Hesston College Student Life Handbook--Policies and Standards

Policies and Standards

Quick Links: Hesston College Graduation Rates, Access to Student Records, Accessibility Notice, Notice of Nondiscrimination, Notice for Students with Disabilities, Title IX and Section 504 Grievance Procedures, Student Complaint Policy, Appeal Procedure, Early Arrival Policy, Classroom Behavior Expectations, Drug and Alcohol Policy, Student Sexual Harrassment Policy, Crime Awareness and Campus Security Information, Hesston College Crime Statistics

Hesston College Graduation Rates

The Student Right-to-Know Act, PL 101-542, requires that institutions publish graduation rates. The rates are to be based on new freshmen entering an institution as first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students and graduating within 1.5 times the normal time for their program. The graduation rate for those entering Hesston College in the fall of 2004 and graduating within three years was 59 percent. The average rate over the last five reporting periods is 68 percent.

Access to Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), commonly known as the “Buckley Amendment,” seeks to ensure the privacy of your educational records. The act grants you the right to: 1) inspect and review your education records, 2) seek to amend your education records and 3) have some control over the disclosure of information from your education records. The act applies to all institutions that receive funds under any program administered by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

What are educational records?

Education records are data or records, in any form or medium, which are maintained by personnel of the college which are directly related to you and which may be shared with, or are accessible to, another individual. Education records include, but are not limited to, academic evaluations, student examination papers, transcripts, test scores, counseling and advising records, disciplinary records, financial aid records, student loan collection records, and student financial statements. Some records that do not fit this definition include: an instructor’s “desk notes,” student life records that relate to law enforcement, medical records, employment records, and alumni records.

Can I inspect my records?

You have the right to inspect your educational records with these exceptions:

Your parents’ financial statement(s).
Letters and statements of recommendation for which you waived your right of access.
Any records containing information on several students, in which case you may inspect only that part that pertains to you.
Any other records which are excluded from the FERPA definition of educational records.

You may inspect your educational records by contacting the office where they are stored. The custodian (keeper) of the record has the right to ask you to submit a written request, though that is often not necessary. By law, you must be given access to the requested record within 45 days of the receipt of your request. But typically you will be able to see it within a much shorter time if not immediately. The college may not destroy any record for which a request for access is pending.

What can I do if I think my records are incorrect?

Follow this procedure to seek to change your record:

Contact the custodian of the record in question. Identify in writing the part of the record that you want changed. Specify why you believe the record is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of your rights.
The custodian will review your request. If the request is granted, you will be notified and a statement correcting the information will be added to your record. The statement will be treated in all respects as a part of your record.
If your request is denied, you will be notified of the decision and the reason. You will also be informed that you have the right to follow the college’s grievance policy to challenge the custodian’s decision.
If, after a hearing, the decision is still not to amend your record, you have the right to insert a statement in the record even though the record itself has not been changed.

What is “directory information” at Hesston College?

Directory information is limited to items which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. “Directory Information” is defined by the college to include the following: student name, names of parents or spouse, local and permanent addresses, local and permanent telephone numbers, e-mail address, birth month and day, program of study, classification, current enrollment status and number of hours carried, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees earned and dates of degrees, awards received, most recent previous school attended, and photo image. Directory information cannot include a social security number, a student ID number, race/ethnicity, or gender.

Can I restrict the release of information about me?

At the beginning of each fall semester (or any other term in which you begin), you will be reminded of your rights under FERPA. You will have the opportunity to ask that certain of the kinds of information defined as “directory information” not be disclosed without your consent. To prevent such disclosure, you must notify the Registrar’s Office in writing by the end of the fifth day of classes. The request will be honored for one academic year or until you cease to be enrolled, whichever comes first. Directory information which cannot be restricted after you are no longer enrolled includes your name, degrees earned, and dates of attendance.

Is information about me ever released without my consent?

Information may be released without your consent in situations such as the following:

To college personnel who have a legitimate educational interest in you. College personnel include administrators, faculty, staff, a student employed or asked to serve on an institutional committee, and persons under contract to the college such as an attorney or auditor. To claim legitimate educational interest, the personnel must be in a position such that information from your record is needed to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities.
To certain officials of the federal, state, and local governments, to loan providers, and others where required by law.
To organizations or individuals conducting research on behalf of the college, provided that the studies are conducted in a manner which will not permit personal identification of you and your parents by persons other than those doing the research and that all records of a personal nature are destroyed when the study is completed.
To your parents if they claim you as a dependent for income tax purposes.
To comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena provided the college is within the jurisdiction of the agency. In such cases, the college will make reasonable efforts to notify you before the information is released.
To accrediting organizations in order to carry out their accrediting function.
To appropriate parties as necessary to ensure your health and safety and that of others.
To an alleged victim of a crime of violence, notifying them of the results of any institutional disciplinary proceeding against the alleged perpetrator with respect to that crime.

