Polices, Regulations And Procedures

All policies in this Student Success Guide Handbook may be subject to change. Please contact the Office of Student Services for complete policies, regulations and procedures. sandburg.edu/About/Board-of-Trustees.

Student Equal Opportunity Regulation

It is the regulation of Carl Sandburg College that a student’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or status in any group protected by applicable federal, state or local law (unless a part of a College affirmative action initiative), shall not be a basis for determining: (1) whether the student will be admitted to the College; (2) the educational performance required or expected of the student; (3) the attendance or assignment requirements applicable to the student; (4) to what courses, fields of study or programs, including honors and graduate programs, the student will be admitted; (5) what placement of course proficiency requirements are applicable to the student; (6) the quality of instruction the student will receive; (7) what tuition or fee requirements are applicable to the student; (8) what scholarship opportunities are available to the student; (9) what extracurricular teams the student will be a member of or in what extracurricular competitions the student will participate; (10) any grade the student will receive in any examination or in any course or program of instruction in which the student is enrolled; (11) the progress of the student toward successful completion of or graduation from any course or program of instruction in which the student is enrolled; and (12) what degree, if any, the student will receive. Questions or concerns should be addressed to the vice president of student services during regular business hours.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Carl Sandburg College recognizes that students are citizens as well as members of an academic community. As a citizen, each student has the freedoms of speech, assembly, association, the press, and the rights of petition and due process, which are guaranteed by the state and federal constitutions. As members of an academic community, students have the right and responsibility for participating in the formulation and review of all college regulations and policies directly affecting them. Upon enrolling in the College, each student assumes an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner that is compatible with the College’s function as an educational institution. If this obligation is neglected or ignored by the student, the College must, in the interest of fulfilling its function and meeting its total obligations, institute appropriate disciplinary action as outlined in the Carl Sandburg College Policies and Regulations Manual.

Student Code of Conduct

The College expects from its students a higher standard of conduct than the minimum required to avoid disciplinary action. Students are expected to obey the law, to show respect for properly constituted authority, to perform contractual obligations, to maintain integrity and a high standard of honor in academic work and to observe a standard of conduct appropriate for the College. The College expects all students to conduct themselves under all circumstances in a responsible manner. This implies thoughtful consideration of College property and members of the College community. Any student or group of students failing to observe either the general standards of conduct or any specific regulation adopted by the College or acting in a manner not in the best interest of other students of the College, shall be subject to disciplinary action. Copies of the Student Code of Conduct Procedure on Disciplinary Due Process are available in the Student Services Office.

Framework for Addressing Student Concerns

Should the student have a complaint regarding or issue believed to have an adverse effect upon the student, someone else or a group of students, the student may work to address that problem by first bringing the issue to the attention of the person(s) against whom the complaint is directed. If resolution is not reached, complaints should be directed to the immediate supervisor or dean of the person against whom the complaint is directed.

If no resolution is reached at this level, the student may submit a formal written appeal to the proper vice president. All decisions, notification of decisions and reasons for decisions shall be in writing. This procedure shall not apply to complaints filed on the basis of gender-based discrimination and/or sexual harassment.

FORMAL COMPLAINT SUMMARY AND ANNUAL REVIEW PROCEDURES:

• Each vice president will compile a list of formal written complaints received and submit to the senior executive assistant to the president, who aggregates the data into a master document.
• Complaints are reviewed by the president’s cabinet to see if patterns emerge which reveal a need for improvements in programs, activities or services.

Academic Dishonesty

Students at Sandburg are responsible for understanding what constitutes academic dishonesty. Carl Sandburg College defines academic dishonesty as proposed by Gary Pavels [Kibler, et al, (1988, p.1) Academic Integrity and Student Development: Legal Issues and Policy Perspectives. North Carolina: College Administrative Publications, Inc.]:

CHEATING

Intentionally using or attempting to use work that is not your own, unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise. The term academic exercise includes all forms of work submitted for credit or hours.

FABRICATION

The intentional and unauthorized falsification or invention of any information for citation in an academic exercise.

FACILITATING ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another violate a provision of the institutional code of academic integrity.

