde City Building Basement, 222 Main Street, Clyde: Friday-7:00 p.m. Opiate Addiction Support Group for family members and loved ones, Clyde City Building Basement, 222 Main Street, Clyde: Tuesday-7:30 p.m.
Families Recover Too 419-262-2436	Woodville	Support group for families and friends affected by addictions. Solomon Lutheran Church, 305 W. Main Street, Woodville: Thursday-7:30 p.m.
Family Matters 567-280-4023	Fremont	The Family Matters Education Program provides encouragement and support to family members and friends of those affected by addiction. Positive family involvement can assist in continued sobriety. Oriana House Family Matters, 101-103 S. Front Street, Fremont: Wednesday 6:00-8:00 p.m
Family Matters 567-220-7018	Tiffin	The Family Matters Education Program provides encouragement and support to family members and friends of those affected by addiction. Positive family involvement can assist in continued sobriety. Oriana House Family Matters, 65 St. Francis Avenue, Tiffin: Thursday 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Life Coaching 419-294-5795	Upper Sandusky	An educational support group for families and loved ones of someone suffering from addiction. Call to register.
Peer to Peer Recovery 419-552-0118	Fremont	Support group for individuals in recovery from addictions. Corporate Anointing Ministries (CAM), 604 W. State Street, Fremont: First Saturday of the month at 9:00 a.m.
Recovery Coach 567-280-4023	Fremont \| Tiffin	For Sandusky and Seneca County residents. A personal guide and mentor for people seeking or already in recovery. This program promotes recovery by removing barriers and obstacles. Oriana House, 101 S. Front Street, Fremont and Oriana House, 65 St. Francis Avenue, Tiffin.
Road to Hope Project 419-455-5616	Tiffin	Family members and friends support group. 3484 S Township Road 151, Tiffin. Meetings are 3rd Thursday of each month. 7:00-9:00 p.m.
RU Recovery Program 419-547-8251	Clyde	Christ-center addiction support group. Kidz Club. Harvest Baptist Temple, 1022 S. Main Street, Clyde: Meets every Friday at 7:00 p.m.

For specific service information, please call Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties: 419-448-0640 or visit www.mhrsbssw.org.

Compiled by: Mental Health & Addiction Services of Ohio

Good Neighbor Policy

Terra State Community College is an institution committed to promoting the intellectual, physical and social development of all individuals. As such, Terra State Community College seeks to prevent the abuse of drugs and alcohol, which can adversely affect performance and threaten the health and safety of students, employees, their families, and the general public. TSCC complies with all federal, state, and local laws concerning the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs and alcohol.

As a community, Terra State Community College encourages students to assist other students who may be in need, either on or off campus. The college recognizes disciplinary sanctions may serve as a barrier to students seeking medical/crisis assistance for themselves or others in alcohol and drug related emergencies. Whenever a student seeks medical or crisis assistance for another student who is in violation of school policy related to alcohol or drug-related violations, both parties may be exempt from disciplinary sanctions as they pertain to the safety of the individuals.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

Terra State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, gender identity, genetic information, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status, or special disabled or Vietnam-era veteran status in provision of educational programs and services or employment opportunities and benefits pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1976, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, and Chapter 4112 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Equal Education Opportunity Policy

Notice Against Discrimination

Terra State Community College is committed to providing equal educational opportunity. Discrimination in any form will not be tolerated within the Terra State Community College community. All members of the faculty, staff, administration, student body, volunteers, and visitors to the campus have the right to be pursue their careers or studies free from discrimination. The above mentioned groups are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others. This policy has been developed to reaffirm these principles and to provide recourse for those individuals whose rights have been violated. This policy has dual purposes. It serves as a measure for the college to determine, after the fact, if behaviors have violated policy. It also provides general guidelines for the expectations the college has for non-discriminatory behavior. Separate policies have been developed to specifically address sexual and disability discrimination.

Filing a Complaint

A person who believes they have been subject to discriminatory treatment is encouraged to report these offenses to the Title IX Coordinator, a Deputy Coordinator, or to their direct supervisor. Any person who receives a complaint of discrimination, harassment or retaliation, is expected to report the incident promptly.

Non-Retaliation

Terra State Community College strictly adheres to and enforces a non-retaliation policy. Retaliation against an individual who has reported discriminatory treatment and retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation is unlawful and will not be tolerated by the College. Any person who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination if they are an employee, and or dismissal if they are a student.

