2016 17 student handbook

Table of Contents

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 1

Introduction • Message from the President • History of WKCTC • Mission Statement • WKCTC Leadership

5 6 7 7

Admission & Registration • Applying for Admission • Admission and Registration Procedures • Non-Degree/Non-Credential Students • High School Students • Second Chance Students • Transient/Visiting Students • International Students • Readmission after Two or More Years: Academic Bankruptcy • Previous College Work • Change of Program

8

First Year Experience • Registration for Currently Enrolled Students • Registration for New Students

11

Tuition and Charges • Mandatory Student Fee • Charges for Customized Course Offerings • Charges for Services • Charges for Special Examination • Cancellation of Registration for Non-Payment of Charges • Payment Plan Options • Refunds • Financial Delinquency • Professional Liability Insurance

13

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 2

Financial Aid • Overview • Student Eligibility and Application • Dual Enrollment/Consortium Agreements • Federal Student Loans • State Programs • Third Party Assistance Programs • Tax Credits • Satisfactory Academic Progress • Personal Financial Liability

17

WKCTC Bookstore

20

Services for Students • Tutoring Center • Accessibility Services • Career and Placement Services • TRIO Student Support Services • Ready to Work / Work and Learn • Adult Education Services • Happening Hour • Student Clubs & Organizations • Print Management Policy • Matheson Library • Food Service • Campus Safety • Alcohol, Drugs, and Weapons • Safety Notification Alert Program (SNAP) • Vehicle Registration and Parking • Voter Registration • Weather Policy

21

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 3

Academic Policies • Student Load • Grading System • Academic Probation, Academic Suspension, and Reinstatement • Repeating a Course • Final Exams • Dean’s List • Graduation Requirements • Graduation With Honors • Multiple Associate Degrees • Types of credentials

28

How-To • Read a Schedule • Schedule Abbreviation Guide • How to Access My Student E-Mail Account • Activate an E-mail Account • Check Student E-Mail Account • How to Access My Student Self-Service

33

Student Code of Conduct

36

University of Kentucky College of Engineering (Paducah Campus)

62

Accreditation Statement

62

Online Learning

63

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 4

Message from the President Congratulations on your decision to attend one of the best community colleges in the nation!

West Kentucky Community and Technical College not only offers traditional two-year transfer Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees, but also offers an Associate in Fine Arts degree, Associate in Applied Science degrees, diplomas, and certificates in several technical fields.

WKCTC is committed to providing high quality educational experiences, meeting the educational needs of the College community, serving as a full partner in business and workforce development, and contributing to the overall economic and social well-being of the region. As we continue to move toward our vision of the College being recognized as a preeminent community college nationwide, our focus continues to be on access, retention, and student success.

In 2011, WKCTC was recognized by The Aspen Institute as one of the top five community colleges in the nation for providing tremendous opportunities for students and the region. In 2012, the college was once again named one of the ten finalists for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance in America’s community colleges. West Kentucky was recognized for outstanding achievement in the areas of student learning outcomes, degree and college completion, labor market success in students securing jobs after college, and minority and low-income student success. Our focus on improving student learning helps ensure our students graduate with the knowledge they need to secure jobs or transfer to four-year schools.

West Kentucky Community and Technical College also provides a great return on your investment. The White House’s recently released College Score Card, ranked WKCTC’s average net price in the low range compared to other community colleges in the nation. The report added that individuals who graduate with an associate degree will make on average almost $5,000 more a year than individuals who only have a high school diploma.

West Kentucky has a long history of helping students achieve their dream by providing an array of options to fit student needs and foster student success. Whatever you want to achieve, wherever you want to go, faculty and staff at West Kentucky Community and Technical College are dedicated to helping you get there!

Anton Reece, Ed.D. President/CEO West Kentucky Community and Technical College

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 5

History of West Kentucky Community and Technical College West Kentucky Community and Technical College is a powerful example of what a successful postsecondary institution must be in the 21st century. Our comprehensive college arose from the foundations of two remarkable institutions – Paducah Community College and West Kentucky Technical College.

West Kentucky Technical College was founded in 1909 by Dr. Dennis Henry Anderson as West Kentucky Industrial College - a training school for African American teachers. The first building was located at what is now 1400 H. C. Mathis Drive. West Kentucky Industrial College became a state-supported junior college in 1918.

In 1932, the citizens of Paducah and McCracken County embarked on a mission to provide quality education in a municipally supported junior college, known as Paducah Junior College (PJC). PJC was founded as a private, non-profit junior college in the former YMCA building at 707 Broadway. Reverend U. R. Bell was PJC’s first president.

Meanwhile in 1938, West Kentucky Industrial College’s teaching program merged with West Kentucky State College in Frankfort. The college became known as the West Kentucky Vocational School and more vocational training programs were added to the school’s offerings. M. H. Griffin was the school’s first president.

In 1967, PJC joined the University of Kentucky community college system becoming a “new” college – Paducah Community College. R. G. “Dean” Matheson retired and Dr. Donald J. Clemens becomes the new PCC president, overseeing the construction of the Learning Resource Center and the Student & Fine Arts Centers.

Over the years, there have been many changes in both colleges, including changes in the focus of academic programs, changes of college names, changes of college campus locations and change of governance. In 1997, the two colleges were united under one system umbrella when they joined the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) as a result of the Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997.Collaboration grew among the two colleges until an effort to consolidate into one seamless institution was born. In 2003, Dr. Barbara Veazey was inaugurated as the first president of West Kentucky Community and Technical College. On August 19, 2016, Dr. Anton Reece was selected as the second president of WKCTC. Each year more than 8,000 students come to West Kentucky Community and Technical College seeking traditional two-year transfer associate degrees in arts and science, applied science degrees, diplomas or certificates. West Kentucky Community and Technical College is committed to providing high quality educational experiences, meeting the educational needs of the college community, serving as a full partner in business and workforce development, and contributing to the overall economic and social well-being of the region.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 6

Mission Statement The mission of West Kentucky Community and Technical College is to provide excellence in teaching and learning, promote student success and support economic development.

WKCTC Leadership WKCTC Leadership Team Dr. Anton R. Reece Dr. Tena Payne Dr. David Heflin Dr. Renea Akin John Carrico Susan Graves Nate Slaton Lee Emmons Dr. Belinda Dalton-Russell Kevin O’Neill Bridget Canter Janett Blythe

President/CEO Vice President, Academic Affairs Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs Associate Vice President, Learning Initiatives Vice President, Administrative Services Vice President, Business Affairs Vice President, Enrollment Management Vice President, Institutional Advancement Vice President, Student Development Interim Vice President, Regional Workforce/Economic Development Director, Human Resources Director, Marketing & Public Relations

WKCTC Board of Directors The 10-member West Kentucky Community and Technical College Board of Directors is composed of seven community leaders appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. (Note: Two board positions were vacant as of February 1, 2107.) The additional three members consist of elected representatives from WKCTC faculty, staff and student body.

Jason Jones Deborah Edmonds Larry Kelley Dr. Shirley Menendez Jennifer Smith Tom Butler Heather Coltharp Dallas McKinney

Benton, KY Paducah, KY Wickliffe, KY Paducah, KY Mayfield, KY Paducah, KY Paducah, KY Mayfield, KY

Chair Vice-Chair Secretary

WKCTC Academic Leadership Peggy Block Stephanie Milliken Tammy Potter Britton Shurley Shari Gholson Paul Aho Dr. Karen Hlinka Sanci Teague

Dean, Allied Health and Personal Services Dean, Applied Technologies Dean, Business and Computer Related Technologies Dean, Humanities, Fine Arts and Social Sciences Dean, Nursing Dean, Paducah School of Art and Design Dean, Science and Mathematics Dean, Transition Education

Staff Representative Faculty Representative Student Representative

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 7

Admission Applying for Admission A student enrolling at a KCTCS college for the first time must submit an application for admission. Students who are re-entering a KCTCS college after being out for one or more semesters should contact the college admissions office to confirm the process for readmission. Students may be admitted to a KCTCS college as freshmen, as students with transfer credit from other institutions, as visiting students, or as non-degree students.

KCTCS colleges admit students who have graduated from high school, who have earned a high school general equivalency diploma (GED), who are eligible to pursue a GED, or who are dually enrolled in high school and the college.

Admission and Registration Procedures Prospective students should contact the WKCTC Admissions Office and request an admission application or visit the college’s website to complete an online application. The full and proper name of the student and KCTCS student ID number must be used in registration and for all other official purposes. Applicants entering with transfer credit must have an official transcript from each college attended forwarded to the WKCTC Admissions Office.

Applicants should submit results of the American College Test® (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test® (SAT).

Applicants who have not taken the ACT® must meet assessment requirements outlined in the Assessment & Placement Policy. For specific information regarding course placement, students should refer to the KCTCS Assessment and Placement Policy, which is available on the website at kctcs.edu, under “Students”, then “Academic Regulations”.

Admission to WKCTC does not guarantee admission to a specific program. Applicants seeking admission to an occupational/technical program at WKCTC should contact the WKCTC Admissions Office for information regarding any special requirements for program admission. Applicants must submit an application for admission and supporting documents prior to the first day of classes of the term or session for which the student plans to enroll. Students should check with the WKCTC Admissions Office for registration/application deadlines.

A student who applies for admission to a KCTCS college will receive instructions to establish access to Student Self-Service. Student Self-Service allows a student access to many services such as registration, grades, class schedule, financial aid awards, bill payment and many other services. All enrolled KCTCS students will be given access to a KCTCS- assigned email account. Official communication from faculty and student service personnel will be sent to this address. Students will continue to have access to this account as long as they are enrolled.

After receiving the completed application and other documents, the admission office will notify the applicant of his or her admission status. It is expected that all students will submit all required credentials in order to be eligible to register for classes. In the event this is not possible, students should contact the WKCTC Admissions Office for instructions or assistance. While provisions may be provided, students will not be permitted to register for subsequent semesters without all official required documents.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 8

Non-Degree/Non-Credential Students At the discretion of the institution, persons who desire instruction without wishing to earn a credential may be admitted as non-degree/non-credential students. These students are exempt from taking the assessment instrument; however, all students (including high school students) must meet individual pre-requisites such as those for entry-level English and mathematics courses.

Students may declare credential-seeking status after meeting regular admission requirements. The college may review and reclassify credential-seeking status in accordance with policies established at each individual college. Non-degree/non-credential students are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid programs.

Credit earned before a student meets admission requirements will be counted toward a credential.

High School Students The condition of graduation from high school may be waived for a student currently enrolled in high school subject to the following guidelines.

All applicants shall submit: • KCTCS application for admission by the appropriate deadline • The results of the ACT®, SAT® and/or ASSET® or COMPASS™ in accordance with KCTCS Assessment and Placement Policy.

• WKCTC may require additional information as part of the admission process.

In some cases, courses offered on the high school campus carry both high school and college credit. See your high school counselor for more information.

Second Chance Students A student who has previously attended a college or university – other than a college in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System– and who has less than an overall grade-point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in all course work attempted, may be considered for admission on probation provided the applicant demonstrates both of the following: • Has not enrolled at a college or university for at least one 16-week semester, and • Can demonstrate potential for success.

Students who have less than a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and have not sat out a 16-weejk semester may appeal their Admission Status. Please see the Admissions Office for further details.

Transient/Visiting Students A student may be admitted as a transient or visiting student. A transient or visiting student must submit a form completed by the student’s home college indicating that the student is eligible to enroll in that institution.

Admission as a transient or visiting student is valid for one academic year.

International Students WKCTC is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students. Consult the Office of Student Development for details.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 9

Readmission after Two or More Years: Academic Bankruptcy A student who has been readmitted after having remained out of a KCTCS College for a period of two or more years and who has completed at least 12 credit hours in college-level courses with a grade point average of 2.0 or better after readmission, may choose to have his/her previous KCTCS course work removed from the computation of the grade point average. This procedure is commonly called “academic bankruptcy.”

A student who declares academic bankruptcy will continue to receive credit for those courses in which a grade of A, B, C, D, or P was earned prior to readmission without including those grades in the GPA computation. A student who has completed a credential and re-enrolls may not apply the academic bankruptcy rule to courses taken for the credential already completed.

Previous College Work An applicant who has previously attended an accredited college or university which awards degrees at the associate level or higher and who has an overall grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in all course work attempted will be accepted for admission. For specific information on course placement, applicants should refer to the KCTCS Assessment and Placement Policy, which is available on the website at kctcs.edu, under “Students”, then “Academic Regulations”.

An official transcript of all previous college work must be submitted. The Council on Postsecondary Education’s (CPE’s) general education transfer policy provides the basis for an institution’s policy on the acceptance of transfer credit. The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers’ “Transfer Credit Practices of Educational Institutions” shall serve as a reference for admission of transfer students to an institution and for the acceptance of transfer credit.

WKCTC shall provide academic counseling concerning the transfer of credit to transferring students. WKCTC shall accept a student’s college credit earned when a course is taken both for high school credit and for college credit. Credit earned through a dual credit or dual enrollment arrangement shall be treated the same as credit earned in any other college course.