PLAGIARISM

The reproduction of ideas or words or statements of another person as one’s own without acknowledgement. The penalties for academic dishonesty may be severe. Students are advised to contact their instructors for policy clarification for a specific class. Academic Progress

ACADEMIC WARNING:

Students who fall below a cumulative 2.0 grade point average (GPA) or a cumulative completion rate of 67% of attempted credits will be placed on Academic Warning. Students on Academic Warning may enroll in courses. Continued enrollment will be based on the student’s academic standing, which will be reviewed at the end of each term of enrollment:

• Students who have earned a cumulative 2.0 GPA and completion rate of 67% will return to Good Standing.
• Students who earn a semester GPA of 2.0 and a semester completion rate of 67% will remain on Academic. Warning and can continue to enroll. Students whose semester completion rate is below 67% or semester GPA is below 2.0 will be placed on Academic Notice.

ACADEMIC NOTICE:

Students who fail to improve under Academic Warning progress to Academic Notice. Academic Notice allows the student to enroll, but they must show academic improvement. Continued enrollment will be based on the student’s academic standing, which will be reviewed at the end of each term of enrollment:

• Students who receive a semester GPA of 2.2 and a semester completion rate of 75% will remain on Academic Notice until they meet the requirements of Good Academic Standing.
• Students whose semester GPA is below 2.2 and semester completion rate is below 75% will be placed on Academic Notice II.

ACADEMIC NOTICE II:

When a student is placed on Academic Notice II, it is considered their last semester to improve their academic standing before they are separated from the College. Therefore, additional restrictions are placed on a student’s enrollment:

• Students placed on Academic Notice II are required to schedule a meeting with their academic advisor to evaluate and revise the student’s existing academic plan.
• Students placed on Academic Notice II will be restricted to enrolling in 12 credit hours or less per semester. A registration restriction will be placed on the student’s account. The student’s academic standing will be reviewed at the end of the enrollment term:
• Students whose semester GPA is at least 2.2 and whose semester completion rate is at least 75% will remain on Academic Notice II until they meet the requirements of Good Academic Standing.
• Students whose semester GPA is below 2.2 and whose semester completion rate is below 75% will be placed on Academic Separation I.

ACADEMIC SEPARATION I

Students on Academic Separation I are required to sit out for one or more semesters. A restriction will be placed on the student’s account to prevent registration, including auditing courses. Students who are placed on Academic Separation I at the end of the fall semester will be restricted from enrolling in both winter and spring semesters; students who are placed on Academic Separation I at the end of the spring semester will be restricted for both the upcoming summer and fall semesters.

Students on Academic Separation I are required to appeal to the Student Services Faculty Committee to be considered for future enrollment.

• If there are extenuating circumstances, a student may appeal to immediately re-enroll after being placed on Academic Separation I. However, the student is encouraged to sit out for the full separation period before appealing for re-enrollment privileges.
• The student must complete the Academic Separation Appeal Form to be considered for reinstatement by the committee. The student is required to schedule a meeting with their academic advisor or student success coach to develop an academic improvement plan to accompany the appeal form. The student’s appeal must include a detailed explanation of the changes that the student plans to make in order to satisfy the standards of academic progress.

If a student’s Academic Separation I appeal is granted:

• The student must earn a semester GPA of 2.2 and a semester completion rate of 75% each semester until they return to Good Academic Standing.
• The student will be restricted to enrolling in 12 credit hours or less per semester. A registration restriction will be placed on the student’s account.
• The Student Services Faculty Committee or Vice President reserves the right to impose additional restrictions or conditions of reinstatement based on what they feel best supports the student’s academic success.

If a student’s Academic Separation I appeal is denied:

• The student may not enroll for one or more semesters.
• The student may re-appeal to the Vice President of Academic Services or Vice President of Student Services if new evidence or additional supporting documentation is available, or extenuating circumstances were a factor.
• The decision of the Vice President is final.
• The student’s separation will remain in place for the time period outlined above. Students who have been reinstated and allowed to reenroll while on Academic Separation I and fail to earn a semester GPA of 2.2 and a semester completion rate of 75% will be placed on Academic Separation II.

ACADEMIC SEPARATION II

Students on Academic Separation II are required to sit out for one or more semesters. A restriction will be placed on the student’s account to prevent registration, including auditing courses. Students who are placed on Academic Separation II at the end of the fall semester will be restricted from enrolling in both winter and spring semesters; students who are placed on Academic Separation II at the end of the spring semester will be restricted for both the upcoming summer and fall semesters. In order to reenroll after being placed on Academic Separation II, a student must appeal to the Vice President of Academic Services or the Vice President of Student Services.