Where can I file a complaint if I feel that the college has violated my rights?

Complaints may be filed with
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-5920

Accessibility Notice

Although certain facilities are not fully physically accessible to handicapped persons, Hesston College will take such means as are necessary to ensure that no qualified handicapped person is denied the benefits of, or participation in, college life and events. Because scheduling of classes and arranging housing in accessible facilities may require reasonable advance planning, handicapped students accepted for admission should identify themselves prior to the start of the semester of admission and indicate the nature of accommodation that they need.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Applicants for admission and employment, students, parents, employees, sources of referral for applicants for admission and employment, are hereby notified that this institution does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap, in admission, or access to, or treatment, or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning Hesston College’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, or Section 504, is directed to contact the vice president of finance and auxiliary services in the Business Office, second floor, Alliman Administration Center, phone: 620-327-8217, who has been designated by Hesston College to coordinate the college’s efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504. Any person may also contact the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, regarding the college’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, or Section 504.

Notice for Students with Disabilities

According to the law, Hesston College must ensure access to all students by providing accommodations for students with disabilities. This may include attention issues, learning disabilities, and mental or physical limitations. Providing documentation from a licensed professional enables those students to receive appropriate accommodations to support their success. Students are encouraged to share information and documentation with Disability Services Coordinator Deb Roth, 620-327-8239. Her office is located in the ACCESS Lab in Smith Center.

Title IX and Section 504 Grievance Procedures

The following policies and procedures are established in order to assist in the fair resolution of student grievances.

Definitions

Grievance—

a claim by a Hesston College student that a violation of Title IX or Section 504 regulations has occurred involving sex discrimination or discrimination on the basis of handicap

Grievant—

the person making the claim
Procedures

A grievance must be officially filed in writing within one week of the event with a description of the circumstance and an explanation of why it was deemed discriminatory. Each subsequent step must occur within the specified time unless there is a mutually agreed upon extension. After the specified time,

i) if the grievant has not pursued the matter, the grievance will be deemed to be settled.

ii) if the supervisor or committee has not responded, the grievant may proceed to the next level in the process.

Level One—: After the occurrence of the event which is the basis of the grievance, the grievant shall within one week make an appointment with and discuss the grievance with his or her resident director or the vice president of student life. Every effort will be made to resolve the matter at this informal level. The resident director or the vice president of student life must respond to the grievant within one week of the appointment.
Level Two—: If the grievant is not satisfied with the outcome of Level One, he or she may, within one week after the completion of Level One, submit the written statement to the Student Development Committee by way of the vice president of student life.
The committee must respond within two weeks of receiving the written statement. During this time, the committee may engage in fact finding and consultation to determine the appropriate response.
Level Three—: If the grievant is not satisfied with the outcome of Level Two, he or she may within one week after completion of Level Two submit the written grievance to the Director of Title IX and Section 504 or the disabilities services coordinator who will chair a three person Grievance Committee composed of Hesston College employees appointed by the president for the sake of reviewing the case. The Grievance Committee shall consider all relevant evidence and may request individuals to testify before the committee. Within three weeks of receipt of the written statement, the Grievance Committee shall determine what action, if any, should be taken to resolve the grievance. The decision of this committee will be final and will be given in writing to the grievant.

Student Complaint Policy

Students are encouraged to resolve the problem directly if possible.
If the problem is not resolved, the student should contact his or her resident director, the vice president of student life, or the vice president of academics.
If the problem remains unresolved, the student should file a written complaint with the president of Hesston College.

Appeal Procedure

A student is guaranteed the right to appeal decisions regarding his or her academic record or status if the decision was unreasonably disproportionate to the infraction, policies and procedures that affect the student's right to receive a fair decision were not followed, the decision was not supported by evidence, or new evidence has become available. A formal appeal should be submitted in writing to the Academic Dean. Concerns about grades or other course related issues should be discussed first with the instructor or department involved.

