Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative
Action
Information
Technology Ethics
VCCS Computer
Ethics Guidelines
Responsible Computing Policy
Smoking
Substance Abuse
Sexual Misconduct
Policies:
Sexual Assault, Sexual
Harassment
HIV Infection
Parking
Children on
Campus
Inclement
Weather
Weapons
Germanna Community
College Access Policy
| You might also wish to consult the VCCS Policy Manual. |
Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Germanna Community College is committed to the
principle of equal opportunity. The College does not discriminate on the basis
of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, political affiliation,
veteran status, or against otherwise qualified persons with disabilities (except
where a bona fide occupational qualification has been established) in its
consideration of applicants for admission to its educational programs,
applicants for employment, or its treatment of students or employees. Inquiries
concerning EEO issues or the Affirmative Action Policy should be addressed to
the College's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer.
Users of the Virginia
Community College System’s local and wide area computer systems must abide by
the following terms.
These terms govern access to and use of the information technology
applications, services and resources of the VCCS and the information they
generate.
The College grants access as
a necessary privilege in order to perform authorized functions at the College.
Users must not knowingly permit use of entrusted access control
mechanisms for any purposes other than those required to perform authorized
functions. These include log-on identification, password, workstation
identification, user identification, file protection keys, or production read or
write keys.
Users will not disclose
information concerning any access control mechanism unless properly authorized
to do so by the College. Users will
not use any access mechanism that the VCCS has not expressly assigned to them.
Users will treat all
information maintained on the VCCS computer systems as strictly confidential and
will not release information to any unauthorized person.
Users agree to abide by all applicable State, federal, VCCS, and College
computer security and ethics guidelines. Users
will follow all the VCCS computer ethics guidelines and protect the data
contained therein. If users observe any incidents of noncompliance with the
terms set forth herein, they are responsible for reporting them to the Dean of
Financial and Administrative Services.
Users acknowledge that the
VCCS’s network administration or appropriate, designated College officials
reserve the right, without notice, to limit or restrict any individual’s
access and to inspect, remove or otherwise alter any data, file, or system
resource that may undermine the authorized use of any network computing
facilities.
Users are responsible for
adhering to the terms and provisions of this policy.
Any user found to be in violation of these terms and provisions will be
subject to disciplinary action.
VCCS Computer Ethics Guideline
Thousands of users share VCCS
computing resources. Every user
must use these resources responsibly since misuse by even a few individuals has
the potential to disrupt VCCS business or the work of others.
Therefore, users must exercise ethical behavior when using VCCS computing
resources.
State Law classifies damage
to computer hardware or software, unauthorized examination, or unauthorized use
of computer systems as misdemeanor crimes.
Computer fraud and use of a computer as an instrument of forgery can be
felonies. The VCCS’s internal
procedures for enforcement of its policy are independent of possible prosecution
under the law.
Definition:
VCCS computing resources
include mainframe computers, minicomputers, microcomputers, networks, software,
data, facilities and related computer peripherals..
Guidelines:
The following guidelines shall
govern the use of all VCCS computing resources:
Users must use only those
computer resources that they have the authority to operate.
Users must not provide false
or misleading information to gain access to computing resources.
The VCCS may regard these actions as criminal acts and may treat them
accordingly. Users must not use
VCCS computing resources to gain unauthorized access to computing resources of
other institutions, organizations or individuals.
Users must not authorize
anyone to use their computer accounts for any reason. Users are responsible for all use of their accounts.
Users must take all reasonable precautions, including password
maintenance and file protection measures, to prevent use of their accounts by
unauthorized persons. Users must
not, for example, share their password with anyone.
Users must use their computer
resources only for authorized purposes. Students
or staff, for example, may not use their accounts for private consulting.
Users must not use their computer resources for unlawful purposes, such
as the installation of fraudulently or illegally obtained software.
Use of external networks
connected to the VCCS computing network must comply with the policies of
acceptable use promulgated by the organizations responsible for those networks.
