18401 North 32 nd Street Phoenix, Arizona 85032 (602) 787-6500 PVCC at Black Mountain 34250 N 60 th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85266 602-493-2600
TABLE OF CONTENTS HLC For Me!! (Inside Front Cover) HLC and What It Means to YOU! Welcome from the President Philosophy for Student Success Academic Calendar 2014-15 Keeping PVCC Safe College Services Welcome Center Adult Re-entry Services Assessment/ Testing Center Athletics Bookstore Bulletin Boards Bus Service Career Services/Job Placement Center for Distance Learning Computer Commons Counseling & Personal Development Division Dining Services (Paradise Café) Disability Resource Center Fitness Center Honors Program Learning Support Center (LSC) Library Male Empowerment Network (M.E.N.) Program Public Safety Department Puma Press Service Learning Student Development Student Life & Leadership Veterans Services Maricopa Community College District Administration Maricopa Community College District Administration Regulations 2.1 General Regulation 2.3 Scholastic Standards 2.3.1 Academic Load 2.3.2 Attendance 2.3.3 Grading 2.3.4 Academic Probation 2.3.5 Student Grievance Academic Process 2.3.6 Withdrawal 2.3.7 Academic Renewal 2.3.8 Honors Program 2.3.9 General Graduation Requirements 2.3.10 Transcripts for Transfer 2.3.11 Academic Misconduct 2.4 College Environment
2.4.1 General Statement 2.4.2 Nondiscrimination 2.4.3 Equal Opportunity Statement 2.4.4 Sexual Harassment Policy for Employees and Students 2.4.5 Copyright Act Compliance 2.4.6 Emissions Control Compliance 2.4.7 Abuse-Free Environment 2.4.8 Petition Signature Solicitation 2.4.9 Use of College Grounds 2.4.10 Children on Campus 2.4.11 Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act 2.4.12 Workplace Violence Prevention 2.4.13 Student Right to Know 2.5 Student Rights and Responsibilities 2.5.1 Disciplinary Standards 2.5.2 Student Conduct Code 2.5.3 Student Records 2.5.4 Student Employment 2.5.5 Student Governance 2.5.6 Lost or Stolen Records 2.9 Veterans Services Maricopa Community Colleges Campus Directory Campus Map (Inside Back Cover)
Here's what you can do to be prepared: Think about your story. Why did you come to PVCC? What are your goals? How have you changed since coming to PVCC? Who/What has helped you along your journey at PVCC? Familiarize yourself with the services, opportunities for engagement, and due process afforded to students at PVCC. Familiarize yourself with the college s mission, vision, and motto. Think about how you are connected with the college's mission, http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/mission Visit our HLC website, http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/hlc, to learn about our HLC selfstudy process goals. Take a look through the final self-study report recently submitted to the HLC to learn more about PVCC, https://www2.pvc.maricopa.edu/selfstudy/reports.html.
Welcome to the 2014-2015 academic year. This year marks the conclusion of a three-year college self-study process in preparation for the reaffirmation of our accreditation calumniating in a comprehensive site visit. A team of peer reviewers from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC) will spend three days on campus to verify, clarify, and amplify information that the college has documented in the Self-Study Report that was submitted to the commission. As a Learning-Centered College, the overarching goal of the Self-Study process is to affirm, assess, and evaluate our systemic effectiveness in achieving exemplary levels of deep student learning, success, and goal completion in the context of a collaborative community. The process is both summative in terms of identifying our accomplishments and institutional improvements since the last Self-Study in 2004, as well as evaluative in terms of areas where we need to show continued improvement. Our specific Self Study goals are: Analyze our strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results in support of continuous improvement Nurture organizational collaboration and communication Sustain an environment of assessment and evaluation, and Increase knowledge of who we are, what we do and why we do it Our Self-Study demonstrates with concrete evidence how well we are accomplishing our learning centered vision of transforming students lives through the power of learning thus enabling positive social change. Regards, Paul Dale, Ed.D President, Paradise Valley Community College