Early Arrival Policy

Hesston College students participating in athletics, music, or aviation may be required to report for training no earlier than when the dorms are officially open to early arrivals. Students must be allowed to fully participate in opening weekend activities such as student orientation, convocation, and Mod Olympics.

Classroom Behavior Expectations

Believing that the classroom is a place for respect, discussion, and learning, the Hesston College faculty have articulated the following expectations for this setting:

While Hesston College encourages expression of ideas and convictions, the expectation is that this will be done in a manner in keeping with the mission of Hesston College.
Students as well as faculty should exemplify respect for one another.
Maintenance of an environment conducive to learning is the responsibility of all.
Faculty may respond to any classroom disruptions by requiring the student to leave the class pending discussion and resolution of the concern. An appointment may be scheduled with the faculty member and the vice president of academics or the vice president of student life in the event resolution is not attained.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

It is the policy of Hesston College to maintain for students an environment that is free from illegal drugs and alcohol. The possession or the use of alcohol or the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of any illegal drugs or unlawfully obtained controlled substances by students, in whatever setting owned or operated by Hesston College (including personal vehicles used in the conduct of official business) is prohibited. Violation of the spirit and/or substance of this policy may result in discharge.
Students shall receive annual distribution in writing of:

Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs or alcohol on Hesston College’s property or as part of any of its activities;
A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol;
A description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, or reentry program that is available; and
A clear statement that the institution will impose disciplinary sanctions on students (consistent with local, state, and federal laws) and a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion and referral for violations of the standards of conduct outlined in item A of this section. A disciplinary sanction may include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program.

Students who violate the terms of this policy may be reported to the appropriate law enforcement officials and will be subject to the following sanctions:

Placement on Lifestyle Accountability and Support status;
Temporary suspension from classes and activities;
Suspension for a semester from classes and activities;
Expulsion;
Fine of $100.

Students subject to these penalties will be afforded all due process rights to which they are entitled by law or under current policies affecting student discipline. In addition to the above sanctions, a student may be required to meet with a campus counselor. In lieu of suspension or expulsion, a student may be required to complete a drug or alcohol abuse education or treatment program as a condition of continued enrollment. The cost of completing such a program will be the responsibility of the student.
This program will be reviewed biennially by the vice president of student life to determine the program’s effectiveness, to implement changes where necessary, and to ensure that the required disciplinary sanctions are being enforced consistently.

Student Sexual Harrassment Policy

      Hesston College is committed to providing an academic environment that will foster excellence. Because sexual harassment violates the trust and respect necessary for the preservation of an environment of excellence, and because sexual harassment is a form of discrimination, any act of sexual harassment is specifically prohibited. (Note that policies and procedures are under continual review. Contact the vice president of student life for additions to this policy.)
      This policy has two purposes: 1) to insure that no student sexually harasses another, and 2) to make clear to the campus community that sexual harassment is a violation of the law (Sec. 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, Title IX Education Amendment of 1972) and will not be tolerated by the college, its administrators, or its Board of Overseers. This policy is not in place to regulate students’ personal lives or to interfere with their social relationships.
      The term “sexual harassment” applies to “unwelcome” sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct. To avoid situations in which one could be accused of sexual harassment, one should avoid all such conduct. Unwelcome comments, gestures, or physical contact which are experienced by the recipient as either unwanted sexual advances or demeaning to his or her gender or sexuality effectively create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive study or work environment. Such offensive conduct prohibits the establishment of an environment that is free of discrimination.
      Hesston College wishes to establish an environment in which the following conditions are specifically prohibited:

The necessity for individuals to submit to unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature made either explicitly or implicitly as a term or condition of an individual’s employment or education.
Submission to or rejection of unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature are used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting an individual.
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which affect an individual’s work or academic performance.

This prohibition against sexual harassment applies equally to co-workers, supervisory personnel, and to non-employees admitted to college premises. Violation of this policy or the Hesston College Policy Statement on Sexual Harassment will result in disciplinary action.

