Black Hawk College Student Handbook 2016-17 by Black Hawk College

Student

www.bhc.edu

Handbook

2016-17

Student Handbook 2016-2017

Black Hawk College Quad-Cities Campus 6600 34th Avenue Moline, IL 61265-5899 309-796-5000

Black Hawk College East Campus 26230 Black Hawk Road Galva, IL 61434-9476 309-854-1700

TABLE OF CONTENTS Vision .................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Mission .................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Core Values .......................................................................................................................................................... 5 Goals...................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Black Hawk College Accreditation .................................................................................................................... 5 Black Hawk College Program Level Outcomes for AA/AS Degrees General Education/Core Curriculum ........................................................................................................................................................... 6 Student Learning and Assessment ..................................................................................................................... 7 Student Enrollment Guidelines .......................................................................................................................... 7 Adding/Dropping a Class ................................................................................................................................... 7 Add/Drop Form .................................................................................................................................................. 7 Additional Notices about Dropping Courses ...................................................................................................... 8 Degree Planning ................................................................................................................................................. 8 myBlackHawk .................................................................................................................................................... 8 Registration Checklist ........................................................................................................................................ 9 Registration Process ........................................................................................................................................... 9 Registration - Online .......................................................................................................................................... 9 Student ID and Money Card ............................................................................................................................... 9 Studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Responsibilities for Advising ............................................................................................................. 9 Tuition Refund Requests from Students ........................................................................................................... 10 Withdrawing from College ............................................................................................................................... 10 Paying for College .............................................................................................................................................. 10 Cost to Attend ................................................................................................................................................... 10 Scholarship Information. .................................................................................................................................. 11 Veterans Grants ................................................................................................................................................ 11 Loans ................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Financial Aid Office ........................................................................................................................................... 11 Citizenship Policy............................................................................................................................................. 11 Drug Convictions and Federal Student Aid ...................................................................................................... 11 Federal Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Regulation .......................................................................................... 11 Fraud Policy...................................................................................................................................................... 11 Refund and Payment Policy (Return of Title IV Funds) .................................................................................. 12 Repeated Coursework Policy............................................................................................................................ 12 Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) ............................................................................................................ 12 Verification Policies and Procedures ................................................................................................................ 13 Student Academic Privileges............................................................................................................................. 13 Academic Dishonesty Policy ............................................................................................................................ 13 Academic Dishonesty Procedure ...................................................................................................................... 14 Academic Dishonesty Policy for Repeat Offenders ......................................................................................... 14 Academic Forgiveness Policy .......................................................................................................................... 15 Academic Progress Policy ................................................................................................................................ 15 Attendance ........................................................................................................................................................ 15 Developmental Education ................................................................................................................................ 16 Calculating the GPA ......................................................................................................................................... 16 Grades and the Grading System ....................................................................................................................... 16 Incomplete ........................................................................................................................................................ 17 Mid-Semester Grades ....................................................................................................................................... 17 Religious Observance Policy ............................................................................................................................ 17 Repeat Enrollment ............................................................................................................................................ 17 Student Services and Resources ....................................................................................................................... 17 Academic Advising .......................................................................................................................................... 17 ACE Credit ....................................................................................................................................................... 18 Bookstores ........................................................................................................................................................ 18 2

Campus Clubs/Organizations ........................................................................................................................... 18 Campus Security - Black Hawk College Police Department ........................................................................... 18 Career Services ................................................................................................................................................. 18 Clearinghouse Self-Service .............................................................................................................................. 19 Commencement ................................................................................................................................................ 19 Counseling Services ......................................................................................................................................... 19 Credit Hours ..................................................................................................................................................... 19 Degree Programs, Training and Other Education Offered ............................................................................... 19 Disability Services ............................................................................................................................................ 20 Early Alert Program ......................................................................................................................................... 20 Emergency Notification.................................................................................................................................... 20 Faculty Office Hours ........................................................................................................................................ 20 Independent Learning Center (ILC) ................................................................................................................. 20 International/ESL Students (Quad-Cities Campus) .......................................................................................... 21 Library .............................................................................................................................................................. 21 Locations .......................................................................................................................................................... 21 Lost and Found ................................................................................................................................................. 22 Military Students and Veterans Resource Center (Quad-Cities Campus) ........................................................ 22 Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nursing Room ................................................................................................................................... 22 Parking and Traffic Information ....................................................................................................................... 22 Perkins Student Support Services (career and technical students) ................................................................... 23 Safety Tips for the BHC Community ............................................................................................................... 24 School Cancellation or Dismissal Due to Weather........................................................................................... 24 Service Animals................................................................................................................................................ 24 Student Activities ............................................................................................................................................. 26 Student Government Association (East Campus)............................................................................................. 26 Student Government Association (Quad-Cities Campus) ................................................................................ 26 Student Success & Tutoring Center.................................................................................................................. 26 Transcripts ........................................................................................................................................................ 26 Transportation................................................................................................................................................... 27 TRiO Student Support Services........................................................................................................................ 27 Unisex/Gender-Neutral Restrooms................................................................................................................... 27 Policies & Procedures ........................................................................................................................................ 28 Cheating and Plagiarism Policy........................................................................................................................ 28 Children in Class .............................................................................................................................................. 28 Chronic Communicable Disease Policy ........................................................................................................... 28 Classroom Behavior (in-person and online) ..................................................................................................... 29 Complaint Management Process and Policy .................................................................................................... 29 Computer and Technology Usage .................................................................................................................... 30 Drug-Free College Policy ................................................................................................................................. 30 Student Right to Know ..................................................................................................................................... 30 Use of Copyright Materials .............................................................................................................................. 30 Visitors on Campus/College-Sponsored Events ............................................................................................... 31 Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures ................................................................................. 31 Violence Prevention Policy at Black Hawk College ........................................................................................ 38 Title IX ................................................................................................................................................................ 38 Student Complaint Procedure .......................................................................................................................... 39 College Policies and Procedures â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Academic .................................................................................................. 44 Academic Appeals ............................................................................................................................................ 44 Campus Safety and Security Reporting ............................................................................................................ 47 Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Police and Campus Crime Statistics Act .................................. 47 Concealed Carry Statute ................................................................................................................................... 47 Education Act of 1965 ...................................................................................................................................... 47 Final Grade Change Policy and Procedures ..................................................................................................... 47 3

Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) ........................................................................... 48 Smoking â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tobacco Use Policy........................................................................................................................ 48 College Policies and Procedures â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Board of Trustees..................................................................................... 48 Affirmative Action Plan ................................................................................................................................... 48 Equal Opportunity ............................................................................................................................................ 48 Black Hawk College Discrimination and Non-Harassment Policy ............................................................... 49 Questions, Concerns or Resolution .................................................................................................................. 57 Disclosure of Student Information Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ....................... 58 Registered Sex Offender Protocols ................................................................................................................... 59 Crisis Intervention ............................................................................................................................................. 61 Hearing Procedures .......................................................................................................................................... 61 Informal Hearing Presentation of Evidence and Responses ............................................................................. 62 Interim Involuntary Withdraw Procedures ....................................................................................................... 62 Notification of Hearing..................................................................................................................................... 62 Notification of Withdrawal and Due Process Information ............................................................................... 62 Optional Information Meeting .......................................................................................................................... 62 Written Decision............................................................................................................................................... 62 Glossary .............................................................................................................................................................. 63

Welcome to Black Hawk College

Vision Total accessibility, quality instructional programs, student-centered services, and strategic alliances position Black Hawk College as the preferred choice for education and training.

Mission Black Hawk College enriches the community by providing the environment and educational resources for individuals to become lifelong learners.

Core Values Appreciation of Diversity, Caring and Compassion, Fairness, Honesty, Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility.

Goals We carry out our mission by: • Providing the best atmosphere for successful Academic Student Outcomes. Our students rank academically as well or better than native students at Illinois four-year universities. • Providing the best atmosphere for continued Career Learning. Our students will be the most sought after by business and industry. • Providing the local and global community with Continuing Education and Personal and Professional Development. Our students will set the standard for personal enrichment. • Operating within the framework of our identified institutional Core Values. Our administration, faculty and staff will model these values in our interactions with students, each other, and all those with whom we come into contact. • Providing leadership in Community and Economic Development through training, partnerships and services. Our students and staff will set the standard for contributing to the growth and development of our communities.

Black Hawk College Accreditation Black Hawk College is accredited or approved by:  Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 24000, Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504, 312-263-0456, www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org  Illinois Board of Higher Education  Illinois Community College Board  Illinois State Board of Education Black Hawk College will make all educational and personnel decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran, except as specifically exempted by law.

Black Hawk College Program Level Outcomes for AA/AS Degrees General Education/Core Curriculum Dec. 18, 2013 A BHC student completing the general education/core curriculum requirements for the AA/AS degree will be able to: Strand A:

Strand B:

Strand C:

Strand D:

Strand E:

Apply Scientific Thinking Skills Through the Study of Physical and Life Sciences

Apply Quantitative Skills Through the Study of Mathematics

Apply Communication Skills Through the Study of Speech and Writing

Evaluate Human Experiences Through the Study of the Humanities and Fine Arts

A1. Develop an understanding of the methods of scientific inquiry, including the formulation and testing of hypotheses.

B1. Use mathematics and technology to investigate, model, and solve a variety of real-world problems.

D1. Apply and synthesize a vocabulary pertinent to the humanities and fine arts.

A2. Be familiar with selected scientific principles in the physical and life sciences.

B2. Use mathematics to write and communicate.

C1. Demonstrate critical skills by locating, summarizing, analyzing, critiquing, and effectively synthesizing a variety of appropriate source materials through writing and speaking. C2. Demonstrate the ability to use inventional, organizational, editorial, and expressive strategies to communicate clearly in speaking and writing. C3. Demonstrate the ability to articulate messages that inform and persuade audiences. C4. Document material from appropriate sources, using proper citations in both written and oral presentations, utilizing ethical standards in research.

Develop an Appreciation of Human Continuity, Diversity, and Change Through the Study of Social and Behavioral Sciences E1. Demonstrate an understanding of human behavior. This may include a focus on individual behavior.

A3. Make informed decisions about personal and societal issues. A4. Demonstrate skills learned in a laboratory setting (e.g., formulate hypotheses, plan and conduct experiments, make systematic observations and measurements, interpret and analyze data, draw conclusions, communicate the results).

D2. Demonstrate thoughtful awareness of the interconnectedness of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life to past, present, and future human events from a global perspective.

E2. Demonstrate an understanding of societies in the world as part of one larger human experience in time and place.

D3. Examine intellectual, cultural, and aesthetic perspectives in the humanities and fine arts.

E3. Analyze trends, institutions, and/or influences of society, history, politics, and economics.

D4. Demonstrate critical thinking, investigative, and reflective skills within the study of the humanities and fine arts.

Student Learning and Assessment Black Hawk College is committed to providing a learning-centered environment. Faculty members are interested in students’ mastery of course content as well as the process by which students acquire knowledge. Students develop skills and adapt concepts that will support them throughout life as effective citizens as well as professionals in their fields. The assessment of student learning is one very important component of a learning-centered environment. Assessment is an ongoing, systematic process that measures student learning. Through feedback processes, this assessment also provides a means to improve student learning at Black Hawk College. The assessment of student learning includes:  Developing outcomes for student learning.  Selecting appropriate assessment measures.  Systematically collecting, analyzing, and interpreting these measures.  Using feedback loops to make changes to improve student learning. Students play a significant role in their learning and the assessment process. They are provided opportunities to learn how the assessment process works, how the results will benefit them, and how to become active participants in the process.

Student Enrollment Guidelines IMPORTANT NOTE – All students are assigned an email account at mymail.bhc.edu. All communication from various departments at the college will be sent to this email account (bills, grades, financial aid, etc.) The email account is accessed through myBlackHawk. Students should check their mymail.bhc.edu mailbox frequently for important information about their classes and the College. Adding/Dropping a Class Students find it necessary to make changes to their class schedules for a variety of reasons. Students may change their schedules by adding and dropping classes, or in some cases, the student may need to withdraw from College all together.

Add/Drop Form – This is the official form students should use to change their schedules. If the student uses the Black Hawk College Add/Drop Form, it must be returned to Enrollment Services on the Quad-Cities Campus or the East Campus. On the Quad-Cities Campus, forms are available in Enrollment Services, the Advising Center and the Academic Service Centers. On the East Campus, forms are available in Enrollment Services and the Advising Center. Adding a Class – Courses may be added using myBlackHawk during normal registration periods. Students who wish to add a class after the term has begun but prior to the first class meeting must complete the Black Hawk College Add/Drop Form which requires an advisor’s signature. After the class has met, additional signatures are required as outlined below.  In order to add a class after the start date of the class but before the 10th day of the class, the student will need to complete the Add/Drop Form and obtain an instructor’s signature of approval to add the class.  In order to add a class after 10th day (or the equivalent of 10th day for classes meeting less than 16 weeks), the student will need to complete the Add/Drop Form and obtain signature approval from both the instructor AND the departmental academic dean. A late fee will be charged to add any class requiring the signature approval of the departmental academic dean.

Dropping a Class - Once a student has registered for a class, the student must drop the course officially. The student is financially responsible for tuition and fees for all classes not officially dropped by the appropriate refund date. A student may withdraw from a course through the 12th week of the fall or spring semester. To withdraw from a course after this date, the student will need to obtain the instructor’s signature and/or approval. For classes that meet less than 16 weeks, the student should contact Enrollment Services at either campus regarding the need for instructor signatures. To withdraw from a class, students may either complete the Black Hawk College Add/Drop Form, email registrar@bhc.edu from their Black Hawk College email account or send a letter to the Registrar. The Schedule of Classes will indicate the last date that classes may be dropped. Withdrawals initiated by mail must be postmarked by the published deadline date. The request should state the student’s name, ID number and course information. Things to Consider When Dropping a Course – Before dropping a course, the student should consider the impact dropping the course has on financial aid, grades or educational goals. The following items should also be considered before dropping a course: 1. Refund policy – Course withdrawal prior to the starting date of the semester is entitled to a 100% refund. Withdrawals during the first week of classes are eligible for a 75% refund and a 50% refund during the second week. No refunds are given after the second week of class. 2. Financial aid – If a student completely withdraws during the semester after federal financial aid payment has been received, the student may be required to return a portion of the federal financial aid awarded. The federal formula requires a return of funds if the student received assistance from the Pell Grant, Supplemental grant or direct loan and withdrew on or before completing 60% of the semester. The calculation is based on the percentage of the semester completed. Sample calculations and complete explanation of this policy are available at the Financial Aid Office. 3. Impact on grades – If a student does not officially withdraw from a course, the student may receive an F for the course. 4. Transcript notation – After the 100% refund period of the course, any dropped course will show up on the student’s permanent academic record and will be recorded as a W (withdrawal).

Additional Notices about Dropping Courses If a student drops a class during the first week of classes, his/her financial aid will be recalculated and he/she will owe 25% of the cost of the tuition and fees for the credit hours dropped. If a student drops a class during the second week of classes, he/she will owe 50%. If, after adjusting financial aid based on enrollment hours, the student has enough funds to cover tuition and fees including the 25% or 50% owed, the student will not need to pay out-ofpocket but would rather have a reduction in their refund or amount available for books/supplies.

Degree Planning Degree Planning Worksheets are available in the Advising Center to help students prepare for graduation from Black Hawk College. Degree Planning Worksheets are also available at www.bhc.edu/degreeplanningworksheets. Students should go over this sheet with their academic advisors and use it for a personal record of all courses completed. This check sheet should be updated each semester so that students will be fully aware of their progress toward graduation.

myBlackHawk myBlackHawk is a secure site that allows students to check email, register for courses, get college and personal announcements, and take care of many aspects of college business. myBlackHawk is the way important college information is provided to students. By logging into myBlackHawk, students will be able to:  View their overall schedule of courses.  Register and pay for classes (add or drop classes, check registration status, view class schedule, view account balance, and make credit card payments). 8

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Access information about their courses. View their student records (academic holds, past grades, unofficial academic transcript). View their student ID number. View their financial aid information (eligibility and financial aid award information). Receive college and personal announcements about events, dates, and activities. Send/receive email from their BHC email address (mymail.bhc.edu).

To locate myBlackHawk, go to the Black Hawk College website (www.bhc.edu) and click on the link to myBlackHawk or go to myblackhawk.bhc.edu. Students will need their username and password to access the system and will receive a letter containing that information after completion and processing of their Application for Admission. Students who have problems logging into myBlackHawk should use the online help, “Having problems logging in? Click here” or call the ITS Help Desk at 309-796-5555.

Registration Checklist The registration checklist helps students complete all the steps to enrolling at Black Hawk College. Go to www.bhc.edu/registrationchecklist.

Registration Process Students are encouraged to work with their Black Hawk College advisor or counselor to develop an individual educational plan and to plan a class schedule for the semester. Students can register for classes using online, walkin, mail or fax registration.

Registration - Online 1. Go to myblackhawk.bhc.edu or the Black Hawk College website (www.bhc.edu) and click on the myBlackHawk link. 2. Log into myBlackHawk. 3. Click on the Student Resource tab. Within this tab students can check their courses and the BHC catalog for prerequisites and co-requisites. 4. Click on the Academic Services link, then on the Student and Financial Aid link. 5. Click on Registration and select the term. 6. Click on Add/Drop Classes. Scroll over to see registration status. 7. Click on Submit Changes. 8. Click on Student Detail Schedule to review and print class schedule. 9. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and click on View Fee Assessment. 10. When done, be sure to click Exit. Important! Students must pay their bill at the Bursar’s Office (at the Quad-Cities Campus, Building 1, Room 280 or at the East Campus in Building A, Room A100) or online at myblackhawk.bhc.edu. Registration is not complete until the student has paid for classes. Deferred payment options are available for the fall and spring semesters.

Student ID and Money Card All students taking college-credit classes should have a Black Hawk College ID & Money Card. The card serves as the official College student ID. In addition, all refunds will be processed through the Black Hawk College ID & Money Card. For more information, contact the Bursar’s Office. At the Quad-Cities Campus, call 309-796-5200 or stop by Building 1, Room 280. At the East Campus, call 309-854-1706 or stop by Building A, Room 100.

Student’s Responsibilities for Advising   

Take responsibility for making decisions about personal educational goals. Learn about BHC policies, procedures, and services. Set short-term and future goals and develop action plans to achieve them. 9

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Seek advising on a regular and timely basis. Plan an agenda for advising sessions. Begin preparing course schedules prior to advising sessions. Collect and complete required advising materials and bring to all advising sessions. Establish an advisee-advisor relationship. Communicate pertinent information such as long-term goals, change in schedule, academic problems, change of major, or transfer institution. Learn what requirements must be completed for graduation. Learn to use myBlackHawk to enroll in classes, check grades and chart progress. Research academic, transfer and career information. Follow through on referrals to other services.

Tuition Refund Requests from Students Students who would like to request a tuition refund must complete a Tuition Refund Request, which outlines extenuating circumstances as to why the class could not successfully be completed. This form should be returned to the Academic Advising Department and it will be review by a committee for a final decision. A student may be eligible for a 100% refund in the following scenarios:  

Death of an immediate family member (parent, sibling, child, legal guardian), or Military personnel called to extended active duty.

The death of a family member does not extend beyond a student’s immediate family, regardless of relationship. A death certificate and documentation of relationship must accompany the request. Military activation documentation must accompany the request and does not cover local emergency duties such as flood assistance or other short-term periods. All tuition refund requests must include the Refund Appeal Form along with original documentation: www.bhc.edu/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2013/05/Refund-Appeal-Form-Revised-May-2013.pdf

Withdrawing from College If a student has registered for classes and decides not to attend Black Hawk College, he/she must withdraw officially. The student is financially responsible for tuition and fees for all classes not officially dropped by the refund date. The student should complete an Add/Drop Form or send a letter with the student’s name, ID number, and course information. The Add/Drop Form or letter must be returned to the Enrollment Services Office at either campus. Medical Withdrawal/Drop Requests A Medical Drop form must be completed and signed by the treating doctor who specifically states the student is not able to return to all scheduled classes at Black Hawk College in a given term. The time period must be clearly stated. Any attached documentation must have the doctor’s original signature (stamped name and electronic signatures will not be accepted). The form may be accessed at www.bhc.edu/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2015/08/Medical-Drop_8.2015.pdf.

Paying for College Cost to Attend Information regarding cost of attending is available in the Bursar’s Office and the Financial Aid Offices and also online at www.bhc.edu/financialaid.

Scholarship Information - All students are encouraged to apply for scholarships from the Black Hawk College Foundation(s). Applications are accepted online March 1 through May 1 and can be found at www.bhc.edu/foundation. For more information, contact the Quad-Cities Foundation at 309-796-5061 or the East Foundation at 309-854-1718.

