RCC 2022-23 Catalog

Policies

Academic Standing

The purpose of academic standards is to ensure students are progressing toward completing their program in a timely manner. A student’s academic standing affects their ability to enroll in classes. All students will be evaluated for their academic standing at the conclusion of each term. Academic difficulty results when a student is not maintaining academic standards. In addition to the Academic Standing requirements, for a student to maintain financial eligibility they must meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.

Good Academic Standing

A student is considered in Good Academic Standing and maintaining academic standards if the student meets the following minimum requirements:

• a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) each term and
• completes at least two-thirds or 66.67% of their term credits attempted (Pace) with grades of A, B, C, D or P.

Academic Alert I

Students who fail to meet the term GPA and/or term Pace standard will be placed on Academic Alert I status and still qualify for enrollment. These students will receive an Academic Alert I notification reminding them of the Academic Standing policy requirements along with a list of academic resources. The student will receive a Registration Hold, preventing enrollment in the current or future term, until they meet with an Academic Case Manager.  At the end of their next term enrolled, students who meet the minimum term GPA and term Pace standards advance to Good Academic Standing, and students who are unsuccessful at meeting the minimum standards move to Academic Alert II status.

Academic Alert II

Students who are on Academic Alert I status who do not successfully move toward Good Academic Standing status are immediately placed on Academic Alert II status. The student will receive a Registration Hold, preventing enrollment in the current or future term, until they meet with a Counselor. Students on Academic Alert II/Financial Aid Suspension status will not be eligible for financial aid unless they successfully appeal for financial aid reinstatement.

Academic Suspension

Students who are on Academic Alert II/Financial Aid Suspension status who do not successfully move toward Good Academic Standing status are immediately placed on Academic Suspension status, which suspends enrollment at RCC. This status is noted on a student's permanent electronic file and on the student's transcript. The student will receive a Registration Hold and must sit out a term and meet with an RC Counselor before being eligible to submit an Academic Return Packet appeal to be reinstated for a future term.

Reinstatement after Academic Suspension

After sitting out one or more terms and meeting with an RCC Counselor, students placed on Academic Suspension status may reestablish enrollment eligibility by submitting an Academic Return Packet. All Instructions provided in the academic return packet must be followed in order to be considered for return. The academic return packet must be submitted to the Counseling Department by the deadline noted in the return packet and the student will participate in an in-person or web conference meeting with the Academic Reinstatement Committee, if desired or required.

The appeal must describe the situation that led to losing their enrollment eligibility, including any supporting documentation, and explain what they will do differently to ensure success in future terms.

Academic Reinstatement Decisions

The Academic Reinstatement Committee will review appeals and notify the student of the decision. If approved, the student is placed on a Probation status. If denied, the student will remain on Academic Suspension status and will not be eligible to re-enroll and/or receive financial aid for at least one term. After taking a term off, the student has the right to re-appeal, and must describe what they are doing differently to be successful. A student may appeal the decision of the Academic Reinstatement Committee in writing to the Vice President of Student Learning and Success within 7 working days of the date of notification of the decision of the Academic Reinstatement Committee.  Students may appeal based on new information that was not provided to the Reinstatement Committee.

The following information is used to determine a student’s Academic Standing status:

• Successful grades include A, B, C, and P 
• Unsuccessful grades include D, F, I, NP, W, and Y

Probation Status

Students on an Academic Suspension status who successfully submit an Academic Return Packet based on a corrective plan and not extenuating circumstances and are approved for reinstatement will be placed on a Probation status and are not financial aid eligible, however they will have an academic plan designed to bring the student back into good academic standing. Under the academic plan students will be limited in the number of classes they may take. Students who are placed on probation must show overall improvement at the end of each term.

At the end of the Probation term a student will have their academic standing re-evaluated.

• If a student meets the requirements of their academic plan by passing 100% of their classes with a C or better grade in each class and has at least a 2.0 cumulative cGPA the student will be considered in Good Academic Standing.
• If a student meets the requirements of their academic plan, but does not have at least a 2.0 cumulative cGPA, they will remain on probation status until they have at least a 2.0 cumulative cGPA. The Probation status will display on student’s transcript at the end of the next term following Academic Suspension. The student will receive a Registration Hold, preventing enrollment in the current or future term, until they meet with a Counselor.
• Students who do not fulfill the requirements of their academic plan by passing 100% of their classes with a C or better grade will be academically suspended again, see Second or More Academic Suspension section.

Probation (Aid Eligible) Status

Students on a Probation (Aid Eligible) status are financial aid eligible. Student’s will have an academic plan designed to bring the student back into both Good Academic Standing and Good SAP Standing. Under the academic plan students will be limited in the number of classes they may take. Students who are placed on Probation (Aid Eligible) status must meet the requirements of their academic plan by passing 100% of their classes with a C or better grade in each class.

