Full text of "Roxbury Community College Student Handbook 2012-2013"

See other formats

— Student Handbook

- \ 2012-2013

Message From the Vice President

Welcome to Roxbury Community College, Gateway to the
dream!

You are about to embark on a life-changing experience as
you pursue your academic and career goals at RCC. The
faculty and staff are committed to providing you with the
highest quality of instruction and services to meet your
needs.

The richness of the RCC experience is unlike that of any other community
college in Massachusetts. Our ethnically and internationally diverse student
population, for example, represents more than 50 nationalities and makes RCC
a true microcosm of contemporary society.

Roxbury Community College has many resources and services to help you
achieve you educational goals. Easily accessible by public or private
transportation, RCC offers a pleasant learning environment and state-of-the-art
facilities.

This Student Handbook provides detailed information about what RCC has to
offer, as well as College policies and procedures.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance to you. Best
wishes as you begin your Roxbury Community College experience.

Sincerely,

Dr. Stephanie C. Janey

Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

Administration Building 2, Room 202

(617)541-5303

sjaney@rcc.mass.edu

Mission Statement

O
X

The primary mission of Roxbury Community College is to facilitate

the success of our students in achieving their educational goals.

RCC is a comprehensive, multicultural, urban, student-centered,

and open-access community college, providing learning

opportunities for all who may benefit. The College serves the

educational needs of Roxbury, surrounding communities and other

diverse populations in the Commonwealth. We believe that all

students, given the appropriate resources, have the ability to reach

their full potential. The College is therefore committed to helping

our students enhance the quality of their lives and our \ 1

communities.

Roxbury Community College offers quality post-secondary
education in developmental academic skills, the liberal arts and
sciences, career and transfer programs, workforce development,
and private and public sector training. RCC grants associate
degrees and certificates, affording its students a solid foundation
for college transfer, employment, professional advancement, and
life-long learning.

Table of Contents

Message From the Vice President Inside Cover

Mission Statement 1

Academic Calendar 4

Directory of Offices and Services 6

Frequently Asked Questions 7

Academic Support Resources and Services 12

Academic Advising Center 12

Assessment/Testing 12

Tutoring 13

Writing Center 13

Math Clinic 13

Academic Policies 14

Academic Honors 14

Grades 14

Leave of Absence 16

Honors Program 16

Repeat Policy 16

Withdrawal Policy 17

RCC Academic Standing Policy 18

Graduation Requirements 20

Athletics 21

Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center (RLTAC) Membership 21

Business Office 22

Payment - Tuition and Fees 22

' \ Refund Policy 22

Tuition Waivers 23

„ College Resources and Services 24

Bookstore 24

Campus Security 25

Career/Internships 25

Transfer 25

Health Services 31

Disability Services 32

Library 33

Lost and Found 34

Parking 34

Public Telephones 34

Public Transportation 34

Student I.D 35

MyPasswords 35

RCC Student E-mail 36

MyRCC 37

Moodle 38

Turnitin 39

Financial Aid 40

How to Apply 40

Eligibility Requirements 40

Priority Deadlines 41

Title IV Refund Policy 41

Appeals Process 42

Employment 42

Alternative Financing 42

Individual Assistance 43

A Second Associate Degree 43

Academic Standards for Financial Aid Eligibility 43

Institutional Policies 46

Affirmative Action 46

Building Evacuation Procedure in an Emergency 46

Children on Campus 47

Computer Policy 47

CORI Policy 51

SORI Policy 52

Sexual Harassment 52

Registrar 54

Attendance 54

Auditing 54

Change of Academic Major 55

Change of Name and/or Address 55

Enrollment Certification 55

Loan Deferment Certification 55

Transfer Credits 55

Transcript Requests 56

Veterans Counseling 56

Senior Citizens 56

Office of Student Life and Student Engagement 57

Clubs and Organizations 57

Bulletin Boards 57

Student Government Association 58

Student Lounge/Game Room 58

International/Multicultural Student Institute 58

Mentoring for Success 58

Student Rights and Responsibilities 59

Student Code of Conduct 59

Steps to Promoting Positive Classroom Atmosphere 66

Roxbury Community College Good Neighbor Policy 67

Drug and Alcohol Policy 67

Chapter 151C. Fair Educational Practices 68

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 68

Grievance Policy 70

Hazing 76

Right to Protest 78

Policy on Audio/Video Recording in the Classroom 78

Smoking 79

Tips for Students 80

Managing Your Day 80

Long-Term Planning - Plan Ahead 81

Managing Your Tasks 81

Successful Classroom Strategies 82

Test Taking Skills 83

Test Taking Strategies 83

Writing Resource Guide 84

Writing Strategies 85

RCC Assignment Calendar 87

Roxbury Community College Campus Map 141

Academic Calendar

o
o
m

-z.

Fall 2012

August 30 & 31 Professional days for advising

September 3 Labor Day Holiday

September 4 Faculty Institute/All College Meeting

September 5 First day of classes/day and evening

September 12 Add deadline

September 15 Drop deadline

October 1 Autumn Access begins

October 8 Columbus Day Holiday

October 9 Autumn Access Add/Drop deadline

October 15-20 Mid-term exams

October 25 Mid-term grades due

November 5 Application deadline for December 2012 Degree completion

November 11 Veterans Day Holiday

November 12 Veterans Day Holiday observed

November 13 Withdrawal deadline

November 21 No evening classes/Thanksgiving break begins at 5:00p.m.

November 22-25 Thanksgiving Break

November 26-30 Pre-registration for spring semester

December 13 Last day of classes for evening classes

December 14 Last day of classes for day classes

December 14 Autumn Access ends

December 15 DCE exams for Saturday classes

December 17 Reading day for day classes

December 17 DCE exams for Monday classes

December 18-21 Final Exams

December 25 Christmas Day - College closed

Spring 2013

January 1 New Year's Day - College closed

January 10-11 Professional days for advising

January 14 Faculty Institute/All College Meeting

January 15 First day of classes/day and evening

January 21 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday - College closed

January 23 Add deadline

January 26 Drop deadline

February 11 Spring Access begins (Spring Access ends May 2)

February 18 Washington's Birthday Holiday - College closed

March 4-9 Mid-term exams

March 12 Application deadline for May 2013 Graduation

March 15 Mid-term grades due >

March 18-24 Spring Break

April 1 Withdrawal deadline

>
April 15 Patriots Day Holiday - College closed

April 22-26 Pre-registration for summer and fall semester

May 2 Last day of classes/day and evening

May 3 Reading Day

May 4-9 Final Exam period

May 17 Commencement

May 21-22 Faculty Professional Days

Summer 2013

May 27 Memorial Day Holiday - College close

May 28 Summer Session I classes begin

June 7 Monday classes held to make-up for Memorial Day

June 28 Last day of Summer Session I

July 1-3 Classes are not in session - College open

July 4 Independence Day Holiday - College close

July 5 Classes are not in session - College open

July 8 Summer Session II classes begin

August 9 Last day of Summer Session II

Directory of Offices and Services

Department Location (617) Phone Number Ext.
Main Number 1234 Columbus Avenue 427-0060

Academic Affairs 301 Administration Building . .541-5304

Academic Advising 219 Academic Building 541-5327

Administration & Finance 210 Administration Building . .541-5339

Assessment & Testing 102 Student Center 708-3626

Athletics Reggie Lewis Track 541-3535

Bookstore 111 Academic Building 442-8150

Business Office 213 Administration Building . .541-5321

Campus Security 109 Academic Building 541-5338

Career Development 207 Academic Building 933-7455

Continuing Education 106 Academic Building 541-5306

Corporate & Community Education 101 Administration Building . .933-7490

Dean for Academic Technologies 207 Academic Building 933-7439

Dean of Enrollment Management 102 Administration Building . .933-7412

Dean of Institutional Research & Planning 311 Administration Building . .541-5373

Dean of Health Science 300 Student Center Building .427-0060 x5217

Dean of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies 301 Academic Building 427-0060 x5177

Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math 401 Academic Building 541-5362

Dean of Student Success 207 Academic Building 933-7450

Development & Alumni Affairs 306 Administration Building . .541-5394

Disability Services 207 Academic Building 708-3562

Early Childhood Education 353 Academic Building 708-3581

English 301 Academic Building 541-5314

Enrollment Center 102 Administration Building

Admissions 541-5310

Registrar 541-5320

Enrollment Management/Student Affairs 202 Administration Building . .541-5303

ESOL 201 Academic Building 541-5311

Financial Aid Office 201 Administration Building . .541-5322

GED 102 Student Center 708-3628

Health Sciences 311 Student Center Building .708-3800

Health Services 313 Student Center Building .427-0060 x5030

Humanities 353 Academic Building 541-5314

Information Technology 333 Academic Building 427-0060 x5555

Internship and Tech Prep 219 Academic Building 933-7434

Library 211 Academic Building 541-5323

Media Arts Center Media Arts Building 541-5380

Office of Student Life and Student Engagement . . .353 Academic Building 541-5332

Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center 1350 Tremont Street 541-3535

Science, Technology, Engineering & Math 401 Academic Building 541-5317

Student Government Association 353 Academic Building 427-0060 x5332

The Learning Center 207 Academic Building 541-5324

The Writing Center 203 Academic Building 427-0060 x5491

Transfer Services 219 Academic Building 427-0060 x5565

Refer to Campus Map on page 141

Frequently Asked Questions

Books

Where do I get my books?

The bookstore is located in the Academic Building on the first floor. The bookstore is
open extended hours during the first few weeks of school. See bookstore for details.
(see page 24)

Bills

Where do I pay my bills?

The Business Office, located in the Administration Building, Room 213.

What happens if I don't pay my bill on time?

You will not be able to register for the upcoming semester.

Health Insurance Waiver

Where do I take my Health Insurance Verification Forms?

Health Insurance Waivers must be completed online.
Please log onto: www.commonwealthstudent.com

Registration

How many classes should I take to be considered a full-time student?

At least 12 credits, or four 3-credit courses.

Parking

Do I need a parking sticker for my car?

Yes. You can obtain one in the Campus Security Office (Academic Building, Room
109) with a valid Roxbury Community College student ID, license, and current
registration.

m
D

c
m

<
>

m
o

O
-z.

Financial Aid

How do I apply for financial aid?

Contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance in completing the Free Applications for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.edu.gov.

What happens to my financial aid if I fail or withdraw from classes for which I
am registered?

To remain eligible for financial aid, you must successfully complete a minimum of
66% of the total of all your classes since you began your studies at RCC and maintain
a minimum GPA as listed above. Since this measurement is based upon your
cumulative academic work at RCC, your performance in an individual course may
have no impact on your financial aid eligibility. However, accumulation of failed
courses, withdrawals and incomplete grades could affect your eligibility.

What if I drop some or all of my classes before and/or during the semester
drop/add period - could this affect my academic progress?

No. The credits that you drop during that period of time will not be counted as credits
attempted when calculating the percentage of credits completed to determine if
academic progress has been achieved.

What happens to my financial aid eligibility if I withdraw from some, but not all
of my courses after the drop/add deadline? Can withdrawing from a course
now affect my financial aid in later semesters?

In most cases, your financial aid eligibility for the current semester will not change.
However, as mentioned above, accumulated withdrawals could affect your eligibility
as all course withdrawals decrease your completion rate that must be maintained
above 66% for financial aid eligibility to continue for subsequent semesters.

What happens to my financial aid eligibility if I withdraw from all of my courses
after the drop/add deadline?

Withdrawing from all courses after the drop/add deadline is considered withdrawing
from the College. If you do this before 60% of the academic semester has passed,
your financial aid eligibility must be recalculated per federal and state regulations.
This recalculation will determine how much of your financial aid awarded has been
earned during the weeks before your official withdrawal from courses. When the
recalculation is done, a balance could be owed by the student to the RCC Business
Office.

What if I don't officially withdraw from the College, but I stop attending all of my
semester classes? Can this affect my financial aid?

The U.S. Department of Education mandates that students who fail all of their
courses during an academic semester must prove that they continued their
attendance in those courses past the 60% point of the semester. RCC complies with
this requirement by requesting students to submit graded homework, quizzes and/or
tests to prove continued attendance past the 60% point of the semester. Failure to
do so will require the Financial Aid Office to recalculate a student's financial aid
eligibility and will cause a balance to be owed by the student to the College for the
semester. This applies even if a refund check has been issued to the student.

How can changing majors affect my financial aid eligibility?

Changing your major may cause you to take additional courses and that could cause
problems finishing your degree or certificate within the 150% of the standard length
of your academic major. Also, when students change their academic major from
degree seeking to certificate seeking, the previous classes the student attempted will
be counted in the determination of your financial aid eligibility. For example, a
certificate requires 30 credits for completion; for financial aid consideration to
continue, you must finish the degree by 45 credits attempted.

Add/Drop and Withdrawal

How do I change my classes? How do I Add/Drop a class?

Pursuant to Roxbury Community College's add/drop policy, students may add or drop
a course during the official add/drop period listed in the college's academic calendar. ^
To add or drop a course, you must complete an add/drop form, obtain the appropriate m
signatures, and return it to the Registrar in the Enrollment Center, Administration ^
Building, Room 102. Courses dropped during this period will not be recorded on your
transcript. (Please see Student Spring/Fall Semester Course Schedule booklet for ^
applicable dates.)

How do I withdraw from a class after Add/Drop has ended?

Students may withdraw from a course after the official add/drop period and before the
end of the designated withdrawal period listed in the academic calendar. Courses
dropped during this period will be recorded as a "W" on your transcript. You must
obtain the instructor's signature and complete and file a Withdrawal Form with the
Registrar in the Enrollment Center, Administration Building, Room 102.

Students should exercise their add/drop option during the first week of class if
applicable to avoid a "W" grade on their transcript. Students will be responsible for
tuition and fees for all courses not dropped. (Please see Student Spring/Fall
Semester Course Schedule booklet for applicable dates.)

Attendance

What happens if I just stop going to class?

If you do not officially withdraw from a class, you will be administratively withdrawn
and receive a "WA" grade.

Enrollment Center

Where can I get a copy of my schedule?

Enrollment Center, Administration Building, Room 2-102.

Where can I get a Change of Major Form?

Enrollment Center, Administration Building, Room 2-102.

Where can I get a Change of Address Form?

Enrollment Center, Administration Building, Room 2-102.

Where can I get a copy of my transcript?

Enrollment Center, Administration Building, Room 2-102.

o
-z.

Office of Student Life and Student Engagement
Where can I get information on clubs and activities?

Student Center (Office of Student Life and Student Engagement, Room 3-353)

Why are there no classes from 11:30 - 12:55 Tuesdays and Thursdays?

This is a designated Activity period. There is usually a special event on campus at
this time, and this is when most of the clubs and organizations hold their meetings.

Career and Transfer Services

Where can I get help with job placement or an internship?

Career Development, Academic Building, Room 3-207.

Where do I get information about transferring to a four-year school?

Transfer Services, Academic Building, Room 3-219.

Health Services

/ don't feel well. Where do I go?

Student Health Services, Student Center, Room 4-313.

Student ID

Why do I have a student ID number?

To protect your privacy, a 5-digit ID number is generated by the Registrar that
identifies you throughout the school. This number may resemble your social security
number, but they are not the same, (see page 35)

Registration

How do I register for classes?

A list of academic faculty advisors will be posted in the Student Center on the first
floor bulletin board. This list gives the name and location of your advisor. You will
receive a postcard in the mail after the list is posted. The postcard will instruct you
to make an appointment to meet with your advisor prior to registering for classes. You
will then meet your advisor to select your classes and return the signed form to the
Registrar in the Enrollment Center, Administration Building, Room 2-102.

How do I know if classes are cancelled due to inclement weather?

Announcements will be made on the following stations:

Television: Radio:

WBZ Channel 4 WBZ 1030 A.M.

WCVB Channel 5 WRKO 680 A.M.

WHDH Channel 7

Where can I go for tutoring?

The Learning Center, Academic Building, Room 3-207.

Academic Support Resources and Services

o
o

a
<

Academic Advising Center

All students enrolled in degree programs are assigned academic advisors who are
members of the faculty and staff. Although students are encouraged to meet with advisors
on a regular basis to discuss course selections and career options, they are required to
meet with their advisors every semester prior to registration. Advisors post their availability
on their office doors. Students who do not have advisors should contact the Academic
Advising Center, Academic Building, Room 219, (617) 541-5327. The Advising Center
monitors academic progress, alerts advisors about students who are experiencing
academic difficulty, and refers students to counselors. The counseling staff works closely
with the school nurse, outside health agencies, and other agencies including those
associated with disabilities. Counseling is available in English and Spanish.

Assessment/Testing

All new students at Roxbury Community College are required to take placement tests in
three subject areas: English, Math, and Science. The placement test is not used for
admission to the College but for the purpose of evaluating your skills in those areas. You
will not receive a "passing" or "failing" grade for these tests. The evaluations are important
because they determine the correct level courses in which you will be able to register.
Non-native English speakers with limited proficiency in English must take the Roxbury
Community College English as a Second Language (ESL) Placement Test.

All tests take about two hours to complete. Once you have completed the tests, you will
receive a Placement Report indicating the courses you should register for. RCC wants
every student to succeed and that starts with registraring for the correct level courses. For
more information please call (617) 708-3626 or visit Room 102, Building 4.

Tutoring

Students can take advantage of free tutorial services available in many subject areas.
Peer and professional tutors work with you in either small groups or one-on-one to improve
academic skills and develop learning strategies. Tutoring is designed to enhance and
support classroom learning so that you gain the skills and confidence to be successful in
your coursework. For more information please call (617) 541-5324 or visit Room 207,
Building 3.

Writing Center >

o
The Writing Center is located on the second floor of the Academic Building in Room 203. g

It is a place where students and classes come together to address writing across all

disciplines. Offering face-to-face tutoring, the Center also has a variety of software and £

Internet-accessed programs to help students improve their writing skills. It regularly holds ^

workshops and presentations for students and classes on a wide range of topics that

address writing. ^

The Writing Center is committed to empowering students across all disciplines to write
essays and research papers whose form, grammar, and expression reflect the accepted
standards of American English while valuing the unique and individual voice and
perspective of the diverse cultures and ideologies of its student body.