PARADISE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 2014-15 ACADEMIC CALENDAR FALL SEMESTER - 2014 * Registration* Sat Aug 23 Classes Begin Mon Sept 1 Observance of Labor Day * Application for December 2014 Graduation* + Last Day Withdrawal without Instructor's Signature Tues Nov 11 Observance of Veterans' Day Thur-Sun Nov 27-30 Thanksgiving Holiday ++ Last Day Student Initiated Withdrawal Accepted Sun Dec 14 Last Day of Regular Classes Mon-Thu Dec 15-18 **Final Exams Fri Dec 19 Mid-Year Recess Begins for Students Fri Dec 19 Fall Semester Ends Winter Break (Campus Closed) Dec 25 through Jan 1 SPRING SEMESTER - 2015 * Registration* Sat Jan 17 Classes Begin Mon Jan 19 Observance of M. L. King Birthday Mon Feb 16 Observance of Presidents' Day * Application for May 2015 Graduation* + Last Day Withdrawal without Instructor's Signature Mon-Sun Mar 16-22 Spring Break ++ Last Day Student Initiated Withdrawal Accepted Sun May 10 Last Day of Regular Classes Mon-Thu May 11-14 **Final Exams Fri May 15 Commencement Fri May 15 Spring Semester Ends Mon May 25 Observance of Memorial Day SUMMER SEMESTER 2015 Note: Subject to the 2015-16 Catalog Tue May 26 Summer Semester Begin Thur Jul 2 Observance of Independence Day Thur July 30 Second 5-Week Session Ends *For specific information concerning registration dates, class start dates, application for graduation dates, and final exam dates, consult the class schedule for the college of intended enrollment. ** Classes meeting on Friday evening only, Saturday only or Sunday only will have final examinations during their last regular class meeting. + See your student schedule in my.maricopa.edu for the Last Day to Withdraw without an Instructor Signature for each class in which you are enrolled. ++Refer to the Important Deadlines for Students to determine the Last Day Student Initiated Withdrawal will be accepted.
Paradise Valley Community College Philosophy for Student Success Student development and learning are interconnected processes that challenge you to take an active role in educating yourself intellectually, ethically, emotionally, socially, and physically. This means that: 1. You have the primary responsibility for your own development and you need to be actively involved in the learning process (study), 2. learning occurs throughout the campus in class and in out-ofclass activities, and 3. all employees of the college share in the responsibility of supporting the teaching and learning process. In short, Paradise Valley Community College invites you to get a GRIP : Goals (goals, objectives, plans, timelines that guide your progress) Degree/certificate check sheets igoal (online goal setting tool) Relationships (connections with other people on campus) Classmates College employees Study groups Information (learn the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in life) Use resources like: Advising Career Services Computer Commons Counseling Learning Support Center Library Participation (become involved fully in your college life) Athletics Attend all classes Honors International Education Performing Arts Service Learning Student Life and Leadership
KEEPING PVCC SAFE: REPORTING CONCERNS We have all heard of the tragedies at colleges and universities around the world caused by individuals who become violent on campus. Although nothing of that nature has ever occurred at Paradise Valley Community College, we must ensure that it never does. In every case we know about, the violent person made comments before the act that could have alerted others to the imminent danger. Students share in the responsibility to keep PVCC a safe learning environment. All immediate safety concerns should be reported to Public Safety at 602.787.7900. If at any time you hear or become aware of anyone making threatening comments toward or about anyone in our college community, please immediately share that information with a faculty, staff, or public safety member. You may also file a report. To make a report, fill out the online threat assessment report form. The Threat Assessment Team will then determine appropriate actions. All reports are confidential. http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/tat/index.html COLLEGE SERVICES Most of the services we offer have their offices in the Gina Kranitz Student Center (KSC Building). These offices are open Monday- Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but are subject to change during holidays, spring break, and summer. Please refer to the Campus Directory in this handbook for specific contact, location, and hours of operation information. To contact the college for general information, call the Switchboard at (602) 787-6500. WELCOME CENTER http://www.paradisevalley.edu/welcome-center Serves as hub or one-stop for multiple enrollment services including the Admissions and Records office, Financial Aid, Cashiers, Academic Advising and General Information. Admissions and Records Office This office provides in-person assistance with the following services: Add/drop classes Transcripts requests Evaluate transfer credit (for students transferring in from another college) Enrollment verification (for students in need of documenting their student status, for insurance for ex.) Updating personal information, name, phone, email, address. Petitioning for graduation and receiving your cap and gown for graduation. Cashiers Office Students can pay for classes here when on campus by cash, check, or credit card. Students can get handout on how to setup Payment Plan here as well as the refund request form.