At the end of the Probation (Aid Eligible) term a student will have their academic standing re-evaluated.

• If a student meets the requirements of their academic plan by passing 100% of their classes with a C or better grade in each class and has at least a 2.0 cumulative cGPA the student will be considered in Good Academic Standing.
• If a student meets the requirements of their academic plan, but does not have at least a 2.0 cumulative cGPA they will be moved to a Probation status, which will display on student’s transcript at the end of the next term following Academic Suspension. The student will receive a Registration Hold, preventing enrollment in the current or future term, until they meet with a Counselor.
• Students who do not fulfill the requirements of their academic plan will be academically suspended again (see Second or More Academic Suspension section below).

Second (or more) Academic Suspension

Students academically suspended more than once will receive a Registration Hold and must sit out a term and they must meet with an RCC Counselor before being eligible to submit an Academic Return Appeal requesting to be reinstated. A student must appeal for reinstatement in-person or via a web conference to the Academic Reinstatement Committee.

Children on Campus

Only students enrolled in classes or labs may sit in on those classes or labs unless the individual instructor or department chair/coordinator makes an exception.

Other minor children who are not necessarily connected to students or employees may be on campus by invitation for a special event or class field trip. Children under high school age (14 years or younger) are not permitted on college campuses, unless directly supervised by a responsible adult.

If children are disruptive, they may be asked to leave the campus and must be escorted by one of the group leaders.

Copyright Infringement

RCC complies with all laws relating to copyright materials. See RCC Administrative Procedures at www.roguecc.edu/BOE/policies.asp.
Copyright infringement occurs when a copyrighted work is reproduced, distributed, performed, publicly displayed, or made into a derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner. This includes unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing.

Copyright infringement may subject students to civil and criminal liabilities. They may be ordered to pay actual damages or “statutory” damages of not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For “willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court also can assess costs and attorneys’ fees.

Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense. For more information, visit the U.S. Copyright Office.

RCC librarians are available to help with copyright issues. Librarians may assist in obtaining copyright permissions and in locating materials in databases that may be used without the need to get copyright permission.

Notice of Nondiscrimination and Title IX Compliance

www.roguecc.edu/nondiscrimination

Rogue Community College does not discriminate in any programs, activities or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, use of native language, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws.

For the most up-to-date information about this policy visit the "Title IX Compliance" page on RCC’s website.

For further policy information and for a full list of regulatory specific contact persons visit RCC’s Nondiscrimination page.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress

www.roguecc.edu/SAP

In addition to the Academic Standing requirements, for a student to maintain Financial Aid eligibility they must meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. A student is considered to be in Good SAP standing and making satisfactory academic progress (SAP) if the student maintains:

• At least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (cGPA) and
• At least a 66.67% cumulative credit completion rate (cPace) by completing credits attempted and earning A, B, C, D, and P grades. Calculated by dividing RCC cumulative earned credits by RCC cumulative attempted credits and

Students must also complete their program of study within the 150% maximum time frame, calculated by taking program credit length and multiplying that by 150%. None of the following Financial Aid SAP statuses appear on a student’s transcript.

Financial Aid Warning Status
A student will be placed on Financial Aid Warning status if any of the following occurs:

• A student does not earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0, and/or
• A student does not complete 66.67% of their overall cumulative credits they attempt (cPace) with grades of A, B, C, D, or P.

For these reasons at the end of the first term of unsatisfactory academic progress a student will receive notification along with a link to the financial aid SAP policy. The notification will inform and explain their financial aid SAP status.

At the end of the term a student on Financial Aid Warning status will have their financial aid SAP status re-evaluated. If the student has at least a cGPA of 2.0, and has at least a cPace rate of 66.67% the student will be considered in Good SAP Standing.

Financial Aid Suspension Status
If unsatisfactory academic progress continues, the student is placed on Financial Aid Suspension status. A student will be placed Financial Aid Suspension status if any of the following occurs for two consecutive terms or more:

• A student does not earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and/or
• A student does not complete 66.67% of their overall cumulative credits attempted c(Pace)

A student will receive notification about their financial aid SAP status along with a link to the financial aid SAP policy.
A student on Financial Aid Suspension status will not be eligible for financial aid unless the student appeals for financial aid reinstatement and the appeal is approved. Students may submit a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal to request reinstatement of their financial aid. If the SAP appeal is approved, financial aid students will be placed on Probation (Financial Aid Eligible) status
At the end of the term a student on Financial Aid Suspension status will have their financial aid SAP re-evaluated.