Veterans Grants - www.bhc.edu/veterans Veterans and their families should talk with the Financial Aid Office about possible educational benefits. There is a Veterans and Military Personnel Student Services representative in the Financial Aid Office. Benefits are available through the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Black Hawk College is committed to providing veterans with a successful educational experience.

Loans - www.bhc.edu/loans

Financial Aid Office The Financial Aid Office (www.bhc.edu/financialaid) assists students and parents in applying for federal, state and institutional funds to help meet educational costs. More than half of Black Hawk College students receive some financial assistance from grants, scholarships, loans and student employment. Most of the funding is based on the family’s financial situation. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility. Computers are available at both campuses for students to complete their FAFSA.

Citizenship Policy To be eligible for financial aid a student must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, citizen of a freely associated state, or other eligible noncitizen. When a student submits his/her FAFSA, the response to the citizenship question is verified through the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for primary confirmation. If a student’s status is confirmed, no other documentation is required, and the student meets this eligibility requirement.

Drug Convictions and Federal Student Aid A federal or state drug conviction can disqualify a student for Federal Student Aid (FSA) funds.

Federal Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Regulation The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112-74) limits the use of the Federal Pell Grant to 12 semesters (or 600%) throughout a person’s lifetime. The following link will assist in further explaining this provision: http://studentaid.ed.gov/types/grants-scholarships/pell/calculate-eligibility.

Fraud Policy If Black Hawk College’s Financial Aid Office suspects that a student, employee or other individual has misreported information or altered documentation to fraudulently obtain federal funds, the office report suspicions and provide any evidence to: Office of Inspector General Citigroup Center 500 W. Madison St., Suite 1414 Chicago, IL 60661 312-730-1630

Inspector General’s Hotline (800-MIS-USED) Office of Inspector General U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-1500 Email: oig.hotline@ed.gov Web: www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oig/hotline.html

For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@bhc.edu. Quad-Cities Campus Monday-Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday- Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Building 1, Room 230 309-796-5400

East Campus Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Building A, Room 246 309-854-1708

Please visit the Black Hawk College website for more information on:  Types of aid and how to apply – www.bhc.edu/applyforaid  Award information – www.bhc.edu/awardinformation  Veteran benefits – www.bhc.edu/veterans  Academic Progress Policy to remain eligible for aid – www.bhc.edu/academicprogresspolicy  Financial Aid Policies due to federal requirements – www.bhc.edu/financialaidpolicies

Refund and Payment Policy (Return of Title IV Funds) The purpose of this policy is to ensure that a BHC student who receives federal and state financial aid understands the requirements of the Higher Education Act of 1998, CFR 668.22. Under this regulation, a BHC student who stops attending or withdraws completely from all full-term classes within a semester may receive Title IV financial aid equal to the percentage of the payment period or enrollment period completed. Completion of a module course does not prevent a student from being subject to the Return of Title IV calculation. For example, a student completes 30 days’ worth of classes in a fall semester consisting of 120 days. The regulation requires that the student is eligible to receive only the Title IV financial aid earned, or 30 days’ worth. By dividing the number of days attended by the total number of days in the semester, the student has earned 25% of the awarded Title IV financial aid. Dropping a course after the 10th day of classes will result in a W grade on the student’s transcript. The W does not hurt GPA, but it does affect the student’s completion rate.

Repeated Coursework Policy Federal financial aid regulations limit the number of times a student may repeat a course and receive federal financial aid for that course. Once a passing grade is received, the student may receive federal financial aid for only one repeat of that course. Failing grades include F, I, X and W. Passing grades include A, B, C, D or P. The regulations do not affect Black Hawk College’s policies regarding whether a student may retake coursework, including repeating courses to achieve a higher grade. The regulations only apply for federal and state financial aid for the purpose of determining financial aid enrollment.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Students receiving federal and state financial aid must maintain acceptable academic progress. Students must successfully complete 67% of the hours attempted. Students must also meet a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) requirement. If the required credit hours are not completed or the cumulative grade point average is not met, students will be placed on financial aid warning for one semester. Financial aid can be received while on warning. Students who do not meet the academic progress requirements during their warning semester will be placed on financial aid dismissal and will not be eligible for financial aid. Students have a maximum 96 attempted hours to earn an associate degree or 48 attempted hours for a certificate program. 12

For specific information about Financial Aid Academic Progress requirements, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Verification Policies and Procedures Verification is the process of checking accuracy of the information a student provides when he/she applies for Federal Student Aid. Applicants selected for verification are notified on their Student Aid Report (SAR) that they will be required to submit certain financial documents to the school. Black Hawk College will send applicants a Request Letter and update the “Requirements” Section of the Financial Aid page of myBlackHawk. If a student’s file is chosen for verification by the Department of Education or BHC Financial Aid Office, he/she will not be awarded aid until all required documents are received. The Financial Aid Office may require an official copy of a student’s high school diploma for proof of receipt and validity.

Student Academic Privileges Academic Dishonesty Policy At the beginning of the semester, each faculty member is encouraged to inform students about the College policy on academic dishonesty found in the Student Handbook. Each student bears the ultimate responsibility for being aware of the College policy, regardless of whether or not the faculty member has provided this information. Since it is the faculty member’s responsibility to assign grades, it is also his or her prerogative to determine what constitutes cheating or plagiarism in his or her classes. The faculty member determines the consequences for cheating or plagiarism. For example, if a student cheats or plagiarizes on a “minor” assignment or test, a faculty member could assign a grade of “F” for that paper or test. If the student cheats again, he or she could receive an “F” or “X” for the course. If a student cheats or plagiarizes on a “major” assignment or test, a faculty member will often assign an “F” or “X” for the course. Faculty members are encouraged to follow the Academic Dishonesty Policy as described below. Definition of Cheating Cheating can include, but is not limited to:  Using or attempting to use any unauthorized materials (notes, photocopies, printouts, etc.) during any academic exercises (quizzes, exams, etc.);  Assisting another student during quizzes, exams, etc., without authorization;  Copying another student’s work;  Stealing or surreptitiously obtaining copies of exams, quizzes, etc., prior to their administration;  Submitting another student’s work under one’s own name;  Misrepresenting or falsifying one’s identity during exams; and  Plagiarizing (see below). Definition of Plagiarism Plagiarism may take any one of the three forms:  Passing off words and/or images of another as one’s own.  Passing off the ideas of another as one’s own.  Using the original organization scheme or plot of another as one’s own. Any of the above can include, but are not limited to, the following:  Submitting another student’s work (papers, exams, etc.) as one’s own;  Submitting papers, exams, etc., found on the internet as one’s own;  Including portions of published materials, regardless of the source, in one’s work without proper documentation; 13

 

Submitting other’s creative works as one’s own; and Using electronic devices to cheat or to plagiarize as described above.

Academic Dishonesty Procedure A faculty member who suspects a student of cheating or plagiarism will first fill out the Academic Dishonesty form then discuss the charge(s) with the student. The faculty will then ask the student to fill out the student portion of the form and to sign as to whether he/she agrees with the charge. The form will then be sent to the Dean of Student Services for processing and potential formal code of conduct charges. If the student does not respond to the meeting request, the student is considered to have admitted guilt by absence. If the student denies the offense or if there is any lack of resolution, the faculty member will contact the Department Chair with information/evidence regarding the situation. Then the student and faculty member will meet with the Department Chair to work toward resolution. If the student still denies the offense or if there is any lack of resolution, the faculty member will send information regarding the issue to the Dean of Student Services, and the Dean will convene the Student Disciplinary Committee. On the Quad-Cities Campus, the Student Disciplinary Committee will be chaired by the Dean of Student Services (or designee) and will consist of the Department Chair, the Dean of the program (or designee), a faculty member assigned by the Quad-Cities Campus Faculty Senate President, and the Student Government Association President (or designee). On the East Campus, the committee will be chaired by the Dean of Student Services (or designee) and will consist of the East Campus Faculty Senate President (or designee), the Department Chair, a faculty member assigned by the East Campus Faculty Senate President, and the Student Government Association President (or designee). After examining the responses from the involved parties, the Student Disciplinary Committee will determine if the student is guilty as charged. The decision by the Student Disciplinary Committee is final. a) If the student is found guilty as charged, the faculty member makes a decision (see the Academic Dishonesty Process flowchart in Appendix D). The student will receive a disciplinary penalty determined by the faculty member and defined by the Academic Dishonesty Policy. b) If the student is found not guilty, the charge will be dismissed. The Dean of Student Services will retain a file of the proceedings. See the Academic Dishonesty Process flowchart (Appendix D).

Academic Dishonesty Policy for Repeat Offenders 1. In a suspected incident of academic dishonesty, the involved parties should follow the Black Hawk College Academic Dishonesty Policy. The final report of academic dishonesty is filed in the office of the Dean of Student Services. 2. The office of the Dean of Student Services will check the records of documented academic dishonesty to determine if the reported incident is a repeat offense. 3. In the case of a repeat offense, the involved student will be notified by the office of the Dean of Student Services in a certified letter. The office of Dean of Student Services will convene the Student Disciplinary Committee following the Student Code of Conduct policies. The Student Disciplinary Committee will examine the incident. 4. The Student Disciplinary Committee will solicit responses from the involved faculty member(s). The involved student should respond to the certified letter within ten (10) days after receiving it, by addressing the Student Disciplinary Committee in person and/or in writing. Failure to address the Student Disciplinary Committee is considered admitting guilt by absence. 5. After examining the responses from the involved parties, the Student Disciplinary Committee will determine if the student is guilty as charged. a) If the student is found guilty as charged, she or he will receive disciplinary actions defined by the Student Code of Conduct, which may include academic probation, academic suspension, or dismissal from the College. b) If the student is found not guilty, the charge will be dismissed. 14

The decision by the Student Disciplinary Committee is final. The office of the Dean of Student Services will retain a file of the proceedings.

Academic Forgiveness Policy Academic forgiveness is a policy designed for a student with a history of poor grades who has been away from Black Hawk College for at least four years since the end of the semester for which academic forgiveness is being requested. This request is limited to two consecutive semesters and is only allowed one time throughout the student’s academic career at Black Hawk College. The student must be currently enrolled and must have accumulated 12 credit hours with a 2.5 GPA or higher to apply for academic forgiveness. Forgiven grades will remain on the student’s official record but will not be included in the institutional GPA. It should be noted that these grades will continue to be calculated for financial aid status. The student should check with any transfer institution regarding how the receiving institution will calculate the forgiven grades.

Academic Progress Policy To maintain continuing enrollment at the College, a student will be subject to this policy once he/she has attempted 12 credit hours at Black Hawk College. A student will be placed on academic warning if his/her BHC cumulative grade point average (all work completed at Black Hawk College) falls below 2.0 GPA. Academic warning means that the student is being warned of failure to make sufficient academic progress as defined by the policy. The student may continue to enroll while on academic warning, but will need to meet with an educational advisor to create a plan for success. After being placed on academic warning, the student must bring the overall GPA to 2.0. If the student’s cumulative GPA does not reach 2.0 the following semester, the student will be placed on academic probation. Again, the student will need to continue to meet with an educational advisor before enrolling. When on academic probation, the student must earn a term GPA of 2.0 or above each semester. If the student’s term GPA falls below 2.0, the student will be placed on academic suspension. Academic suspension means a student will not be allowed to re-enroll at Black Hawk College for at least one full semester (fall or spring). After not attending for a full semester, the student may be readmitted on a probationary status and must maintain a term GPA of 2.0 or higher until his or her cumulative GPA reaches 2.0 or above. If a student is suspended a second time, the student may not return for one full year. Students may appeal Black Hawk College academic suspension by submitting a written appeal to the Registrar explaining circumstances and plans for insuring academic success. Details on the appeal process will be sent via email to the student’s BHC email account, after they are placed on academic suspension. An Academic Appeals Committee will consider student requests and make final decisions. For detailed information, see Enrollment Services.

Attendance Regular class attendance is an essential component of academic success. Regular classroom attendance is required for students to be able to participate fully in discussion and laboratory sessions, and to seek clarification concerning newly presented materials. The attendance policy of each instructor is included in the course syllabus distributed by the instructor on the first day of class. Compliance with each instructor’s attendance policy is the student’s responsibility. An instructor’s attendance policy may go into effect with the first class meeting of the course. Makeup work or work submitted late due to absence (including an instructor’s decision to award less than full credit for work submitted late) will be handled at the discretion of the instructor in accordance with the course syllabus. 15

Excessive absences may prevent a student from successfully completing a course. Students should seek advice from the instructor or advisor to determine if withdrawal from the course is required. It is the responsibility of the student to officially withdraw from the course. Students who must be absent due to prolonged illness or extended emergency should notify their instructor(s) immediately to determine a plan of action appropriate to the situation.

Developmental Education Developmental education courses build academic skills in writing, reading, and math and may be required for one or more areas. The College faculty has identified prerequisite skills needed for college-credit courses. Students must take the developmental education course if their placement test scores indicate such course placement. Placements are mandatory for developmental writing, reading, and math courses. It is to the student’s advantage to complete developmental education courses within the first year of college. Students who test into one or more developmental courses must meet with an academic advisor to develop their course schedules. Although credits earned through developmental education coursework do not count toward graduation or transfer to other colleges and universities, developmental education courses are eligible for financial aid and can be used as credits to reach full-time student status.

Calculating the GPA The grade point average is the numerical average that indicates how well a student has done in college-level classes. At Black Hawk College, the GPA is based upon a four-point scale ranging from 0 to 4. It is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the number of credit hours the student has completed in one semester. A cumulative grade point average includes all college-level courses a student has attempted. *Note: Developmental courses (courses numbered below 100) are not included in the GPA.

Grades and the Grading System Students may access their grades online using myBlackHawk. Grading System: Letter Grades A – Excellent B – Good C – Average D – Poor F – Failure

Grade Point Value 4 3 2 1 0

P – The P grade represents passing with full credit. P is an optional grade that can be used if a faculty member chooses to do so. Credit is granted for a P but has no effect on the grade point average. X – The X grade represents no grade judgment. I – Incomplete. The grade I indicates work was not completed because of reasons considered appropriate by the faculty. Work must be completed within the time limit established by the instructor from one day to one semester. Internships may be extended two semesters beyond original due date at the discretion of faculty. W – Withdraw. If a student withdraws after the drop/add period of the class, the grade W will appear on the student’s transcripts. The W grade does not affect the grade point average but does factor into financial aid eligibility. T – Transfer credits for courses, military experience, CLEP tests and Advanced Placement tests. Students must have an official transcript sent to the College and then submit a request form to have credits evaluated. 16

Incomplete An Incomplete is granted in cases where a student has not completed the required work by the end of the semester because of illness, accident, death or serious illness in the immediate family, military personnel recalled for active duty, or a reason that is considered verified and appropriate by the instructor. The faculty member is solely responsible for determining whether or not the Incomplete is justified and for making an evaluation of the work by the student who has been given an Incomplete. If a grade change in question is an “I” or “Incomplete” (which is not a final grade), the student must follow the following procedures:  The student must, in writing, arrange with the course faculty member to fulfill the appropriate course requirements. Incompletes may be given for work not completed because of reasons considered appropriate by the faculty member.  Students may have up to the end of the following semester to complete the course requirements. The end of the following semester excludes summer session.  For incompletes involving internships, the timeframe to complete the internship process will be extended to the end of the following semester from the original deadline when all activities/paperwork were initially due.  If, during the course of the following semester, the student determines that he/she is unable to satisfy the requirements of the course, he/she may request consideration for a withdrawal (“W”). The decision is at the discretion of the faculty member.  If, at the end of the following semester, the course requirements remain unsatisfied, the “I” will automatically change to an “F” or an “X” grade, depending upon the grading system used by the course in question.

Mid-Semester Grades Faculty members are encouraged to keep students informed as to their progress in the course. Mid-semester grades are not reported or recorded on a student’s transcript.

Religious Observance Policy The University Religious Observances Act (110 ILCS 110) prohibits public institutions of higher education from discriminating against students for observing religious holidays in regard to admissions, class attendance, scheduling of examinations and work. In order to benefit from reasonable accommodations, students must notify their instructor “well in advance” of any absence for religious reasons. Absence from classes or examinations for religious observance does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of absence. Students who believe that they may not have been reasonably accommodated should contact the instructor of the class or the department chair. If the issue is not resolved at the department level, students may seek redress through the Academic Appeal procedure.

Repeat Enrollment After Two Failed Attempts – If a student fails the same class twice, the student will be required to meet with BHC’s retention specialist (or their designee) prior to being allowed to reregister for subsequent attempts. The student will be required to follow all recommendations of the retention specialist as a requirement for continued enrollment. This could include meeting with the counseling center, student success center, tutoring office, etc. Should the student fail to meet the conditions set, the student may be removed from the class and with no tuition refund entitlement.

Student Services and Resources Academic Advising The professional educational advisor is the student’s personal contact with Black Hawk College and is available to assist them in developing a program of study which is enriching and purposeful based on their needs, abilities and 17

interests. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their advisor each semester. Frequent advisor contact will help ensure that students have current academic information and are making adequate progress toward educational goals. The advisor will help students develop or revise their academic plans. Advisors offer assistance to both currently enrolled and prospective students on a year-round basis.

ACE Credit The American Council on Education (ACE) is the United States’ largest higher education organization. A service that ACE provides for many institutions and organizations is the evaluation of training and experiences for college credit, which are then documented on an ACE transcript. ACE works under contract with the Department of Defense and also provides military evaluations. Any ACE recommended credit for military training and experiences may be found on a student’s ACE transcript. Please contact the Registrar for the awarding of ACE credit at Black Hawk College.

Bookstores Both bookstores are open extended hours at the beginning of each semester to assist students with all of their textbook and school supply needs. For more information, visit www.bhc.edu/bookstore or call:  East Campus: 309-854-1716  Quad-Cities Campus (Hawk’s Hub): 309-796-5500

Campus Clubs/Organizations Students can participate in a wide variety of clubs and organizations based on their interests. Participating is a great way to enhance their academic experience and meet new friends. For more information, visit www.bhc.edu/studentlife. Participation in student clubs and organizations are restricted to students who are enrolled in a minimum of three credit hours who are working toward a certificate or associates degree. All officers of the club/organization must be enrolled a minimum of six semester hours, except for those clubs/organizations that are based on certificate programs of study. Membership is controlled by the club/organization’s official bylaws.

Campus Security – Black Hawk College Police Department The BHC Police Department’s highest priority is to provide for the protection and safety of students, employees and college visitors. BHC officers have full police officer powers of arrest. To review the Campus Security Authority Report, the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report or emergency response information, go to www.bhc.edu/police or visit one of the campus locations:  Quad-Cities Campus – Building 3, Room 315, 309-796-5913  East Campus – Building 3, Room 101, 309-854-1784

Career Services Black Hawk College offers a wide array of free career services to all BHC students, alumni and community members in job and career areas, such as career assessments, the College Central website, résumé and cover letter writing assistance, online job searches, interviewing skills, distance and phone interviews, social media, creating a government résumé, career advising and career research. To schedule a career assessment, or to request a mock interview or assistance with a government résumé, call the Career Services Center at the Quad-Cities Campus at 309-796-5626 or email crcstudent@bhc.edu. All other services are available on a walk-in basis. All new students are automatically registered on the College Central website using their ID number for their login. Students may upload a résumé to the site, send it to employers and receive valuable job search information directly from College Central. Students who are interested in work-study positions on campus must apply through College Central at www.collegecentral.com/bhc. For additional assistance, stop by the Career Services Center (at the QuadCities Campus in Building 1, Room 220), call 309-796-5626 or email crcstudent@bhc.edu.

Clearinghouse Self-Service For Black Hawk College (BHC) students enrolled on or after the Fall 2014 semester. BHC students can access the new Clearinghouse Self-Service by logging in to myBlackHawk, navigating under the Academic tab, and clicking the large magnifying glass next to the text for Clearinghouse Self-Service. The icon appears like this:

Students will be able to complete the following tasks any time of day using the Self-Service:  Print enrollment verification certificates.  Find out when deferment notices were sent to your student lenders.  View enrollment history.  View the proofs of enrollment sent on the student’s behalf to student service providers.  Get a list of the student’s loan holders, if available.  Order or track a BHC transcript. Students who attended BHC on or after the Fall 2014 semester will be able to utilize the Clearinghouse SelfService. Students who attended prior to that semester will need to request these services using separate form submissions. This is because BHC started loading in student ID numbers (900 numbers) in Fall 2014, allowing student records to be more easily matched and tracked. BHC students cannot obtain a good student certificate using Clearinghouse Self-Service. At this time, Black Hawk College is not reporting good student designations to the Clearinghouse, so the good student certifications will continue to be requested in the Enrollment Services Office.