Other than material known to
be in the public domain, users must not access, alter, copy, move or remove
information, proprietary software or other files (including programs, members of
subroutine libraries, data and electronic mail) without prior authorization.
The College or VCCS computer network data trustee, security officer,
appropriate College official or other responsible party may grant authorization
to use electronically stored materials in accordance with policies, copyright
laws and procedures. Users must not
install proprietary software on systems not properly licensed for its use.
Users must not use any
computing facility irresponsibly or needlessly affect the work of others.
This includes transmitting or making accessible offensive, annoying or
harassing material. This includes intentionally, recklessly, or negligently
damaging systems, intentionally damaging or violating the privacy of information
not belonging to the user. This
includes the intentional misuse of resources or allowing misuse of resources by
others. This includes loading
software or data from untrustworthy sources, such as free-ware, onto official
systems without prior approval from the Technical Services Manager (TSM).
Users should report any
violation of these regulations by another individual and any information
relating to a flaw or bypass of computing facility security to the Information
Security Officer or the Internal Audit department.
Enforcement Procedure:
Faculty, staff and students at
the College or VCCS computing network facility should immediately report
violations of information security policies to the Technical Services Manager (TSM).
If the accused is an
employee, the TSM will collect the facts of the case and identify the offender.
If, in the opinion of the TSM, the alleged violation is of a serious
nature, the TSM will notify the offender’s supervisor.
The supervisor, in conjunction with the College or System Office Human
Resources Office and the TSM, will determine the appropriate disciplinary
action. Disciplinary actions may
include but are not limited to:
Temporary restriction of the violator’s computing resource
access for a fixed period of time, generally not more than six months.
Restitution for damages, materials consumed, machine time,
etc., on an actual cost basis. Such
restitution may include the costs associated with determining the case facts.
Disciplinary action for faculty
and classified staff in accordance with the guidelines established in the State
Standards of Conduct Policy.
In the event that a student
is the offender, the accuser should notify the Dean of Student Services.
The Dean, in cooperation with the TSM, will determine the appropriate
disciplinary actions which may include but are not limited to:
Temporary restrictions of the violator’s computing resource
access for a fixed period of time, generally not more than six months.
Restitution for damages, materials consumed, machine time,
etc., on an actual cost basis. Such
restitution may include the costs associated with determining the case facts.
Disciplinary action for student
offenders shall be in accordance with the College’s Student Standards of
Conduct.
The College President will
report any violations of State and federal law to the appropriate authorities.
All formal disciplinary
actions taken under this policy are grievable and the accused may pursue
findings through the appropriate grievance procedure.
Germanna Community
College’s computers, networks and information systems exist to promote shared
access to computing, communication and information systems necessary to support
the College’s mission of teaching, research and community service.
Thus, all account holders of College information facilities have
responsibility to use these systems in a respectful, ethical, professional and
legal manner.
Germanna’s Responsible
Computing Policy applies to any individual using GCC-owned or leased computers,
networks, Internet connections, and communications systems transmitting either
data, voice or video information. Activities
involving these systems shall be in accordance with the VCCS Computer Ethics
Agreement, Policy on Use of the GCC Web Server, GCC Technology Security Plan,
the College’s Standards of Conduct for students, other related policies in the
GCC Faculty and Student Handbooks and relevant state, federal and international
laws.
All users of College
information facilities are required to demonstrate respect for:
the privacy of others;
intellectual property rights (copyrights, trademarks,
licenses, etc.) and ownership of information;
the operation and integrity of the various information
systems;
individuals’ rights to be free of intimidation, harassment,
and unwarranted annoyances; and
relevant state and federal laws
in relation to information
technology.
While the College recognizes
and respects the privacy of all users, it cannot guarantee confidentiality in
the use of any College information system.
Electronic records retained on College systems are subject to state and
federal Privacy Acts as well as the Freedom of Information Acts.