Degree credit work is recognized credit hour for credit hour if taken on the semester system. Quarter hours are recognized as two-thirds (2/3) of a semester hour. Recognition of credit earned at a non-accredited college or university may be obtained by special subject examinations or may be validated upon the completion of 12 credit hours, excluding transitional courses, with a grade point average of at least 2.0.

Change of Program When students enroll at WKCTC, they select a program of study in which they wish to “major” or receive a credential. Students enrolled at WKCTC may request a program change. These students should seek appropriate advising and financial aid counseling.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 10

First Year Experience Effective for students beginning in the fall 2016 semester, FYE 105: Achieving Academic Success, one or more modular components, or equivalency will be mandatory for all new students seeking diplomas, seeking associate degrees, enrolled in developmental education courses, or listed with an undecided major. The purpose of this mandate is to demonstrate the college’s commitment to student success.

Definition of New Student A new student, for the purpose of this policy, is defined as any student who is enrolled for the first time at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. Returning students are highly encouraged to take this course.

Course Grading Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher.

Mandatory Students benefit most from this course at the start of their academic careers; therefore, they must successfully complete the course within the first semester. If students fail to earn a “C” or higher within the first semester, an advising hold will be placed on their accounts specifying registration in FYE 105 for the next semester.

Exemptions for FYE 105 Course Select groups of students are exempt from the FYE 105 mandate due to special circumstances.

1. A student may be exempt if non-credential seeking.

2. A student may be exempt if already completed a diploma or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution.

3. A student may be exempt if transferring to West Kentucky Community and Technical College after having completed at least 12 general education credit hours from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

4. A student may be exempt if enrolled as a non-credential high school student, a non-credential Workforce student, or enrolled in only Adult Learning courses.

5. A student may be exempt if entered directly into a selective admissions program.

Note: Students who have earned college credit for GEN 100 through the high school dual credit program will not be exempt. Any special requests for exemption must be approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs or designee.

Equivalency must be approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Programs desiring to use one or more modular components in lieu of the 3-credit-hour course must seek approval from the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Course Delivery Options Due to the importance of relationship building and social interaction within this course, it is highly recommended that students take this course in person rather than online.

Approved October 30, 2015

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 11

Registration for Currently Enrolled Students Currently enrolled students must meet with their assigned academic advisors for self-enroll permission or to register. Students may locate the name of their advisor by logging in to their Student Center in PeopleSoft.

Registration for New Students Students must complete an application for admission and submit required placement assessment scores prior to registration. New student registration is held in the Advising Center. Registration continues in a class until the first class meeting.

Course withdrawal methods Students should fill out the online drop request form on the WKCTC Records Office page.

• Contact Financial Aid to ensure you will not be required to pay back any awarded money.

• Instructor permission is required after mid-session and you must forward their approval via your KCTCS Student e-mail account to WKCTCrecords@kctcs.edu.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 12

Tuition and Charges Tuition and charges vary based on whether a student is a Kentucky resident, non-resident, or resident of a contiguous county of a contiguous state. Tuition and charges are on a per credit hour rate, including courses that are audited. For questions regarding residency status and guidelines, see Appendix A. All tuition and charges are payable in full prior to the beginning of classes for each session of the term unless prior arrangement has been made with the college business office. Consult the WKCTC Business Office for college-specific required payment dates. Provisions for partial or deferred payment instructions are available in the “Payment Plan Options” section below.

Tuition and charges are assessed at the time of registration and based upon a per credit hour rate for all KCTCS colleges regardless of whether the courses are taken during the day, evening, and/or on weekends, and regardless of whether the courses are taken for credit or audit purposes. Tuition rates vary based upon Kentucky resident or non-Kentucky resident status. Qualifying students living in out of state counties that are contiguous to Kentucky may qualify for a reduced tuition rate. Fractional credit hour tuition and charges are assessed for fractional credit offerings (i.e., a student taking ¼ credit hour course would be assessed ¼ rate of student with same residency taking a 1 credit hour course). Tuition and charges are refundable as per the “Refunds” section below. Charges for services are non-refundable unless specifically stated as refundable. Consult with the WKCTC Business Office for specifics. The tuition charges for the 2016-2017 academic year were not available at the time of publication. Tuition charges will be published at kctcs.edu as soon as they are available.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 13

Mandatory Student Fee A mandatory student fee of $8 per credit hour will be assessed in the 2016-2017 academic year. Questions regarding fees may be directed to the WKCTC Business Office.

Charges for Customized Course Offerings Some courses, including courses created specifically upon request (credit or non-credit) may have additional charges. The additional charge, depending upon the requirements of developing and producing the customized course or program, will vary depending upon the length and content of the course or program offerings. All tuition and charges for customized courses are payable upon registration unless prior arrangements, including third party contracts, have been made with the offering college. Please contact the WKCTC Business Office for specifics.

Charges for Services Some charges for services may exist, including some individual program and/or special testing charges. General examples of these charges include, but are not limited to, the following: GED and ACT® testing, returned check charge and lost library book/video replacement charge. Charges will vary by service and are nonrefundable. Contact the WKCTC Business Office for specifics.

Distance Education: There are no additional student charges associated with the verification of student identity.

Charges for Special Examination WKCTC offers students institutionally developed special examinations to demonstrate mastery of course content and receive credit toward program requirements. Special examinations are course specific and charges are separate from regular tuition charges. Special examination charges are payable in full at the time the examination is scheduled. Contact the WKCTC Business Office for a listing of all charges.

Students who are enrolled in courses for which they elect to take a special examination in lieu of completing the course must officially withdraw from the course. The withdrawal date determines the status of the student’s assessment, refund, and grade for the enrollment period. All special examination credit is awarded using the test credit process. In such instances, a grade will not be awarded on the current term grade report. Please contact the Registrar’s Office for application requirements.

Cancellation of Registration for Non-Payment of Charges Students who have not paid their tuition and charges or arranged for a payment plan on or before the college’s required payment date are subject to having their registration cancelled for non-payment. Consult the WKCTC Business Office for specific required payment dates.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 14

Payment Plan Options In addition to the payment options of cash, check, or credit card, students may choose to participate in a KCTCS flexible tuition and charges payment plan (an option for students not planning to pay in full or having made an arrangement to pay in full) prior to the college’s required payment date. To enroll in a payment plan, a student may login to his/her student self-service account (https://students.kctcs.edu)or contact the business office.

Students have the option, depending on registration date, to enroll in one of three payment plan options listed below.

Plans Option 1 Option 2 Option 3

Service Charge * * *

Percent Down None 25% 50%

Monthly Payments 4 3 2

Availability Advance Registration Only Through Advance Registration Through Regular Registration

.

Total payment of the balance of tuition and charges must be made by the required date. Contact the business office for specifics.

Tuition and Charges Refunds In order to receive a tuition refund, a student must officially withdraw within the refund period specified within this policy. Refunds for sessions different from those listed below are prorated according to the session in proportion to the traditional 16-week session. A session is defined as an enrollment period within an academic term. An academic term (fall, spring, or summer) may have a number of sessions running concurrently -- 16-, 8, or 4-week.

KCTCS has partnered with Higher One, a financial services company focused solely on higher education, to process student refund payments. Students are required to choose from one of the following three options for receiving any refunds due them: 1) ACH transfer to a bank account of their choice, 2) Paper check mailed to the student address on file, 3) Refund to a OneAccount, an FDIC insured checking account offered by Higher One. For additional information, please visit www.KCTCSDebitCard.com.

Timeframe for Tuition Refunds* Session 100 percent 50 percent No Refund 16-week Within 7th day 8th - 29th days After 29th day 8-week Within 4th day 5th - 15th days After 15th day 6-week Within 3rd day 4th - 11th days After 11th day 5-week Within 2nd day 3rd – 9th days After 9th day 4-week Within 1st day 2nd - 7th days After 7th day * Calendar days of the session, including all Saturdays and Sundays, but excluding KCTCS recognized holidays.

Financial Delinquency Any student who is delinquent in financial obligations to a college, or any division or organization of a college, shall not be allowed to register for future terms, receive transcripts, transfer credits to another institution, or graduate. Delinquent accounts are subject to KCTCS Business Procedure 7.4 Collection of Accounts Receivable and may be referred to an outside collection agency. Note: referred accounts are subject to collection charges in addition to the amount owed the college and are the responsibility of the delinquent party. The delinquency, if referred to a collection agency, is also subject to being listed with credit reporting agencies. Specific questions may be directed to the WKCTC Business Office.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 15

Professional Liability Insurance Students who enroll in any course requiring patient/client contact must show evidence they have professional liability insurance or purchase insurance through the college. This charge is non-refundable and is subject to change without notice. Please contact the WKCTC Business Office for details concerning the charge for Professional Liability Insurance. inancial Aid

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 16

Financial Aid Overview WKCTC offers a complement of student financial aid, including local scholarships that are specific to an individual college or program. There is no charge to apply for student aid. Among the U.S. Department of Education Title IV programs offered are Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Federal Work Study, and federally supported Federal Direct Loan Program. The colleges also participate in state supported aid programs. Detailed information regarding student financial aid can be found on the WKCTC website.

Student Eligibility and Application To receive student financial aid from any program in which KCTCS participates requires meeting established eligibility criteria. A listing of specific criteria can be found on the WKCTC website. In general, you must have a demonstrated need as supported by a FAFSA and a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate If you are admitted “conditionally,” you may receive student aid for one semester only before your admission file must be complete.

You can apply for student aid electronically by using the U.S. Department of Education’s Web site, fafsa.ed.gov. Applying for student financial aid is free. You will need the latest income tax forms for you and your spouse or you and your parents (1040, 1040 A, 1040EZ, or 1040 Telefile). If you did not file a tax return you will need documentation of all sources of income, taxed or untaxed.

It is recommended that all records and materials used in completing the application be saved. A percentage of all applicants are randomly selected for verification. If selected for verification, documentation must be provided in order to receive aid. Applying early insures consideration of your information for maximum funding and applicants are encouraged to apply as soon AFTER October 1 as possible. For questions concerning the U.S. Department of Education Title IV programs, you may contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1800-433-3243) or 1-800-730-8913 TDD for hearing impaired.

Dual Enrollment/Consortium Agreements In some instances, a student may take classes at different KCTCS colleges and wish the different enrollments to count toward total enrollment. In such instances, specific eligibility requirements apply. Please consult the WKCTC Financial Aid Office for criteria.

Federal Student Loans WKCTC participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program. You do not have to be eligible for other federal student aid to participate in this program. However, an application using the FAFSA is required. Please contact the WKCTC Financial Aid Office for specific information about loan requirements.

State Programs The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) administers a number of state supported student financial aid programs. Among those offered are: College Access Program (CAP), Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) and KHEAA Early Childhood Development Scholarship. For the complete listing of aid program offerings, please see KHEAA’s website: kheaa.com.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 17

Statutory Scholarships (Waivers) for Kentucky Residents KCTCS by virtue of state statute offers a number of tuition scholarships for Kentucky residents who meet specific eligibility criteria. Included in these are scholarships for: KCTCS Faculty and Staff; Kentucky residents age 65 or older; survivors of police officers and firefighters killed in duty; dependents of disabled police officers and firefighters; teachers; foster and adopted children; veterans; and children, step-children, and/ or orphans of veterans killed or disabled in action. A more detailed overview and eligibility requirements can be found on the KCTCS website.

KCTCS and College Scholarships for Kentucky Residents KCTCS also offers a number of tuition scholarships for Kentucky residents. These include: KCTCS Presidential Scholarship; John T. Smith Scholarship; Commonwealth Scholarship; Kentucky Colonels Better Life Scholarship; Martha C. Johnson Tuition Scholarship; Charles E. Cranmer- Liquid Transport, Inc. Scholarship; William Foster Tichenor Nursing Scholarship; and the Robert Stephen Weimann Tuition Scholarship for NonTraditional Harlan County Residents. For details and application information, please contact your local college’s student financial aid office. Additionally, each year, a number of individuals, organizations and companies make funding available for scholarships to various KCTCS colleges. The amount and criteria for these awards will vary. These scholarships are advertised when available, and eligible students may apply at that time. Information is available through the WKCTC Financial Aid Office.

College Tuition Scholarships Each local college offers tuition scholarships. Among these scholarships are: foundation scholarships to support enrollment management; need-based; program-specific; KCTCS Employee Spouse/Dependents; and Securing Educational Excellence in Kentucky Scholarship (SEEK). Please contact your local college for specifics.

Third Party Assistance Programs There are a wide number of outside agencies who offer educational assistance and other services to students.

Included among them are Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Kentucky Office for the Blind. A more detailed listing and brief description of the programs they offer and contacts for each can be found on the KCTCS Website. Additionally, local social service agencies offer a variety of programs to assist students including: Kentucky Works (JOBS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Workforce Investment Act (WIA), and AmeriCorps.

Tax Credits The U.S. Government grants a tax credit for eligible persons and/or their dependent attending college filing a federal tax return. The tax credits are referred to as the HOPE Scholarship and Lifetime Learning tax credit.

Please contact your personal tax advisor regarding your eligibility.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Federal regulations mandate that a student receiving Federal Student Aid under Title IV programs must maintain satisfactory academic progress in his/her course of study regardless of whether or not student aid is awarded each semester. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is measured with the following standards: Qualitative (cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 per semester), Quantitative (Maximum Time Frame of 150 percent of the credits for completion of their program), and Quantitative Percentage (Earned hours/Attempted must equal at least 67 percent).