Commencement Commencement ceremonies are conducted at the end of the spring semester. All fall, spring and summer graduate candidates are invited to participate. Timelines for completing graduation applications, ordering caps and gowns, and attending commencement ceremonies are available at www.bhc.edu/graduation or from Enrollment Services at either campus.

Counseling Services The Counseling Department is a partner in the educational process that strives to integrate the intellectual, psychological, cultural and social development of students in the context of the Black Hawk College vision, mission and core values. The Counseling Department is committed to minimizing educational barriers, enhancing learning activities and assisting students in exploring and identifying goals in order to achieve success. Harassment is one example of the types of services the college can assist with. Other concerns include but are not limited to: addictions, anxiety, depression, sexual assault, suicidal thoughts, etc. These issues can be hard to handle and may affect work or academic life. Counseling services are available from Counseling Department. Call 309796-5199 or email counseling@bhc.edu.

Credit Hours Courses taken in college are measured in terms of credit hours. Laboratory classes will require more class time per credit hour. Typical college classes are three credit hours, but classes can range from one credit hour or more.

Degree Programs, Training and Other Education Offered Information regarding classes and programs is available in Advising Center at the Quad-Cities Campus and the East Campus and online at:  Credit degree and certification programs: www.bhc.edu/programs  Non-credit and continuing education programs: www.bhc.edu/continuing-education 19

Disability Services Black Hawk College is committed to making its services, programs and activities equally available to people with disabilities. Disability Services staff provide assistance to students with a wide range of disabilities including hearing loss, vision loss, mobility disabilities, learning disabilities, chronic health disabilities, ADHD/ADD and others. Examples of services to students include note-taking assistance, screen-readers, test accommodations, computer-assistive technology, adaptive equipment and sign language interpreters. Appropriate accommodations are identified on an individual basis. It is the student’s responsibility to self-identify to Disability Services staff and provide documentation of disability. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to complete this first step as early as possible before the start of the semester. Students who have a mobility disability and use the elevators at Black Hawk College may want to sign up with Disability Services to receive notification if the elevators are down or if there is a power outage at the college. Students provide Disability Services with their current schedule and a cell phone number. If there is an outage or elevator down, the office will attempt to notify students in a timely manner. For information regarding accommodations, contact Disability Services at the Quad-Cities Campus at 309-7965900 or dso.qc@bhc.edu at the East Campus at 309-854-1713 or dso.ec@bhc.edu or visit www.bhc.edu/disability.

Early Alert Program The purpose of the Early Alert Program is to alert college staff about students who are facing academic difficulty early in the semester. Early Alerts are notifications an instructor submits when there is a concern about a student’s performance in class. If a student receives an Early Alert contact from a designated staff member, the staff member will provide insight so the student can take the steps necessary to be successful in his/her course(s). To find out more about the Early Alert Program or campus resources, email kochj@bhc.edu or call 309-796-5177.

Emergency Notification Faculty, staff and students may register to receive emergency alerts by phone, email or text. To sign up, log into myBlackHawk. Under the Home tab, look for Emergency Notification and follow the on-screen instructions.

Faculty Office Hours Full-time faculty members are available to assist students with the development of an academic program including course selection and degree requirements. Office hours are designed to provide students with access to faculty to discuss concerns or obtain academic advising. Full-time faculty members post their office hours for classes, conferences and advising sessions outside their office door and in their course syllabi. Full-time faculty members (and many part-time faculty members) also have voicemail that allows students to leave phone messages. Most full-time faculty members list their campus phone extension and email address in their course syllabi. On-campus contact information for full-time and part-time faculty members is available at www.bhc.edu/directory.

Independent Learning Center (ILC) Quad-Cities Campus – The Quad-Cities Campus ILC in the lower level of Building 1 provides students with academic support services for instructional programs. A variety of multimedia instructional materials are available. The ILC also has computer labs, a computerized testing center and a testing room. East Campus – The East Campus ILC provides test proctoring services for Study Unlimited and Going the Distance courses, makeup tests for instructors, online testing, arranged testing for other educational institutions and placement testing. The East Campus ILC is located in Building A, Room 239.

International/ESL Students (Quad-Cities Campus) The ESL/International Office provides help and social support for BHC students who come from other countries. The office helps students with job searches and special services in the community and refers students to other offices as needed. Students in the ESL program have access to special tutoring services in the ESL lab. Students receive help working through their online classes as well as special websites for additional practice with English. All ESL students are required take the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency before being placed in ESL or academic level classes. Students must meet with the ESL Program Coordinator to receive a permission slip to take the test in the ILC Testing Room. The test takes two and a half hours. It has three parts:  Listening – 30 minutes  Grammar/Vocabulary/Reading – 75 minutes  Composition – 30 minutes The advisors for the International Student Association (ISA) and the African Student Association (ASA) are located in the ESL/International Office. Any student interested in participating in these clubs should visit the office to meet current club members and advisors. ESL/International Office: Quad-Cities Campus, Building 1, lower level  International Student Program Coordinator: 309-796-5186  English as a Second Language Program Coordinator: 309-796-5183

Library The Black Hawk College libraries are full-service facilities staffed by personnel who are committed to serving students. Librarians are available to consult with students on an individual basis as well as in small groups. Students need a barcoded library card to borrow and place holds on library materials. The card application process begins at the circulation desk at each campus library. Black Hawk College library resources include print and online books, databases for magazine, journal and newspaper articles, and research tools to prepare information-based assignments. Access to these resources is provided 24/7 at www.bhc.edu/library and does require authentication from off-campus locations. Students need their myBlackHawk username and password to log in. Other library resources and services:  Study tables, carrels and rooms  Scanning/printing equipment  Local newspapers  Reserve materials  Interlibrary loan

Locations Quad-Cities Campus 6600 34th Avenue, Moline, IL 61265 309-796-5000 Outreach Center 301 Avenue of the Cities, East Moline, IL 61244 309-796-8200 Adult Learning Center 4610 Blackhawk Commons Drive, Rock Island, IL 61201 309-794-1072

East Campus 26230 Black Hawk Road, Galva, IL 61434 (5 miles south of Kewanee) 309-854-1700 Community Education Center 404 E. Third St., Kewanee, IL 61443 309-854-1875 Welding & Skilled Trades Center 520 E. Third St., Kewanee, IL 61443

Lost and Found Lost and Found is located at the BHC Police Department. Anyone who has lost an item of value, such as a watch, eyeglasses or a calculator, should check with the police department (Quad-Cities Campus in Building 3, Room 315, East Campus in Building 3, Room 101).

Military Students and Veterans Resource Center (Quad-Cities Campus) Black Hawk College is committed to helping our military and veteran students and their families. The Military Students and Veterans Resource Center was created to provide military students and veterans with a safe and comfortable space to relax and meet other veterans, complete assignments, study in a quiet space, play games or get answers to questions or concerns. The center is centrally located in Building 4, Room 117 and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Hours may be flexible to provide greater availability as needed. Questions? Contact the Coordinator of Career Services and Military Point of Contact at 309-796-5191 or 309-796-5838 or email msvcstudent@bhc.edu.

Mother’s Nursing Room A secluded Mother’s Nursing Room has been established at both the Quad-Cities Campus and the East Campus. The lactation rooms were created to reduce barriers to breastfeeding mothers by enabling them to breastfeed their child or pump expressed milk for later use once they physically return to school or work. Quad-Cities Campus: For access and reservations, please visit the library circulation desk in Building 1. East Campus: For access and reservations, please visit the Advising/Financial Aid Center in Building A, Room 246.

Parking and Traffic Information A parking permit is required for ALL parking lots at both campuses. Student parking is marked with white stall lines. A parking permit costs $25 per semester. Summers and minimesters are free. Dual credit students will need a temporary parking permit that will be provided for free. To purchase a parking permit, visit the BHC Police Department at either campus, the Bursar’s Office at the Quad-Cities Campus, or Enrollment Services at the East Campus. Students using financial aid to pay for their parking permit can obtain a voucher at the Hawk’s Hub or the East Campus Bookstore. Guests can request a temporary parking permit from the BHC Police Department. Guests may also park for short periods of time in designated “Visitors Parking.” Accessible parking and entrances are marked at all campuses. Questions? Contact the Disability Services Coordinator at the Quad-Cities Campus at 309-796-5900 or at the East Campus at 309-854-1713. All parking areas are designated with curb markings and line colors as follows: Red – Designated parking. Special permit required. White – Students – Student parking permit must be displayed at all times at both campuses. Yellow – Employee – Employee tag must be displayed at all times at both campuses.      

Parking between the colored lines in designated lots is required. Parking in all other areas is restricted and violators will be ticketed. Parking on campus drives is prohibited at all times. Parking on service roads or in service areas is prohibited at all times. Unattended vehicles parked in unauthorized areas will be ticketed and/or towed. Parking on the grass is prohibited at all times. Parking in fire lanes is prohibited at all times.

1. Student Parking – Students must park in parking lots with the white-lined stalls. 2. Motorcycle Parking – Motorcycles should be parked on the concrete motorcycle pads at the ends of the parking lanes. 3. Faculty and Staff Parking – Faculty and staff have reserved areas designated with yellow-lined stalls. 4. Special Parking Needs – Handicap parking requires a valid state-issued handicap license plate or a valid state-issued hangtag. 5. Fines – Black Hawk College fines shall be payable directly to Black Hawk College. a. All state violations carry a minimum $100 fine, including court costs, and are payable to the appropriate court jurisdiction authority. b. Parking fines range from $10 or $500 depending upon the type of violation. Failure of the vehicle owner to find a ticket on his/her vehicle will not invalidate fine. 6. Impound Policy of the Black Hawk College Police Department – Non-payment of fines will result in the impoundment of the violator’s vehicle. To be released from impoundment, the violator must pay all past due tickets and a $10 impound fee. 7. Speed Limit – The speed limit on the Quad-Cities Campus drives is 25 mph. The speed limit in college parking lots is 15 mph unless indicated otherwise. The speed limit on all East Campus drives is 20 mph. 8. Observance of Traffic Laws – All state and municipal laws pertaining to ownership and operation of a motor vehicle must be observed. 9. Abandoned or Stored Vehicles – No personal vehicle may be abandoned or stored on College property. Any vehicle left on College property will be turned over for disposal as an abandoned vehicle after 48 hours. Vehicles presenting a traffic hazard will be towed immediately. 10. Ticket Appeals – All appeals must be in writing and must be initiated within seven days after the ticket is issued. Any person failing to file an appeal within the seven-day period will automatically be assessed the applicable fine. All appeals must be submitted to the BHC Police Department at either campus. 11. Miscellaneous – a. Lack of parking spaces will not constitute a valid excuse for violating parking regulations. b. All persons will comply with any lawful order or directions given by a campus police officer while on duty. c. Black Hawk College assumes no responsibility or liability for any private vehicle operated or parked on its campus.

Perkins Student Support Services (career and technical students) Any student enrolled in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at Black Hawk College (AAS, ADN or certificate) is eligible to receive assistance from the Perkins program/staff. Students in special populations (as defined by the Federal Perkins Grant) may be eligible for additional assistance. Those populations are – displaced homemaker, single parent, person with a disability, nontraditional occupation student (enrolled in a career not traditional for your gender), economically disadvantaged (Pell grant-eligible), English as a Second Language student, or academically disadvantaged (currently or previously enrolled in a development course). The following services are available to any student enrolled in a CTE program:  Academic advising  Career exploration and advising using Career Cruising and other sources  Referrals to community resources  Tutors and study group leaders for students in career  Academic skills (study skills, time management) workshops  Accommodations assistance Additionally, laptop loans for the semester are available to students in special populations on a first-come basis. The CTE dual credit coordinator provides support and transition services to any high school student enrolled in a CTE dual credit program at his/her high school. For more information about CTE dual credit, call 309-796-5160. For more information about Perkins Student Support Services, call 309-796-5133. 23

Safety Tips for the BHC Community Students should lock their cars at all times and park as close to the college as possible after dark. Do not leave cellphones, music devices, valuables, books or school bags laying around unattended. When using the fitness center, gym or pool, lock items in a locker. If items are missing, file a report with the BHC Police Department. Students should be aware of their surroundings, especially after dark. In case of emergency, students should dial 911 or go to the BHC Police Department. Quad-Cities Campus Building 3, Room 315 6600 34th Ave. Moline, IL 61265 309-796-5913 Fax: 309-792-5836

East Campus Building 3, Room 101 26230 Black Hawk Road Galva, IL 61434 309-854-1784 Fax: 309-856-8502

Sex Offender Registration requires schools to make information about sex offenders is available to the public. The sex offender information is available at www.isp.state.il.us/sor.

School Cancellation or Dismissal Due to Weather Black Hawk College rarely closes as a result of inclement weather, and its cancellation policies do NOT follow those of local school districts. For instance, Quad-City area schools might be closed and the college might remain open. BHC cancellation or dismissal due to weather announcements are made over a wide variety of television and radio channels, on the college website, and by voice, text and email send to students and employees signed up for the Emergency Notification System. To sign up, log into myBlackHawk. Under the Home tab, look for Emergency Notification and follow the on-screen instructions. Late Starts – Announcements may also be made calling for a late start. Check the college website for details during a late start. Each class will be shortened, and BHC periods may be canceled. There may be a situation where day classes are held but night classes are not. Decisions about Inclement Weather – BHC students may live far away from the college or in rural areas. Even if the college does not close, students make the ultimate decision about attending school. Students will need to contact their instructor(s) about the possibility of making up any due assignments. Students also may want to check their class webpage site for the possibility of their instructor canceling his/her class. Instructors may live in a rural area and unable to drive out of their driveway or down their county road.

Service Animals ADA Definition Any guide or signal dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability, and the work is directly related to the individual’s disability. An animal fitting this description is considered a service animal under the ADA regardless of whether the animal is trained under a certified society or is licensed by state or local government. In addition to provisions for service dogs, revised ADA regulations have new, separate provision about miniature horses that have been trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. (Miniature horses generally range in height from 24-34 inches measured at the shoulders and generally weigh between 70-100 pounds). The following are examples of how service animals commonly assist individuals with disabilities:  Guiding individuals who are blind.  Alerting individuals with hearing loss.  Pulling a wheelchair for a person with a physical or mobility disability.  Fetching items, or turning on/off light switches.  Alerting others or standing guard over a person during a seizure.  Calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack. 24

The ADA also stipulates that service animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal or other effective controls. Responsibilities Handlers (STUDENTS ONLY) 1. Handlers are responsible for complying with the county and city ordinances for animal rights and owner responsibilities, including displaying tags documenting their service animals are vaccinated. 2. The Disability Services Office and units of campus, are not responsible for the costs of care necessary for a service animal’s well-being. The arrangements and responsibilities with the care of a service animal are the sole responsibility of their handler at all times. 3. It is suggested that service animals wear a leash or harness and identification (e.g., ID tag) while on campus. 4. Handlers must be in full control of their service animal at all times. 5. Handlers may be asked to leave an area if a class is in session and handlers are not registered for that class (e.g., horse arena, gym, etc.) College Community The college community: 1. Must allow service animals to accompany their handlers at all times and everywhere on campus, except for places where there is a health, environmental or safety hazard. 2. Should contact DSO if any questions or concerns arise relating to service animals. 3. Should report any service animals who misbehave or any handlers who mistreat their service animals. Disability Services Office (Office responsible for providing services to students with disabilities): 1. Develops the necessary policies and procedures for the college regarding service animals. 2. Assists the college community when questions or concerns arise relating to service animals on campus and seeks legal advice when necessary. Emotional support animals are not pets. An emotional support animal is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefit to an individual with a mental or psychiatric disability. The person seeking the emotional support animal must have a verifiable disability (the reason cannot just be a need for companionship). In other words, just as a wheelchair provides a person with a physical limitation the equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling, an emotional support animal provides a person with a mental or psychiatric disability the same opportunity to live independently. Most times, an emotional support animal will be seen as a reasonable accommodation for a person with such a disability. The difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal: Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. These tasks can include things like pulling a wheelchair, guiding a person who is visually impaired, alerting a person who is having a seizure, or even calming a person who suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The tasks a service dog can perform are not limited to this list. However, the work or task a service dog does must be directly related to the person’s disability. Service dogs may accompany persons with disabilities into places that the public normally goes. This includes state and local government buildings, businesses open to the public, public transportation, and non-profit organizations open to the public. The law that allows a trained service dog to accompany a person with a disability is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). An emotional support animal is an animal (typically a dog or cat, although this can include other species) that provides a therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship. The animal provides emotional support and comfort to individuals with psychiatric disabilities and other mental impairments. The animal is not specifically trained to perform tasks for a person who suffers from emotional disabilities. Unlike a service animal, an emotional support animal is not granted access to places of public accommodation. 25

NOTE – If another student (in class) or a faculty member has a severe allergy around animal dander, the final determination regarding how to manage the situation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Disability Services Office for further information if a situation of this nature occurs.

Student Activities For more information about the Student Government Association (East Campus), the Student Government Association (Quad-Cities Campus), college honor societies, clubs and organizations, or to inquire about student activities, visit www.bhc.edu/studentlife.

Student Government Association (East Campus) The Student Government Association (SGA) is the officially recognized student governance body for the East Campus. It is composed of up to 14 representatives (seven freshman and seven sophomores) plus four executive officers. Any BHC student has the opportunity to become an SGA member. Executive officers are nominated and elected by the current SGA Representatives during the fall academic semester. For more information, visit www.bhc.edu/sgaeast.

Student Government Association (Quad-Cities Campus) The Student Government Association (SGA) is the officially recognized student governance body for the QuadCities Campus. It is composed of 14 senators, including executive officers, and the opportunity to be a part of one or more of the three standing committees: Activities, Volunteerism and Governing, as well as other committees, such as the Inter-Club Council Committee. Senators are appointed by the outgoing Senate once a year through an application and interview process. For more information, visit www.bhc.edu/sgaqc.

Student Success & Tutoring Center Tutoring services are available to Black Hawk College students free of charge. The college offers face-to-face individual and group tutoring, open lab tutoring, and free online tutoring 24/7 from Tutor.com (accessible directly from students’ Canvas accounts via myBlackHawk). Walk-in hours for tutoring at the Quad-Cities Campus during the fall and spring semesters are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Available walk-in subjects include math, writing, and computer science, among others. Tutoring is also available before and after walk-in hours by advanced scheduled appointments for a wider variety subjects including psychology, philosophy, history, accounting, economics, chemistry, biology, Spanish, and more. (Dependent upon tutor availability.) To schedule a tutor appointment, stop by to fill out a request form, call 309-796-5138, or email tutoring@bhc.edu. The Student Success & Tutoring Center is located at the Quad-Cities Campus in Building 1, Room 100 (below the library). Additional science tutoring is available in Building 2, Room 210. The East Campus Tutoring Center is located in Building A, Room 234 next to the library. For further information, visit www.bhc.edu/tutoring.

Transcripts The Office of the Registrar will issue official transcripts of a student’s academic record, including courses, grades, GPA and degree, upon request of the student. To order an official BHC transcript in person, visit the Enrollment Services Office. While transcripts may be printed upon request, students may be required to wait a short period of time while the request is processed and printed. The cost is $6, and the Bursar’s Office will accept cash or check. Black Hawk College has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide transcript ordering via the web. There is a $6 fee for the transcript order and can be paid with a major credit or debit card when placing the order. The card will only be charged after the request is complete.

To order an official BHC transcript online:  Log in to the Clearinghouse secure site at https://secure.studentclearinghouse.org/tsorder/faces/TranscriptOrder  The site will go through placing the order, including delivery options and fees. Students can order as many transcripts as they like in a single session. A processing fee will be charged per recipient.  Order updates will be emailed. Track your order online.  A major credit card or debit card is required. If you don’t have a major credit card, you may purchase a prepaid Visa. When you place your online transcript request remember that all requests will be filled in the order in which they are received the next business day following a closed holiday. To update your address in our student database, email the change to registrar@bhc.edu from your myBlackHawk (mymail.bhc.edu) email address.

Transportation MetroLINK Bus Pass (Quad-Cities Campus) – Students may use their Black Hawk College ID to ride the bus to school, work, shopping, day care, etc. at no cost. Students simply show their Black Hawk College ID to the bus driver. Students who lose their Black Hawk College ID should go to the Bursar’s Office to fill out the paperwork to get a new one. It takes approximately two (2) weeks to receive the replacement ID. For a temporary replacement bus pass, contact the Dean of Student Services at 309-796-5041.