• If there are extenuating circumstances, a student may appeal to immediately reenroll after being placed on Academic Separation II. However, the student is encouraged to sit out for the full separation period before appealing for re-enrollment privileges.
• The student must complete the Academic Separation Appeal Form to be considered for reinstatement by the Vice President. The student is required to schedule a meeting with their academic advisor or student success coach to develop an academic improvement plan to accompany the appeal form. The student’s appeal must include a detailed explanation of the changes that the student plans to make in order to satisfy the Standards of Academic Progress.

If a student’s Academic Separation II appeal is granted:

• The student must earn a semester GPA of 2.2 and a semester completion rate of 75% each semester until they return to Good Academic Standing.
• The student will be restricted to enrolling in 12 credit hours or less per semester. A registration restriction will be placed on the student’s account.
• The Vice President reserves the right to impose additional restrictions or conditions of reinstatement based on what they feel best supports the student’s academic success.

If a student’s Academic Separation II appeal is denied:

• The decision of the Vice President is final.
• The student’s suspension will remain in place for the time period outlined above before the student may appeal for future enrollment. Students who have been reinstated and allowed to reenroll while on Academic Separation II and who fail to earn a semester GPA of 2.2 and a semester completion rate of 75% will be restricted from future enrollment at

Carl Sandburg College. No further appeals will be considered until the student can meet one of the following criteria:

• The student has demonstrated substantial academic progress at another accredited college or university by sending official transcripts directly from the institution. Substantial academic progress from another accredited college or university is defined as completion of at least 12 degree or certificate credit hours (or the equivalent) within two consecutive academic years with a minimum 2.25 GPA.
• The student has sat out for a minimum of two full consecutive academic years and can provide evidence of a change in circumstances, resources, or support that will improve the student’s chances of academic progress and success.

If a student meets either criteria, and wishes to reenroll at Carl Sandburg College, the student may appeal to the Vice President of Academic Services or Vice President of Student Services. The student must appeal using the Academic Separation Appeal Form and must include an academic plan developed with the help of a Carl Sandburg College academic advisor. The decision of the Vice President is final and no further appeals will be considered.

REPORTING HARASSMENT

Students who believe they are victims of harassment or have witnessed harassment based upon a student’s sex, color, race, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation or other protected group status, by another student, a College representative, College personnel or a third party must submit a report of harassment to one of the College’s two Equal Employment Opportunity Officers (EEO Officers) immediately. The names and numbers of the College’s EEO officers can be retrieved at the Student Services Office or Human Resources.

Harassment that would be considered gender-based or of sexual in nature would fall under Title IX, which is a federal law. Students should report such incidents to Title IX coordinator, office E209, 309.341.5234. A report of any form of harassment should ordinarily include the name of the complainant and should always include the name of the alleged harasser, the date(s) of the occurrence(s) and a brief description of this incident.

POLICY TITLE IX, 2.303/1510/18Title IX

Title IX is a portion of the Education Amendments of 1972 with an emphasis on equal opportunities in education. In accordance with this law, Carl Sandburg College prohibits the discrimination of any person from participating or being denied benefits in any educational program or activity receiving federal assistance on the basis of race, color, religious affiliation, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, age, disability, arrest record status, marital or family status, citizenship status, military status, unfavorable military discharge, sexual harassment, order of protection status and status in any group protected by applicable federal, state and/or local law. The Campus Sexual Violence Act (Campus SAVE) was signed into law in March 2013 as a new amendment to the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. This act requires college campuses to provide information, training, and ongoing prevention and awareness programs to combat sexual violence. The State of Illinois passed a new law, Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act (110 ILCS 155) effective August 1, 2016, that amends other Illinois campus safety laws to address the critical issues of sexual violence, and domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking in higher education. sandburg.edu/About/Board-of-Trustees For questions, contact Title IX Coordinator, Office E209, 309341.5258.

DISCRIMINATION GRIEVANCES

Carl Sandburg College has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing prompt, equitable and confidential resolution of complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status or status in any group protected by applicable federal and state laws. sandburg.edu/About/Board-of-Trustees

Posters and Other Advertising

All posters and advertising must have the approval of the director of marketing & public relations. Posters and advertisements must be brought to the Marketing & Public Relations Office in Room A009 on the Main Campus for posting in any campus building.