Individuals are advised that e-mail messages are written records that
could be subject to review with just cause and they may be subject to Freedom of
Information Act and legal investigation requests.
In addition, College system administrators may view any files, including
e-mail messages, in the course of troubleshooting system problems.
System administrators have the authority to do this and will treat any
information on the systems as confidential.
World Wide Web information located in designated web directories will be
considered public information if read access is granted.
Access to College information
systems is a privilege and may be revoked for reasons including, but not limited
to, violations of the Responsible Computing Policy, attacking the security of the
system, modifying or divulging private information such as a file or mail
contents of other users without their consent, modifying or destroying College
data, or using the national networks in a manner contrary to established
guidelines. Access may be revoked
at any time on a permanent or interim basis by the College system administrators
in order to safeguard College resources and protect College privileges.
Individuals responsible for abusing the College’s Responsible Computing
Policy will be held accountable and may be subject to disciplinary action.
Revocations may be appealed via the procedures outlined in the GCC
Faculty, Classified Staff or Student Handbooks, as appropriate.
Persons who are victims of
computer abuse, harassment, other’s malicious behavior, and unauthorized
account access should report them to the Academic Computing Center Supervisor or
the Technical Services Manager. For
investigative purposes, individuals are advised to retain harassing e-mail
messages, dates and times of unauthorized access, etc.
Cases will be handled confidentially.
Since the Surgeon General has
determined that cigarette smoking is the largest preventable cause of illness
and premature death in the United States, and since research indicates that
nonsmokers who are exposed to tobacco smoke are also at risk, a safe and
healthful environment is one which is as smoke-free as possible.
Germanna has a smoke-free
environment in all interior areas of the College buildings. This policy is
adopted in compliance with the Virginia Clean Air Act and in the interest of the
College to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
The possession, use,
manufacture, or distribution of illegal drugs or other controlled substances by
students, faculty, or staff at Germanna Community College is prohibited.
Germanna is committed to taking all actions consistent with the law and
individual rights to eliminate illegal drugs on its campus and to deal firmly
and fairly with individuals found in violation of Virginia and/or federal laws
pertaining to such substances. Germanna addresses this issue with a program of
enforcement, education, prevention, counseling, and referral.
Education and learning are
especially impaired by alcohol abuse and illicit drug use.
Misuse of alcohol and other drugs among college students inhibits their
educational development and is a growing concern among our nation’s
institutions of higher education. Germanna
Community College shares this concern and is committed to creating an
environment that promotes and reinforces healthy, responsible living; respect
for community laws and campus standards and regulations; the individual’s
responsibility within the community; and the intellectual, social, emotional,
spiritual or ethical, and physical well-being of its community members.
Health Risks:
Many physical and psychological health risks are associated with abuse of
alcohol and other substances. Such
behavior may result in problems in school, work, or relationships. Listed below are some health risks associated with substance
abuse.
Difficulty with attention and learning.
Physical and psychological dependence.
Blackouts/Coma
Depression
Fatigue
Damage to the brain, liver, heart, digestive and immune
systems.
Accidents/unwanted sexual activity due to impaired
judgement and coordination.
Increased risk of hypertension,
heart disease, cancer, mental illness, other diseases and death.
Resources Available:
Counseling and referral options are available through the Counseling
Center and the Wellness Center for students who think they, a family member or a
friend are at risk of drug or alcohol abuse.
An environment which allows students to openly discuss substance abuse
problems without fear of reprisal will be maintained.
Counseling services are available in the Counseling Center.
The Wellness Center is located in Room 608 at the Locust Grove Campus and
may be contacted at (540) 727-3141 from Culpeper area exchanges or (540)
710-2000 from Fredericksburg area exchanges.
Resources for faculty and staff are available through the Human Resources
office.
The College maintains a close
working association with local community agencies that provide counseling and
treatment of substance abuse. Information
about these agencies and their services is available in the Counseling Center.