TRiO Student Support Services The TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) program provides individualized guidance and comprehensive academic support to students admitted into the program. Participants are afforded the opportunity to meet with the same TRiO Academic Counselor for the duration of their time as Black Hawk College students. This personalized approach allows participants a more coherent and holistic experience in navigating the various obstacles involved in learning how to succeed at the college level, as well as developing the necessary skills to better achieve their academic, career and personal goals. Specific services provided to students in the program include holistic academic advising and in-depth transfer planning, major and career exploration, academic success coaching and mentoring, help navigating financial obstacles, financial aid and scholarship guidance, and academic tutoring, among others. Admitted participants are entitled to select textbook access, TRiO Grant Aid, the TRiO Foundation Scholarship, academic and financial skill-building workshops, campus visits, and cultural events. Participants are also welcome to take part in transfer, volunteer, leadership and social activities. The TRiO SSS program is federally funded and open to first-generation, income-eligible and disabled students. For more information, including a program application, visit TRiO Student Support Services at www.bhc.edu/trio, call 309-796-5138 or email triosss@bhc.edu.

Unisex/Gender-Neutral Restrooms Unisex/gender-neutral restrooms benefit people with disabilities, the elderly and anyone else who may require the assistance of someone of another gender; parents who may wish to accompany their children to the restroom; and transgender populations or other people who exist outside of the gender binary. Gender-neutral bathrooms are available at both campuses. Quad-Cities Campus East Campus Building 1, 3rd floor Building A, next to the bookstore Walkway between Building 4 and Building 3 Building 3, 3rd floor 27

Policies & Procedures Cheating and Plagiarism Policy At the beginning of each semester, each instructor will inform students about the College policy on cheating and plagiarism. Each student bears the ultimate responsibility for being aware of College policy, regardless of whether or not the faculty member has provided this information. It is the faculty member’s responsibility to assign grades, therefore it is also his/her prerogative to determine what constitutes cheating or plagiarism in his/her class(es). Faculty members are responsible for determining the consequences for cheating or plagiarism. Unless that judgment can be shown to be either arbitrary, capricious, or in bad faith, the faculty member’s judgment will stand. If the student feels he/she is being accused for cheating or plagiarism unfairly, he/she may contact department chair of the program. Should the student still feel he/she is being accused for cheating or plagiarism unfairly, he/she may contact the Dean of Student Services to begin the appeal process. For example, if a student cheats or plagiarizes on a minor assignment or test, a faculty member could assign a grade F for that paper or test. If the student cheats again, he/she could receive and F or X for the course. If a student cheats or plagiarizes on a major assignment or test, a faculty member will often assign an F or X for the course and the case may be reported to the Dean of Student Services. Definition of Plagiarism – The practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as one’s own.

Children in Class (Currently under review for both campuses – August 2016) Quad-Cities Campus – The faculty member has responsibility for control of the classroom and should take steps to ensure an orderly environment in which learning may occur unimpeded. The presence of children in the classroom does impede learning; therefore, children should only rarely be allowed to accompany students to class and then only at the discretion of the faculty member involved. East Campus – In order to maintain the atmosphere of college-level instruction in the classroom, only the students enrolled at Black Hawk College will be allowed in classrooms and laboratories while classes are in session. Children will not be allowed to accompany students to class. In the interest of safety, unless a young person under the age of 18 is a participant at a Black Hawk College-sponsored activity, he/she must be accompanied by an adult at all times while on school premises.

Chronic Communicable Disease Policy Students or employees with a chronic communicable disease may attend or be employed at the College whenever, through reasonable accommodation, they do not constitute a direct risk to the health or safety of themselves or other individuals. Academic placement decisions will be made by the Dean of Student Services using this standard in conjunction with current, available public health department guidelines concerning the particular disease in question. Students who are concerned about being infected with a chronic disease by a fellow student or employee should convey this concern to the Dean of Student Services. The College shall respect the right to privacy of any student or employee who has a chronic communicable disease. Individual cases involving either a student or employee will not be prejudged; rather, decisions will be made upon the facts of the particular case. The individual’s medical condition shall be disclosed only to the extent necessary to avoid a health and safety risk to the student and/or employee, their own health, or that of other students and/or employees. 28

Persons deemed to have “a direct need to know” will be provided, subject to applicable laws, with the appropriate information; however, these persons may not further disclose such information. The President shall designate persons deemed to have “a direct need to know.”

Classroom Behavior (In person and Online) Disruption in a Classroom or Other Instructional Setting: Willful failure to comply with a reasonable directive of the classroom instructor or other intentional conduct that has the effect of disrupting college classroom instruction or interfering with the instructor’s ability to manage the classroom. When disruptive activity occurs, a college instructor has the authority to determine classroom seating patterns or require that a student exit the classroom, laboratory, or other area used for instruction immediately for the remainder of the period. Instructors who impose a one-day suspension are asked to report the incident to the appropriate supervisor and the Dean of Student Services. Repeated classroom disruption or actions that threaten or have the potential to harm another student may be grounds for immediate dismissal from the classroom, laboratory, or other area used for instruction, which will lead to failing the class. At the East Campus, this includes the repeated inability of the student to safely control a horse.

Complaint Management Process and Policy The Black Hawk College Complaint Procedures are provided as a means for individual students to resolve specific concerns in an expeditious and fair manner. Another purpose of the procedures is to help all students learn constructive approaches to problem and conflict resolution. Students who need help in understanding the procedures or determining their complaint may contact the Academic Dean, Dean of Student Services, or the Title IX Coordinator. If the complaint is a criminal matter, the student is strongly encouraged to contact the BHC Police Department. Black Hawk College directs that there shall be no harassment or retaliation towards the complainant, the subject of the complaint, or others participating in the complaint process. This process shall take place within a professional atmosphere and be aimed at resolution of the conflict. The complainant may bring a support person to any meetings or hearings of the complaint procedures. The subject of complaint also has rights of bringing a support person to any meetings or hearings of the complaint. If any party involved in the complaint believes that the procedures are not being appropriately followed, that individual has the right to file a letter with the President of Black Hawk College, who within ten (10) school days of receipt of this letter, shall make a decision regarding the letter’s allegations and determine at which level the process shall be resumed. Deadlines may be extended by mutual consent of the parties involved and shall be documented with the appropriate Dean or Vice President. Nothing in the policy or procedures shall abridge the rights of faculty, staff, administrators, and students to the provisions of due process, just cause, and relevant provisions of the Education Code or the agreement between Black Hawk College and the appropriate union. To file a complaint, students may contact the Dean of Student Services at the Quad-Cities Campus at 309-796-5041 or the East Campus office at 309-854-1723. Please see Student Complaint Procedure in this handbook for a detail description of processes and procedures. In order to comply with federal regulations and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NCACIHE), the College will maintain records of the formal, written student complaints filed with the offices of the President or Dean of Student Services (or an appointed representative). The records will include information about the disposition of the complaints, including those referred to external agencies for final resolution. These records will be maintained in the office of the Dean of Student Services.

Computer and Technology Usage Students who use or access technology provided by Black Hawk College are responsible for reading, understanding, and following College policies and guidelines. Examples of technology include: PCs and other computers, telephone systems, email, myBlackHawk, online coursework, networks, wireless access, etc. Links to both the Computer Security and Responsible Use and the Responsible Use Guidelines and Procedures are available online at the bottom of the login page for myblackhawk.bhc.edu. Paper copies are available in the Enrollment Services Office at both campuses. Security, legal and behavior standards are covered in the above documents and include such issues as harassment, plagiarism, conflict of interest, unethical conduct, theft, copyright infringements and others. Students who do not follow and abide by policies, guidelines and regulations as stated in these documents are subject to disciplinary procedures by the College. See the Disciplinary Procedures section of the Student Handbook for details. Criminal activity will be referred to the BHC Police Department.

Drug-Free College Policy Black Hawk College maintains a commitment to provide a safe and healthful work and educational environment in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, and the Illinois Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1986. The Student Code of Conduct and Black Hawk College Board Policy prohibit the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance on College-owned or controlled property or at College-sponsored functions. The Student Code of Conduct and Board Policy also prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol on College premises or as a part of College-sponsored functions. (See Student Code of Conduct in this handbook and BR #5486.) Students found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct or Board Policy #5486 will be subject to the sanctions outlined in Disciplinary Procedures in this handbook.

Student Right to Know This information is available online at www.bhc.edu/student-right-to-know. Black Hawk College is pleased to provide students this list of information in compliance with the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. For information regarding associations, agencies, and/or governmental bodies that accredit, approve, or license the school and its programs, and the procedures by which a student may receive a copy for review of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accreditation, licensure or approval, contact the academic department or refer to the college catalog (www.bhc.edu/catalog).

Use of Copyright Materials The College recognizes the importance of copyright and other protections afforded to the creators of intellectual property. Users are responsible for making use of software and other integrated technology resources in accordance with copyright and licensing restrictions. Using integrated technology resources in a manner violating these protections, or furthering the unauthorized use or sale of protected intellectual property, is prohibited. Using, duplicating or transmitting copyrighted material without first obtaining the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s permission, in any way that may reasonably be expected to constitute an infringement, or that exceeds the scope of a license, or violates other contracts; 1. Using, or encouraging others to use, integrated technology resources in any manner that would violate this or other College policies or any applicable state or federal law; 2. BHC Information Technology Services monitors network activity and utilizes network traffic shaping and appliances specifically for stopping illegal file sharing and copyright use to certify to the Secretary of Education that we effectively combat illegal file sharing at Black Hawk College. 30

Students may be subject to criminal and civil penalties if they engage in the illegal distribution of copyrighted materials. Black Hawk College monitors network activity and utilizes network traffic shaping for stopping illegal file sharing and copyright use. Further information is available in documents available on myblackhawk.bhc.edu at the bottom of the login page: Computer Security and Responsible Use, and Responsible Use Guidelines and Procedures.

Visitors on Campus/College-Sponsored Events The actions of visitors on campus must not violate the rights of others or disrupt the normal processes of the college. Visitors who violate college rules and regulations will be prosecuted under state or federal law and may be banned from all college property and college-sponsored events.

Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures The Student Code of Conduct has been established to maintain order on campus and to guarantee the broadest range of freedom for all who come to learn at Black Hawk College. All students and individuals on campus or at College-sponsored functions are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the regulations of the College and such laws of the city, state, and federal governments as they apply to matters of conduct. Out-of-state online students should follow the same procedure. The actions of students or visitors on campus or college-sponsored events must not violate the rights of others or disrupt the normal processes of the institution. Each student is responsible for knowledge of and compliance with this Code of Student Conduct, which is available in the Student Handbook at www.bhc.edu/studenthandbook. The College further recognizes each studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right to procedural due process including notice, an opportunity to respond to the allegations, and an appeal process. Any student cited for violation of the Student Code of Conduct will: 1. Receive notice of the alleged violation. Including: a. The specific code violations; and b. Reference to the process and rights of students as indicated in the Student Code of Conduct; 2. Be provided an opportunity to respond to the charges; 3. Be able to appeal the decision, if necessary; 4. Not be permitted to withdraw from the College with a clear record until such charges have been resolved. Scope The Code of Conduct covers acts of College students occurring on campus, as well as on property owned, leased, or controlled by the college. The Code of Conduct also covers conduct and behavior occurring off campus, including online behavior, which affects a clear and distinct interest of the College as determined by the Dean of Student Services. In exercising this jurisdictional discretion, the Dean will establish if the behavior negatively impacts the achievement of the Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s academic goals, the safety and freedom of individuals, or the orderly operation of the College. Without attempting to be exhaustive, the following are examples of situations that could affect a clear and distinct interest of the College: (1) conduct occurring at a College-sponsored activity, sporting event, or educational activity (e.g., residency, internship, service-learning experience, field trip) or at a student organization-sponsored activity; (2) conduct occurring while the accused or complainant was acting in an official capacity for the College; (3) conduct which constitutes a violation of federal, state, or local law or ordinance; (4) conduct which violates College rule or policy; and (5) conduct which demonstrates a threat to campus safety and security. Violations of this policy involving violent conduct, alcohol, or drugs which are presumed to affect a clear and distinct interest of the College. The Code of Conduct applies whether or not the College is in session. The Code of Conduct is applicable to a student from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree, even though the conduct which violates the policy may not be discovered until after a degree is awarded. Withdrawal of an accused student while a disciplinary matter is pending shall not defeat jurisdiction under this section. In addition, conduct 31

which violates the Code of Conduct and engaged in prior to admission or after withdrawal from the College may be taken into account in decisions on admission or readmission, and may also be grounds for filing disciplinary charges after admission or acceptance into a program. In those cases where a complaint for misconduct in violation of the Code of Conduct is filed against an individual not currently registered as a student, the complaint may proceed to adjudication or the Dean of Student Services may elect to restrict the individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s registration and resolve the complaint later when the individual seeks to reenroll. In the event that an individual named in a complaint has satisfied the academic requirements for a certificate or associate degree, the individual may not receive his or her degree until the complaint is resolved. Proceedings under the Code of Conduct may be initiated against students charged with a violation of a federal, state, or local law or ordinance. Proceedings under the Code of Conduct may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with or following civil or criminal proceedings. Decisions about the timing of College proceedings will be within the sole discretion of the Dean of Student Services. Students wishing to discuss the alleged violation before the hearing occurs should contact the Dean of Student Services. Repetitive Violations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; If a student repetitively violates a rule or regulation, the charges may be enhances up to and including expulsion. I.

Proscribed Conduct A. Jurisdiction of the College The Student Code of Conduct applies and discipline may be imposed for conduct which occurs on College premises, at off-campus recreational or instructional sites, at any College-sponsored event, or at any College supervised or provided activity, transportation, or facility. B. Rules and Regulations Students at Black Hawk College are expected to demonstrate qualities of morality, honesty, civility, honor, and respect. Behavior that violates these standards for which discipline may be imposed includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1. Acts of dishonesty, including, but not limited to: a. Cheating, which includes, but is not limited to: 1. Use of any unauthorized assistance, resources, or materials in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; 2. Dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; or 3. The acquisition, without permission, of a test or other academic material belonging to Black Hawk College, to any department, or to any staff; b. Plagiarism, which includes, but is not limited to: 1. Use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment; 2. Unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person; 3. Use of any agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials; c. Furnishing false information to any College official, faculty member, or office; d. Forgery, alteration or misuse of any College document, record, form, or instrument of identification; e. Alteration or sabotage of another studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, such as tampering with laboratory experiments; f. Tampering with the election of any College-recognized student organization or the student trustee election; 2. Disruption or obstruction of any operation of the College, including, but not limited to, teaching, disciplinary proceedings, College activities, public services functions on or off campus, or other authorized non-College activities when the act occurs on College premises, laboratory, field trips, or other area used for instruction; 32

3. Disruptive and/or repetitive use of personal pagers, cell phones, laptop computer, electronic tablets, and other electronic communication and entertainment devices (e.g., MP3’s, CD players, tape recorders, video-graphic recorders, any such contrivance with photographic capability, etc.) in classes, labs, library, or any other instructional area when prohibited by the instructor or staff member; 4. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, hazing, coercion, and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person. (Please review the BHC Non-Harassment Policy for additional information.); 5. Sexual harassment, which includes any unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or any conduct of a sexual nature when: a. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s educational performance or extracurricular activities or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; or b. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment; (Please review the BHC Non-Harassment Policy for additional information.) 6. Retaliating against a member of the college community through any materially adverse action or credible threat of a materially adverse action against another person for having made a goodfaith report of College-related misconduct, or taken to deter such a report in the future, or taken against another covered individual because of a close association with someone who has made or may make such a report; 7. Attempted or actual theft of or damage to property of the College or other property of a member of the College community or other personal or public property; 8. Failure to comply with directions of College officials or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so; 9. Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys to any College premises, or unauthorized entry to, occupancy of, or use of College premises; 10. Violation of published College policies, rules, regulations, or procedures; 11. Violation of federal, state, local law or Board policy; 12. Gambling in any form; 13. Use, possession or distribution, of a narcotic or other chemical substance except as expressly permitted by law; 14. Use, possession or distribution, of alcoholic beverages except as expressly permitted by the law and College regulations, as well as public intoxication; 15. Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, fireworks, ammunition, explosives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on College premises, off-campus instructional sites, or at College-sponsored or supervised functions; 16. Participation in a campus demonstration, which disrupts the normal operations of the College and infringes on the rights of other members of the College community; leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any campus building or area; intentional obstruction which unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement, either pedestrian or vehicular, on campus; 17. Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on College premises, or at College-sponsored or supervised functions; 18. Conduct performed in such unreasonable manner as to alarm another and which is disorderly; aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace; 19. Conduct covered in a BHC faculty member’s classroom syllabus; 20. Abuse of the student conduct review procedure, including, but not limited to: a. Failure to obey the summons of a Student Disciplinary Committee or College official; b. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a Student Disciplinary Committee; c. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a proceeding; d. Bringing about charges without cause; 33

e. Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in or use of the procedure; f. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of the Student Disciplinary Committee prior to and/or during the course of the proceeding; g. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a member of the Student Disciplinary Committee prior to, during and/or after a proceeding; h. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Student Code of Conduct; i. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the process; 21. Bringing children to classes unless special instructor permission is given. Children are not to be left unattended. Violation of Federal, State, or Local Laws and College Discipline 1. College disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with violation of a federal, state, or local law which is also a violation of this Code if both violations result from the same factual situation without regard to pending civil litigation in court or criminal arrest and prosecution. Proceedings under this Code may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off campus. 2. When a student is charged by federal, state, or local authorities with a violation of law, the College will not request or agree to special consideration for that individual because of his or her status as a student. However, if the alleged offense is also the subject of a proceeding before the Student Disciplinary Committee, the College may advise off-campus authorities of the existence of the Code and of how such matters will be handled within the College community. The College will cooperate fully with the law enforcement of criminal law on campus and in the conditions imposed by criminal courts for the rehabilitation of violators who are also students.

II.

Dean of Student Services Authority A. The Dean of Student Services is responsible for administration of the Student Code of Conduct. B. The Dean of Student Services has the authority, in their discretion, to impose discipline as provided herein Sections IV A (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (10). The Dean of Student Services has the authority and discretion to recommend College suspension or College expulsion. To protect victims of violent crimes or retaliation, the Dean of Student Service may remove the alleged perpetrator from a classroom if the victim is in the same class. Based on the severity of the allegation, the alleged perpetrator may also be temporarily suspended from the college pending the outcome of the investigation. The Dean of Student Services may, in his/her discretion, refer any listed disciplinary matter to the Student Disciplinary Committee. C. The Dean of Student Services may delegate his/her authority to one or more other administrators. All references to the “Dean of Student Services” or to the “Dean” in this Student Code of Conduct include such designees, unless specifically stated to the contrary. D. Confidential files should be maintained by the Dean of Student Services for the purpose of recording actions taken. E. For the purposes of this policy, the acronym “DSS” shall mean the Dean of Student Services. F. Repetitive Violations – If a student repetitively violates a rule or regulation, the charges may be enhances up to and including expulsion at the discretion of the Dean of Student Services.

III.

Procedures in Cases Involving Possible Discipline A. Charges or Claims of Violation of Student Code of Conduct Any member of the College community may file charges against any student for misconduct. Charges will be prepared in writing and directed to the DSS. Any charge should be submitted within five administrative work days after the event takes place. B. Investigation The DSS will conduct an investigation to determine if the charges should proceed. Following the investigation, the DSS shall make a determination of whether there are sufficient facts to warrant a belief that a violation of the Student Code of Conduct could have occurred. C. Notice to Student 34

IV.

Any student against whom charges of misconduct have been filed shall be notified of the accusation of violation of the Student Code of Conduct as provided in this policy. Informal Resolution In the event the DSS determines there is cause to believe there may have been a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the DSS shall determine whether the matter may be resolved informally, without a hearing. The student may request a hearing or may agree to abide by the discipline imposed through the informal resolution process. Hearing In the event the Dean of Student Services determines there is cause to believe there may have been a violation of the Code of Student Conduct, the Dean shall determine whether the matter may be resolved informally, without a hearing. If the problem is not resolved informally, the Dean will refer the matter to the Student Disciplinary Board for a hearing. The Dean shall be responsible for the conduct of the hearings he/she holds, and for establishing the rules which shall apply for the particular hearing. The Dean shall inform the student of the rules which shall be applied. The hearing will be recorded utilizing a video camera for possible use during an appeal to the President. The video will be disposed of immediately following any last appeal. Student Disciplinary Committee The Student Disciplinary Committee shall consist of two (2) faculty members, two (2) student services staff members, and one (1) student leader. Imposition of Discipline and Decision After Hearing If on informal resolution there is agreement as to discipline, the DSS shall impose the agreed upon disciplinary action. If the DSS conducts a hearing with the Student Discipline Committee and the committee determines that a violation of the Student Code of Conduct occurred, the DSS may impose discipline as authorized in Section II. In the event that the Dean of Student Services believes prior to the hearing that the violation warrants College suspension or College expulsion, the Dean shall inform the Student Disciplinary Board of the seriousness of the offense. If, after the hearing, the Student Disciplinary Board determines no violation of the Code occurred, it shall render such decision. Appeals Rights to appeal are as provided in Section VI.