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 18

If a student is suspended from Student Aid because his/her cumulative grade point average does not meet the minimum 2.0 grade point average (GPA) he/she may take additional classes without Student Aid (unless the student is academically suspended) to raise his/her GPA and, if successful, may be reinstated. If a student is on Academic Probation or Academic Suspension, he/she will automatically be on Student Aid Probation or Student Aid Suspension. If a student is reinstated from Academic Suspension by appeal or any means, he/she must appeal his/her Student Aid status separately to be considered for Student Aid reinstatement eligibility.

Students placed on student aid suspension and having unusual circumstances (illness, death in the family, accidents, etc.) and not making satisfactory academic progress have the right to appeal. However, during the appeal process persons are responsible for their own expenses, i.e., tuition, books, supplies, etc.

Personal Financial Liability – Withdrawing or All “E”s Students who withdraw from college before the 60 percent point in the semester or who stop attending and therefore receive all “E”s may be financially liable to repay the student aid received. Persons desiring to withdraw from college must do so according to their college’s withdrawal policy which can be found on the school’s website. A copy of the worksheet and examples used for this calculation can be requested the WKCTC Financial Aid Office.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 19

WKCTC Bookstore The WKCTC Bookstore is located in the Anderson Technical Building and provides not only textbooks and supplies for students, but also a variety of campus apparel - all of which are chargeable with financial aid.

Regular bookstore hours are Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The bookstore hours are extended during peak times at the beginning of each semester. Students may also contact the bookstore at (270) 534-3330.

Students must have a copy of their schedule when purchasing books; a photo ID is required if charging with financial aid. Financial aid charge dates normally begin approximately one week prior to the first day of class and continue until one week after classes begin. Charges can only be made during the approved time period.

Notices about extended bookstore hours and financial aid charge dates are sent to students through their KCTCS e-mail account. The WKCTC Bookstore only stocks books for WKCTC classes. Internet class texts can easily be purchased online and delivered directly to the student by visiting kctcs.bncollege.com.

Financial aid is accepted. The WKCTC Bookstore is operated by Barnes and Noble.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 20

Services for Students Tutoring Center Tutors in the Tutoring Center work with students to improve their understanding of classes and assignments.

Tutors also help students strategize for upcoming tests and offer study tips. Tutoring services are provided in computer information services, mathematics, reading comprehension, science, writing and more. These services are free to all WKCTC students taking any WKCTC or KCTCS class.

Accessibility Services The Accessibility Services Office at West Kentucky Community and Technical College is committed to providing students with disabilities with a positive environment focusing on student ability rather than disability. The Accessibility Services Office strives to foster success in all academic environments at WKCTC and to support equal access as well as promoting campus-wide diversity.

Career and Placement Services Students are encouraged to schedule individual counseling sessions with a career counselor to discuss college majors, specific career interests, the job market or explore the career options available at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. Focus 2 is a self-paced, online career guidance tool available to assist students in self-assessment and career exploration. The Career Key also assists students in determining a college major or career by assessing their interests and abilities using a paper-and-pencil instrument. True Colors® seminars also are available and conducted in group settings. True Colors® is a simple, fun model of personality identification for people of all ages that improves communication through recognition of a person’s true character. True Colors® has been used successfully in schools, universities and hospitals to assign tasks according to individual strengths.

The college also partners with College Central Network to provide free, online job placement services.

Students and alumni are able to register, search job listings, and post their resumes for employers to review.

College Central Network provides job listings and information for local employers as well as a nationwide database if an individual is interested in working outside our area.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 21

TRIO Student Support Services The TRIO (Student Support Services) program is a federally funded program providing the needed services designed to help qualifying students succeed in college. The TRIO staff is committed to helping students stay enrolled, earn good grades and graduate or transfer to a four-year college. To qualify, students must be first generation, in targeted income range, and/or have a documented disability according to regulations set by Department of Education.

TRIO Services include: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Academic, personal, and career counseling Orientation to college requirements Assistance with Financial Aid and transfer applications Tutoring Intervention counseling for students to improve classroom performance Additional attention for students who are underprepared, nontraditional, or with physical or learning disabilities Workshops in financial literacy, study skills, career planning and transfer process Personal mentoring and guidance Computer and printing access Individual educational plans based on academic strengths and weaknesses Tours and meetings with campus instructors at regional four-year colleges for transfer students Admission to cultural events on campus

Ready to Work /Work and Learn Ready to Work and Work and Learn are programs designed to assist low-income parents pursuing a GED or attending college classes at WKCTC. Both programs assist students in meeting their KTAP/TANF work requirement through a combination of school and paid work study (on campus and off campus). Services provided to students include referrals for transportation, counseling, tutoring, childcare and other resources to assist them while pursuing their educational goals.

Adult Education Services The Skills Enhancement Center located in the Anderson Technical Building, Room 111 offers a variety of free services including GED preparation, COMPASS preparation, GED Official Practice Test (OPT), and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.

Individuals who have not earned a high school diploma may prepare to take the General Educational Development (GED) Test that is given two times a month generally the second and fourth Wednesdays.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 22

Happening Hour Happening Hour takes place on Mondays from 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. It is a time set aside for students to participate in activities and events at WKCTC. The Student Activities Office collaborates with many departments, organizations and agencies to provide a variety of entertaining Happening Hour events including competitions, talent showcasing, educational opportunities, and cultural experiences. Such events are intended to enhance the lives of students at WKCTC. Each month during Happening Hour there is a Student Government Association (SGA) meeting and a Club Day. The SGA meetings require having a representative from each campus organization to maintain communication between the organizations; therefore no other club meetings should be scheduled during SGA meeting times.

Club Day provides clubs and organizations a regular time to meet, but they may meet at other times as well.

There are events and activities scheduled during each Happening Hour in both fall and spring semesters. To view the schedule of Happening Hour events check the college Web site under “Student Life” or go to or the message boards located throughout the campus.

Student Clubs & Organizations Student activities allow students to become active community leaders, increase college spirit, and explore potential. Students can connect and form long-lasting relationships while gaining career experience, transferable skills, and knowledge. Becoming involved in student clubs and organizations promotes a sense of community and provides a high quality of life. Students are able to develop interpersonal skills, values, ethics, and a sense of belonging.

Guided by the Student Government Association, each club has a faculty or staff advisor. Student club organizations focus on performing arts, leadership, law, creative thinking, volunteerism, physical health, political, or special interests.

Workforce Solutions Workforce Solutions exists to provide non-credit and credit, general and customized training, assessments, facilitation, consulting and coaching for existing and new businesses and industries to promote economic development in the Purchase Area of western Kentucky. Workforce Solutions provides assistance to companies to identify and develop training to help them meet their workforce needs. Workforce Solutions can coordinate all aspects of the training: location, equipment, curriculum, materials, facilitators, etc. Consulting, assessment, and facilitation is also available. Workforce Solutions provides qualified, experienced professionals to meet an organization’s needs.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 23

Print Management Policy Enrolled students are given a printing account of 400 free black/white type print pages at the beginning of each semester. Students may print in color at the Grisham Lab in Rosenthal Hall at a charge of 20 cents per page.

Each color page is deducted from the student’s account at the rate of four black and white pages.

Any balance left in the account at the end of each semester will “not” be reimbursed. Students who go over their printing allowance may purchase vouchers for additional pages from the Business Office at the Anderson building. Additional pages may be purchased in the following increments: Voucher increments of: $ 1.00 (20 pages)

$ 5.00 (100 pages)

Students must enter their KCTCS student login information to release a print job. When the account drops below $2.50 a message displays notifying the student that additional pages should be purchased. Students may not transfer any portion of their print account to another student’s print account.

Community users are allowed to print 10 pages per day.

Matheson Library Matheson Library, located on the second floor of the Matheson Learning Resource Center (MLC), offers WKCTC students, faculty and staff a full range of materials and technology to meet their academic and personal needs. Take advantage of the library’s many resources and services: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Books – thousands of physical and electronic (eBooks) available for checkout.

Special Collections - historical and archival materials significant to the Paducah and Western Kentucky area, as well as items from our college.

Popular and Young Adult collections - current, bestselling fiction and nonfiction titles for pleasure reading.

DVDs – Classic films, Academy Award winners, family videos and cartoons, documentaries and other educational videos.

Children’s collection – Newbery, Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, and other award winners.

Audiobooks – Hear stories come to life at home or on the road with books on CD. Book drops - available downstairs at MLC and the Allied Health Building.

Can’t make the due date? Renew online, http://kctcs.kyvl.org/vwebv/login or by calling the library at 270-534-3197.

Computer labs – 38 computers offer Internet access, black and white printing, and access to Microsoft Office suite.

Microfilm reader/printer - view the Paducah Sun newspaper from 1879 to the present.

Kindles and calculators – available for checkout.

Scanners, printing, fax, and copier services offered at the library.

Films on Demand - streaming collection of more than 40,000 videos.

Articles – print journals and magazines in the library, as well as thousands of articles available in our online research databases.

Use our Primo search box on the library website to search databases, the library catalog of books and videos all at once. Or, choose “Find Resources” to search a particular database.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 24

•

•

• •

•

Use our resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from any computer! Off-campus users will be prompted to log in with a KCTCS user name and password (the same one used to log in to computers on campus or when using Blackboard). NOTE: Databases are not accessible over campus WiFi; you must use one of the campus computer labs to get to these resources while on campus.

Can’t find it at Matheson Library? Use our FREE Interlibrary Loan service! We can request your book or journal article from any of the other academic or public libraries across the state of Kentucky.

Request your items at our circulation desk at the library, or use our convenient online Interlibrary Loan request form: https://secure.westkentucky.kctcs.edu/illrequest Need help? Ask a librarian online: https://secure.westkentucky.kctcs.edu/asklibrarian/ Events – meet authors, poets, as well as students, faculty, and community members discussing various topics throughout the year. All events are free, and we usually have free refreshments! Visit our Library Events page on our website, see events on the WKCTC Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter, @WKCTC_Library.

Visit our website, https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/academics/library/index.aspx (Visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu/, choose Academics, then Matheson Library). Or call 270-534-3197.

Cyber Café, Center Café and Kitchen Café The Cyber Cafe is located on the first floor of the Emerging Technology Center. Drop in and choose from a wide variety of menu items. Cyber Cafe hours are 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Daily menus are available for the WiFi Grill in the café.

The Center Cafe is located in the Student Center in the Clemens Building. Center Cafe hours are 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

The Kitchen Café is located at 905 Harrison Street in the Paducah School of Art and Design’s 2D and Graphic Design Building. The café hours 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Hours may vary at both locations during class breaks and summer months.

Campus Safety In compliance with federal and state regulations, the College makes available to all prospective students, current students, and employees an annual security report containing programs that promote campus safety and campus crime statistics and policies. A copy of this report may be requested in the Security Office or viewed on the WKCTC website.

Alcohol, Drugs and Weapons Alcohol, illegal drugs and weapons are prohibited on campus.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 25

Safety Notification Alert Program (SNAP) The emergency alert system on the campus is known as the Safety Notification Alert Process (SNAP).

SNAP is activated when there is an emergency on campus that warrants notification to faculty, staff and students of a dangerous situation, including the delaying or closing of the College due to inclement weather.

When SNAP is activated, an alert message is sent to all faculty/staff office computers and to faculty/staff office phones. Additionally, certain computers in computer labs receive the alert.

Anyone who has opted to have a text message alert sent to their cell phone also receives the alert message.

Vehicle Registration and Parking Regulations Students must register any vehicle that is driven on campus. Parking tags should be obtained for all vehicles through the Business Office in the Anderson Technical Building, Room 127. Students must bring in the license plate number, the year, make and model of their vehicle. There is no charge for parking tags.

Citations are issued for parking in restricted areas – handicapped zones, fire lanes and areas that are not marked with lines on both sides of the parking space. Repeat violators are towed at the expense of the vehicle operator.

Voter Registration Students interested in obtaining a voter registration form should visit elect.ky.gov/registertovote.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 26

Weather Policy

It is college policy to remain open and conduct classes according to the regular class schedule except under extreme weather conditions. In the event of extreme weather, classes may be delayed or cancelled.

The college president makes the decision when severe weather or other emergencies might require a closing, delayed opening, suspension, or interruption of regularly scheduled work or class hours. The president consults with maintenance and operations, the crisis team, and the president’s leadership team to determine the circumstances of the college closing or other modifications to normal work hours.

Decisions regarding inclement weather are made as quickly as possible and with everyone’s best interests in mind. However, while every effort is taken to quickly examine road conditions and weather data for our entire service area, we must also encourage your personal responsibility to keep yourself safe. To that end, if the college remains open or operates on a delayed schedule, it is ultimately your own assessment and final decision about whether roads are safe in your area.

If road conditions are poor in the early morning but are expected to improve later in the day, the college may delay the beginning of classes. Please visit http://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/Student_Life/Weather.aspx for the complete delayed schedule.

