Crowder College Student Handbook

Accreditation

Crowder College is accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Coordinating Board for Higher Education. The College is also fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association. Program accreditations are in the Missouri State Board of Nursing, Teacher Education Certification, through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Veterinary Technician through the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the National Institute for Automotive Excellence (ASE). Graduates of the Associate of Arts programs are admitted without examination to junior standing in all public universities and colleges in Missouri and many outside the state of Missouri. Crowder is an active member of the Missouri Community College Association and the American Association of Community Colleges.

Crowder College is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action/educational /employment institution, and is nondiscriminatory relative to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, and qualified disabled. Crowder College is committed to providing educational opportunities to all qualified students regardless of their economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of handicaps, race, color, sex, creed, or national origin.

Vice President of Student Affairs, Farber Building, coordinates efforts to comply with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Philosophy and Policy on Values and Rights

It is the policy of Crowder College to convey certain fundamental values, insofar as possible, to all those enrolled as students. Emphasis, in all course work, extra-curricular activities and social contact, is given to developing a growing awareness in the individual of the importance of integrity, lawfulness and other characteristics of maturity, such as respect for the rights of others and as individuals and the value of work and productivity in the lives of everyone. This policy takes recognition of economic self-reliance as a cherished priority. It strongly embraces character building as a proper function of education. The sanctity of the family is to be encouraged as we recognize the family as a cornerstone of a healthy society. Reference is made to the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 which led to the establishment of land grant colleges which states, “Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall be forever encouraged.” This policy in no way takes away from the established goal of competency in and mastery of course content in all offerings at Crowder College. We the undersigned members of the Board of Trustees of Crowder College, hereby reaffirm this policy for continued implementation by the administration and faculty of Crowder College.

Adopted by Crowder College Board of Trustees, July 13, 1978

Academic Responsibilities and Rights College Responsibilities

Student opinion and viewpoint should be sought on matters affecting both the academic and nonacademic experiences of students, and especially those decisions that directly affect their welfare, through drawing upon official student representation, as well as additional means for seeking student input as appropriate.

As members of the Crowder College community, students shall have the right to:

a) Have published annually by the College those schedules of fees and charges which must be paid by all students as a condition of attendance; such schedules shall not be subject to change during the year, except on recommendation by the President and by action of The Board of Trustees;

b) Have published annually by the College refund schedules for new and continuing students;

c) Have published annually by the College information about graduation rates of enrolled students and student athletes and information on campus crime statistics, as specified by applicable law;

d) Receive annually written information on the campus’ standards of conduct regarding the use of drugs, alcohol, and other illegal substances, a statement affirming that disciplinary sanctions will be imposed for violations of the standards of conduct, a description of the sanctions, and other information specified by applicable law;

e) Protection against the improper collection of information about students’ political and social views, beliefs, and associations;

f) Access to and protection against the improper disclosure or withholding of, information from student records. State and Federal laws largely govern such access and protection.

g) Have all academic decisions affecting their academic standing, including the assignment of grades, based upon academic considerations only, administered fairly and equitably under policies established by the Due Process Committee or Academic Appeals Committee;

h) Be free from College discipline for actions committed involuntarily or under duress. However, violations committed under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or illegal substances will be subject to discipline;

i) Equitable grievance procedures established pursuant to Due Process policy;

j) Petition for any change in these Policies, or in implementing campus regulations, through the appropriate campus or College wide office; and

k) Petition to appear before the Board of Trustees for Expulsion, under procedures set forth in the Board of Trustees Policies and Procedures. Individual students are entitled to seek an appearance before the Board to speak in open committee or Board session on matters on Trustees agenda. Students must follow administrative procedures established by Crowder to appeal individual academic or administrative decisions.

Student Responsibilities

We believe at Crowder College that students are responsible for their learning. Similarly, student rights accompany

exercise of responsibility for learning.

a) Selecting a program of study that is consistent with their abilities and interests.

b) Selecting coursework that corresponds with their program of study and readiness level.

c) Enrolling in a schedule of classes appropriate to the time and effort that he/she will allocate to academic requirements.

d) Being punctual and attending class.

e) Being attentive and participating in class activities.

f) Completing all class assignments as directed by the instructor and course syllabus.

g) Complying with all college announcements and requirements found in the catalog and official publications.

h) Seeking appropriate support services to improve their level of academic achievement and to enhance the quality of college life.

i) Behaving in a humane and ethical manner both in the classroom and in all communication and contact with the instructor, other staff members, and other students.

Student Rights

a) The United States Constitution and State of Missouri guarantee students of Crowder College certain rights. Among those rights, substantial violation of student’s right may be appealed in accordance with the Student Grievance Appeal Procedure. The following rights also apply:

b) Access to scheduled class meetings and appropriate instructional and support services

c) Syllabi or course outlines describing course objectives, units of subject matter to be provided, evaluation procedures, major course requirements, such as term papers, book reviews, field trips, rules of attendance, grading, and conduct.

d) Classroom instruction, assignments, and evaluating that are consistent with the general course description and requirements established in the course outline.

e) Students are expected to attend all class sessions and report to each session on time. If an absence occurs, students are responsible for all work missed. Excessive absences that jeopardize successful completion of the course or the policy outlined in the course syllabus may result in a lowered or failing grade in the class.