Math Clinic

The Math Clinic in the Academic Building, on the 3rd floor, Room 3-206 provides RCC
students with an opportunity to receive immediate help with their mathematics questions.
No appointment is necessary - just drop in and talk to a tutor, some of whom are faculty at
the College. We will not do your homework for you, but we will explain the relevant
concepts and set you on the right path.

Cfl

14 Academic Policies

Academic Honors

o
o

CO
Q

-z.

LU
O

Dean's Lists/President's Lists

Honors students are recognized annually during a special assembly. Full-time students
with a semester Grade Point Average (GPA) between 3.50 and 3.75 and no grade lower
than a "B" during that semester will be placed on the Dean's List. Full-time students with
a semester GPA between 3.76 and 4.00 and no grade lower than a "B" during that
semester will be placed on the President's List. Pre-college courses are not used in the
determination of these honor lists.

Grades

(GRADE APPEALS - SEE STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE)

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Grade points earned in any course are found by multiplying the quality points assigned to
the letter grade by the number of credits for the course. Your grade point average is
determined by adding the total points earned in all courses that semester and dividing this
total by the total credits attempted. The following is an example of the grades earned by a
student:

Course Grade Quality Points Attempted Credits Total

English 101 A 4.0 3 12

Mathl 100 B 3.0 3 9

Science F 0.0 4

Business 131 C 2.0 3 6

Total Quality Points:27.0 Credits Attempted:13 GPA = 27/13 = 2.08

Grading Policy

Roxbury Community College assigns a letter grade for all credit courses. Each letter grade
from 'A" to "F" carries a numerical value which is used to calculate your Grade Point
Average (GPA).

The College respects the right of individual departments, programs, and individual faculty
to use other scales as their curricula require, and supports the use of individual scales
when articulated in their syllabus. However, if not articulated otherwise, College grades
should be understood to represent the following percentages in student achievement.

Grade

Quality Points

Numeric

Range Interpretation

4.0

93-100%

Excellent

A-

3.7

90-92%

Excellent

B+

3.3

87-89%

Very Good

3.0

83-86%

Good

B-

2.7

80-82%

Good

C+

2.3

77-79%

Satisfactory Plus

2.0

73-76%

Satisfactory

C-

1.7

70-72%

Satisfactory

D+

1.3

67-69%

Unsatisfactory, Passing

1.0

60-66%

Unsatisfactory, Passing

0.0

59 or less

Unsatisfactory, Course Failure

Nonnumeric Grades

AU Audit - A course is being audited. No grade is assigned to the course and no

credit is earned.
AP Attended and Progressed - Only for pre-college courses (Student must repeat

course).
I Incomplete - A student has made satisfactory progress in a course and has

completed most of the coursework except for a final paper or exam. This grade

is given at the discretion of the instructor.
Fl Incomplete - "F" from incomplete to be used when an'l" grade reverts to "F".
P Pass - Applies to non-credit courses only.
NP Did Not Pass - Applies to non-credit courses only.
R Course was repeated.
S Satisfactory (A-C equivalent) - Midterm evaluation only.

>
o
m

o
o

O
m
w

TR Transferred Course(s) from another College or University.

U Unsatisfactory (D-F equivalent) - Midterm evaluation only.

W Official Withdrawal - A student officially withdraws from a course.

WA Administrative Withdrawal - A student is withdrawn from a course by a faculty

member or administrator.

WIP Work In Progress - No grade submitted by instructor.

NA Never attended class.

Leave of Absence

A student in good academic standing may request a leave of absence from the College for
one or more semesters. A Leave of Absence form must be completed and submitted to the
Registrar's Office prior to the end of the semester in which the student is currently enrolled.

Honors Program

Roxbury Community College's Honors Program provides a quality educational opportunity
suited to the needs, wishes, and abilities of its students. The Honors Program offers
academically talented students a stimulating, challenging, and rewarding academic
experience. In meeting the challenge of academic excellence, the Honors Program
provides exceptionally gifted and motivated students with the opportunity to enhance their
knowledge through independent research and creative work.
Phi Theta Kappa is the national honor society for community college students. Alpha lota
Mu is the Roxbury Community College chapter of the society. Members of Phi Theta
Kappa are recognized for their academic achievement, as well as personal integrity.
To be eligible for membership, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Full-time enrollment.

2. Completion of at least two semesters at Roxbury Community College.

3. Achievement of a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher, exclusive of
§ pre-college courses.

4. Evidence of good moral character.
<

5. Nomination by an academic department of the College.

5 For more information, contact the Honors Advisor, Division of Liberal Arts, Academic

Building, Room 301 or a faculty member of the department.

Repeat Policy

Students may repeat a course only once without written permission from the Vice
President of Academic Affairs or an Academic Affairs designee such as a Dean. However,
financial aid will only pay for a course twice. A total of 16 repeated credits can be excluded
from the grade point average (GPA) for the duration of the student's enrollment at Roxbury
Community College. Courses that are officially dropped or withdrawn will not count against
the repeat course policy.

When a student repeats a course and receives a higher grade, the lower grade is no
longer computed into the grade point average. However, both the original and subsequent

o
>

grade earned will remain on the student's permanent record. For example, if a student

receives a D in a course and retakes the course and receives a C-, the C- will replace the

D in the student's GPA. The D will remain on the student's transcript. If the grade for the

repeated course is the same, or lower, than the previous grade, then the credits will not

count toward the student's degree, but will count in the GPA.

It is important to note, however, that the college's standards for satisfactory academic

progress for federal financial aid require that you complete your program within 150% of

the credits required for that program. Excessive repeat courses and withdrawals will have

an impact on this requirement. All courses attempted, including withdrawals, are counted

towards the 150% calculation.

Federal financial aid is not available to students who repeat courses they have passed

unless a certain grade or GPA is required for their program.

A student (other than a Nursing or Allied Health student*) who wishes to take a course for

a third time or re-take a course in which a passing grade has been attained, the student

must:

1. Obtain a Repeat Course Form, and have the academic advisor review the
transcript before he or she signs the form;

2. Bring the signed "Repeat Course Form" to the academic dean of the division in
which the course resides and obtained the dean's signature; and

3. Bring the form with both signatures to the Enrollment Center and register for the
course. 5>

*Nursing or Allied Health students, please note that failure in a course required for one of ..-•

the Nursing or Allied Health programs requires the student to be withdrawn from the I 17
program. Repeating a course required in one of the Nursing or Allied Health programs
requires readmission to the program. Students may be readmitted to one of the selective
Nursing and Allied Health programs only once, and the readmission must occur within one
year of leaving the program.

The policy on progression to selective Health Sciences programs is published in the
Health Sciences Student Handbook.

Withdrawal Policy

Students who officially withdraw from a course or from the College early in the semester
are eligible for a partial tuition refund based on the College's withdrawal policy and refund
schedule (see refund policy). Failure to attend class does not constitute official withdrawal
from a course or from the College.

To officially withdraw from a course, a student must complete a Withdrawal Form
(available at the Enrollment Center), which requires the approval and signature of the
instructor teaching the class from which the student wishes to withdraw. This form must
then be submitted to the Enrollment Center. An instructor's signature is not necessary for
withdrawal from a course offered by the Division of Continuing Education or if a student is
withdrawing from all courses.

o
o

CD
Q

-z.

LU
Q

RCC Academic Standing Policy

All RCC students are expected to make satisfactory academic progress toward the
completion of their certificate or degree. A student's academic standing indicates the
progress toward that certificate or degree. A minimum satisfactory career G.P.A and credit
completion rate of 67% is required each semester.

Students should be aware that the standards are similar to those used by Financial Aid to
determine academic standing. Please refer to the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic
Progress Policy for more information.

We strongly encourage all students to work closely with their academic advisor to ensure
that they register for a credit load that will enable them to balance family and work
responsibilities with the ability to complete their coursework successfully.

At Roxbury Community College, there are five categories of academic standing.

They are: Good Academic Standing

Academic Warning

Academic Probation

Academic Suspension

Academic Dismissal
The Academic Standing table below shows the student's academic standing in relation to
cumulative credits attempted, GPA and credit completion rate, in order to achieve Good
Academic Standing.

NOTE: % Completion represents the total credits earned divided by the total credits
attempted at RCC.

Cumulative Credits Attempted**

Criteria

0-14

15-29

30-44

>=45

Less than 67% completion

Career/ Cumulative GPA 0.00 - 1.69 and > 67%
completion

Career/ Cumulative GPA 1.70 - 1.99 and > 67%
completion

Career/ Cumulative GPA 2.00 - 4.00 and > 67%
completion

No Degree earned after 90 college credits attempted

Financial Aid Suspension

G - Good Standing W - Warning P - Probation S - Suspension D - Dismissal
* Students on Academic Suspension or Academic Dismissal are not eligible for financial aid.
** Credits for which the student is registered at the completion of the Add/Drop period.

Good Academic Standing

The College considers a student to be in Good Academic Standing if they successfully
complete 67% or more of the total numbers of credits attempted with a cumulative grade
point average (GPA) of 2.00 or higher. Courses with a grade of AP, IP, F, NA, W or WA are
not considered to be completed successfully.

Academic Warning

A student in the Academic Warning Range will be placed on Academic Warning for the
following semester. The student must meet with a member of the Advising Center staff to
develop an academic plan to improve academic standing. This educational improvement
plan may include, but is not limited to one or more of the following components:

■ Reduction in the student's course load (e.g. 10-credit maximum)

■ Assessment and or Reassessment to ensure correct course placement

■ Required participation in one or more academic support programs (Tutoring, Writing
Center, Math Lab, Supplemental Instruction, or Language Laboratory)

■ Repeat all grades of "F"

Students will be removed from Academic Warning when they are in the Good Academic
Standing Range.

Academic Probation

A student in the Academic Probation Range will be placed on Academic Probation for one
semester. Students on probation must comply with all of the components of the academic o
plan and are required to meet regularly with their assigned advisor to discuss academic
progress and review resources available to the student to improve their academic
standing. If, at the end of the probationary semester, the student's academic standing has
not improved to the level of Good Academic Standing (as defined in the Academic
Standing Chart), the student will be placed on Academic Suspension.

Academic Suspension

Once a student has been placed on Academic Suspension, he or she will not be allowed \ 19
to enroll in any classes for one semester. After the suspension period has expired, a
student may apply for readmission to the college. The returning student must meet with a
member of the Advising Center staff and discuss the specific steps to help ensure
academic success. The returning student will be placed on probation upon returning to
RCC and must comply with all the components of Academic Probation and achieve a term
GPA of 2.5. A student may appeal the Academic Suspension. Please refer to the section
below concerning the Appeals Process.

Academic Dismissal

If, at the end of the semester following the Academic Suspension, the student's term GPA
was not 2.5 or above and his/her academic standing has not improved to the level of Good
Academic Standing (as defined in the Academic Standing Chart), the student will be
dismissed from Roxbury Community College for a period of no less than two semesters.

Once a student has been placed on Academic Dismissal, he or she will not be permitted
to re-apply as a degree seeking student for one academic year. A student who is
readmitted after the dismissal period will be placed on Academic Probation. A student may
appeal the Academic Dismissal. Please refer to the section below concerning the Appeals
Process.

A student who is placed on academic warning, probation, suspension or dismissal will be
notified in writing by the Office of Academic Advising at the conclusion of each semester.

A student who is placed on Academic Suspension or Dismissal may enroll in RCC non-
credit courses.

Students should be aware that their academic standing will be noted on the official
transcript.

Suspension and Dismissal Appeals Process

All students suspended or dismissed for unsatisfactory progress may appeal to have the
sanction lifted. The college recognizes that special or unusual circumstances can
negatively affect performance. A student who has been placed on academic suspension
or dismissed from college may file an appeal no later than 10 days before the start of
classes each semester with the Academic Appeals Committee (AAC) in the Office of
Academic Advising. The Vice President of Academic Affairs will designate the membership
of the AAC.

Appeals will only be heard for special or unusual circumstances that have negatively
impacted the student's academic performance. It is the student's responsibility to present
a compelling argument to the committee as to why he or she should be readmitted. The
committee will carefully review the information and/or documentation deemed relevant to
rendering a fair decision by either granting the student permission to re-enroll or
permanently dismissing the student from the College. Academic reinstatement does not
automatically reestablish eligibility for Financial Aid. Please refer to the Financial Aid
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for more information on the Financial Aid Appeals
process.

The decision of the Academic Appeals Committee is final.

20 .; The Committee's written decision will be available in the Office of Academic Advising 2
business days prior to the first day of classes.

Academic Progress Appeal Forms can be obtained from the Office of Academic Advising.

| Graduation Requirements

g To qualify for graduation, a student must meet the following conditions:

1. Qualify as a matriculated student as determined by the Enrollment Center.

2. Complete all course requirements as specified by the academic program of study with
a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 for college-level courses, unless other
requirements are specified by the academic program. For specific major requirements,
consult the Program of Studies.

3. Earn at least 60 college-level credits with at least 30 college-level credits from Roxbury
Community College for an associate degree and 12 credit hours for a certificate.

4. Application : In order to officially graduate from RCC, a student must complete and
submit an Application for Graduation Form available at the Registrar's Office
(Administration Bldg #2, RM 102) by the announced deadline. All December and May
graduates are invited and encouraged to participate in the May Commencement
Ceremony. However, students must have met all course requirements and financial
obligations in order to participate.

5. Application Deadline for December 2012 Degree Completion: November 5, 2012.
Application Deadline for May 2013 Graduation: March 12, 2013

n
en

Athletics

The Athletics Program offers students the opportunity to participate in intercollegiate,
intramural, and recreational activities. Intercollegiate teams exist for baseball (men),
basketball (men and women), and track (men and women). The Reggie Lewis Track and
Athletic Center at Roxbury Community College also offers other intramural activities,
including soccer, tennis, and volleyball. Credit and non-credit classes in aerobics, dance,
and Karate are offered to all students. For schedules or more information about the
program offerings, contact the Athletics Department in the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic
Center at (617) 541-3535.

Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center (RLTAC) Membership

■ An RCC student wishing to have a membership to the RLTAC must submit proof of
current registration to the RLTAC Membership Office during its hours of operation.

■ The student will be issued a membership card for that semester, which can be
renewed for subsequent semesters, if the student shows proof of registration.
Otherwise, the membership will expire at the end of each semester.

22 Business Office

o
o

-z.

LU
Q

Payment - Tuition and Fees

At the time of registration, students receive a billing statement and a class schedule that
indicates the amount charged and dates that payments are due. Students must pay all bills
by the due date appearing on the bill. Students who register on or after the due date must
pay at the time of registration. The College accepts payment by personal check, money
order, travelers' checks, VISA, MasterCard, or Discover. A payment plan is also available.
For specific information about the payment plan, contact the Business Office at (617) 541-
5321, Administration Building, Room 213.

Refund Policy

Students dropping or withdrawing from classes must complete the appropriate form
available in the One-Stop Enrollment Services Center, Administration Building, Room 102.
Failure to withdraw officially results in a grade of "F" or "NA" in the course and an obligation
to pay in full. The schedule of refunds for tuition and general college fees outlined in this
handbook applies only when proper withdrawal or class drop procedures have been
adhered to, as established by the Enrollment Services Center. Application fees are non-
refundable. Lack of attendance or course abandonment does not constitute a drop
or withdrawal.

The Refund Policy applies to tuition and fees for all students who register for one or more
courses at RCC. This policy goes into effect on the first day of classes for each semester.

You may add or drop classes during the ADD/DROP period without charge. The official
start and end dates of the ADD/DROP period can be found on the Academic Calendar on
page 4 of this handbook.

REFUND POLICY RULES:

TIME PERIOD

REFUND

TRANSCRIPT

Withdrawal during ADD/DROP
period

100% tuition and fees, less $25
registration fee

All courses will be deleted from
the student's transcript

Withdrawal during the five
school davs after the
ADD/DROP period ends

75% of tuition and fees, less $25
registration fee

Withdrawal (W) will appear on
student's transcript

Withdrawal during the sixth
through tenth school dav after
the ADD/DROP period ends

50% of tuition and fees less $25
registration fee

Withdrawal (W) will appear on
student's transcript

Withdrawal eleven school davs
or bevond after the ADD/DROP
period ends

No refund

Withdrawal (W) will appear on
student's transcript

If you have any questions regarding this refund policy, please contact the Business Office.

Tuition Waivers

Several kinds of tuition waivers are available to Roxbury Community College students.
These waivers include, but are not limited to, members of the National Guard, veterans,
senior citizens, Native Americans, state employees, and wards of the state. In order to
receive a tuition waiver, you must present the waiver at the time of registration or before
the first day of class. If you present the waiver after the first day of class, the College will
make no adjustment. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not fund all courses;
therefore, the use of certain waivers for those unfunded courses will be restricted.

Students with approved tuition waivers, tuition remissions, or tuition vouchers may register
on a space-available basis, and fees must be paid. Tuition waivers, tuition remission, or
tuition vouchers do not apply to special programs, seminars, or private instruction
administered by the Division of Continuing Education (DCE). Also, certain tuition waivers,
which apply to the state supported day division, do not apply to the Division of Continuing
Education programs, including summer sessions. For example, the National Guard waiver
can not be applied to Division of Continuing Education programs.

CD
C

en
-z.
m

o
m

24 ) College Resources and Services

? Bookstore

« Academic Building, First Floor, Room 111

The Campus Bookstore sells all textbooks required for your courses as well as school
supplies, trade books, clothing, gift items, assorted software products, and snack items.
Bookstore gift cards are available. For your convenience payment can be made by
MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Debit cards.

o
o

UJ
Q

Rent-A-Text

Your campus bookstore is offering textbook rental through Rent-A-Text, saving you more
than half off the sales price on every single book you rent. Because we have direct access
to your instructors' book lists, it - and only it - can guarantee that the books you rent are
the right ones for your classes. And unlike online rental companies, your campus
bookstore carries all your other course materials too. As in one-stop-shopping, with Rent-
A-Text, you pick up your rental textbooks at the bookstore instead of having them shipped,
so there's no waiting by the mailbox for them to be delivered. There are no shipping costs,
which means more money in your pocket.

Hours of operation: Monday to Thursday 9:00A.M. - 5:00P.M.

Friday 10:00A.M. - 2:00P.M.

During the first two weeks of each semester, extended hours are posted.

