2022 - 2023 Student Rights and Responsibilities

Dear Student:

The faculty and staff of Amarillo College welcome you. We are pleased that you have given us the opportunity to serve your educational needs. This Student Rights and Responsibilities bulletin provides important information that we hope will make your college experience sound and gratifying.

Contained within the following pages are those major policies and regulations which directly affect the students at Amarillo College. It is very important that you take the time to familiarize yourself with this information since it deals with your “rights” and your “responsibilities” as an AC student.

In this bulletin we have tried to present the information in a concise format. If after your personal review of this material, you have questions regarding student related policies, please contact me personally. Also, your advisor will attempt to assist you with any problems you may encounter in regard to understanding these policies and regulations.

In closing, I would like to again welcome you to Amarillo College and assure you that we are all interested in your personal growth and educational progress. Please let us know if we can assist you in any way as you continue your journey down this wonderful pathway of higher education.

Sincerely,

Robert Austin
Vice President of Enrollment Management

TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Information
Mission Statement
Accreditation
Equal Opportunity Policy
Notification of Rights Under FERPA
Sexual Misconduct Information
Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure
Intellectual Property Rights
Accuracy of Student Reported Information
Financial Obligations to the College
Student Identification Cards
New Student Orientation
Representation: Student Government Association
Services for Students with Disabilities
Voter Registration
Police Department

Consumer Information
$1,000 Tuition Rebates
Additional Tuition Charges - Early Warning
Withdrawal Limitations for Students Enrolled at Texas Colleges and Universities
Three-peat Supplemental Fee
Student Right to Know
Campus Security
Textbooks
Notice Regarding Student Eligibility for Professional Licensure
Notice Regarding Student/Staff Images
 

Academic Information
Student Responsibility
Academic Grievances
Student Academic Freedom
Testing
Semester Load
Adding a Course
Withdrawing from a Course
Changing from Credit to Audit Status
Tuition/Fee Refunds
Attendance Policy
Religious Holy Days
Grading Practices and Reports
Academic Probation
Academic Suspension
Graduation
Application for Graduation
Commencement
 

Student Conduct and Responsibilities
Student Code of Conduct
Student Conduct/Disciplinary Procedures
 

Student Complaints
Procedure
Discrimination
Disability Accommodations
 

Traffic Information
Parking
Traffic Citation Appeal Procedure
 

Campus Procedures and Notifications
Weapons on Campus
Notification of Penalty for False Alarm or Report
Posting Guidelines
Solicitation
Participation in Political Activities
Weather Closing Policy
Student and Community Use of College Facilities
Student Clubs and Organizations
 

Health Information
Communicable Diseases
Immunizations
Student Health Insurance
Bacterial Meningitis Information
Student Assistance Program for Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Health Risks of Alcohol/Drug Abuse
Agencies/Resources for Treatment of Alcohol/Drug Abuse
 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Mission Statement

Transforming our community and economy through learning, innovation, and achievement.

Accreditation

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

Equal Opportunity Policy

Amarillo College is an equal opportunity community college. It is the policy of Amarillo College not to discriminate on the basis of gender, disability, race, color, age, religion, or national origin in its educational and vocational programs, activities, or employment as required by Title IX, as amended, Section 504, Title VI, and Age Discrimination Act of 1978. For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact Cheryl Jones (Human Resources) SSC 260, 806-371-5040, who has been designated the compliance coordinator for Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, as amended, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the related regulations.

Notification of Rights Under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. (An “eligible student” under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a postsecondary institution at any age.) These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day Amarillo College receives a request for access.

A student should submit to the Registrar a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect.  The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct
official to whom the request should be addressed.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.

A student who wishes to ask Amarillo College to amend a record should write the Registrar, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.  If Amarillo College decides not to amend the record as requested, Amarillo College will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to provide written consent before Amarillo College discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

Amarillo College discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official typically includes a person employed by Amarillo College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person serving on the board of trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of Amarillo College who performs an institutional service of function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent or a student volunteering to assist another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for Amarillo College.

FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in § 99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the student, § 99.32 of FERPA regulations requires the institution to record the disclosure. Eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A postsecondary institution may disclose PII from the education records without obtaining prior written consent of the student:

• To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as a State postsecondary authority that is responsible for supervising the university’s State-supported education programs. Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal or State supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf.

• In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.

• To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction.

• To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions.

• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.

• To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency.