• If the student has at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, and at least a 66.67% cumulative Pace credit completion rate then the student will be considered in Good SAP standing.
• If the student does not have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, and at least a 66.67%  cumulative Pace credit completion rate the student’s financial aid will remain in a suspended status. Students may appeal for financial aid reinstatement by completing a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal (SAP) form.

Probation (Aid Eligible) Status
Students who have an approved SAP Appeal will be placed on a Probation (Aid Eligible) status and are financial aid eligible.  Probation (Aid Eligible) status allows students to receive aid while working toward the Good SAP Standing requirements.
At the end of the term a student on a Probation (Aid Eligible) status will have their financial aid SAP re-evaluated.

• If the student has at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, and at least a 66.67% cumulative Pace credit completion rate then the student will be considered in Good SAP Standing.
• If the student does not have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, and at least a 66.67% cumulative Pace credit completion rate the student will return to a Financial Aid Suspended status.

Students who continue to show overall improvement toward the Good SAP Standing requirements, but need more than one term to reach Good SAP Standing, may submit another SAP appeal to request an additional Probation (Aid Eligible) term.

Max Time Frame Financial Aid Suspension
Students who have applied for financial aid and who cannot complete their program in the maximum 150% allotted credit time frame, or who have a prior associates degree or higher, will be placed on Max Time Frame Financial Aid Suspension. This is a separate SAP status that may be concurrent to one of the SAP statuses listed above.
Students may submit a Credit Extension Appeal (CEA) for financial aid reinstatement. If approved students must only register in courses required to complete their program and they must successfully complete all classes with a grade of A, B, C or P in order to maintain their financial aid eligibility.

Student Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities

STUDENT RIGHTS, FREEDOMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
To request this document in an alternate format, contact Access and Disability Resources.

Contact: Dean of Student Success, 541-956-7203; or Compliance & Deputy Title IX Coordinator, 541-956-7255

Access and Disability Resources is located at all campuses in the Student Success Center

Redwood Campus
Bldg. W
(541) 956-7337
Oregon Relay Service: 7-1-1

Riverside Campus
SCC/Bldg. B
(541) 956-7337
Oregon Relay Service: 7-1-1

Table Rock Campus
Access and Disability Resources
(541) 956-7337
Oregon Relay Service: 7-1-1

PREAMBLE

Rogue Community College (RCC or the College) provides an environment, which encourages learning. The College is dedicated to the open exchange of knowledge and skills, growth in student capacity for critical thinking, and development of ethically sensitive and responsible students. The College recognizes that all individuals and groups at RCC have dignity and worth.

Learning and teaching are inseparable aspects of academic pursuit. Standards of academic rights and freedoms for students, as outlined below, are essential. Students have responsibilities for performance and conduct. Students' enrollment (or attempted enrollment) implies their acceptance of the responsibility to comply with college policies and procedures.

PURPOSE
The basic purposes of the Student Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities Statement (“Statement”) are:

1. To identify fundamental provisions for students' rights and freedoms to learn; and, to provide a process for resolution to alleged violations. (Please see AP 5530 Student Compliant and Grievance Procedure)
2. To identify student responsibilities and conduct guidelines; and, to provide a process for resolution to alleged violations. (Please see AP 5500 Standards of Student Conduct and AP 5520 Student Discipline Procedures)

1. ACCESS TO THE COLLEGE AND EDUCATION

RCC believes in an open-door philosophy and within the limits of its resources, will be open to all students who are qualified according to current admissions requirements. The College complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992 and other applicable laws and regulations. In compliance with state and federal laws, RCC does not discriminate in any programs, activities or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, use of native language, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws.

2. THE CLASSROOM

In the classroom and in conference with students, the instructor should include opportunity for free discussion, inquiry, and expression related to course content. Student academic performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis and not on opinions or conduct in matters not related to curricular standards.

3. STUDENT RECORDS

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides for the protection of student records. Consistent with FERPA, RCC has published a separate procedure identifying information, considered part of a student's educational record, conditions for its disclosure, and security practices, which control access to such records as may be available for review or electronic transmission. The College accumulates data and keeps records in order to plan educational activities that meet the needs of students and to effectively advise and counsel them. Student records are used to promote instruction, for guidance, and educational progress. Academic transcripts contain only information about academic status. No records will reflect the political activities or beliefs of students. Instructors and administrative staff will not divulge confidential information about students, which they acquire in the course of their work.

Academic and disciplinary records will be maintained separately to minimize the risk of improper disclosure.  Students may request their academic or disciplinary records by following the College procedure outlined in AP 5045 Student Records: Challenging Content and Access Log and by obtaining the Request to Inspect and Review Educational Records form by contacting the Enrollment Services department.