Disciplinary Actions A. The following are types of disciplinary action which may be imposed, singly or in combination: 1. Warning – Verbal or written notice to the student that the student is violating or has violated institutional rules, policies, and/or regulations and that the continuation of such conduct or actions may result in further disciplinary action. 2. Reprimand – A formal letter of reprimand sent to the student stating the violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Repetition of conduct resulting in reprimand may result in further disciplinary action described below in paragraphs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13. 3. Disciplinary Probation – A specified period of observation and review of conduct during which the student must demonstrate compliance with College rules and regulations. Terms of probation and the probationary period will be determined at the time the sanction is imposed. A student on disciplinary probation is subject to suspension for any further disciplinary referrals. 4. Limitation to Participate in a Selective Admission Program – Suspension or denied access to the opportunity to participate in a selective admissions program. 5. Suspension of Privileges or College Services – Suspension or loss of rights to specified privileges and College services for a specific period of time. 6. Monetary Fines – A student may be assessed a fine as deemed appropriate based on the offense. The fine may increase for repeated offenses. 7. Restitution – Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement. 8. Discretionary Sanctions – Work assignments, service to the College or neighboring communities, or other related discretionary assignments. 9. Limited Access – Administrative restriction to selected parts/locations of campus sites. 35

C. D.

10. Withdrawal from Class – Administrative withdrawal with consequent loss of tuition and fees from a class or classes. 11. Temporary Suspension from Class – Temporary suspension of the opportunity to participate in a class. 12. College Suspension – Separation of the student, with consequent loss of tuition and fees, from the College for a definite period of time, after which the student may be eligible to return. Conditions for re-admission may be specified. 13. College Expulsion – Permanent separation, with consequent loss of tuition and fees, of the student from the College. Student is eligible for reconsideration two years from the time of the expulsion. All appeals must be made to the DSS with documentation of how the student made changes in his/her life that would warrant consideration for readmission. When the student violation is deemed severe enough by the DSS to warrant possible College expulsion or College suspension, the DSS will file with the President of the College and the chair of the Student Disciplinary Committee a notice of the necessity to convene for disciplinary action. Written notice to the student involved shall be served by certified mail, addressed to his/her mailing address on file with Black Hawk College or hand delivered. The notice shall include or contain the following: 1. A copy of these policies; 2. Specific factual allegations of misconduct and reference to any specific rules which the facts, as alleged, violate; 3. Notification of the Student Disciplinary Committee convening time; 4. If the student fails or refuses to acknowledge certified mail, the hearing will convene without the student present. Students may be directed to participate in counseling or educational seminars in lieu of, or in addition to, the imposition of disciplinary actions described in section IV (A) above. Other than College expulsion, disciplinary sanctions will not be made part of the student’s permanent academic record, but will become part of the student’s confidential record maintained by the DSS.

Temporary Suspensions A. Class Suspension An instructor or the DSS may temporarily suspend the opportunity of a student to participate in a class if either determines that the continued presence of the student would disrupt the educational process or endanger the physical well-being of others in the classroom or immediate area. 1. Communication of Suspension – The temporary suspension of the student will be promptly communicated to the student. a. If prompt action dictates that the temporary suspension be only communicated orally due to the urgency of the situation, the student will be given oral notification and then receive written notification of the reasons for the temporary suspension within three administrative work days from the removal. b. Except as provided in sub (a) above, the temporary suspension of a student must be communicated to the student in writing, and the written notice shall state the reasons for the temporary suspension. c. All temporary suspensions from the classroom initiated by the instructor shall be reported to the appropriate academic administrator or supervisor and to the DSS within one administrative work day of the temporary suspension from the classroom. 2. Any student temporarily suspended from a class by an instructor may be readmitted to that class only by the appropriate academic administrator or the DSS, following a conference with the student. B. College Suspension In his/her discretion, the DSS may impose a College suspension prior to the hearing before the Student Disciplinary Committee. Interim suspension may be imposed only: 1. To insure the safety and well-being of members of the College community or preservation of College property; or 36

2. To insure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being; or 3. To avoid a threat of disruption of or interference with the normal operations of the College. During the interim suspension, students will be denied access to the campus (including classes), to off-campus instructional sites, and/or to all other College activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible, as the DSS determines appropriate. VI.

Appeals A. Decision by DSS or Student Disciplinary Committee – A decision reached or discipline imposed by the DSS himself/herself, or by the Student Disciplinary Committee, may be appealed to the President of the College only if the process by which the decision was reached was due to an error in the process. 1. Time and Manner of Appeal – Appeal to the President shall be in writing containing the materials described in subsection 2 below, and must be presented to the Office of the President within five administrative work days from the date of issuance of the decision of the Student Disciplinary Committee, or the DSS, as appropriate. 2. Content of Written Appeal – The written appeal shall include such information as the person bringing the appeal deems necessary to show that the decision reached was erroneous. 3. Record on Appeal – In considering the appeal, the President shall have available the report from the Student Disciplinary Committee, or the DSS as appropriate, along with any written documentation submitted at the hearing. 4. Time for President’s Decision – The President shall render a decision on the appeal within ten (10) administrative work days after receipt of the last report and written documentation. B. Rehearing – The right to appeal does not entitle a student to a full rehearing of his/her case. C. Scope of Appeal – An appeal will be limited to review of the process. D. Change of Action on Appeal – If discipline is imposed, the President may not impose a more severe disciplinary action than the original disciplinary action imposed. A disciplinary action may be reduced on appeal. If the appeal was academic in nature, the President may reverse or amend the decision of the Student Disciplinary Committee if it is determined the committee erred in the process of reaching their decision. E. Finality of Decision – The decision of the President on appeal pursuant to paragraph C shall be final.

VII.

Definitions A. The term “College” means Black Hawk College. B. The term “student,” for the purposes of this code, includes all persons applying for admission or taking credit or non-credit courses provided by the College both full-time and part-time. C. The term “faculty member” means all full-time or part-time teachers, counselors or academic advisors, and librarians, excluding interns and student teachers. D. The term “official” includes any person employed by the College performing assigned administrative or professional staff responsibilities. E. The term “member of the College community” includes any person who is a student, faculty member, College official, or any other person employed by the College. A person’s status in a particular situation will be determined by the Dean of Student. F. The term “College premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities and other property (including the online environment) in the possession of or owned, used or controlled by the College (including adjacent streets and sidewalks). G. The term “organization” means any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for College recognition. H. The term “will” is used in the imperative sense. I. The term “may” is used in the permissive sense.

VIII.

Interpretation and Revision A. Any question of the interpretation regarding the Student Code of Conduct will be referred to the DSS or a designee for final determination. 37

The Code will be reviewed periodically and amended as necessary under the direction of the Dean of Student Services.

Violence Prevention Policy at Black Hawk College This Guideline applies to all employees, students, contractors and vendors on property owned or controlled by Black Hawk College and while participating in College-sponsored activities located off-campus. Any behavior that would constitute an act or reasonable threat of unlawful violence is prohibited on all college premises including any property owned or controlled by Black Hawk College. It is the intent of Black Hawk College to provide a safe and nonviolent environment that is conducive to learning, teaching, working and community service. Accordingly, and consistent with applicable legal standards, the College will not tolerate acts or threats of violence toward members of the college, community or to college property. Acts of violence or threats of violence will be taken seriously and, as warranted by the specific situation, addressed by officials of the College. Violent acts and threats of violence should be reported to the Black Hawk College Police Department immediately.

Title IX “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Sexual assault of all types is prohibited by law (for example, rape, stalking, and sexual assault and misconduct). Students who have Title IX complaints should report the complaint to the Dean of Student Services at 309-7965041. Please refer to the Black Hawk College Non-Harassment Policy for process information.

Consent Understanding Consent Consent is a knowing and voluntary agreement to engage in specific sexual activity at the time of the activity. In order to be valid, consent must be knowing, voluntary, active, present and ongoing. Consent is not present when an individual is incapacitated due to alcohol, drugs, sleep or other condition.  Consent is defined as words or actions that demonstrate a knowing or voluntary willingness to engage in mutually agreed-upon sexual activity.  Consent cannot be gained by force, by ignoring objections, or by taking advantage of another’s incapacitation.  Consent may not be inferred from silence or any other lack of active resistance.  Consent may not be implied by attire or inferred from an individual by spending money on that individual.  Consent to one type of sexual act does not imply consent to another type of sexual act.  Once a person says “no,” it does not matter if or what kind of sexual behavior has occurred previously. Alcohol/Drugs and Consent: The consumption of alcohol or drugs may create a mental incapacity if the nature and degree of the intoxication goes beyond the stage of merely reduced inhibition and has reached a point where the victim does not understand the nature and consequences of the sexual act. In such a case, the person cannot consent. A person who is passed out or unconscious as a result of the consumption of alcohol or drugs is physically helpless and is not able to consent. Under Illinois law the following people are unable to give consent: 1. Persons who are asleep or unconscious. 2. Persons who are incapacitated due to the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. 3. Persons who are incapacitated due to a mental or physical condition. 4. Persons who are underage.

Affirmative consent is the only way to have a healthy, safe relationship. For additional guidance, watch this video on consent – “Consent: It’s Simple as Tea” at www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGoWLWS4-kU.

Student Complaint Procedure General Provisions The Black Hawk College Complaint Procedures are provided as a means for individual students to resolve specific concerns in an expeditious and fair manner. Another purpose of the procedures is to help all students learn constructive approaches to problem and conflict resolution. Students who need help in understanding the procedures or determining their complaint may contact the Academic Dean, Dean of Student Services or the Title IX Coordinator. If the complaint is a criminal matter, the student is strongly encouraged to contact the BHC Police Department. A student who has a complaint while taking an online class at BHC should follow the BHC Student Complaint Procedure and fill out a BHC Student Complaint Form (www.bhc.edu/studentcomplaintform) regardless if she or he lives inside or outside of Illinois. If the specific concern has not been resolved in an expeditious and fair manner at BHC, the student may file a complaint with the Illinois Community College Board (https://www.iccb.org/students/?page_id=130%22) or out-of-state online students may also file a complaint in the state which he or she resides (http://www.sheeo.org/sites/default/files/Complaint%20Process%20Links%20122012.pdf). Black Hawk College directs that there shall be no harassment or retaliation towards the complainant, the subject of the complaint, or others participating in the complaint process. This process shall take place within a professional atmosphere and be aimed at resolution of the conflict. The complainant may bring a support person to any meetings or hearings of the complaint procedures. The subject of complaint also has rights of bringing a support person to any meetings or hearings of the complaint. If any party involved in the complaint believes that the procedures are not being appropriately followed, that individual has the right to file a letter with the President of Black Hawk College, who within ten (10) school days of receipt of this letter, shall make a decision regarding the letter’s allegations and determine at which level the process shall be resumed. Deadlines may be extended by mutual consent of the parties involved and shall be documented with the appropriate Vice President. Nothing in the policy or procedures shall abridge the rights of faculty, staff, administrators, and students to the provisions of due process, just cause, and relevant provisions of the Education Code or the agreement between Black Hawk College and the appropriate union. If you have complaint, any one of the following people may be contacted to help direct you through the procedure below: Any Black Hawk College department chair Any Black Hawk College faculty member Ken Nickels, Dean of Math, Science and Technology 309-796-5048 nickelsk@bhc.edu Betsey Morthland, Dean of Health Sciences 309-796-5049 morthlandb@bhc.edu Amy Maxeiner, Vice President of Instruction/ Student Services 309-796-5043 maxeinera@bhc.edu Luis Moreno, Dean of Student Services & Deputy Title IX Coordinator - Quad-Cities Campus & East Campus 309-796-5041 morenol@bhc.edu Jana Koch, Title IX Coordinator 309-796-5177 kochj@bhc.edu Glenda Nicke, Dean of Adult & Continuing Education 309-796-8222 nickeg@bhc.edu BHC Police Department Quad-Cities Campus 309-796-5913 East Campus 309-854-1784 39

Harassment/Discrimination Complaints Complaints regarding harassment or discrimination, at any BHC location, may be filed formally with the AA/EEO Officer at 309-796-5225 or aaeeo@bhc.edu. If the AA/EEO Officer is unavailable, the complaint may be made to the Dean of Student Services at 309-796-5041. Complaints regarding harassment or discrimination against a protected class will follow the BHC Non-Harassment Policy.

Disability Complaints Complaints regarding a violation, misinterpretation, or improper application of the terms and conditions contained in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 may be made to the Disability Services Coordinator at 309-796-5903 or disabilityservices@bhc.edu. If the Disability Services Coordinator is not available, complaints may be made to the Dean of Student Services at 309-796-5041.

Title IX Complaints Complaints regarding a violation, misinterpretation, or improper application of the terms and conditions contained in Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 may be made to the Title IX Coordinator at 309-796-5177 or aaeeo@bhc.edu. If the Title IX Coordinator is not available, complaints may be made to the Deputy Title IX Coordinator/Dean of Student Services at 309-796-5041.

ACADEMIC COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

An academic complaint may be brought by a student regarding the collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s provision of education and academic services affecting his/her role as a student. Academic complaints can include, but are not limited to the following types of allegations: a) Discriminatory action toward student within the classroom by faculty member, e.g., by singling out specific students for either preferential or adverse treatment; b) Failure of faculty member to follow college policies in the conduct of classes of examinations; c) Capricious or unreasonable arbitrary actions by a faculty member that adversely affects student performance. The Dean of Student Services is available at any stage of the process to help a student understand the process and the steps to be taken. If able, the Dean of Student Services may intervene to help resolve the matter informally.

Stage 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Informal Academic Complaint Procedure Prior to filing a formal complaint, students are encouraged (but not required) to resolve the problem informally as a complaint. Any meetings, which take place during this stage, shall be conducted at a mutually agreed-upon private space, and the pertinent issues clearly defined so they may be discussed as objectively as possible. The informal academic complaint process can be terminated and moved to the formal academic complaint stage at any point in time as requested by the student. a) The student is expected to contact the staff member within ten (10) days of the occurrence to directly discuss the complaint. The student may bring a support person, who is not a participant but advisory to the student. Hopefully, the matter can be resolved informally at this level. b) If the issue is not resolved at this point the student should discuss the matter next with the department chair and the faculty member together, to attempt to resolve the complaint informally. The student has ten (10) school days from the time he/she met with the faculty to resolve the complaint at this level. c) If the complaint cannot be resolved at this level, then the student shall inform the department chair and faculty member of his or her plans to pursue a formal complaint. The student may then meet separately with the Dean to seek resolution and/or proceed with a formal complaint. 40

Stage 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Formal Academic Complaint Procedure The student submits the Student Complaint Form to the Academic Dean within ten (10) school days after the informal complaint meeting with the department chair and faculty member. The form must contain a specific description of the complaint and reference to any specific state/federal law or any applicable district/college policy which is the basis for the complaint. The names of the parties involved at Stage 1 and a proposed remedy or resolution shall also be included in the formal written complaint. The subject (faculty member) of the complaint is encouraged to submit a written rationale for his or her actions to the Academic Dean for consideration before making a decision on the complaint. Based on the written material, the Dean assumes the responsibility for making a decision regarding the validity of the complaint and appropriate action to be taken. Options for resolving the complaint include the following: a) Accept the complainant's remedy or modification of the remedy, b) Refer the complainant to the faculty evaluation process, or c) Determine the complaint to be without merit. Within ten (10) school days after receiving the written complaint, the decision and proposed action of the Dean shall be communicated in writing to the student involved, the faculty member involved, and the Vice President of Instruction or designee.

Stage 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Formal Academic Complaint Appeal Procedure If either the student or the faculty member involved is not satisfied with the decision made or action taken by the Academic Dean, an appeal may be made to the Vice President of Instruction, or designees, within ten (10) school days after the receipt of the decision. This written appeal shall outline the nature and basis for the dissatisfaction with the decision or action taken. A copy of the appeal shall be filed with the Dean, and student or faculty member, as appropriate. The Vice President of Instruction, or designee, shall review the appeal and recommendation from the Dean and within ten (10) school days after receipt of the appeal, shall schedule a private meeting with the complainant, the subject of the complaint, and the Dean. The student will be allowed a support person/advocate. The Vice President of Instruction, or designees, has authority to uphold, reverse, or modify the action taken by the Dean with rationale for his/her action. His/her decision shall be final and shall be delivered in writing to the student lodging the complaint with copies to the Dean and faculty member involved within ten (10) school days after the meeting with all parties involved.

II.

NON-ACADEMIC COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

A non-academic complaint is a complaint that occurs during the delivery of a service (administrative or support) by a staff member to a student. A non-academic complaint may be brought by a student regarding alleged improper, unfair, arbitrary or discriminatory treatment by a faculty or staff member, another student, student group, or administrator. Non-academic complaints can include, but are not limited to the following types of allegations: issues regarding sexual harassment, discrimination, criminal allegations, or an alleged infringement upon the rights or sensibilities of an individual by a college employee, student or student organization. The Dean of Student Services is available at any stage of the process to help a student understand the process and the steps to be taken. If able the Dean of Student Services may intervene to help resolve the matter informally.

Stage 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Non-Academic Informal Complaint Procedure Prior to filing a formal complaint, attempts shall be made to resolve the problem informally. Any meetings which take place during this stage shall be conducted at a mutually agreed-upon private space, and the pertinent issues 41

clearly defined so they may be discussed as objectively as possible. The informal non-academic complaint process can be terminated and moved to the formal non-academic complaint stage at any point in time as requested by the student. a) The student is expected to contact the staff member within ten (10) days of the occurrence to directly discuss the complaint. b) If the matter cannot be resolved at Stage 1(a), the student shall contact the program administrator, supervisor, or coordinator to attempt to resolve the matter informally. c) If the complaint cannot be resolved at Stage 1(b), the student shall discuss the matter next with the supervising administrator, who shall also attempt to resolve the complaint informally. If the matter cannot be resolved at this level, the student may progress to Stage 2 after informing the staff member and program administrator, supervisor, or coordinator of his/her decision to pursue a formal complaint.

Stage 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Non-Academic Formal Complaint Procedure The student submits the Student Complaint Form to the next level administrator or department chair within ten (10) school days after the Stage 1(c) meeting. The form must contain a specific description of the complaint and reference to any specific state/federal law or any applicable district/college policy which is the basis for the complaint. The form shall also include the names of the parties involved at Stage 1 and a proposed remedy or resolution. Within ten (10) days after the receipt of such communication, the administrator shall schedule a mediation committee meeting consisting of the following people: a) Supervising administrator; b) Student lodging the complaint (if the student wishes, a support person may accompany him/her); and c) Staff member, administrator, supervisor, Dean, or coordinator involved (if the subject of the complaint wishes, a designated representative may accompany him/ her). This meeting shall take place no later than ten (10) school days after the notification of the meeting date. The committee shall attempt to resolve the matter at this level. Meetings of the committee shall be chaired by the supervising administrator and shall be closed to all observers. If the matter cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of all involved, the supervising administrator assumes the responsibility for making a decision regarding the validity of the complaint and appropriate action to be taken. Within ten (10) school days after the mediation meeting, the decision and proposed action of the supervising administrator shall be communicated in writing to the student involved, the subject of the complaint, and the program administrator, supervisor, coordinator, or Dean.

Stage 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Formal Nonâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Academic Complaint Appeal Procedure If either the complainant or subject of the complaint is not satisfied with the decision of the supervising administrator, an appeal may be submitted to the Committee for Student Complaints within ten (10) school days upon receipt of the Stage 2 decision. The Committee for Student Complaints shall be composed of two faculty members, two student services staff, and one student. The committee members shall be identified by the Dean of Student Services from a list provided by the Academic Appeals Committee prior to each hearing and based on availability of time of hearing. It shall be the function of the Committee for Student Complaints to hold a hearing and make a decision that shall resolve the complaint. The decision of the committee shall be made within ten (10) school days of the receipt of the complaint. The written decision shall be distributed to the grievant; any Academic Appeals Committee officer, or designee representing the student; the Vice President, Dean of Student Services, or Title IX Officer; and the subject of the complaint. The committee and the vice president shall work within the following guidelines: 42

a) The Committee for Student Complaints shall have no power to add to, subtract from, disregard, alter, or modify any of the terms of college procedures or policies. b) Any decision by the Committee for Student Complaints shall be in compliance with the provisions of the Student Handbook, all state/federal statutes, and accrediting agency regulations. The decision shall be final and shall be based only on the pertinent and relevant written documents submitted and the recorded and pertinent oral testimony received in the hearing. c) The Dean of Student Services or the Title IX Officer shall verify the existence of all written documents generated at Stage 2 and submit a list of them with attached copies to the committee. d) After a hearing has taken place and both parties have had an opportunity to submit pertinent arguments and oral testimony, the Committee for Student Complaints shall submit its findings and decision in writing within ten (10) school days. e) All records, deliberations, and procedures of the Committee for Student Complaints shall be filed with the Vice President, Dean of Student Services, or the Title IX Officer. The records shall be treated in a confidential manner.

