Wilson Community College 2013-2014 Property of: Address: Phone #: In case of emergency, please notify: Name: Phone #: The information in this book was the best available at press time. Watch for additional information and changes. 2013 School Datebooks, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in any retrieval system, or translated in any form without the written permission of School Datebooks, Inc. 2880 U.S. Hwy. 231 S., Suite 200 Lafayette, IN 47909 (765) 471-8883 http://www.schooldatebooks.com sdi@schooldatebooks.com 1
Message From President...4 Academic Calendar...5 Important Contacts for Students...6 Academic Departments...7 Orientation Basics - New Students 101...7 Campus Map...9 College & Academic Policies...10 Selection of Majors...10 Course Load...10 Course Repeat Policy...10 Transfer / Previous College Credit...10 Schedule Adjustment...11 Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)...11 Grades...11 Grade Appeals...11 Transcripts...12 Transfer to Senior College or University...12 Academic Dishonesty...13 Academic Forgiveness Policy...13 Accidents...13 Accident Insurance...13 Attendance...14 Traditional (On-Campus) Classes...14 Online (NET)...14 Hybrid Classes (HY)...14 Telecourses (TV)...14 Book Buy Back...14 Bookstore...14 Bulletin Boards and Literature Distribution..15 Career Development Services...15 Catalog Addenda...15 Change of Address / Data...15 Children on Campus...16 City Bus Lines & Maps...16 Class Absence for Religious Observance...16 College Governance...16 Commitment to Sustainability...16 Computer / Internet Usage Policies...17 Computer Use Policy...17 Software Use Policy...18 Internet Use Policy...18 Copyright Laws...19 Counseling...19 Criminal Record - Possible Effects...19 Dean s List...20 Table of Contents Disciplinary Policies and Procedures...20 Purpose...20 Process...20 Responsibility...20 Code of Conduct and Civility...21 Disciplinary Offenses...21 Disciplinary Sanctions...23 Disciplinary Procedures...24 Due Process Appeals...25 Grievance Procedures...27 Discrimination Statements...28 Statement on Discrimination and Harassment...28 Title IX Statement...28 Education Records (FERPA)...28 Right to Review and Inspect...28 Waiver of Right to Inspect...29 Right to Amend Educational Records...29 Disclosure...29 Personally Identifiable Information...29 Exceptions...29 Directory Information...30 Right to File a Complaint...30 Electronic Devices Policy...30 E-Mail...31 Equal Opportunity Statement...31 Facilities...31 Financial Aid 101...31 Satisfactory Academic Progress...32 Financial Aid Qualitative Satisfactory Academic Progress...32 Financial Aid Quantitative Satisfactory Academic Progress...32 Developmental (Remedial) Course Work...33 Enrollment at Multiple Schools...33 Appeals Process for Qualitative and Quantitative Progress...33 Appeals Process for Course Eligibility for FA Enrollment Status...33 Pell Grants...33 Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (SEOG)...34 Federal Work Study (FWS)...34 North Carolina Community College Grant (NCCCG)...35 2
North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (NCELS)...35 Loans...35 Short-Term Emergency / Book Loans...35 North Carolina Community College Loan Program (Half Tuition Loans)...35 Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans...35 Direct Subsidized Loans...36 Child Care Assistance...36 Direct Unsubsidized Loans...36 Parent Plus Loans...36 Forgivable Education Loans for Service Program (Fels)...36 Scholarships...36 Workforce Investment Act (WIA)...37 Vocational Rehabilitation...37 Payment and Disbursement of Financial Aid Funds...37 Treatment of Title IV Aid When a Student Withdraws...38 Veterans Education Assistance (VA)...38 Financial Information...41 Financial Liability for Issued Tools & Equipment...41 Food...42 Free Speech & Public Assembly on Campus.42 Graduation & Honors...42 Hours of Normal Operation...43 Housing...43 Inclement Weather...43 Insurance (Michelle s Law)...43 Library...43 Lost and Found...44 Military Refund, Readmission, & Course Completion...44 Moodle...44 Parking / Vehicles...44 Registration for Classes...45 Reportable Communicable Disease Policy...45 Residency for Tuition Purposes...45 Safety on Campus...45 Crime Awareness and Campus Security...45 Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act...46 Drug and Alcohol Free Campus Policy...46 Emergency Signals and Procedures...46 Sexual Harassment...47 Solicitation of Business...47 Student Clubs & Organizations...47 Student Government Association (SGA)...47 Association of Nursing Students...47 Green Club...47 English Club...47 Minority Male Mentoring Coalition (3M)...47 Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society (PTK)...48 National Technical Honor Society...48 Student Right to Know...48 Student Rights and Responsibilities...48 Suggestion Box...48 Tobacco Use Policy...48 Webadvisor / Moodle / Groupwise E-Mail...48 Withdrawal...49 3
A message from our PresIDeNT Welcome to a uniquely American place, a community college. Originally conceptualized by Thomas Jefferson at the time of the birth of our country, the community college has for over 100 years been a very important link to education and a vital point of service for members of its community. Wilson Community College is a dynamic member of the over 1,100 community colleges serving the United States and proud to be one of the 58 community colleges serving the State of North Carolina. It is our purpose at Wilson Community College to be a partner with you in seeking and accomplishing your training, learning, and educational goals. The College is here to assist you in defining and refining those goals, finding pathways and providing tools to meet them, and to ultimately help you discover what is already there inside you. This handbook will provide you with information on how to access student services, financial aid, and many other student support programs. It will also serve as a valuable planning aid and time management tool to assist you to be successful at the College. Rusty Stephens, Ed. D. President, Wilson Community College WILSON COMMUNITY 1958 WILSON C C COLLEGE NORTH CAROLINA 4