Students seeking to challenge the content of their educational records should follow the procedure outlined in AP 5045 Student Records: Challenging Content and Access Log.

4. STUDENT RIGHTS

RCC maintains certain standards to protect the rights of students through the procedures below:

5. FREEDOM FROM DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, and VIOLENCE

Students have the right to attend RCC free from discrimination and harassment and all forms of sexual intimidation and exploitation including acts of sexual violence.

RCC is committed to the safety of our students, faculty, staff and community members; and takes its responsibility to provide an educational environment free from discrimination, harassment, and violence seriously. Therefore, it is a violation of College policy for any employee, student or third-party at RCC to engage in discrimination, harassment, or violence.

Harassment is unlawful if it is based on any of the following statuses:  race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Students should refer to Board Policy (BP) 3430 Prohibition of Discrimination and Harassment and accompanying procedures AP 3430 Prohibition of Discrimination and Harassment and AP 3435 Discrimination and Harassment Reports and Investigations for more details. 

RCC’s prohibition includes all forms of sex discrimination and harassment-including instances of sexual harassment such as sexual assault, domestic violence, gender-based stalking, and sexual violence--which are also prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. For allegations of sexual harassment under Title IX, refer to BP 3433 Prohibition of Sexual Harassment under Title IX and accompanying procedures AP 3433 Prohibition of Sexual Harassment under Title IX, and AP 3434 Responding to Harassment Based on Sex under Title IX for more details. For allegations of other forms of sexual harassment or gender-based harassment that are not covered under Title IX, Complainants should use BP 3430 Prohibition of Discrimination and Harassment.

Any sexual assault or physical abuse, including, but not limited to, rape, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, whether committed by an employee, student, or member of the public, occurring on Rogue Community College property, in connection with all the academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other programs of the College whether those programs take place in the College facilities or at another location, or on an off-campus site or facility maintained by the College, or on grounds or facilities maintained by a student organization, is a violation of Rogue Community College policies and regulations, and is subject to all applicable punishment, including criminal procedures and employee or student discipline procedures. These written procedures and protocols are designed to ensure victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking receive treatment and information. For more information please see AP 3540 Sexual and Other Assaults on Campus. For physical assaults/violence, see also AP 3500 Campus Security, AP 3510 Workplace Violence, and AP 3515 Reporting of Crimes.

6. STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN COLLEGE GOVERNANCE

As members of the College community, students are free to express their views on issues of college policy and matters of general interest to the student body. Students may participate in formulating and applying policies and procedures affecting academic and student affairs through student government as well as through the various college councils and committees. If students are interested in participating, it is recommended they meet with their club or organization advisor.

Any student may make presentations to the RCC Board of Education, as citizens, by contacting the Assistant to the Board of Education at 541-956-7001 and requesting to be added to the next monthly Board meeting agenda.

7. STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

Student publications and the student press are valuable aids in establishing and maintaining an atmosphere of free and responsible discussion and intellectual exploration at the College. These are ways to bring student concerns to the attention of the faculty and college authorities and of formulating student opinion on various issues in the College, its community, and the world-at-large.

RCC is legally the publisher of all recognized student publications. College authorities, in consultation with students, may provide written clarification of the role of student publications, standards used in evaluation, and degrees of operational control. At the same time, the editorial freedom granted by the College to student editors and managers entails accompanying responsibilities to be covered by the canons of responsible journalism, such as the avoidance of libel, indecency, undocumented allegations, attacks on personal integrity and the techniques of harassment and innuendo. The Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi shall be adopted and used. College staff advisors have the responsibility to review copy to protect RCC from legal actions relating to obscenity, criminal or civil libel, or copyright infringement.

In addition to the rights contained in current student publication guidelines, the following provisions serve as safeguards for the editorial freedom and responsibility of student publications:

8. OFF CAMPUS

9. STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT AND PROCEDURES

STANDARDS OF STUDENT CONDUCT (AP 5500)
For the purposes of this and associated procedures a member of the college community is defined as a student, staff, faculty member, other employee, volunteer, board member or other individual engaged in lawful activity on Rogue Community College (RCC) property or at any RCC sponsored event or function.