Financial Aid Office Students can receive help filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and get information on scholarships, loans, and work study opportunities. Whether a student needs help or not at the community college level it is generally a good idea to get into the Financial Aid Office at PVCC. At PVCC a student will be able to talk to a financial aid office representative. The same five steps that you will learn about later are the same five steps you will follow and complete at your transfer location. It is best to learn them here at PVCC. Academic Advising Academic Advising provides the following services: Help students clarify their academic goals. Provide information about degree/certificate options, requirements. Assist students in the development of an academic plan. Assist with navigating the transfer process. Walk-ins are accepted all day; appointments are also available. Additional Services provided through the Welcome Center: Parking Permits ADULT RE-ENTRY SERVICES http://www.paradisevalley.edu/counseling/ar/index.html Adult Re-Entry Services is a support program for students 25 years of age and older. It offers a range of services, which include courses, seminars, and club membership, to students who desire assistance in easing the transition to higher education. ASSESSMENT/TESTING CENTER http://www.paradisevalley.edu/assessment/ The purpose of the Assessment Center is to help students identify and develop personal and academic goals through the assessment of existing skills and knowledge. Services: Placement assessment Instructional testing College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Special test administrations (example: proctored exams) ESL placement HESI A2 Admission Assessment ATHLETICS http://www.paradisevalley.edu/athletics/ PVCC currently offers 12 intercollegiate athletics programs. PVCC fields men's and women's teams in cross country, golf, tennis, track and soccer in addition to women s softball and baseball. PVCC is proud to be the home of the 2011 NJCAA National Champions in Men's Cross
Country and 2012 National Champions in Women s Soccer. In 2013/14, 21 PVCC had 21 individual Academic All Americans and 9 Academic All-American Teams. PVCC at BLACK MOUNTAIN http://www.paradisevalley.edu/blackmountain PVCC at Black Mountain is a satellite site of PVCC located on 60 th Street just south of Carefree Highway in the northern part of Maricopa County. Transferable credit courses are offered at Black Mountain. Student services such as Registration, Advisement, and Placement testing, are offered on site. Additionally, Tutoring, Library, Disability Resources, are also provided at Black Mountain. Contact Black Mountain for questions or stop by the Administration office, room A115. BOOKSTORE http://www.paradise.bkstr.com The Bookstore rents selected textbooks and sells new and used textbooks, school supplies, college clothing, trade books, software, special order books, sundries, greeting cards and gifts. Services: Book buyback Bus passes College clothing School supplies Special order books Study aids BULLETIN BOARDS http://www.paradisevalley.edu/studentlife/ The Student Life & Leadership Office must approve all materials posted on college bulletin boards. CAREER SERVICES http://www.paradisevalley.edu/careerservices/ Career Services staff assists prospective/current students, alumni, and community members with lifelong career planning and development. Gain skills to investigate careers, learn 21st Century employment skills. Career Services provides two job boards: PVCC Career Link and Maricopa Career Network for access to internships and jobs 24/7. Career Services provides assistance with Internship and Scholarship Applications. CENTER FOR DISTANCE LEARNING: choices@pvc http://www.paradisevalley.edu/choices/ The Center for Distance Learning supports instructional alternatives and provides services to meet the needs of students who require more flexible scheduling options. COMPUTER COMMONS http://www.paradisevalley.edu/cc/ The Computer Commons (CC) at PVCC consists of eleven classroom/labs surrounding a large Open Lab area. Both PC/Windows and Macintosh computers are available as well as B&W and Color
Laser Printers, and Scanners. The Computer Common s trained, knowledgeable staff provides student support in a comfortable, state-ofthe-art, learning environment. The Commons is available for PVCC students to complete their PVCC coursework. Students will need their PVCC ID card each time the use the Commons. Check our website for additional student services and information on pay-per-print. COUNSELING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT DIVISION http://www.paradisevalley.edu/counseling/ Counseling offers free, confidential counseling services for all students, as well as a variety of personal growth classes. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive instructional and service program to assist students to identify and achieve personal, academic and career goals. The counseling staff is student and learning-centered. We take pride in providing instruction and services in a positive atmosphere that helps students achieve their potential. DINING SERVICES (THE PUMA DEN & Q-CAFÉ) http://www.dineoncampus.com/maricopa/ Chartwells operates dining services for the Puma Den and the Q-Café. Offering a variety of breakfast, lunch and light snack options. Chartwells also provides an array of campus catering services. DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER http://www.paradisevalley.edu/~drc/ The Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides information and services to students with a documented disability who are attending classes at Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC). Accommodations include: Sign Language Interpreters Note Takers Kurzweil Electronic Text Recorder FITNESS CENTER http://www.paradisevalley.edu/fitness/ The Fitness Center is a state-of-the-art facility designed for convenient workouts, physical education activities, and health related classes. The Fitness Center has tennis courts, basketball courts, racquetball courts, an outdoor 400m Track, a sand volleyball court, the Center for Mind/Body Wellness and the Self-Care Center. HONORS PROGRAM http://www.paradisevalley.edu/~honors/ The PVCC Honors Program offers a variety of academic scholarships and fee waivers, special classes, leadership opportunities and cultural events for students who qualify. Scholarships include: Presidents Scholarship Chancellors Scholarship