In the event that the delayed schedule is in effect and the weather situation worsens, the college reserves the right to change the schedule to a “closed” status. If this change in schedule is deemed necessary, the decision will be posted by as soon as possible. During the delayed schedule, evening classes offered in Paducah and at off-campus sites in Ballard, Graves and Marshall counties will be held as scheduled unless cancellation is announced. The college will make every effort to make announcements on evening class cancellations by 3:00 p.m.

If there is inclement weather and no announcement about the college is made, you should assume that classes will meet as scheduled. In the event the college uses a delayed schedule or cancels classes, every reasonable effort will be made to post an announcement to the college switchboard (270-554-9200) and on the college home page. Text messages will also be sent to mobile phones of students, staff, and faculty via the Safety Notification Alert Process (SNAP).

The college will also contact local radio and television stations listed below.

WPSD-TV, Paducah NBC wpsdtv.com WKYQ, Paducah - 93.3 FM wkyq.com WKYX, Paducah - 94.3 FM wkyx.com

WDDJ, Paducah - 96.9 FM electric969.com WREZ, Paducah - 105.5 FM 1055thecat.com WMOK, Paducah - 920 AM WDXR, Paducah - 1450 AM

WPAD, Paducah - 1560 AM WCBL, Benton - 99.1 FM wcblradio.com WLLE, Mayfield - 94.7 FM willieradio.com WKMS, Murray - 91.3 FM or 92.1 FM, wkms.org

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 27

Academic Policies Student Load Full-time student academic status for the fall and spring term is 12 credit hours. Full-time student academic status for the summer term is 6 credit hours.

The maximum load to be carried during any semester by a student (including residence, correspondence, and extension courses) is 19 credit hours or the number of hours specified in the curriculum for the particular semester, whichever is larger.

A student who has attained a grade-point average of 3.0 on a load of at least 15 credit hours for the preceding semester may be permitted by the college president (or designee) to carry a maximum of three additional credit hours, provided the total is not in excess of 22 credit hours for the semester.

Normally, the maximum course load (including residence, correspondence, and extension courses) shall be four credit hours for the four-week intersession, six hours for the five-week session, seven credit hours in a six-week session, or 10 credit hours in the eight-week summer session. A student who has attained a grade point average of 3.0 may be granted permission by the college president (or designee) to carry a maximum of five hours in a four-week session, seven hours in the 5-week session, eight hours in a six-week session, 12 hours in an eightweek session, and fifteen hours in the twelve-week session.

A student on academic probation shall not take more than 15 credit hours in a semester, three credit hours in a four-week intersession, four hours in the five-week session, six credit hours in a six-week summer session, seven credit hours in an eight-week summer session and nine hours in the twelve-week session.

A student may be registered simultaneously at a KCTCS college and at another institution only with the approval of the college president (or designee), the credit hours obtained at the other institution being considered a part of the student’s maximum load. If the simultaneous registration has not been authorized, the transfer of credit from the other institution may be denied.

Grading System The grading system uses a series of letters, to which are assigned grade point values. The system is based neither on an absolute numerical system nor on a distribution curve, but on the following descriptions: A: represents exceptionally high achievement. It is valued at four grade points for each credit hour in nonremedial and non-developmental courses.

B: represents high achievement. It is valued at three grade points for each credit hour in non-remedial and nondevelopmental courses.

C: represents satisfactory achievement. It is valued at two grade points for each credit hour in non-remedial and non-developmental courses.

D: represents the minimum achievement for credit. It is valued at one grade point for each credit hour in nonremedial and non-developmental courses.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 28

E: represents unsatisfactory achievement and indicates failure in the course. It is valued at zero credit hours and zero grade points in non-remedial and non-developmental courses. Credit may be obtained by repeating the entire course.

F: represents unsatisfactory achievement in a course taken on a Pass-Fail basis. It has no value in computing the grade point average. Credit may only be obtained by repeating the entire course. This grade may be used for developmental courses.

AU (Audit): has no value in computing grade-point average. A student who has been admitted to the college may elect to enroll in a course(s) as an auditor, except in selective admissions programs. Auditing courses in a selective admissions program requires admission to the program and availability of space in the courses. With few exceptions, any change from audit to credit by a student fully admitted to a college must be accomplished by the last date to enter a class and any change from credit to audit must be made by mid-term of the semester or session in which the student is enrolled. An audited class may be taken for credit at a later date. Anyone who desires to audit a class must be admitted to the college and officially registered for the course.

I: means that part of the work of the course remains unfinished. It shall be given only when there is a reasonable possibility that a passing grade will result from completion of the work. The instructor and student will discuss the requirements for completion of course with the time limit for completion not to exceed a maximum of one year; failure to do so will result in an automatic change of grade from I to E. Each college shall maintain a record of incomplete grades recorded in courses of that college. This record, completed by the instructor at the time the I grade is reported, shall include: (1) the name and number of the student, (2) the 70 course number and hours of credit, (3) semester or session and year of enrollment, (4) signature of the instructor, (5) a brief statement of the reason(s) for recording the incomplete grade, and (6) an adequate guide for removal of the incomplete grade. In the instructor’s absence, the division chairperson (or designee), shall forward to the college president (or designee) the appropriate letter grade to replace the incomplete grade.

W: represents a withdrawal from class without completing course requirements. A student may officially withdraw from any class up to and including the date of mid-term with a W grade. After the date of midterm and through the last class of the semester or session, any student may officially request to withdraw from a course and receive a W which may be given at the discretion of the instructor. Each instructor shall state on the first or second class meeting the factors to be used in determining if a student will be allowed to withdraw during the discretionary period. An instructor shall not assign a student a W for a class unless the student has officially withdrawn from that class in a manner prescribed by the college. The grade of W may be assigned by the College Appeals Board in cases involving a violation of student academic rights or for academic offenses.

P: represents a satisfactory grade in a course taken on a Pass-Fail basis. The student who receives a P in a course shall be eligible to continue into the next sequential course(s). The grade of P may be assigned by the College Appeals Board in cases involving a violation of student academic rights. It has no value in computing the grade point average. This grade may be used for developmental courses.

MP: represents Making Progress and may be assigned only for developmental courses and means that the student has made significant progress but needs and deserves more time to achieve a passing grade. The student should re-enroll in the course in order to continue advancement to the level of competence set for the course.

Grades may be earned following re-enrollment for developmental courses. The grade of MP has no value in computing grade point average.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 29

Pass/Fail: may be selected for a maximum of two elective courses, subject to certain restrictions, by students with at least 30 credit hours and not on academic probation. Courses with these grades can count toward graduation but are not used in calculating grade-point standing. Courses taken on a pass-fail basis shall be limited to those considered as elective in the student’s program, and such other courses or types of courses as might be specifically approved. Prerequisites for such courses may be ignored at the student’s own hazard. The student is expected to participate fully in the course and take all examinations as though the student were enrolled on a regular basis. Students may not change from a pass-fail basis nor from a regular basis to a passfail basis after the last date for entering an organized class. Courses offered only on a pass-fail basis, remedial or developmental, or taken by special examination, shall not be included in the maximum number of elective courses which a student may take under these provisions Changing Grades: A grade once reported shall not be changed except when the instructor states in writing that an error has been made. The grade change must be submitted by the end of the following semester or session or, in exceptional cases, at the discretion of the president (or designee). However, each respective College Appeals Board may change a grade to P or W in the case of a violation of student academic rights or to a W in the case of an academic offense.

Grade-Point Average (GPA): The GPA on the KCTCS transcript is derived from all courses taken at KCTCS institutions. The grade-point average is the ratio of the total grade points earned to the total credit hours attempted excluding courses taken on a pass/fail basis and courses with grades of W or I. Total grade points are derived by multiplying the number of credit hours for the course by the number of grade points assigned to the grade earned: A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D =1, E = 0.

Reporting Final Grades: The final grades for a course shall be filed with the office of the college president (or designee) by such date as determined by the academic calendar.

Academic Probation, Academic Suspension, and Reinstatement Academic Probation: A student earning a cumulative grade point average below a 2.0 at the end of a term shall be placed on academic probation. A student shall be removed from academic probation by earning at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.

Academic Suspension (Dismissal): If a student is placed on academic probation for two consecutive terms (which is noted on the transcript as “subject to dismissal” the second time) and does not earn either a cumulative GPA or a term GPA of at least a 2.0 in the third term, the student shall be academically suspended.

Non-enrollment has no effect on probation status. The president (or designee) may grant an exception based upon an individual’s case. A student on academic suspension may not enroll in courses which count toward a KCTCS degree.

Reinstatement: A student who has been academically suspended may be reinstated by the president (or designee) after remaining out of the college for at least one 16-week semester and providing evidence of ability to perform at the level required. A student who has been academically suspended shall, upon reinstatement, be placed on academic probation and be subject to academic suspension if the student has failed to earn a current term GPA of 2.0 during the first term of reinstatement. Upon a second suspension, a student may be reinstated by the president (or designee) after remaining out of the college for at least two 16-week semesters and providing evidence of ability to perform at the level required.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 30

Repeating a Course A student may repeat a course for the purpose of improving a grade. The course must be repeated with the same grade option as the original enrollment in the course. The highest grade earned in a completed course shall constitute the official grade for the course and will be the only grade included within the cumulative GPA. Credit shall count only once for a KCTCS credential. If a student has been dropped from an occupation or technical program, course enrollment may be dependent upon readmission to the program. After a student has completed the same course twice, a division chair (or designee) in consultation with the instructor may refuse to approve a third registration in the same course, including those offered by correspondence, extension, and distance learning technology. Subject to the approval of the division chair (or designee), a student may receive approval for a substitution of comparable courses (e.g. MAT 150 may be taken as a repeat option for MA 109 and vice versa.). NOTE: A parent course cannot be repeated using modules. Students who have received passing grade in a parent course are not eligible to enroll in any module of that parent course.

Final Exams Any student with more than two exams scheduled on one day as described in the college’s final exam schedule shall be entitled to have one of those exams rescheduled. The student must submit a petition for rescheduling in writing to the instructor no later than one week prior to the last class meeting.

Dean’s List The Dean’s List recognizes the academic excellence of students who have earned an overall semester GPA of 3.5 or higher in courses numbered 100 or above. Honorary certificates of merit are generally awarded to students who have achieved this distinction.

Graduation Requirements For the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Fine Arts, and Associate in Applied Science degrees, regardless of the time the student has attended the college, at least 25 percent of the approved curriculum credits must be completed at the KCTCS college granting the degree. For a certificate or diploma, at least 25 percent of the approved curriculum credits must be completed at the college granting the credential. In the case of degree programs offered through joint, cooperative, or consortia arrangements, the student must earn at least 25 percent of the credits from the participating institutions. Students seeking Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Fine Arts, or Associate in Applied Science degrees or Diplomas must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in order to be eligible for graduation. To be eligible for a certificate, a student must satisfactorily complete an approved curriculum with a grade point average of at least 2.0 in the courses required for the certificate.

In order to be eligible to receive KCTCS credentials, students must satisfactorily complete the minimum number of credits required for that credential, including the general education requirements as specified in the KCTCS Board of Regents Policies 4.11 and 4.12 and program requirements, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete the college’s application for graduation within the posted deadline for the term. In order to be eligible for: • Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Applied Science, and Associate in Applied Technology degrees, students must satisfactorily complete 60 credits, including the general education requirements as specified in the KCTCS Board of Regents Policies 4.11 and 4.12 and program requirements, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 31

• Diplomas, student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 36 hours including the general education requirements as specified by the KCTCS Board of Regents Policies 4.11 and 4.12 and program requirements, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.

• Certificates, students must satisfactorily complete an approved curriculum with a grade point average of at least 2.0 in the courses required for the certificate.

• Course substitutions may be made by the college president (or designee) on an individual basis with the advice of the appropriate division chairperson. Specific information about the requirements for these programs is available below in the Academic Credentials Awarded section.

Graduation with Honors Students who have completed at least 45 credit hours of work toward degree completion or 30 credit hours of work toward diploma completion in the KCTCS colleges shall be graduated “With High Distinction” if they attain a grade-point average of 3.60 or higher on all work attempted. Students who have completed at least 45 credit hours of work toward degree completion or 30 credit hours of work toward diploma completion in the KCTCS colleges shall be graduated “With Distinction” if they attain a GPA of 3.40-3.59 on all work attempted.

Multiple Associate Degrees A student will be eligible for an additional degree when the student has completed the requirements of the second curriculum including a minimum of six credit hours relevant to the second degree and beyond the requirements for the first degree. In no case will a degree be granted for the completion of a second option in a program. The completion of a second option, however, will be recorded on the transcript.

Types of credentials Refer to the KCTCS catalog for a list of credentials and requirements.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 32

How-To How to Read a Schedule

• The printed student schedule provides several pieces of information including: • EmplID: personal 9-digit student identification number.

• Term: academic term in both numerical and text form.

• Academic Plan: academic plan as listed in the Records Office.

• Sessn: college session in which the course is offered. The start and end dates of a course determine the session number. Refund policies are based on the session in which a course is offered.

• Class#: number assigned to this class section.

• Course: department and course number.

• Section: section number. Section numbers on all WKCTC classes start with B5 or B6. A “Z” in the section number indicates the course is offered online; an “L” in the section number indicates a laboratory class which may or may not have credit assigned.

• Course Title: title of the course. Many course titles are abbreviated for printing.