1. Prohibited Behaviors
   The following conduct shall constitute good cause for discipline, including but not limited to the removal, suspension, or expulsion of a student:
   1. Causing, attempting to cause, or threatening to cause physical injury to another person.
   2. Possession, sale, or otherwise furnishing any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object, including but not limited to any facsimile firearm, knife, or explosive, unless, in the case of possession of any object of this type, the student has obtained written permission to possess the item from a Rogue Community College employee, which is concurred in by the President or designee.
   3. Unlawful possession, use, sale, offer to sell, or furnishing, or being under the influence of, any controlled substance, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind; or unlawful possession of, or offering, arranging or negotiating the sale of any drug paraphernalia.  These behaviors are prohibited on campus, at any RCC sponsored activity, or using any RCC controlled technology or resources.
   4. Committing or attempting to commit robbery or extortion.
   5. Causing or attempting to cause damage to RCC’s property or to private property on campus.
   6. Stealing or attempting to steal RCC property or private property on campus, or knowingly receiving stolen RCC property or private property on campus.
   7. Willful or persistent smoking in any area where smoking has been prohibited by law or by regulation of the college.
   8. Committing sexual misconduct, harassment, or discrimination as defined by law or by RCC policies and procedures.  Resolution of these allegations will occur under RCC policies and procedures related to protected class discrimination and harassment. 
   9. Engaging in harassing or discriminatory behavior based on disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law.  Resolution of these allegations will occur under RCC policies and procedures related to protected class discrimination and harassment.
   10. Engaging in intimidating conduct or bullying against a college community member through words or actions, including direct physical contact; verbal assaults, such as teasing or name-calling; social isolation or manipulation; and cyberbullying;
   11. Willful misconduct which results in injury or death to a student or to employees or which results in cutting, defacing, or other injury to any real or personal property owned by RCC or on campus.
   12. Disruptive behavior, willful disobedience, habitual profanity or vulgarity, or the open and persistent defiance of the authority of, or persistent abuse of, college personnel.
   13. Cheating, plagiarism (including plagiarism in a student publication), or engaging in other academic dishonesty.
   14. Dishonesty, forgery, alteration or misuse of college documents, records or identification; or knowingly furnishing false information to RCC.
   15. Unauthorized entry upon or use of RCC facilities.
   16. Lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct directed towards a College Community member regardless of geographic location.
   17. Engaging in expression which is obscene; libelous, or slanderous; or which so incites students as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on college premises, or the violation of lawful RCC administrative procedures, or the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of RCC.
   18. Persistent, serious misconduct where other means of correction have failed to bring about proper conduct.
   19. Failure to follow a directive. Students are required to follow the lawful directives of RCC personnel acting in the performance of their duties.
   20. Hazing.  Students are not permitted to haze other students.  Hazing is subjecting an individual to bodily harm, purposeful mental harm, humiliation, harassment, compelling an individual to consume controlled substances or alcohol, or requiring an individual to commit a crime as a condition or precondition of attaining membership in an organization or attaining any office or status within an organization.

   2. Records Retention
   Records of alleged student misconduct, documentation of those allegations, evidence used to determine if allegations are substantiated, and the resolution of those allegations will be maintained separate from a student’s other educational records and retained in accordance with RCC policies and procedures on record retention.

   Student Discipline Procedures (AP 5520)

   Purpose
   The purpose of this procedure is to provide a prompt and equitable means to address alleged violations of the Standards of Student Conduct This procedure guarantees to the student, or students, involved the due process rights guaranteed them by state and federal constitutional protections.  This procedure will be used in a fair and equitable manner, and not for purposes of retaliation.  It is not intended to substitute for criminal or civil proceedings that may be initiated by other agencies.
   
   These administrative procedures are specifically not intended to infringe in any way on the rights of students to engage in free expression as protected by the state and federal constitutions and will not be used to punish expression that is protected.
   
   Definitions:

   Day – Working days when Rogue Community College (RCC) is open for operations including days the college is open between terms.
   Direct Resolution – An attempt by any RCC employee to resolve an issue which they believe to be a violation of the standards of conduct. 
   Disciplinary Probation - Specific conditions or restrictions while in attendance at RCC, in addition to the Student Code of Conduct, for a specified period of time. The Compliance Coordinator will communicate the specific behavior leading to this sanction and the specific conditions or restrictions imposed for the specified period of time to the student, in writing. The student will sign the document provided by the College and agree to abide by its terms or forfeit all rights to continue attendance at RCC.
   Educational Sanction – A student may be assigned academic work that reflects on the impact of their actions and/or educates them about how to avoid similar behavior in the future.
   Expulsion – Termination of student status and denial of further college privileges. Conditions of readmission, if any, will be listed in the letter of expulsion given as a notice to the student by the Compliance Coordinator.
   Instructor – Any academic employee of RCC in whose class a student subject to discipline is enrolled.
   Suspension – Exclusion of the student by the Compliance Coordinator, or designee, for good cause from one or more classes for the remainder of the school term, or from all classes and activities of the college for one or more terms.  A student can also be removed – for good cause – from a particular program of study.
   RCC Employee – Anyone engaged by RCC to perform educational, service, administrative, or other functions regardless of if this individual is compensated by RCC.
   Removal from class – Exclusion of the student by an instructor for the day of the removal and the next class meeting.
   Restitution - compensation or reimbursement for damage to or misappropriation of property, which may take the form of appropriate service to repair or otherwise compensate for damages. Conditions of restitution will be detailed in a letter to student.
   Student – Any person currently enrolled as a student at any college or in any program offered by the college or a person taking steps to enroll or reenroll.
   Written or verbal reprimand – An admonition to the student to cease and desist from conduct determined to violate the Standards of Student Conduct.  Written reprimands will become part of a student's permanent record at the college.  A record of the fact that a verbal reprimand has been given will become part of a student's record at the college for a period of up to one year.