Non-academic Rights

a) The student has the right to judicial due process, including a speedy hearing, confrontation the College’s or his witness, presumption of innocence, protection of cruel punishment, and appeal.

b) The student has the right of assembly to demonstrate, inform, or protest, so long as the normal workings of the College are not disrupted.

c) The student has the right to be considered for membership in any student group or organization without regard to race, color, place of national origin, religious creed or affiliation, political belief, gender or disability.

d) The student has the right to be secure in his/her possessions, against invasion of privacy, and unreasonable search and seizure.

e) The student has the right not to be twice put in jeopardy to the same offense.

f) The student has the right to use campus facilities, subject to uniform regulations governing the facility.

g) The student has the right to invite and hear any person of his choice on any subject of his/her choice subject to regulations of this code.

Rights to Privacy and Educational Records

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or Buckley Amendment of 1974, provides for students and certain personnel of a given institution to have access to the educational records of enrolled students. Disability-related information, however, is considered medical in nature and is therefore exempt from this policy. Information regarding a student’s disability must be maintained in separate, secure files with limited access, and is to be shared on a need-to-know basis. Violation of the privacy rights accorded to students by the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or requests to amends education records can be submitted to the Vice President of Student Affairs at 417-455-5636.

1. Crowder College accords all the rights under the law to students who are declared independent. No one outside the institution shall have access to, nor will the institution disclose, any information from students’ education records without the written consent of students, except to personnel within the institution, to officials of other institutions in which students seek to enroll, to persons or organizations providing students financial aid, to accrediting agencies carrying out their accreditation function, to persons in compliance with a judicial order, and to persons in an emergency in order to protect the health or safety of students or other persons. All these exceptions are permitted under the Privacy Act of 1974.
2. Within the Crowder College community only those members individually or collectively acting in the student’s educational interest are allowed access to student education records. These members include personnel in the Cashier Office, Student Services and Financial Aid Office, the faculty advisor and other academic personnel within the limitations of their need to know.
3. Request for non-disclosure will be honored by the institution for only one academic year. Therefore, authorization to withhold Directory Information must be filed annually in the Records Office of Student Services. Students who elect not to disclose the Directory Information must contact the Vice President of Students and complete the Nondisclosure of Directory Information Form. Students also have the option of restricting only certain information within the Directory list (see Section 5.00).

A complete review of student rights guaranteed under Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act will be kept on file in the Student Services Office and campus website (www.crowder.edu).

Disclosure of Directory Information (5.00) Students may withhold Directory Information by notifying the Records Office in writing within two weeks after the first day of the class term in which they enroll. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, Crowder College identifies the following items as directory information:

1. Academic classification
2. Student current name
3. Campus or local address
4. Campus or local telephone number
5. Major fields of study
6. Student’s permanent address
7. Current enrollment (verify or deny only)
8. Dates of attendance at Crowder College
9. Degree(s) conferred, and date(s) of graduation
10. Date and place of birth
11. Most recent previous educational agency or institution attended
12. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
13. Weight and height of members of athletic teamsStudent e-mail address

Disclosure of Disciplinary Proceedings and Student Records

The general rule is that written consent from the student is required prior to disclosure of any personally identifiable information from a student’s educational records; with the following exceptions: drug violent crimes, crimes of a sexual nature, and drug and alcohol violations.

Disclosure of Violent Crimes

According to FERPA, the results of any disciplinary action by the College and the results of any appeal may be disclosed to an alleged victim of any crime of violence. In crimes involving sexual assault or physical abuse, State law requires disclosure of the results to the alleged victim within three working days following a disciplinary action or appeal and, in these cases, disclosure shall be made within three working days of notification to the accused student.

“Crime of violence” is defined by State law to mean an offense in which there is the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against a person or the property of another; or any other offense that is a felony and that by its nature involves a substantial risk that physical force against a person or the property of another may be used in the course of committing the offense. “Results” means the decision on whether or not misconduct occurred and the type of sanction that was imposed, if any. It is the alleged victim’s obligation to keep the results of the disciplinary action or appeal confidential.

Disclosure of Drug and Alcohol Violations

According to FERPA, the College may disclose the results of any disciplinary action by the College to parents of students regarding student’s violation of any Federal, State or local law, or any rule or policy of the college, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if:

1. The college determines that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to the use or possession;
2. The student is under 21 at the time of disclosure to the parent; and
3. This exception does not supersede any State law that prohibits a college from disclosing information.

Securing a Transcript

A student’s transcript cannot be released to a second party without the written authorization of that student, except when requested by law. It also may be released to a guardian or parent of a dependent student. Requests made by a guardian or parent must be accompanied by proof of financial support of the student, at which time the College may release the transcript. Students may request a copy of their Crowder College transcript from the Records Office, by sending written request (with signature), completing Release of Records/Transcript form, or by submitting the request through the college website (www.crowder.edu). The first copy is free and each additional transcript is $2.00 (mailed or picked up) or $5.00 faxed.

Records Amendment Request

You may inspect and review your records by submitting a written request to the Records Office or Vice President of Students. An appointment will be made within a reasonable time, but not later than 45 days from the date of the request. If you wish to present evidence showing that a record contains inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate information, you may make an appointment with the Records Office or Vice President of Students and submit your evidence. The following is a list of records that are available for your inspection and the offices where they are located.

Disciplinary: Student Services Office, 1st Floor, Farber Building, 417-455-5636 Scholarships & Financial Aid: Financial Aid Office, 1st Floor, Farber Building, 417-455-5434 Transcripts & Grades: Records Office, 1st Floor, Farber Building, 417-455-5697

Residency Status

Residency status is established at the time a student matriculates or enrolls at Crowder College. A request for a change of residency must be submitted, in writing, to the Records Office with appropriate evidence or documentation of residency change. The residence of a minor student will be the resident of the parents/legal guardian(s) unless the student has achieved court declared emancipation.