Sanctions and Penalties:
Germanna cooperates with local law enforcement authorities to enforce
current statutes. Students,
faculty, and staff are hereby notified that illegal involvement with drugs will
result in disciplinary action by the College and referral for prosecution.
Disciplinary sanctions for
students are enumerated in the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities
and include suspension or dismissal from the institution.
Sanctions for faculty and staff range from referral to counseling and/or
reprimands to suspension and termination of employment.
Criminal penalties for
violations of local, State and federal statutes regarding the unlawful possession
or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol include fines and/or imprisonment terms, depending upon the classification of the
offense.
Germanna Community College
will not tolerate sexual misconduct in any form. Sexual misconduct is a flagrant violation of the behavioral
expectations for a college community. An
educational institution is a community of trust whose very existence depends on
the recognition of each individual’s importance and value.
This trust creates the freedom for each individual to live, think, act
and speak without fear of physical harm. Sexual
misconduct shatters that bond of trust. All
reported violations shall be regarded as serious and investigated.
Acts of sexual misconduct may be punishable through civil and criminal
proceedings, as well as through the College’s disciplinary processes.
This policy shall apply to
all students and employees of Germanna Community College.
Definition:
Sexual assault is defined as sexual intercourse without consent,
including rape (whether by acquaintance or stranger), sodomy, or other forms of
sexual penetration. To constitute
lack of consent, the acts must be committed either by force, threat of force,
intimidations, or through use of the victim’s mental helplessness of which the
accused was or should have been aware. Mental
helplessness includes incapacitation by alcohol or other drugs.
Sexual assault also includes intentionally touching, either directly or
through clothing, of the victim’s genitals, breasts, thighs, or buttocks
without the victim’s consent, as well as touching or fondling of the accused
by the victim when the victim is forced to do so against his or her will.
Verbal misconduct, without
accompanying physical contact as described above, is not defined as sexual
assault. Verbal misconduct may
constitute sexual harassment, which is also prohibited under College
regulations.
Courses of Action for
Students: Student reports of sexual assault should be directed to a
Counselor located in the Counseling Center or the Dean of Student Services.
Counselors and the Dean are prepared to provide support to victims
and/or witnesses of sexual assault while safeguarding confidentiality and
assuring anonymity. Referrals may
also be made to appropriate community agencies which provide crisis intervention
and victim assistance.
Sexual assault is punishable
through civil and criminal proceedings as well as through the College
disciplinary processes. Sexual
assault is a violation of the Standards of Conduct outlined in the Statement of
Student Rights and Responsibilities. Students
found to have violated the Standards of Conduct are subject to the Sanctions
outlined in the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities which include
suspension and dismissal. Students
who are victims of sexual assault will be advised that they may bring civil and
criminal charges through the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Students
convicted of sexual assault will be subject to disciplinary actions at the
College which may include dismissal or expulsion.
Procedures for Students:
Procedures for handling student versus student allegations of sexual
assault are outlined in the section on Disciplinary Procedures contained in the
Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
In cases where suspension and dismissal may be imposed, a Review
Committee will be formed to hear the allegation with the right of appeal to the
College President. The Review
Committee procedures allow for due process and the protection of the rights of
the accused and the complainant. In
cases of sexual assault, steps will be taken to safeguard the identity of the
complainant outside of the confidential proceedings or the disciplinary process,
unless the complainant gives formal consent for his/her identity to be revealed.
No part of the complainant’s sexual history shall be included as part
of the disciplinary proceedings. All
reported violations will be investigated.
Investigations of accused
sexual assault will be conducted by a neutral third party (a College
administrator), who will be appointed by the President.
Every effort will be made to maintain confidentiality and to protect the
rights of the accused and the complainant.
No part of the complainant’s sexual history shall be included as part
of the disciplinary proceedings.
Definition:
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for
sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct or written communication of a
sexual nature which is intimidating, hostile, or offensive.