Resolution Process

1. Direct Resolution
   If any RCC Employee believes a student is engaged in conduct which violates RCC’s standards of conduct – listed in AP 5500 - they are encouraged to attempt to resolve this issue directly with the student.  RCC encourages direct resolution but it is not required.  If personal safety is at risk please contact 911 or campus security as appropriate.  If direct resolution is attempted please complete an incident report regardless of the outcome.
   
   
2. Compliance Coordinator
   If direct resolution is inappropriate or unsuccessful the college employee should complete an incident report within 3 working days of the behavior in question.  Within 7 working days of receiving the report the Compliance Coordinator, or designee, will contact the student and other involved parties.

   The student who is accused of violating RCC’s standards of conduct will be contacted to schedule a meeting with the Compliance Coordinator or designee.  The Compliance Coordinator, or designee, may use multiple processes to help resolve the issue.  The student will be informed of the behavior they are accused of and be allowed an opportunity to explain or deny the behavior.

   The Compliance Coordinator, or designee, may – as necessary – conduct an investigation into the accused behavior including reviewing available evidence and speaking to witnesses.  The Compliance Coordinator, or designee, will use the preponderance of the evidence standard in determining if a student’s behavior violated RCC’s standards of conduct.

   If a student is found to have violated RCC’s standards of conduct the Compliance Coordinator, or designee, may assign a sanction proportional to the student’s conduct.  Available sanctions are listed in this procedure under the heading Sanctions.

   Students will be notified of the Compliance Coordinator, or designee’s, decision and any sanction, as appropriate, in writing.  When determining a sanction the Compliance Coordinator, or designee, may take a student’s disciplinary history with RCC into account.

3. Appeal to the Vice President of Student Affairs
   Students receiving a written notice of disciplinary action for a violation of RCC’s standards of conduct have the right to appeal in writing to the Vice President of Student Affairs, or designee.  Any appeal must be received within 7 working days of receiving the notice of disciplinary action.
   Students may appeal based on:
   1. Failure to follow the process for resolving allegations of inappropriate behavior as outlined in this procedure;
   2. New evidence is available that was not available during the initial investigation; or
   3. The sanction imposed is disproportionate to the offense the student is found responsible for.

   Within 10 working days of receiving an appeal the Vice President of Student Affairs, or designee, will review the initial report, the investigation process, the findings, and any sanctions.  As part of this process they may consult with RCC administrators to insure consistency and fairness within the process.  The Vice President of Student Affairs, or designee, will report their findings and conclusions to the student and the Compliance Coordinator.  The decision of the Vice President of Student Affairs, or designee, is final.

   Sanctions
   If a student is found to have violated RCC’s standards of conduct, they may face discipline from RCC. Disciplinary sanctions available to the Compliance Coordinator, or designee, are:

   1. Verbal or written reprimand
   2. Disciplinary probation
   3. Educational Sanction
   4. Suspension
   5. Expulsion
   6. Restitution
   7. Other – including directives for behavior and plans of action.

   Records Retention
   Records of alleged student misconduct, documentation of those allegations, evidence used to determine if allegations are substantiated, and the resolution of those allegations will be maintained separate from a student’s other educational records and retained in accordance with RCC policies and procedures on record retention.

   Removal from Class or campus
   Any RCC employee may order a student removed from campus for the day of the removal and the next day.  This removal should be based on behavior that violates the standards of conduct, is causing a significant disruption, and is not corrected when challenged with direct resolution. 

   The employee shall immediately report the removal to the Compliance Coordinator using an incident report. The Compliance Coordinator, or designee, shall attempt to contact the student within 2 working days of receiving the report to set a meeting.

   The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the conduct that led to the removal from class, attempt to resolve the problem that led to the removal, and determine appropriate disciplinary action.

10. STUDENT COMPLAINT AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE (AP 5530)

Student Complaint and Grievance Procedure
If students need disability accommodations to successfully complete this process, contact Access and Disability Resources: www.roguecc.edu/accessResources. On Redwood Campus, Building W (Library), (541) 956-7337; at the Riverside Campus, Building B, (541) 956-7337; or at the Table Rock Campus, (541) 956-7337.