Campus Security

Academic Building, Room 109

Students are encouraged to contact the security staff for assistance whenever needed. All
suspicious or criminal activity, as well as medical emergencies, should be reported to the
Campus Security office. When classes are in session, a guard is stationed in the Cedar
Street parking lot from 8:00A.M. - 10:00P.M., Monday through Friday, and 8:00A.M. -
4:00P.M. on Saturday. For assistance, call (617) 541-5338. Please report all suspicious or
criminal activity to the Chief of Security in the Campus Security Office.

Career/Internships

Academic Building, Room 207

o
Career Placement F

Career Placement is available when you are ready for a part-time or full-time job during ; :1
school or following graduation. Support offered during your job search includes developing ;- !
a resume, conducting mock interviews and learning effective job search strategies.

Career Planning

Career exploration and planning can help you choose a professional direction that fits your "
values, interests, and needs. If you are unsure about a major or career direction, sign up
for this one-credit course, Principles of Career Planning, ACS 200. You can also take m
advantage of career counseling and various online assessments including: the Harrington
O'Shea, the Strong Campbell Interest Inventory, Discover, and the Myers Briggs.

Internships

Internships allow you to explore a career area of interest while earning credit at the same
time. The Internship Coordinator will assist you in locating an internship that works for you.
A variety of agencies and employers are ready to place Roxbury Community College
interns. You will spend 150 hours on-site. If you have taken English Composition I, and at
least three courses toward your degree, you are eligible to sign up for an Internship. Meet
with an Internship Coordinator during pre-registration to ensure a timely placement.

Transfer

Academic Building, Room 219

Transfer Program

Students who intend to pursue a bachelor's degree are encouraged to begin planning
during their first semester at Roxbury Community College for transfer to a four-year
institution. Although each student is responsible for ensuring that Roxbury Community
College credits are transferable, academic advisors and transfer counselors are available
to help coordinate academic programs at RCC with the transfer requirements of four-year
institutions. Students who have been admitted to an associate degree program at Roxbury
Community College may be eligible to participate in one of the several transfer
agreements that the College maintains with four-year colleges and universities that
guarantee admission of Roxbury Community College graduates and/or acceptance of
specified RCC course credits.

Cross Registration

Sampling the environment and coursework at a four-year college can help students
choose the campus that will best meet their needs. Cross-Registration allows students to
take courses at select local colleges while they are enrolled at Roxbury Community
College. Students must have completed between twelve and thirty college-level credits to
be eligible for cross-registration.

Because academic calendars vary from school to school, students are strongly advised to
visit the Transfer Services in Room 219, Academic Building the semester prior to cross-
registering to create their academic schedules. Students are permitted to cross register for
one-course per semester. Cross Registration is not available for evening or weekend or
summer classes. Cross Registration is not permitted during late registration periods. The
following colleges participate in Cross-Registration:

Massachusetts College of Art Prerequisite: A strong interest in art

Northeastern University Prerequisites: A GPA of 2.75, at least 30 earned college-
level credits, ENG 101 and ENG 102

Simmons College Prerequisites: Pre-nursing concentration, ENG 101 and at least 15
earned college- level credits

Suffolk University Prerequisites: Enrolled in the final semester at Roxbury
Community College and a GPA of at least 3.00

University of Massachusetts-Boston Prerequisite: Enrolled in at least 12 credits at
Roxbury Community College.

26 ■ Wheelock College Prerequisites: An interest in education, social work, social
science, or liberal arts Course enrollment is limited to: Social Work I, Social Work II,
Child Life, Human Biology, Human Sexuality, and Social Issues.

5 Transfer Counseling

Many students' academic plans include transfer to a four-year college or university. The
o

Transfer Services staff is prepared to guide these students through the transfer process:

choosing an appropriate major; selecting colleges; submitting applications for admission

and financial aid; and making decisions once acceptances have been received.

■;j College Fairs bring over forty (40) colleges to the Roxbury Community College campus
each semester which offer students another vehicle for exploring potential transfer
schools. For more information about transferring to a four-year institution, visit Transfer
Services in Room 219, Academic Building.

MassTransfer

MassTransfer, a new transfer policy seeks to provide RCC students with straightforward
and understandable options toward the completion of associate and baccalaureate
degrees, clearing the way for student access and student success in Massachusetts'
public higher education system.

The main purpose of MassTransfer is to provide RCC students who complete designated
associate degrees under MassTransfer with the benefits of the full transfer and
applicability of credit, guaranteed admission, and a tuition discount (each benefit based on

the student's final grade point average) to linked baccalaureate programs; and
MassTransfer integrates and replaces the Commonwealth Transfer Compact, Joint
Admissions, and the Tuition Advantage Program.

The MassTransfer policy for community college students who complete designated
associate degrees will apply to students who matriculate in or after fall 2012 at a
Massachusetts community college. Community college students who matriculated prior to
fall 2012 and who participate in the Commonwealth Transfer Compact and/or Joint
Admissions Program will be required to complete their associate degrees by August 2013
and must matriculate at a Massachusetts state college or University of Massachusetts
campus by fall 2014.

Each associate degree program under MassTransfer is linked to baccalaureate degrees g

and schools at the Massachusetts state colleges and University of Massachusetts F

campuses across the Commonwealth. The list of associate degree programs and linked f\
baccalaureate programs under MassTransfer are available at www.mass.edu, as well as

on the transfer websites at the individual public higher education institutions.

The MassTransfer policy for community college students who complete designated

en
>

<
o

associate degrees will apply to students who matriculate in or after fall 2012 at a
Massachusetts community college. Community college students who matriculated prior to
fall 2012 and who participate in the Commonwealth Transfer Compact and/or Joint
Admissions Program will be required to complete their associate degrees by August 2013
and must matriculate at a Massachusetts state college or University of Massachusetts
campus by fall 2014.

A student completing an associate degree program under MassTransfer will have \ 27
graduated with a minimum of 60 credit hours and will have completed the following 34-
credit general education transfer block, exclusive of developmental coursework:

General Education Transfer Block

English Composition/Writing 6 credit hours

Behavioral and Social Sciences 9 credit hours

Humanities and Fine Arts 9 credit hours

Natural or Physical Science 7 credit hours

Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning 3 credit hours

Total 34 credit hours

MassTransfer Benefits

A student completing an associate degree who seeks admission to a linked baccalaureate
program under MassTransfer will be entitled to the following benefits based upon the final
cumulative grade point average at the community college awarding the degree:

A. A final cumulative grade point average of a 2.0 or higher

i. Waives the admissions application fee and essay

ii. Guarantees the full transfer of college-level credits, including "D" grades, applied to
the degree requirements of the linked baccalaureate degree or school at the state

college or University of Massachusetts campus such that the MassTransfer student
will be required to complete no more credits or courses than a native student with
the following stipulations:

• The student changes his or her major.

• If the linked baccalaureate program requires a higher grade point average or
specific courses for the major which are required of native students, the
MassTransfer student must meet these requirements.

iii. Satisfies the general education requirements at the receiving institution with the
receiving institution able to add no more than six additional credits / two courses in
compliance with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges' Standards
for Accreditation. This will apply when the receiving institution already places these
requirements on its native students and will determine at its discretion which credits,
if any, shall be required.

Note: College-level course credits awarded by the sending Institution through CLEP,
challenge examinations, and credit for prior learning shall be included when a
student qualifies under MassTransfer.
B. A final cumulative grade point average of a 2.5 or higher

i. Grants all of the benefits outlined in section 1A.

ii. Guarantees admission to the linked baccalaureate degree or school at a
Massachusetts state college or University of Massachusetts campus with the
following stipulations:

28 ) • If the linked baccalaureate program requires a higher grade point average which

is required of native students, the MassTransfer student must meet this
requirement.

• If because of space or fiscal limitations the receiving institution does not admit all
qualified applicants to a given major or program, the receiving institution will use
the same criteria for MassTransfer applicants as it does for its native students.

• Students must be in good academic, fiscal and disciplinary standing with all
previous institutions.

. A final cumulative grade point average of a 3.0 or higher

i. Grants all of the benefits outlined in sections 1 A and 1 B.

ii. Guarantees a tuition waiver equal to 33% of the Massachusetts resident tuition rate
at a state college or University campus for two years of undergraduate enrollment
with the following requirements:

• Enrollment is continuous at the state college or University campus.

• The student earns a cumulative grade point average of a 3.0 or higher for the first
year of enrollment at the state college or University of Massachusetts campus.

iii. Note: For students demonstrating compelling hardships, institutions may exercise
professional judgment regarding the above conditions.

Articulation Agreements

Roxbury Community College has developed articulation agreements with several public
and private baccalaureate institutions for students who have completed their Associate
Degree and wish to transfer. These articulation agreements stipulate that RCC graduates
must meet admission standards at the host institution in order to be admitted into specific
program majors with full junior standing. The agreements are designed to provide full
course equivalencies to maximize transfer credits. The RCC degree programs and
corresponding baccalaureate programs for participating institutions are listed below.

ARTICULATION AGREEMENT PROGRAMS AND INSTITUTIONS

RCC Major

Accounting

Degree four- year College Major four- year College

AS Mass. College of Liberal Arts Business Administration

o
o

z
o

i
o
m

Any Major

AA/AS

Eastern Nazerene

Business Management

Arts and Humanities

AA Cambridge College

Multidisciplinary Studies

Associates of Arts Degree Programs

Business Administration AA

Business Management AS

Bus. Admin. Sports Management AS
Bus. Management Hospitality AS

Business Administration AA

Business Management AS

Business Management AS_

Computer Science AS

MA School of Law

Westfield State

Cambridge College

Mt. Ida College

Argosy University/Atlanta

Regis

Mt. Ida College

Regis

Mt. Ida College

Mass. College of Liberal Arts
Kaplan University (online)
Kaplan University (online)

B.A. History and Legal
Studies

Marketing

Management

Finance

Management

Bus. Admin. Sports Mgt.

Hotel & Tourism Mgt.

Organizational Mgt.

Management

Business Administration

Management

Business Management

Business Administration

BS Business Mgt.

BS Information
Technology

Criminal Justice

Northeastern University

Criminal Justice

Springfield College

Human Services

Criminal Justice

Salem State College

Criminal Justice

UMASS Lowell

Criminal Justice

Kaplan University (online)

BS Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice

Newbury College

BS Criminal Justice

Early Childhood Education

Cambridge College

Multidisciplinary Studies

Early Childhood Education

AS Springfield College

Human Services

Continued from previous page

RCC Major Degree

Early Childhood Education. AS

four- year College

Wheelock College

Major four- year College

Human Development,
Early Childhood Edu.

o
o
m

-z.

UJ
Q

General Education

General Education
General Prep Sequence
International Business
International Business
International Business

Liberal Arts

Nursing (RN)

AA Wheelock College

AA Argosy University/Atlanta

North Shore CC

AA Westfield State

AA Cambridge College

AA Eastern Nazerene

AA Kaplan University (online)

AS Simmons College

Human Development,
Child Life Concentration

Psychology

AS Fire Science

Marketing

Management

Finance

Multidisciplinary Studies

Psychology

Education

BS Communication

Nursing

'Masters Science
Nursing

Nursing (RN)

Framingham State

Nursing

Nursing (RN)

UMASS Boston

BSN Online

Nursing (RN)

UMASS Dartmouth

Nursing

Nursing (RN)

Emmanuel College

Nursing

Nursing (RN)

UMASS Boston

Nursing

Nursing (RN)

UMASS Lowell

Nursing

Nursing (RN)

Kaplan University (online)

BS Nursing

Roxbury Community College

Social Science

Various Majors

Study
Abroad

AA,AS

Imo State University, Nigeria

Springfield College

Wheelock College

Cambridge College

Kaplan University (online)
Pine Manor College

Human Services
Social Work
Psychology
BS Psychology
Various Majors

*UMASS Boston Certificate in Vocational-Technical Ed RCC Liberal Arts

*YearUp Certificate RCC Business Administration/ Management

All of the information in this section is subject to change at the discretion of the participating institutions. New articulation

agreements are always being developed. Visit Transfer Services in Room 219 Academic Building for a complete listing

of the most up-to-date agreements.

Articulation agreements guarantee transfer of credit only after a candidate is accepted into the four-year

college/university.

'Please consult with Director of Transfer Affairs and Articulation about these particular articulation agreements.

Health Services

Student Center, Room 313, Tel: (617)708-3633

The Health Services Office is open Monday - Friday from 9:00A.M. - 5:00P.M. and from
5:00P.M. - 5:30P.M. by appointment. A nurse practitioner is on duty to provide emergency
and routine treatment for common illness and injuries, e.g., colds, headaches, sprains, and
lacerations. Students with more complex health problems are referred to other health care
facilities for more comprehensive care. Assistance for students with disabilities is provided
in collaboration with the Disabilities Counselor. Health education and wellness programs
are additional activities of Health Services and vary each semester. Examples of topics
include:

- Blood pressure screening

■ Weight checks, weight management, and walking groups

Diabetes education m

- Health fairs
■Alcohol/drug education
■ Smoking cessation

HIV/AIDS/STD education

-z.
o

Dental Plan

The Student Dental Plan is offered by the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, p
This Plan is purchased separately by the student and is not deducted from financial aid.

You can enroll online at http://dentalschool.bu.edu/sdp.
Enrollment dates and fees are provided at the above website.

Health Insurance

Massachusetts General Law (Chapter 23) requires that any student registered for 9 or
more credits must be enrolled in a health insurance plan. The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts requires you to submit your health insurance information to the College via
online electronic submission. The Business Office will review your online insurance
submission to determine if you qualify for the insurance waiver. Please log onto:
www.commonwealthstudent.com

If you enroll for the fall semester, you have until October 31st to complete this process.
Students who enroll for the spring semester have until February 28th. Otherwise the health
insurance charge will remain on your bill. Students who do not have a qualified health
insurance plan are required to enroll in the College Student Health Insurance Program.
This Program covers health services outside of the College.

MassHealth qualifies as comparable coverage; however, free care that is provided by
hospitals and community health centers does not qualify as adequate coverage.

Immunizations

Massachusetts General Law requires all full-time students (12 or more credits), and all
Health Career and international students to provide proof of immunization against specific
diseases. The required immunizations are: Tetanus/Diptheria (booster within the past ten

years), 2 MMR's (measles, mumps, rubella), and 3 Hepatitis B immunizations. The
Admissions Office will provide you with the Immunization Form for completion by the
health care provider and the Medical History Record Form for completion by the student.

Disability Services

Academic Building, Room 207, Tel: (617)708-3562

Roxbury Community College is committed to creating an educational environment that
promotes academic excellence and personal exploration for all students. This includes a
commitment to achieving equal educational opportunity and full participation for persons
with disabilities. Our goal is to ensure a comprehensively accessible college experience
where individuals with disabilities have the same access to programs and activities as all
others. This policy derives from the College's overall commitment to non-discrimination of
all persons in employment, creating accessible facilities, student programs, activities, and
services.

To this end, RCC strives to achieve excellence in its services and to assure that its
resources are delivered equitably and efficiently to all of its students.

If you have questions, please contact the Counselor for Students with Disabilities (CSD).
The CSD coordinates the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities. All
accommodations are individualized, flexible, and confidential based on the nature of the
disability and the academic environment.

Counselor for Students with Disabilities (CSD)

The CSD facilitates the following services for students with disabilities:

32 i ■ Provides disabilities information including guidelines for obtaining accommodations

■ Creates accommodation planning

■ Performs referrals

C\J

■ Acts as an academic Counselor

■ Serves as a liaison between students and faculty to ensure in-class
o accommodations

-z.

u Loans adaptive equipment

■ Coordinates reader and scribe services

Adaptive Library

The library is an essential academic tool that can be accessed by students with disabilities
through the following services:

■ 20/20+ - enlarges print

■ Crank adjustable table - provides greater access for seating and lighting

■ Read & Write Gold: Text to speech software

■ Laptop computer

■ Publications including books and videos specific to students with disabilities
including career planning, job search, ADA, and relationships information.

Library

Academic Building, Room 211

The library at Roxbury Community College offers information resources and services that

support the academic programs of the College. The entrance to the library is on the 2nd

floor.

Informational Resources:

u Over 30,000 circulating and reference books. This includes many required textbooks
on reserve for use in the library.

■ Over 40 online database containing tens of millions of articles from journals,
magazines and newspapers.

■ Over one hundred paper periodical subscriptions including journals, magazines and

Library Services:

u Circulation of library materials including audiovisual equipment for classroom use

■ Answers to reference questions.

■ Interlibrary loan: the delivery to RCC library users of books and documents that
belong to other libraries.

■ Library web site development to provide subject pathfinders and online tutorials.

The library occupies an attractive space on the first and second floors of the Academic
Building. There is study space for about one hundred students. Every effort is made to
support both those who require a quiet space for individual study and those who need to
study in groups. There is a special room for group study on the first floor. About seventy-
five classes per year visit the library classroom for instruction on information retrieval
techniques. There are thirty two computers for students to access online library resources
as well as the free Internet. Library staff members assist students in Internet navigation
as well as web site evaluation. Equipment and software for those with disabilities are
available. An online library newsletter, delivered to RCC e-mail accounts, alerts users to
information useful in their educational tasks. Library displays promote ideas of interest to
the College community and showcase the accomplishments of College departments.

Goals of the library:

u To promote student learning and faculty instruction in a friendly and supportive
atmosphere.

■ To increase informational resources and services so that students' learning goals
and faculty members' teaching efforts are attained.

■ To increase interlibrary cooperation so that materials available elsewhere are quickly
deliverable to RCC users.

■ To increase the level of information literacy so that RCC graduates are better
equipped to flourish in the quickly changing information society.

o
o

newspapers.

Audiovisual material including videotapes and DVDs for classroom or in-library use. *

Class and individual instruction in research methods. ft

o
m

ISl

The library provides numerous feedback mechanisms for its users. This communication
is essential so that the library can, within budget constraints, choose the best selection of
resources and services to match the needs of students and faculty while supporting the
educational mission of the college.

Interlibrary Cooperation

u RCC Library is a member of the Metro Boston Library Network. This includes the

Boston Public Library and other public and school libraries. Students may place

online orders from a selection of over a million items. The materials are delivered to

the RCC Library and students are notified to pick them up. Aside from books related

to academic courses, these items also include best selling books, foreign language

books and videos.

■ The library also belongs to the Fenway Library Consortium which includes 15

primarily academic libraries in the Boston area, most within walking distance of

RCC. You may borrow books from any of these libraries. To retrieve materials from

these libraries, simply present an active RCC library card. You may also order books

from these libraries and have them sent to The RCC Library where they can be

borrowed.