Sexual harassment shall be considered to have occurred when:
Accepting or tolerating such
conduct is made a term or condition of student’s status or individual’s
employment, either explicitly or implicitly.
Accepting or rejecting such
conduct is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting the
student or employee.
Such conduct creates an
intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment, or
substantially interferes with an employee’s work performance or a student’s
academic performance.
Courses of Action for
Students: Complaints of sexual harassment should be directed to the
Dean of Student Services. Allegations
will be fully investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken
immediately if warranted.
If the accused is a member of
the College faculty or staff, the case will be handled via the Student Grievance
Policy. If the accused is a
student, the case will be handled according to procedures outlined in the
Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities. The student complainant will be advised that internal
grievance procedures must be exhausted before a criminal complaint may be filed.
All reports will be treated
confidentially and the complainant’s identity will remain anonymous outside of
any confidential disciplinary proceedings.
Students who have concerns or questions regarding whether a particular
behavior or situation constitutes sexual harassment are encouraged to
confidentially consult a Counselor in the Counseling Center.
Procedures for Students:
Sexual harassment by a student is a violation of the Standards of Conduct
outlined in the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities and may result
in suspension or dismissal. The
section on Disciplinary Procedures requires the formation of a Review Committee.
A Review Committee will hear the allegation with the right of appeal to
the College President. Review committee procedures provide for due process,
protecting the rights of the complainant and the accused.
Sexual harassment of a
student by a member of the College faculty or staff constitutes a complaint of
unfair treatment and a violation of College policy.
Any employee found in violation of the sexual harassment policy shall be
subject to corrective action, which may include termination of employment.
A valid complaint of unfair treatment will be handled through the Student
Grievance Policy, with the following exceptions.
In cases of sexual harassment, the student alleging sexual harassment is
not required to file the initial complaint with the alleged harasser.
Should the student reach Level 4 in pursuing resolution of the grievance
and a grievance panel is elected, the President will constitute the Grievance
Panel according to the guidelines set forth in the Student Grievance Policy.
The HIV Infection Policy at
Germanna Community College has been developed and applied in accordance with the
guidelines set forth by the American College Health Association. Questions may
be directed to the Dean of Student Services.
The existence of any form of
HIV infection will not be considered in the admissions process.
Students with HIV Spectrum
Disease will be allowed regular classroom attendance and use of College
facilities in an unrestricted manner as long as they are physically able to
attend class.
The College will not ask
students to respond to questions about the existence of HIV infection.
However, students are encouraged to disclose knowledge of potentially
serious medical conditions (for example, HIV infection) so appropriate
education, counseling and/or referrals may be made.
This, like all other medical information, will be handled in strictest
confidence. Referrals to local free anonymous testing is available
through the Counseling Center.
A separate policy exists
with specific guidelines for students enrolled in the College’s nursing
program and students and faculty involved with biological research in the
laboratory setting. It is published
in the Nursing Program Student Handbook.
A person with advanced
stages of HIV infection will be considered as having a disability and will have
the legal rights guaranteed to disabled persons.
Existing support services for persons with a disability will be made
available to persons with HIV infection.
The main parking lots are available for all
students, employees and visitors; however, parking is restricted in areas
designated with reserved, handicapped, faculty/staff, or permit parking signs.
Unauthorized parking in these spaces is a violation
and is subject to action by the College to have the vehicle booted or
towed with a minimum $20.00 fine for booting. Parking on the roadway (bordering
the parking lane) is a violation per State law and the vehicle may be towed by
the State Police, with substantial cost for recovery.
Parking in unmarked areas or on the lawn is also prohibited and subject
to the above sanctions.
Children should not be brought to the campus
in lieu of appropriate child care. College facilities cannot accommodate the care of children
while parents are working or attending class.
Since the College and its staff cannot be responsible for the safety and
welfare of children, arrangements should be made for them off-campus.