• Location: campus location where the course is offered.

• Dates: start and end dates of the class.

• Credits: credit hours for the course. Courses having an associated lab may be for credit or not for credit.

Credit hours are used to determine your grade point average (GPA).

Meets: days a class meets.

• • MW classes meets on Monday and Wednesday; • TR classes meets on Tuesday and Thursday (R represents Thursday).

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 33

• TBA indicates there is no assigned time for the class to meet or that the meeting time is to be announced.

• Begins & Ends: start and end times of the class.

• Bldg: building in which the class is offered. All WKCTC classes have a B5 or B6 listed prior to the building abbreviation. WWW indicates the class is online.

Room: room number.

• • Instructor: instructor name.

Schedule Abbreviation Guide Days: • M = Monday • T = Tuesday • W = Wednesday • R = Thursday • F = Friday • S = Saturday • N or U = Sunday Buildings: • AHB = Allied Health Building • ATB = Anderson Technical Building • CLC = Crisp Building/Challenger Learning Center • CRO = Crounse Hall • ETC = Emerging Technology Center • GCH = Graves County High School • HEC = Mary Ellen Thompson Health Education Center in Anderson Technical Building • MAD = Madison Hall, 919 Madison Street in Paducah • MCH = Marshall County High School • MLC = Matheson Hall/ Learning Resource Center • PSA = Paducah School of Art and Design, 905 Harrison Street in Paducah • PTC = Purchase Training Center, 234 Pioneer Industrial Drive in Mayfield • ROS = Rosenthal Hall • SCA = Clemens Student Center/Fine Arts • SCTC = Skilled Craft Training Center, 70 Hickory Road in Hickory • WAL = Waller Hall Web Enhanced Classes are on-campus classes that may require some Internet use by the student. The use may range from checking assignment dates to a regular attendance in a virtual classroom. Please check with the instructor for more information on the level of Web enhancement in any class you are interested in taking.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 34

How to Access My Student E-mail Account Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS) students are provided a student e-mail account to facilitate communication among students, faculty and staff. The e-mail account also makes it possible for students to access their schedules, grades, student accounts and financial aid information. Students must activate the e-mail account as soon as possible and check the account regularly throughout the semester.

College information such as grades is only delivered to students through their college e-mail account.

Activate an E-mail Account (Requires Microsoft Internet Explorer) q Locate your nine-digit EMPLID (Student ID#) on the upper left-hand side of your class schedule. If you do not have a copy of your schedule showing your Student ID#, you may obtain your Student ID# by visiting the “User Account Center.” If you are unable to obtain your Student ID# through the “User Account Center,” go to the Admissions Office in the Anderson Technical Building and provide a photo ID for assistance. q 24 hours after enrolling in classes: Go to the User Account Center and follow the instructions to activate your e-mail account. Record your username (aka user ID) and e-mail address; remember your password but keep it confidential.

Check Student E-Mail Account q Your student e-mail account should be checked at least once each week. q Passwords must be changed every 90 days. q Periodically delete messages in the “Inbox,” “Sent” and “Deleted” items folders. Full e-mail accounts prevent users from being able to send and receive e-mail messages. q Use “Password Reset” if your password expires or you forget your password. Should you need to access your username and/or password, go to the “User Account Center” at kctcs.edu/students and click on “forgot password” under the Help section.

How to Access My Student Self-Service Many online services are available to students through the Student Self Service. After obtaining your KCTCS e-mail account username and password, go to Student Self-Service.

Click on “Student Self-Service.” The Student Center page will be available after logging in. The following valuable resources are available in the Student Center: • My Class Schedule • Add a Class • Drop a Class • Grades • Account Inquiry • View Financial Aid • Make a Payment

• Student E-mail Information (Log in to E-mail) • Blackboard e-Learning (Log in to online classes) • Buy Books • Transcript Request • Enrollment Verification

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 35

Student Code of Conduct (including student rights and responsibilities) The Code of Student Conduct, approved by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System Board of Regents, serves as the student’s responsibilities and rights within our academic community.

Article I. FOUNDATIONS AND PRINCIPLES Who We Are: The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (“KCTCS” or “System”) was established in 1998 through an act of Kentucky’s General Assembly, KRS 164.580. The System is made up of sixteen colleges with various campuses situated throughout the state of Kentucky and dedicated to supplying the educational and training needs of students seeking two (2) year academic or technical degrees as well as other certificate, licensure, and training programs.

Our Governing Body: KCTCS colleges are governed by one body, the KCTCS Board of Regents, the membership, role, responsibilities, and authority of which is set forth in sections of KRS 164.290 to 164.475 and more specifically detailed in KRS 164. 580 to KRS 164.600. The KCTCS Board of Regents is authorized

by KRS 164.350 to adopt rules, regulations, and bylaws governing its members, and this Bill of Rights and Code of Student Conduct is established under their authority to govern student academic and behavioral matters.

Nothing contained in this Code of Student Conduct should be construed as creating a contract between KCTCS and students.

The local boards of directors as established in KRS 164.600 have no authority to govern or regulate student conduct and may not act contrary to the authority granted solely to the KCTCS Board of Regents and properly delegated to appropriate academic and administrative bodies within the System.

Our Philosophy and Commitment: KCTCS Colleges strive to provide students with education and training in a structured yet free environment that recognizes the dignity and value in all people and all groups. KCTCS is committed to a community of learning where students and ideas do not simply exist but flourish and thrive.

KCTCS understands, accepts, and exercises the role of the institution as the primary entity responsible for the enforcement of conduct that permits students to grow academically and personally as they pursue education and training in the System. To encourage an atmosphere conducive to the education of all students enrolled in KCTCS colleges, KCTCS recognizes that fundamental values, principles, and responsibilities are imperative to the proper functioning of our college community.

Our Students and Our Community: Students are members of our academic community as well as our local, state, national, and global communities. KCTCS recognizes the freedoms, rights, and privileges of our students but also demands of our students those responsibilities, obligations, and duties that are part of good citizenship.

When students fail to live up to the standards necessary to be responsible and productive members of the KCTCS academic community, those administrators and faculty given authority by the KCTCS Board of Regents to act in accordance with the KCTCS Student Code of Conduct shall take measures to protect the community, to preserve property, and to maintain order. At all times, System officials shall balance the needs of the students involved against the well-being of the academic community as a whole.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 36

Article II. THE KCTCS STUDENT BILL OF RIGHTS 1. KCTCS students enjoy the rights considered basic human rights and memorialized in the United States Constitution and in the federal laws passed to support and defend that Constitution.

2. KCTCS students also enjoy the rights set forth in the Kentucky Constitution and in the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

3. The Rights associated with the US and Kentucky Constitutions most prominently include the right to be enrolled in and to attend any KCTCS College without fear or threat of discrimination on the basis of any immutable characteristic or protected status, including but not limited to race, gender, ethnicity, color, nationality, age, and religion.

4. All KCTCS students shall enjoy the protections of all state and federal laws as well as any KCTCS policies that respect the gender identity, the gender presentation or the sexual orientation of students.

5. KCTCS students will not be discriminated against based on military service.

6. Students shall have access, if needed and desired, to student services that provide reasonable accommodations as required under US laws and state laws relevant to the establishment of an equal opportunity to succeed in academic endeavors.

7. KCTCS colleges respect the right of all students to learn, study, and grow in an environment that is free of any discrimination that reduces students to classes rather than recognize students as individuals.

8. KCTCS students shall have the right of free speech but shall understand the responsibilities that govern that right. Those constraints and restraints that limit and protect First Amendment Rights also constrain and restrain the rights of students.

9. As a “marketplace of ideas,” the academic setting at KCTCS shall respect divergent viewpoints and the right to express them with respect and civility toward fellow students.

10. Students have the right to participate in a community devoted to scholarship and are encouraged to inquire, debate, think, and express as individual scholars within that community. This expression includes both agreement with the main and dissent with others. The exercise of this right shall not interfere with the rights of others to the academic experience and shall not target, harass, intimidate, or threaten another participant in the academic process in such a severe or offensive manner that the target of this conduct is effectively denied access to the academic community at KCTCS. This is so whether the conduct occurs during course time, after class, or using electronic or other means rather than face-toface debate.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 37

11. KCTCS students’ right to free speech shall include the right to form and to participate in student presses at their colleges. Student press shall include academic and literary publications and journals. The right to participate in student organizations with the primary goal of written or oral speech shall not be arbitrarily abridged by the colleges but all students shall recognize the correlation between the rights of speech and responsibilities of speech. Students shall exercise responsible speech, including ethical journalistic guidelines as well as any editorial or regulatory guidelines that carry the weight of law or policy.

12. As members of the KCTCS educational community, students have the right to expression but also responsibility to attribute the expression to its rightful owner. This responsibility includes written, oral, or any other type of creative expression. Said plainly students shall express themselves but shall not claim the expression of others as their own. The foundation of the academic community relies on free expression and freedom from theft of expression.

13. KCTCS students have the right to assemble and to participate in the social, religious, and political activities available in a free and open society.

14. The right to assemble shall include participation in KCTCS recognized organizations. Groups of students seeking to create or be part of an organization officially recognized shall have the right to petition for recognition and must follow all rules, regulations, policies, and procedures necessary for KCTCS recognition.

15. KCTCS students have the right to participate meaningfully in the governance of KCTCS, including, when appropriate, representation on college or System committees as well as representation on the KCTCS Board of Regents. All colleges shall provide students the means to participate in local governance through a student government association.

16. KCTCS students have the right to privacy in their educational, academic, and financial records. This right to privacy shall be consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended, (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). FERPA is a federal law that protects the confidentiality of personally identifiable information contained in student education records. KCTCS shall adhere to policies and procedures for identification of directory information and for any release of information that is not identified as directory information and therefore protected by FERPA. KCTCS students shall also enjoy, when relevant, the protections of KRS 164.283.

17. KCTCS students have the right to know with accuracy and clarity information that assists them in successfully meeting the established academic standards in their classes.

18. KCTCS students have the right to clear and comprehensible course objectives and requirements. This right shall extend to have access to a consistent grading policy used to evaluate student performance established by their class instructors.

19. A student has the right to receive a grade based only upon a fair and just evaluation of performance in the course as measured by the standards presented in the first or second class session or in the introductory materials for a distance learning course.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 38

20. KCTCS students have the right to know and understand the graduation requirements for their course of study and their type of degree. This right shall include to the students’ knowledge and understanding of course transfer requirements.

21. The rights expressed in this KCTCS Bill of Rights shall not be abridged or removed without providing students with appropriate due process. The level of due process owed for academic and disciplinary offenses may vary but shall always include these essential parts – knowledge of the allegations against the student, a right to express a defense, the right to know the findings, and a right to an appeal.

22. Colleges shall not sanction students academically or behaviorally when the regulation, rule, or policy is imposed ex post facto. In other words, regulations, rules, or policies effective after an alleged offense shall not be enforced against students when addressing that offense. New regulations, policies, or rules will only be applied from the effective date forward.

KCTCS recognizes that this Bill of Rights has no meaning without the full disclosure and publication of the substantive rules and possible sanctions students might face when found to have violated those rules. To ensure both substantive and procedural due process, KCTCS establishes and maintains as current the KCTCS Code of Student Conduct. All KCTCS students are presumed by the act of enrollment to know and to agree to abide by the KCTCS Code of Student Conduct. Students shall not have ignorance of the rules as a defense to academic or behavioral violations. With Rights come Responsibilities, and KCTCS expects our students to exercise both.

ARTICLE III. PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS OF STUDENT CONDUCT SECTION 1: GENERAL PRINCIPLES A. Purpose The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (“KCTCS” or “System”) student code is intended to set forth the expectations for academic and behavioral responsibilities of the students who enroll in and attend the sixteen KCTCS colleges across Kentucky. As declared in Article I, KCTCS Colleges are committed to creating a community where learning flourishes and students from all backgrounds and experiences are welcome and respected. The KCTCS Code of Student Conduct provides the framework for student success without unnecessary distractions and harmful disruptions.

B. Authority The Kentucky General Assembly through KRS 164.350 authorized the KCTCS Board of Regents to adopt rules, regulations, and bylaws governing its members. The KCTCS Code of Student Conduct is enacted under the legislatively granted authority to govern student academic and behavioral matters. The KCTCS President exercises delegated authority in promulgating this Code for the safety and well-being of the campus community.

The KCTCS President delegates authority to each College President to apply the Code at their respective college, and the College Presidents designate the Chief Student Affairs Officers (CSAO) as the front line authorities for application of the Code.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 39

This Code may apply to acts conducted on or off campus when those acts have a direct impact on the orderly conduct of regular college business. This Code may apply to acts conducted as face-to-face encounters, cyberspace, or by use of any means or medium that facilitates violation of the rules contained herein. The Code is written to provide a reference for general guidelines of expected student behaviors and penalties for failing to meet those expectations. It is not a criminal code nor an exhaustive list of misconduct.

C. Proceedings Disciplinary actions conducted pursuant to this Code are to be conducted in a manner that is fair, expedient, and civil. Disciplinary actions under the Code are not legal processes and are not subject to the procedures governing criminal or civil actions, such as formal rules of evidence and the burden of proof. Deviations from the processes outlined in this Code shall not invalidate a proceeding or decision unless such deviation clearly results in significant prejudice to the student or the College.