Formal and Informal Responses to Sexual Harassment.
If appropriate or whenever possible, the recipient should make clear to the offending party that the behavior in question is offensive. If the offensive behavior continues, the recipient should report the incident(s) by filing a complaint with the vice president of student life. The vice president of student life will then report the incident(s) to the Student Development Committee. In the case that the vice president of student life is the recipient or the offending party, the recipient should file his or her complaint with the Student Development Committee.
The vice president of student life or Student Development Committee (whomever the recipient files the complaint with) shall give immediate attention to any such complaint. Upon receiving a complaint of sexual harassment, the Student Development Committee shall interview the complainant and investigate the complaint fully. Such an investigation shall include interviews with all parties and witnesses named in the complaint. If the investigation reveals that the complaint is valid, the Student Development Committee shall take such disciplinary action as is appropriate to immediately stop such harassment and prevent its recurrence.

Crime Awareness and Campus Security Information

In compliance with PL 101-542 as amended by PL 102-26, Hesston College offers the following policy and procedural information, and statistics for crime on this campus.

I. REPORTING OF CRIMES/CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES AND OTHER EMERGENCIES ON CAMPUS

Hesston College has four layers of organization set up to manage campus, handle emergencies, and respond to any campus security concerns.

A. Resident Assistants: Hesston’s dorms are divided into units of 10 to 16 students. Each of these units, or “mods,” is headed up by a student leader, referred to as the RA, who is responsible to provide supervision for that area of the dorm and for the students in that unit.
B. Resident Directors: Hesston College employs four adult staff persons as resident directors. These persons live in the dorms and are prepared to give adult supervision and direction for any emergency situation.
C. Vice President of Student Life: The vice president of student life has the responsibility for the supervision and training of the RAs and RDs, including making sure that they know how to respond to emergency or crisis situations and/or to incidents in which there may be criminal activity.

All students are encouraged to take ownership in helping to make the campus safe, and are encouraged to use the 911 emergency number whenever needed.

II. SECURITY FOR CAMPUS FACILITIES

Residential Buildings.: All rooms in the dorms are secured by lock and key, and all students are encouraged to be very careful about keeping their rooms locked when they are not there.
The women’s residences are further secured by locking the access doors into their residential areas at midnight. The students living in the secured areas have access through the secured doors by use of their room keys.
All Other Buildings.: Hesston College has an employee who is responsible for checking and locking up campus buildings each night. As this person checks the buildings, he or she also is alert to any other problems or potential problems he or she might observe such as finding unfamiliar person(s) on campus.

Hesston College’s campus lighting system makes Hesston’s campus a much safer place at night by making it possible for people to move around the campus without having to go through areas that are dark.
It is the college’s policy to call the police if there is someone on campus who does not belong here or who represents a threat either to students or to facilities. Hesston College has an excellent relationship with the local police force. Hesston police have been both very responsive and very cooperative in dealing with campus security issues.

III. CAMPUS LAW ENFORCEMENT

Hesston College has a small campus located in a small community, and at this point it is not necessary for the college to employ its own campus law enforcement personnel. As indicated above, the college works closely with local city police staff, and is satisfied with the excellent coverage provided by the local police. They are fully cooperative in supporting college policies and programs, and the college in turn does all it can to support their work.
In light of the fact that there is no campus security force, the responsibility for campus security rests with the vice president of student life and his or her staff.

IV. EMERGENCIES: HOW TO RESPOND

The following guidelines apply to emergency conditions on campus. It is not possible to establish procedures for every conceivable type of emergency, but these guidelines can be used for any similar emergency or hazardous situation. Please review them frequently so you will be prepared in an emergency.

Fire Alarm—: If you hear a fire alarm, leave the building immediately via the stairways. Cooperate with all staff members and other authorities. Do not reenter the building until you are given permission to do so.
Bomb Threats—: Notify the police and residence staff immediately if you receive a bomb threat. You will be notified as to whether or not the building will be evacuated.
Medical Emergencies—: For any situation requiring emergency medical assistance on campus, call the Rescue Squad at 911. Notify your resident director immediately.
Physical Facilities—: If you observe what you consider to be a hazardous condition in your dorm, notify your resident assistant, assistant resident director, or resident director.

Medical assistance

call Mid Kansas Family Practice, 327-2440
visit or call the emergency room at Newton Medical Center 316-283-2700
600 Medical Center Drive, Newton, KS 67114

File a report with the police

Hesston Police Department, 327-2020
non-emergency number, Lamar Roth, 327-8236 or
620-217-9258

Counseling Services

Campus Counselor, Molly Simmering, 8238
Counselor, Tony Brown, 8285
Prairie View Inc., Newton 800-362-0180

Hesston College Crime Statistics

Hesston College •
325 S. College Dr., Box 3000, Hesston, KS 67062 •
800-995-2757