The following is a list of consortium members: Brookline Public Library and libraries at

Emerson College, Emmanuel College, Hebrew College, Lesley University, Mass. College

of Art and Design, Mass. College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Museum of Fine Arts

Museum School, New England Conservatory of Music, Simmons College, Suffolk

University, UMass Boston, Wentworth Institute, and Wheelock College.

Lost and Found

Campus Security Office, Academic Building, Room 109

1 Parking

g Vehicles must be registered with the Security Office where parking stickers are issued.

Vehicles without stickers, those parked in unauthorized areas or parked in handicapped
| spaces without appropriate authorization, are subject to being ticketed and towed at

owners expense. Parking is available at the Cedar Street lot adjacent to the Student

2 Center. Overnight parking is prohibited.

Public Telephones

Public telephones are available in the lobbies of the Administration Building, Academic
Building, Media Arts Building and the Student Center.

Public Transportation

The use of public transportation is strongly encouraged. The College is accessible via the
Orange Line subway and various MBTA buses.

Student I.D.

Students must obtain identification cards at the beginning of their first semester. The I.D.
card is necessary to borrow books from the Library and to access the Learning Center.
Current semester validation stickers may be obtained at the Registrar's Office.
Replacements for lost cards are available for $5.00. I.D. cards must be shown to any
member of the Roxbury Community College faculty, staff or security personnel upon
request. To obtain a student I.D., please contact Enrollment Management at (617) 541-
5310. The I.D. office is located in Room 109, Campus Security, Academic Building.

MyPasswords

Students can login to MyPasswords with personal information that is unique to them: RCC
student ID, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of SSN. Please direct new students* and
returning students** who do not know their login information to the MyPasswords
application.

To access MyPasswords:

73
O

m
>

1 . Go to MyRCC at http://myrcc.rcc.mass.edu

2. Click on the Start Here

<https://forms.rcc.mass.edu/stu/Login.aspx7ReturnUrN%2fstu%2fDefault.aspx> link

under Quick Links (on the left hand side of the screen). w

3. Fill in the required information. MyPasswords will provide you with all of your login
information for the common software systems for students on campus. (see Figure 1)

PLEASE NOTE:

■ For new students it still will take 24-48 hours after they are admitted to [ 35
generate/display their login information.

■ If a student has changed their default password(s) and forgotten them, they need to
go to the specific application login page and click on the "Forgot my password" or
"Help me login" link. MyPasswords only provides the original default password.

■ As a safety precaution, the MyPasswords report will automatically logout after 5
minutes of inactivity.

/--

\ (j^SEliBfli^

■ '

B l.fvmnfuni

W ^B ^jffftjjl

reSBrifr -t ■

W College

MyPaSSWOrdS Login

s-aia

tmrabr

««

r U

,,*.

|-'--T1 -I" >• "I

Yom Mil! MiHlert IH

Y«nD.*iol»1lh: Jfiuirv » 1

rKfliSlfireJRCC S&jd*flts <mtf.
i attrirour ippiiiibc-n Ii prnci

LMtC^MftASBIC:

Hri*: Tin* application IS Tlp
NhiI*1*ihw rlLHkirtv II w .. U>* 'si- it hai.

wne

Figure 1 -https://forms.rcc.mass.edu/stu/Login.aspx

RCC Student E-mail

The RCC student e-mail system is powered by Gmail, Google's e-mail system. All RCC
students are assigned an e-mail account (<First initial + Middle initial + Last
name@roxbury.edu>). This is RCC's official electronic messaging system for students and
only e-mail the college will use to communicate important school information.

NOTE: E-mail accounts for new students may take up to 48 hours to become active.

Logging into your RCC Student E-mail

To access your RCC student e-mail, follow the steps below.

1. Open an internet browser (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari).

2. In the web address field enter the following URL http://mail.roxbury.edu (see Figure 2)

3. Click on the text Sign in (located in the top right corner, in the E-mail block, or the
Announcements block).

4. Type your username and password, then click on the Sign In button.

a. Your username is the first part of your e-mail address (without the @roxbury.edu).
For example, if your e-mail is JMSmith4@roxbury.edu, your username is JMSimth4.

b. Your default password is rcc + student ID. For example, if your student ID is 12345,
your password is red 2345.

BEST PRACTICE: We recommend that you change your default password to something
more secure and something you will remember. Once you have logged in, you can change
your password under your e-mail Settings —> Accounts.

For more information and instructions on how to use the RCC student e-mail system
http://mail.google.com/support/?ctx=about&hl=en

o
o

Q
-z.
<

UJ
Q

J'CLtMMLMn ^HH

L..-1-J-I.L..-fl

UJJII.1.JUI.JLB

r<ta—t— * I r.t^.^1

■ j+» n **■"*-*■[»>**■ >*(** j*r t*

m OJn IMi i Hw B »JW -i M PW fr.^H - Fi^D

> • ■ •

Figure 2 - http://mait.roxbury.edu

MyRCC

MyRCC is RCC's implementation of Jenzabar's Internet Campus Solution (JICS), which is
a portal student information system. It provides a single point of access to
communications, web services, community building, and e-learning applications. JICS
allows students to:

■ Register for (Add) courses

■ Drop courses

■ Sign up on a waiting list for a course

■ View personal course schedule

■ Search for courses meeting certain criteria

■ View a complete course schedule

■ Update address and other personal information m

■ Download course handouts

■ View/print unofficial transcript m

■ View account balance °

■ View grades/GPA

Logging into MyRCC

en
m

i
O

2. Go to http://myrcc.rcc.mass.edu (see figure 3) $

To login to MyRCC, follow the steps below.

1. Open an internet browser (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari).

3. Type in your User ID and PIN, then click on Login.

a. Your User ID is your Student ID.

b. Obtain your PIN (Personal Identification Number) from your advisor or an Academic
Dean. For example, User ID: 12345 and PIN: W43X8Q

BEST PRACTICE : We recommend that you change your default password to something
more secure and something you will remember. Once you have logged in, you can change
your password under Personal Info — > Password.

■ C A

MlrqKKM I T ITH.l-nilllll .Jr 11-111 ll Jl T*ll|-h-ll|-dil . 1 Tll.1 1 imli

kROXBURV

lEiii

Roxbury

tCHCMAE

ft**u*fer bAW || thd r*i»ot <«•**(

5vMUE= II UOH>I>p [D

UmiH ttvtucA Mi •>, ZD»

Bwnmtr ]l OKk: 7/fi

S/S/OT

CIjss«s fc*j« iniWl

*"***' ""**•* W

**"

ii h; ■ ^ no
h i:i-ft 1:1

Figure 3 - http://myrcc.rcc.mass.edu

Moodle

Moodle is a web-based course management system (CMS) or virtual learning environment
(VLE). Moodle stands for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment. It is an
open source software system designed using sound pedagogical principles that help
educators create effective online learning communities.

Logging into your Online Course

To log into your online course in Moodle, follow the steps below.

1 . Open an internet browser (Firefox works best with Moodle) and

2. In the web address field, type: http://moodle.rcc.mass.edu (see figure 4)

3. In the top right corner of the screen, click on (Login).

4. Type your username and password.

a. Your username is the first part of your e-mail address (without the @roxbury.edu).
For example, if your e-mail is JMSmith4@roxbury.edu, your username is JMSimth4.

b. Your default password is your student ID. For example, 12345.

5. Click on the Login button.

6. Click on the link of the course you want to enter.

o
o

CO
Q

-z.

LU
Q

Moodle Login to the site

Gateway to the Dicum

English (en)

Returning to this web site?

Username Ij
Password I

Loom

Some courses may allow guest access
| Login os p guest ]

Forgotten your username or password?
Yes, help me log in |

l4l£jjHjimU^^^

Figure 4 - http://moodle.rcc.mass.edu

Turnitin

Turnitin is a digital assessment suite that allows educators to check students' work for
improper citation or potential plagiarism by comparing it against continuously updated
databases, grade papers online, to create Peer Review assignments that students use to
evaluate and learn from one another's work, and manage grades and assignments online.

Your instructor may ask you to submit a paper using Turnitin.

To submit a paper to Turnitin follow the steps below:

1. Open an internet browser (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari).

2. In the web address field, type: http://www.turnitin.com (see figure 5)

3. Click on the New User link.

4. Follow the directions on this page to help you create your user profile. You need the
class ID and an enrollment password from your instructor . Once you finish creating
your profile, you will be logged in to Turnitin.

5. Click on your class name to open the class portfolio.

6. To submit a paper, click the submit button next to the paper's assignment.

7. Enter a title for your paper.

8. Click the browse button and locate the paper you want to submit on your computer.
Turnitin accept submissions in the following formats: MS Word, WordPerfect, RTF, PDF,
PostScript, HTML, and plain text (.txt).

9. Click submit to upload your paper.

lO.Make sure you selected the correct paper; click "yes, submit" to finalize your
submission. A confirmation receipt will be e-mailed to you.

11. Click the portfolio icon to return to your portfolio and view your submission.

o
o

-z.
o
w
m

o
m

-ex , • -

-**• -,-~i». '.'— *>— :*

turnitin ,«*„,,«*, ho .

and f.i*( uki in mv jludmU'
riLiiEitiii; '

Wliai asTunnMn WHtvQnlf?

-k*|.»- ±4, 1?

Figure 5 - www.turnitin.com

Financial Aid

o
o

a
<

How to Apply

Financial Aid applications must be completed annually. All students are encouraged to
apply. Many times changes in circumstances, such as decreases in income or enrollment
of additional family members in college can lead to eligibility for a previously ineligible
student. In order to apply for financial aid, students should complete the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in accordance with the priority deadlines that follow.

FAFSAs are available at the Financial Aid Office. Applicants may also contact the
Financial Aid Office by calling 617-541-5322 to request that a FAFSA be mailed to them.
When completing the application, please note that the RCC Title IV code is 011930.
Students should retain a copy of their FAFSA form and keep all documents that were used
to complete the FAFSA in an accessible place. Applicants will be notified in writing if
additional documentation such as tax returns is needed.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for financial aid, an applicant must be a United States citizen or an
eligible non-citizen enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible program. Additionally,
the applicant must maintain satisfactory academic progress, comply with Federal Selective
Service Law, not be in default on any educational loans, or owe a refund on any federal
grants or loans to any institution. Students who have obtained a previous bachelor's
degree at any U.S. or foreign institution are not eligible for financial aid.

Financial aid awards are subject to change if any of the factors used to calculate eligibility
from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) change after the date of original
application. Other examples of factors that impact eligibility include increases in income
and changes in family size and/or in the number of family members enrolled in college.
Students are strongly advised to consult with the Financial Aid Office if they are
contemplating a change in enrollment status.

Priority Deadlines

TERMS DEADLINES

Fall/Spring students May 1

Spring only students November 1

In order to be considered for summer financial aid, applicants must be enrolled as half-
time students. Applicants should also be aware that summer financial aid funds are
available on a limited basis. Summer financial aid applications are available at the
Financial Aid Office after February 1 .

Title IV Refund Policy

The calculation of the return of Title IV Funds is determined by the date that the student

withdraws, which is:

■ The date the student began Roxbury Community College's withdrawal process;

■ The date the student officially notified the institution of intent to withdraw;

■ The midpoint of the enrollment period for a student who leaves without notifying the

institution (an unofficial withdrawal)

■ The student's last date of attendance at a documented academically related activity.

Title IV aid and all other aid is earned during the time a student is attending Roxbury
Community College. The percentage of aid earned is determined by dividing the number
of days a student was enrolled by the number of days in the semester, up to the 60% point.
Return of Title IV funds is no longer necessary after that point. If the student withdraws
from all courses after the 60% point in the semester, Title IV aid is viewed as 100% earned.
However, if a student withdraws prior to that 60% point, the student may owe back part of
his or her financial aid if the financial aid office determines the student has received an
amount larger than the earned amount.

The refund policy for state financial aid is the same as the federal policy, however 100%
of state aid is earned at the 50% point. A copy of the worksheet used for this calculation
can be requested from the Roxbury Community College Financial Aid Office.

The term "Title IV Funds' includes the following programs:

■ Federal Pell Grant

■ Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

In accordance with federal regulations, financial aid funds are returned and allocated in the
following order:

1. Unsubsidized FFEL

2. Subsidized FFEL

3. FFEL PLUS

4. Federal Pell Grant

5. Federal SEOG Program

6. Other Title IV programs

7. Other state, private, and institutional aid

8. The student
Roxbury Community College will also return any funds necessary to Title IV programs
upon completing the calculation. The student's responsibilities in regard to the return of
Title IV funds include repaying to the Title IV or state programs any funds that were
disbursed directly to the student and which the student was determined to be ineligible for
via the Return of Title IV Funds Calculation. The procedures and policies listed above
supersede those published previously and are subject to change. Please contact the
Financial Aid Office if you have any questions about the new policy.

Appeals Process

If a change in family circumstances impacts an applicant's ability to help finance his/her
education, the applicant may request financial aid reconsideration. All requests for
reconsideration can be initiated by obtaining an Appeal Form at the Financial Aid Office.
Examples of typical appeals include a loss of employment, a reduction of income of a
parent and/or spouse, or uninsured medical expenses. Students have the right to request
a one-time, non-satisfactory academic progress waiver if they fail to attain a satisfactory
GPA and/or course completion rate. If financial aid recipients experience circumstances
that impact their school work, they have the right to apply for a waiver. Reasons to appeal
may involve, for example, a documented illness of a student or of a spouse. Because it is
difficult to define all the possible reasons that could lead to non-satisfactory academic
progress, students should contact the Financial Aid Office for instructions on how to submit
a written appeal.

Employment

Roxbury Community College is a participant in the Federal College Work-Study Program.
Funds for this program are awarded to eligible students as part of the financial aid
application process. Federal program regulations require that a percentage of these funds
be earmarked to community service related work. A listing of community service positions
is available at the Financial Aid counter. All other work-study positions are assigned to
various departments in the college by the Financial Aid Office at the beginning of each
semester.

Alternative Financing

The Business Office offers a tuition payment plan. The College has several private loan-
financing options available to students and families who have needs that cannot be met
with federal or state financial aid. Interested students should contact the Financial Aid
office to discuss these options.

Individual Assistance

The Financial Aid Office provides personalized service to our students. Students requiring
personalized service should feel free to stop by the Financial Aid Office in Room 201 of
the Administration Building or call our office at 617-541-5322.

A Second Associate Degree

Students who have received one associate degree at RCC may be eligible for financial aid,
in the form of Pell Grants only, for credits toward a certificate or a second associate degree
at RCC. The student must first apply for readmission and declare to the Office of
Admissions that he or she is pursuing a new degree or certificate. Then the student must
meet with an academic advisor at the Advising Center to determine which courses will be
required in order to obtain the certificate or second degree and must submit this
information to the Financial Aid Office. The student will be eligible for financial aid only for
the courses required to complete the degree or certificate.

Academic Standards for Financial Aid Eligibility

Students should be aware that academic standards used to determine financial aid
eligibility differ slightly from the Division of Academic Affairs. Guidelines for Satisfactory
Progress consider only the student's GPA, whereas academic standards for financial aid
eligibility are based on total credits attempted and a minimum required GPA that includes
courses from which a student has withdrawn. Satisfactory Progress is evaluated at the end >
of every academic semester.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

In order to receive financial aid, a student must have obtained Good Standing or Warning [ 43
Status. Students on Academic Suspension, Academic Dismissal or who have attempted
more than 90 college credits are not eligible for financial aid unless they have graduated
and are pursuing an additional degree or certificate program.

Please note that if you are on Probation Status, you have the right to file a written appeal.
In many cases appeals are approved based upon extenuating circumstances. Examples
of acceptable reasons for appeals include medical and disability issues. We strongly
advise you to contact the Financial Aid Office if you have any questions regarding this
policy. Appeals must be submitted and approved prior to the last date of classes or college
withdrawal. Students on Academic Suspension or Academic Dismissal are not eligible for
financial aid.

It should also be noted that financial aid will not consider satisfactory progress
appeals unless you have received an approved academic plan from the advising
office. Please note that Financial Aid is under no obligation to offer you financial aid
although you may have been allowed to re-enroll at the college.

NOTE: % Completion represents the total credits earned divided by the total credits
attempted at RCC.

Cumulative Credits Attempted

i:*

Criteria

0-14

15-29

30-44

>=45

Less than 67% completion

GPA 0.00 - 1 .69 and > or = 67% completion

GPA 1 .70 - 1 .99 and > or = 67% completion

GPA 2.00 - 4.00 and > or = 67% completion

A student who has not earned a degree after 90
college-level credits is not eligible for financial aid.

Financial Aid Suspension

o
o

CO
Q

LU
O

G - Good Standing W - Warning P - Probation S - Suspension D - Dismissal

Add/Drop Period

It is essential that you drop your classes during the ADD/Drop period if you do not intend
to complete your classes. Please note that incomplete and/or withdrawn classes count as
credits attempted but not earned and will impact Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Students are responsible for payment on Incomplete/Withdrawn Classes.

Course Selection and Financial Aid Eligibility

Financial Aid cannot be used to pay for courses that are not required by your Associate
Degree or Certificate program. If it is discovered that you have registered for courses
outside of your degree/program financial aid will be canceled and you will be fully
responsible for the charges associated with the non-required course(s). Therefore it is
essential that you consult with an Academic Advisor prior to registering for classes.

Developmental Courses

A student can enroll for more than 30 Developmental credits with a written waiver from
their Academic Advisor. However, Financial Aid cannot be used for more than 30
developmental credits under any circumstances. Please note that all developmental
courses must provide a pathway to an eligible academic certificate or degree program.
Developmental classes that students enroll in and fail to complete due to withdrawal count
towards your 30 developmental credits attempted as well as your maximum allowable 120
credits.

Maximum Credits for Financial Aid

Financial Aid cannot be used to pay for courses which exceed more than 150% of the
maximum needed credits to achieve an Associate Degree or an eligible Certificate
Program. For example, if your program requires 60 credits, you will only be allowed to
receive financial aid for 90 credits. In the case of a 30 credit certificate program, the
financial aid maximum credits would be 45. It is essential that you develop a concise
academic plan and enroll in classes that will enable you to complete your academic
program.