The Records Office performs routine audits of residency status on students that are not continuously enrolled or have changed their address and request lower tuition rate. Students will be notified in writing of the documentation needed to support lower tuition rate in accordance with established Board policy. Administrative action to change the residency status of a student is at the discretion of the College Vice President of Students. In accordance with the Due Process policy, students may appeal decisions by submitting a grievance to the College Vice President of Students for review (see Student Handbook for further information on non-academic appeals/grievance procedures). The three categories of residency in which the student is classified for the purpose of assessing fees and tuition include the following:

District Residents

A student (or parents/legal guardians, if he/she is a minor) who has established residency within the college district must submit requests for change of status, no later than, two (2) weeks prior to the term for which the change is requested. A change to District Residents may be requested if parents of a dependent student or the student,

1. Becomes a Real Estate or Personal Property Taxpayer in the college district and presents a current paid tax receipt issued by the county tax collector.
2. Provides verification of Marriage to a Missouri Resident who is/becomes a real estate taxpayer or personal property taxpayer in the college district and presents a current paid tax receipt, issued by the county collector, to the Records Office.
3. Military Discharge in the state of Missouri while residing in the college district.
4. Rental Agreement or records of monthly receipts and a second form or verification of district residency to evidence, at least, one (1) year of residence in college district; unless, the student or parent can submit evidence or receipts of real estate or personal property tax payments to the District of Newton or McDonald County school district.

Missouri Resident

A student (or parents/legal guardians, if he/she is a minor) who has established residence in the state of Missouri prior to initial enrollment at Crowder College. A change to Out-of-District Resident may be requested if the student or parents of a dependent student provides evidence of,

1. Military Discharge in the state of Missouri.
2. Rental Agreement or records of monthly receipts to evidence, at least, one (1) year of resident in Missouri; unless, the student or parent can submit evidence or receipts of real estate or personal property tax payments in the State of Missouri.
3. Employment Transfer.
4. Verification of Payment to State of Missouri Department of Motor Vehicles and can provide verification of an Authorized Missouri Drivers License and/or Registration.

Out-of-State Resident

A student (or parents/legal guardians, if he/she is a minor) whose residence is in a state other than the state of Missouri.

International Resident

A student (or parents/legal guardians, if he/she is a minor) whose legal residence is in a foreign country at the time of registration.

Complete Residence Status information is available in the Records Office located at the main campus in Neosho or telephone 417-455-5664.

Standard of Student Conduct

These rules shall be known as the Crowder College Student Conduct Code and shall apply to individual students, student groups and organizations, summer program participants, and campus visitors. As a student you are both a citizen and a member of the academic community. As a citizen, you possess basic freedoms, privileges and rights guaranteed to all persons by law. In addition, you are subject to the same rules and limitations that are imposed by federal and state law on all persons.

Upon enrolling at Crowder College, each student assumes the responsibility for conducting themselves in a manner compatible with the educational purposes of the college. If these responsibilities are ignored or neglected, the college must carry out appropriate disciplinary action.

Students may also be sanctioned for conduct that constitutes a hazard or potential hazard to the health, safety, or well being of members of the college community or themselves, or which is detrimental to the college’s interest whether such conduct occurs on campus, off campus or at college sponsored events. Behaviors which may subject the student to disciplinary action include, but are not limited to, the following types of misconduct:

1. All forms of behavior that violate academic integrity, including but not limited to, cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, or facilitating academic dishonesty as may be further specified in campus regulations.

Any student guilty of academic misconduct will automatically receive a grade of zero on that assignment or exam. All cases will be reported to the Instructional Office to track repeat offenses which would warrant further disciplinary action – up to expulsion from the College.

1. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any College document, record, key, electronic device, or identification.
2. Theft of, conversion of, or damage to or destruction of, any property of the College or property of others while on College premises, or possession of any property of the College or others stolen while on College premises.
3. Theft or other abuse of computing facilities or computer time, including but not limited to: unauthorized entry into a file to use, read, or change the contents or any other purpose; unauthorized transfer of a file; unauthorized use of another individual’s identification or password; use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or College official; use of computing facilities to interfere with a College computing system.
4. Unauthorized entry to, possession of, receipt of, duplication of, or use of the College’s name, insignia, or seal. Unauthorized entry to, possession of, receipt of, or use of any College properties, equipment, resources, or services.
5. Violation of policies, regulations, or rules governing College-owned or operated housing facilities or leased housing facilities located on College property.
6. Physical abuse, including but not limited to, rape, sexual assault, sex offenses, and other physical assault; threats of violence; or conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person.

9. Sexual harassment, as defined in College policy includes: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:

1. a. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of instruction, employment, or participation in other College activity;
2. b. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for evaluation in making academic or personnel decisions affecting an individual; or
3. c. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s performance or

creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive College environment. In determining whether the alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment, consideration shall be given to the record of the incident as a whole and to the totality of the circumstances, including the context in which the alleged incidents occurred.