III.

CRIMINAL COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

When student complaints are received by officers of the Black Hawk College Police Department (BHC PD), the officer receiving the complaint shall determine if the BHC PD has jurisdiction and if the complaint is criminal or non-criminal in nature. Complaints not falling under jurisdiction of BHC PD will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency or other college departments.

Criminal Complaints If the complaint is criminal in nature, the officer will conduct an investigation in accordance with criminal procedure. The results of the investigation shall determine if the complaint is founded or unfounded, and to establish reasonable suspicion and/or probable cause. Investigations yielding substantiated probable cause have the following options (individually or combined) depending on nature and severity of the crime. a) b) c) d) e) f)

Complainant referred to the State’s Attorney’s office (prosecution instructions). Officer may seek arrest warrants. Officer may arrest without warrant. Officer may charge ordinance violations. Officer may resolve or mediate the complaint. Referral to other college departments, i.e. Dean of Student Services, Title IX coordinator

In order to resolve the complaint, the officer may use discretion in applying points ‘e’ and ‘f’ in circumstances where the investigation does not yield probable cause for arrest. All documentation of the criminal complaint will be archived in the Competitive Edge police records management system (RMS) notating the outcome of the complaint and any referrals.

Non-Criminal Complaints If the complaint is non-criminal in nature, the officer shall collect information to determine the appropriate referral, i.e. Dean of Student Services, Title IX Coordinator. Circumstances may arise where a non-criminal complaint will be investigated by the BHC PD in accordance with certain College Administrative Guidelines. These investigations may be independent or joint with administrative investigations. All documentation of the non-criminal complaints will be archived in the Competitive Edge police records management system (RMS) notating the outcome of the complaint and any referrals.

College Policies and Procedures – Academic Academic Appeals The following procedures shall govern appeals by affected persons of post-admission student academic issues. This procedure shall not apply to decisions of agencies other than Black Hawk College such as National Junior College Athletic Association, clinical facilities, employers of students, and other businesses allowing job site training of students; the College has no authority over those decisions. The following is the procedure to follow in resolving student/faculty disputes involving academic matters. The relationship between a student and faculty member in the classroom is the most important relationship within the College structure. In an instance wherein this relationship is jeopardized, the student and the faculty member are encouraged to first resolve their differences on an informal basis. The student must first address the concern regarding his/her grade with his/her faculty member before taking the issue to the faculty’s supervisor or other member(s) of the college. In many instances, the dispute can be resolved with this initial contact. The Dean of Student Services at the Quad-Cities Campus does not play a role in the academic appeal process other than serving as the ombudsman on behalf of the student for proper guidance throughout the process. For the purposes of this policy, the acronym “DSS” shall mean the Dean of Student Services. Final grade change requests must be made within two months of the end of the course. Once final grades have been submitted, assignment of “W” or “X” will not be permitted. In the case of faculty member error, it is the faculty member’s responsibility to change the grade as soon as the error is discovered. Students challenging a grade must produce all the relevant examinations, papers, and other such materials that the faculty member had evaluated and returned. I.

Informal Resolution A. Appeals regarding instructional or grade issues will be handled informally insofar as possible. Ordinarily, matters will be decided by the faculty member, who is the first point of contact. The student has the right to have a personal advisor present during the meeting with the faculty member. B. If no resolution can be reached with the faculty member, the student may meet with the faculty member’s department chair for additional informal remediation. C. If no informal resolution can be reached with the assistance of the department chair, the student may appeal any grade or instructional issues to the Chief Academic Officer within 15 school days after receiving the grade. The student has the right to have a personal advisor present during the meeting with the Chief Academic Officer. If no informal resolution can be reached, the student may file a formal complaint to seek a resolution.

II.

Formal Resolution A. The student submits the Student Complaint Form to the Academic Dean within ten (10) school days after the informal complaint meeting with the department chair and faculty member. The form must contain a specific description of the complaint and reference to any specific state/federal law or any applicable district/college policy which is the basis for the complaint. B. The names of the parties involved and a proposed remedy or resolution shall also be included in the formal written complaint. The subject (faculty member) of the complaint will submit a written rationale for his/her actions to the Academic Dean. C. Based on the written material, the Dean assumes the responsibility for making a decision regarding the validity of the complaint and appropriate action to be taken. Options for resolving the complaint include the following: 1) Accept the complainant's remedy or modification of the remedy, 2) Refer the complainant to the faculty evaluation process, or 3) Determine the complaint to be without merit. D. Within ten (10) school days after receiving the written complaint, the decision and proposed action of the Academic Dean shall be communicated in writing to the student involved, the faculty member involved, and the Vice President of Instruction at the Quad-Cities Campus (or designee) or the Executive Dean for East Campus (or designee). 44

E. If the student is not in agreement with the Academic Dean, the student may discuss the complaint with the Vice President of Instruction at the Quad-Cities Campus (or designee) or the Executive Dean for East Campus (or designee). III.

Appeals Board A. Scope of Appeal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The faculty member has the right to grade the student based on their expertise as well as conditions set forth in the final class syllabus. An appeal will be limited to review of the process by which the grade was reached and not the judgment of the faculty member. B. Should the decision of the Chief Academic Officer still not satisfy the student, the student may request an appeal to the Academic Appeals Board. The student must present his/her appeal in writing stating 1) the specific action being appealed and 2) the remedy sought. The student should present this appeal to the DSS (or designee), who will act as the ombudsperson throughout this process. C. When the written appeal for an Academic Appeals Board Review has been received, the DSS (or designee) will notify the Chief Academic Officer that a request for an Academic Appeals Board hearing has been received and that Academic Appeal Policy procedures were followed prior to this hearing request. D. The Academic Appeals Board hearing shall consist of three members from instructional faculty that are not in the area being appealed (appointed by the Chief Academic Officer), one student member and one student services employee, who is not the studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary advisor or was not previously involved in the case (appointed by the DSS [or designee]). Attendance of five board members shall be required as a quorum. The Academic Appeals Board shall elect its Chair at the start of the first initial group meeting prior to the hearing. E. The Academic Appeals Board will consist of college faculty and staff who have been selected by the Chief Academic Officer and DSS (or designee) to serve on this committee for a three-year period. All members of the Academic Appeals Board are required to go through formal training on student rights, ethics, and the appeal process prior to serving. Annually, students for the Appeals Board will be selected by the Dean of Student Services at the Quad-Cities Campus (or designee) and will be required to attend formal training prior to serving. F. Only the members of the Academic Appeals Board shall be present during their deliberations. Discussion must remain confidential and only the final decision is to be discussed. G. All deliberations of the Academic Appeals Board will remain confidential.

IV.

Hearing(s) A. The DSS (or designee) will call a meeting of the Academic Appeals Board at a time arranged in consideration of the schedules of the student and the members, with avoidance of conflict with class schedules. The student will be notified of the scheduled time of the meeting in writing at least five (5) College business days prior to the meeting. The Academic Appeals Board Chair may request other students or College staff members who have information relevant to this case to appear at the meeting of the Board. The student or faculty member may also make such a request, and the Chair shall decide if such person(s) (in addition to their personal advisor[s]) shall be permitted to appear. All meetings of the Academic Appeals Board are closed. B. The student and the faculty member involved may each request the removal of any one member of the Academic Appeals Board from the hearing for legitimate reason. Issues of removal shall be decided by the Academic Appeals Board at the first meeting, and the DSS (or designee) shall coordinate any necessary replacement(s). C. If the student gives notice and appropriate justification requesting a rescheduling of the meeting, the meeting may be rescheduled once. D. The student and the faculty member may each have one pre-approved personal advisor present. (Each party has the right to object to a chosen advisor upon just-cause, i.e., personal conflict issues. The Academic Appeals Board Chair makes the final decision.) The advisor is not permitted to speak or to participate directly in the proceeding before the Academic Appeals Board and is not permitted to examine nor cross-examine witnesses. E. The hearing shall not be public. For all stages of presentation of evidence and argument to the Academic Appeals Board, the DSS (or designee)*, Vice President for Instruction or the Executive 45

Dean for East Campus, the appellant student’s personal advisor, the student’s parents or legal guardian (only if the appellant student is a minor), the involved faculty member, and the involved faculty member’s personal advisor, shall be present. Admission of any other person shall be at the discretion of the Academic Appeals Board. (*The Dean of Student Services [or designee] shall act as the facilitator/resource person for the elected Board Chair in order to ensure consistency and fairness in the process.) F. The hearing will be recorded utilizing a video/digital camera for possible use during an appeal to the President. The recording will be disposed of immediately following any last appeal. V.

Recommendation(s) A. The Academic Appeals Board may choose to reach its recommendation(s) by secret written ballot. All members have a vote, but if the final vote is taken openly, the Chair shall vote last. A majority decision of those present shall constitute the recommendation to the DSS (or designee). B. The Board may recommend upholding the previous academic action, or it may recommend that the previous academic action be overruled in whole or in part. The Chair shall forward the Board’s written recommendation and rationale to the DSS (or designee) for action within five (5) College business days. Copies shall also be provided at the same time to the student and the involved faculty member. The decision is binding unless appealed by the student based on procedural errors during the process.

VI.

Disposition A. The DSS (or designee) shall notify the student, the faculty member, and the President in writing of the decision made by the Academic Appeals Board within ten (10) College business days of the date of the Board meeting. B. When the written decision of the Academic Appeals Board is given to the student and the faculty member, the student will be provided with options as to follow-up action he/she may pursue. All evidence and minutes from the appeals process, including the student’s written request, reasons, response, and decision will be kept on file by the DSS (or designee). All other copies/documents will be destroyed.

VII.

Appeal to the President A. A decision reached or discipline imposed by the DSS (or designee) or by the Student Disciplinary Committee, may be appealed to the President of the College only if the process by which the decision was reached was due to an error in the process. 1. Time and Manner of Appeal – Appeal to the President shall be in writing containing the materials described in this section VII. A. (2), and must be presented to the Office of the President within five (5) administrative work days from the date of issuance of the decision of the Student Conduct/Student Academic Review Board, or the DSS (or designee), as appropriate. 2. Content of Written Appeal – The written appeal shall include such information as the person bringing the appeal deems necessary to show that the decision reached was erroneous. 3. Record on Appeal – In considering the appeal, the President shall have available the report from the Academic Review Board, or the DSS (or designee) as appropriate, along with any written documentation submitted at the hearing. 4. Time for President’s Decision – The President shall render a decision on the appeal within ten (10) administrative work days after receipt of the last submitted report and written documentation. B. Rehearing – The right to appeal does not entitle a student to a full rehearing of his/her case. C. Scope of Appeal – An appeal will be limited to review of the process. D. Change of Action on Appeal – The President may reverse or amend the decision of the Academic Review Board if it is determined the committee erred in the process of reaching their decision. E. Finality of Decision – The decision of the President on appeal pursuant to paragraph C shall be final.

VIII.

Incomplete Grades “I” If a grade change in question is an “I” or “Incomplete” (which is not a final grade), the student must follow the following procedures: A. The student must, in writing, arrange with the course faculty member to fulfill the appropriate course requirements. Incompletes may be given for work not completed because of reasons considered appropriate by the faculty member. B. Students may have up to the end of the following semester to complete the course requirements. The end of the following semester excludes summer session. C. For incompletes involving internships, the timeframe to complete the internship process may be extended by one additional semester, out to two semesters beyond the end of the original class D. If, during the course of the following semester, the student determines that he/she is unable to satisfy the requirements of the course, he/she may request consideration for a withdrawal (“W”). The decision is at the discretion of the faculty member. E. If, at the end of the following semester, the course requirements remain unsatisfied, the “I” will automatically change to an “F” or an “X” grade, depending upon the grading system used by the course in question.

Campus Safety and Security Reporting – In 1990, Congress enacted the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 (Title II of Public Law 101-542), which amended the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). This act required all postsecondary institutions participating in HEA’s Title IV student financial assistance programs to disclose campus crime statistics and security information. The act was amended in 1992, 1998 and 2000. The 1998 amendments renamed the law the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. Campus crime statistics for Black Hawk College may be found at www.bhc.edu/police. On Aug. 14, 2008, the Higher Education Opportunity Act or HEOA (Public Law 110-315) reauthorized and expanded the Higher Education Act of 1965. For more information, contact the BHC Police Department at 309796-5913.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Police and Campus Crime Statistics Act The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC § 1092(f)) is the landmark federal law that requires colleges and universities across the United States to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Clery Timely Warning Notices are specifically related to compliance with the Federal Clery Act, which requires colleges and universities to notify students and employees whenever there is a threat that a serious crime is ongoing or may be repeated so that campus community members can protect themselves from harm.

Concealed Carry Statute Please refer to the following link for more information: www.ilga.gov/legislation/98/HB/09800HB0183enr.htm. Concealed Carry Policy: Black Hawk College hereby establishes the BHC Concealed Carry Policy pursuant to the 2013 Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66) and it’s enabling regulations. Black Hawk College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the Black Hawk College community and its guests. In support of this commitment, Black Hawk College establishes restrictions on the ability to carry firearms or weapons on any Black Hawk College campus or property in accordance with the Board of Trustees’ authority to promulgate rules and regulations and the 2013 Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Board Report #8574.

Education Act of 1965 Information Required to be Disclosed – The Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), includes many disclosure and reporting requirements.

Final Grade Change Policy and Procedures Grade change requests must be made within two months of the end of the course. Once final grades have been submitted, assignment of “W” or “X” will not be permitted. In the case of instructor error, it is the instructor’s responsibility to change the grade as soon as the error is discovered. 47

Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) Under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325ILCS5/4), all Black Hawk College employees are designated by the State of Illinois as mandated court reporters. Therefore, all employees are required to report child abuse or neglect to the Child Abuse Hotline (800-25A-BUSE). For more information, contact the BHC Police Department at 309-796-5913.

Smoking â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tobacco Use Policy State legislation prohibits smoking on the campuses of all state-supported colleges and universities. For the purposes of this policy, tobacco is defined to include any lighted or unlighted cigarette (clove, bidis, kreteks), cigars, cigarillos, pipes, hookah products, and any other smoking product. This also includes smokeless, spit or spitless, dissolvable, or inhaled tobacco products, including but not limited to: dip, chew, snuff or snus, in any form (orbs, sticks, pellet, etc.). Nicotine products not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a smoking cessation product, such as e-cigarettes, are also prohibited. Nicotine products approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a smoking cessation product, such as nicotine gum and patches, are allowable.

College Policies and Procedures â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Board of Trustees Affirmative Action Plan The Board of Trustees will maintain an operative equal opportunity/affirmative action plan which has stated goals and objectives for remedying under-representation of protected class individuals and increasing cultural diversity of the College workforce and student community as well as stated policies against sexual and other forms of harassment.

Equal Opportunity Neither Black Hawk College nor any of its employees will discriminate or permit discrimination in employment practices, educational programs, or services provided to the community. Neither Black Hawk College nor any of its employees will exclude any person from participation in or deny to any person benefits of any program or activity funded in whole or in part by the federal or state government because of protected class status. The College will make all educational and personnel decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, unfavorable discharge from military service or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran except when corrective action is required as discussed in the paragraph below. The College will implement an Affirmative Action Plan to expand equality of opportunity. The plan will be designed both to ensure equality of opportunity in education and employment programs and activities, and to thereby correct under-representation or under-utilization of protected class members in the workforce and/or in the student body. The College will facilitate, develop and maintain educational programs and services that are sensitive to the needs of minorities, females, disabled persons, disabled veterans or Vietnam era veterans. The College will initiate programs that will increase, on the part of all personnel, sensitivity to the interests and the needs of those who have historically been discriminated against. In addition, the College will strive to maintain an atmosphere free of harassment, intimidation and insults based upon race, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, parenthood, national origin, age or religion. The College administration must also establish a positive, goal-oriented, equal opportunity/affirmative action program, establish specific objectives and timetables, and ensure that any employee or student who feels that he/she is being discriminated against has the opportunity to seek relief within the College system. The Affirmative Action Office will investigate complaints and assist in correcting any discriminatory practices in the College. All administrators and representatives of the College are charged with the responsibility to take appropriate action to ensure compliance. Any student who engages in any action or conduct constituting discrimination or harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary actions as stated in this handbook. 48

The College’s equal employment and affirmative action requirements will also be applied to contractual services, vendors or any purchasing done by Black Hawk College.

Black Hawk College Discrimination and Non-Harassment Policy Guideline against Discrimination and Harassment I. Policy Statement Black Hawk College (“College”) is committed to fostering a positive learning and working environment. The College will not tolerate discrimination, harassment or related retaliation of or by any employee or student. Individuals who violate this Policy will be disciplined and subjected to corrective action, up to and including termination or expulsion. The College is committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal employment opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Therefore, Black Hawk College expects that all relationships among employees or students will be free of bias, prejudice and harassment. II. Scope This Guideline applies to all faculty, students, staff and vendors while on College campuses or worksites and while participating in College-sponsored activities located off-campus. III. Prohibited Conduct Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Discriminatory Harassment, Retaliation, Reprisals, False Claims A. Sexual Harassment For the purposes of this Guideline, sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment and/or educational evaluation; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used or may be used as the basis for tangible employment or educational decisions affecting such individual; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment. Hostile environment sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual conduct that is sufficiently severe or pervasive that it alters the conditions of education or employment and creates an environment that a reasonable person would find intimidating, hostile, uncomfortable, or inappropriate. The determination of whether an environment is “hostile” must be based on all of the circumstances and not based on the intent of the offender. These circumstances could include the frequency of the conduct, its severity, and whether it is threatening or humiliating. Examples of Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment can range from unwelcome sexual flirtation to sexual assault. The following is a list of examples of conduct that may violate this Guideline: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

physical assault; direct or implied threats that submission to sexual advances will be a condition of employment, work status, promotion, grades, or letters of recommendation; direct proposition of a sexual nature; subtle pressure for sexual activity; idle chatter of a sexual nature and graphic sexual descriptions; offensive “risqué” jokes or “jesting” and “kidding” about sex or gender-specific traits; 49

7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

comments or questions about the sensuality of a person, or his or her spouse or significant other; inappropriate touching, patting, hugging, or brushing against a person’s body; sexual slurs, sexual innuendos, and other comments about a person’s clothing, body, and/or sexual activities; displaying objects or pictures which are sexual in nature and which may create a hostile or offensive work environment; unwelcome attempts to change a professional or academic relationship into a personal one; telephone calls of a sexual nature, by an employee or student to an employee’s or student’s residence; derogatory comments of a sexual nature.

Note: This list is not an exhaustive list. Conduct which constitutes sexual misconduct or sexual violence is governed by the Black Hawk College Sexual Misconduct Guideline. B. Discriminatory Harassment Harassment on the basis of any other protected characteristic is also strictly prohibited. Under this Guideline, harassment is verbal or physical conduct that shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of his/her race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship or any other characteristic protected by law or that of his/her relatives, friends or associates and that: (a) has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment; (b) has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or educational performance; or (c) otherwise adversely affects an individual’s employment or educational opportunities. Harassing conduct includes, but is not limited to: epithets, slurs or negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating or hostile acts; offensive jokes; and written or graphic material that shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group and that is placed on walls or elsewhere on the College’s premises or circulated at the College. The following is a list of examples of conduct that may violate this Guideline:  Criticizing or belittling another’s form of religious worship  Continued proselytizing severe and pervasive enough to interfere with another’s academic life  Jokes expressing religiously offensive ideas  Repeated or severe religious ridicule or insult  Ethnic slurs  Offensive conduct directed towards an individual’s birth country, ethnicity, culture, or foreign accent  Treating another less favorably because that individual either belongs to a particular ethnic group or, alternatively, because that individual does NOT belong to a particular group  Repeated comments, slurs, or insults regarding one’s skin color, hair texture, or facial features  Coercing participation or non-participation in a religious ceremony or practice  Offensive jokes directed at any of the protected characteristics  Written or graphic materials that show hostility or an aversion toward an individual or group based on any protected characteristic and that is circulated or otherwise shared on the College campus  Emails containing derogatory jokes, slurs, or comments that are offensive or demeaning to any of the protected characteristics  Threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts toward another due to a protected characteristic While there is no bright-line test, relevant factors in evaluating whether harassment rises to the level of creating a hostile environment may include any of the following: 50

    

Whether the conduct was physically threatening or intimidating; How frequently the conduct was repeated; Whether the conduct was hostile and/or blatantly offensive; The context in which the harassment occurred; and The relationship between the accused and the accuser.