Repeated Classes

Financial Aid cannot be used to pay for courses in which you have earned a grade of D or
above unless it is required by your academic program. A letter from your Division Dean is
required for the Financial Aid Office to process this request.

'■ y.'6

.,' ,■ A i />

■<■■

w±

*«r

o
o

CD
Q

-z.

Institutional Policies

Affirmative Action

One of the many strengths that enables Roxbury Community College to fulfill its mission
is the existing diversity of its faculty, staff, and students. The College recognizes and
assumes its legal, moral, and social responsibility to address racism and ethnic, cultural,
and religious bias and intolerance. Roxbury Community College works diligently to
promote a policy of non-discrimination, affirmative action, and inclusion. Roxbury
Community College maintains and promotes a policy of non-discrimination in employment
and education on the basis of race, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age,
disability, veteran's status, marital status, and national origin. We are committed to a policy
of affirmative action, equal access, equal opportunity, equal education, non-discrimination,
and diversity.

The complete text of this policy is available in the office of Human Resources.

Building Evacuation Procedure in an Emergency

1. When an alarm sounds, listen carefully to instructions received via the public address
system.

2. If you receive instructions to evacuate, walk to your designated stairwell (see floor plan
below). Do not use elevators while an alarm is sounding.

3. When exiting your classroom, laboratory, or office areas, take only wallets and
handbags; all doors should be closed not locked.

4. When descending the stairs, use the handrail and stay on the right-hand side in order
to allow passage on the left-hand side for the fire department.

5. Proceed cautiously to your designated relocation area unless otherwise instructed, (the
following are designated areas for relocation: parking lot 1 for the student center,
academic south plaza for academic south, academic north plaza for academic north
and the media arts plaza for both the administration and media arts). Do not panic.

6. Once you reach your designated relocation area, remain there for further instructions
or the "all clear" command is given.

7. No one should under any circumstances return to the building unless directed by the
p.a. announcement.

THIS EVACUATION PROCEDURE HAS BEEN POSTED ON WALLS AND IN ALL HALLWAYS AROUND
CAMPUS FOR YOUR SAFETY.

Children on Campus

It is inappropriate and often disruptive for children to attend classes with their parents.
Please make arrangements to have dependable day care for your children, especially c
during February and April vacations when public schools are closed. When children are on 3
campus, they must be supervised by at all times an adult.

ISl

Computer Policy

A. Background

Roxbury Community College's information technology resources have been assembled to
facilitate the pursuit of excellence in the College's missions of teaching, learning, and
service to the greater Roxbury community. The opportunity to use computing systems and
software, as well as internal and external data networks, is important to all members of the
College community. To preserve that opportunity for the full community, each individual
faculty member, staff member, and student must comply with institutional and external
standards for acceptable use of these shared resources. Although modest personal use of
College-supplied technology resources may improve the skills of individual users and
otherwise contribute indirectly to the College's mission, these resources should be used
primarily for College-related educational and administrative purposes. By using College
information technology facilities and resources, users agree to abide by all related College
policies and procedures, as well as applicable federal, state, and local law. Violations may
result in College disciplinary action or referral to appropriate external authorities.

The use of College computing resources-like the use of any other College-provided
resource and like any other College-related activity-is subject to the normal requirements
of legal and ethical behavior within the College community. Thus, legitimate use of a
computer, computer system, or network does not extend to whatever is technically
possible. Although some limitations are built into computer operating systems and
networks, those limitations are not the sole restrictions on what is permissible. Users must
abide by all applicable restrictions, whether or not those restrictions are built into the
operating system or network and whether or not they can be circumvented by technical
means.

8. Scope of Policy

This acceptable use policy applies to all users of College information technology (IT)
resources. This includes the resources under the management or control of the
Information Technology Department (IT). Definitions to be used in this policy include the
following:

A "user" is defined as any individual who uses, logs into, or attempts to use or log into, a
system; or who connects to, or attempts to connect to or traverse, a network, whether by
hardware or software or both, whether on campus or from a remote location. The term
"user" thus includes faculty, staff, students, consultants, and other customers.

"Information technology resources" are those facilities, technologies, and information
resources required to accomplish information processing, storage, and communication,
whether individually controlled or shared, stand-alone or networked. Included in this
definition are all classroom technologies, communication devices and services, such as,
but not limited to, computers, printers, modems, e-mail, fax transmissions, video, multi-
media, instructional technologies, and administrative systems policy.

C. Security and Privacy

The same principles of academic freedom and privacy that have long been applicable to
written and spoken communications in the College community apply also to electronic
information. The College cherishes the diversity of perspectives represented on this
campus and, accordingly, does not condone either censorship or the casual inspection of
electronic files.

The College employs various measures to protect the security of its computing resources
and of its user accounts. Users should be aware; however, that the College cannot
guarantee such security. Users should therefore engage in "safe computing" practices by

S establishing appropriate access restrictions for their accounts, guarding their passwords,
and changing passwords regularly. The College respects encryption rights on its networks

* and may itself encrypt information and transactions when secure confidentiality is an

o obligation.

Users should also be aware that their use of College computing resources is not
completely private. While the College does not routinely monitor individual usage of its
computing resources, the normal operation and maintenance of the College's computing
resources require the backup of data and communication records, the logging of activity,
the monitoring of general usage patterns, and other such activities that are necessary for
the rendition of service. The College may also inspect files or monitor usage for a limited
time when there is probable cause to believe a user has violated this policy. Inspections
or monitoring related to violations of this policy must be authorized in advance by the Chief
Information Officer or by the Chief Information Officer's designee, in consultation with
College counsel. Such inspections or monitoring will be conducted with notice to the user,
unless, after consultation with College counsel, it is determined that notice would seriously
jeopardize substantial interests of the College or of third parties. In addition, a supervisor
or principal investigator may find it necessary to retrieve a file of assigned work by
inspection without notice when an employee is unavailable for timely consultation.

In addition, users should be aware that their right to privacy in electronic records may be
subject to the College's obligation to respond to subpoenas or other court orders,
reasonable discovery requests, and requests for documents pursuant to Commonwealth
of Massachusetts laws. College administrative records are subject to public record
requests, unless an express exception recognizes the confidentiality of the material. By
statute, public records include all "records, documents, tape or other information, stored or
preserved in any medium," whether generated by College administrators, faculty, or staff.
Although it is the College's position that personal electronic files of faculty, staff, and
students are not ordinarily to be considered "public records," users should be aware that
a court of law, and not College officials, may ultimately decide such issues.

D. Individual Responsibilities

D1. Use resources appropriately. Uses that interfere with the proper functioning of

the College's information technology resources are prohibited. Such

inappropriate uses would include but are not limited to insertions of viruses into

computer systems, tapping network or running a "sniffer" program, e-mail abuse, %

Internet abuse, chain letters, destruction of another's files, use of software tools

that attack IT resources, violation of security standards, and the like.

Sending and receiving e-mail involves the same responsibilities and approach >

as would be used when sending or receiving any other form of communication - J

written or printed mail, fax, telephone call, etc. In general terms, anything that ^

might be unacceptable, and possibly illegal, in other forms of communication will $

be equally unacceptable and possibly illegal online. E-mail abuse is defined as:

■ Sending frivolous or excessive messages, including junk mail, "spamming", \ 49
chain letters", and other types of unsolicited messages;

■ Sending unauthorized broadcast or mass e-mail messages;

■ Interfering with the normal operation and availability of electronic
communication systems and services such as e-mail;

■ Sending messages that contain offensive, obscene, or otherwise
objectionable material.

Internet abuse is defined as use of College provided Internet services for
viewing, sending, or retrieving any of the following:

■ Pornographic material.

■ Commercial or for-profit purposes.

■ Personal and private enterprise.

■ Personal advertisement or political lobbying.

■ Actions that would destroy, modify, or abuse hardware and software.

■ Actions that would overload the system bandwidth, such as the downloading
of music files.

■ Infiltration of a computer or computing system for any reason.

Roxbury Community College reserves the right to monitor Internet use, and
determine if specific uses are consistent with these acceptable use practices. Users
should also be advised that, in addition to being a violation of College rules, certain
computer misconduct is prohibited under Massachusetts General Laws, c.266
subsection 33 (a) and 12 (f) and is, therefore, subject to criminal penalties. Such
misconduct includes knowingly gaining unauthorized access to a computer system or
database, falsely obtaining electronic services or data without payment of required
charges, and destroying of electronically processed, stored, or in-transit data.

D2. Respect the rights of others. Interference with the ability of other users to make
appropriate use of the resources is prohibited. Such inappropriate uses include,
without limitation, invading the privacy of another's files or otherwise gaining
unauthorized access to the files of another. Such uses would include but are not
limited to denial of service attacks, misrepresentation, forgery, use of software
tools that attack IT resources, and the like.

D3. Adhere to data access policies. Accessing restricted data without permission or
need to know is prohibited. Where access to restricted data is permitted, use of
such data shall be limited to the purpose for which access was authorized.
Secondary use of College data subject to access restriction, without adhering to
the restrictions, is also not permitted.

D4. Adhere to software licenses. Persons loading software on any College computer

must adhere to all licensing requirements for the software. Except where

allowed by College site licenses, copying software licensed for College use for

50 '; personal use is a violation of this policy. Users are responsible for adhering to

agreements for databases licensed by the College.

D5. Avoid personal use. Information technology resources, particularly e-mail, shall
not be utilized for personal use, commercial gain, for charitable solicitations, for
personal political activities, such as campaigning for candidates for public office,
or for lobbying of public officials. For purposes of this policy, "lobbying" does not
include individual faculty or staff sharing information or opinions with public
officials on matters of policy within their areas of expertise.

D7. Use College name as authorized. Unless authorized to speak for the College,
users should avoid creating the impression they are doing so. Users shall take
appropriate steps to avoid the possible inference that communication of a
message via the College e-mail system or posting to an electronic forum
connotes official College authorization or endorsement of the message.

D8. Obey external laws. Information technology resources shall not be used in a
manner that violates federal, state, or local law, including without limitation the
federal requirement that the College provide employment and educational
environments free from race-based or gender-based hostility, state criminal laws
forbidding harassment, exhibition of obscene materials to minors, rental or sale
of hard core pornography, official misconduct, computer crime, and federal and
state copyright and fair use laws.

D9. Adhere to security requirements. Users will not share their network ID and
password with any other user or unauthorized person on or off campus.

E. Administration and Enforcement

RCC's Information Technology department is charged with communicating this policy to
the user community to ensure the appropriate use of these resources. Requests for
interpretation of the policy as applied to particular situations may be directed to the
appropriate College administrator, such as the Office of Human Resources, IT, or to the
Office of the Community College General Counsel.

Reports of apparent violations of the policy may be made to IT, to an employee's
supervisor, the Human Resources Department or, in the case of a student, to the Office of
the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. Where violations of
law are alleged, College Security Office or the Office of the Community College General
Counsel should be contacted. In most instances, concerns of possible violations of this
policy will be addressed informally by discussion or admonition. Where sanctions are
appropriate, they may include a formal reprimand, loss of user privileges for a definite or {»
indefinite period, termination of employment, or, in the case of a student, probation,
suspension, or expulsion from the College.

A Supervisor, Department Manager, Dean, or Vice President will address violations of this >

policy by staff members and have full authority to sanction an immediate stop to the g

actions in question. Appeals from any formal disciplinary action taken against a unit ;,

professional staff member will be governed by their specific contractual grievance ffi

procedure. The Complaint Procedure of the Board of Higher Education Non-Unit

Professionals Personnel Policies will govern non-unit staff. The Vice President of ( 51
Enrollment Management and Student Affairs will address violations of this policy by
students.

F. Disclaimer

The College makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, with respect
to the information technology services it provides. The College will not be responsible for
damages resulting from the use of communication facilities and services, including, but not
limited to, loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, missed deliveries, service
interruptions caused by the negligence of a College employee, or by the user's error or
omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user's risk. The
College specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information
obtained through its electronic communication facilities and services, except material
represented as an official College record. The College also does not accept responsibility
for removing material that some users may consider defamatory or otherwise offensive.
Users should be advised, however, that dissemination of such material may subject them
to liability in other forums.

CORI Policy

In order for a student to be eligible to participate in an academic, community, or clinical
program that involves potential unsupervised contact with children, the disabled, or the
elderly, the student may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information

(CORI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. Students found
to have certain criminal convictions or pending criminal actions will be presumed ineligible
to participate in such activities. The College is authorized by the Commonwealth's Criminal
History Systems Board pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 6, Sections
167-178B, to access CORI records. The College shall refer to regulations issued by the
Commonwealth's Executive Office of Health and Human Services, 101 Code of
Massachusetts Regulations 15.00-15.16, as guidance when assessing a student's CORI
records. Sex Offender checks shall be performed pursuant to Massachusetts General
Laws, Chapter 6, Sections 178C-178P.

SORI Policy

In addition to the review of student's CORI for particular programs, Roxbury Community
College may now also access a student's Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI). For
additional information or clarification, students should contact the Dean of their program.

For more information regarding the College's CORI/SORI check process, please contact
Human Resources, Administration Building, Room 313.

Sexual Harassment

Roxbury Community College is committed to providing an atmosphere for learning that is
free of any conduct that could be considered harassing, abusive, or disorderly. In order to
ensure that the College meets its obligation to all members of the community, procedures
and programs have been established to promptly address all forms of harassment.

Sexual harassment is an abuse of power which is considered demeaning and interferes
with one's ability to work or participate in educational activities. Sexual harassment
includes, but is not limited to, the following:

a. Sexual advances.

b. Requests for sexual favors.

c. Other physical conduct of a sexual nature when submission to or rejection of such
advances, requests, or conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or
condition of employment or a basis for education or employment decisions. Such
conduct has the purpose, or effect, of creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating,
or sexually offensive educational, employment, or living environment.

Under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, Section 4(1) and Section 16A, sexual
harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is illegal.

If you believe that you have been subjected to sexual harassment or if you wish more
information about sexual harassment and grievance procedures, see the Vice President of
Enrollment Management and Student Affairs (Administration Building, Room 202) who
acts as the Student Grievance Officer at Roxbury Community College.

Extraordinary.'

54 } Registrar

o
o

CD
Q

-z.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings. If a student is unable to
attend a class, it is the student's responsibility to make up work that was missed as a result
of the absence. Each faculty member defines excessive absence in the course syllabus.
If a student is excessively absent, a failing grade may be given for the course. Roxbury
Community College supports and enforces the attendance policy as stated on every
course syllabus.

Students who have missed, or know that they will miss, more than three consecutive
classes due to illness should contact their dean and academic/faculty advisor. Upon
receipt of documentation regarding the illness, the dean will notify the appropriate faculty
in writing that the student's absence was due to a documented illness.

Auditing

An audited course does not earn a letter grade or credits toward a degree, certificate, or
satisfy graduation requirements. However, students registering for a course on an audit-
only basis will be charged for the course. The course will appear on the student's transcript
as a grade of "All." An audited course does not show credits attempted or earned and will
not be considered by the Financial Aid Office when awarding financial aid.

Change of Academic Major

To change your major:

1. Obtain a Change of Major Form from the Registrar in the Enrollment Center or
Academic Advising.

2. Meet with your academic faculty advisor to discuss the change of program.

3. Complete the Change of Major Form and obtain the appropriate signatures.

4. Return the completed form to the Registrar's Office in the Enrollment Center.

NOTE: You may not register for courses in the new Major of Study until the form has been
processed by the Registrar. When a major change is approved, you must meet all
graduation requirements in effect at the time of the major change. Please be aware that a
major change may lengthen the time needed to complete graduation requirements.

Change of Name and/or Address

If you change your name or address while enrolled at the College, you must complete a
Change of Name/Address form, which is available at the Registrar in the Enrollment
Center.

Enrollment Certification ^

Enrolled students who require verification of enrollment for payment of tuition and fees or
insurance purposes must obtain a Request for Certification Form available at the Registrar jj
in the Enrollment Center. The processing time for certifications is three-to-five business

days. Certifications are stamped with the official school seal and placed in a sealed ..-

envelope. Certifications may be forwarded directly to a third party if requested by the ( 55
student. There is no fee for this service.

Loan Deferment Certification

Students who have student loans from other institutions may submit their loan deferment
forms to the Registrar in the Enrollment Center for enrollment verification. You may only
be certified for current or previous semesters in which they were registered. There is no
fee for processing loan deferment forms.

Transfer Credits

Students who have attended another college may apply transfer credits toward a degree
program at Roxbury Community College.
The following criteria must be met:

1. The course must be required in the student's course of study or fulfill a general
education requirement.

2. A grade of "C" or better was earned at a regionally accredited college or university.

3. Passing "P"grades will be accepted for transfer credit only as general elective credits
when a student can demonstrate that the "P" grade is equivalent to a "C" or higher.

4. Credits earned ten years prior to enrollment at Roxbury Community College are not
accepted for transfer credit unless approved by the Dean of Academic Affairs.

5. A maximum of 30 credits can be accepted for transfer toward an Associate Degree
at Roxbury Community College.

Transcript Requests

Transcripts are available in the Registrar's Office in the Enrollment Center for a fee of
$5.00. A Transcript Request Form must be completed and submitted. Allow 5 business
days for processing requests. A same day official transcript may be obtained for $10.00.
Transcripts will not be released if you have outstanding financial obligations to the College.

Veterans Counseling

We are happy to serve our Veterans. Please visit www.gibill.va.gov or contact your
nearest VA representative (V.A. Buffalo: 888-442-4551) in order to obtain your Certificate
of Benefits. Please bring a printed copy of your paper work that confirms your status as
a current or former member of the United States Armed Forces (example: DD 214),
waivers, Orders, and proof of health insurance to the Registrar's Office, Administration
Building, Room 102.

Please visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_lnfo/CH33/Post-911.htm for information
concerning the Post 9/11 Gl Bill. Please contact the Registrar's Office for further
information and a Veteran's package. If you are a CURRENT MEMBER OF THE
MASSACHUSETTS NATIONAL GUARD please visit the following website
http://mro.chs.state.ma.us/tuition/login.aspxhr instructions on how to receive your tuition
and fee waiver. Finally, all veterans must complete the admissions process and provide
proof of high school diploma or GED.