Jurisdiction for violations of this Code may be extended to conduct that occurs off College premises if that conduct adversely affects the College community.

D. Interplay of Code of Student Conduct with Local, State and Federal Law 1.

2.

3.

Students who enroll at a KCTCS college enjoy the privilege of attendance at the college, and accept the governance of KCTCS policies, local ordinances, state law, and federal law.

Students who enroll at KCTCS accept the responsibility of reviewing and abiding by the rules of conduct described in this Code. Violation of these general rules of conduct may lead to disciplinary action by the College in accordance with this Code.

If a student engages in conduct that is in violation of state or federal law as well as this Code, KCTCS reserves the right to refer such conduct to the appropriate law enforcement agency for prosecution in addition to College disciplinary action. Disciplinary action under this Code may proceed regardless of the status of criminal prosecution; action taken under this Code does not constitute or necessarily reflect formal legal processes under law.

SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS A. Student In this Code, the term “student” means: 1. Any individual who applies for admission at a KCTCS college, is accepted, and has registered for a course(s). Students who withdraw after allegedly violating the KCTCS Code of Student Conduct are still considered a student for purposes of completing the processes outlined in the Code. Once a student registers for classes, they are responsible for associated tuition and fees unless classes are dropped according to the refund schedule; and/or 2. Individuals enrolled at another institution of higher education who are enrolled in classes on a KCTCS campus (depending on the terms governing this arrangement); and/or 3. Student organizations recognized by the College. The organization may be held collectively responsible for violations of this Code if the organization’s leadership consents to or encourages violation of this Code.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 40

B. Campus All property (land, buildings, facilities), including adjacent streets and sidewalks, in the possession of, owned, used, or controlled by a KCTCS college. Campus may also extend to mean the platform through which courses are offered online.

SECTION 3: STANDARDS OF CONDUCT In order to foster a positive campus community and maintain an optimal learning environment, KCTCS establishes the following behavioral expectations of students: Standard 1: KCTCS students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity, and support a campus environment that is conducive to learning and scholarship.

Violations or attempted violations may include, but are not limited to: 1. Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism or facilitating academic dishonesty.

2. Classroom conduct that disrupts or interferes with the learning experience, such as sleeping, horseplay, cell phone use, entering or leaving class while it is in session, unnecessary interruptions, failure to exhibit respect and consideration to faculty, staff, and fellow students during class or class experiences.

Standard 2: KCTCS students are expected to respect and preserve the health, safety, welfare, privacy and rights of all members of the campus community.

Violations or attempted violations may include, but are not limited to: 1. Physical violence – hitting, pushing, use of a weapon, beating or other such activity resulting in or intended to cause harm.

2. Making a threat(s) of violence (including verbal, written, or virtual communication) that does or could cause(s) a reasonable expectation of harm to the health or safety of a specific person.

3. Substantial or repeated acts directed as a person or group of people that would cause a reasonable person to feel fearful, including but not limited to: a. Bullying, defined as repeated and/or severe behavior that is aggressive and likely to intimidate or intentionally hurt, control, or degrade another person physically or mentally. b. Stalking, defined as engaging in two or more acts directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the individual’s safety or the safety of others, or suffer substantial emotional distress. c. Hazing, defined as acts likely to cause physical or psychological harm or social exclusion or humiliation.

4. Any form of retaliation towards a complainant or a participant in an investigation or conduct process.

Retaliation will not be tolerated. **Instances of sexual misconduct and sexual harassment are governed by the KCTCS Sexual Misconduct Procedure, which is administered separately from this Code.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 41

Standard 3: KCTCS students are expected to respect the property of others, and the property, facilities, resources, and reputation of the College.

Violations or attempted violations may include, but are not limited to: 1. Illegal or unauthorized possession or use of weapons, including but not limited to: firearms, explosive devices, knives longer than three inches, or any other object used to threaten or cause harm. The full policy is available at KCTCS Administrative Policies and Procedures, 3.3.23 Policy on Deadly Weapons.

2. Making a threat of violence (including verbal, written, or virtual communications) that causes a reasonable expectation of harm to the health or safety of the campus.

3. Behavior that can put physical safety at risk, including but not limited to: a. b. c. d. e.

Reckless driving Possessing flammable chemicals or fireworks or tampering with smoke detectors Climbing on roofs or buildings Leaving minors unattended on campus.

Knowingly putting others at risk of a contagious disease or exposure to infectious materials

4. Misuse, theft, or unauthorized use of College services or property 5. Trespassing or unauthorized access to physical or virtual/cyber property or services of the College.

6. Attending classes without being registered for them, other than with permission by the instructor.

7. Theft of the property of a member of the College community.

8. Intentional destruction of property.

9. Use of recreational or outdoor equipment indoors (such as skateboards and hover boards), or reckless use of equipment outdoors.

10. Having an animal in a campus building other than in accordance with campus policy and ADA laws, such as permissible service animals trained to perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability or illness or animals in the course of being trained as service animals. The full policy is found at KCTCS Administrative Policies and Procedures, 3.3.24 KCTCS Policy on Live Animals on Campus.

11. Unauthorized or irresponsible use of College computer, network, or other technology system resources as described in KCTCS Administrative Policies and Procedures, 4.2.5 Information and Information Technology Responsible Use Policy. KCTCS reserves the right to review and investigate activity of any sort on any machine or technology resource belonging to KCTCS, including reviewing email accounts, documents, hard drives, cloud-based accounts, or any other resource or method of use.

Standard 4: KCTCS students are expected to observe the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the College as well as local, state and federal laws.

Violations or attempted violations may include, but are not limited to: 1. Prohibiting classroom instruction or learning from occurring.

2. Prohibiting College sponsored events from occurring.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 42

3. Infringing on the rights of other members of the College community, including violations of policies or procedures pertaining to expressive activity.

4. Leading or inciting others to interrupt scheduled or normal activities within any campus building or area.

5. Obstructing the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on College property or at a College sponsored or supervised event.

6. Illegal or unauthorized possession, manufacturing, use, or distribution of marijuana, heroin, narcotics, synthetic drugs as determined by KRS Chapter 218A, and any other illegal or controlled substance or look-alike drug except as expressly permitted by law and College policy.

7. Illegal or unauthorized possession, manufacturing, use, or distribution of alcohol, except as expressly permitted by College policy. No person under 21 years of age may possess or consume alcoholic beverages, under any circumstances.

8. Illegal possession or use of prescription medications.

9. Public intoxication, vomiting, or other effects of irresponsible substance consumption.

10. Smoking or using tobacco products, including e-cigarettes or any other violation of the College’s Smoke-Free campus policy as found in the KCTCS Administrative Policies & Procedures, 3.3.14 KCTCS Tobacco Free Policy.

11. Failure to comply with a. the Code of Student Conduct b. directions or an authorized College representative who is performing his/her duties c. any reasonable guidelines for the use of labs, offices, waiting areas, classrooms, common areas, etc. d. any finding made and disciplinary action taken based on this Code of Student Conduct e. any local, state or federal law SECTION 4: PROCEEDINGS A. STUDENT HARASSMENT OR DISCRIMINATION GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE The Kentucky Community and Technical College System has zero tolerance for illegal discrimination of any kind. Any student who thinks he/she may have been discriminated against or subjected to harassment by students or employees because of his or her race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, beliefs, political affiliation, veteran status, age, or disability (including denial of a request for an accommodation), has the right to pursue an informal and/or formal discrimination grievance. The informal student discrimination grievance procedure is described below.

Complaints relating to sexual misconduct should be made to the College Title IX Coordinator or other college administrator. Such complaints shall be handled in accordance with the Sexual Misconduct Procedure.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 43

The Chief Student Affairs Officer (CSAO) or his/her designee shall be responsible for investigating student discrimination grievances. If appropriate, this shall be conducted in collaboration with the college human resources director.

1. If a student thinks that he/she has been discriminated against, the student shall inform the CSAO or his/her designee within thirty (30) calendar days of the occurrence of the alleged incident. The CSAO or his/her designee shall conduct a preliminary investigation of the discrimination grievance.

2. The student, CSAO or his/her designee, and other involved parties shall work informally to negotiate a solution within fourteen (14) calendar days.

The informal student discrimination grievance procedure shall be completed within forty-four (44) calendar days of the occurrence of the alleged incident.

3. If the grievance is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student through the informal grievance procedure, the student may file a formal appeal pursuant to Section D below.

B. ACADEMIC Students have the ability to file appeals when they believe a violation of their academic rights has occurred.

Students have the academic right to: • • • • • •

timely receive information about course content timely receive information about course grading criteria hold and express a contrary opinion fair and impartial academic evaluation confidentiality of academic records informed evaluation of student character and ability

More information about student academic rights may be found in the Student Bill of Rights, particularly #6, 7, 9, 10, 17, 18, 19 and 20. i. Grievances Involving Academic Rights of Students Step 1 If a student encounters a problem in a class and wishes to file a grievance, he/she should first speak with the instructor and try to resolve the issue. If a satisfactory resolution is not achieved, the student should proceed to Step 2 below.

Step 2 When a student believes his/her academic rights have been violated, the student shall submit a formal written appeal specifying the alleged violations to the appropriate division chair as soon as possible following the occurrence of the violation. In order to be considered, a student appeal must be filed no later than five (5) business days after the first class day of the following semester. Appeals received after that will be declared untimely and will not be considered. Upon receipt of the student appeal, the division chair will attempt to resolve the issue. If no resolution is agreed upon by all parties within 15 business days, the division chair will refer the case to the KCTCS College President or designee.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 44

Step 3 The KCTCS College President or designee will attempt resolution. If no resolution can be agreed upon within 15 business days, the College President or designee must notify the student in writing.

The student may choose to move to Step 4 by filing a written request for a hearing on the issue before College Appeals Board.

Step 4 If the student does not accept the decision of the KCTCS College President or designee, the student has ten (10) business days to submit a written request for a hearing before the College Appeals Board (see Section D). No new matter may be appealed which was not included in the student’s original appeal to the division chair. ii. Discipline Process for Academic Violations Committed by Students Incidents of academic dishonesty and misconduct which occur within the context of a specific course are resolved by the academic department in accordance with the College academic honesty policy. In such a case, the instructor or academic department determines if academic dishonesty or misconduct occurred, and what the academic penalty should be.

Sanctions for a finding of academic dishonesty or misconduct include but are not limited to: a. Requiring the student to resubmit the assignment b. A lower grade on the assignment or in the course; c. A zero for the assignment or exam; d. A failing grade in the course. e. Removal from the course f. Referral for disciplinary actions beyond the above sanctions.

A student who receives an academic penalty as a result of academic dishonesty or misconduct may not withdraw from the course in order to avoid the academic penalty.

Step 1 Within ten (10) business days of the occurrence or discovery of the occurrence of an alleged student academic offense, the instructor shall submit to the division chair or chief academic officer a written description of the activity that resulted in the accusation of academic dishonesty and the sanction implemented as a result.

Step 2 The instructor shall notify the student in writing of the academic offense, explain the sanction, and inform the student of his or her right to appeal the fact of guilt and/or severity of the sanction when a failing grade is assigned.

Step 3 The student may protest the fact of guilt and/or severity of the sanction to the instructor. The instructor may then confer with the appropriate division chair or chief academic officer to determine appropriate sanctions for the student. All academic misconduct actions must be reported to the chief academic officer for record keeping purposes.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 45

iii. Appeals of Student Academic Offenses If a student has protested a finding of having committed an academic offense to a faculty member and the sanction has been upheld, the student has further appeal rights described below. (Reference the Appeals in Cases of Alleged Academic Violation of Student Academic Rights flowchart in Appendix.)

Step 1 Students who are not satisfied with the outcome of their protest to the faculty member may submit an appeal to the division chair of the department. The division chair shall attempt to resolve all cases referred by student appeal to the satisfaction of the instructor and the student. If the division chair upholds the decision of the instructor, the student may appeal, in writing, within ten (10) business days of notification of the division chair’s decision, to the College President or designee.

Step 2 Upon reviewing the basis of the student appeal, the College President or designee shall attempt to resolve the matter. If no resolution is reached within ten (10) business days, the student may submit a written appeal to the College Appeals Board (CAB). (See section D) iv.

Student Rights During the Appeals Process (Academic Rights/Academic Offenses): In cases of academic rights and academic offenses, the student shall have the right of class attendance and participation during the consideration of any appeal except that such attendance and participation may be limited when: a. outside agencies are used as a part of the student’s educational experience, in which case precedence will be given to the terms of any agreement(s), which have been negotiated between the college and the agency; or b. patient/client contact is involved in the student’s educational experience, in which case only patient/client contact may be limited or excluded at the discretion of program faculty.

If the appeal is decided in the student’s favor, the college must provide an opportunity for the student to complete any essential experiences missed due to the appeals process.

C. BEHAVIORAL/NON-ACADEMIC i. Reporting Violations of the Code Any student, faculty or staff member, or visitor to the college may make a report to the Chief Student Affairs Officer (CSAO) of suspected violations of the Code of Student Conduct. A written complaint is not required, but is preferred. Those making reports are generally expected to participate in proceedings related to the report and to provide information during the process.