• To a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, subject to the requirements of § 99.39. The disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that alleged crime or offense, regardless of the finding.

• To the general public, the final results of a disciplinary proceeding, subject to the requirements of § 99.39, if the school determines the student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense and the student has committed a violation of the school’s rules or policies with respect to the allegation made against him or her.

Upon request, Amarillo College also discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Amarillo College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

 Family Policy Compliance Office
 U.S. Department of Education
 400 Maryland Avenue, SW
 Washington, DC 20202

Directory information within a student’s record which may be released upon request at the discretion of the College includes:

Student Name
Address
Date of Birth
Dates of Attendance
Enrollment Status (e.g. Full-time or part-time)
Degrees Received
Electronic Mail Address
Major Field of Study
Telephone Listing
Honors and Awards Received
Participation in Officially Recognized Activities and Sports
Weight and/or Height of Athletic Team Members
Photograph
Most Recent Educational Agency or Institution Attended
Place of Birth
Grade Level

If a student does not wish for this public information to be released, he/she is responsible for notifying the Registrar’s Office (located in the Student Service Center on the Washington Street Campus).

Freedom from Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence and Stalking  

Prohibited Behavior and Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits all employees and students from engaging in sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. All of these behaviors constitute sexual misconduct.  The prohibition encompasses conduct occurring on-campus or in connection with a College activity or program. Prohibited conduct that occurs off-campus is encompassed by these rules if the conduct creates a sexually hostile environment on campus or in a college activity or program or adversely affects another student’s educational opportunities at the College.  Prohibited conduct may be verbal or physical and proof of force or physical injury is not required. The parties may be the opposite sex or the same sex. In determining whether sanctionable conduct has occurred, the College may consider the on-campus impact of incidents that occurred off campus.
 
Students who believe that they have been subjected to sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking are encouraged to report their complaint to the police department as soon as possible after the incident occurs.
 
Reports of alleged sexual misconduct by a student should be directed to the Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Denese Skinner, Vice President of Student Affairs.
 
Reports of alleged sexual misconduct by an employee or campus visitor should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator, Cheryl Jones, Vice President of Human Resources.
 
An employee who witnesses or receives information regarding the occurrence of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking and is alleged to have been committed by or against a person who was a student enrolled at or an employee of the college at the time of the incident must promptly report the incident to the college’s Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator, as identified herein.  Reporting is required regardless of when and where the alleged incident occurred and regardless of when and where the employee witnessed or received information about it.  A victim is not required to make a report concerning an incident.
 
An employee who is required to make a report and knowingly fails to do so, or knowingly makes a false report, will be terminated in accordance with Texas Education Code § 51.255.
 
During an investigation or any disciplinary proceeding, the rights of both the respondent and the reporting party shall be respected, and the confidentiality of proceedings will be maintained to the extent permitted by law. The existence of the College’s policies and procedures is not intended to diminish or alter the rights that the respondent and reporting party have under civil law or the criminal law.
 
A victim of sexual misconduct has a right to receive a prompt and equitable resolution of the report.

Definitions of Prohibited Behavior

Sexual Harassment

Conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or both of the following: (a) An employee conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit or service on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct (quid pro quo); or (b) Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to an education, program, or activity (hostile environment).  Sexual harassment is wrongful regardless of whether the parties are of the same sex or of the opposite sex.

Sexual Assault

Intentionally or knowingly causing physical sexual contact or penetration of another person without that person’s consent. “Sexual contact” includes any touching of the anus, breast, or any part of the genitals of another person with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person. Sexual assault is without consent of the other person if the actor compels the other person to submit or participate by use of physical force or violence, or threat of force or violence, and the other person believes the actor has the present ability to execute the threat; or the other person cannot consent due to age, mental impairment or other circumstance.

Dating Violence

Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the reporting party’s statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. Dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse.

Stalking

A course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress. “Course of conduct” means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly or indirectly, or through third parties, by any actions, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property.
 
Sanctions for Violations

Existing disciplinary procedures found in the Board of Regents Policy Sections FMA, DGBA and DH will serve as the framework for resolving allegations of sexual misconduct against students and employees. Students found guilty of sexual misconduct will be subject to campus disciplinary actions. If an investigation substantiates that an employee engaged in sexual misconduct, the employee is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination, as provided in DGBA and DH policy. In addition, any employee or student may face criminal prosecution for violations of applicable state and federal laws.
 