The following individual(s) have been appointed by the President to handle inquiries regarding this policy:

Chari Mullen, Director of Diversity and Inclusion and Title IX Coordinator
Terra State Community College
2830 Napoleon Road
Fremont, OH 43420
Office Location: Roy Klay Hall A201H
Phone: 419.334.5900
Email: cmullen@fremontohio.org

Dr. Todd E. Long, PhD., Associate Dean of Students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Terra State Community College
2830 Napoleon Road
Fremont, OH 43420
Office Location: Academic Support Center B105
Phone: 419.559.2360
Email: tlong08@terra.edu

Mr. Scott Kneeskern, Manager of Human Resources and Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Terra State Community College
2830 Napoleon Road
Fremont, OH 43420
Office Location: Human Resources B208
Phone: 419.559.2165
Email: skneeskern01@terra.edu

To view established grievance procedures for this policy please visit www.terra.edu.

Sexual Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy

Notice of Non-Sex Discrimination

Sex discrimination violates an individual’s fundamental rights and personal dignity. Terra State considers sex discrimination, to include, but not be limited to: sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based harassment, intimate partner violence, and stalking by employees, students, or third parties. To ensure compliance with Title IX and other federal and state civil rights laws, the College has developed policies and procedures that prohibit sex discrimination.

Notice Against Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct in any form will not be tolerated within the Terra State Community College community. All members of the faculty, staff, administration, student body, volunteers, and visitors to campus have the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of sex. All members of the above mentioned groups are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others. Terra State Community College’s sexual misconduct policy has been developed to reaffirm these principles and to provide recourse for those individuals whose rights have been violated. This policy has dual purposes. It serves as a measure for the College to determine, after the fact, if behaviors have violated policy. It also provides general guidelines for the expectations the College has for sexual communication, sexual responsibility, and sexual respect.

Filing A Complaint:

Individuals who have experienced sex discrimination are encouraged to report these offenses to campus safety, to the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinators, or to their direct supervisor. Individuals who wish to make a complaint do not have to provide a statement to Campus Safety. Any person who receives a complaint of sexual discrimination, harassment, or retaliation is expected to report the incident promptly.

Non-Retaliation

Terra State Community College strictly adheres to and enforces a non-retaliation policy. Retaliation against an individual who has complained about sexual discrimination, harassment and/or misconduct and retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a sexual discrimination and/or harassment complaint is unlawful and will not be tolerated by the College. Any person who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination if they are an employee, and/or dismissal if they are a student.

The following individual(s) have been appointed by the President to handle inquiries regarding this policy:

Campus Safety
Terra State Community College
2830 Napoleon Road
Fremont, OH 43420
Office Location: B106
Phone: 419.559.2253

To view established grievance procedures for this policy please visit www.terra.edu.

Services for Students with Disabilities and Disability Discrimination Policy

Notice Against Disability Discrimination

Terra State Community College welcomes qualified students with disabilities and endorses the principles of non-discrimination and reasonable accommodation as described in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1972 and Title II of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. The policy has been developed to serve and accommodate students with disabilities to ensure equal opportunity to participate in its educational program, services, and activities. This policy provides guidance to reasonably accommodate students with disabilities without compromising academic standards and requirements. Additionally, it serves as a measure for the college to determine, after the fact, if behaviors have violated policy and provides general guidelines for the expectations the College has for non-discriminatory behavior.

Filing a Complaint

A student who wishes to appeal an accommodation request that has been denied or who believes they have been subject to discriminatory treatment is encouraged to report these offenses to the Section 504 Coordinator. Any person who receives a complaint of disability discrimination, harassment or retaliation, is expected to report the incident promptly.

Non-Retaliation

The following individual has been appointed by the President to handle inquiries regarding this policy:

Mr. Todd E. Long, Associate Dean of Students
Terra State Community College
2830 Napoleon Road
Fremont, OH 43420
Office Location: General Technologies Building, B105
Phone: 419.559-2360
Email: tlong08@terra.edu

To view established grievance procedures for this policy please visit www.terra.edu.

Smoking Policy

In order to create and promote a healthy, first-and second-hand smoke-free and sustainable environment for the College community and to model the same for the community-at-large, at the start of the 2019-2020 academic year, Terra State Community College prohibits smoking or inhaling any substance, by any method, including, but not limited to, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and aromatic smoking products, such as clove cigarettes, herbal cigarettes, or any other similar device(s). Tobacco use is prohibited in all defined locations/areas at all times. Tobacco products are defined as any product made of tobacco including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, bidis, all chewing tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes, cigars, or related products. Smoking is defined as burning or other use of any of the above listed products.

The areas designated for smoking on campus will be the smoking huts in the quadrangle outside of buildings A, B, D.

Student Code of Conduct

To support the mission and vision of Terra State Community College, we will implement restorative justice practices that allow students to experience taking personal responsibility for harm caused to an individual and/or community. These practices empower harmed parties to confront both issues the actions that have occurred, and the individuals who acted as the offender. This will provide a way for college community members to take ownership of problems, further demonstrating a culture of responsibility and accountability.

