Student Handbook

AIDS and HIV Attendance  Campus Security Policy Children On Campus Mental Health Counseling Services Notices NWF Website Parking and Traffic Regulations Policy Formulation Public Information Posting, Circulating and Exhibiting Information RaiderNet Religious Observance by Students Service Animals	Student Code of Conduct Student Email Accounts Student Fundraising Student’s Guide to Reporting Harassment Student Grievance Procedures Student Ombudsman Student Publications Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act Student Traffic Court Substance Abuse Policy Summary of Reported Crimes on Campus Tobacco Use Policy

Notice of Equal Access / Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination

Northwest Florida State College is dedicated to the concepts of equity and equal opportunity. It is the specific intention of the college not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, ethnicity, disability, marital status, national origin, race, pregnancy, religion, genetic information, or gender, in its employment practices or in the admission and treatment of students in its programs or activities. 

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. ss1681) is an all-encompassing federal law that prohibits discrimination based on the sex of students, employees, and third parties when appropriate, of educational institutions which receive federal financial assistance. Sexual harassment of students, which includes acts of sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Northwest Florida State College complies with all aspects of this and other federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. 

Anyone with questions about compliance or a complaint regarding harassment or discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence of Title IX, should contact the College’s Equity Coordinator using the following contact information: 

The college environment is an open intellectual forum where varying opinions may be freely expressed and fairly debated. Each member of the college is expected to participate seriously and purposefully in college life. While the freedom to express ideas and beliefs will be respected, conduct and behavior that result in the defacement of property, intimidation of others, or the disruption of any college activity will not be tolerated or permitted and will be subject to disciplinary action. Instructors explain classroom requirements, and students are expected to assume full responsibility for their own actions.

College Accreditation

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Northwest Florida State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Northwest Florida State College. 

NWF State College Website

The Northwest Florida State College website is located at www.nwfsc.edu. The website provides access to College information such as admission, registration, financial aid, bookstore, Raider life, academic resources, instructor websites and more.

Costs and Refunds

These fees are subject to change by the Florida Legislature and the Board of Trustees based on the June 2018 Board Meeting. Current fees are available from the College Business Office and are published in the class schedule. These fees apply whenever applicable, except: (1) for courses in which complimentary instructional services or equivalent program costs are provided by appropriate persons, agencies or organizations; or (2) when specifically waived by the Board of Trustees. Active Duty Military and their dependents pay only Florida Resident, in-state fees, see the residency portion of the catalog. The fees listed below are for the 2015-2016 academic year.

Fees Subject to Change by Action of the Florida Legislature and the NWF State College Board of Trustees without notice. 

Laboratory and Special Tuition Fees exist to cover unique costs related to a given course. The amount is determined course-by-course and is based on the instructional costs for each. A fee schedule is on file in the Business Office and is printed in the class schedule each session.

Full Cost of Instruction for Third Attempt

College credit and developmental course enrollments beginning with the third attempt in the same course pay the full cost of instruction (based on action by the Florida Legislature).

Refunds

You can receive a full 100% refund up to and during the schedule adjustment period for the term. Refund checks will only be issued for $1.00 or more. Refunds less than $1.00 will be paid in cash at the Business Office on the Niceville Campus.

You may request a full refund after the schedule adjustment period by completing the refund request form found below. Only the following refund requests are considered valid and will be approved: Serious illness, military orders, death of the student or student’s immediate family, circumstances beyond the student’s control, or administrative college error. Refunds are NOT authorized for changes in work schedules or for enrollment status changes due to illegal activities. Refund requests must be submitted before the midterm and may only apply to the current semester. Drop off your completed refund request form to the Executive Director of Records and Enrollment, or email it to linards@nwfsc.edu.

The refund request process may take up to 10 business days.  You will be notified of the disposition via your college email account.

Grades

Grades are awarded in all college, vocational, and developmental courses, as well as in certain non-credit courses. NWFSC maintains permanent records for all students registering for courses. A cumulative record of the student’s grades appears on the transcript. Letter grades are assigned according to the grades table shown later in the section of the catalog.

Because the awarding of course grades is the responsibility of the instructor, it is essential that faculty members keep students informed of their progress in each course by providing students regular and timely feedback. A student has a right to a course grade that represents the instructor’s professional judgment of the student’s performance in the course, without personal prejudice. An instructor has a right to expect that the work presented for evaluation or submitted as classroom projects is that of the student acting alone without benefit of any aids or practices that are generally considered academically dishonest.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

The student’s permanent record also contains grade point average (GPA) calculations. The student’s GPA is used in determining academic standing, graduation readiness, eligibility for the President’s and Dean’s Lists, and in other academically related decisions. Your semester grade point average represents the average of your grades for only one semester. Your cumulative grade point average represents the average of the grades of all courses you have taken at NWFSC. Only grades for courses at 1000 level or above are used to compute GPA for graduation.