Note: This list is not an exhaustive list. C. Retaliation For the purposes of this Guideline, retaliation means adverse actions against individuals because they have opposed practices forbidden under “Black Hawk College’s Guideline Against Discrimination and Harassment” or have filed a report, assisted, or participated in an investigation or proceeding under this Guideline. Additionally, retaliation means adverse actions against individual because they have, in good faith, reported instances of discrimination or harassment or provided information in support of a discrimination or harassment complaint. Retaliation is prohibited by this Guideline, as well as applicable local, state and federal law. A person engaging in retaliatory conduct will be subject to corrective action, up to and including termination or expulsion. D. Reprisal Prohibited It is against this Guideline to take into account the filing of a complaint against an individual when making such determinations as reappointment, tenure, promotion, grades, merit, or any other evaluation unless a final determination has been made that the individual did in fact violate this Guideline. The fact that a complaint has been filed is not proof of the prohibited conduct and should not be treated as such. E. False Claims All claims of discrimination, harassment and retaliation must be made in good faith. Any claims that are brought while knowingly false, with malicious intent, or out of retaliation are a violation of this Guideline. Individuals who violate this Guideline will be disciplined and subjected to corrective action, up to and including termination or expulsion. IV. Consensual Relationships A sexual or romantic relationship between an employee and a student or between two employees creates a conflict of interest when one of the individuals has direct evaluative authority over the other. Voluntary consent to a relationship of this nature is inherently suspect given the dynamics of the relationship. Therefore, it is a violation of this Guideline for a faculty member to have a sexual or romantic relationship with a student enrolled in a course being taught by the faculty member or whose work that faculty member supervises. In addition, it is a violation of this Guideline for an employee to have a sexual or romantic relationship with another employee over whom he or she has direct supervision or evaluative responsibilities. Relationships of this nature can affect other students, faculty and staff because it places the employee in a position to favor or advance one student’s or employee’s interest at the expense of the others. This relationship may also send an implicit message that obtaining benefits is contingent on a sexual or romantic relationship. If a supervisory or faculty-student relationship exists between husband and wife or those in a pre-existing romantic relationship, the faculty member or supervisor must notify his or her supervisor so that appropriate arrangements can be made. V. Implementation The Director of Human Resources is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Guideline Against Discrimination and Harassment. The Director of HR is responsible for the training of all College faculty and staff related to this Guideline and shall keep a record of the names and dates of the individuals who have attended the training. The Director of HR oversees all complaints brought pursuant to this Guideline and ensures proper procedures are followed in each case. When there is a conflict of interest, the Director of HR is unavailable, or the Director of HR is a party to the complaint, the complaint will handled by a third-party neutral investigator, who will 51

take over the role of the Director of HR. Any complaints involving gender or sexual harassment of a student will be referred to the Title IX Coordinator by the Director of HR for investigation under this Guideline and in accordance with Black Hawk College’s Sexual Misconduct Guideline, if applicable. Records of all complaints are maintained by the Director of HR. The Director of HR tracks the report and confirmed incident rate for statistical purposes. Annually, a report will be given to the College President summarizing the data. These records will be held in confidence. VI. Practical Steps A. Stop harassment before it starts Pay attention to the people around you. Think about what impact what you say or do will have on those in your work/learning environment. Some behaviors that are socially acceptable in some situations are not appropriate at school or work. Notice whether what you say or do makes others around you uncomfortable. Don’t assume that everyone around you enjoys hearing comments about their appearance, sexually-oriented jokes, or being touched, stared at, or propositioned. Do not assume what you might find to be a welcome sexual invitation will be viewed as such by your peer. No matter what, when you are asked to discontinue a behavior, stop it immediately. Do not instruct others to “put up with” or “deal with” it. Most importantly, read this Guideline thoroughly. If you have any questions, contact the Director of HR to discuss the Guideline. By simply respecting those who surround us in our work and academic environment, we can avoid offensive situations. B. You believe you have been harassed – What next? You have some choices with regard to how you can handle the situation. You can take steps to address the situation yourself or seek College intervention. You are encouraged to discuss your options with the Director of HR. C. What you can do There are some actions you can take to address the offensive behavior immediately and on your own. Sometimes, simply letting the individual know how you feel will stop any offensive behavior. The following are steps you may take to address the offensive behavior: 1. Say “NO” to your harasser. Let the individual know unequivocally that the behavior is unwelcome. Be direct, this is not the time to worry about embarrassing your harasser. 2. It would be helpful if you keep a record. You are encouraged to keep a detailed record describing the offensive behavior and be sure to include the names of any witnesses. Record the place, date, time, and any action you took in response to the offensive behavior. While you are encouraged to address the situation immediately upon its occurrence, you are not required to handle it on your own. D. Reporting requirements If you think you are the victim of discrimination or harassment you may file either an informal or formal complaint. The informal complaint procedure attempts to resolve the situation informally with a meeting between the complainant, the alleged harasser, and the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator (if applicable). If there is no resolution through the informal complaint procedure or you choose that you want to proceed under the formal procedure, you may then file a request for a formal hearing before the Advisory Committee on Discrimination and Harassment. The informal complaint procedure may be skipped if the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator determines it would be inappropriate or unproductive in the situation. Supervisors and faculty members are required to report any offensive conduct they experience, witness, or become aware of, to the Director of HR. This applies even if the harassment is taking place in another department or the harasser is someone outside the College. It is also necessary to report alleged harassment even if the employee or student never actually complained or didn’t file a complaint. 52

Allegations of discrimination and harassment are taken seriously. All reports will be handled promptly and in a manner appropriate to the circumstances of each individual case. If discrimination or harassment is found to have occurred, immediate and appropriate action will be taken to stop the conduct and deter its recurrence. VII. Complaint A. Informal Complaint An informal complaint is made with the Director of HR and must be made within three hundred (300) days of the alleged incident or incidents. If there is a conflict of interest, the Director of HR is unavailable, or the Director of HR is a party to the complaint, the complaint may be made to the Title IX Coordinator, who may also determine if a third-party neutral investigator is appropriate. When an informal complaint is made, the following will occur: 1. 2. 3.

4. 5.

The complainant will be requested to put the informal complaint in writing. The Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will discuss the situation with the complainant and answer any questions. The Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will notify the alleged harasser that an informal complaint has been filed against him/her and will give him/her a copy of the Guideline Against Discrimination and Harassment and the allegations to review. The Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will meet with the complainant and the accused, separately. The Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will speak to any witnesses named by the complainant or accused that the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator deems necessary and appropriate. If the complaint alleges that material presented during course instruction violated the Guideline Against Discrimination and Harassment, the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will notify the VP of Instruction and will share all documents related to the complaint. Additionally, the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will meet with the VP of Instruction to provide training/information on discrimination/harassment law as it relates to student complaints. The VP of Instruction will confidentially review the complaint and may consult with up to two faculty members in the relevant discipline/department concerning course content, course syllabi, and course objectives. If this occurs, it is the responsibility of the VP of Instruction to ensure that the identities of the parties and the details of the complaint remain confidential. The VP of Instruction will submit his/her review to the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator for consideration in determining whether the complaint should proceed. If the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator determines that under no circumstances could a violation of the Black Hawk College Guideline Against Discrimination and Harassment have occurred, the complaint process will end. If a complaint proceeds, the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will hold an informal meeting with both parties present; or if it is determined that an informal meeting would be futile, the complainant, the accused, or the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will have the right to file a request for a formal hearing. If a resolution between the parties is agreed upon, it will be put in writing and signed by both parties. A copy of this agreement will be kept in the Director of HRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s records.

When someone other than the alleged victim first notifies the Director of HR of possible inappropriate behavior, the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will first contact the alleged victim and discuss the report. The Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will ask the alleged victim if he or she would like to make a formal complaint and, if so, begin the informal complaint process. The alleged victim will then become the complainant. If the alleged victim chooses not to make a complaint, the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will still investigate the original complaint. If the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator 53

determines the complaint should proceed, the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will become the complainant and the formal hearing process will begin, pursuant to Section XI. NOTE: A resolution agreement between the parties does not constitute a formal finding of discrimination, harassment or retaliation by the College. However, the agreement may be used against the accused in a subsequent proceeding or hearing when relevant. B. Formal Hearing Request Anyone who believes that he or she is the victim of discrimination or harassment may file a request for a formal hearing before the Advisory Committee on Discrimination and Harassment. A formal hearing request is filed with the Director of HR. A request must be filed within 300 days of the alleged incident or incidents. This time period will be counted during the pendency of a timely filed informal complaint. If there is a conflict of interest, the Director of HR is unavailable, or the Director of HR is a party to the complaint the request may be made to the Title IX Coordinator, who may also determine if a third-party neutral investigator is appropriate. Upon the timely filing of a request for a formal hearing, the College will initiate a formal investigation followed by a formal hearing to determine whether a violation of this Guideline has occurred and impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions. C. Advisor Committee on Discrimination and Harassment (“Advisory Committee” or “the Committee”) Formal hearings are brought before the Advisory Committee on Discrimination and Harassment. The Committee is comprised of five (5) members. Included on the Committee are two (2) administrators selected by the President and three (3) union or support staff members selected by the Director of Human Resources. A minimum of two union members from each unit and two support staff (selected by the Director of Human Resources) and two administrators (selected by the President) will receive training regarding their role as an Advisory Committee member. Members selected will sit on the Committee on a three-year basis; forced removal is for good cause only. Upon the vacancy of any position, a new member will be chosen from the respective representative pool by the Director of Human Resources or the President. Though all members will be trained, only five members will be selected for a hearing as needed. Whenever a member has a conflict of interest or even the appearance of a conflict, that member shall not sit for the hearing creating that conflict. D. Formal Complaint Procedure: 1. The Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will notify the accused that a request for a formal hearing has been filed. A copy of the Guideline Against Discrimination and Harassment will be given to the accused to review, unless already received during an informal complaint process, and the allegations to review. 2. The Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will conduct a thorough investigation into the allegation. During the investigation procedure the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator shall: a. review the records of both the complainant and the accused to determine if there are similar or previously filed complaints; b. thoroughly ascertain all facts in connection with the alleged incident, beginning by meeting separately with the complainant and the accused; c. interview any witnesses; d. determine the type, duration, and frequency of the conduct; and e. ascertain the identity of and the relationship between the complainant and the accused. 3.

The Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will prepare a report of the investigation findings and simultaneously submit a copy of the final report to the accused, the complainant, and the Advisory Committee. 54

5. 6. 7.

10.

11. 12.

If the complaint alleges that material presented during course instruction violated the Guideline Against Discrimination and Harassment, the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will notify the VP of Instruction and will share the investigation findings and all other documents related to the complaint. It is the responsibility of the VP of Instruction to ensure that the identities of the parties and the details of the complaint remain confidential. Additionally, the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will meet with the VP of Instruction to provide training/information on discrimination/harassment law as it relates to student complaints. The VP of Instruction will review the investigation findings and related documents and will submit his/her review to the Advisory Committee. Committee will schedule a hearing date and time upon receipt of the investigation report. The Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will notify the alleged harasser and the complainant of the scheduled hearing date, time, and place. The hearing is held. The following guidelines are intended to assure the fairness of the hearing process: a. Both parties shall attend the hearing. b. Neither party may be compelled to testify. c. The accused is entitled to have legal counsel present. d. Both parties have a right to present evidence and call a reasonable number of witnesses. The Committee will determine what is considered reasonable. Witnesses may only be present when testifying. e. A witness may not testify about the misconduct of a party other than to speak of the conduct at issue. f. Both parties have a right to question all witnesses. However, harassment of a witness will not be tolerated. g. The Committee will use a general relevance standard to determine what testimony or evidence will be permitted at the hearing. The Committee will take into account, among other factors, the nature of the harassment, the gravity of the harassment, the frequency of the conduct, and any related past conduct of the alleged harasser. Recommendation of the Committee. The Committee will determine whether the conduct alleged did occur and whether that conduct violates College policy. It may recommend that either the complaint be dismissed as unfounded or appropriate corrective action be taken. The final decision for action shall rest with the President or with the Board, if required by an applicable contract provision or Illinois State Statute or if the President is the accused. The Committee shall submit a written report to the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator listing the findings of the panel and recommendations to the President regarding disciplinary sanctions. The complainant and the accused shall each receive a copy of the Committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report from the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator. As applicable, the Director of HR or Title IX Coordinator will send a copy of the report to the supervisor of the accused. It will be the responsibility of that individual, in conjunction with the Director of Human Resources, to implement the remedial action.

NOTE: It is recommended that both parties attend the hearing to protect their interests. Failure to appear will not be weighed against an individual; however, the Committee bases its recommendation on the Director of HRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or Title IX Coordinatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report and the testimony it receives. Failure to appear denies an individual the ability to rebut statements made by the adverse party or any witnesses. VIII. Appeals The complainant or the accused, if dissatisfied with the corrective action determined by the President, can request the decision be appealed through the grievance process, or applicable contract provision, if available. If the complainant remains dissatisfied with the actions taken by the College, he or she is invited to contact either the Illinois Department of Human Rights or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. 55

Illinois Department of Human Rights 100 W. Randolph St., Suite 10-100 James R Thompson Center Chicago, IL 60601 312-814-4320

Illinois Department of Human Rights 222 S. College St., Room 101 Springfield, IL 62704 217-785-5100

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 500 W. Madison, Suite 2000 Chicago, IL 60661 312-353-2713

IX. Academic Freedom The College strongly supports the principles of academic freedom. Academic freedom includes the right to present controversial subjects and/or ideas that are germane to the course objectives. The College’s Guideline Against Discrimination and Harassment is not intended to interfere with the principles or policy of academic freedom at the College. Discrimination and harassment prohibited by this Guideline are neither legally protected nor the proper exercise of academic freedom. The American Association of University Professors advises that intimidation and harassment are inconsistent with the maintenance of academic freedom on campus. This statement is no less germane if one is being made unwelcome because of sex, rather than unwelcome because of race, religion or other protected classification. Because the boundaries of academic freedom are not definite, views vary depending on the circumstances at issue. Any individual who raises academic freedom as a defense to a complaint may produce witnesses knowledgeable in the area of the protected characteristic and academic discipline and/or related field. X. Definitions Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Officer (Director of HR) – The Director of HR is responsible for overseeing all complaints brought pursuant to the Guideline Against Discrimination and Harassment. The Director of HR is available to answer any questions you have relating to this Guideline and to receive any comments or suggestions regarding this Guideline. Complaint Filed by the Director of HR The Director of HR may file a complaint against an individual if, based on the number or seriousness of complaints filed against the individual, the Director of HR has reason to believe that the individual has engaged in discrimination or harassment. In this situation, the Director of HR will act as the complainant and the appropriate Vice President will fill the role of the Director of HR. Confidentiality The Director of HR, Title IX Coordinator, and all other individuals involved in the implementation of this Guideline will attempt to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the complainant, the accused, and the participants in the investigation to the extent reasonably possible. Consent Consent is a knowing and voluntary agreement to engage in specific sexual activity at the time of the activity. In order to be valid, consent must be knowing, voluntary, active, present and ongoing. Consent is not present when an individual is incapacitated due to alcohol, drugs, sleep or other condition. Counseling and Support Harassment can leave an individual with feelings of anger, guilt, shame, confusion, depression, or embarrassment, among other feelings. Stopping the harassment won’t necessarily make those feelings go away. Those emotions can be hard to handle and may affect your work or academic life. It is important that you recognize any feelings you may have arising from harassment. To help resolve those feelings, you are encouraged to seek assistance from a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Counseling services are available at the Black Hawk College Counseling Department, located in Building 1 (Quad-Cities Campus), or Building A (East Campus). Employees may utilize the College’s Employee Assistance Program by contacting Precedence EAP at 309-779-2273 or 800-383-7900.

Legal Recourse This Guideline is more restrictive than federal and state harassment laws; however, there may be times when the offensive behavior violates not only this Guideline, but also federal or state law. An alleged victim who wishes to seek additional relief beyond that which is available at the College may file a complaint with a state or federal agency at any time. Title IX Coordinator â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for investigating complaints alleging gender discrimination or sexual harassment of students. The Director of HR refers these complaints to the Title IX Coordinator for investigation under this Guideline. Contact Phone Numbers Title IX Coordinator & Retention Coordinator, Jana Koch Deputy Title IX Coordinator & Dean of Student Services, Luis S. Moreno Deputy Title IX Coordinator & Director of Human Resources, Stacey Cary

309-796-5177 309-796-5041 309-796-5225

Black Hawk College Counseling Departments: Quad-Cities Campus 6600 34th Avenue Moline, IL 61265 309-796-5100 800-334-1311, Ext. 5100

East Campus 26230 Black Hawk Road Galva, IL 61434-9476 309-854-1711 800-233-5671, Ext. 1711

Black Hawk College reserves the right to modify, amend or change this Guideline at any time.

Questions, Concerns or Resolution The following list identifies specific services and policies along with a sequential order of whom a student should contact as they seek information.

Policies & Services

Quad-Cities Campus

East Campus

Academic issues

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Instructor Department Chair Academic Dean Vice President for Instruction and Student Services

1st 2nd 3rd

Instructor Department Chair Executive Dean for East Campus

Accommodations for students with disabilities

1st 2nd

Disability Services Coordinator Dean of Student Services

1st

Academic Support Services Advisor

Bookstore

1st 2nd 3rd

Bookstore Manager Director of Auxiliary Services Vice President for Finance and Administration

1st 2nd

Bookstore Manager Director of Facilities and Campus Services Executive Dean for East Campus

Title IX Coordinator, Affirmative Action/EEO Officer Dean of Student Services

1st

Discrimination and harassment issues

1st or

3rd

Title IX Coordinator, Affirmative Action/EEO Officer Dean of Student Services

Financial Aid

1st 2nd 3rd

Financial Aid Advisor Director of Financial Aid Dean of Student Services

1st 2nd

Financial Aid Advisor Director of Financial Aid

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, confidentiality issues

1st 2nd

Registrar Dean of Student Services

1st 2nd 3rd

Registrar Dean of Student Services Executive Dean for East Campus

Student conduct on campus outside of the classroom

1st

Dean of Student Services

1st 2nd

Dean of Student Services Executive Dean for East Campus

Student employee issues

1st 2nd 3rd

Student’s Supervisor Financial Aid Advisor Director of Human Resources

1st 2nd 3rd

Student’s Supervisor Financial Aid Advisor Director of Human Resources

Tuition refunds

1st

1st 2nd

Enrollment Services Executive Dean for East Campus

2nd

Director of Academic Advisement Dean of Student Services

1st 2nd

Coordinator of Career Services Educational Services Director

1st

Coordinator of Career Planning & Placement

Career assessments, résumé, job shadow, internships, job openings, mock interview

Disclosure of Student Information Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) The following notice and information is given by Black Hawk College to advise its students of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. FERPA establishes the right of students to inspect and review their education records; provides that personally identifiable information will not, with certain exceptions, be disclosed without the student’s written permission; provides for guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal or formal hearings; grants the right to file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office concerning alleged failures of the College to comply; and makes provisions for notice to the students concerning their rights. Black Hawk College’s faculty and staff use records to meet the needs of individual students and help develop ways to improve programs, services and academic success. Student records are confidential. Faculty members may not disclose information about students without the student’s written consent. This applies to the educational records of students who are currently in attendance, those who have graduated, and those students who have ceased attendance. Students have the right to inspect and review their academic records. A student who wishes to review his/her academic records must make a request in writing and submit it to the Registrar’s Office. Parents and spouses have no inherent right to receive information about students. Only if the student has signed a release form can specified information be given to the identified party. Black Hawk College will not provide names and addresses to outside agencies for commercial use or any information about academic records without the student’s written consent or under specific guidelines set out in FERPA. 58

The following student data is hereby designated as Directory Information and as such may be disclosed or released by the College for any purpose and at its discretion.  Student name  Home address  Home telephone  Email address  Height/weight (for athletic team members)  Dates of attendance  Participation in officially recognized activities/sports  Degrees/awards received  Most recent educational institution attended  Course of study  Photographs

Registered Sex Offender Protocols Persons convicted of sex crimes and subsequently adjudicated as a sex offender are required by federal law to register as sex offenders in the jurisdiction where they live and the jurisdiction where they go to school. Black Hawk College has a large number of students in its population who are under the age of 18. With two very active alternative high school programs and working dual enrollment agreements with the area high schools, the juvenile population of the campus continues to grow. Black Hawk College also hosts many educational, community, civic and athletic events throughout the year that encourage the participation of juveniles and children. In the interest of providing the highest level of protection possible for all BHC students, employees and visitors, and in keeping with the requirements of the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000 – which amends the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children Act and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act, the Jeanne Clery Act, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 – Black Hawk College has adopted the following procedures: 1. Sex offenders, as defined and adjudicated by state law, are required to register with the Black Hawk College Police Department (BHC PD) the day they enroll in any BHC academic, community education, or recreation program for every semester they attend Black Hawk College. 2. Registered sex offenders who are on parole or mandatory supervised release must provide the BHC PD with a copy of the terms and conditions of their parole/mandatory supervised release which is signed by the offender and their parole agent. 3. Registered sex offenders are required to provide all registration information required by the College (Appendix # 1) and must abide by all rules established by the College to include any or all of the following:  Signing out (in person) at the BHC PD no later than 15 minutes after the conclusion of their last class session on a daily basis.  Not loitering in any area frequented by or hosting an event attended by persons under the age of 18.  Providing the BHC PD with a copy of any changes to their class schedule every semester.  Compliance with all parole or probation conditions while on parole or probation.  Notification to the BHC PD of any change to their registration information within three (3) days of the change. Since state and federal laws do not prohibit the secondary dissemination of information regarding Registered Sex Offenders (Appendix #2), the College will:  Maintain and update a listing of all Registered Sex Offenders known to be enrolled or employed at Black Hawk College on a semester basis. 59

   

Such list, once established, will be made available for public viewing and dissemination upon request at the BHC PD. The BHC PD web page will contain a link to the Illinois State Police Registered Sex Offender database. The Dean of Student Services and the Executive Dean of East Campus will be provided with an updated list of students who are Registered Sex Offenders as they are developed. Employees of the College who are Registered Sex Offenders will be required to follow such rules as established by the BHC Department of Human Resources.