Access to & Release of Student Information

It is Carl Sandburg College’s policy to comply fully with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended. Guidelines and regulations for discharge of the College’s obligation under this act are contained in the College’s Policy, Regulation and Procedure Manual, available to students in the President’s Office, the Admissions and Records Office or on the Carl Sandburg College website at sandburg.edu/About/Board-of-Trustees.

UNDER THESE GUIDELINES:

• Students have the right to inspect their educational records.
• Certain student records may be released only with the prior consent of the student.
• Under certain conditions, parents may be granted access to a student’s record with or without the student’s consent.
• Procedures exist for students to challenge the contents of their educational records.
• The College may release, without the student’s consent, information that appears in student directories and publications that are available to the public except when requested by a student to suppress this information. Written requests to suppress this information must be completed within the first fourteen days of the following semester.
• Students have a right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe the privacy of their education records has been violated.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

REGULATION ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE

It is the mission of Carl Sandburg College to provide an environment conducive to learning. The illegal use of controlled substances is harmful to the health of the individual and may hinder learning; therefore, the illegal use of controlled substances, as well as their manufacture, distribution, dispensation or possession, is prohibited on Carl Sandburg College property or as any part of College activities, events, classes, programs or services.

Students who feel they have a drug abuse problem are encouraged to ask for assistance so as to be referred to an appropriate drug rehabilitation and treatment program. Students with such problems should notify the vice president of student services or a counselor. Behavior that is inappropriate, disruptive and/or dangerous as a result of the use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated. Students should report such behavior to the vice president of student services. Pending or subsequent to any legal penalties that may be imposed upon the student, the vice president may require the student to participate satisfactorily in a recognized substance abuse program approved by the College. If the student refuses, disciplinary action may be taken and could include:

1. A verbal warning
2. A written reprimand
3. Suspension
4. Expulsion from school
5. Reporting such person to local, state or federal law enforcement agencies

Visitors using, in possession of or under the influence of a controlled substance will be prohibited from using College facilities and/or reported to appropriate law enforcement agencies.

If the student finds the disciplinary action unjustified, he/she may elect to file a complaint according to the existing complaint procedures of the College catalog or College policy manual

REGULATION ON ALCOHOL ABUSE

The illegal use or abuse of alcohol by students, visitors or employees is prohibited on Carl Sandburg College property or activities. Behavior that is disruptive or dangerous as a result of the consumption of alcohol will not be tolerated and such behavior should be reported to the vice president of student services.

If a student feels that they have a problem with alcohol, the College will assist in a program that helps with this type of problem. Students with such a problem should notify the vice president of student services or a counselor.

Pending or subsequent to any legal penalties that could be imposed, the vice president may require participation in a recognized alcohol rehabilitation program approved by the College.

If the student refuses, disciplinary action may be taken and could include:

1. A verbal warning
2. A written reprimand to employees
3. Suspension
4. Expulsion from school

Visitors using alcohol or who are intoxicated from alcohol will be prohibited from using College facilities. If the student finds the disciplinary action unjustified, he/she may elect to file a complaint according to existing complaint procedures in the College catalog or College policy manual.

HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

Helpful Informational Resources

Health effects: drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/commonly-abused-drugs/health-effects

Emerging trends with great health risk:

drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/emerging-trends

Understanding use vs. addiction:

helpguide.org/mental/drug_substance_abuse_addiction_signs_effects_treatment.htm

Information summarized from the following sources:

ncadd.org/for-youth/prevention-tips

For more information on health risks with alcohol and drugs please see the Clery Crime Report for Carl

Sandburg College at: www.sandburg.edu/Services/Public-Safety.

Academic Risks

• Poor academic performance

• Impact on future career prospects

• Memory loss

• Impaired judgment

• Poor hand and eye coordination

• Poor concentration Mental Health Risks

• May exacerbate pre-existing conditions

• Psychological dependence

• Increased risk of suicide

May cause

• Depression

• Paranoia

• Anxiety

• Anger

Physical Risks

• Physical dependence and/or drug tolerance

• Violent behavior and aggressive acts

• Headaches

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Muscle weakness

• Liver, lung, and kidney problems

• Brain damage

• Hallucinations, tremors, and convulsions

• Hyperactivity or sluggish behavior

• High blood pressure

• Seizures

• Strokes

• Heart attacks, cardiac arrest and/ or respiratory arrest

• Sleep disturbances

• Unwanted sexual activity

• Sexually transmitted diseases

• Painful withdrawal symptoms (tremors, panic attacks, chills, sweating, muscle cramps, etc.).