In accordance with the Code of Student Conduct, restorative justice:

Provides an opportunity for interaction between the Respondent and any harmed party or Complaining Witness, but also may involve the community in the decision making process. Community participants may be anyone in the community concerned about the behavior. The goal is to provide everyone a voice in the process and bring understanding to all parties. Restorative conferences also facilitate collaboration in addressing any underlying problems that led to the incident, and deciding what is to be done.

Participation in a restorative conference is voluntary. All parties must willingly agree to attend. The Respondent must have previously accepted responsibility for the behavior in question in order for a restorative conference to occur. The Associate Dean of Students or his/her provides designee annual training for restorative justice conference facilitators. Restorative justice may or may not result in additional restorative actions, depending on the outcome of the session.

ARTICLE A: DEFINITIONS

The term “COLLEGE” means Terra State Community College.
The term “STUDENT” includes all persons taking courses at the College both full-time and part-time, pursuing undergraduate, or non-credit studies and those who attend post- secondary educational institutions other than Terra State Community College. Persons who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the College are considered “students.”
The term “FACULTY MEMBER” means any person hired by the College to conduct classroom or teaching activities or who is otherwise considered by the College to be a member of its faculty.
The term “COLLEGE OFFICIAL” includes any person employed by the College performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.
The term “MEMBER OF THE COLLEGE COMMUNITY” includes any person who is a student, faculty member, College official or any other person employed by the College. A person’s status in a particular situation shall be determined by the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services.
The term “COLLEGE PREMISES” includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the College including adjacent streets and sidewalks.
The term “ORGANIZATION” means any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for College recognition of sanctions.
The term “SHALL” is used in the imperative sense.
The term “MAY” is used in the permissive sense.
The term “STUDENT DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE” means any person or persons authorized by the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services to determine whether a student has violated the Student Code and to recommend sanctions that may be imposed when a violation has been committed.
The term “STUDENT CONDUCT OFFICER” means a College official authorized on a case-by-case basis by the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services to impose sanctions upon a student who has violated the Student Code. The Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services may authorize a Student Conduct Officer to serve simultaneously as a Student Conduct Officer, the sole member, or one of the members of the Student Discipline Committee. The Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services may authorize the same Student Conduct Officer to impose sanctions in all cases.
The term “DISCIPLINE APPEALS COMMITTEE” means any persons authorized by the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services to consider an appeal from a Student Discipline Committee’s determination as to whether a student violated the Student Code.
The term “POLICY” is defined as the written regulations of the College as found in, but not limited to, the College catalog, student handbook, College web pages and computer use policy.
“LEVEL I” infractions of the Student Code are those for which the sanctions may be a warning, disciplinary probation, special restriction, loss of privileges, fines, restitution, imposed reassignment of course section, or assignments of discretionary sanctions. Level I violations will generally be heard by a Student Conduct Officer.
“LEVEL II” infractions of the Student Code are those for which the sanctions may be, in addition to those listed in Level I, suspension, expulsion from the College, revocation, or withholding of a degree. Level II violations will generally be heard by the Student Discipline Committee.
The term “CHEATING” includes, but is not limited to (1) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes or examinations; (2) dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; or (3) the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the College faculty or staff.
The term “PLAGIARISM” includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. Examples include: the submission of an assignment purporting to be the student’s original work which has been wholly or partly created by another person; the presentation as one’s own, another person’s ideas, organization, or wording without acknowledgment of sources; knowingly permitting one’s own work to be submitted by another student as if it were the student’s own; and the use of material from the Internet, videos, encyclopedias, books, magazines, student papers, and copyrighted material without indicating where the material was found. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.
The term “SEXUAL HARASSMENT” is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature that is unwelcome and which, because of its severity and/ or persistence, interferes significantly with an individual’s or a group’s work or education, or adversely affects an individual or group’s living conditions.
The term “SEXUAL EXPLOITATION” is defined as taking non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for his/her own advantage or benefit, or to benefit or advantage anyone other than the one being exploited, such as prostituting another student, non-consensual video or audio-taping of sexual activity, going beyond boundaries of consent, voyeurism, or knowingly transmitting an STI or HIV to another student.
The term “NON-CONSENSUAL INTIMATE TOUCHING” is defined as one person engaging in the intimate touching of another person, against such other person’s consent, or after such other person has withdrawn their consent, except that such intimate touching does not include oral, anal, or vaginal penetration or the fondling or manipulation thereof. This includes non-consensual kissing, or stroking, or fondling of a non-sexual body part, in an intimate way.
The term “NON-CONSENSUAL SEXUAL CONTACT” is defined as the intentional touching, manipulation or fondling either of the victim by the perpetrator or when the victim is forced to touch directly or through clothing another person’s groin, genitals, breasts, thighs or buttocks or when a person is compelled to touch the above named parts of their own bodies for the sexual gratification of another, against another person’s consent or after such other person has withdrawn their consent.
The term “NON-CONSENSUAL SEXUAL INTERCOURSE” is defined as any form of sexual intercourse with a person, without his or her consent, or after consent is withdrawn. This includes non-consensual anal, oral, or vaginal penetration, whether by a finger, tongue, penis, or an inanimate object, as well as compelling an unwilling person to perform any of the above named acts.
The term “INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE” (domestic violence and dating violence) is defined as violence by a current or former spouse, cohabitant, significant other, person similarly situated under domestic or family violence law, or anyone else protected under domestic or family violence law.
The term “STALKING” is defined as the repeated following of or communicating with another person with the intent to kill, injure, harass, or intimidate in a manner causing that person to be under emotional duress and/or in reasonable fear of death or injury to his/herself.
The term “VOYEURISM” is defined as invading the privacy of another to videotape, film, photograph, or otherwise record the other person in a state of nudity and/or in a manner where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.
The term “REPORTING PARTY” means any person who submits a charge alleging that a violation of this Student Code. When a person believes that they has been a victim of another student’s misconduct, the student who believes they has been a victim will have the same rights under this Student Code as are provided to the Responding Part, even if another member of the College community submitted the charge itself.
The term “RESPONDING PARTY” means any student accused of violating this Student Code.