Academic Calendar Fall Semester - 2013 Tuesday, August13... Orientation/Registration Wednesday, August 14...Registration Thursday, August 15... First Day of Class Thursday-Monday, August 15-19...Administrative Schedule Adjustment Monday, August 26...Last Day to Request Refund Monday, September 2...Labor Day Holiday (College closed) Thursday and Friday, October 10-11...Fall Break-No Curriculum Classes Wednesday, October 23... Last Day to Drop Without Academic Penalty Monday-Wednesday, November 25-27... No Curriculum Classes Thursday and Friday, November 28-29... Thanksgiving Holiday (College closed) Monday-Friday, November 18-22 and December 2-6...Spring Semester Early Registration Monday, December 16...Last Day of Class Spring Semester - 2014 Friday-Monday, January 3-6... Orientation/ Registration Tuesday, January 7... First Day of Class Tuesday-Thursday, January 7-9...Administrative Schedule Adjustment Thursday, January 16...Last Day to Request Refund Monday, January 20... Martin Luther King Holiday (College closed) Monday-Thursday, March 3-6... Spring Break-No Curriculum Classes Monday, March 24... Last Day to Drop Without Academic Penalty Friday, April 18...Holiday (College closed) Tuesday-Friday, April 1-4 and Monday-Friday, April 7-11... Summer Sem. Early Registration Tuesday, May 6...Last Day of Class Friday, May 16... Graduation Summer Semester - 2014 Thursday, May 15... Orientation/Registration Monday, May 19... First Day of Class Monday and Tuesday, May 19 and 20... Administrative Schedule Adjustment Thursday, May 22...Last Day to Request Refund Monday, May 26... Memorial Day Holiday (College closed) Monday, June 30... Last Day to Drop Without Academic Penalty Tuesday and Wednesday, July 1-2...No Curriculum Classes Thursday, July 3...Independence Day Holiday (College closed) Monday-Thursday, July 7-17...Fall Semester Early Registration Thursday, July 31...Last Day of Class Note: For energy saving purposes the College will be closed on Fridays May 9 - August 8. 5
Important Contacts for Students Admissions Sandra Lackner F-100d 252-246-1435 slackner@wilsoncc.edu Allied Health Leonard Mansfield F-100a 252-246-1283 lmansfield@wilsoncc.edu Admissions Status Maegan Williams F-100j 252-246-1285 mwilliams@wilsoncc.edu Bookstore Kaschia Spells G-201 252-246-1214 kspells@wilsoncc.edu Career Services Open Position See Student development staff Cashier Karen Wingfield F-101b 252-246-1201 kwingfield@wilsoncc.edu Counseling Courtney Lynch F-100c 252-246-1257 clynch@wilsoncc.edu Alyssa Cratty C-110a 252-2461318 acratty@wilsoncc.edu Dean Don Boyette F-100h 252-246-1275 dboyette@wilsoncc.edu Disability Services Open Position See Student Development staff Emergency Switchboard B-100 252-291-1195 Financial Aid Lisa Shearin F-105d 252-246-1310 lshearin@wilsoncc.edu Candace Brewer F-105f 252-246-1417 cbrewer@wilsoncc.edu Shannon Wiseman F-105a 252-246-1344 swiseman@wilsoncc.edu Leigh Page F-105c 252-246-1344 lpage@wilsoncc.edu Help Desk Charlotte Elliott G-116 252-246-1224 cellis@wilsoncc.edu 3M Program John Edwards C-101a 252-246-1294 jedwards@wilsoncc.edu Placement Testing Scheduling April Lamm F-100 252-246-1281 alamm@wilsoncc.edu Linda Keen F-100i 246-1276 lkeen@wilsoncc.edu Registration/Records Jennifer Davis F-100f 252-246-1228 jdavis@wilsoncc.edu Security Aubrey Pearson J-102 252-246-1393 apearson@wilsoncc.edu Student Activities Veronica Howard F-103c 252-246-1343 vhoward@wilsoncc.edu Transcripts Wendy Edwards F-100g 252-246-1277 wedwards@wilsoncc.edu Tutoring Student Support Services C-112 252-246-1265 bsmith@wilsoncc.edu Smarthinking Online Tutoring Webpage Distance Learning Moodle Smarthinking Same log-in 6
Academic Departments Allied Health Programs Glenda Bondurant G-222a 252-246-1333 gbondurant@wilsoncc.edu Arts & Sciences / Developmental Studies Morgan Daughety C-203a 252-246-1309 mdaughety@wilsoncc.edu Business / Computer / Educational Partnerships Wes Hill G-207a 252-246-1339 whill@wilsoncc.edu Industrial Technologies / Public Service Programs NaDene Tucker A-103a 252-246-1425 ntucker@wilsoncc.edu Orientation Basics - New Students 101: 1. Program Requirements: All degree, diploma, and certificate requirements are listed in the College catalog. Please refer to the catalog for a listing of all courses that you must successfully complete for your chosen program of study. In the catalog, you will also find course descriptions and prerequisites and co-requisites. The catalog is also available on the College website at www.wilsoncc.edu. 2. Tuition and Fees: (Based on current rates which are subject to change) Tuition and fees are payable to the College cashier in Building F. Payments can also be made through WebAdvisor. Tuition- Tuition for in-state students is $69.00 per semester hour and is capped at 16 sh. Tuition for out-of-state students is $261.00 per semester hour. Tuition and fees must be paid by posted dates, unless acceptable arrangements are made with the Business Office. Students who have not paid or made acceptable arrangements by the posted dates will be purged from class rolls. Activity fee- There is a $1.35 per semester hour student activity fee and is capped at 16 sh. Security /Parking fee- There is a $15.00 security fee charged to all students each semester. Technology fee- There is a $16.00 technology fee charged to all students each semester. Graduation Application fee A graduation application fee of $25 applies to all curriculum graduates. Other fees- Some program of study specific fees are charged. See College catalog. 3. Parking: All students should park in white-lined spaces anywhere on campus. No one may use handicapped spaces without appropriate handicapped placard or license plate. 4. Bookstore: The College bookstore is located on the second floor of building G. Regular operating hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM, Mondays and Tuesdays from 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM, and on Fridays from 8:00 AM until 1:00 PM. The College operates on a four-day schedule during the summer months. 5. Schedule Adjustments: Drop/Add is allowed for a limited specific period at the beginning of each semester. Students needing to adjust their schedule should see their academic advisor or the appropriate Associate Dean. 6. Attendance: The College has a 15% attendance policy. Once a student s absences exceed 15%, the instructor will drop the student from the class roster. The College does not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences. State law allows for two excused absences in an academic year for religious observance. Approval requires a two-week notice to the Dean of Student Development. 7. Disability Services: Students with qualifying disabilities may receive academic and physical accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Interested students should contact the Special Populations Counselor in Student Development upon admission to the College and must meet with the Special Populations Counselor upon registration each semester. Such students should request a Disabilities Services Handbook. 7