To determine the grade point average, multiply the number of quality points for each grade received by the number of Credit hours for that course. Then divide the total number of quality points by the total number of Credit Hours attempted excluding courses with W, I, and Audit grades. A GPA calculator is available on RaiderNet.

Credit hours pursued is defined as those credits in which a grade of A-F has been awarded. Grades of S, P, U, I, V, N, W, and X, do not carry grade quality points. In general, credits for these grades do not count in hours pursued. However, in certain other circumstances, such as determination of repeat enrollments, and in computation of certain specialized GPA’s, credits which carry these grades may be included in the GPA computation.

Incomplete Grades

At the instructor’s discretion, a grade of “I” may be given when a student is unable to complete the required work because of clearly documented extenuating circumstances and if the student has demonstrated through successful completion of a significant portion of the course requirement that he/she has a reasonable chance of making a passing grade. The instructor files with the department chair, and with the student concerned, an outline of the work that must be completed, including an estimate of the student’s grade standing for work already completed during the term. Work for the removal of the “I” must be completed prior to the LAST CLASS DAY in the next 16-week term immediately following except where course requirements mandate otherwise. Students completing course work to remove the “I” must do so outside the regular classroom setting. The grade will revert to an “F” on the official transcript if not removed by that time. A student will not be permitted to re-enroll in a course which he/she has an outstanding grade of “I” or for a class that has that course as a prerequisite.

In extraordinary circumstances, a deferred incomplete grade of “V” may be awarded when approved absences preclude satisfactory course completion by the end of the next 16-week term of enrollment.

Repeating Courses

Repeating a Course to Improve the Grade

If a student receives a grade of D, F, W, or U in a college credit, vocational or developmental course, he/she may repeat the course to improve the grade. Students are permitted a maximum of two enrollment attempts in such courses. A third and fourth attempt may be allowed only through an academic appeal process based on major extenuating circumstances. Any attempt to enroll in a course for a third/fourth attempt should be directed to the Registrar. On the third attempt, and any subsequent attempts, the student will be awarded the letter grade earned (A, B, C, D, F, S, U, or P) and will not be allowed to withdraw from the course. If a course withdrawal (drop) is processed prior to the close of the schedule adjustment period, or if audit status is declared prior to the end of the schedule adjustment period, the enrollment will not count as one of the attempts. Once a student has successfully completed a course (received a grade of A, B, C,) he/she will not be permitted to repeat the course. In certain special or compelling circumstances, it may be possible to re-enroll after successful completion, but advance written approval must be obtained from the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Such circumstances include, for example, NWFSC program requirements, teacher recertification, license renewal, and mandated professional development. Grades earned in this manner will not replace grades earned in prior enrollments but will appear on the transcript.

For any course repeated, whether at NWFSC or elsewhere, only credit from the last attempt will be used in the computation of the student’s grade point average and for meeting program requirements. Repeating a course results in an adjusted grade point average; however, if a course is repeated after the student has earned his/her A.A. degree, the student’s grade point average will not change. Students should be aware that some private colleges and universities, as well as out-of-state institutions, and some Florida public universities (depending on the student’s major) may not accept the revised GPA or treat the repeated course in the same manner.

Repeating a Course for Credit toward Graduation

Certain courses, such as those in the fine and performing arts areas, physical education, and communications areas, may be repeated for credit toward graduation. The specific courses and the number of allowable repeat enrollments are provided in the course description section of this catalog. Only those courses designated as repeatable for credit fall into this category.

When a course is repeated under these circumstances, the full cost of instruction rule is not applicable until the maximum number of creditable repeats has been reached. All grades and credits associated with the allowable number of repeats will be considered in the student’s GPA and will be considered in determining the credits for program completion. Once the maximum number of enrollments has been reached, additional enrollments will be treated as specified in the previous section on course repeats and may be subject to the full cost rule.

Repeating Non-credit Courses

Courses taken through Continuing Education, PRIME Time, the Institute for Professional Development, Kids on Campus, or Adult Education courses, including ABE, GED, and ESOL, are not subject to repeat rules.

Grade Changes/Errors

If a student believes there is an inadvertent error in the recording or the computation of his/her final course grade, the student should contact the instructor or the appropriate department office immediately. If an error has occurred, an adjustment to the student’s permanent record (transcript) will be made within approximately ten (10) working days. The student is responsible for reporting such concerns within thirty (30) days of the close of the term in which the grade was awarded.

If a student has documentation of extraordinary or emergency circumstances which warrant recording a course withdrawal (“W”) after the usual deadline, he/she must submit a written request for such change to the Office of Academic Affairs. If an adjustment is warranted, the change will be made within approximately ten (10) days. The student is responsible for requesting such changes within thirty (30) days of the term in which the original grade was awarded.