Personal/Social Risks

• Financial difficulties

• Domestic violence

• Deterioration of close relationships

• Motor vehicle accident injuries

• Inability to secure employment due to failed drug tests

• Reduced job performance or loss of employment

Tobacco-Free Campus Policy

As of July 1, 2015, tobacco use is prohibited on all campus property at Carl Sandburg College, both indoors and outdoors, in College-owned vehicles and in privately owned vehicles parked on campus property. The advertising, sale or free sampling of tobacco products is also prohibited on campus property. Littering the remains of tobacco products or any other related waste product on campus property is further prohibited.

No Weapons Policy

Weapons of any kind are not allowed on any college property. Firearms are not allowed on any college property, except as provided by the Illinois Concealed Carry Act, 430 ILCS 66/65(a-5) (3) and 66/65(b). College employees are not allowed to carry any weapons while conducting college business either on college property or otherwise. For more information see Carl Sandburg College Board of Trustees policy number 1.13 or follow this link: sandburg.edu/About/Board-of-Trustees. Also read the ILCS Illinois Concealed Carry Act, 430 ILCS 66/65(a-5) (3) and 66/65(b) for the entire Concealed Carry Act. http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3497.

Right to Privacy

The College shall respect the right to privacy of any student who has a chronic communicable disease. The student’s medical condition shall be disclosed only to the extent necessary to minimize the health risks to the student and others. The number of personnel aware of the student’s condition will be kept at a minimum needed to assure proper care of the student and to detect situations in which the potential for transmission of the disease may increase. Persons deemed to have “a direct need to know” will be provided with the appropriate information; however, these persons shall not further disclose such information.

FERPA and Student Consumer Information

Colleges are required to make available certain information to students, prospective students and employees. Below you will find a brief description of the required disclosures. Additional information is available on the Sandburg webpages at www.sandburg.edu.

• Accreditation

• Access and Release Student Information

• Campus Crime Report

• Code of Conduct for Loans

• Copyright Infringement Policies

• College Score Card

• Drug and Alcohol Policy

• Disability Support

• Equity Athletic Disclosure Act

• Family Education Rights and Privacy Act

• Financial Aid Contact Information

• Notice of Institutional & Financial Aid Information

• Plans for Academic Program Improvements

• Student Complaints

• Sexual Assault Prevention

• Vaccination Policy

• Veterans Support

• Voter Registration

FERPA

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, commonly known as FERPA, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Students have specific, protected rights regarding the release of such records and FERPA requires that institutions adhere strictly to these guidelines. The Family Education and Privacy Act was enacted by Congress to protect the privacy of student educational records. Students have a right to know about the purpose, content, and location of information kept as a part of their educational records. They also have a right to expect that information in their educational records will be kept confidential unless they give permission to the school to disclose such information. For more information on FERPA please visit our website at: FERPA

Student Consumer Information

Carl Sandburg College provides students with consumer information on our website at: sandburg.edu/consumer. From this location you will find links to the following information: A paper copy of the Campus Security Report is available at the Public Safety office in D201 or at the Information Desk in B Building on the Galesburg campus. At the Carthage campus, a paper copy is available in the Main Office. If you need additional assistance in obtaining information please contact:

Welcome Center 309.345.3500 • Financial Aid Office 309.341.5283 • Public Safety Office 309.341.5304

Internet & Computer Use Disclaimer

The College makes no warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The College will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes the loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries or your errors or omissions. Use of any information you obtain over the Internet through the College’s computer system is at your own risk. The College specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy, quality or content of information obtained through the Internet accessed through the College’s computer system.

All individuals using the institution’s computer system will sign a statement indicating they has read, are aware of and will adhere to the College’s Acceptable Use Policy for its computer system.

Diversity Statement

Carl Sandburg College is a community of lifelong learners that welcomes, values and respects diversity. The College fosters a climate of mutual respect that celebrates diversity by embracing our similarities as well as our differences. We demonstrate this commitment by serving students, faculty, staff and community members with fairness and equality.