Foundation Scholarships Honors Achievement Awards for full-time and part-time students LEARNING SUPPORT CENTER (LSC) http://www.paradisevalley.edu/lsc/ The Learning Support Center offers FREE tutoring for students in many of PVCC's academic classes. Other services include workshops for calculators, grammar, and study skills; English conversation groups; study rooms; and resources, including handouts, science models, and Rosetta Stone. The LSC houses a math center, writing center, math lab, language lab, and tutoring areas. We support learning to help students achieve their potential. Stop by and let us help! LIBRARY http://www.paradisevalley.edu/library/ The Library offers a fun learning environment with helpful, skilled librarians and staff, and a wide range of services and resources. Stop by to study in one of our study rooms or at a group table, or relax by our leisure reading collection or order a pizza and share it with your fellow students. Computers and laptops are available to write your paper or to access our many online resources. Your student ID card (issued by the Office of Student Life and Leadership) is required to check out library materials, print, copy, or scan, free access to the wireless network and to remotely access the library s databases/e-resources. MALE EMPOWERMENT NETWORK (M.E.N.) PROGRAM http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/lss/menprogram/ The Male Empowerment Network Program is designed to improve enrollment, retention and degree completion/transfer rates of male students of various backgrounds by providing a multi-faceted approach that promotes personal and professional development, encourages academic achievement, and provides support for them to enroll in college, stay in college, graduate and achieve their goals. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT http://www.paradisevalley.edu/safety Public Safety provides safety measures to all persons and property on campus. In the event of an emergency, the Public Safety Office should be notified immediately by calling 7-7911 from our campus house phones located in the halls of each building or by using one of the emergency phones located in the parking lot. All other non-emergency calls dial 7-7900. If calling from an off campus phone or a cell phone, you will need to dial 602-787-7900. Public Safety does have law enforcement authority, represents the administration of PVCC, and have the authority on campus to carry out actions that ensure the safety and well being of all persons on campus. Public Safety Police Officers are State certified by the Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training Board (AZPOST), and are empowered
by state law with the same authority as any other state, county or municipal police officer, including arrest and investigative powers. Public Safety Aides are empowered by the Interference with Peaceful Conduct of Educational Institutions legislation as written in the Arizona Revised Statutes 13-2911 and the Arizona Community College State Board Regulation R71-51. Incidents that involve felony crimes are reported to the Phoenix Police Department and are included in an annual report to the campus community in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Police ad Campus Crime Statistics Act. Crime Statistics may be obtained at the Public Safety website at www.pvc.maricopa.edu/safety/awareness.php#stats Services: Lost and Found (items stored for 30 days then disposed) First-Aid Safety escort service PUMA PRESS http://www.paradisevalley.edu/puma/ The Puma Press is the student newspaper of Paradise Valley Community College. The newspaper showcases student reports and features, highlighting campus life and contemporary issues. Its oncampus production, under the guidance of a faculty adviser, allows students maximum involvement in the design and composition of each page. To contribute to the Puma Press, students may join the Puma Press Club or enroll in journalism classes. Staff opportunities include reporting, editing, photography, graphic layout, broadcast production and Web page development. All students are welcome. STUDENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT http://www.paradisevalley.edu/studentdev/ The Office of Student Development is committed to maximizing student access, ensuring the successful transition for new to college students, and creating opportunities for student learning, retention and success. Through collaboration with our community and campus partners, we provide programs and services that support and empower the diverse students we serve to become active and engaged learners. We accomplish this through the following programs and services: Ace Program Dual Enrollment ESL Support Services (Se Habla Espanol) Early College Program Hoop of Learning istartsmart New Student Orientation Orientation Leader/ Ambassadors Program STUDENT LIFE & LEADERSHIP http://www.paradisevalley.edu/studentlife/ The Student Life & Leadership Office motivates and inspires students to become involved in college and community life, and achieve their educational and personal goals. Through leadership development
programs, community service opportunities, and club involvement, the Office of Student Life and Leadership is where students will "Be Involved, Be Inspired, and Make a Difference." You can now get your Student ID s and Campus Parking Decals in the Student Life Office. VETERAN SERVICES http://www.paradisevalley.edu/veterans/ PVCC provides on-campus services for all eligible veterans and eligible veteran's dependents. Services for veterans are embedded within the Admissions and Records area, providing forms and assistance to apply and maintain compliance for Veterans Administration educational benefits. Students eligible for educational benefits from the Veterans Administration must fill out a Veterans Benefits Request Form available at the counter each semester. This includes new, former, and continuing students.
MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION GOVERNING BOARD Mr. Doyle W. Burke, President Mr. Randolph Lumm, Member Mr. Dana G. Saar, Secretary Mr. Ben Miranda, Member Mrs. Debra Pearson, Member CHANCELLOR Dr. Rufus Glasper VICE CHANCELLORS Dr. Maria Harper-Marinick Mr. George Kahkedjian Dr. Steven Helfgot Ms. Debra Thompson COLLEGE PRESIDENTS Chandler-Gilbert Community College Dr. Linda Lujan Paradise Valley Community College Dr. Paul Dale Estrella Mountain Community College Dr. Ernie Lara Gateway Community College Dr. Steven Gonzales Glendale Community College Dr. Irene Kovala Mesa Community College Dr. Shouan Pan Phoenix College Dr. Anna Solley Rio Salado College Dr. Chris Bustamante Scottsdale Community College Dr. Jan Gehler South Mountain Community College Dr. Shari Olson
MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS The following are a portion of the Administrative Regulations used in managing the day-to-day operations of the Maricopa Community College District (MCCD) and are subject to change. Administrative Regulations are amended, adopted or deleted as necessary and are subject to a formal approval process. Administrative Regulations are referenced as AR followed by a regulation number, which corresponds with the regulations on the MCCD web site http://www.dist.maricopa.edu/gvpolicy/adminregs/adminregs_toc.htm Some regulations include reference to Arizona Revised Statutes from the State of Arizona and are noted as A.R.S. followed by the reference number. For further information on Governing Board Policies, visit: www.dist.maricopa.edu/gvbd/policies.htm For a complete listing of the MCCD Administrative Regulations, visit: www.dist.maricopa.edu/gvpolicy/adminregs/adminregs_toc.htm These websites provide readers with information related to administrative regulations; drafts of proposed regulations that employees of the Maricopa Community Colleges are invited to comment upon; and recently adopted regulations. Only a partial section of these regulations are printed in this handbook for reference. Please note the complete listing of Administrative Regulations listed below as found on the Governing Board web site. SECTION 1 - FISCAL MANAGEMENT External Funds Financial Stability Prior Year Obligations Surplus Property Disposal Use of College Facilities Authority to Assess Fines Acceptance of Public Gifts - Personal or Real Property Current Auxiliary Funds (Fund 2) Budgets Procurement of Goods and Services Budget Transfers for Current Unrestricted Fund 1 Off Premise Property Loan Sale of Products or Services Internal Audit Capital Development Project Travel Official Functions Cash Handling Gifts, Gratuities and Unrelated Compensation Delegation of Authority for Grants Underwriting Activities for District- Sponsored Radio Stations SECTION 2 - STUDENTS Academic Calendars General Regulation Admission/Registration/Enrollment Scholastic Standards College Environment Students Rights and Responsibilities Hazing Prevention Regulation Sign Language Interpreter Students with Disabilities Veterans Services Parking and Traffic
SECTION 3 - INSTRUCTION Field Studies Copyright Regulations Academic Advising Taping of Faculty Lectures Course Substitution for Students with Documented Disabilities Distribution of Course Syllabus Enrollment Irregularities MCCCD Institutional Review Board Domesticated Animals on Campus SECTION 4 - AUXILIARY SERVICES Maricopa Emergency Management System Employee Safety and Health Program Electronic Communications Technology Resource Standards Computer Software Weapons Policy Security Regulation Art in Public Places Commemorative and Dedication Plaques on Buildings Naming of Facilities and Academic Entities Distribution of Commercial Products Smoke-Free/Tobacco-Free Environment Alcoholic Beverage - Usage Regulation Motor Vehicle Usage Retrieval, Disclosure and Retention