8. Financial Aid (FA): Financial aid is available for eligible students in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, and College Work-Study. Almost all FA starts with the FAFSA application, available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students must submit a new FAFSA for each award year, defined as fall, spring, and summer semesters. FA applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for aid as early as possible after their annual federal taxes are filed. Federal and state regulations related to FA can be complicated and can change with time. Students who receive FA are cautioned that they are responsible for being aware of and meeting eligibility requirements. Financial aid questions should always be directed to the FA Office. Most of all, students who receive FA must make consistent satisfactory academic progress in order to remain eligible. 9. Computer Access: The College has computers available for student use in several computer labs around campus and in the College library. In the Open Computer Lab located in G-113, technical support is available. Students must be currently enrolled and able to produce their current photo ID card. 10. Library: Students are required to present a valid College ID card to check out materials in the library. 11. Photo ID: Students may obtain a photo ID from the Student Development Office with a copy of their current class schedule. 12. Student Lounge: The Student Lounge is located on the second floor of G building, outside the College Bookstore. The College will soon open a cafeteria that will be located adjacent to the student lounge that will serve hot food. 13. Adverse Weather: See College website, local television and radio stations, or call 246-1234 for information on College closing or delays due to adverse weather. 14. Questions and Concerns: When questions arise, students should seek information from one of two sources, their academic advisor or the Student Development Office. Financial aid questions should always be directed to the FA Office. 15. Academic Support: The College offers two absolutely free tutoring opportunities for curriculum students- Student Support Services (SSS) and Smarthinking Online Tutoring. Students are strongly encouraged to seek academic assistance early in the semester. Participation in SSS, a federally funded program, requires meeting eligibility standards. For more information, see your academic advisor or a Student Development or SSS counselor. 16. Academic Honesty and Student Code of Conduct: College is an adult learning environment, where all students are expected to know and follow the rules of the College regarding state and federal law, College policy, behavior, academic honesty, and respect for others and the educational environment. 17. Disclaimer: For a complete review of College policies and procedures related to student life, both the Student Handbook and the College catalog should be consulted. For a complete review of College policies and procedures related to student life, both the Student Handbook and the College catalog should be consulted. 8
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College & Academic Policies Selection of Majors Students are admitted to one chosen program of study. After admission, students that wish to double-major may designate a primary and one secondary major with the Registration Center and work toward that end. Students may change their major anytime up to the last day of classes, such change to be effective the following semester. Students may not change their major or add a secondary major during the regular or late registration periods. Special Credit students who accumulate 13 semester hours credit are encouraged to declare a major and be admitted to a curriculum program. Students, who select, declare, or change majors must do so with an admissions counselor or the Director of Admissions or Registrar. Students considering changing majors should consult the Financial Aid Office prior to processing a change so they are aware of possible FA consequences. Course Load Students enrolled in 12 or more hours in the fall and spring semesters are designated as full-time students. Full-time is 9 or more hours in the summer semester. With the approval of their academic advisor, students can enroll in up to 19 hours in the fall and spring and 13 in the summer, but a course load beyond 19 in fall and spring or 13 in the summer must be approved by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Development. Full-time status for financial aid purposes may be different. Students with FA questions should consult the FA Office. Course Repeat Policy Students who receive a grade of C or better on a curriculum course can repeat the course once. Students who receive a grade below C on a curriculum course may repeat the course until a grade of C or better has been obtained. No course may be counted more than once in calculating the total number of hours towards graduation. Only the last grade will be used for computing total credit hours attempted and passed, total quality points, and grade point averages. Only courses repeated at Wilson Community College will replace grades in computing GPAs. Transfer credit does not replace previous course grades. For financial aid purposes, a student is allowed to repeat a previously passed class once and receive financial aid. Regardless of the grade a student receives on the second attempt of a previously passed class, financial aid will not be given for future attempts. A student may continue to attempt courses for which a passing grade has not been earned and receive financial aid with the exception of the 30 hour limitation on developmental courses. Veterans who wish to repeat a course, for which a passing grade has been earned, will not receive educational benefits for repeating the course. Transfer / Previous College Credit Students who have previously attended another college should submit official transcripts from ALL institutions they have attended to receive transfer credit for courses applicable to their chosen major. The Registrar, in consultation with instructor(s) and/or the Associate Dean, will evaluate all transcripts on a course by course basis. Evaluation criteria include comparable content and credit hours, grade, accreditation, and the number of years since the credits were earned. The following will be used as a basis to determine which previously earned credits may be awarded and counted towards graduation: Effective Fall Semester 2009, credit will no longer be given in any current program of study for coursework done on the quarter system at Wilson Community College or any other NC community college. Recent academic credits from a college or university still operating on a quarter system may be eligible for transfer consideration on a course by course basis. Developmental courses do not count toward graduation and are only valid for five years. 10