1. Stalking behavior in which an individual willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly engages in a knowing course of conduct directed at a specific person which reasonably and seriously alarms, torments, or terrorizes the person, and which serves no legitimate purpose.
2. The use of “fighting words” or threats by students to harass any person(s) on College property, on other property to which these policies apply as defined in campus implementing regulations, or in connection with official College functions or College-sponsored programs. “Fighting words” are those personally abusive epithets which, when directly addressed to any ordinary person are, in the context used and as a matter of common knowledge, inherently likely to provoke a violent reaction whether or not they actually do so. Such words include, but are not limited to, those terms widely recognized to be derogatory references to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, and other personal characteristics. “Fighting words” constitute “harassment” when the circumstances of their utterance create a hostile and intimidating environment which the student uttering them should reasonably know will interfere with the victim’s ability to pursue effectively his or her education or otherwise to participate fully in College programs and activities.
3. Hazing or any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a campus organization or any activity engaged in by the organization or members of the organization which causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any student or other person.
4. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other College activities.
5. Disorderly or lewd conduct.
6. Participation in a disturbance of the peace or unlawful assembly.
7. Failure to identify oneself to, or comply with directions of, a College official or other public official acting in the performance of their duties while on College property or at official College functions, or resisting or obstructing such College or other public officials in the performance of or the attempt to perform their duties.
8. Unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, use, or sale of, or the attempted manufacture, distribution, dispensing, or sale of controlled substances, identified in Federal and State law or regulations.
9. Manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, use, or sale of, or the attempted manufacture, distribution, dispensing, or sale of alcohol, which is unlawful or otherwise prohibited by, or not in compliance with, College policy or campus regulations. Possession, use, storage, or manufacture of explosives, firebombs, or other destructive devices.
10. Except as expressly permitted by law, possession, use, or manufacture of a firearm or other weapon as specified in Board Policy 5.11.
11. The operation on campus of student organizations not properly recognized and registered.
12. Violation of the conditions contained in a written Notice of Campus Emergency Procedures or orders issued during a declared state of emergency (see Campus Emergency Procedures Guide).
13. Violation of campus housing policies (see Residence Complex Policies and Procedures Manual).
14. Attempting, aiding, and abetting, conspiring, hiring or being an accessory to any act prohibited by this code shall be considered to the same extent as completed violations.
15. Violation of the conditions contained in the terms of a disciplinary action imposed under these policies or campus regulations.

Disciplinary Action

Any sanction imposed should be appropriate to the violation, taking into consideration the context and seriousness of the violation. Any student found to have violated his/her responsibility as described above shall be subject to one or more of the following actions:

1. Warning
2. Censure
3. Disciplinary probation
4. Exclusion
5. Restitution
6. Interim Suspension
7. Suspension
8. Expulsion
9. Compensatory service

Warning: Written notice to the student that a violation of specified College policies or campus regulations has occurred.

Censure: Written reprimand for violations of specified College policies or campus regulations.

Disciplinary Probation: A status imposed for a specific period of time in which a student must demonstrate conduct that conforms to College standards of conduct. Conditions restricting the student’s privileges or eligibility for activities may be imposed.

Exclusion: Loss of privileges from participation in designated privileges, athletics, extracurricular activities, and/or facilities for a specified academic term or terms. Exclusion from specified areas of the campus or from official College functions when there is reasonable cause to believe that the student’s presence there will lead to physical abuse, threats of violence, or conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person on College property or at official College functions, or other disruptive activity incompatible with the orderly operation of the campus.

Restitution: Reimbursement for damage to or misappropriation of College property or the property of others may be imposed.

Suspension: Termination of student status at the campus for a specified range of time, academic term or terms with reinstatement thereafter certain, provided that the student has complied with any conditions imposed as part of the suspension. (Suspensions and suspensions with conditions are not restricted to disciplinary reasons, they may also apply to behavioral reasons)

Expulsion: Termination of student status for an indefinite period.

Interim Suspension: Exclusion from classes, or from other specified activities or areas of the campus, as set forth in the Notice of Interim Suspension, before final determination of an alleged violation. A student placed on Interim Suspension shall be given prompt notice of the charges, the duration of the Interim Suspension, and the opportunity for a prompt hearing on the Interim Suspension. The Vice President of Students shall review interim Suspension within twenty-four hours. If a student is found to have been unjustifiably placed on Interim Suspension, the College is committed to a policy whereby reasonable efforts are taken to assist an individual who has been disadvantaged in an employment or academic status.

Compensatory Services: Other disciplinary actions, such as monetary fines, community service, or holds on request for transcripts, diplomas, or other student records to be sent to third parties, as set forth in campus regulations.

1. The loss of College employment shall not be a form of discipline, unless the conduct giving rise to the discipline is related to the employment. When student status is a condition of the employment, the loss of student status will result in termination of the student’s employment.
2. In imposing discipline other than Suspension or Dismissal, housing and food services shall not be restricted unless the act, which occasioned the discipline, was related to these services.

Posting Of Disciplinary Action on Transcripts

When, as a result of violations of the student conduct code, a student is suspended or expelled, the disciplinary action imposed will be posted on the academic transcript for the duration of the suspension or dismissal.

Enrollment Suspension Appeal Process

Policy:

Degree and non-degree seeking students placed on Suspension will be required to halt their academic pursuit for one full semester (summer does not count as a regular semester) if it is their initial suspension. Students may petition/appeal for readmission for the spring, summer, or fall semester at anytime but cannot meet with the hearing committee until one-full academic semester has lapsed. If this is a student’s second suspension, they will be required to halt their academic pursuit for 2 calendar years. Students may petition/appeal for readmission for the spring, summer, or fall semester at anytime but cannot meet with the hearing committee until 2 calendar years have lapsed. If this is a student’s third suspension, they are not eligible to reapply for admission. Students who are not eligible to re-apply may appeal to the Vice President of Students under extenuating circumstances. The deadlines for submitting completed petition/appeal are listed below. See catalog for minimum academic progress standards.