56 .. ; Senior Citizens

„ In the Day Division, residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who are 60 years
° of age or older are eligible to enroll in credit courses on a space-available basis, tuition-
free. However, all fees must be paid prior to the first class. Seniors may register with tuition
waivers on a space-available basis. Seniors may also register for non-credit courses free
of charge on a space-available basis. In the Division of Continuing Education, seniors are

| required to pay both tuition and fees.
<

X
H
Z.
W
Q

c
o
m

m
>

-z.
o

-H

Office of Student Life and Student Engagement

Academic Building, Room 353
Clubs and Organizations

The College recognizes that significant learning occurs outside the classroom. Through >
the Office of Student Life and Student Engagement, cultural, social, and recreational m
activities offer opportunities for students to share their ideas and experiences with one
another in an atmosphere of acceptance and tolerance. All student clubs and
organizations are assisted in their development through the Office of Student Life and
Student Engagement. Although clubs and organizations vary in their activities from
year-to-year, listed below are the current clubs:

Bible Club • Cheerleading Club • Chess Club • Community service Club • Creative
Writing Club • Economic Club • Galileo Science Club • Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) •
International Multicultural • Muslim Student Association • Photography Club • Pizza &
Politics Club • RCC Alfa Gamma XI Step Team • RCC Garden Club • Sister 2 Sister
Club • Student Newspaper • Technology Club • Video Club (As of Fall 2012)

For more information contact the Director of Student Life and Student Engagement at
(617) 541-5332, Academic Building, Room 353.

New organizations may be formed at the beginning of the fall semester. In order for a
student club or organization to use the College name and facilities, you must submit an
application for club recognition and have it approved by the Student Government
Association. This form is available in the Office of Student Life and Student Engagement,
Room 317, Student Center. Each club must have a faculty or staff advisor, must be open
to all students, and perform within the policies of the College or the Constitution of the
Student Government Association.

Bulletin Boards

Bulletin boards are located in every College building. Any material posted on College
bulletin boards must be approved and stamped by the Office of Student Life and Student

Engagement. Any material not stamped, or any material that is posted in places other than
bulletin boards (i.e. pillars, walls and elevators), will be removed. All materials must be
removed within 24 hours of the end of the activity.

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association (SGA) is comprised of 12 elected students, chosen
each year by their peers, to act as the official representatives of the student body at
Roxbury Community College. SGA represents students when issues and policies affect
student life at Roxbury Community College, advises the College governance structure by
serving on all College governance committees, and acts as liaison between the College
administration and students. SGA assists in planning activities and overseeing the
allocation of funds to recognized student clubs and organizations.

Student Government Association meetings are held weekly during the Tuesday activity
period. All students are invited to attend. Meeting notices are posted on campus bulletin
boards and video monitors.

Student Lounge/Game Room

The Student Lounge is located on the first floor of the Academic Building, Room128.
Cards, chess, and other board games for use in the lounges are available in the Office of
Student Life and Student Engagement. The game room, where you can play ping-pong
and pool, is located in the Academic Building, Room 132. Hours of operation are posted
at the beginning of each semester.

International/Multicultural Student Institute

The International/Multicultural Student Institute at Roxbury Community College located in
the Academic Building, Room 130 will provide a central meeting place and resources
clearing house for RCC students and members of the larger RCC community. The Institute
will foster cross cultural understanding through various workshops, multicultural activities,
forums, and other activities. The Institute aims to enhance the overall educational
experience of RCC students by emphasizing the great value found in our cultural diversity.

Mentoring for Success

Office of Student Life and Student Engagement - Academic Building, Room 353, Tel: 617-541-5328
Students have the opportunity to apply to the Mentoring for Success program and gain
additional resources on campus. The program strives to empower first-generation college
students (neither parent has received a higher education degree) to achieve both
academic and personal success at Roxbury Community College. Through one-to-one
mentoring relationships, the program supports students by assisting them with the
confidence, resources, and support they need to achieve their potential. Students in the
program are paired with a volunteer mentor and make a commitment to meet for 1
hour/week for 2 semesters. Our volunteer mentors are RCC faculty and staff and our
volunteer peer-mentors are RCC alumni and current RCC high-achieving students.

*Note: Due to our current grant funding, preference will be given to student-mentee
applicants between the ages of 18-24.

c
o

5
o
I

o
-z.

m
en

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Code of Conduct

Definitions

Accused Student - The student who is alleged to have violated the College's Student
Code of Conduct.

Administrative Disposition - A resolution of a complaint, which is mutually agreed upon
by the CCO and the Accused Student. An administrative disposition shall result in an
Accused Student waiving his/her right to a Judicial Board hearing or Appeal.

Appeals Officer - The College's Vice President of Student Services or designee

Code of Conduct Officer (CCO) - The College Official charged with the responsibility of
administering the College's Student Code of Conduct. A member of the Massachusetts
Community College Council (MCCC) shall not be selected to serve as the CCO.

College Property - Includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the
possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the College, including adjacent streets and
sidewalks.

Complaint -An allegation of a violation of the Code of Conduct, which is filed with or by
the CCO.

Day -As used in this policy, shall mean a calendar day. The number of days indicated at

each level shall be considered as a maximum. All reasonable efforts shall be made to
expedite the process, but the CCO may extend the time limits at his/her discretion with
notice to both parties in writing.

Judicial Board - Members of the College community selected by the Code of Conduct
Officer to conduct a hearing when it has been determined by the CCO that a violation of
the Student Code of Conduct has occurred. Members of the Judicial Board shall act in a
fair and impartial manner.

Student- Includes all persons taking courses at the College, both full-time and part-time,
credit and non-credit. Persons who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who
have a continuing academic relationship with the College are considered "students."

Conflict of Interest

Any member of the Judicial Board, Grievance Committee, the Dean of Student Judicial
Affairs or any member associated with Student Discipline or Student Grievance
procedures must disclose any conflict of interest and recuse (remove) themselves from
the process. In the case of the Dean of Student Judicial Affairs, he/she shall recuse
(excuse) him/herself and refer the matter to the Vice President of Enrollment Management
and Student Affairs Office for handling.

Disciplinary Offenses

A student shall be subject to disciplinary action under this policy for engaging in acts
including, but not limited to:

I . Physical violence or the threat thereof and/or any conduct that threatens or endangers
60 '] the health or safety of any person.

'"-"' 2. Creating or false reporting of bombs.

3. Extortion - The use, or the express or implicit threat of the use, of violence or other
criminal means to cause harm to person, reputation, or property as a means to obtain
property from someone else without his/her consent.

o 4. Unauthorized use of fire alarm or fire equipment.

5. Unauthorized or illegal gambling.

6. Hate Crimes as defined under state or federal law.

7. Hazing as defined under state or federal law.

8. Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, other weapons, or
dangerous chemicals on College premises.

9. Conduct resulting in a violation of the College's Computer/Technology Acceptable Use
and/or Email Policies.

10. Failure to comply with directions of College officials or law enforcement officers acting
in performance of their duties, including failure to identify oneself when requested to
do so.

II. Violation of College's drug and/or alcohol policies.
12. Breach of peace; including disorderly, lewd, or indecent conduct, or aiding, abetting,

or procuring another person to breach the peace on College premises or at functions
sponsored by, or participated in, by the College.

13. Defacement or destruction of College property.

14. Acting in a manner that interferes with or disrupts the normal and/or safe operation of
the College, including but not limited to disrupting or interfering in the educational
process.

15. Harassment (verbal or physical) and or intimidation of a member of the College
Community.

16. Acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to the following:

a. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any College document, record, or instrument of §
identification;

b. Furnishing false information to any College official, faculty member or office; or

5
a

c. Disrupting or tampering with the election of any College recognized student $

organization.

17. Acts of academic dishonesty, including but not limited to the following:

a. Use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations;

b. Dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in %
writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other
assignments; or 8]

c. The acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging ..-• ■

to a member of the College faculty or staff. I 6 1

d. Plagiarism, which is defined as the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the
published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear
acknowledgement. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared
by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other
academic materials. Taking credit for work done by another person or doing work
for which another person will receive credit. Copying or purchasing other's work or
arranging for others to do work under a false name.

18. Abuse of the Disciplinary process, including but not limited to:

a. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a Judicial
Board.

b. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a judicial proceeding.

c. Attempting to discourage an individual's proper participation in, or use of, the
judicial system.

d. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a Judicial Board prior to,
and/or during the course of, the judicial proceeding.

e. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a member of a Judicial
Board prior to, during, and/or after a judicial proceeding.

f. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Student Code.

g. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the
judicial system.

19. Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys to any College premises or
unauthorized entry to or use of College premises.

20. Unauthorized solicitation, including but not limited to sale of goods and services for
personal profit.

21. Unauthorized activity that constitutes forgery.

22. Violation of State or Federal Laws not otherwise enumerated herein.

23. Violation of published College policies, rules, or regulations not otherwise enumerated
herein.

Discipline in the Classroom or on College Property

Disrupting or interfering in the educational process is prohibited under this policy. If a

student engages in disruptive conduct in the classroom or anywhere on campus, a faculty

member or other college employee may address and informally resolve the matter without

filing a complaint under the Code. A faculty member or other college employee may

exercise his/her right to immediately remove a disruptive student from a class meeting or

other college area. On the first occasion when a student is removed from a classroom or

other college area, the faculty member or other college employee is strongly encouraged

to notify the CCO. In all subsequent cases of removing a student from a classroom or

other college area, the faculty member or other college employee shall notify the CCO. A

faculty member or other college employee may seek the assistance of college security if

62 i necessary to remove the student from the class meeting or other college area. If the

removal of a student from the classroom is intended to be permanent, a complaint under

this policy shall be filed with the CCO by the faculty member. The CCO can exercise

his/her discretion to allow the accused student to attend class during the disciplinary

° process upon consultation with the faculty member and the Chief Academic Officer or

o his/her designee.

□ Off Campus Behavior

r The College reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a student for off-campus
conduct when such conduct adversely affects the College Community, poses a threat of
harm to the College Community; interferes with the College's pursuit of its objectives and
mission, and/or if a student is charged with a violation of state or federal law. Proceedings
under this Student Code may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil
or criminal proceedings off-campus.

Interim Suspension

The College reserves the right to issue an interim suspension when it reasonably
concludes that a student poses a threat to: (a) him/herself or others; (b) College property
or equipment; or (c) disrupts or interferes with the normal operations of the College. During
an interim suspension, a student is prohibited from entering upon College's property or
participating in any College activities.

Complaints Alleging Sexual Harassment or Discrimination

Claims of discrimination or sexual harassment shall be pursued under the College's
Affirmative Action Plan. For more information, please contact the Director of Human
Resources, the College's Affirmative Action Officer, at Roxbury Community College
Human Resources Department.

Code of Conduct Disciplinary Process

The Disciplinary Process is initiated once a complaint is filed against a student by a
member of the College community or by the CCO. This policy is not intended to prevent
members of the College Community from attempting to resolve matters informally. Failure
to cooperate with the College's investigation of an alleged Code of Conduct violation will
result in the student forfeiting his/her rights to a hearing or appeal and/or may result in
disciplinary action.

(1) Verbal or Written Warnings - For low-level offenses, the CCO may issue a verbal
or written warning to the Accused Student. Warnings shall not be subject to a
hearing before a Judicial Board or an appeal.

(2) Administrative Disposition - Under an Administrative Disposition, the Accused
Student and the CCO mutually agree upon a disciplinary remedy. By accepting
the Administrative Disposition, the Accused Student waives his/her right to a
hearing before the Judicial Board or an appeal.

(3) Judicial Board Hearing - When an Administrative Disposition cannot be reached,
the CCO shall refer the alleged violation to the Judicial Board for a hearing.
Please see Section 2 below for Judicial Board rules.

Failure to cooperate with the College's investigation of an alleged Code of Conduct
violation, which includes appearing before a Judicial Board or College official if summoned
to do so, will result in the student forfeiting his/her rights to a hearing or appeal and/or may
result in disciplinary action.

2. Judicial Board Hearing

a. A hearing with the Judicial Board shall be scheduled by the CCO not later than
thirty (30) days following an Accused Student's reguest for a hearing.

b. A written Statement of Charges shall be presented to the Accused Student not less
than five (5) days prior to the hearing.

c
o

1. Disciplinary Process

a All complaints under the Code of Conduct shall be filed with or by the CCO.

b. When the CCO files or receives a complaint alleging that a student has acted in a
manner which may be in violation of the Code, the CCO initiates the disciplinary
process by meeting with the Accused Student, putting him/her on notice of the
alleged violation and providing him/her an opportunity to respond to the §
allegations. The CCO may conduct a further investigation if necessary.

c. If the CCO determines that a violation exists, three procedural options are
available.

Overview of Judicial Process

o
o

a
-z.
<

LU
Q
3

Complaint of misconduct filed against student with or by
the Code of Conduct Officer (CCO)

CCO

conducts further investigation

if necessary

CCO accepts complaint

"hree procedural options are

available

( For low-level offenses,

CCO may

ssue a verbal or

written wa

ning, which is not

subject to

a Judicial Board

heari

9 or appeal.

Complaint resolved through

mutually agreed upon

Administrative Disposition. Student

waives Judicial Board hearing and

Appeal

Judicial Board Hearing

Administrative Disposition
Sanction Imposed

End

Violation of Code of

Conduct found and

disciplinary sanction is

imposed

No violation of Code of

Conduct found and
complaint is dismissed

Appeal Available

Appeals Officer may accept,
reject or modify the Judicial
Board's Decision or sanclion

c. A Judicial Board hearing is an administrative hearing. The rules of evidence do
not apply.

d. In a matter involving more that one Accused Student, the Judicial Board may
permit at its discretion individual hearings for each Accused Student.

e. The Accused Party has the right to be accompanied by any advisor of his/her own
choosing and at his/her own expense. The advisor may be an attorney. An
advisor's role is limited to advising the Accused Student directly. An advisor is not
permitted to participate directly in the hearing.

Conduct of Hearing

a. A hearing is normally conducted in private.

b. There shall be a record created of all hearings. The record shall be the property
of the College.

c. All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the Judicial Board.

d. Admission of any person(s) to the hearing shall be at the discretion of the Judicial
Board.

e. A hearing shall proceed as follows:

• The CCO presents the Statement of Charges on behalf of the College. The
CCO may present documents, materials and/or witnesses in support of the
Statement of Charges.

• Accused Student responds to the Statement of Charges. The student may §
present documents, materials and/or witnesses in response to the Statement

of Charges.

• Following the parties' presentations, the Judicial Board may question each

ts>

party, their witnesses and/or review all information presented. The Judicial
Board has the discretion to request additional documents, materials or
information from either party.

• While direct cross-examination by the parties is not permitted, each party will

be given the opportunity to question the other by presenting questions through |
the Judicial Board. If the Board determines a question is relevant, the other
party will be asked to respond. S3

• The Board shall have a final opportunity to question the parties.

f. After the hearing, the Judicial Board shall determine by majority vote whether the
Statement of Charges has been proven.

g. In reaching its decision, the Judicial Board shall determine whether it is more likely
than not that the Accused Student violated the Code of Conduct based on the
information presented.

h. Within fifteen (15) days of the conclusion of a hearing, the Judicial Board shall
issue a written decision outlining its findings and disciplinary action, if any, to the
parties.

4. Sanctions

A student found in violation of the College's Code of Conduct shall be subject to one or
more of the following sanctions:

a. Verbal or Written Warning

b. Restrictions/Loss of Privileges

c. Community/Educational Service

d. Restitution

e. Probation

f. Suspension

g. Expulsion

; 2.

CVI

CNJ

O
CM

-z.

LU
Q

The intent of the College is to impose sanctions in a progressive manner, beginning with
the least punitive sanction. However, depending on the nature and severity of a student's
violation the College reserves the right to impose any of the above-referenced sanctions
at any time.

5. Appeal

a. Within five (5) days of receiving the Judicial Board's decision, either the CCO or
the Accused Student may appeal the Judicial Board's decision to the College's
Appeals Officer.

b. An appeal must be in writing and be based on a credible claim that: the hearing
was not conducted in conformity with the Code of Conduct; the decision was not
supported by a preponderance of the evidence presented; the sanction imposed
was not appropriate in light of the Judicial Board's decision; or new evidence
exists, which was not presented at hearing because it was not reasonably known
to the Accused Student at that time, and which is sufficiently relevant such that it
could alter the Judicial Board's decision.

c. The Appeals Officer shall issue a written decision within ten (10) days of receiving
the appeal. The Appeals Officer may accept, reject or modify the Judicial Board's
decision or sanction.

d. The Appeals Officer's decision shall be final.

Steps to Promoting Positive Classroom Atmosphere

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes.

Students are expected to be in class on time.

Students are expected to remain in class for the entire instructional period.

Students are expected to remain alert throughout the entire instructional period.

Students are expected to come to class free of alcohol and/or drugs.

Students are expected to be respectful of opposing opinions.

Students are expected to not interrupt a faculty member or other students when they
are speaking.

Students are expected to address student specific concerns prior to or after the
instructional period.

Students are expected to use respectful language throughout the instructional period.

Students are expected to receive the faculty's permission prior to using cell phones,
laptops, or other electronic equipment.

11. Item 25 of the Student Code of Conduct states: "Discipline in the Class: Disrupting
the classroom is a violation of the College's Student Code of Conduct. Such Conduct
shall include, but not limited to cell phone use, text messaging, speaking without
permission, eating food in the classroom, and not following the directions of the
instructor. A faculty member has the right to remove a disruptive student from class,
pending a review of the situation by the Dean of Enrollment Management and
Student Judicial Affairs."

Roxbury Community College Good Neighbor Policy

Roxbury Community College strives to be a good neighbor in the community where we are
located, and we need your help in this regard. Please refrain from loitering on the abutting
property of all nearby residents without their permission. If you do so, you may be
trespassing and could face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Roxbury Community College, in accordance with legal mandates and its philosophy of
establishing and maintaining an environment of learning and a supportive environment in
which to conduct the business and mission of the College, will enforce the following w
policies:

1 . The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of alcohol or
of a controlled substance is prohibited on the campus of Roxbury Community College
or as part of any college-related activity. Students or employees who violate these
restrictions shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including >
suspension, expulsion or discharge. They shall also be subject to referrals for criminal
prosecution. Where students or employees are convicted of violating a criminal drug m
or alcohol statute related to a college activity, the College should ordinarily expel or 3
discharge the offender, absent mitigating circumstances. Mitigating circumstances
shall include, but shall not be limited to, consideration of a handicap under federal f
and state law. wi

2. Roxbury Community College shall cooperate in the enforcement of federal and state

laws concerning illegal drugs and alcoholic beverages. Massachusetts statutes ( 67

pertaining to alcohol and illegal drugs include Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter '■■■•■■
94C (Controlled Substance Act), Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 272, Section

59 (Public Drinking), and Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 90, Section 24
(Operating under the Influence, Open Container).