Grade Grievances

If a student believes that he/she has not been graded fairly in a course, a grievance may be filed. See Student Complaint and Grievance Procedure for more information.

Academic History Grade Relief Option

A student who has been unsuccessful academically (i.e. grades of “D’s” and “F’s”) and whose credits are ten or more years old may seek relief from the effect of those credits on his/her grade point average at NWFSC by submitting a written request to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. If the request is granted, it will apply to all credits and grades earned prior to the date specified, and the student will not be permitted to count any of those credits toward graduation or program completion. The courses and grades will remain on the student’s permanent record (transcript), but will not be considered in grade point average computations at NWFSC.

A student requesting this option should be aware that the relief may not be honored by other colleges and universities; other institutions may continue to consider the older credits and grades in evaluating the student’s work. Relief through this process does not excuse the student from restrictions related to repeating courses or from compliance with other applicable college policies.  

RaiderNet

RaiderNet is the student on-line information and registration system. RaiderNet provides access to update contact information, register for classes, view grades, obtain unofficial transcripts, enrollment verification, degree audit, and financial aid status. To access RaiderNet from the college’s homepage, click the quick link “RaiderNet” on www.nwfsc.edu. For questions concerning access to RaiderNet, call (850) 729-6922.

Student Email Accounts

Students are assigned an NWF State College student email account during the application for admission process. The student email address serves as the official method of communication to the student from the college. This email service is reserved for college business. For more information and to access student email, go to www.nwfsc.edu. Send questions concerning access to student email to helpdesk@nwfsc.edu or call (850) 729-5396.

Attendance

Regular and prompt attendance in all classes is expected. All instructors are free to establish attendance policies for their classes. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor and make arrangements to complete any missed work. (Make-up work is offered solely at the discretion of the instructor.) Excessive absences can affect the success of course completion and financial aid funding. This general policy applies to the student absent from class traveling as a member of a college group, or club or for personal reasons.

Religious Observance by Students

The College shall accommodate recognized religious observances of students under existing State directives. Provision shall be made for students to complete the following activities when their religious observances interfere with the following:

1. Admission and registration
2. Attendance in class, class activities, examinations, and official ceremonies
3. Class work assignments

Students wishing to participate in any recognized religious holiday observances are to let the instructor know, in advance, of their absence. Students will be excused for such absences without penalty. Students are responsible for any material covered during their excused absence. A reasonable amount of time will be allowed to complete make up assignments. Students who believe they have been denied an education benefit because of their religious belief or practice may seek redress as outlined in the Student Grievance Procedures.

Children on Campus

NWF State College values family life and has worked to develop policies that are supportive of families. However, it is the policy of NWF State College that students and visitors should not use the College in lieu of a childcare provider. Accordingly, minor children of employees, students, or visitors may be on campus only under the special circumstances outlined below.  Contact the Vice President of Student Success for any questions or concerns.

• Minor children are permitted on campus when the purpose of their visit is to participate in activities, classes, or events specifically scheduled for their benefit (e.g. Kids on Campus, Children’s Fine Arts Series, Child Development and Education Center).
• Minor children are permitted on campus when with a parent or responsible adult who is conducting routine business at the college.
• Minor children are not permitted in labs, shops, construction/repair sites, classrooms, offices, or other areas where potential hazards exist, unless enrolled in classes or activities scheduled at the site.
• In an emergency or other compelling situation, students or staff may bring children to class or the workplace on an incidental, individual basis, provided advance approval is obtained from the appropriate administrator. In such cases, the children must be directly supervised by the parent/adult and must not disrupt or distract the flow of college work, services or instruction.
• Minor children on campus must be directly supervised at all times.

Service Animals

Service animals are permitted on NWF State College campuses.   Service animals are defined by the American Disabilities Act (ADA) as “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.”   Please see the ADA Requirements and Florida Statute 413.081 regarding services animals.  Therapeutic animals are not considered to be service animals and are not permitted on NWF State College campuses.

Service animals must be under control of the handler at all times.  The handler is responsible for the care, cleanup of all animal waste, and for ensuring that the animal is not disruptive to any program, service, learning environment, or college activity.  A service animal may be removed by state, local government, campus authorities, or the handler may be requested to remove the animal from college premises, if it is disruptive, aggressive, unhygienic, or behaving in ways outside the duties of a service animal (wandering, barking, etc.)

Mental Health Counseling Services

Northwest Florida State College has partnered with BayCare Health System to provide mental health counseling, life coaching, and a variety of other services to support and promote the wellbeing and success of students. All active, enrolled students are provided with three (3) therapy sessions at no cost to the student. Students may reach BayCare directly by calling their confidential helpline, open 24 hours a day, at 1-800-878-5470. A student dashboard with access to all services offered may be found by clicking here. No referral is required for this service.