A student s academic advisor can recommend substitution of courses for adequate cause. Substitutions must have written approval from the advisor, the Registrar, the Associate Dean, and the Vice President of Instruction and Student Development. The College will accept credit for those courses with curriculum validity with the credit hours adjusted to the Wilson Community College scale for students who transfer from other accredited post-secondary institutions. A letter grade of D is not transferable. Quality points earned at other institutions will not be calculated in a student s grade point average. A transfer student intending to graduate from Wilson Community College must complete at least 25% of the credit hours in the major course of study at Wilson Community College. Students enrolled in curriculum programs who wish to take courses at another college for transfer back to Wilson Community College for credit toward graduation are strongly encouraged to discuss such with their academic advisor prior to registration at the other college. This is to better ensure transferability of credits. Also, certain key courses are required to be taken at Wilson Community College. Any and all credit awarded and/or counted toward graduation is at the discretion of the College. Schedule Adjustment Registered students may adjust their schedules through drop/add during schedule adjustment periods each semester with the approval of the appropriate Associate Dean. There are no new registrations during this period. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Satisfactory academic progress requires a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. A cumulative minimum 2.0 on all completed courses in one s curriculum is also required for program completion and graduation. A student who fails to maintain a cumulative 2.0 will be placed on Academic Warning (AW) for the following semester. Such students are encouraged to seek tutoring and are not allowed to participate in early registration. Should such a student on Academic Warning fail to reestablish a minimum 2.0 during their semester of warning, they will be placed on Academic Probation until their cumulative GPA is at least 2.0. Students on Academic Probation are not eligible for financial aid, are not allowed to early register, and may register for no more than two courses, plus ACA. NOTE: Federal financial aid regulations require that grades in developmental courses be included in determining qualitative eligibility for FA. The College does not include grades in developmental courses in computing GPAs. As a result, the College computes an academic GPA and a financial aid GPA. Graduation and academic SAP is based on the academic GPA. Financial aid eligibility is based on the financial aid GPA. Grades Course grades are made available to students in WebAdvisor at the conclusion of each semester. Instructors in each course will announce their grading scale as to whether they will be using a 7-point or 10-point grading scale in their course syllabus. Please consult the College catalog for a full description of the grading system, computing your GPA, and descriptions of grades. Grade Appeals Individual Assignment Appeals: A student who has concerns regarding fairness of evaluation on an individual test, project, or other assignment may discuss those concerns with the instructor within 10 calendar days of receiving the grade. If the student s concerns are not resolved in this informal manner, the student may appeal the instructor s decision within seven calendar days to the appropriate Associate Dean, who will conduct a review. The decision of the Associate Dean is final. 11
Course Grade Appeals: A student has a right to appeal a final course grade. Such an appeal must be made and resolved before the end of the semester following the semester in which the grade was awarded. The following procedures must be followed: The student must submit a written appeal to the instructor who assigned the grade stating the basis on which the appeal is made. After submitting the written appeal, the student must schedule an appointment to meet with the instructor to discuss the appeal and any supporting documentation. If the disagreement is resolved, the instructor will initiate grade change action as appropriate and will send a written response to the student and will send a copy to the Associate Dean. If the disagreement is not resolved, the student may appeal the decision of the instructor to the appropriate Associate Dean or Director. Such an appeal must be in writing and must include the basis for the appeal and any supporting documentation. After submitting the written appeal, the student must schedule an appointment to meet with the Associate Dean or Director to discuss the appeal. If the instructor is the Associate Dean, the appeal must be sent to the Vice President of Instruction and Student Development. The Associate Dean or Director will send a written response to the student and will send a copy to the Vice President of Instruction and Student Development. If the disagreement is not resolved, the student may submit a written appeal to the Vice President of Instruction and Student Development along with any supporting documentation. After review, the Vice President will make a written response to the student, the instructor, and the Associate Dean. All decisions at this level are final. Transcripts A transcript is an official record of coursework completed at the College, and may include the credit hours transferred from other institutions. Requests for transcripts must include the student s signature and, though most transcripts are printed on demand, may require 24 hours for processing. Students must meet all financial and other obligations to the College before transcripts can be released. Current or past students and/or alumni may request an official transcript in one of two ways: Transcripts may be requested through the College in person in the Student Development Center, by mail, or FAX. FAXED requests should be sent to (252) 246-1384. Transcript request forms are also available on the College website at www.wilsoncc.edu. The first official transcript is free and subsequent transcripts are $3.00, payable at the time of request. Requests through the College must be written and must include the