3. Under-age drinking is prohibited at Roxbury Community College functions and on any
part of the campus.

4. No College funds, Student Activities fees, or All-College fees shall be used to
purchase alcoholic beverages. Roxbury Community College additionally prohibits
alcoholic beverages at any College event (on or off campus) that is intended for
students or student participation. A College event is one that utilizes College facilities,
College funds, Student Activities fees or all College fees or is represented as being a
College function. The President of the College or designee must approve such events
in writing. All purchase orders for student events will exclude payment for alcoholic
beverages. Faculty and staff who serve as advisors or chaperones to groups holding
such events should understand that they will be expected to monitor the
implementation of the Student Alcohol Policy.

5. On May 18, 1999, the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education amended its Alcohol
Policy (BHE 98-01) and the guidelines for Campus Safety and Security and Campus
Codes of Conduct (FAAP 97-32) by adding the requirement that, consistent with the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Roxbury Community College

shall notify the parents of students under 21 years of age each time they have been
determined to be in violation of the campus alcohol policy.

For further written information regarding medical risks associated with drug use and
regarding treatment, see the complete Drug and Alcohol Policy, available at the Office of
the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.

Chapter 151C. Fair Educational Practices

Section 2B. Absence of student due to religious beliefs

Any student in an educational or vocational training institution, other than a religious or
denominational educational or vocational training institution, who is unable, because of his
religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work
requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination or study or
work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination,
study, or work requirement which he may have missed because of such absence on any
particular day; provided, however, that such makeup examination or work shall not create
an unreasonable burden upon such school. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the
institution for making available to the said student such opportunity. No adverse or
prejudicial effects shall result to any student because of his availing himself of the
provisions of this section.

A copy of this section shall be published by each institution of higher education in the
catalog of such institution containing the list of available courses.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Student Rights under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights
with respect to their education records. They are:

8 1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of
the day the College receives a request for access.

Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other
| appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The
College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and
place where the records may be inspected. If the College official to whom the request was
submitted does not maintain the records, that official shall advise the student of the correct
official to whom the request should be addressed.

2. The right to request the amendment of student's education records that the
student believes are inaccurate or misleading or otherwise in violation of the
student's privacy rights under FERPA.

A student who wishes to ask the College to amend should write the College official
responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants
changed, and specify why it should be changed.

If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College
will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing
regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing

procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to provide written consent before the College discloses personally
identifiable information from the student's education records, except to the extent
that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

The College discloses education records without a student's prior written consent under
the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests.
A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory,
academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel
and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted as its agent
to provide a service instead of using College employees or officials (such as an attorney, co
auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student
serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or g
assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. 2

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an
education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

Upon request, the College discloses education records without consent to officials of °

another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

"□

o
-z.

4. The right to be notified annually by the College of what student record
information the College designates as "directory information," and the right to
request that no student information be designated as directory information.

The College identifies the following student information as directory information:

■ Name

■ Gender

■ Local address and telephone number

■ College e-mail address

■ Major and minor field(s) of study, including the division or program in which a student
is enrolled

■ Classification as a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior or graduate, or by number
referring to such classes

■ Course load, e.g., full-time or part-time

■ Dates of attendance and graduation, and degrees received

Directory information may be released by the College to a requesting third-party without a
student's prior written consent. A student has the right to request that none or only some
of his/her student record information be designated as directory information. A student
must notify the College's Registrar, in writing, within two (2) weeks of the beginning of each
academic semester if he/she does not wish to have any or some of his/her student
information designated as directory information.

Notwithstanding the College's definition of directory information, the Department of
Defense (the "DOD"), pursuant to the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997
(the "Solomon Amendment"), identifies the following information as "student recruiting
information": NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE LISTING, AGE (or year of birth), PLACE

OF BIRTH, LEVEL OF EDUCATION (e.g., freshman, sophomore), DEGREE AWARDED,
MOST RECENT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION ATTENDED, and CURRENT MAJOR(S).

If the College receives a request for student recruiting information from the DOD, or one
of its affiliated agencies, the College will release the student recruiting information
requested. Because the information sought by the DOD may include information not
designated as directory information under the College's policy, compliance with the DOD's
request may result in the release of personally identifiable information. When student
recruiting information is released pursuant to a DOD request, notice of the request and the
release of the information will be posted in a conspicuous location in the College's
Registrar's Office for a period equaling one academic year.

If a student has exercised his/her right to request that no information be designated as
directory information, then no information shall be released to any third party, including the
DOD.

5. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning
alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements ofFERPA.

The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202-5901.

Grievance Policy

Policy Goal: Conflict Resolution

Before invoking the Student Grievance Procedure, a reasonable effort shall be made by

those involved in a dispute to resolve it amicably. A dispute is most effectively handled and

resolved by those closest to the problem, having the best understanding of the issues, and

having the ability to formulate a mutually acceptable resolution. Therefore, it is in the best

interest of the student, the potential subject of a grievance, and the College to resolve

§ disputes through open and cooperative dialogue. Only when such efforts are unsuccessful

< should the Student Grievance Procedure be invoked. Throughout all phases of the

Student Grievance Procedure, all reasonable efforts shall be made to maintain

o confidentiality in accordance with applicable law.

m Definitions

1. COMPLAINT: the informal, unwritten stage of an allegation of mistreatment.

2. GRIEVANCE: a written complaint filed by a student with the person specifically
alleging an abridgment of his or her rights as a student.

3. GRIEVANT: the student or students filing the complaint or grievance. The Grievant
must have been a registered student of the College at the time of the alleged
mistreatment.

4. RESPONDING PARTY: the person against whom a complaint or grievance is
directed.

5. STUDENT GRIEVANCE OFFICER: a College employee assigned responsibility for
administering the Student Grievance Procedure, including the maintenance of
specified records. The Student Grievance Officer shall ordinarily be the Senior
Student Affairs Officer or his/her designee. If this individual is the person against
whom the grievance is filed, the President shall designate another College official to
act as the Student Grievance Officer.

6. TIME: the number of days indicated at each level shall be considered as a maximum.
All reasonable efforts shall be made to expedite the process, but the President or
his/her designee may extend the time limits in extenuating circumstances with notice
to both parties in writing, or by mutual written agreement between the Grievant and
the Responding Party.

7. DAY: as used in this policy, shall mean a calendar day.

c
o

SENIOR OFFICER: senior-level employee who reports to the President for the s
Responding Party's work area.

INSTRUCTIONAL PERIOD: the academic semester, summer session or intersession

when a Grievant knows or should have known of a grievable act or inaction. The
Instructional Period shall end on the last day of final exams.

Utilizing The Student Grievance Procedure |

The Student Grievance Procedure may be used by a student to address complaints c
concerning the alleged abridgment of the student's rights, as stated in the College's ^

Student Handbook and/or Policy Guide. The student Grievant or the Responding Party

may consult with the Student Grievance Officer at any time. /' 71

The Student Grievance Procedure may not be used for complaints alleging sexual
harassment or discrimination. When a student believes that he/she has been
discriminated against due to his/her race, creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation,
age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or national origin, the College's
Affirmative Action Grievance Procedure is a mechanism for resolution. The College's
Affirmative Action Grievance Procedure is contained in the College's Affirmative Action
Plan. The College's Affirmative Action Officer (617) 427-0060 ext. 5386, Building 2 Room
313

At any Level of the Student Grievance Procedure, either party may request mediation by
contacting the Student Grievance Officer. Mediation shall be mutually agreed upon, and
not unreasonably refused by either party. The Student Grievance Officer shall select an
impartial mediator who shall be mutually agreed upon and not unreasonably refused by
either party, make the arrangements, determine the timetable for the mediation process,
and inform the parties of the timetable in writing. Where practicable, a mediation session
shall be conducted no later than thirty (30) days after requested and agreed to by the
parties. The purpose of mediation is to resolve the dispute to the satisfaction of both
parties. If a resolution cannot be achieved, the Grievant may proceed with the Grievance
Process.

A claim of physical or sexual assault shall not proceed under the Student Grievance
Procedure. A student claiming physical or sexual assault by an employee of the College

shall report the incident to the College's Security Department and/or the Director of Human
Resources. A student claiming physical or sexual assault by another student or an
employee claiming physical or sexual assault by a student shall report the incident to the
College's Security Department and/or the Dean/Vice President of Student Affairs.

Further, in matters involving physical assault, students and employees are strongly
encouraged to report the incident to the local authorities.

Except for under extenuating circumstances, as determined by the President or his/her
designee, failure by either party to comply with the Student Grievance Procedure during
the course of a grievance shall result in the waiving of the noncompliant party's rights
under the Procedure.

Level One - Informal Procedure

This is the informal stage where most complaints are resolved. The Grievant and the
Responding Party should consult with the Student Grievance Officer at this time.

A student Grievant initiates the informal phase of the grievance process. The grievant
shall first present his/her complaint orally and informally to the Responding Party. This
shall be done in a reasonable period of time, not exceeding thirty (30) calendar days
following the instructional period when the grievant knew or should have known of the
grievable act or inaction.

The Responding Party must respond to the Grievant's complaint within ten (10) days.
Though this phase of the process is informal, the parties may present their positions in
writing. If the matter is not resolved informally within ten (10) calendar days from the date
a response to the complaint was due, the Grievant may proceed to Level Two.

Level Two - Formal Procedure

Prior to filing a written grievance at Level Two, a Grievant must consult with the Student
Grievance Officer. The Responding Party should also consult with the Student Grievance
Officer at this phase of the process.

L2 - Step One

§ The Student Grievance Officer shall notify the parties in writing when a complaint is not
resolved informally at Level One.

w The Grievant may, within ten (10) calendar days after receipt of the Student Grievance
Officer's written notice, file with the Student Grievance Officer a formal written grievance.
The grievance shall contain the following information: the name and title of the person(s)
against whom the grievance is directed, a statement of all known facts, documents and
materials supporting the grievance, a list of individuals who have information pertinent to
the grievance, and the relief sought by the Grievant. All supporting documents, if any, shall
be attached to the grievance as part of the grievance. The grievance shall also state the
date it is filed and that it is being filed at "Level Two, Step One."

The grievance may be filed with the Student Grievance Officer by regular mail, certified
mail, or in hand. Thereafter, the Student Grievance Officer shall deliver the grievance, and
all supporting documents, if any, to the Responding Party within five (10) calendar days.
If the Responding Party is unavailable at the time the grievance is filed, the Student

Grievance Officer shall use reasonable means to deliver the grievance within a reasonable
period of time.

The Responding Party shall forward a written Level Two - Step One response to the
Student Grievance Officer within ten (10) calendar days of his/her receipt of the grievance.
The Student Grievance Officer shall deliver the written response to the Grievant within five
(10) calendar days of receipt.

L2 - Step Two (Supervisor Level)

If the grievance is not resolved to the satisfaction of the Grievant within ten (10) calendar
days after his/her receipt of the Step One response, or if no written response is submitted,
the Grievant may within ten (10) calendar days after the written response was received or
due, request the Student Grievance Officer to forward the written grievance and response,
if any, to the supervisor of the Responding Party, with a copy to the Senior Officer of the
work area of the Responding Party.

The supervisor shall investigate the grievance and confer with the Senior Officer. The
supervisor shall forward his/her written decision to the Student Grievance Officer, within
ten (10) calendar days after receipt of the Step Two grievance. Thereafter, the Student 5
Grievance Officer shall deliver the decision to the Grievant and the Responding Party
within five (5) calendar days.

At any time before the issuance of the Supervisor's Step Two decision, the Senior Officer
may request that the parties meet to discuss the issue and attempt to resolve it.

Grade appeals do not go beyond this Step (Level Two - Step Two) per the section on
Grade Appeals.

Either party to a grievance may raise no new issues or allegations after Step Two.

L2 - Step Three (Student Grievance Committee Level)

If the grievance is not resolved to the satisfaction of the Grievant within the period allowed
at Level Two - Step Two, the Grievant may request a hearing before a Student Grievance
Committee. Such a request must be in writing and presented to the Student Grievance
Officer within ten (10) calendar days from the issuance of the Supervisor's Level Two -
Step Two decision.

Within ten (10) calendar days of the Student Grievance Officer's receipt of the Grievant's
request for a hearing, the Student Grievance Officer shall arrange a hearing before a
Student Grievance Committee. The Student Grievance Officer shall use reasonable
efforts to schedule the hearing at a time mutually convenient to the parties. At least
twenty-four (24) hours prior to the hearing, the Student Grievance Officer shall provide
each member of the Committee and all parties to the grievance with copies of the
grievance, responses to the grievance, decisions issued, and all relevant supporting
documentation and materials. The Committee's make-up and hearing rules are discussed
later in this policy.

The Committee shall deliver its findings and recommendations to the Student Grievance
Officer within ten (10) calendar days following the hearing. A copy of the Committee's
findings and recommendations shall be delivered to the Grievant, the Responding Party,

and the President or his/her designee, within five (5) calendar days of receipt.

Within ten (10) calendar days of the President's receipt of the Committee's findings and
recommendations, the President or his/her designee, shall issue a written statement
accepting, modifying or rejecting the Committee's recommendations.

The decision of the President, or his/her designee, shall be final and binding on all parties.

Grade Appeals

Complaints or grievances filed in connection with assigned grades represent a special
case within the grievance procedure. Grading reflects careful and deliberate assessment
of a student's performance by the instructing professional(s). As such decisions are
necessarily judgmental, the substance of those decisions may not be delegated to the
grievance process. Nevertheless, the College recognizes that in rare cases the process
of grading may be subject to error or injustice.

Except as otherwise provided by separate appeals procedures for clinical programs as
approved by the President of the College, a student who alleges an error or injustice in the
grading process may file a grievance under the Student Grievance Procedure. A grade
appeal grievance shall proceed no further than Level Two, Step Two. For purposes of a
grade appeal, the Senior Academic Officer of the College, or his/her designee, shall serve
as the Student Grievance Officer throughout the grade appeal process.

If the faculty member who assigned the challenged grade is no longer employed by the
College or is not available within the timelines specified (see "Time" definition), the student
may initiate his/her Level One complaint with the chief administrator of the appropriate
instructional division (who shall be identified by the Senior Academic Officer).

If at any level substantial evidence of error is produced, the grading process may be
remanded to the instructor of record for reassessment. If the instructor of record is no

| longer available, the chief administrator of the appropriate instructional division or his/her

5 designee shall instead reassess the grading process.

g Membership Of The Student Grievance Committee

The composition of the College's Student Grievance Committee shall consist of five
members: one student, one unit professional, one faculty member, one non-unit
professional and one unit classified employee. The President or his/her designee shall
appoint each member from among the recommendations submitted by the Student
: ; Grievance Officer.

Service on a Committee shall be voluntary, provided that a member who has a personal
interest in the particular grievance shall be ineligible to serve on a Grievance Committee.
All College employees serving on a Student Grievance Committee, and acting within the
scope of their official duties on the Committee, shall be covered to the full extent provided
under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 258, including, the indemnification provision
contained in M.G.L., Chapter 258, Section 9.

All Student Grievance Committee members, as well as all others in attendance at a
student grievance proceeding, shall maintain the confidentiality of the proceedings. The
Student Grievance Officer shall attend all Committee hearings but shall not vote.

Guidelines For Committee Hearings

The following guidelines provide the framework for conducting a Student Grievance
Committee Hearing:

1 . Prior to the hearing, the newly impaneled Committee shall meet to elect a Committee
Chairperson. The Chairperson shall be selected by a simple majority vote.

2. The Chairperson on the Committee shall be responsible for conducting the hearing
and drafting the decision of the Committee, but shall vote only in the event of a tie.

3. All hearings shall be closed and deliberations of the Committee shall be confidential
and conducted in private.

4. The Grievant and the Responding Party shall be in attendance at the hearing. Each
party may be accompanied by an advisor at the hearing. The advisor; however, may g
not participate in the hearing or question witnesses. Either party may at anytime ^
during a hearing consult in private with his/her advisor. ^

5. Witnesses may be asked by the Committee to remain outside of the hearing room >
until they are called to testify.

6. The Grievant will address the Committee first. The Grievant will state the nature of ffi
his/her grievance and may present relevant evidence and/or witnesses in support of

the grievance.

7. The Responding Party may respond to the Grievant's complaint and present relevant
evidence and/or witnesses in opposition to the grievance.

8. Once the parties have presented their respective positions, the Committee may
question the parties and/or witnesses.

9. After the Committee has questioned the parties, each party will be given the
opportunity to question the other party and their respective witnesses. All questions
must be directed through the Committee. If the Committee determines that a question
is relevant to the grievance, the party or witness to whom it is addressed will be asked
to respond.

10. Following the parties' questioning of each other, the Committee will have another
opportunity to question the parties and witnesses.

11 . Hearings before the Committee shall not be subject to the formal rules of evidence.
In all cases, the hearing shall be conducted in a fair and impartial manner.

12. If a party to a grievance fails to appear for a scheduled hearing, the Committee has
the discretion to proceed with the hearing and issue its findings and
recommendations in the party's absence.

13. The decision of the Committee shall be based on the relevant evidence presented at
the hearing. The decision shall be in writing and include: a list of all documentary
evidence and witnesses presented; a summary of the testimony offered by both
parties and their respective witnesses; the findings of the Committee and its
recommendations. Copies of the decision and recommendations of the Student
Grievance Committee shall be forwarded by the Student Grievance Officer, to the
Grievant, the Responding Party, and the President or his/her designee.

14. When deciding upon a grievance, the Committee shall consider whether a finding
against the Responding Party is fundamentally fair and reasonable under the
circumstances and in accordance with applicable College rules and procedures.

Withdrawal

A student may withdraw his/her complaint or grievance at any time. Withdrawal must be
accomplished in writing or by oral agreement confirmed in writing.

Reprisals

No member of the College Community shall retaliate or threaten to retaliate against,
interfere with, restrain, or coerce any student in the exercise of his/her rights under the
Student Grievance Procedure or his/her participation in any grievance proceedings.