AIDS and HIV

Northwest Florida State College Policy #GP12.00 and FS 1006.68 states that students with AIDS or who are HIV positive are not denied admission to the college. Students are encouraged to confidentiality disclose to the Disability Support Services if needed to obtain accommodations in classrooms such as lab classes. The Vice President of Student Success has a referral system for regional health services for assistance.

Substance Abuse

NWF State College Drug-Free Work Place policy #HR 4.00 states that Northwest Florida State College is alcohol and drug free in accordance with Public Law 100-690, The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of alcohol or a controlled substance is prohibited in and on NWFSC owned and controlled property except for events specifically approved to include alcohol. Students in violation will be subject to disciplinary action as stated in the Student Code of Conduct published in the Student Handbook/College Catalog and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

Tobacco Use

NWF State College Smoking and Tobacco policy #HR 23.00 states: 

Beginning January 1, 2019, smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including Ecigarettes, vaping and smokeless tobacco) shall be prohibited from use at all Northwest Florida State College facilities, properties, and vehicles, owned or leased, regardless of location.

This policy shall apply to all students, faculty, staff and other persons on College property, regardless of the purpose for their visit. Further, no tobacco-related advertising or sponsorship shall be permitted on Northwest Florida State College property, at Northwest
Florida State College-sponsored events, or in publications produced by Northwest Florida State, with the exception of advertising in a newspaper or magazine that is not produced by Northwest Florida State College and which is sold, brought, or distributed on Northwest Florida State College property.

Parking Regulations

All vehicle operators are responsible for complying with Northwest Florida State College’s parking regulations whenever they bring a vehicle on campus. Vehicles parked on any of the Northwest Florida State College’s locations must display a valid parking permit or temporary parking permit. The College cannot assume responsibility for vehicle contents while on NWF State College premises. Driving on campus is a privilege. The College has the right to revoke privileges of operating a vehicle on campus.

Parking Permits

Parking permits are available online and at all NWF State College locations. Visit Parking Services for more information on aquiring a parking permit.

Designated Parking Areas

Parking Violations

The Student Traffic Court

The Student Traffic Court convenes, as needed, to adjudicate appeals of parking citations for students. After traffic court deliberation, results are emailed to your registered email with Permit Express. Visit the Parking Services site for more information on appealing citations.

Posting, Circulating and Exhibiting Printed and Filmed Information

Students are expected to use mature judgment and a sense of discretion in their selection, publication, display, presentation and circulation of any printed or filmed materials at any college location, and to realize that they must accept responsibility individually and collectively for the consequences of their choices on these matters. The appearance of the college name, seal or insignia on any material which is not published by the college is not authorized and does not imply college approval or endorsement of the contents.

Notices

Notices may be posted by students and recognized student organizations on appropriate bulletin boards. Notices and posters are not to be taped, glued, or pasted on painted or finished surfaces. All such posting must be cleared in advance by the Director of Raider Life at the Niceville Campus. College Center Directors may approve notices at their respective locations. The general distribution of notices is prohibited by anyone other than instructional and staff personnel in the performance of their duties or by recognized student organizations to advertise an approved event.

Student Publications

Student publications (which may include video media newscasts) are intended to foster an atmosphere of free and responsible discussion and intellectual exploration. They are a means of bringing student concerns to the attention of faculty and staff members, and of formulating student opinion on various issues at the college and in the surrounding community.

The editorial freedom of student editors entails the corollary responsibility to be governed by the canons of responsible journalism, such as the avoidance of libel, indecency, undocumented allegations, attacks on personal integrity, and the techniques of harassment and innuendo.

Student publications shall contain a statement to the effect that the opinions expressed therein are not necessarily those of the faculty, staff or student body of the college.

Student Fundraising

Fundraising activities by students and/or student organizations are permissible when the specific purpose is to support institutional scholarships, humanitarian/charitable efforts, or a recognized student organization’s mission and goals. Students/Student Organizations must receive approval by completing the Activity Request Form located on the Raider Life website at least one month prior to the activity’s scheduled date.

Policy Formulation

A student who wishes to suggest a change in any policy of the college should submit a written recommendation to the Student Senate for evaluation. If favorably received by the Senate, the proposal shall be submitted by the Student Senate to the appropriate standing committee/subcommittee of the college for consideration. Students serve on various college committees such as the Budget committee.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

The following rights and responsibilities are afforded and ascribed to all students, regardless of location or mode of delivery.