Students may appeal to be readmitted without meeting with the hearing committee if they were under an academic suspension only under either of the following circumstances:

1. They were not in good standing academically (suspended) when they left their last college, but have not attended any other college since, for a period of at least 2 years.

2. They were not in good standing (suspended) with Crowder College before leaving, but have since attended another accredited College and have successfully completed a semester with a GPA of at least 2.0, while being enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours.

If you qualify under either of the scenarios above you may fill out a Petition/Readmission form and send it to the Vice President of Students. Additional information may be requested.

Deadlines:

Summer and Fall Deadline: 1st Monday in April Spring Deadline: 1st Monday in November

*A special hearing will be scheduled depending on the number of petitions received for transfer students or students requesting enrollment prior to classes beginning. No hearings will be scheduled after the 1st day of classes with the exception of the dates listed above.

Petition/Readmission Forms:

The student must request a petition/appeal form from the Records Office. A request for readmission will not be reviewed until all documentation listed on the Suspension Petition/Appeal form has been submitted to Records.

Petition/Appeal Review Process:

All students granted a review will be required to present their petition/appeal in a hearing before a committee. Based on the information provided, the committee’s decision can reflect the following: 1. Readmission; 2. Provisional readmission with additional academic requirements; or 3. Denial and student must resubmit petition/appeal for the subsequent semester.

Requirements of Provisional Enrollment and Probation Status:

As part of the Early Alert and Intervention Program, students on Suspension or Probation status, both transfer and returning student, will be required to enroll in a College Preparation Course and must pass with a “C” grade or better. The course may also be required of student reinstated from suspension, if they do not already have credit for the College Orientation/Success Course. Additional requirements can include, but not limited to the followings: 1. Restricted hours of enrollment; 2. Mandatory tutoring; 3. Required to repeat previously failed courses; and/or 4. Submit Academic Progress Sheet once a month to the Retention Specialist or academic advisor. The student must maintain a 2.0 GPA for each semester until the student meets the 2.0 cumulative grade point average.

Hardship Withdrawal Policy

Students experiencing extenuating medical or family hardships or emergency situations which prevent course completion may request a Hardship Withdrawal. The student must request and submit to the Vice President of Students written explanation of the circumstances leading to the hardship withdrawal. Students may be required to submit medical or other forms of documentation to further verify any unusual circumstances supporting the hardship withdrawal. The granting of a hardship withdrawal will also depend upon whether the student is passing the course prior to or as of the effective date of the hardship request. Hardship withdrawals are subject to the following restrictions:

1. Requests for a hardship withdrawal must be initiated prior to the end of the semester in which the course or courses were taken.

2. Hardship status applies to all the courses a student took in a semester.

3. Hardship withdrawals cannot be used to forgive ineligibility for financial aid, athletics, or other department scholarships which may result from academic deficiencies. Hardship withdrawals will only apply to the academic records and student billing not financial aid or other department scholarships. Students receiving financial aid, VA, A+ or any other scholarships should contact financial aid or the department awarding the scholarship funds, prior to submitting a withdrawal request, to receive proper advisement on future eligibility.

4. Final approval for all hardship withdrawal petitions will be granted by the Vice President of Students. Once withdrawal is granted, a student cannot later ask that it be rescinded. Students must consult an academic advisor and financial aid, prior to requesting a hardship withdrawal, to receive advisement on graduation requirements and financial eligibility.

Involuntary Withdrawals

Students may be administratively withdrawn from the college when in the judgment of the Vice President of Students, and after consulting with appropriate college officials, it is determined that the student is believed to suffer from a physical, mental, emotional, or psychological condition which poses a significant danger or threat to themselves or others at the College. Also, a student who has shown to be suffering from physical, mental, emotional or psychological conditions may choose to request a hardship withdrawal, as outlined above, through the office of the Vice President of Students. In emergency situations, a decision on medical withdrawals because of psychiatric reasons may be made at the judgment of College officials, but review of the decision may be made at the student’s request to the Vice President of Students and in accordance with a student’s right to due process.

Academic Probation-Continued Status

Students are placed on probation-continued when their cumulative grade point average is below 2.0., but their semester grade point average is satisfactory (2.0 or higher). The cumulative grade point average is used to determine whether a student has met the satisfactory progress standards. Students on probation-continued will remain on probation-continued until the cumulative grade point average reaches 2.0 or higher. Students must maintain a semester grade point average that is satisfactory (2.0 or higher) every semester they have a continued on probation status. Failure to attain a 2.0 or higher semester grade point average after a term where they have been placed on continued probation will lead to academic suspension.

Student Right-To-Know

Academic Accommodations and Accessibility

Qualified individuals with disabilities may not, on the basis of disability, be denied admission to the College or enrollment in College classes or participation in College programs, services, or activities, or be subjected to discrimination in the admissions process or in recruitment procedures (29 U.S.C. § 794). Students requesting accommodations must contact the Office of Disability Services located in Newton Hall, 2nd d floor or telephone 417455-5624.

Crowder College provides service to all students with disabilities as defined by federal regulations of ADA and the Rehabilitation Act of a “qualified person”. A qualified person with a disability is defined as an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable modification to rules, policies, or practices, the removal of architectural, communication, or transportation barriers, or the provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of services or the participation in programs for the activities provided by a public entity.