ARTICLE B: STUDENT CODE AUTHORITY

The Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services shall determine the composition of the Student Discipline Committee and Discipline Appeals Committee and determine which Student Discipline Committee, Student Conduct Officer, and Discipline Appeals Committee shall be authorized to hear each case.
The Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services is that person designated by the College President to be responsible for the administration of the Student Code. The Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services or designee shall develop procedures for the administration of the student conduct system and rules for the conduct of conferences, which are not inconsistent with provisions of the Student Code.
Decisions made by the Student Discipline Committee and/or a Student Conduct Officer designated by the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services, shall be final, pending the normal appeal process.
A Student Discipline Committee may be designated as arbiter of disputes within the student community in cases, which do not involve a violation of the Student Code. All parties must agree to arbitration, and to be bound by the decision with no right of appeal.

ARTICLE C: CONDUCT RULES AND REGULATIONS

Any student found to have committed the following misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in Article F:

Violation of any College policy, rule, or regulation published in hard copy, posted on campus or available electronically on the College’s website.
Violation of federal, state, or local law on College premises or at College-sponsored or supervised activities.
Actions that endanger the student, the College or local community, or the academic process, or cause harm to others.
Acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to the following:
- Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty.
- Furnishing false information to any College official, faculty member or office.
- Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any College document, record, or instrument of identification.
- Helping or attempting to help another student commit an act of dishonesty.
- Any form of academically unethical behavior involving misuse of College computers.
- Tampering with the election of any College recognized student organization.
Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, other College activities, including its public-service functions on or off campus, or other authorized non-college activities, when the act occurs on college premises.
Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, bullying, harassment, coercion, stalking and/ or other conduct that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work, academic performance, or creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive working or educational environment. This includes the utilization of technology as a vehicle to exhibit the above mentioned behaviors.
Acts of sexual misconduct, including but not limited to the following: sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, non-consensual intimate touching, non-consensual sexual contact, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, voyeurism and non-consensual sexual intercourse.
Attempted or actual theft of and/or damage to property of the College, property of a member of the College community, or other personal or public property.
Hazing, defined as an act, which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.
Failure to comply with directions of college officials or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself when requested to do so.
Unauthorized possession, duplication, use of keys to any College premises, or unauthorized entry to or use of College premises.
Distribution of marijuana, heroin, narcotics, or other controlled substances except as expressly permitted by law; use or possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia.
Use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, except as permitted by the law and College regulations, or public intoxication. Alcoholic beverages may not, in any circumstances, be used by, possessed by, or distributed to any person under the age of 21.
Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on College premises, or any object by its intended or actual use may be used to threaten or harm people, or damage or destroy property.
Participation in a campus demonstration which disrupts the normal operations of the College and infringes on the rights of other members of the College community to the extent that participation in such a demonstration is not protected by applicable law; leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/ or normal activities within any campus building or area; intentional obstruction which unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement, either pedestrian or vehicular on campus.
Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on college premises or at College- sponsored or supervised functions.
Conduct which is disorderly, lewd, or indecent breach of peace, aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on College premises or social media platforms, functions sponsored by, or participated in by the College or members of the academic community. This includes but is not limited to public urination and streaking.
Theft or other abuse of computer time, including but not limited to:
- Unauthorized entry into a file, to use, read, or change the contents, or for any other purpose.
- Unauthorized transfer of a file.
- Unauthorized use of another individual’s identification and password.
- Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member or college official.
- Use of computing facilities to send obscene or abusive messages.
- Use of computing facilities to interfere with normal operation of the college computing system.
Tampering with any telecommunication service, including but not limited to: telephone, cable television, and/or voice mail; providing unauthorized service to another room or suite by any means through unauthorized installation of wiring jacks or extensions.
Abuse of the Student Conduct System, including but not limited to:

Failure to obey the summons of a Student Discipline Committee, Discipline Appeals Committee, Student Conduct Officer, or College official to appear for a meeting or conference as part of the Student Conduct System.
Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a Student Discipline Committee, or Student Conduct Officer.
Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a proceeding.
Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the Student Conduct System.
Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a Student Discipline Committee or Discipline Appeals Committee prior to, and/or during, and/or after a student conduct proceeding.
Harassment (verbal or physical), and/or intimidation of a member of a student conduct body prior to, during and/or after a student conduct proceeding.
Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Student Code.
Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the Student Conduct System.

ARTICLE D: JURISDICTION OF THE TERRA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT CODE

The Terra State Community College Student Code shall apply to conduct that occurs on College premises, at College-sponsored activities, and to off-campus conduct that adversely affects the College community and/or the pursuit of its objectives. Each student shall be responsible for his/her conduct and conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree, even though conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during periods between terms of actual enrollment (and even if their conduct is not discovered until after a degree is awarded). The Student Code shall apply to a student’s conduct even if the student withdraws from school while a disciplinary matter is pending.

The Student Code of Conduct applies to guests of community members, whose student hosts may be held accountable for the misconduct of their guests. Visitors and guests of Terra State Community College are also protected by the Student Code of Conduct, and may initiate a grievance.

The Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services or designee shall decide whether the Student Code shall be applied to conduct occurring off campus, on a case-by-case basis, in his/her sole discretion.

ARTICLE E: VIOLATION OF LAW AND COLLEGE DISCIPLINE

College disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with conduct that potentially violates both the criminal law and this Student Code (that is, if both possible violations result from the same factual situation) without regard to the pendency of civil or criminal litigation in court or criminal arrest and prosecution. Proceedings under this Student Code may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off campus at the discretion of the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services. Determinations made or sanctions imposed under this Student Code shall not be subject to change because criminal charges arising out of the same facts that gave rise to violation of College rules or regulations were dismissed, reduced, or resolved in favor of or against the criminal law defendant.
When a student is charged by federal, state, or local authorities with a violation of law, the College will not request or agree to special consideration for that individual because of his or her status as a student. If the alleged offense is also being processed under the Student Code, the College may advise off-campus authorities of the existence of the Student Code and of how much matters are typically handled within the College community. The College will cooperate with law enforcement or other agencies in the enforcement of criminal law on campus and in the conditions imposed by criminal courts for the rehabilitation of student violators (provided that the conditions do not conflict with applicable law). Individual students and other members of the College community, acting in their personal capacities, remain free to interact with governmental representatives as they deem appropriate.
If a student is charged with an off- campus violation of federal, state, or local laws, but not with any other violation of this Code, disciplinary action may be taken by the College and sanctions imposed for grave misconduct which demonstrates flagrant disregard for the College Community. In such cases, no sanction may be imposed unless the student has been found guilty in a court of law or has declined to contest such charges, although not actually admitting guilt (e.g., “no contest” or nolo contendere”).

ARTICLE F: STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT PROCEDURES

All suspected violations of the Code will be reviewed in accordance with the procedures outlined below.

Disciplinary Correspondence

All disciplinary correspondence will be sent to the student’s official Terra State Community College e-mail address and/or current mailing address as listed with the Office of Student Records. The College reserves the right to use other reasonable means to notify students.

Filing Complaints

Any member of the College community may file charges against any student for misconduct. Charges shall be prepared in writing and directed to the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services or designee. Any charge should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place, preferably within forty-eight hours. The Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services will designate himself/herself or a Student Conduct Officer. In cases of academic dishonesty and plagiarism, the Student Conduct Officer designated may be an academic official such as an academic dean. While action on a complaint of violating a College rule or regulation is pending, the status of the student shall not be altered except for reasons outlined in Section J.

Presumption of Non-Violation

Any student charged with a violation under this Code shall be presumed not responsible until it is proven that, more likely than not, the violation of the rule or regulation occurred.

Preliminary Investigation

When the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services or designee receives information a student has allegedly violated College rules, regulations, local, state, or federal law, they shall investigate the alleged violation and determine whether further action is necessary. After completing a preliminary investigation, the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services or designee may:

Find no basis for the complaint and dismiss the allegation as unfounded, or
Contact the student for a discussion and either:
1. Dismiss the allegation.
2. Identify if the alleged violation(s) is equated to a Level I infraction and assign the case to a Student Conduct Officer to conduct a Student Conduct Meeting with the student(s).
3. Identify if the alleged violation(s) is equated to a Level II infraction and schedule a conference with the Student Discipline Committee.