1. The right to be protected from discrimination and harassment
2. The right to the safety and security of one’s own academic records
3. The right to be informed about completion, graduation, and transfer-out rates for all students, safety and policies and crime statistics.
4. The right to due process if found in violation of a college policy or procedure.
5. The responsibility to abide by the Student Code of Conduct

The right to be protected from discrimination and harassment​​

• The right to be protected against discrimination is covered in Board of Trustee Policy GP 6.00 and is considered “Prohibited Disruption of College Operations”. The right to be protected from harassment is covered by Board of Trustee Policy HR 20.00. Violations of this right should be reported here: https://www.nwfsc.edu/disputes.

The Right to be Informed about Safety Procedures and Crime Statistics

• Crime statistics are published annually in the Student Handbook (see below).

The Right to the Safety and Security of One’s Own Academic Record

• Information about the safety and security of one’s own academic records, as well as complaint procedures, are published annually in the College Catalog and may be found here: https://catalog.nwfsc.edu/content.php?catoid=21&navoid=5828.

The Right to Due Process if Found in Violation of a College Policy or Procedure

• Due process procedures are published annually in the Student Handbook (see below).

The responsibility to abide by the Student Code of Conduct

• The Student Code of Conduct is published annually in the Student Handbook (see below).

Campus Security Policy

All criminal incidents can and should be reported to the NWF State College administrator in charge of a function, the campus receptionist, or an attending faculty or staff member. NWF State College will implement appropriate actions including, but not limited to, contacting the presiding law enforcement agency, any medical services needed or others as appropriate. Incident Forms are available online. All incidents must be communicated, in writing, as soon as possible.

Summary of Reported Crimes on Campus

Students may review the annual Safety and Fire Report here.

A Student’s Guide to Reporting Harassment

The purpose of this guide is to ensure an orderly resolution of charges of sexual, racial, or other forms of harassment brought by students at NWF State College. Sexual harassment and racial harassment have been held to constitute a form of discrimination prohibited by the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Applicable law prohibits other types of harassment.

NWF State College upholds the Clery Act and Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013.

NWF State College prohibits all acts of harassment and will properly investigate any claims of harassment.

Sexual and Other Unlawful Harassment

NWF State College is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and harassment. NWF State College expressly prohibits any form of unlawful discrimination or harassment based on race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, ethnicity, marital status, or disability or genetic information. NWF State College provides ongoing harassment training to ensure everyone the opportunity to work and/or learn in an environment free of sexual and other unlawful harassment.

Definitions of Harassment

Sexual harassment is defined as unwanted sexual advances, including visual, verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This definition includes gender-based harassment of a person of the same sex as the harasser. Examples of conduct expressly prohibited by the policy include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Making unwanted sexual advances.
• Offering employment benefits in exchange for sexual favors.
• Making or threatening reprisals after a negative response to sexual advances.
• Leering, making sexual gestures, or displaying of sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons, or posters.
• Making or using derogatory comments, epithets, slurs, or jokes.
• Making verbal commentaries about an individual’s body.
• Using sexually degrading words used to describe an individual.
• Sending suggestive or obscene letters, notes, communications or invitations.
• Touching, assaulting, impeding or blocking movements or violating someone’s “personal space.”
• Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute harassment when: (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment or reward; (2) submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as a basis for making educational, academic, or employment decisions; or, (3) the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with educational, academic, or employment performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational, academic, or employment environment.

Responsibilities

All College employees and students are responsible for creating an atmosphere free of discrimination or harassment, sexual or otherwise. Further, all College employees and students are responsible for respecting the rights of all members of the College community. Any student who experiences or witnesses any sexual or other unlawful harassment or discrimination in the College environment should promptly report the behavior to the Executive Director of Human Resources or the Vice President of Student Success. Reports should be made, in writing, within sixty working days of the incident. This policy applies to all incidents of alleged discrimination or harassment, including those occurring off-campus or during off-hours, when the alleged offender has a relationship with the College.

Investigation

All allegations of sexual or other harassment will be quickly and discreetly investigated and kept confidential to the maximum extent possible. All students have a duty to cooperate fully with the College in connection with any such investigation. If NWF State College determines that an employee or student is guilty of discriminating against or harassing another individual, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the offending employee or student, up to and including termination of employment, suspension, or expulsion.

Retaliation

NWF State College prohibits any form of retaliation against any student or employee for filing a bona fide complaint under this policy or for assisting in a complaint investigation. However, if after investigating any complaint of harassment or unlawful discrimination, the College determines that the complaint is not bona fide and was not made in good faith or that a student has provided false information regarding the complaint, disciplinary action may be taken against the individual who filed the complaint or gave false information.

Office of the Student Ombudsman

Per Florida Statute 1006.51, NWF State College provides a Student Ombudsman with whom students may confidentially discuss complaints, concerns, or problems to reach an informal consensus before proceeding with official college processes. The Director of Raider Life on the Niceville Campus will serve as the Student Ombudsman and may be contacted at 850-729-5277 or ombudsman@nwfsc.edu.