(Public Law 101-336, Section 201)

The federal definition of a disability includes a person who:

1. (i) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such a person’s major life activities;
2. (ii) has a record of such impairment, or

(iii) is regarded as having such impairment.

(Public Law 101-336, Section 3)

1. Crowder College will reasonably accommodate “otherwise qualified individuals” with a disability unless such accommodation would pose an undue hardship or would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of the service, program, or activity or undue financial or administrative burdens. The term reasonable accommodation is used in its general sense in this policy to apply to students.
2. A student must self-identify as an individual with a disability.
3. Individuals who have complaints alleging discrimination based upon a disability may file them with the College’s Affirmative Action Officer in accordance with College discrimination grievance procedures. Contact the Vice President of Students at 417-455-5636 to obtain a complete copy of the College’s Reasonable Accommodation policy or to file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) To find the OCR office closest to you, visit the following webpage: www.ed.gov/offices/OCR/ocregion.html or call 1(800) 421-3481.

By Law …The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or Buckley Amendment of 1974, provides for certain personnel of a given institution to have access to the educational records of enrolled students. Disability-related information, however, are considered medical in nature and is therefore exempt from this policy. Information regarding a student’s disability must be maintained in separate, secure files with limited access, and is to be shared on a need-to-know basis.

Please contact our Office of Disability Service to request a copy of the student manual at 417-455-5624.

Campus Crime Reporting

Federal law mandates institutions of higher education that receive federal funds must provide detailed information about crime statistics and plans for crime prevention. In accordance with the requirements of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Act of 1990, arrest and referral statistics include those reported to the Crowder College Campus Safety, designated campus officials (including but not limited to directors, deans, department heads, judicial affairs, advisors to students/student organizations, athletic coaches), and local law enforcement agencies.

The Department encourages faculty, staff, students and visitors to take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of crime on campus. The report provides students, employers, and visitor’s information on the security operations, building hours, procedures for reporting, and policies concerning drugs and alcohol, weapons, sexual assault and harassment, and acts of intolerance.

The Crime Reports are completed each fall semester and the most current crime statistics can be located on the campus website by October 1. Printed copies of the entire Jeane Clery Disclosure and Campus Crime Statistics Report for the current and previous two years is available in the Office of the Vice President of Students, Institutional Research Office, or by calling the College Campus Security Department at 417-455-5544. Statistical data for crimes on campus will provide General and Hate Crime offenses which fall into the following categories in the last three years: Murder, Sexual Assault, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Motor Vehicle Theft, Manslaughter, Arson, Hate Crimes, Arrests, Liquor Violations, Drug Abuse Violations and Weapons Possessions.

Crime Statistics Report-Neosho Campus

Offense

Year 2006 2007 2008

Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter…………………………….. 0 0 0

Negligent Manslaughter………………………………………………. 0 0 0

Sex offenses-Forcible…………………………………………………. 0 2 0

Sex offenses-Non-Forcible………………………………………….. 2 0 0

Robbery……………………………………………………………………. 1 1 0

Aggravated assault……………………………………………………… 0 4 0

Burglary……………………………………………………………………. 6 5 16

Motor vehicle theft……………………………………………………… 1 0 0

Arson……………………………………………………………………….. 0 0 0

Other crime involving bodily injury………………………………. 0 0 0

Illegal weapons possession………………………………………….. 0 1 1

Drug law violations…………………………………………………….. 0 5 6

Liquor law violations………………………………………………… 19 17 15

Statistics reported to the US Department of Education are available at http://ope.ed.gov/security/

Sex Crime Prevention Act

Under federal law Sex Crime Prevention Law, section 1601 of public law 106-386, enacted on October 28, 2000, certain sex offenders who are already required to register in the State of Missouri must provide notice of each institution of higher education in that state at which that person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student. Therefore, if any individual is required to register as a sex offender in a state and indicates that he or she is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student at Crowder College, that information will promptly be made available to the Security Department, the Human Resource Department and the Vice President of Student Affairs.

Missouri Registered Sex Offender Information Sources:

The state of Missouri does not have a state-wide online sex offender registry; however, several law enforcement

agencies within Missouri do have their own offender registries available online.

Current registered sex offender information can be found for the following counties:

1. Newton County www.nc-so.org or telephone 417-451-8300 for more information
2. Jasper County: Contact Shannon Karraker at 417-358-8177
3. Barry County: Barry County Sheriff Department: 417-847-6556
4. McDonald County: McDonald County Sheriff Department: 417-223-7427
5. Vernon County; Vernon County Sheriff Department 417-667-6042

Drug and Alcohol Policy and Program

Crowder College supports and is in compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (Public Law 102226). Drinking or the possession of drugs or alcoholic beverages on the campus or at any official college function is prohibited and will result in judicial action by the College. The Crowder College Drug and Alcohol Program directed by the Office of Student Affairs is setup to provide intervention, prevention, and general education to students, faculty, and staff.

Sexual Assault Reporting

Crowder College encourages students, faculty, visitors, and staff to notify Campus Security or the Vice President of Student Affairs during normal business hours. If you witness a crime in progress on campus, contact Campus Safety and Security, 417.455.0206 or the Vice President of Students, ext. 5636, who will then notify local authorities. Victims may make a voluntary, confidential report of the crime. Witness/Victim Report Form Sexual Harassment Complaint Form can be found on the campus website Information, Security link.

Although disciplinary proceedings follow the basic rules of Due Process, they are not subject to rigid criminal procedures. Therefore, discipline may be imposed with a finding of probable violation of college rules, instead of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The victim of sexual assault has the right to choose when and if to press criminal charges. Sexual Assault Reporting form can be found on the campus website Information, Security link.