Children should not be brought into classrooms, laboratories, the Testing
Center, the Tutoring Center, or the Academic Computing Center because of
disruption of instruction or study, exposure to material unsuitable for
children, and possible danger to the children.
Children on campus must be under the supervision of a parent or guardian
at all times, and the parent or guardian is responsible for seeing that the
children are mindful of others using the College facilities.
Possession or use of firearms, explosives, or any other dangerous or deadly weapons are not appropriate to the college experience. Therefore students, employees, and patrons are not permitted to possess these items on College property except when carried by bona fide law enforcement officials in their official capacities. This policy applies whether the weapon is functional or not. Any device designed to look like a weapon and/or is used by an individual to cause reasonable apprehension or harm is considered a weapon by this policy. Exceptions may be granted when approved in advance in writing by the Campus Security Manager and the President.
Employees agree to this policy and all other policies by accepting continuing employment. Students and patrons agree to this and all other policies by their continuing enrollment and participation in activities and events.
Germanna Community College Access Policy
Germanna Community College
is committed to the full and total inclusion of all individuals and is dedicated
to the principle of individual empowerment.
To this end, services are provided to ensure equal access to all aspects
of the college experience for students with disabilities through the most
appropriate accommodations. Services
are provided based on each student’s individual needs.
Services are available to
students who self-identify and provide appropriate documentation of their
disability. Through accommodations
and other support services on campus, Germanna Community College strives to
provide a quality experience for all qualified students with disabilities.
All services are provided at no charge.
Students who feel they have
been denied equal access to all programs and services offered by the College may
refer to the Grievance Procedure for Students with Disabilities.
Grievance Procedure for Students with
Disabilities:
A student with a documented disability shall have an internal means of
resolving any claim of discrimination on the basis of disability in the programs
or activities of the College.
Any student with a documented disability who has requested reasonable accommodations through the Special Needs Counselor and feels that accommodations provided were inappropriate or that they have been denied access to programs and services offered by the College may submit a written statement to the ADA Compliance Coordinator within 20 business days of the alleged violation.
At level one of the grievance, the ADA Compliance Coordinator may choose to resolve the complaint informally by consulting with the Instructor, Special Needs Counselor, appropriate Dean of Instruction, and/or Dean of Student Services.. If the ADA Compliance Coordinator is unable to resolve the grievance at level one, he/she may submit the student’s grievance to the Vice President for Academic Services. The ADA Compliance Coordinator has ten calendar days to respond in writing to inform the student of the resolution of the grievance at the first level or to inform the student the grievance has been referred to the Vice President for Academic Services.
At the second level, the
Vice President for Academic Services shall investigate complaints submitted
by the ADA Coordinator and shall respond in writing to the student within 10
business days. During the
investigation, accommodations will be provided to the student based on the
recommendation of the Special Needs Counselor.
The student has 5 business days to appeal the Committee’s decision
in writing to the President of the College, which is the third and final level
of the internal grievance process.
The President will issue a
written decision within 10 business days of receipt of the appeal letter from
the student. Decisions of the
President are final and any further appeal must be pursued through external
channels.
Appeals processed through
this policy cannot be heard under any other general grievance procedure.
At any level, both parties
may request an extension of time in writing.
Both parties must agree to the extension.
The ADA Compliance Coordinator shall
maintain records of all grievance proceedings and inform all persons involved of
the results within 10 business days of the President’s decision.
Procedures for Employees:
Discrimination on the basis of disability is a violation of the Americans
With Disability Act of 1991, as well as the State’s Standards of Conduct as
set forth in the Department of Human Resources Policy Manual, and is specifically
addressed in Policy 2.05. Employees
may seek resolution of discrimination issues through the State’s Employees’
Discrimination Complaint Procedures (administered by the Department of Human
Resource Management’s Office of Equal Employment Services), utilize the
Grievance Procedure for State Employees (if eligible to do so), or file a
complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Policies updated June 17, 2008
Posted by Brenda Levoy, Administrative Assistant
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