Due Process Procedures

Due process procedures are outlined for both disciplinary offenses and student-initiated grievances. Procedures for both disciplinary violations and grievances include the informal resolution procedure and the formal resolution procedure.

Student Complaint and Grievance Procedures

These procedures are designed to encourage a prompt and equitable resolution of complaints however it does not prohibit individuals from seeking assistance from other sources. The College prohibits retaliation against any person who files a complaint alleging discrimination or any person alleged to have committed discrimination.

Definitions

An informal complaint or formal grievance is a dispute against any employee or department of the College who has:

1. Violated a written College policy or procedure
2. Not properly followed the College’s published policies, regulations, rules, or procedures.

Due Process for Informal Resolution of Complaints

A student who has a complaint against an employee or department of the College should attempt to resolve the matter informally. Outlined below are the procedures for informally resolving a complaint. The Director of Student Development and Campus Engagement may act as the Student Ombudsman and assist in the resolution of informal complaints. Deans and Vice Presidents cannot be involved in resolution of informal complaints.

• Academic (informal)

1. Academic complaints are any dispute (meeting the definition above) with an instructor or department related to in-class activity.
2. As part of the informal process, students must first attempt to resolve the dispute directly with the instructor.

• Non-Academic (informal)

1. Non-academic complaints are any dispute (meeting the definition above) with a college employee or department related to non-class activity.
2. As part of the informal process, students must first attempt to resolve the issue directly with the employee.

Due Process for Resolution of Formal Grievances

Limit of Scope

A formal grievance cannot be used:

1. As a resolution of matters student-to-student.
2. To challenge the legitimacy of existing policies, regulations, rules, or procedures.
3. Against any non-employee of the College.

Formal Resolution of Grievances (Step 1)

A student who has a formal grievance against an employee or department of the College who has attempted to satisfactorily resolve the matter informally (as outlined above) may file a formal grievance. Outlined below are the procedures for resolving a formal grievance.

1. The student will submit their Step I Grievance through an electronic form available on the website.
2. The student must explain, within 30 days of the last contact with the individual in the informal complaint, the circumstances pertaining to the situation.
3. The student must identify the policies that have been violated or not properly followed.
4. The student must identify what action would be a satisfactory resolution to the situation.

Formal grievance Investigation Procedure (Step 1)

Formal Resolution of Grievances (Step 2)

• A Step 2 Grievance must be filed within 10 calendar days of the issuance of the Step 1 finding. 
• The student will submit their Step 2 Grievance through an electronic form available on the website.
• During the appeal process the sanctions issued in Step 1 will stand.
• A Step 2 Grievance may be filed if the individual filing the Grievance believes there was an error or omission of fact or law considered by the administrator in Step 1.
• The individual filing the Grievance must identify the following points in their submission:
  • Why the out outcome issued by the administrator is factually flawed or contrary to federal law, state law or college policy or practice.
  • Desired outcome of the Grievance.

Formal grievance Investigation Procedure (Step 2)

Formal Resolution of Grievances (Step 3)

• A Step 3 Grievance must be filed within 10 calendar days of the issuance of the Step 2 finding. 
• The student will submit their Step 2 Grievance through an electronic form available on the website.
• During the appeal process the sanctions issued in Step 1 will stand.
• A Step 3 Grievance may be filed if the individual filing the Grievance believes there was an error or omission of fact or law considered by the administrator in Step 1.
• The individual filing the Grievance must identify the following points in their submission:

• Why the out outcome issued by the administrator is factually flawed or contrary to federal law, state law or college policy or practice.
• Desired outcome of the Grievance.

Formal grievance Investigation Procedure (Step 3)

Student Code of Conduct

College students are citizens of the local, state, and national governments and of the academic community and are therefore expected to conduct themselves as law abiding members of each community at all times. Admission to the College carries with it special privileges and imparts special responsibilities apart from those rights and duties enjoyed by non-students. In recognition of the special relationship that exists between the College and the community it seeks to serve, the Northwest Florida State College Board of Trustees has authorized the President of the College to take such action that may be necessary to maintain campus safety and preserve the integrity of the College and its educational environment.

Pursuant to this authorization, the College has developed the following regulations, which are intended to govern student conduct on the campus. The College may enforce its own regulations regardless of any proceedings instituted by other authorities. Conversely, violation of any section of these regulations may subject a student to disciplinary measures by the College whether or not such conduct is simultaneously in violation of local, state, or national laws. When a student fails to abide by the rules and regulations of the College or fails to obey the ordinance of local, state, and national governments, disciplinary action may be taken.

Student Disciplinary Offenses

For the purpose of these regulations, a “student” shall mean any person who is registered for study at the College for any academic period. Generally, through appropriate due process procedures, College disciplinary measures shall be imposed for conduct which adversely affects the College’s pursuit of its educational objectives, which violates or shows a disregard for the rights of other members of the academic community, or which endangers property or person at the College or on any College controlled property.