Summoning a Student for a Student Conduct Meeting

A Student Conduct Meeting is a meeting between the student(s) involved in an alleged violation of the Code and a Student Conduct Officer and may include sanctions. In some cases, the meeting may resolve the matter.

The Student Conduct Officer shall provide the student with:
1. Written notice of the charge(s) and an outline of rights.
2. Review of all available information, documents, exhibits, and a list of witnesses that may testify against the student.
Following receipt of the notice of charges, a student:
1. May elect not to contest the charges and to accept responsibility for them. If this election is made, the student must sign a waiver of the right to a conference, and must accept the sanction imposed by the Student Conduct Officer. The decision to waive a conference and accept the sanction is final and not appealable.
2. May contest the charges and elect to proceed to a conduct conference. The conference shall be scheduled not less than five (5) and no more than 20 calendar days from the student conduct meeting.

ARTICLE G: CONDUCT CONFERENCE PROCESS

Conduct conferences provide the forum where parties to an allegation are afforded the opportunity to present information for review by a Student Discipline Committee presided over by the chair of the Committee and moderated by the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services. The Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services is an ex-officio member of the committee. A time shall be set for a Student Discipline Committee conference, not less than five (5) nor more than 20 business days after the student has been notified. The maximum time limit for scheduling of conferences may be extended at the discretion of the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services or designee.

Conferences shall be conducted by the Student Discipline Committee according to the following guidelines, except as provided by article J below:

In cases in which the Student Discipline Committee has been authorized by the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services to conduct a conference, the recommendations of the members of the Student Discipline Committee shall be considered in an advisory capacity by the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services in determining and imposing sanctions.
Composition: The Student Discipline Committee is composed of six members, including two faculty appointed by the Vice President of Academic Affairs or designee, one staff member and one administrator appointed by the Manager of Human Resources or designee, and two students appointed by the Terra State Student Government.
Term of service: Members shall serve for one academic year and may continue to serve at the discretion of the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services.
Student eligibility: All students, full-time or part-time, shall be eligible for recommendation to the Student Discipline Committee provided they have maintained a 2.50 cumulative grade point average, are not currently on disciplinary probation, and have not been suspended from the College.
Training: All members of the Student Discipline Committee, upon receiving notice of appointment, shall be given all necessary information about their responsibilities and the means for carrying them out.
Three members from the Student Discipline Committee will be chosen by the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services to hear a proceeding. The conference panel should consist of a faculty member, administrator or staff, and a student.
Conferences normally shall be conducted in private.
The Reporting Party, the Responding Party and their advisors, if any, shall be allowed to attend the entire portion of the Student Discipline Committee conference at which information is received (excluding deliberations). Admission of any other person to the conference shall be at the discretion of the Student Discipline Committee and/or the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services, or designee.
In the case of Student Discipline Committee conferences involving more than one student as the Responding Party, the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services or designee, at his/ her discretion may permit the Student Discipline Committee conference concerning each student to be conducted either separately or jointly.
The Reporting Party and the Responding Party have the right to be assisted by any advisor they choose, at their own expense. The advisor may be an attorney. Reporting Party and the Responding Party are responsible for presenting his or her own information, and therefore, advisors are not permitted to speak or to participate directly in any conferences before the Student Discipline Committee. A student should select an advisor whose schedule allows attendance at the scheduled date and time for the Student Discipline Committee because delays will not normally be allowed due to the scheduling conflicts of an advisor.
The Reporting Party, Responding Party, and the Student Discipline Committee may arrange for witnesses to present information to the Student Discipline Committee. The College will try to arrange the attendance of possible witnesses who are members of the College community, if reasonably possible, and who are identified by the Reporting Party and/or Responding Party at least two (2) business days prior to the Student Discipline Committee conference. Witnesses will provide information to and answer questions from the Student Discipline Committee. Questions may be suggested by the Reporting Party and/or Responding Party to be answered by each other or by other witnesses, with such questions directed to the chairperson, rather than to the witnesses directly. This method is used to preserve the educational tone of the conference and to avoid creation of an adversarial environment. Questions of whether potential information will be received shall be resolved at the discretion of the chairperson of the Student Discipline Committee, in consultation with the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services or designee.
Pertinent records, exhibits, and written statements (including Student Impact Statements) may be accepted as information for consideration by the Student Discipline Committee, at the discretion of the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services.
All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services.
After the portion of the Student Discipline Committee conference concludes in which all pertinent information has been received, the Student Discipline Committee shall determine by majority vote whether the accused student has violated each section of the Student Code that the student is charged with violating.
The Student Discipline Committee’s determination shall be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the accused student violated the Student Code.
Formal rules of process, procedure, and/or technical rules of evidence, such as are applied in criminal or civil court, are not used in Student Code proceedings.
There shall be a single verbatim record, such as a transcription or tape recording, of all conferences before a Student Discipline Committee (not including deliberations). Deliberations shall not be recorded. Transcriptions and/or tapes made during Student Discipline Committee conferences shall be the property of the College. These materials are confidential. They are made available in case of appeal and, upon request, to the Discipline Appeals Committee deliberating the appeal.
If the Responding Party, with notices, does not appear before a Student Discipline Committee conference, the information in support of the charges shall be presented and considered even if the Responding Party is not present. If the Responding Party fails to attend the conference, it shall be deemed that they deny all allegations. When appropriate, a sanction will be determined and both the Responding Party and Reporting Party will be notified in writing.
The Student Discipline Committee may accommodate concerns for the personal safety, well-being, and/or fears of confrontation of the complainant, accused student, or other witness during the conference by providing separate facilities, by using a visual screen, and/or by permitting participation by telephone, videophone, audio tape, written statement, or other means, where and as determined in the sole judgment of the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services to be appropriate.