If the complaint is received more than one term after the incident occurred, the Chief Student Affairs Officer will assess whether or not disciplinary action should still go forward. The assessment will be based on such information as: the nature of the violation, the likelihood of repetition, and the impact upon the campus community. (Reference the Appeal of Behavioral/Non-Academic Grievance flowchart in Appendix.)

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 46

ii. Administrative Review and Resolution 1. Preliminary Review Upon receiving a report of an alleged violation of this Code, the CSAO may conduct a preliminary review to determine if there is credible information to proceed with an investigation and/or to formally charge a student with a violation of this Code. During the course of this preliminary review, the CSAO may meet with affected parties and/or witnesses. The CSAO will notify any interviewees of the preliminary nature of the review and that it may result in formal misconduct charges. a. Case Not Pursued--If the CSAO does not find sufficient evidence that a violation of this Code has occurred, the CSAO will not pursue a formal conduct process. The CSAO will maintain documentation of the receipt of an allegation that is separate from the formal student record. The CSAO will notify the student that the matter has been closed and no further action will be taken. b. Informal Response—If the CSAO finds concerning information that does not rise to the level of a violation of this Code, the College may still take reasonable action, such as requiring a student to meet with a staff member prior to registering for courses, or a verbal or written warning. c. Formal Response—If there is sufficient credible information that a student has violated this Code, then the CSAO will initiate the conduct process.

2. Interim Measures Upon preliminary review, KCTCS reserves the right to enact any interim measures it deems necessary to protect the rights, well-being, and personal safety of KCTCS employees, students, guests or visitors. Interim measures may be imposed regardless of whether formal disciplinary action is sought or pursued against the Respondent. Such measures may include, but are not limited to: •

referral to counseling services and other resources

•

rescheduling of exams or assignments (in conjunction with appropriate faculty)

•

no-contact order

•

limited access to college facilities or organizations pending resolution of the report

•

temporary work reassignment

•

temporary class schedule reassignment

•

administrative leave during the investigation and resolution

•

report of the matter to local law enforcement in the jurisdiction in which the college is located

•

KCTCS further reserves the right to apply any other remedy that can be tailored to the involved individuals to achieve the goals of this policy

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 47

3. Immediate Temporary Suspension a. A student may be suspended immediately when: •

If, in the judgment of the College President (upon consultation with CSAO and/or the college Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT)), there is reasonable cause to believe that the presence of the student poses a serious threat to persons and/or property, or that the student has been charged with a crime so serious as to threaten the welfare of the college community, the College President may impose temporary sanctions, including temporary suspension and ban from campus.

•

Except in the case of emergency circumstances, the student will be provided an informal opportunity to discuss the matter and possible resolution.

•

The student may be temporarily banned from campus if he/she refuses to cease disruptive behavior or conduct in violation of this policy after direct orders from the College President (upon consultation with the CSAO and/or BIT).

•

When such suspension is involved, the student must leave campus immediately. Law enforcement will be called if the student refuses to comply.

b. Notice and Right to Appeal •

The College President shall issue a written notice of the immediate temporary suspension and campus ban to the student. This written notice shall include the student’s right to appeal the decision to the College Appeals Board (CAB).

•

The student may file a written appeal with the College Appeals Board within 30 days. If requested in the written appeal, the CAB shall schedule a hearing of the case within 48 hours, or as soon as practicable. The CAB shall consider the student’s academic needs to attend class, use the library, and fulfill other academic commitments.

•

The CAB has three options: it may uphold the immediate temporary suspension, it may overturn the decision and return the student to regular status, or it may enact other remedies and/or sanctions. The alternative remedies/sanctions may be more extensive than the temporary suspension, such as expulsion or other sanctions that are appropriate.

The CAB shall communicate its findings to the College President and the Student within three (3) business days of the decision. Should the CAB uphold the immediate temporary suspension, it shall remain in effect until such time as the student can prove that circumstances have changed and he/she can resume attendance without being a threat to the campus community. The CAB’s decision is final except in cases of long term suspension or expulsion that are subject to appeal to the KCTCS Board of Regents.

•

If the student’s circumstances change, the student may make a written request to the College President for permission to readmission to the college.

•

The College President will consult with the CSAO and/or BIT to determine if the student has demonstrated that his/her dangerous or threatening behavior has been remediated.

•

The College President may require the student to enter into a behavioral contract that establishes specific terms and limitations for the student’s conduct and consequences for failure to abide by those terms as a condition of readmission.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 48

4. Formal Conduct Process When the CSAO finds sufficient credible information, a formal conduct process will be initiated.

The CSAO will present the respondent with formal written notice of the alleged violations of this Code and provide an opportunity for the respondent to make a formal statement to the CSAO, and to provide any evidence and any witnesses pertinent to the alleged violation. The CSAO shall review the evidence and conduct witness interviews. When the CSAO is satisfied that a full review has been conducted, the CSAO shall notify the respondent in writing of the findings.

If the CSAO’s investigation shows the respondent has violated this Code, the report of findings shall also notify the respondent of the sanctions imposed. The report of findings shall also provide the respondent with notice of his/her rights to appeal.

The CSAO will seek to resolve the formal conduct process within 60 days of the initial report.

Extenuating circumstances may arise that require the extension of time frames, including extension beyond 60 days. Extenuating circumstances may include the complexity and scope of the allegations, the number of witnesses involved, the availability of the parties or witnesses, the effect of a concurrent criminal investigation, any intervening school break or vacation, or other unforeseen circumstances. In the event that the investigation and resolution exceed this time frame, the CSAO will notify affected parties of the reason(s) for the delay and the expected adjustment in time frames. Best efforts will be made to complete the process in a timely manner by balancing principles of thoroughness and fundamental fairness with promptness.

5. Appeal of a Code Violation Finding A student may appeal a code violation finding by submitting a written request for appeal to the College President. The appeal may ask for reconsideration of guilt or innocence and/or the severity of the sanction. Upon receipt of the appeal, the College President shall notify the College Appeals Board of the request for appeal. (Reference the College Appeal Board (CAB) Appeal Process flowchart in Appendix.) The College Appeals Board procedures are described in section E below.

D. Sanctions Sanctions are designed to protect the College’s educational mission, to promote safety and security of the College community, and to deter students from behavior that harms, harasses, or threatens people or property. More than one sanction may be imposed in a case. The following factors are generally considered when determining sanctions for a particular case: •

The nature of the violation(s)

•

Prior findings of responsibility and sanction(s)

•

Mitigating circumstances surrounding the violation

•

The student’s motivation(s) for engaging in the behavior

•

Impacts of the behavior

•

Sanctions which have been imposed in similar cases in the past

•

The developmental and educational impact on the student WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 49

Standard sanctions are listed below. This list is not exhaustive, and the College is not limited to only this list. Sanctions tailored to the particular violation may be enacted by the College.

1. Reprimand: Official written notice to the student that the behavior is not acceptable at the College and that additional incidents may result in more severe sanctions. This notice exists in the student conduct file and is not reflected on an academic transcript.

2. Disciplinary Probation: A period of time (which may be indefinite) during which a student is under warning that any other violation of College policy may result in suspension. Disciplinary probation may also prohibit a student from participating in certain College activities or programs, as it is considered notice that the student is not in good standing due to behavior. This notice exists in the student conduct file and is not reflected on an academic transcript.

3. Eviction: Forced removal from a classroom or other College property. This notice exists in the student conduct file and is not reflected on an academic transcript.

4. Suspension: A defined period of time during which a student is not permitted to engage in any of the privileges, courses, organizations, events, or activities associated with being a student at the KCTCS College. During the period of suspension, a Student Dean Hold service indicator will be placed on the student’s PeopleSoft account to prevent enrollment at any other KCTCS college.

The Student Dean Hold may only be removed by the home college where the service indicator was applied. Once the period of suspension has been completed, the student may request that the Student Dean Hold service indicator be removed.

5. Expulsion: Permanent, forced withdrawal from the College as determined by the hearing body.

Suspension or expulsion decisions may be appealed to the KCTCS Board of Regents pursuant to KRS 164.370. See Section E(ii) below.

In addition to the standard sanctions above, individualized sanctions may be imposed that are designed to maximize the learning of a specific student. These sanctions take into account the student’s learning style and stage of development, as well as the unique factors of a given situation. Multiple individualized sanctions may be imposed, including but not limited to one or more of the following: 1.

Reflective Activity: An activity designed to promote reflection by the student about his/her behavior and its impact. Examples can include: writing assignments, interviews, research projects, etc. Completion will be based on fulfilling the objective requirements of the assignment, not on whether the student adopts or expresses a particular perspective or point of view.

2.

College/Community Service: Service to the College or community of up to 16 hours to be served within a specified time frame.

3.

Educational Sanction: An educational sanction requiring attendance or participation in a prearranged class, program, or activity designed to prevent or deal with high-risk behavior.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 50

4.

Counseling Assessment: Student may be referred to an external counseling evaluation.

Counseling referrals and any suspension, expulsion, or readmission shall all be consistent with state and federal law and shall include the CSAO and/or the College President’s consultation with Disability Services if appropriate and at all times with the KCTCS Office of General Counsel.

5.

Restitution: Payment to a harmed party, such as to repair or replace vandalized property.

6.

Meetings with College Resources: Meeting with a College employee or office to learn about resources offered to support students, both on and off campus.

E. Appeals i. College Appeals Board The College Appeals Board (CAB) serves as a hearing body for appeals of violations of academic rights, of findings of academic misconduct, and for non-academic/behavioral the Code of Student Conduct.

1. Composition The Appeals Board shall consist of six members appointed by the College President: • • •

2 full time students 2 full time faculty 2 full time staff

In addition, 2 student alternates, 1 faculty alternate, and 1 staff alternate shall be appointed. These alternates must meet the same requirements as the regular members.

2. Service on the CAB a. Student members and alternates: Each student member must have earned at least 24 semester credit hours at the college, must have had one full academic year of attendance at the college, and must be in good academic standing. The CSAO shall recommend students to the College President for appointment. Appointments shall be for a term of one year. b. Faculty and staff members and alternates: Faculty and staff members are elected to staggered three year terms by the faculty. c. Appeals Board Chair: The chair is elected annually by the Appeals Board members.

3. Quorum A quorum of five members, at least three of whom must be faculty and staff, is required for the conduct of business of the Appeals Board.

4. CAB Review Process a. Within five (5) business days of receipt of a request for hearing the CAB will meet to determine if the issue on appeal is properly before the hearing panel. If the CAB decides that the request for a hearing is not properly before the body, the Chair of the CAB will notify the student and the appropriate college officials in writing within three (3) business days, including the reasons for the CAB’s decision not to hear the matter.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 51

b. If the CAB determines that it is proper to consider the appeal, within five (5) business days the Chair will request statements related to the appeal from the appropriate college officials. Those statement are due for submission to the CAB within five (5) business days. The CAB then has five (5) business days to review the appeal and associated statements and decide by majority vote whether to grant a hearing or to make a decision based on the record provided by each party. c. The CAB’s decision as to the hearing will be communicated in writing within five (5) business days of the decision to the student and the appropriate college officials. If the CAB does not grant a hearing, the student has no further right to appeal within the system except in cases of suspension or expulsion. d. If the CAB decides to hear the case, it will establish procedures (including a schedule) and notify the student and the appropriate college officials. All parties shall have the opportunity to appear at the hearing and to present oral and written evidence in support of their positions. The CAB may call for further evidence as it deems appropriate. The hearing shall be held, and a final decision made by the CAB within 15 business days after the decision to hear the case. The decision of the CAB is final and the student has no further right to appeal within the system except in cases of suspension or expulsion of a student. e. If the CAB hears the case because of some question about the fact of the student’s guilt, it shall have the authority to impose a final decision as to guilt or innocence. If the CAB decides not to hear the case, the student has no further right of appeal within the system except in cases of suspension or expulsion. f.

If the CAB hears the case because of an appeal of the severity of the sanction, it shall recommend an appropriate sanction to the appropriate college official(s). If the CAB does not support the sanction, the CAB shall submit its decision and a recommendation of appropriate sanction to the College President or designee who shall consult with the appropriate college official(s) involved to find an appropriate sanction. The final decision is the responsibility of the College President.

ii. Appeal of Suspension or Expulsion to the KCTCS Board of Regents Pursuant to KRS 164.370, students may appeal a sanction of suspension or expulsion to the KCTCS Board of Regents. (Reference Appeal of Suspension or Expulsion to the KCTCS Board of Regents flowchart in Appendix.)

1. Before an appeal can be submitted to the Board of Regents, the student must exhaust all available remedies by using all applicable appeal processes in this Code.

2. The student has 30 calendar days from the completion of the final applicable appeal process to submit an appeal in writing to the KCTCS Board of Regents in care of the KCTCS President.