of Records Maricopa Integrated Risk Assessment Voluntary Payroll Deduction Consensual Relationships Use of MCCCD Marks Social Media Breathe Easy Tobacco Free Smoke Free SECTION 5 - NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY Maricopa County Community College District (Maricopa) Maricopa EEO Policy EEO Policy Statement EEO Clause Use of the EEO Policy Statement or EEO Clause Policy Statement Declaration Notice of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Sexual Harassment Policy for Employees and Students Examples of Policy Violations Additional Policy Violations Responsibility for Policy Enforcement Complaints Confidentiality Violation of Law False Statements Prohibited Retaliation Prohibited VISION A Community of Colleges - Colleges for the Community - working collectively and responsibly to meet the life-long learning needs of our diverse students and communities. MISSION The Maricopa Community Colleges provide access to higher education for diverse students and communities. We focus on learning through:
University Transfer Education, General Education, Developmental Education, Workforce Development, Student Development Services, Continuing Education, Community Education, Civic Responsibility, and Global Engagement. VALUES The Maricopa Community Colleges are committed to: Community We value all people our students, our employees, their families, and the communities in which they live and work. We value our global community of which we are an integral part. Excellence We value excellence and encourage our internal and external communities to strive for their academic, professional and personal best. Honesty and integrity We value academic and personal honesty and integrity and believe these elements are essential in our learning environment. We strive to treat each other with respect, civility and fairness. Inclusiveness We value inclusiveness and respect for one another. We believe that team work is critical, that each team member is important and we depend on each other to accomplish our mission. Innovation We value and embrace an innovative and risk-taking approach so that we remain at the forefront of global educational excellence. Learning We value lifelong learning opportunities that respond to the needs of our communities and are accessible, affordable, and of the highest quality. We encourage dialogue and the freedom to have an open exchange of ideas for the common good. Responsibility We value responsibility and believe that we are each accountable for our personal and professional actions. We are responsible for making our learning experiences significant and meaningful. Stewardship We value stewardship and honor the trust placed in us by the community. We are accountable to our communities for the efficient and effective use of resources as we prepare our students for their role as productive world citizens. General Statement (AR 2.4.1) The Maricopa Community Colleges are dedicated to providing a healthy, comfortable and educationally productive environment for students, employees and visitors. Nondiscrimination Policy (AR 2.4.2) It is the policy of the Maricopa Community Colleges (consisting of Chandler- Gilbert Community College, the District Office, Estrella Mountain Community College, GateWay Community College, Glendale Community College, Maricopa Skill Center, Southwest Skill Center, Mesa Community College, Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix College, Rio Salado Community College, Scottsdale Community College, and South Mountain Community College) to promote equal employment opportunities through a positive continuing program. This means that Maricopa will not discriminate, nor tolerate discrimination, against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status (including document abuse), age, disability, veteran status or genetic information.