1. Confidentiality of the internal proceeding guarantees and protects the victim’s right to privacy.
2. The accused (alleged perpetrator) and accuser will be notified of the outcome in any sexual assault case.
3. Reasonable academic changes to the victim’s academic arrangements.

Sexual Harassment

The Board will not tolerate any behavior, whether verbal or physical conduct, which constitutes discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion or sex. The Board also will not tolerate sexual harassment on campus or in facilities owned or controlled by the college. The Board specifically prohibits discrimination and/or sexual harassment of and by administrators, supervisors, faculty, staff members, students, and all other persons affiliated with the college or its functions. The President will develop appropriate regulations to ensure that all complaints about discrimination and/or sexual harassment are investigated and adjudicated in an expeditious and equitable manner (refer to Board Policy 6.9.1).

Concealed Weapons Policy

Possession and/or use of firearms and/or dangerous weapons are strictly prohibited and may violate State law and are punishable by the College. This policy applies to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Computer Use Policy

It is the policy of Crowder College to promote the ethical use of computers and software. This includes, but is not limited to, observing current copyright and other applicable laws (refer to Crowder College C-Net Guide).

Telephone Use Policy

Charges and expenses incurred to the College for unauthorized use will result in the charges and expenses billed to the student(s) responsible, a maximum fine of $50, and/or disciplinary procedures filed. Violations will be processed by the Vice President of Students and/or law enforcement agencies. Violations may result in additional actions including but not limited to suspension, dismissal, or legal action. Conduct prohibited under these guidelines include, but are not limited to, incidents of:

1. a. Altering system configurations without authorization, or disrupting or interfering with the delivery or administration of telephone resources.
2. b. Using telephone resources for commercial or profit-making purposes without written authorization from the Vice President of Students.
3. c. Allowing access to telephone resources by unauthorized users.
4. d. Using telephone resources for illegal activities.
5. e. Utilizing telephone resources that are not college related.
6. f. Accessing telephone services for unauthorized long-distance calls.
7. g. Using office phones for unauthorized calls, long-distance services.

Graduation Procedures

Spring Graduation Eligibility: For students to participate in May Commencement, the student must be in final completion of all degree requirements by the end of the spring semester. Petitions received from students who will not complete all degree requirements prior to the end of the spring semester will be acted upon by the Vice President of Students on a case by case basis. The Vice President may approve petitions if, following the review, the student can establish after consultation with the Division Chair and/or Program Director that the remaining courses will be completed for degree requirements by the end of the Summer semester. Application for May graduation is due by October 1 of the prior fall semester.

Fall Graduation Eligibility: To participate in December Commencement, the student must have completed all degree requirements by the end of the summer term or in final completion of required courses during the fall semester. Application for December graduation is due by March 1 of the prior spring semester.

Petitions for Spring or Fall Commencement Participation: This written notice will serve as the official announcement regarding the college’s graduation petition policy. If the student fails to meet the requirements as listed for spring or fall commencement participation a written request must be submitted for review to the Vice President of Students. The petition must be received no later than March 15 or October 15 to be reviewed. The Records Office and student will be notified by the Vice President of Students on March 31 or October 31 of the final petition decision.

Fees: Upon submitting application for graduation, the Cashiers Office will apply a $35 graduation fee to the students account for degree processing and regalia. Upon notification from the Records Office of graduation eligibility, the student applies for graduation and pays a $35 graduation fee for cap, gown, diploma, and degree processing fees to be paid to the Cashier’s Office. Graduation forms are to be completed in the Records Office located on the 1st Floor, Farber Building. Fees are subject to change with reasonable notification to students.

Exit Exam: When the student applies for graduation they must also complete the College Exit Assessment/Exam to receive Official Degree of Completion from Crowder College. Student will be notified of scheduled Exit Assessment/Exams upon receiving notification of graduation eligibility and prior to commencement.

Parking Permits

Students are to display a parking permit on the passanger side lower corner of their windshield. Permits are available at the Switchboard on Neosho campus ( 1st Floor of Farbert) or contact the Student Services Office at the off-campus site locations. Students are to use student designated parking areas only.

Student ID Cards

Student ID cards will be issued during the first week of the semester. Returning students will have their card validated during the first week of the semester. Student I.D. cards can be obtained in the Student Services Office, located on the 1st Floor, Farber building. Students attending enrolled off-campus must contact the Student Services Office at their respective off-campus site for a Student I.D. The initial I.D. cards are free of charge. Replacement cost for a lost or damaged card is $5.

ID cards are needed to purchase books, take makeup exams in the ARC, check out materials from the Crowder College, MSSU, and Cottey College libraries, check on or access records or financial information, and to receive student discounts for campus activities and the bookstore.

Children on Campus

It is the policy of Crowder College that children who are not on campus for some specific age-related activity not be present in the classroom or other areas of the college, in lieu of other child care arrangements (refer to Board Policy 5.10)

Student Activities and Organizations

The Student Life/Activities Office provides campus activities, cultural events, workshops, and lectures that are designed to enhance the development of all students socially, physically, spiritually, and intellectually. A complete listing of student organization descriptions can be found in the Student Organization Handbook & Resource Guide.