When Not to Use this Procedure
This procedure is not the appropriate process for addressing allegations of harassment or discrimination based on a protected class such as race, color, religion, ethnicity, use of native language, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.  For resolutions of complaints of this nature please use AP 3430 – Prohibition of Discrimination and Harassment and AP 3435 – Discrimination and Harassment Reports and Investigations.

Grade appeals shall be filed according to the applicable procedure outlined in Rogue Community College’s Grade Appeal and Grade Change Process (AP-4231)

Definitions

Complaint: A report of conduct which a student feels violates their rights and/or RCC policies or procedures where resolution is being attempted under the informal process of this procedure.
Grievance: A report of conduct which a student feels violates their rights and/or RCC policies or procedures where resolution is being attempted under the formal process of this procedure.
Retaliation: Any behavior which negatively impacts the student because they filed a complaint or grievance.

Preamble
This procedure is designed to ensure that students have full access to their education in accordance with Rogue Community College’s commitment to the rights and dignity of our students and the College’s philosophy on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Purpose
This Student Complaint and Grievance Procedure provides a way for students to seek resolution to decisions, conditions, and practices of RCC, its faculty and staff, which they allege are violations of their rights as students, as identified in Rogue Community College’s Student Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibilities procedure (AP-5999), or other published college policies and procedures. As students pursue their educational goals, they will be treated with professionalism and respect by college employees or staff.

Students shall not be retaliated against for filing a complaint or grievance in good faith or for participating in this process.  Retaliation is any behavior which negatively impacts the student because they filed a complaint or grievance.

This Student Complaint and Grievance Procedure outlines the steps to resolve alleged violations of student rights or other published college policies and procedures.

Students will attempt to resolve alleged violations with the staff member(s) directly involved.

The role of a Counselor in this process is to serve as a resource for the student. They are a point of contact to assist the student in advocating for themselves, may help the student identify a reasonable proposed resolution, and mediate conversations throughout the process.  Counselors are not required to keep working files as part of this process.

Each College employee attempting to reach resolution of a grievance will keep a working file containing all documents, communications, and evidence related to the grievance.  If a resolution is not reached it is the responsibility of the College employee working to achieve resolution to provide this working file to the next person in the process. Upon resolution of a formal grievance this working file will be provided to the Vice President of Student Affairs for retention. All documentation submitted or created during the resolution process shall follow established filing procedures.

Students with a complaint or grievance shall follow the procedures and time lines outlined below.

Informal Resolution

Step 1: Attempt Direct Resolution
The student discusses the issue with the College employee who is directly involved.  The goal is to find resolution in a timely manner. The student may choose to be accompanied by a support person such as a Counselor, an Academic Advisor, or an officer of the ASGRCC during this discussion.  The student is required to communicate directly with the College employee involved but this communication does not have to be “in-person”.  A Counselor can help mediate this communication if it is in the best interests of the student.  It is the responsibility of the College employee involved to respond to communication or requests for communication in a timely manner. If no resolution is reached the student may move to step 2.

Step 2: Resolution with Department Chair or Immediate Supervisor
If the issue is not resolved directly with the College employee, the student seeks resolution with the employee’s Department Chair or immediate supervisor. The student may choose to be accompanied by a support person during these discussions. The student must clearly state the problem and a proposed resolution. Appropriate written documentation will be maintained by the Department Chair or immediate supervisor and established filing procedures will be followed.

If no resolution is reached the student may move to Step 3. If the College employee who is the subject of the complaint is a Department Chair the student should skip this step and move directly to Step 3.

Formal Grievance Procedure

Step 3: Resolution with Dean or Next Level Supervisor
If the issue is not resolved at Step 2 the student may seek resolution with the supervising Dean or next level supervisor.  To do this a student has ten (10) working days from receiving notice their complaint could not be satisfactorily resolved at Step 2 to complete a Student Grievance Form and provide it to the supervising Dean or next level supervisor.  The student must provide a description of the issue at hand, the steps the student has taken to attempt to resolve that issue, and clearly state a proposed resolution.

Within seven (7) working days of receiving the Student Grievance Form the supervising Dean or next level supervisor will contact the people involved, gather relevant information and/or documentation in order to arrive at a mutually satisfactory solution.

If no mutually agreeable resolution is possible the Dean, or next level supervisor, will conduct an investigation into the student’s grievance. Based on the information available as a result of the investigation the Dean, or next level supervisor, will determine an appropriate resolution.