Collateral Rights Of Person Grieved By Student

If the recommendations made at any level of the grievance procedure result in sanctions
against a College employee, the sanctions shall be regarded as administrative actions
subject to all conditions of applicable collective bargaining agreements and College or
Board of Higher Education personnel policies.

Alternative Forums

Filing a grievance in accordance with the Student Grievance Procedure in no way
abrogates a student's right to file a complaint with an appropriate state or federal agency
or in another forum.

Hazing

76 ) Roxbury Community College does not permit hazing at any activity or event associated
■•■' with the College or at College-recognized clubs and organizations. The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts prohibits hazing in any form on campuses throughout the Commonwealth.
Hazing is defined as any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization,
whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical
or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping,
beating, branding, forced calisthenics and exposure to weather, or forced consumption of
any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance. Also, hazing includes any other brutal
treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health
j or safety of any student or other person or to cause extreme mental stress, including
extended isolation or deprivation of sleep. The Senate and the House of Representatives
enacted an act prohibiting the practice of hazing in General Court in 1985. Adding the
following three sections hereby amends chapter 369 of the General Laws.

Section 17. Whoever is a principle organizer or participant in the crime of hazing as
defined herein shall be punished by a fine of not more that one thousand dollars or by
imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one hundred days or by both such
fine and imprisonment. The term hazing as used in this section and in sections eighteen
and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization,
whether public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or
mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping,
beating, branding, forced calisthenics and exposure to the weather, forced consumption of

any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance. Also, hazing includes any other brutal
treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health
or safety of any such student or other person, or cause extreme mental stress, including
extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.

Section 18. Whoever knows that a person is the victim of hazing, as defined in section
seventeen, and is at the scene of such a crime shall, to the extent that such person can
do so without danger or peril to himself or other, report such a crime to an appropriate law
enforcement official as soon as reasonably practical. Whoever fails to report such crime
will be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars.

Section 19. Each institution of secondary education and each student group, student
team or student organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the
institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by the
institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student organization, 3
shall provide a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen provided;
however, that an institution's compliance with this section's requirements that an institution >
issue copies of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to unaffiliated student
groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution's recognition m
or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations. Each such g
group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and sections seventeen |
and eighteen to each of its members, pledges, or applicants for membership. It shall be r
the duty of each such group, team or organization, acting through its designated officer, to f
deliver annually, to the institution an attested acknowledgement stating that such group,
team or organization has received a copy of this section and said sections seventeen and
eighteen, and that such group, team or organization understands and agrees to comply
with the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen. Each secondary
school and each public or private school or college shall, before the start of enrollment,
deliver to each person who enrolls as a full-time student in such institution a copy of this
section and sections seventeen and eighteen. Each secondary school and each public or
private school or college shall file, at least annually, a report with the regents of higher
education and in the case of secondary schools, the board of education, certifying that
such institution has complied with the provisions of this section and also certifying that said
school has adopted a disciplinary policy with its responsibility to inform student groups,
teams or organizations and to notify each full-time student enrolled by it of the provisions
of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen and also certifying that said institution
has adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers and participants of hazing,
and that such policy has been set forth with appropriate emphasis in the student handbook
or similar means of communicating the institution's policies to its students. The Board of
Education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such
reports and shall forth-with report to the Attorney General any such institution which fails
to make such a report.

Should there be any questions concerning the College's Hazing Policy, please contact the
Office of the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.

Right to Protest

The Massachusetts Board of Regional Community Colleges adopted the following policy
on April 11, 1969:

1 . Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the
development of students, and the general well being of society. Free inquiry and free
expression are indispensable to the attainment of these goals. As members of the
academic community, faculty members, staff and students are encouraged in a
sustained and independent search for knowledge.

2. Freedom to teach and freedom to learn depend upon appropriate opportunities and
conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community. The
responsibility to secure and to respect general conditions conducive to the freedom
to learn is shared by all members of the academic community, students, faculty and
staff members.

3. Roxbury Community College will respect and will defend the right of its members to
lawful exercise of free speech and assembly on behalf of causes, whether popular or
unpopular. These rights are properly exercised only when due regard for the rights of
others is assured, and actions denying the rights of others to move or speak freely,
whether or not such interference is their motive, lie outside constitutional guarantees
and the obligation of the college to defend them. Therefore, if in the judgment of the
President or his/her designee, persons are attempting to interfere with freedom of
movement or speech of members or guests of the college community, or the orderly
operation of the College, the President or his/her designee is authorized to do the

78 .■ following:

a. Advise such person(s) of the impropriety of their activity and request immediate
desistance from such activity. If such persons fail to desist, call the appropriate
authority to remove those interfering.

CNJ

b. Suspend temporarily such members of the college community who have

participated in such interference and persist in such activity.

CO
Q

c. Grant, as soon as reasonably possible, a hearing before an appropriate
committee to any person appealing such suspension. Following such a hearing,
the committee will make a recommendation to the President.

d. Any person who involves him/herself in the willful destruction of college or
personal property will, in addition, be answerable to charges filed with civil
authorities.

Policy on Audio/Video Recording in the Classroom

As part of the education and learning experience, students routinely take notes during
class lectures. In addition, students and instructors may wish to record lectures and other
classroom presentations. Lecture notes and recordings involve issues related to the
intellectual property rights of instructors and the privacy rights of students. To protect these
rights, Roxbury Community College has adopted the following policy to govern these
activities in the classroom.

Instructors' Intellectual Property Rights

Individual Roxbury Community College instructors retain intellectual property rights to their
lecture and class presentations and related material; notes or class materials may not be
exchanged or distributed for commercial purposes, for compensation, or for any purpose
other than study by students enrolled in the class. Unauthorized use of class notes or
recordings is subject to the federal Copyright Act, the General Laws of Massachusetts, and
Roxbury Community College policy and may subject an individual to legal proceedings
brought by the instructor as well as action by the College.

Note-Taking

Class notes may be written by students enrolled in a class during lectures or other class
presentations for purposes of individual or group study. If an enrolled student is absent,
another enrolled student may take notes to share with the absent student. Students are
not allowed to distribute lecture notes to any one who is not an enrolled student in the 3
same class.

Audio and/or Video Recording by Students for Study Purposes

With the prior permission of the instructor and the consent of other students in attendance, °
an enrolled student may make an audio recording of the lecture or class presentations only
for the purposes of individual or group study with other students enrolled in the same
class. Students must obtain prior permission from the instructor each time they wish to %
make a recording. The instructor must assure that each student attending the class on that
occasion is aware of the recording and has agreed to be recorded. Student-initiated video %

recording and use of any other electronic means of capturing or transmitting class

presentations or lectures for note taking purposes is not permitted in classes. [' 79

Third-Party Note-Taking and Recording

No third party will be allowed to attend classes on behalf of an enrolled student, with the
exception of those authorized through the Special Needs Coordinator on behalf of an
enrolled disabled student.

Recording by Instructors to Meet Course Learning Objectives

Instructors may make audio or video recordings of presentations for instructional purposes
related to that course at Roxbury Community College. Subsequent use of the recording
requires the written permission of everyone captured in the recording. The recordings may
not be shown or distributed to any other individual or group without the express written
permission of every person recorded in that class.

Smoking

In compliance with Federal and State Laws governing the use of tobacco products in
public buildings, Roxbury Community College maintains a smoke free-policy. Smoking is
strictly prohibited in the buildings.

Tips for Students

o
o

CD
Q

Managing Your Day

The Assignment Calendar located on page 87 will help you keep track of your assignments
and organize daily activities. The calendar also includes important dates from the
Academic Calendar you need to remember. Please use this calendar to assist you in
successfully managing your academic experience at Roxbury Community College.

In class:

1. Record all homework tasks on the day they are assigned; make sure to include the
due date.

2. Write down tests and long-term projects, such as essays, on the day they are
assigned and their due dates. A reminder of approaching deadlines is also a good
idea.

3. Record assignment/test results on your record of achievement pages. This will help
you determine which of your subjects require improvement and extra study time.

4. Record upcoming events that you plan to attend.

5. Use the long-term assignment space to record details about projects and
assignments that need to be broken up into smaller parts.

6. Fast-forward to the appropriate week to enter a future assignment.

After class/At home:

1 . Arrange your work in order of priority.

2. Commit yourself to a schedule and stick to it. Remember the goals that you have set
for yourself.

3. Schedule your time in half-hour blocks. Plan to spend more time on the subjects that
require improvement.

4. Allow yourself time to review your work two or three days before a test or a quiz.

5. Remember to schedule time to address long-term projects. Record this in the long-
term assignment space on your monthly pages.

6. Take time for review of assignments/tests returned by your teacher.

7. Transfer all unfinished tasks to a future date.

8. Check off assignments that you have completed or transferred.

9. Review your weekly schedule regularly and adjust it as required.

Long-Term Planning - Plan Ahead

The long-term assignment section on each monthly page allows you to record projects and
to break them up into smaller steps. Very often the larger tasks may appear intimidating
because there is so much to be done. When you take it one step at a time and have a clear
idea of where you want to be at each stage of the project, the project can be completed
with greater peace of mind.

Here are some long-term project planning tips:

1. Find out exactly what is expected. (81

2. Collect research materials. Whenever you take notes, first write down all of the
source information you'll need for your bibliography.

3. Organize your project into smaller units, and decide by which date you can
realistically complete each section.

4. Ask for initial comments from your teacher (if allowed) to check whether you are
making satisfactory progress.

Managing Your Tasks

1. Prepare a schedule that clearly indicates when you will study and when you will be
occupied with other regular commitments or recreational activities.

2. Reflect regularly on your use of time; set priorities for your work.

3. Adjust your schedule until it is just right for a particular semester or school year.
Setting unrealistic goals will only discourage you.

4. Divide lengthy or challenging assignments into short, manageable units.

5. Take a short break or reward yourself after completing a unit; this will help you
concentrate better on the next task.

6. If certain facts or details must be memorized, do not try to memorize all of them at
once.

7. Wait a day before editing the rough draft of a written assignment.

RULE OF
THUMB

Successful Classroom Strategies

1. Listen.

2. Concentrate on your professor/instructor. /

3. Tune out noise/talking. / Listen 80% and write 20%

4. Listen for main ideas. \ of the time. Also, short,

5. Use the 5 W's and 1 H to assist in understanding \ re P eated stud y P enods /
the material presented in class: What? Why? \ work better than one
When? Where? Who? How? \ lon 9 cram session. /

6. Be alert for the speaker's feelings and style.

Taking notes

1 . Do not write everything down.

2. Write down important ideas and supporting facts.

3. Use your own words, not your teacher's.

4. Learn different note taking methods (i.e. mapping, outlining).

5. Keep notes organized by dating and numbering pages.

6. Keep all notes for class in one place.

7. Quickly review what you're learning in each class daily and weekly.

8. Summarize important chapters, lectures, or discussions. Just

' . doing this will help you retain the information. ,-'"" flP~~~^>

• ■"' 9. Apply what you're learning as soon as possible. / When you take \

10. Study with friends if you can stay on topic. / notes, immediately jot \

, / down the title of the work,

| 11. In group study sessions, ask questions and ; tne author, the publisher, and \

answer your peers questions. , the da(e pub|jshed Thjs sgves

° 12. Learn memory aid techniques to trigger recall. \ time later when you are

». , . , \ ready to form a /

' N biblioqraphy. /

z 1. Work in the same place as much as possible.

! 2. Keep your workplace clean and uncluttered.

3. Make sure you have good lighting to try to avoid tired eyes and drowsiness.

4. Use a firm, straight chair.

5. Don't do homework in front of the TV!

6. Create the best work environment and stick to it. For example, quiet music may help
you stay on-task, or it may distract you.

Test Taking Skills

1 . Find out what kind of test will be assigned (i.e. multiple choice, essay-type).

2. Avoid cramming. ,. ,„

3. Set up a study schedule to review everything well before /

the test. Use your agenda to keep track. 7, THUM ° :

> When you re well >

4. Write down likely questions and answer them. prepared you '

5. Get enough rest the night before the exam. \ experience less

6. Wear comfortable clothing. ^ stress - ,'''

7. Take all the necessary tools: pens, pencils, calculators, high-
lighter, etc.

8. Don't start writing as soon as you get the test. First, skim the exam to make sure you
have the complete test, and then read the instructions.

9. High-light key words like discuss, compare, and list.

10. Quickly estimate how much time you have to answer questions.

11. Answer easier questions first to be sure you understand exactly what is being asked.

12. Read questions several times to be sure you understand exactly what is being asked, h

13. Never rush through questions in a panic. Be calm and pace yourself.

14. Try to leave some time before the test is over to review and correct errors.

15. If you run out of time on a certain question, leave some room to return to it for
completion later.

Test Taking Strategies

Multiple Choice Exams

1 . Don't guess unless there is no penalty for wrong answers.

2. Before looking at the possible answers, try to form the y"' tip ~"^
answer in your mind. / NeveMeavea \

3. Don't change an answer that came to your mind first / True/False question \
unless you're absolutely sure it's wrong. ! unanswered. Guess if \

i there is no penalty for •
Essay Questions \ wr0 ng answers. /

Always write answers in paragraph form unless a list is \

specifically asked for. Use the following process for developing v "-- --"'

your essay:

1. Make a rough outline.

2. Begin with a topic sentence that includes the key words of the question.

3. Support your position with specific examples and detailed information.

4. Conclude by very briefly summing up your answer.

Writing Resource Guide

Faculty, staff, and support services are available to assist in strengthening your writing
skills. Writing is an essential tool for communication that should be honed in all of your
courses. The following are some guidelines for writing dynamic, coherent, and interesting
essays and research papers.

Choose your topic

What are you going to write about? Sometimes the topic is determined for you. If not, write
about something that interests you.

Narrow your topic

After you know your topic, narrow it to a manageable size.

Example: Large mammals

1 . Large Mammals of North America

2. North America Black Bears

a. Habitat of North America Black Bears.

b. Focus your writing on a main idea or argument.

c. Develop a thesis statement that briefly expresses your point of view.

Example: The natural habitat of North American black bears Is diminishing at an alarming
rate due to urban development.

d. Determine your writing strategy. What is the purpose of your writing? You can
84 ) write to inform, to persuade, entertain, or to instruct. Deciding what the purpose

of your writing is will give insight into how to write. If you are writing to persuade,
you might include examples that prove or give support to your claim.

e. Who is your intended audience? You write differently depending on audience
you are addressing (i.e. friend vs. employer).

f. Adjust your style and language for each audience,
h. If you want to persuade, know your audience's position/beliefs,
i. What point of view will you use? Generally, pick a point of view and stick to it.

Non-fiction: You can write with your own voice or without:

With: Based on this evidence, I conclude...

Without: Based on this evidence, it is possible to conclude...

Fiction: You can write in either the first person or the third person:

First: I walked down the street

Third: She walked down the street

k. What form will you give your writing? Different forms have different requirements
(i.e. essay, book review).

I. Ask your teacher what form (or genre) you should write in. What information do
you need?

Content

1. Research your topic thoroughly. Start with general encyclopedias and information
available on CD-ROM's to get a broad overview of the topic.

2. Take notes as you go.

3. Write down relevant information. Don't write down everything. Taking too many notes
just drowns you in information and makes it harder for you to write a coherent paper
that reflects relevant information.

4. Form general ideas about your topic. Use those ideas to develop an outline of your
paper.

5. Write down each main idea, then organize them. Make sure they all fit in place.

Writing Strategies

Finally, it's time for the real work.

Write your first draft.

1. Begin with a brief, interesting introduction.

2. Generally, include your thesis statement in the first paragraph.

3. Develop each paragraph in turn as a whole. For interest, vary the length of

Make sure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next paragraph.

Revise your draft.

1 . Read it slowly out loud. Be sure to listen for awkward words/sentences.

2. Proofread for spelling and grammatical errors.

3. Remove redundant phrases (repetitive language).

4. Make sure the sentences have enough variety to keep readers interested.

Write the final draft - Make it look good.

Document all sources of information and ideas. Failure to do so may be deemed as
plagiarism by your instructor.

} IMPORTANT NOTE: Find out what method of documentation your teacher prefers. \

paragraphs.

o
o

CD
Q

-z.

LU
O

September 2012

Monday

Labor Day - College closed

Tuesday

All College Meeting - Faculty Institute

o
o

CO
Q

z
<

Wednesday First day of classes - day and evening; Add/Drop begins

Thursday

6 =

Friday

7 =

Saturday

8 E

Sunday

9 =

September 2012

Monday

>j #^

Tuesday

A A

Add deadline

Wednesday

d A

Thursday

A t\

Friday

A M

Drop deadline

Saturday

A f"

Sunday

^ #%

n
>

September 2012

Monday

Tuesday

o
o

CO
Q

z
<

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

September 2012

Monday

Tuesday

<7>

n
>

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

October 2012

Monday

Autumn Access begins

Tuesday

o
o

CO
Q

z
<

LU
Q

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

October 2012

Columbus Day - College closed

Monday

Autumn Access Add/Drop deadline

Tuesday

Wednesday

A A

Thursday

jk jk

Friday

,j i\.

Saturday

A A

Sunday

a ^

O
>

o
o

CD
Q

UJ
Q

October 2012

Monday

Mid-term exams

A M

Tuesday

Mid-term exams

jk f\

Wednesday

Mid-term exams

A ^

Thursday

Mid-term exams

A f\

Friday

Mid-term exams

>j /%

Saturday

Mid-term exams

Sunday

/\ ^1

October 2012

Monday

Tuesday

IS)

<7>

O
>

o
o
-i
o

Wednesday

Mid-term grades due

Thursday

Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

October - November 2012

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Halle

Thursday

o
o

CO
Q

Z
<
X

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Daylight Saving Time ends

November 2012

Application deadline for December 2012 Degree Completion

Monday

Tuesday

O
<
m

Veterans Day

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

November 2012

Monday

Veterans Day Holiday observed - College closed

Tuesday

Withdrawal deadlir

o
o

CO
Q

z
<

LU
Q

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

November 2012

Monday

Tuesday

No evening classes - Thanksgiving Break begins at 5:OOp.m.

Wednesday

: 21

Thanksgiving - College closed
Thanksgiving Break

Thursday

O
<
rn

Thanksgiving Break

Friday

Thanksgiving Break

Saturday

Sunday

November ■

■ December 2012

Monday