Campus Activities

Welcome Week Career Fairs Fall Festival Foundation Banquet Book Sale Aggie Days Show Me Crowder Day Blood Drive Homecoming Week Blow–up Toys HypnotistSpring Fling Transfer Day Graduation Fair BSU Pie Day

Crowder College Alumni Association

The Crowder College Alumni Association was established in 1985. Graduates of the college are eligible for full membership and others can apply for Associate membership. The Association publishes a newsletter twice yearly highlighting alumni and college news. Each spring the Association hosts the Alumni Recognition Banquet. Information about the Crowder College Alumni Association is available in the Human Resources Office, located on the 1st floor of Newton Hall.

Student Organizations

(Organization descriptions are available in Student Senate handbook. The area code for all Student Organization numbers is 417.)

Aggie Club/P.A.S.

Tammy Holder, 455-5502, tholder@crowder.edu

Art and Design Club

Jeff Garrett, 455-5526, jgarrett@crowder.edu

Baptist Student Union (B.S.U.)

Aaron Werner, 451-5094, screek@joplin.com

Band/Jazz Ensemble

Bob Ensor, 455-5634, bensor@crowder.edu

Cheer and Dance Team

Doreen Clouse, 455-5584, dclouse@crowder.edu

Lauren Wolf, 455-5500, laurenwolf@crowder.edu

Crowder Chorale

Kierstin Bible, 455-5620, kbible@crowder.edu

Crowder College International Club

Jim Riggs, 455-5466, jimriggs@crowder.edu

Crowder Players (Theatre)

Drew Feathers, 455-5458, dfeather@crowder.edu

Crowder Resident Assistants

Mark Aubuchon, 455-644, markaubuchon@crowder.edu

Crowder Student Ambassadors

Jim Riggs, 455-5709, jriggs@crowder.edu

Emerging Green Builders – SAGE

Dan Eberle, 455-5666, deberle@crowder.edu

Men’s Baseball

Travis Lallemand, 455-5626, tlallema@crowder.edu

Nursing Association

D’Ann Dennis, 455-5456, d@crowder.edu

Phi Beta Lamda (PBL) / Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE)

KaliBard, 455-5542, kalibard@crowder.edu

Phi Theta Kappa (Honors)

Suzanne Puckett, 455-5570, spuckett@crowder.edu

Photography Club

Jeff Elwood, 455-5474, jelwood@crowder.edu

Quill (Art/ Literary Magazine)

Latonia Bailey, 455-5410, lbailey@crowder.edu

Sentry (Newspaper)

Latonia Bailey, 455-5410, lbailey@crowder.edu

SkillsUSA

Men’s Soccer

Bradford Smith, 455-5443, bsmith@crowder.edu

Student Government

Mark Aubuchon, 455-644, markaubuchon@crowder.edu

Student Missouri State Teachers Association (SMSTA)

Patsy Garner, 455-5482, pgarner@crowder.edu

Women’s Basketball

Tina Robbins, 455-5658, trobbins@crowder.edu

Women’s Softball

Lori Videmschek, 455-5674, lvidemsch@crowder.edu

Student Organization Registration Process

The establishment of student organizations that are appropriate for a community college is encouraged. To be recognized as a Crowder College student organization and hold activities, events, fundraisers or print publications, flyers, and/or information; a student organization has to register with Student Activities by way of the Student Senate and be approved by the Vice President of Students. See the Student Senate Guide for further details.

Posting Policy

Before posting, the student organization, agency, or individual seeking approval for posting on campus, must provide a copy of information to the Student Life Office or send it through campus mail. It will be stamped, “Approved for posting, Crowder College”, initialed and a date will be added. The date will depend on when the event occurs or the type of poster. This policy is for campus-wide postings. Any outside organization, venders, agencies, or individuals must also have their posters approved. Nothing may be posted on walls or glass windows on doors. Contact Student Life Coordinator, 417-455-5644, for more information.

Distribution of Information, Solicitation, Proselytism

Distribution of free literature, which does not occur in conjunction with solicitation, shall be permitted in such public places as specified by the Vice President of Students or Coordinator of Student Life (Please refer to Posting Policy). Solicitation is prohibited on campus with the following exceptions and approval by the Vice President of Students:

a) solicitation by registered and recognized student;

b) solicitation by academic departments; and,

c) commercial groups or individuals wishing to solicit on campus shall contact the Office of Student

Activities.

Proselytizing in College housing is prohibited during established quiet hours and during hours when visiting is not permitted. The college facilities or properties may not be used for personal profit and the Vice President of Students or Coordinator of Student Life must approve door-to-door proselytizing.

Speech and Advocacy

Students have the right of free expression and advocacy; however, the time, place, and manner of exercising speech and advocacy shall be regulated in such a manner to ensure orderly conduct, non-interference with college functions, teaching, or activities, and identification of sponsoring groups or individuals. Meetings must be registered with the Vice President of Student Affairs. An activity may be called a meeting when any special effort to recruit an audience has preceded the beginning of discussion or presentation, and when a person or group of persons appears to be conducting a systematic discussion or presentation on a definable topic.

Disruptive Activities

Any activity, which interrupts the scheduled activities or processes of education, may be classified as disruptive; thus, anyone who initiates, in any way, a gathering leading to disruptive activity will be violating college regulations and/or state directive. The following conditions shall normally be sufficient to classify behavior as disruptive:

1. (1) Blocking or in any other way interfering with access to any facility of the college.
2. (2) Inciting others to violence and/or participating in violent behavior, e.g., assault, loud or vulgar language spoken publicly, or any form of behavior acted out for the purpose of inciting and influencing others toward violent behavior.
3. (3) Holding rallies, demonstrations, or any other form of public gathering without prior approval of the college.