student s full name, College ID or social security number, curriculum/program of study, and dates of attendance. *NOTE: With WebAdvisor and online registration, students will be able to view and print student copies of their transcripts online. Student copies differ from official transcripts in that they are not signed and sealed by a College official and as such are generally not accepted as evidence of college credit by other colleges and universities and some employers. Transfer to Senior College or University Colleges and universities vary widely in general education requirements for entrance into and completion of study in a major field. At the earliest possible date, students are advised to carefully study the catalogs of colleges to which they are considering transfer and consult an admissions representative to determine transferability of courses already taken and those they plan to take at Wilson Community College. Only courses approved in the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) are transferable to UNC system schools. Such CAA-approved courses are noted in course descriptions in the College catalog. 12
Academic Dishonesty Each faculty member has the responsibility to evaluate each student s academic work fairly. Students are expected to submit their own work to be evaluated and to perform honestly. All students are expected to eliminate cheating by any member of their class. Academic dishonesty is defined as any behavior that attempts to deceive the instructor as he or she attempts to fairly evaluate an academic exercise. Examples are cheating, plagiarism, or lying. Sanctions may include: 1. Academic Warning A written notice to the student that he/she has violated the academic dishonesty policy. 2. Grade Adjustment Lowering a score on a test or assignment, including a possible 0. 3. Discretionary Probation Additional academic assignments determined by the instructor. 4. Course Failure Assigning a course grade of F on the course where the academic dishonesty occurred. 5. Disciplinary Probation Continued enrollment of a student with a written notice of terms and length of probation. Any conduct in violation of the terms of the probation could result in more serious disciplinary action. 6. Suspension Separation from the College for a stated period of time, with possible conditions of readmission. 7. Expulsion Permanent removal and exclusion from the College. A faculty member may impose sanctions 1, 2, 3, and 4. A faculty member may recommend to the Associate Dean or Dean of Continuing Education and Sustainability that sanctions 5, 6, or 7 be imposed. All incidents of academic dishonesty must be reported to the appropriate Associate Dean or Dean of Continuing Education and Sustainability, who will forward a copy to the Dean of Student Development for recording. If a student has repeated offenses, further disciplinary action may be taken. Appeals of academic dishonesty sanctions 1, 2, 3, or 4 may be appealed through the Grade Appeal Process. Sanctions 5, 6, or 7 may be appealed through the Disciplinary and Appeals Process. Proven incidents of academic dishonesty can negatively affect eligibility for honor societies, College Work Study, and local scholarships. Academic Forgiveness Policy When a student has not been continuously enrolled for three or more years, has re-enrolled and has successfully completed a minimum of 12 semester hour s credit with a minimum 2.5 GPA, he or she may apply for academic forgiveness to the Registrar. If granted, all prior grades of F or WF would not be included in computing the student s academic GPA. Academic forgiveness may be granted only once and, when granted, is irrevocable. Interested students should consult the Registrar. Accidents All accidents should be reported immediately to the instructor in charge of the instructional period. If accidents occur outside of such instructional time, the Dean of Student Development should be notified. Accident Insurance All curriculum students are covered by student accident insurance while on campus or when traveling directly to and from campus by the most direct route. Student fees pay for this secondary coverage. Student accident insurance is also required for some continuing education courses and is optional for all other continuing education students. Accident insurance forms are available in the Student Development Office. 13
14 Attendance State mandates require that all students must enter and participate in each course prior to the census date (10% point) for each course in order to remain enrolled in the course. Traditional (On-Campus) Classes Students have full responsibility for accounting to their instructor for absences and will be counted absent starting from the date they register for each class. Faculty has authority to drop students who have missed 15% of the required class hours. Some programs may follow a more stringent attendance policy because of regulations set by consortia or state and federal licensing agencies. Make-up work may be allowed at the discretion of the instructor and tardiness may, at the discretion of the instructor, be considered in computing class attendance. Online (NET) Attendance in NET classes is measured by active participation by submitting assignments by due dates, completing tests, communication with the instructor, and participation in discussions boards. Students who fail to maintain active participation as defined in the course syllabus, may be dropped when the student has been absent at the 15% point of the course. Hybrid Classes (HY) Hybrid courses are a combination of traditional face-to-face course delivery and online or telecourse delivery. Attendance for each delivery method will be measured accordingly. Students must complete the required online entrance assignment by the announced deadline. Telecourses (TV) Active participation is defined in each course syllabus. Students may be dropped when they fail to maintain active participation as defined by the course syllabus and will be dropped/ withdrawn when absent at the 15% point of the course. Book Buy Back On the last three days of classes of each semester, the College allows representatives of textbook publishers and sellers to set up in the Student Lounge outside the Bookstore to meet with students who have an interest in selling their used textbooks. Bookstore The Bookstore, located in Building G, carries a variety of supplies and textbooks. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday and Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., and 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday. Summer hours may vary; please call (252) 291-1195 for summer hours. The Bookstore has an extended schedule during registration periods. The prices of textbooks are held to a minimum. Students may purchase used books when available from the Bookstore. Miscellaneous supplies required in various courses are available in the Bookstore. Wilson Community College insignia clothing is also sold in the Bookstore. Textbook rentals are available through Follett, Inc. Information is available on the College Bookstore website at www.bkstr.com or from the bookstore staff. Students should make sure they have purchased the correct books before writing in them as book returns and exchanges are limited. Please be aware that not all instructors use the same textbook for the same course. New books may be returned for full credit and/or exchange: (1) within the first 10 college business days of the semester or, if the book is purchased after this point in the semester, within three business days, (2) only if the student has a valid cash register receipt, (3) only if the book has not been marked in or damaged in any manner, (4) only of the book with software has not been removed from shrink-wrap or software package opened and, (5) books purchased after the 10th college business day, may be returned only within 3 business days with a valid cash register receipt and in perfect, new condition. Shrink wrap must not be removed or software package opened. Used books may be returned for full credit or exchange: (1) within the first 10 College business days of the semester or, if the book is purchased after this point in the semester, within three
business days, (2) only if a drop slip is provided or the class is canceled, (3) only if the student has a valid cash register receipt and, (4) books purchased after the 10th College business day, may be returned only within 3 business days with a valid cash register receipt and in perfect, new condition. Shrink wrap must not be removed or software package opened. No refund on supply items. Refund dates are subject to change to correspond to tuition refund dates established by the North Carolina General Assembly. Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the College is required to share required textbook information with students at the time they register for classes. This information includes the ISBN number and retail price. If the ISBN number is not available, the College must provide the author, title, publisher, and copyright date. This information can be found on the College website www.wilsoncc.edu. Bulletin Boards and Literature Distribution Any literature, which is proposed to be distributed, or which is distributed on the campus of the institution, shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and with the regulations and policies of the College. Groups, organizations, or individuals not affiliated with the institution may not sell or distribute materials without authorized consent and permission of presence on campus. Permission is gained from the Dean of Student Development. Solicitation of dues and/or membership in an organization is permissible only by officially registered organizations of the College. All other solicitation and commercial activity is unauthorized. Bulletin boards on campus are dedicated to communication with students, employees, and visitors regarding College programs, activities, services, and opportunities and as such the College reserves the right to control their use. The bulletin boards located outside D-101 and the boards located in the Student Lounge have been designated to post information and advertisements by, and of, interest to students. Such information must always be in good taste. Questions should be directed to the Dean of Student Development. Career Development Services With the goal of lifelong career satisfaction and success, Career Development Services educates currently enrolled students and graduates of curriculum programs in the areas of self-assessment, exploration, career-readiness, and employment search techniques. Career Development Services also creates interactive relationships with community employers and organizations in an effort to expose students to job skills acquisition, to post job listings, and to interview prospective employees. Job listings are posted and updated daily through the College s Career Development Services website. There will be no charge for the services through Career Development Services. Catalog Addenda Occasionally, it becomes necessary to change College policies and procedures during an academic year. When such changes would necessitate changes to the College catalog or Student Handbook, those changes will be announced and disseminated on the College website at www.wilsoncc.edu. Change of Address / Data Being able to quickly and dependably contact students by phone or through the mail is important. A student s address as last listed in their educational record in the Student Development Center is considered to be the student s address of record. As all official correspondence is directed to the student s address of record, students should notify the Student Development Center when there has been a change in their name, address, or telephone number. It is the student s responsibility to keep the College informed of any directory changes. Some changes in personal data, including but not limited to name changes, may require certified copies of legal/court documents. Examples include marriage licenses and divorce or adoption decrees. Normally a state driver s license or a social security card with the new name will be accepted as adequate documentation. 15