All police officers have been given the authority to control access and to patrol facilities. Failure to leave after instruction to do so can result in trespassing charges. Individual, group, or organizational misconduct, which is subject to disciplinary sanctions, shall include but not be limited to the following offenses:

Academic Offenses

• Academic dishonesty: Students are expected to conduct themselves as responsible members of the academic community and to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. Academic dishonesty may include but is not limited to:
  • Cheating: During any academic evaluation activity, the use or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information, notes, study aids or other devices, information from another student or student’s paper. During any academic evaluation activity, engaging in unauthorized communication of information, including collaborating, contrary to the requirements of a course.  
  • Plagiarism: Presenting work in part or whole of another as one’s own without proper acknowledgment of the source or sources. The sole exception to the requirement of acknowledging sources occurs when ideas or information are common knowledge.

Non-Academic Offenses

• Aiding and abetting the commission of offenses: Any attempt to commit any of the foregoing offenses or the aiding and abetting of the commission of any of the foregoing offenses (an “attempt” to commit an offense is defined as the intention to commit an offense coupled with the taking of some action toward its commission).
• Alcoholic beverages: The unauthorized use and or possession of alcoholic beverages on the College campus, or at any College sponsored event, except College events where alcoholic beverages are provided by the College.
• Bullying:  Systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students. Bullying is further defined as unwanted and repeated written, verbal, or physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting or dehumanizing gesture by a student that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment, cause discomfort or humiliation, or unreasonably interfere with an individual’s educational experience.
  • Bullying includes: Teasing; social exclusion; threat; intimidation; stalking; physical violence; theft; sexual, religious or racial harassment; public or private humiliation; and/or destruction of property.
  • Cyberbullying:  Bullying, through the use of technology or any electronic communication, includes, but is not limited to, transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted in photo-optical systems, email, internet, webpages, instant messages, facsimile, social networking and/or phone. Bullying is created by the transmission of electronic content which is communicated and posted to more than one person that interferes with the orderly operation of the educational environment.
• Classroom misconduct: Classroom misconduct includes direct or indirect disruptive, threatening, or otherwise unacceptable social behavior in the classroom. Engaging in or assisting with such activity is prohibited. The instructor has the primary responsibility for control over classroom behavior and maintenance of academic integrity and can order any student engaged in disruptive conduct or conduct that violates the general rules and regulations of the College to be temporarily removed or expelled from the classroom.
• Dangerous conduct: Any conduct that constitutes a serious danger to any person’s health, safety, or personal well-being, including any physical or immediate threat to others.
• Dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking:  A type of abuse or violence where there is a pattern of controlling behaviors that one person is used to establish power over an intimate partner in order to control actions and activities. One can experience trauma where abusive relationships can increase in danger, or dangerous situations where students would not feel safe or secure. Actions include disrespectful and hurtful behaviors that one intimate partner may use against another partner, causing a partner physically harm, stalking, threating, isolating, gesturing and/or demanding unwanted sex practices.
• Disorderly conduct or language: Any individual or group behavior or language which is abusive, obscene, lewd, indecent, violent, excessively noisy, disorderly, or which unreasonably disturbs other groups or individuals.
• Drugs: The unlawful possession or use of any drug or controlled substance, including any stimulant, depressant, narcotic, hallucinogenic drug or substance, marijuana, or sale or distribution of any such drug or controlled substance on college owned or controlled property or at any college sponsored activity.
• Explosives, fireworks, and flammable materials: The unauthorized possession, ignition, or detonation of any object or article, that would cause damage by fire or other means to persons or property.
• Failure to cooperate with College officials: Failure to comply with directions of College officials acting in the performance of their duties.
• Financial misconduct: Conduct, including but not limited to, knowingly passing forms of payment such as a worthless check, debit, credit card, or money order in payment to the College community.
• Firearms/Weapons: Possesion, other than legally and securely stored in your vehicle, or use of firearms or other dangerous weapons at any college location or activity except by authorized law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties is prohibited behavior and will subject the offender to disciplinary procedures as well as as appropriate action by civil authorities.
• Gambling: Gambling in any form.
• Harassment: Any act of harassment by an individual or group against a student, college employee, campus group, visitor, or guest. Harassment shall include, but not be limited to, insults, heckling, verbal abuse, threats of physical abuse, unwanted suggestions of a sexual nature, repeated teasing or annoyance of another, or other actions intended to disturb others.
• Hazing: Hazing is any intentional or reckless act, on or off the property of the College, by students acting alone, or with others, involving any action which is directed against any other students that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, or which induces or coerces a student to endanger such student’s mental or physical health or safety. For the purpose of this statement, hazing is defined as those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization.
• Inappropriate dress: College students are mature enough to make wise and appropriate decisions on the type of apparel suitable for a college campus. Attire that disrupts the learning process is not allowed. Dress that includes any words or images that are obscene, offensive, or tend to promote violence, drugs or disrespect is prohibited.
• Misuse of documents or identification cards: Any forgery, alteration of, or unauthorized use of College documents, forms, records, or identification cards including information collected in connection with a student’s admission, enrollment, financial transactions, or status in the College.
• Obstruction of or interference with College activities or facilities: Any intentional interference with or obstruction of any College activity, program, event, or facilities including the following:
  • Unauthorized occupancy of the College, College controlled facilities, or blockage of access to or from such facilities.
  • Interference with the right of way of any college member or other authorized person to gain access to the College or College controlled activity, program, event, or facilities.
  • Obstruction or delay of a campus security officer, fire/rescue service, or any College official in the performance of his/her duty.
  • Acts of misuse, vandalism, malicious or unwarranted damage or destruction, defacing, disfiguring, or unauthorized use of property belonging to the College including but not limited to: fire alarms, fire equipment, elevators, telephones, College keys, library materials, and/or safety devices; and any such act against a member of the College community or a guest of the College.
• Theft: Unauthorized possession or sale of College property
• Unacceptable conduct at a College hearing: Any conduct at any College hearing involving contemptuous, disrespectful, or disorderly behavior or false testimony or other evidence at any hearing.
• Violations of general rules and regulations: Any violation of the general rules and regulations of the College as published in an official College publication, including the intentional failure to perform any required action or the intentional performance of any prohibited action.
• Violations of state or federal laws: Any violation of state or federal laws or regulations proscribing conduct or establishing offenses.