ARTICLE H: SANCTIONS

The following sanctions may be imposed upon any student found to have violated the Student Code:
1. WARNING-a notice in writing to the student that the student is violating or has violated institutional regulations.
2. PROBATION-a written reprimand for violation of specified regulations. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanction if the student is found to be violating any institutional regulation(s) during the probationary period.
3. LOSS OF PRIVILEGES-denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time.
4. LOSS OF ACADEMIC CREDIT- forfeiture or reduction in the grade assigned for an assignment, project, quiz, test, or course due to academic dishonesty.
5. FINES-previously established and published fines may be imposed.
6. RESTITUTION-compensation for loss, damage or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.
7. DISCRETIONARY SANCTIONS-work assignments, service to the College or other related discretionary assignments (such assignment must have the prior approval of the Student Conduct Officer.)
8. COLLEGE SUSPENSION-separation of the student from the College for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
9. COLLEGE EXPULSION-is permanent separation of the student from the College.
10. REVOCATION OF ADMISSION AND/ OR DEGREE-Admission to or a degree awarded from the College may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violation of College standards in obtaining the degree, or for other serious violation committed by a student prior to graduation.
11. WITHHOLDING DEGREE-The College may withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the completion of the process set forth in this Student Code of Conduct, including the completion of all sanctions imposed, if any.
More than one of the sanctions listed above may be imposed for any single violation.
Sanctions imposed for acts of academic dishonesty typically will follow a three-step progression. The sanctions for the first offense will include loss of academic credit for the assignment or loss of academic credit for the course and a warning. The sanctions for the second offense will include loss of academic credit for the assignment or loss of academic credit for the course and probation status for the duration of the student’s enrollment at the College. The sanction for the third offense is college expulsion. The instructor of record for the course in which the academic dishonesty took place may recommend to the conference officer whether a loss of academic credit for the assignment or course should be sanctioned. The Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services or designee maintains records of Code of Conduct offenses.
Terra State Community Colleges reserves the right to notify parents or guardians of any conduct situation when alcohol and or narcotic/substance/ inhalant abuse or violations are suspected. The College may contact parents/guardians of dependents or non-dependent students who are under the age of 21. Terra State may also contact parents/guardians to inform them of situations in which there is an imminent health and/or safety risk.
Other than College suspension, expulsion, or revocation or withholding of a degree, disciplinary sanctions shall not be made part of the student’s permanent academic record, but shall become part of the student’s disciplinary record. Upon graduation, the student’s disciplinary record may be expunged of disciplinary actions other than, College suspension or College expulsion, upon application to the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services. Cases involving the imposition of sanctions other than College suspension, College expulsion, or revocation or withholding of a degree shall be expunged from the student’s disciplinary record three (3) years after the student completes all requirements for graduation.
In situations where both the Responding Party and Reporting Party are both students (or student group[s] or organization[s]), the records of the process and the sanctions imposed, if any, shall be considered to be the education records of both the Reporting and Responding Parties because the educational career and chances of success in the academic community of each may be impacted.
The following sanctions, in addition to those listed above, may be imposed upon groups or student organizations: community service including service to the College, loss of selected rights and privileges for a specified period of time, and/or deactivation/ loss of all privileges, including College recognition, for a specified period of time.
In each case in which a Student Conduct Officer determines a student has violated the Student Code, the recommendation of the Student Conduct Officer shall be considered by the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services or designee in determining and imposing sanctions. In cases in which the Student Discipline Committee has been authorized to determine a student has violated the Student Code, the recommendation of all members of the Student Discipline Committee shall be considered by the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services in determining and imposing sanctions. The Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services is not limited to sanctions recommended by members of the Student Discipline Committee.
Following the Student Discipline Committee conference, the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services shall simultaneously advise the Responding Party and Reporting Party (including groups and organizations) in writing of the determination and/or the sanction(s) imposed, if any, and how to appeal. A copy of the notification will be retained in the Responding Party’s disciplinary record. Cases involving suspension or expulsion or revocation or withholding of a degree will also be filed in the student’s academic record.