Children on Campus State policy prohibits attendance in any class, laboratory, or class activity by anyone not enrolled in that course. Children are not allowed to accompany a parent or other student to any on-campus academic activity and may not be left unattended and/or unsupervised at any time. If you are faced with a decision of stay at home or bring a child with you to class, that s an easy call stay home. City Bus Lines & Maps The College is located on the city bus route. Route maps are available on the City of Wilson website at http://www.wilsonnc.org/departments/publicservices/transportation/wilsontransitsystem/busroutes. Class Absence for Religious Observance In accordance with state law, the College will, upon request, grant two excused days of absences each academic year for students religious observance. Such absences are over and above the College s attendance policy. Students who wish to request such absences must submit a Religious Observance Request to the Dean of Student Development a minimum of two weeks prior to the requested absences. The student must make acceptable arrangements with their instructors to make up any missed work. College Governance Students participate in the governance of the College through participation on some College Standing Committees, SGA, and ex officio membership of the SGA President on the Board of Trustees. College policies and procedures have been published in the WCC Policies and Procedures Manual. This manual is available for inspection and review in the College library. Full time faculty and staff also have copies, as does each member of the Board of Trustees. Commitment to Sustainability Wilson Community College is committed to the principles of sustainability and to advancing a sustainability literate faculty, staff, and student body. It is our mission to exhibit sustainable practices through our curricula, work environment and interactions with the broader community. Through invitation and inclusion, the College provides community stakeholders with information and understanding they can use, while demonstrating how our activities impact our environment, relationships and economic endeavors. Our teaching and business practices consider these principles in order to provide for a better future, one in which peoples needs can be met without compromising the ongoing needs of future generations. Sustainability awareness is promoted through the efforts of students, employees, and community leaders. Through the development of sustainable curricula and programs, the College s growing green philosophy is entering new and challenging fields to develop a knowledge base, essential skills, and actions to put theory into practice. The College studies economic and environmental issues that impact operations and engages in activities that are economically and environmentally sound. The College encourages the use of energy conservation, recycling, and the use of sustainable practices in the construction of facilities and maintenance of buildings and grounds. The College seeks to have sustainability as a factor in planning and decisions at all levels and is committed to reducing its institutional carbon footprint and encouraging individual students to reduce their own carbon footprint. To learn more about calculating and reducing your carbon footprint see www.nature.org/greenliving/carboncalculator/index.htm. The College is proud of its contribution to sustainability and offers many important resources to further sustainability in all aspects of the community. These resources and the College s efforts are highlighted on our Growing Green page on the College s website at www.wilsoncc.edu. 16
Computer / Internet Usage Policies Computer Use Policy The following rules and regulations are to define all users limitations. These rules are separate and apart from the General Policy on Student Conduct and Disciplinary Sanctions. Any violation shall be termed computer misuse, and the offender shall be referred to the respective College office for disciplinary action. 1. Students must use only those computers which have been authorized for their use. 2. Students are responsible for use of their accounts. They should make appropriate use of the system, provide protection features, and take precautions against others obtaining access to their computer resources. 3. Students must not search for, access or copy directories, programs, files, or data not belonging to them. Software provided by Wilson Community College may not be taken to other computer sites without permission. If there is any doubt about the use of any software, students should contact the Dean of Student Development. 4. Students must not attempt to modify system facilities, crash a system, nor subvert the restrictions associated with their accounts or computers. 5. Students may not tamper with or change any configuration settings of any device without approval from Information Technology staff. 6. Students may not monopolize any available resource to the extent of denying others fair use. 7. Use of any Wilson Community College computer system for personal or business purposes without written permission is prohibited. 8. All users shall be responsive to the suggestions and interpretation of these rules by computer personnel. 9. The College computer labs are available each semester only to currently enrolled students. 10. The open computer lab assistants duties involve helping students who need assistance with technical issues and not assisting students in completing required coursework such as assignments, quizzes, and/or papers. 11. Students are not allowed to copy any of the programs licensed to Wilson Community College. 12. Students are not to leave any data or programs on the hard disk drives. 13. Students may not use the computers to play games. 14. Children are not allowed in the labs. 15. Food and drinks are not allowed in the labs. 16. Users may not use computer systems, including hardware and software and /or computer accounts, for accessing content or programs which violate the acceptable moral standards of the community. The dispositions listed below (not an all-inclusive list) are examples drawn from the sanctioned policy of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Sanctions. Revoking of the individual s rights to use the computer, either on a temporary or permanent basis could result in the following: Probation Suspension Expulsion or financial assessment for computer services Legal prosecution In the event that other College regulations are violated, additional penalties may be imposed. Unauthorized use of any computer system by an individual other than those of the College may be adjudged a felony and the individual may be liable to legal prosecution. 17