Registered Sex Offenders who fail to notify Black Hawk College of their status, who attempt to use an alias to avoid registration, or who violate BHC Sex Offender rules and/or guidelines will be subject to any and all of the following:  Removal from BHC property.  Expulsion from BHC academic programs and forfeiture of academic fees.  Arrest for trespassing on state-supported land.  Notification/complaint to the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Corrections.  Criminal charges as allowed by state law.  Termination of employment. Registered Sex Offenders must continue to notify the College of their status every semester they attend College. Notification must continue for a period of ten (10) years after the Registered Sex Offender’s first enrollment with the College after their adjudication as a Registered Sex Offender by the Court. Registered Sex Offenders who take online courses through Black Hawk College are subject to having their computer access monitored and restricted by the College and must obtain permission from the BHC PD to access campus property for any reason. Registered Sex Offenders attending classes at a Black Hawk College satellite facility (Adult Learning Center, Community Education Center, Outreach Center, Welding Extension Center and Welding & Skilled Trades Center) will be required to register at the BHC PD and will be required to sign in and out on a daily basis at the facility they are attending in accordance with procedure # 3 above. Any person adjudicated as sexually dangerous, sexually violent or a sexual predator must register with the College the day they attempt to enroll for every enrollment for the rest of their natural lives. Sexually dangerous, sexually violent and sexual predator offenders will have their application for enrollment reviewed by representatives from the BHC PD and the Dean of Student Services and the Executive Dean of East Campus prior to being accepted as a BHC student and authorized to be on campus. The BHC Police Chief and the appropriate vice president/dean may establish such rules for attendance for the sexually dangerous, sexually violent or sexual predator as they deem appropriate. Decisions not to allow enrollment, and the rationale used, will be sent to the offender via registered mail. The BHC PD is requested to work closely with other area law enforcement agencies to coordinate Registered Sex Offender information and to maintain a liaison with the Illinois State Police Sex Offender Database. Registered Sex Offenders are not allowed at Black Hawk College events outside their normal class schedule. Offenders found to be attending BHC events will be removed and their status as a BHC student will be subject to review by the appropriate vice president. Appendix #1. The following information is required by the College and must be provided to gain entrance onto BHC property;  Offender’s name  Offender’s current address  Offender’s current employment 60

     

Offender’s current telephone numbers Offender’s current email addresses Offender’s current instant messaging identifiers Offender’s current chat room identifiers Offender’s other internet identities Offender’s current photograph (driver’s license will suffice)

Appendix #2. Nothing in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) 20 USC, Section 1232(g), prevents Black Hawk College from disclosing information concerning Registered Sex offenders provided under the Wetterling Act, Oct 25, 2000, including information made available under the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (CSPA) 42 USC 1407 (j), amendment October 28, 2000, and information otherwise made available under the Illinois Sex Offender Registration laws. Questions concerning this document should be directed to: Chief of Police, Black Hawk College, 6600 34th Avenue, Moline, IL 61265, 309-796-5915.

Crisis Intervention A Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), composed of trained Black Hawk College staff, is available to respond to safety, security, emotional, psychological or health situations involving students, employees or visitors. This plan, which includes interim involuntary withdrawal procedures as one of several options of response, may be utilized by the CIT in responding to situations described in the Crisis Intervention Manual. The CIT should be called to action whenever a person’s behavior poses imminent danger of: 1. Causing harm to self or others; or 2. Impeding the lawful activities of other members of the campus community; or 3. Causing significant property damage; or 4. Interfering with the health, safety or well-being of other members of the Black Hawk College community. Examples: Severe depression, suicide attempts or threats, drug overdose, violent behavior or threats of violence, serious accidents, law violations and serious medical/mental health situations. In order to keep a safe campus, everyone is encouraged to report criminal or questionable activity to the BHC Police Department. At the Quad-Cities Campus, call 309-796-5911 (emergency) or 309-796-5913 (general). At the East Campus, call 309-854-1784.

Hearing Procedures 1. The student may be accompanied by a person(s) of their choosing such as a family member, a licensed mental health professional and/or a member of the faculty or staff of Black Hawk College who has relevant knowledge. Additionally, the student may be accompanied by legal counsel, although the role of the student’s counsel will be limited to providing legal advice to the student. 2. At least 24 hours prior to the hearing, the Dean of Student Services should be provided with a list of those persons who will accompany the student, together with their reason for being present. Those individuals accompanying the student, except for the student’s legal counsel, will be given reasonable time to present relevant evidence and ask pertinent questions of those involved in the informal hearing. 3. If a psychological evaluation has been required and such information is essential to the disposition of the case, the Dean of Student Services will require the student to authorize the release of the psychological evaluation to representatives of the College for their information and use during the hearing. This information must be made available at least 24 hours prior to the hearing. 4. The College also has the right to request Crisis Intervention Team members or other individuals with relevant information to be present at the hearing. Legal counsel representing Black Hawk College may also be present at this hearing at the request of the Dean of Student Services. 61

5. The student will be expected to respond to questions. 6. The informal hearing may be conducted in the absence of the student, if the student fails to appear, given proper notice. 7. The College shall videotape record the hearing. The CD shall be kept with the pertinent case file for as long as the case file is maintained by the institution.

Informal Hearing Presentation of Evidence and Responses The informal hearing shall be conversational and non-adversarial. Formal rules of evidence will not apply. The Dean of Student Services shall exercise active control over the proceedings to achieve orderly completion of the hearing. Any person who disrupts the hearing may be excluded.

Interim Involuntary Withdraw Procedures The Dean of Student Services (or designee) and the Crisis Intervention Team may implement an interim involuntary withdrawal whenever a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behavior poses an imminent danger as described above and may be implemented with any of the actions outlined in the Crisis Intervention Plan as follows. If it does not warrant expulsion, provisions will be made for the classes.

Notification of Hearing Students subject to an interim involuntary withdrawal shall be accorded an informal hearing with the Dean of Student Services. The purpose of this hearing is to determine a final course of action with respect to the interim involuntary withdrawal. The Dean of Student Services will inform the student in writing, at least two working days in advance of the hearing. This written notification, which includes information concerning location, date and time of the informal hearing, shall be delivered either personally or by certified mail. In addition, a list of those individuals presenting evidence at the hearing on behalf of Black Hawk College will be provided.

Notification of Withdrawal and Due Process Information A student subject to an interim withdrawal shall be given written notice of the withdrawal, delivered personally or by certified mail.

Optional Information Meeting The student may request an optional informational meeting with the Dean of Student Services prior to an informal hearing for the sole purpose of gathering information. The Dean of Student Services reserves the right to appoint a designee for this meeting. This optional informational meeting shall focus on: 1. The incident(s) resulting in the interim involuntary withdrawal; or 2. The studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behavior and/or medical condition which poses a danger of causing harm to the student or others, causing significant property damage, or directly and substantially impeding the lawful activities of others; or 3. Other issues pertinent to the withdrawal such as compliance with behavioral contracts, requests for offcampus psychological evaluations, and/or any other requests or requirements.

Written Decision Within five (5) working days after the completion of the informal hearing, the Dean of Student Services will notify the student in writing of the decision regarding the terms of the interim involuntary withdrawal. This written decision will be delivered to the student either personally or by certified mail. This document should contain the reasons for the decision to suspend the interim involuntary withdrawal, to uphold the withdrawal for a specified period, to permanently dismiss the student, or enforce any other alternative which the College determines appropriate. If reinstatement is an option, the student should be informed of the conditions for reinstatement. The decision of the Dean of Student Services shall be final and conclusive and not subject to appeal.

Glossary Academic Probation All colleges require students to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) to remain in school. Any student not maintaining the minimum 2.0 GPA will be placed on probation for a semester. Academic Suspension A student on Academic Probation may be placed on Academic Suspension if he/she fails to maintain or achieve the minimum cumulative GPA required. A student placed on suspension will be dismissed from the college for a specified time period – one semester for the first suspension. Specific requirements may be placed on the student’s re-entry into college. Academic Warning The student is being warned of failure to make sufficient academic progress as defined by the policy. The student may continue to enroll while on academic warning, but will need to meet with an Educational Advisor to create a plan for success. Academic year Two semesters (fall and spring), plus summer session and examination periods. The American Council on Education (ACE) This is the United States’ largest higher education organization. A service that ACE provides for many institutions and organizations is the evaluation of training and experiences for college credit, which are then documented on an ACE transcript. ACE works under contract with the Department of Defense and also provides military evaluations. Any ACE-recommended credit for military training and experiences may be found on a student’s ACE transcript. Admission Your acceptance for enrollment. The status granted to an applicant who meets the prescribed entrance requirements of Black Hawk College. Advisor A BHC employee who helps students select the correct courses, review the course requirements in the field they have selected to pursue, and helps them with any academic problems they may encounter. This person is available to assist students with clarifying life/career goals and developing educational plans. This person may be an educational advisor, counselor or faculty member (instructor/professor). Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Officer (AA/EEO) A BHC employee who is responsible for overseeing all harassment complaints. Associate Degree Awarded for (generally) completing a two-year program. The typical amount of classwork to complete an associate degree in two years is 14-16 semester credit hours or a total of 64 credit hours if a student begins college eligible for college-level English and math. Black Hawk College has the Associate of Applied Science (AAS), the Associate of Arts (AA), the Associate of Science (AS), and the Associate in Liberal Studies (ALS). The AA and AS degrees are designed to transfer to a four-year college or university. The AAS and ALS degrees are intended to lead to employment and not designed to transfer. Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) Provides the lower division preparation for student planning to major in art at a four-year institution pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fine art (BFA). Bachelor’s Degree (also called Baccalaureate Degree) This is the undergraduate degree offered by four-year colleges and universities. The Bachelor of Arts degree requires that a portion of the student’s studies be dedicated to the arts – literature, language, music, etc. The 63

Bachelor of Science degree requires that a portion of the studies be in the sciences – chemistry, biology, math, etc. The minimum credit hour requirement for a bachelor’s degree is 120 hours. Bursar’s Office (also called the Business Office) The office where students pay your tuition, fees and fines, or make payment arrangements including a deferred payment plan. Cash registration Period in registration just prior to the start of classes for the semester. During cash registration students have two business days to make payment on their account. No bills will be sent. Once classes begin, payment is due at the time of registration. Catalog The catalog is the comprehensive guide to programs and expectations at Black Hawk College. College catalogs provide all types of information parents and students need to know about a school. They list, for example: the institution’s history and philosophy, policies and procedures, its accreditation status, courses of study, degrees and certificates offered, and physical facilities. They are considered the student’s contract with the institution. Certificate Programs Short-term career training programs are intended to lead to employment upon completion. Also called career programs. The college catalog lists the programs and their options. Clearinghouse Self-Service A 24/7 self-service where students can log in through their college portal and obtain enrollment certificates, order transcripts, access student loan information, and more. Co-Requisite A course or other requirement that must be completed at the same time another course is taken. Co-requisite requirements are listed in the BHC catalog. Course Reference Number (CRN) Each course is assigned a five-digit code, along with a three-digit section number to use when registering for classes. Example: CRN 10037 will allow a student to register for ENG 102-101 (Composition II). Since Black Hawk College offers the same courses at different times, with different instructors, each class has a three-digit section number to designate the specific class time (101). Credit Hours The amount of credit students receive for completing a specific course. Credit hours are based upon the number of hours a class meets per week that are then equated to college credit. Cumulative GPA Refers to the average grade point earned when all college courses attempted are computed into an overall average. Students must earn a 2.0 GPA to graduate or continue receiving financial aid or to remain enrolled at BHC. Curriculum (program) Courses required for a specific degree or certificate. Dean An administrator in charge of a division of a college. Developmental courses Non-credit courses that are intended to improve skills (writing, reading, and math) to enable success in collegelevel courses. 64

Distance Learning A way to teach a course at several sites at a time by means of the interactive television system. Drop and Add Students may change their schedule by dropping or adding classes. Check the academic calendar for the drop/add deadlines for each term or check with Enrollment Services. Elective Classes students choose to take that are not specifically required for graduation, but will increase their knowledge and help meet the remaining credit hours for a college degree. Enrollment The procedure by which students choose classes each semester. It also includes the assessment and the collection of fees. Students can be dis-enrolled (removed from their classes) if they fail to pay their tuition and fees. Extracurricular Activities These are non-classroom activities that can contribute to a well-rounded education. They can include such activities as athletics, clubs, student government, recreational and social organizations, and events. FAFSA Stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is the standard form used to apply for any form of financial aid. Fees Fees are additional charges not included in the tuition. Fees may be charged to cover the cost of materials and equipment needed in certain courses, and they may be assessed for student events, programs and publications. Financial Aid Aid for paying college expenses is made available from grants, scholarships, loans and part-time employment from federal, state, institutional and private sources. Financial aid from these programs may be combined in an â&#x20AC;&#x153;award packageâ&#x20AC;? to meet or defray from the cost of education. The types and amounts of aid awarded are based upon financial need, available funds, student classification, academic performance, and sometimes the timeliness of application. Full-time Student Anyone taking 12 credit hours or more during the fall or spring semester. GED (General Education Development examination) An examination to show high school diploma equivalency. General Education requirement A group of courses a student chooses from in specific categories to earn a degree; provides a broadly based education. Grade Point Average (GPA) The total number of points per credit hour earned (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0) divided by college-level credit hours attempted. IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) An agreement that was created to make it easier to transfer from one Illinois institution to another. Major Field of Study A concentration of courses in a specific educational area in an associate degree. 65

Major Requirements Courses which meet graduation requirements as determined by the student’s major. Minimester Courses offered between the fall and spring semesters. They are scheduled over a short period of time and generally require intensive studying on a daily basis. Non-Credit Courses Some courses have zero (0) credit hours and do not meet the requirements for a certificate or a degree at a given institution. Non-credit courses may serve one of several purposes: to explore new fields of study, increase proficiency in a particular skill area or profession, develop potential or enrich life experiences. Online courses Courses a student takes via the internet. Part-time Student Anyone taking 11 credit hours or less during the fall and spring semesters. Prerequisites Courses (aka prereq) A prerequisite is a condition that must be met before a student can enroll in a course. The prerequisite can include a specific skill level (a minimum ACT, SAT or basic skills test score) or the completion of a specific course, called a prerequisite course. For example, Accounting I is a prerequisite for Accounting II. Specific courses students must successfully complete with a “C” or better before they can enroll in another specific course. Registrar The registrar of an institution is responsible for maintaining all academic records. Duties may also include maintenance of class enrollments, providing statistical information on student enrollment, certification of athletic eligibility and student eligibility for honor rolls, certification of the eligibility of veterans, and verification of the completion of degree requirements for graduation. Registration The process of selecting courses, completing college forms and paying fees, all of which must be completed prior to the beginning of classes each semester. Resident/Non-resident Status The amount of tuition a student pays to a public (state-supported) college is determined by the student’s state residence status. If a student is a resident of the state, then the student pays a lower tuition rate. A non-resident will pay a higher tuition rate. Residency requirements vary from state to state, but are determined by where a student’s parents live, if the student is younger than a certain age.

SaVE Act - Sexual Violence Elimination (also known as the Campus SaVE Act) The SaVE Act is an update to the Clery Act, expanding the scope of this legislation in terms of reporting, response, and prevention education requirements around rape, acquaintance rape, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Schedule of Classes Colleges publish and distribute a Class Schedule book for each semester. With the help of Academic Advisors or Faculty Advisor, students make up their own individual class schedules for each semester they are enrolled. Courses are designated in the Class Schedule by course department, course number, time and days the course meets, the room number and building name, and the instructor’s name. Semester The period of time in which courses are scheduled. Semesters at Black Hawk College last approximately 16 weeks. The summer session is either a four-week or eight-week session. Also referred to as a term. 66

Study Unlimited Courses that don’t have traditional class meeting times. Students use study guides, textbooks and sometimes audio or video clips. These classes must be completed within a designated timeframe, which usually coincides with the college semester or summer session. Syllabus A course syllabus is summary of the course. It usually contains specific information about the course; information on how to contact the instructor, including the instructors office location and office hours; an outline of what will be covered in the course, with a schedule of test dates and the due dates for assignments; the grading policy for the course; and specific classroom rules. Each instructor distributes a syllabus at the beginning of the semester. TBA A designation used in the schedule that indicates class meeting times are “to be arranged.” Students will need to contact instructors to make arrangements for completing such classes. Title IX Coordinator A BHC employee who is responsible for investigating complaints alleging gender or sexual harassment of students. Transcript This document is a complete record of all courses taken and grades received at Black Hawk College. It is available in the Enrollment Services Office for a small fee. Official transcripts are sent from college to college or to other third parties in need of grades or enrollment verification. Transfer of Credits Some students attend more than one institution during their college careers and will wish for accumulated credit hours from the former institution to transfer to the new one. To transfer credits, a student must have an official transcript sent to the new institution, which will determine which courses will apply toward graduation requirements. Transfer Programs Curriculum that can be applied toward bachelor’s degree programs at four-year colleges and universities. Tuition The cost of college classes based on the student’s residence and how many credits the student enrolls in for any given semester. Tuition is the amount paid for each credit hour of enrollment. Tuition does not include the cost of books, fees or room and board. Tunnels On the Quad-Cities Campus, a system of walkways and skyways used to navigate between buildings. Tutors A tutor is a person, generally another student, who has completed and/or demonstrated proficiency in a course or subject and is able to provide instruction to another student. Tutors usually help students better understand course material and make better grades. Withdrawal The process of discontinuing enrollment in a course or courses. A grade of W is recorded on the student transcript. Work-study A financial aid program where students work part-time at the college or other non-profit organizations to gain work experience. Rev. 10-2016 67

Black Hawk College will make all educational and personnel decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran, except as specifically exempted by law. No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Legal Citation: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and its implementing regulation at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 (Title IX). Students should direct inquires to Title IX Coordinators, Luis Moreno and Jana Koch, Black Hawk College, Building 1, First Stop Center, 6600 34th Avenue , Moline, IL 61265. Phone 309-796-5041 or 309-796-5177 or e-mail morenol@bhc.edu or kochj@bhc.edu. Faculty and Staff should direct inquiries to Title IX Coordinator, Stacey Cary, Black Hawk College, Building 1, Human Resources, 6600 34th Avenue, Moline, IL 61265. Phone 309-796-5225 or e-mail carys@bhc.edu. If you need an accommodation based on disability to fully participate in this program/event, please contact Disability Services at 309-796-5900, 309-796-5903 (CAPTEL) or 309-716-3310 (video phone). Students, faculty and staff at Black Hawk College participate in a variety of activities designed to assess and improve student learning and to bring about institutional change. Examples of such activities may include placement testing, surveys, collecting random samples of student work, exit testing, and portfolio evaluation. Black Hawk College will make all educational and personnel decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran, except as specifically exempted by law. Accessible parking and entrances are marked at all campuses. If an individual has questions, he/she can contact the Disability Services Coordinator at the Quad-Cities Campus at 309-796-5900 or at the East Campus at 309-854-1713. 14751KM10/16

www.bhc.edu Quad-Cities Campus 6600 34th Avenue Moline, Illinois 309-796-5000

East Campus 26230 Black Hawk Road Galva, Illinois 309-854-1700