Due Process for Disciplinary Offenses

Conference: The Vice President of Student Success (non-academic offenses) Vice President of Academic Affairs (academic offenses) or designee, hereafter referred to as the “Administrator”, shall request a meeting with the student for a preliminary conference where the student shall be apprised of his/her basic rights and made aware of the student due process procedures.

The student will be extended the opportunity to explain the conduct in question and provide the Administrator with a detailed written explanation. Failure of the student to meet with the Administrator within 10 days of the request for a meeting will not prevent the process of collecting information or the decision to move forward.

Investigation: The Administrator shall consider all evidence, determine the facts, render a decision, and impose disciplinary sanction(s) as necessary.

Sanctions: The Administrator will, in writing, identify the claimed misconduct, infraction or offense and present a statement of the full penalty or sanction, in addition to a statement of the student’s right to due process. The student shall be provided this information either in person or by college email and registered mail.

Disciplinary Sanctions

Upon determination that a student or organization has violated any of the rules, regulations, or disciplinary offenses set forth in College policy, the Administrator may impose the following disciplinary sanctions either singly or in combination.

• Warning: The appropriate College officials may notify the student that continuation or repetition of specified conduct may be cause for other disciplinary action.
• Reprimand: A written reprimand or censure may be given any student or organization whose conduct violates any part of these regulations. Such a reprimand does not restrict the student in any way, but does have important consequences. It signifies that he or she is in effect being given another chance to conduct himself or herself as a proper member of the College community and that any further violation may result in more serious penalties.
• Restitution: A student who has committed an offense against property may be required to reimburse the College or other owner for damage to or misappropriation of such property. Any such payment in restitution shall be limited to cost of repair or placement.
• Restrictions: Restrictions upon a student or organization’s privileges for a period of time may be imposed. These restrictions may include, for example, denial of the right to represent the College in any way, denial of use of facilities, parking privileges, participation in extracurricular activities, or restriction of organizational privileges.
• Disciplinary Probation: Continued enrollment of a student on probation may be conditioned upon or adherence to these regulations. Any student placed on probation will be notified of such in writing and will also be notified of the terms and length of probation. Probation may include restrictions upon the extracurricular activities of a student. Any conduct in violation of these regulations while on probationary status may result in the imposition of a more serious disciplinary action.
• Suspension: If a student is suspended, he or she is separated from the College for a stated period of time with conditions of readmission to the College. Student must appeal for reinstatement.
• Expulsion: Permanent removal and exclusion from the College, College controlled facilities, programs, events, and activities.
• Dismissal: The dismissal of a student whose character and behavior prove unsatisfactory for a period up to two years.

Some disciplinary actions must adhere to additional state, federal, or organizational and accrediting agency guidelines and regulations. Immediate sanctions, up to and including expulsion, or dismissal may be necessary in some cases to guarantee the safety and harmony of the college environment. To provide and protect a safe learning environment, the College reserves the right to invoke immediate sanctions based upon the nature and seriousness of the offense. At this point, the student is able to request a final appeal to the President.

Students wishing to appeal any sanction should follow the Grievance Procedures, noted above.