Software Use Policy In support of and compliance with federal copyright law, Wilson Community College is resolved that all computer software located within any facility of the College will be purchased and used only by the College according to current licensing agreement with respective software manufacturers. Infringements of this policy include the making or use of unauthorized software by copying, sharing, lending, giving, transferring, and/or installing software purchased by the College. Software not purchased by the College will be considered unauthorized. No software may be removed or disabled by anyone other than approved staff. Such infringements constitute grounds for disciplinary action by the College and/or prosecution by software manufacturer(s) and the College. Compliance will be monitored through procedures adopted by the College. Internet Use Policy Internet access including the use of the Wilson Community College Wireless Service is provided by the College to assist employees and students in obtaining data. Use of the Internet is encouraged for research, education, and communications, for College related activities. Internet usage is intended for job/education related activities, whether using College equipment or a personal device. The Information Technology (IT) Department monitors Internet usage. Should excessive use of band width be detected, your Internet access will be stopped immediately until further notice and may result in disciplinary or administrative action. Abuse of the Internet access provided by the College in violation of law or College procedures will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment in the case of employees or up to and including expulsion in the case of students. It is your responsibility to read and know the following laws and College procedures. Use of the Internet is not intended for the operation of a business; usurpation of business opportunities; solicitation of money for personal gain; sending chain letters; gambling; or engaging in any other activity in violation of local, state, or federal law. The following guidelines have been established to help ensure responsible and productive Internet usage. Specifically, you may not: Attempt to use or gain unauthorized access to data, accounts, hosts, servers, systems or networks, or to probe, scan, or test the vulnerability of a system or network associated with Internet service or those of any other party. Interfere with Internet service to any user, host, or network including, without limitation, mail-bombing, flooding, or attempting to overload the system. Use the Internet service to engage in activities that violate any terms or conditions of any other network access provider or Internet service provider. Forge any TCP-IP packet header or any part of the header information in an e-mail or a newsgroup posting. Falsify address information or otherwise modify e-mail headers to conceal the sender s or the recipient s identity. Additionally, users may not, by use of the Internet or another service, upload, post, or otherwise distribute or facilitate distribution of any content, including text, communications, software, images, sounds, data, or other information that, at Wilson Community College s discretion: Is unlawful, threatening, abusive, harassing, libelous, defamatory, obscene, deceptive, fraudulent, Invasive of another s privacy, indecent, or pornographic. Is posted in violation of a newsgroup charter. 18
Victimizes, harasses, degrades, or intimidates an individual or group of individuals on the basis of religion, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, disability, or any characteristic protected by law. Contains viruses, corrupted files, or any other similar software or programs that may damage the operation of another s computer. Has a negative effect on Wilson Community College or its network (including, without limitation, overloading servers on the network; causing portions of the network to be blocked by other network providers; generating unresolved third party complaints or complaints which, at the discretion of Wilson Community College, impose an unreasonable administrative burden). Constitutes unsolicited duplicative e-mail (commercial or otherwise). The unauthorized use, installation, copying, or distribution of copyrighted, trademarked, or patented material on the Internet is expressly prohibited. To ensure a virus-free environment, no files may be downloaded from the Internet without prior authorization. The equipment, services, and technology provided to access the Internet remain at all times the property of the College. As such, the College reserves the right to monitor Internet traffic, and retrieve and read any data composed, sent, or received through our online connections and stored in our computer systems. Copyright Laws Federal copyright laws prevent, in most cases, copying written material for more than personal use (a page or chapter from a book, an article from a magazine or periodical, etc.). Computer software is also protected by copyright laws and licensing agreements. Violations of laws and policies include the making or use of unauthorized software by copying, sharing, lending, giving, and transferring and/or installing software that was not covered by licensing agreements held by the College. Software not purchased by the College is considered unauthorized for all campus computers owned by the College. Compliance with copyright laws is expected. Violations in cases regarding printed materials or computer software constitute grounds for disciplinary action by the College and/or prosecution by the software manufacturer and the College. Counseling Counseling services include college admissions, academic and career counseling, educational planning, and various workshops. Students learn strategies for developing plans and making career decisions in establishing educational goals. In-depth personal counseling will be limited to initial crisis assessment and referral, but students seeking in-depth personal counseling should contact a College counselor for a referral list of professional counselors in the local area. Appointments to meet with a College counselor are encouraged but not required, since they are often involved in placement testing and admissions interviews. An appointment can be made by calling (252) 246-1276 or 246-1281. Criminal Record Possible Effects Students entering or seeking to enter certain programs of study at the College should be aware that their ability to complete the program, be licensed or certified, or employed may be affected if they have a prior criminal record. In such cases, the actual violation and the length of time since that violation may be the deciding factor. Programs that require agency sponsorship and programs that require practicums, internships, or clinical experience depend on community agencies to fulfill that requirement and some of those agencies may require criminal background checks prior to the student being allowed into their facilities. If the participating community agency will not accept the student because of a criminal record, the student may be unable to continue in the program. Students completing certain programs of study may be prohibited from obtaining credentials or licenses due to a criminal record. In some cases, employers may be required by law to do a criminal background check prior to employment. Programs where a student s prior criminal 19