ARTICLE I: APPEALS

A decision reached by the Student Discipline Committee or a sanction imposed may be appealed by the accused student(s) or complainant(s) to the Discipline Appeals Committee within ten (10) school days of the decision. Such appeals shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services.
Composition: The Discipline Appeals Committee is composed of three members: (a) the president of the Terra Faculty Association; (b) an administrator appointed by the College President; and (c) the president of the Terra State Student Government or designee.
Except as required to explain the basis of new evidence, an appeal shall be limited to review of the verbatim records of the Student Discipline Committee conference and supporting documents for one or more of the following purposes:
1. To determine whether the Student Discipline Committee conference was conducted fairly in light of the charges and evidences presented, and in conformity with prescribed procedures, giving the Reporting Party a reasonable opportunity to prepare and present evidence that the Student Code was violated, and giving the Responding Party a reasonable opportunity to prepare and to present a rebuttal of these allegations.
2. To determine whether the decision reached regarding the Responding Party was based on substantial evidence, that is, whether the facts in the case were sufficient to establish that a violation of the Student Code occurred.
3. To determine whether the sanction(s) imposed were appropriate for the violation of the Student Code, which the student was found to have committed.
4. To consider new evidence, sufficient to alter a decision, or other relevant facts because such evidence and/ or facts were not known and could not have been known to the person appealing at the time of the original conference.
If the Discipline Appeals Committee upholds an appeal, the matter may be returned to the original Student Discipline Committee for reopening of the Student Discipline Committee conference to allow reconsideration of the original determination and/or sanction(s).
1. In cases involving appeals by students accused of violating the Student Code, the Discipline Appeals Committee may, upon review of the case, reduce but not increase the sanctions imposed by the Student Discipline Committee.
2. In cases involving appeals by persons other than student(s) accused of violating the Student Code, the Discipline Appeals Committee may, upon review of the case, reduce or increase the sanctions imposed by the Student Discipline Committee.
Following the appeal, the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services shall simultaneously advise the Reporting Party, Responding Party and/or Groups and Organizations in writing.

ARTICLE J: EXCEPTIONAL PROCEDURES

Interim Suspension

In certain circumstances, the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services or designee may impose a College suspension prior to a student conduct meeting or a conduct conference before the Student Discipline Committee. Interim suspension is an action requiring a student immediately leave the campus and College property.

Interim suspension may be imposed only: a) to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the College community or preservation of College property; b) to ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being; or c) if the student poses an ongoing threat of disruption of or interference with the normal operations of the College.
During the interim suspension, the student shall be denied access to the campus (including classes) and/ or all other College activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible, as the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services or designee may determine to be appropriate.

Voluntary Withdraw Agreement

In certain cases where a student’s behavior and continued enrollment may adversely affect his or her well-being or the College, the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services or designee may work collaboratively with the student and his/her family to agree to discontinue the student’s attendance at Terra State for a specified period of time and agree to conditions for re-admittance to the College. In such instances, the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services or designee and the student will sign a written withdrawal agreement.

Temporary Restriction from Personal Contact

The Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services or designee may temporarily restrict a student from any personal, verbal, written, telephone, electronic, and third- party contact with another person pending an investigation and/or conference whenever the contact could constitute a danger to the person or to the safety of the person or property, or the seriousness of the allegations warrants such action. Any student so restricted may obtain an explanation of the basis for such restriction upon request.

Withdrawal Prior to Student Conduct Proceedings

The student who withdraws or fails to return to the College while disciplinary action is pending will be ineligible for readmission until the outstanding matter is resolved. The College reserves the right to formally restrict individual(s) from the campus grounds while such action is pending.

Interim Measures

The Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services or designee may temporarily take Interim Measures which are individualized plans to assist those who report incidents of gender-based or sexual harassment or sexual assault continue their education at Terra State. This may include changes for either/both the Reporting Party and Responding Party’s: class schedule, on-campus living arrangements, transportation, co-curricular activities among others.

ARTICLE K: INTERPRETATION AND REVIEW

Any question of interpretation regarding the Student Code shall be referred to the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services for final determination.
The Student Code will be reviewed every three years under the direction of the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services.