3. Upon receipt of an appeal, the KCTCS President shall forward the appeal document to the Office of General Counsel. The Office of General Counsel shall conduct a review of the record related to the suspension or expulsion, and may conduct additional fact finding if warranted. The Office of General Counsel shall prepare a Report of Findings.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 52

4. The appeal shall be heard by a three-person panel (appointed by the KCTCS President) consisting of the KCTCS Vice President responsible for Student Services, the Chair of the Education Committee of the KCTCS Board of Regents, and one of the student members of the KCTCS Board of Regents. The panel members shall review the Report of Findings then meet, with the option to use video conferencing, with a representative of the Office of General Counsel to finalize a recommendation, which will be acted upon by the full Board of Regents at the next scheduled meeting.

5. The student shall be notified in writing of the recommendation of the panel and of the date the full Board will take action on the recommendation. Once the Board has taken action, the student will receive written notice of the final decision.

Section 5: STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS KCTCS recognizes that organized activities serve to augment and improve the educational experience of the members of the College community. Membership in student organizations shall be limited to students, faculty, and staff of the College except Honor, Leadership, and Recognition Societies that may include other persons as provided for in their national constitutions.

A. Types of Organizations The College recognizes and encourages students to participate in the following types of organizations: 1. Honor, Leadership, and Recognition Societies; 2. Divisional Organizations and Professional Fraternities; 3. Political Organizations; 4. Governmental Organizations; and 5. Specialty Organizations (religious, athletic, military, etc.)

B. Registration The registration of any student organization is at the discretion of the College and is dependent upon the completion of the required application form and compliance with the rules and additional criteria, such as a probationary period, the College may set forth. Such criteria shall be established and published by the College and made uniform for all similar types of organizations. Only those student organizations officially recognized and registered with the colleges may enjoy the rights and privileges associated with recognition. Student organizations must be registered before they may use College facilities or properties. Unrecognized and unregistered student organizations may use College facilities or properties in the same manner that external or unaffiliated organizations access and use facilities or properties.

C. Use of KCTCS Facilities Student organizations may use KCTCS facilities for sanctioned meetings and events in accordance with KCTCS Administrative Policy and Procedure 3.3.16 Kentucky Community and Technical College System Policy and Procedural Guidelines for the Management and Use of Facilities. Student organizations must request the use of space through the College’s published procedures.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 53

D. Advisors Student organizations are required to have two advisors. Advisors must be members of the college faculty or staff. College staff may only serve as advisors if that service is incorporated into their job duties and if their service is in alignment with the policies and procedures of KCTCS Human Resources.

Advisors are chosen by the members of the organization and submitted for approval to the College President or designee for approval. If approval is not granted or advisors leave their position, the President or designee may appoint advisors consistent with KCTCS Human Resources policies and procedures.

Advisors are responsible for: 1. Providing support and guidance to the organization in carrying out the purposes of the organization 2. Counseling and advising the officers of the organization as to their powers and responsibilities 3. Attending all meetings of the organization The College President or designee may make an exception to permit a student organization only one advisor when appropriate or necessary. Registered, recognized student organizations must abide by all policies and procedures relevant to affiliated organizations. Volunteers associated with recognized, registered student organizations shall be used only as the law permits and shall be the responsibility of the student organization, not KCTCS. Failure to have an approved advisor will result in suspension of college registration and recognition until an approved advisor is in place.

E. Conduct Violations by Student Organizations If a Student Organization fails to abide by any College policy, procedure, or standard, the Student Organization as a whole as well as individual members may face disciplinary action pursuant to this Code.

The following sanctions may be imposed against a Student Organization as a whole for the violation of College conduct regulations or failure to file required financial statements each year. This list is neither exhaustive nor in order of severity and may by enlarged upon or modified to meet the particular circumstances of any given situation.

1. Recommendation for charter revocation: An official request to a national office that the local chapter’s charter be revoked.

2. Revocation of College registration: Permanent severance of the organization’s relationship with the College.

3. Suspension of College registration: Temporary severance of the organization’s relationship with the College for a specific period of time. The period of time and any requirements, which must be satisfied prior to re-registration.

4. Probation: Notice that further finding of responsibility for the violation of College conduct regulation(s) as specified in the decision of the hearing officer will likely result in the suspension or revocation of College registration.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 54

5. Reprimand: College disapproval or warning issued to the student organization.

6. Restrictions: Restriction of some or all of the organization’s activities or privileges, including the right to recruit new members.

7. Other educational sanctions: Projects, assignments, programs with the effect of educating the organization’s members.

Student Organizations are not beings entitled to due process and shall not be entitled to procedures nor shall they have appeal rights equivalent to individual student rights. The right to recognize and register a Student Organization falls within the authority granted to each College President/CEO. COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS Kentucky Community and Technical College System is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, or genetic information. Further, we vigilantly prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit based factor.

Compliance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex discrimination, with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is coordinated by the KCTCS Office of General Counsel, 300 North Main Street, Versailles, KY 40383. Each college has a Title IX Coordinator serving the college community.

Efforts to comply with the laws and regulations applicable to people with disabilities, as required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (revised 1992) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, are coordinated through the Office of Disability Services at each KCTCS College.

Questions concerning compliance with college policies and procedures should be directed to the Chief Student Affairs Officer at the college.

The Kentucky Community and Technical System is in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. Questions may be directed to the Chief Student Affairs Officer or the Director of Human Resources’ office at each KCTCS College.

Questions about admissions to any KCTCS College should be directed to the appropriate Admissions Office.

EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE External remedies are available for students through the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. For more information, you may contact the Philadelphia Office: U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Wanamaker Building, Suite 515 100 Penn Square East Philadelphia, PA 19107 Telephone: 215-656-8541 FAX: 215-656-8605; TDD: 215-656-8604 Email: OCR_Philadelphia@ed.gov WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 55

Acknowledgements KCTCS would like to acknowledge the following as resources for the 2016 revisions of this document: •

Student Conduct Administration and Title IX: Gold Standard Practices for Resolutions of Allegations of Sexual Misconduct on College Campuses, White Paper prepared by the Association for Student Conduct Administration, 2014.

•

Professional resources and guidance from the Association of Student Conduct Administration (ASCA), the Association for Title IX Administrators (ATIXA), and the NCHERM Group, LLC.

•

The Student Codes of Conduct and related procedures from: William Rainey Harper College (IL), Valencia College (FL), Waubonsee Community College (IL), Sinclair Community College (OH), College of Coastal Georgia, Technical System of Georgia, Colorado Community College Online, Rockland Community College (NY); College of the Albemarle (NC) and many other community college examples; Oberlin College; Purdue University; and the University of Iowa.

APPENDIX Appeals in Cases of Alleged Student Academic Offenses Appeals in cases of Alleged Violations of Student Academic Rights College Appeals Board (CAB) Appeal Process Appeal of Behavioral/Nonacademic Grievance Appeal of Suspension or Expulsion to the KCTCS Board of Regents

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 56

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 57

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 58

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 59

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 60

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 61

Intellectual Property Rights Intellectual property rights in student works belong to the student who created the work, unless an agreement provides otherwise. A work created by a student employee during the course and scope of employment is an institutional work, and intellectual property rights to such creation belong to KCTCS, unless an agreement provides otherwise.

Final Exam Schedule Please see current semester final exam schedule online at westkentucky.kctcs.edu/Academics/Calendars.aspx All final exams must be given as scheduled. Any student with more than two examinations scheduled on one day shall be entitled to have an examination rescheduled. All petitions for rescheduling must be made in writing to the instructor no later than one week prior to the last class meeting.

University of Kentucky College of Engineering (Paducah Campus) Students in Western Kentucky may take advantage of a great educational opportunity that’s available close to home. The University of Kentucky, in collaboration with Murray State University and West Kentucky Community and Technical College, offers studies leading to bachelor’s degrees from UK in Mechanical Engineering and Chemical Engineering.

For more information, click on engr.uky.edu/paducah or contact Denise Brazzell at (270) 534-3133 or at dbrazzell@engr.uk.edu.

Accreditation Statement West Kentucky Community and Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the Associate Degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of West Kentucky Community and Technical College. The Commission is to be contact only if there is evidence that appears to support an institution’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 62

Online Student Services at WKCTC West Kentucky Community & Technical College is committed to ensuring that online learning students receive services commensurate with those provided for on-campus students. The College has an Online Learning department with staff dedicated to providing academic and student services sensitive to the needs of the online student. Additional information about WKCTC Online Learning can be found at online.

Assessment Students who have not taken the ACT or who do not meet minimum ACT requirements for placement in college level courses can take the COMPASS placement assessment. Online learning students who cannot take the COMPASS at a Kentucky Community and Technical (KCTCS) campus can work with the WKCTC Director of Online Student Services to identify a testing location in an area convenient to the student.

Tuition and Fees Tuition for online classes is assessed at the in-state tuition rate for all students, including out-of-state residents.

No additional fees are charged for taking online classes.

Financial Aid Financial aid for online courses is available for qualified students.

Course Offerings Students may enroll in online courses offered by WKCTC or any other KCTCS college. Online courses may have deadlines for completing assignments and taking exams, but students are not required to be online at specified times each week. q Online courses offered by WKCTC can be found online. q Online courses offered by other KCTCS colleges can also be found online. q ISBN numbers for required course materials are online. q Required course materials, including hardware and software, are also referenced in the course syllabus.

Advising and Registration New online students should contact the Online Service office at (270) 534-3448 or stephanie.osterhout@kctcs.edu. Advising sessions for online students will be conducted in-person or by telephone, e-mail, or Wimba.

Currently enrolled students may register for online classes by meeting with their assigned advisors, or they may register online with advisor consent.

Students taking online classes should be organized, motivated, and disciplined. They must have an Internet provider – preferably high speed – and a compatible word processor (MS Word or other software with the ability to save as Rich Text format).

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 63

New Student Orientation New students are required to attend orientation either on campus at WKCTC or online. Being an online student also requires being comfortable with the technology. KCTCS uses the Blackboard course management system to deliver courses. Many tools are available to help students transition from face-to-face instruction to online learning. After logging in to Blackboard, students can click on Student Support for tutorials to facilitate learning to navigate online courses.

Accessibility Services The WKCTC Office of Accessibility Services will work with Online Learning students to determine if accommodations are appropriate and to assist them in obtaining equal access to education while at West Kentucky Community & Technical College. All requests for accommodations should be directed to Shelia Highfil, Manager of Disability Services, at (270) 534-3406 or shelia.highfil@kctcs.edu. Once documentation has been reviewed and accommodations are approved, an accommodation request form (ARF) will be prepared for instructors for each appropriate class. A student can discuss accommodation needs with his/her course instructor only after the instructor has been sent the ARF. Students must meet with the Manager of Accessibility Services each semester to request accommodations.

Purchasing Textbooks for Online Classes Offered Through WKCTC Getting textbooks in a timely manner is a key to success in online classes. Textbooks for WKCTC online classes (B5Z sections only) can be purchased at the WKCTC Bookstore located on campus in the Anderson Technical Building. When purchasing books, whether online or in-person, a student must have a copy of the schedule to verify section numbers, location (college), and instructors. Different instructors (particularly at different college locations) often use different books.

Ordering Textbooks for Online Classes Offered By Other KCTCS Colleges Textbooks for all online classes offered by other KCTCS colleges can be purchased from a central bookstore.

Follow these simple instructions, and your textbooks can be charged and sent to your home: q Select “Kentucky” as the state and “KCTCS-Distance Learning” as the school and click “Submit.” q Click on “Shop Now - Find your textbooks.” q Use your student schedule to select the appropriate term, department, course, and section to access the required textbook(s).

Since it can take over a week for central bookstore orders to be processed, students should plan accordingly and order textbooks well in advance of the start date of the class.

Financial Aid charges are welcome! Students who receive financial aid should follow instructions on the Web site for charging books to their Student Financial Aid (SFA) or credit card account; books will be sent directly to the student’s home. Any SFA charges (including third party) can occur during pre-approved charge dates only. Orders being charged to financial aid will not be processed until financial aid charge dates. Third party students sponsored by Voc Rehab, VA, WIA, etc., must take a copy of their schedule to the WKCTC Bookstore and request an order form for books at least two weeks prior to the start of classes. The bookstore will order the books and contact the student when the books arrive. The student must sign for the charges when picking up the books.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 64

Logging into an Online Class WKCTC students access Blackboard, e-mail, and student self-service with a username and password unique to each student. Students create their own passwords after entering personal information provided by the student during the application process. Students are required to follow institutional policy for resetting their passwords on a regular basis with an appropriate level of password complexity. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of the password. Students may log in to an online class one of two ways: q Click on the link to “Blackboard” on the WKCTC Web site. Use your KCTCS student e-mail user name and password to log in to Blackboard; OR q Go to Blackboard and use your KCTCS student e-mail user name and password to log in.

Academic Assistance and Tutoring WKCTC provides academic assistance and tutoring free of charge for students through a peer-driven tutoring approach.

Additional resources for academic assistance include free access to HippoCampus. HippoCampus provides supplemental study materials in math, science, social science, and humanities.

Proctored Online Exams Some online courses may require up to two proctored exams. Approved KCTCS testing sites can be found online. Students are required to prove their identity when reporting for a proctored exam. Fees are not charged for exams taken at KCTCS locations or for verification of identity. Students who must take proctored exams at non-KCTCS locations should notify their instructor as soon as possible. Every effort will be made to enable these students to test at a location that does not charge fees, but this cannot be guaranteed.

WKCTC 2016-2017 Student Handbook • Page 65