Appropriate written documentation will be maintained by the supervising Dean or next level supervisor and filing procedures will be followed with the Vice President of Student Affairs. If no resolution is reached the student has ten (10) working days to proceed to Step 4.

Step 4: Resolution with Dean of Student Success
If the grievance is not resolved at the previous steps the student has ten (10) working days to notify the Dean of Student Success that no resolution has been found.  The student must provide the Dean of Student Success with a copy of the Student Grievance Form from Step 3.

Within seven (7) working days of receiving this notification, the Dean of Student Success will contact the people involved, gather relevant information and/or documentation, and attempt to arrive at a mutually satisfactory resolution between student and staff.

All parties will be notified of the resolution in writing and established filing procedures will be followed with the Vice President of Student Affairs.

Step 5: Appeal Process
If the student is not satisfied with the Dean of Student Success’s resolution, the student has the right of final appeal of the grievance to the Vice President of Student Affairs. The final appeal process requires the student to prepare and deliver a written appeal request to the Vice President within seven (7) working days after the Dean of Student Success informs the student of the resolution reached. The written appeal request must include an explanation of why the issue remains unresolved and must provide a proposed remedy to the grievance.

Within ten (10) working days of receiving the student appeal, the Vice President of Student Affairs will review the grievance, the investigation process, and the proposed resolutions. They may consult with the administrative team and/or the College President in the review process to assure consistency within RCC.

The review may include, but not be limited to, an interview of the student grievant, College employee and/or other involved parties. The Vice President of Student Affairs will report the findings and conclusions to the student grievant, the College employee(s) involved, and the Dean of Student Success with a written and signed document. Established filing procedures will be followed within the Vice President of Student Affairs office.

Conflict of Interest and Grievances against Senior Leadership
If a conflict of interest exists the Vice President supervising the division where the complaint or grievance exists will appoint a replacement.  Replacements will also be found if there are not enough supervisors to complete Steps 2 and 3 of this process.

Grievances against a Vice President of Rogue Community College should first be attempted to be resolved directly.  If no resolution is reached directly the student shall forward their complaint to the Chief Human Resources Officer who will act in accordance with Step 2. If no resolution is reached with the Chief Human Resources Officer the student should provide a formal grievance form to the President of Rogue Community College who will investigate and resolve the issue as appropriate.

Grievances against the College President should first be attempted to be resolved directly.  If no resolution is reached directly the student shall forward their complaint to the Chief Human Resources Officer who will act in accordance with Step 2. If no resolution is reached with the Chief Human Resources Officer the student should provide a formal grievance form to the Chairperson of Rogue Community College’s Board of Education who will investigate and resolve the issue as appropriate.

The Standards of Student Conduct and Procedures are posted on the RCC website in the Standards of Student Conduct procedure.

Grievance forms may be obtained in the Counseling centers at all three RCC campuses. Incident Report forms are located at https://roguenet.roguecc.edu/IncidentReport/Incidents/Create

The complaint process can be found at:
https://web.roguecc.edu/complaint-process

Drug- and Alcohol-Free Campus

For the most up-to-date information visit the “Drug and Alcohol Free Campus” policy on the RCC website. 

Rogue Community College (RCC or the College) is committed to providing an environment that fosters excellence in learning for its students and community and in the work performance of all employees. The misuse and illegal use of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs is contrary to this effort. In keeping with state and federal statutes, the illegal use, possession, distribution, manufacture, or sale of alcohol, cannabinoids (Marijuana), and other drugs, and/or being under the influence of alcohol, marijuana and other drugs is not permitted on college-owned or college-controlled property; or while representing the College on business or in other college-sponsored activity(ies).

There shall be no consumption of alcohol at college-owned facilities unless such use is authorized by the College President. RCC complies with the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (EDGAR Part 86) and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990 by developing a drug-free campus program, including the misuse and illegal use of alcohol, marijuana and other drugs.

While Oregon voters approved a ballot measure in 2014 making Oregon the third state to allow possession and sale of marijuana for recreational use, students’ and employees’ welfare, as well as teaching and learning are the College’s top priorities. As a public institution, RCC receives federal funding in the form of grants and financial aid. Therefore, allowing any use of marijuana would be in violation of that law, thus jeopardizing the College’s mission and the College’s students’ educations. Under federal law, marijuana is designated as a Schedule 1 drug.

A biennial review and report will be completed to determine the effectiveness and the consistency of sanction enforcement and to identify and implement any necessary changes.

Use of Tobacco

For the most up-to-date information visit the “Use of Tobacco” policy on the RCC website. The College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its employees, students and visitors. Smoking and other tobacco use is not permitted on campus by anyone under 21 years of age and except in designated smoking and tobacco use areas. College employees and students are encouraged to assist in informing and educating co-workers and other students about the designated areas.