Additionally, it is the policy of the Maricopa Community Colleges to provide an environment for each job applicant and employee that is free from sexual harassment, as well as harassment and intimidation on account of an individual's race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status (including document abuse), age, disability, veteran status or genetic information. This nondiscrimination policy covers all aspects of the employment relationship and admission to, access to, and treatment of students in the Maricopa Community Colleges programs and activities including vocational education. This policy also prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in the admission and treatment of students in the Maricopa Community Colleges programs and activities and in the hiring, treatment, promotion, evaluation, and termination of employees. Discrimination Complaint Procedures for Students This procedure provides a means for resolving complaints by students who believe they have been adversely affected by illegal or prohibited discrimination by the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD), a member college or center, or their students or employees. Complaints may be brought under this procedure for discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, Vietnam-era veteran status, and physical or mental disability. The entire college community should act promptly upon receipt of an allegation of conduct that might constitute discrimination. Any member of the college community should refer a person who might be a victim of such conduct to these procedures, as well as to the college officials responsible for conducting an investigation pursuant to these procedures. Students who believe they are experiencing sexual harassment may utilize the Report process (as described below) in addition to the Informal and Formal Resolution processes. All deadlines prescribed for Report, Informal Resolution and Formal Resolution processes may be extended by the Vice President of Student Affairs for good reason, such as (but not limited to) when classes are not in session or upon mutual agreement by the parties. Notwithstanding any deadline extension, college officials should take all necessary steps to ensure prompt and equitable resolution of any complaint of discrimination. Information related to MCCCD's Discrimination Complaint Procedure for Students is also available from the Office of General Counsel at 480-731-8876. Informal Resolution of Discrimination Complaints Before filing a formal complaint under this procedure, a student may attempt to resolve the problem through informal discussions with the person claimed to have engaged in discriminatory conduct and that person's supervisor or department head. The student may choose to ask the Vice President of Student Affairs to assist in the informal resolution process. The Vice President of Student Affairs may designate an employee to provide such assistance. The Vice President of Student Affairs may modify or reject an informal resolution of a complaint of discriminatory conduct under this process if, in the judgment of the Vice President, the resolution that is proposed is not in the best interests of both the student and the institution. The Vice President shall take such action no later than fifteen (15) calendar days after receiving notice of the informal resolution. Attempts to informally resolve alleged discrimination should occur within ninety (90) calendar days of the most recent alleged discriminatory act. The college official responsible for this informal resolution process should ensure that the process is concluded promptly. For complaints dealing with alleged discrimination beyond the 90-day timeframe, a student must submit a written complaint under the formal resolution procedure of this policy.
If the complaint cannot be informally resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant, the complainant has the right to file a written complaint within 300 days of the most recent alleged discriminatory act and to proceed under formal resolution procedures. Formal Resolution of Discrimination Complaints A student who contends that unlawful or MCCCD-prohibited discrimination has occurred may file a formal complaint by contacting the Vice President of Student Affairs at each respective college or center. The Vice President of Student Affairs will accept complaint filings within 300 calendar days of the most recent occurrence of the alleged discriminatory act. A complaint must be signed by the student and filed on the form prescribed by the Office of General Counsel. A student may also contact the Office of General Counsel to obtain the name and phone number of the college or center official designated to respond to discrimination complaints. The complaint must identify the action, decision, conduct, or other basis that constituted an alleged act or practice of unlawful or MCCCD-prohibited discrimination. The complaint must also allege that the action, decision, or occurrence was taken or based on the complainant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age disability, Vietnam-era veteran status, or any other unlawful discriminatory grounds. Upon receipt of a complaint, the Vice President of Student Affairs will notify the college president or provost and the Office of General Counsel. The Office of General Counsel will assign a case number to the complaint. A copy of the complaint will be shared with the respondent within five (5) working days of receipt by the Vice President of Student Affairs Respondent will be put on notice that retaliation against the complainant or potential witnesses will not be tolerated and that an investigation will be conducted. Respondent must provide a written response to the complaint within fifteen (15) calendar days of his or her receipt of the complaint. After accepting a complaint, the Vice President of Student Affairs will designate a complaint investigator to conduct a fact-finding investigation, which will include, at a minimum, a review of written evidence (including the complaint and response), and interviews with appropriate employees and students. The Vice President of Student Affairs may serve as complaint investigator. The complaint investigator shall promptly complete the investigation and deliver to the Vice President of Student Affairs the investigator s written findings and the results of the investigation, including summaries of all interviews and all documents received as part of the investigation. In no event shall this occur later than ninety (90) calendar days following receipt of the complaint. Within ten (10) working days following receipt of the results of the investigation from the complaint investigator, the Vice President of Student Affairs will submit to the President or Provost the investigator's written findings and the Vice President's recommendations as to the disposition of the complaint. The president or provost will accept, reject, or modify the recommendations and will provide a written notification of his or her action to the complainant and respondent within fifteen (15) calendar days of receiving the written findings and recommendations from the Vice President of Student Affairs. When the investigation confirms the allegations, appropriate corrective action will be taken. Evidence which is collateral to the allegations of discrimination and/or sexual harassment and which was obtained during an investigation may be used in subsequent grievance or disciplinary procedures. MCCCD Administrative Review Process: Request for Reconsideration A complainant or respondent who is not satisfied with the decision of the president or provost has ten (10) working days to request, in writing,