Protocol for Reporting and Responding to Report

The protocol for reporting sexual misconduct is described in the following complaint procedure.  The complaint form is available on the website at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ix.

Complaint Procedure

This procedure addresses sexual harassment, sexual violence, dating violence, or stalking. Students may use this procedure to file a complaint against a student, a College employee, a College contractor, or a third party who is visiting the College or participating in a College activity. For ease of reference, the phrase “sexual misconduct” occasionally is used to encompass all categories addressed in this procedure.   
            
This complaint procedure constitutes a grievance procedure required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. As used in this procedure, “complaint” and “grievance” are synonymous.
 
Title IX is a federal statute that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs. The College has appointed Title IX Coordinators who facilitate the College’s compliance with Title IX and other laws that prohibit discrimination. These officials can assist students with claims of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
 
Title IX Coordinators

Title IX Coordinator:
Cheryl Jones, Vice President of Human Resources
Email: titleIX@actx.edu 
Phone: 806-371-5040
Office Location: Washington Street Campus, Student Services Center, Room 260
 
Deputy Title IX Coordinator:
Denese Skinner, Vice President of Student Affairs
Email: titleIX@actx.edu 
Phone: 806-371-5252
Office Location: Washington Street Campus, Student Services Center, Room 228C
 
In addition to the Title IX Coordinators, all other College employees are designated as “Responsible Employees” who have reporting duties under Title IX. All employees except those who have a duty of confidentiality, such as licensed professional counselors and medical professionals have a duty to report information received to the Title IX Coordinator.
 
Reporting Options

Students have several options when reporting sexual harassment, sexual assault,  dating violence or stalking. They may seek informal guidance from counselors or other officials, or they may file a formal grievance. Students also may file a report directly with the College police or any local law enforcement agency. Students are not required to file a police report in order to receive assistance from the College. Additionally, reporting an offense does not commit the student to pursuing further legal action. Students who desire assistance in order to make a police report may contact the College police, the counseling office, or the Title IX Coordinator.
 
If anyone reports sexual misconduct through any method, the Title IX Coordinator or designee will promptly contact the Complainant to discuss the availability of supportive measures; consider the Complainant’s wishes with respect to supportive measures; inform the Complainant of availability of supportive measures with or without filing a complaint; and explain to the Complainant the process for filing a complaint.
 
Assistance for Victims - Confidential and Non-Confidential Options

Students who have experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking or other crimes may seek advice, assistance, and resources from the College’s Title IX Coordinator, Amarillo College Counseling Center, or the Advocacy and Resource Center. Individuals within these offices can assist the reporting party with accessing medical or counseling services, advocacy services, social support services, legal services and police services. Even in the absence of a formal complaint, the College may be able to provide assistance to the reporting party with respect to his or her academic, living, transportation, or working situations. For example, a student might wish to explore changing a class or class time.
 
On-Campus Resources

Title IX Coordinator:
Cheryl Jones, Vice President of Human Resources
Email: titleIX@actx.edu 
Phone: 806-371-5040
Office Location: Washington Street Campus, Student Services Center, Rm 260
 
Deputy Title IX Coordinator:
Denese Skinner, Vice President of Student Affairs
Email: titleIX@actx.edu
Phone: 806-371-5252
Office Location: Washington Street Campus, Student Services Center, Rm 228C
 
Amarillo College Counseling Center
Phone: 806-371-5900
Location: Washington Street Campus, Student Services Center, Rm 228A
 
Amarillo College Advocacy & Resource Center
Phone: 806-371-5446
Location: Washington Street Campus, Ware Student Commons, Suite 108
 
Amarillo College Police Department
Phone (Emergency): 806-371-5911
Phone (Non-Emergency): 806-371-5163
 
Off-Campus Resources

Texas Panhandle Center Hotline
Phone: 806-359-6699
Phone (Toll-Free): 1-800-692-4039
 
The Pavilion of Northwest Hospital
Address: 1501 S. Coulter St., Amarillo TX
Phone: 806-354-1810
 
Affordable Counseling - Family Support Services
Address: 7136 I-40 Frontage Rd, Park West Building B, Amarillo, TX 79106
Phone: 806-342-2500         24 Hour Hotline:  806-374-5433
 
Free Medical Clinic - Heal the City
Address: 604 S. Tennessee Ave., Amarillo TX
Phone: 806-231-0364
 
Free Legal Help
Legal Aid of Northwest Texas
Amarillo Petroleum Building
203 W. 8th Ave. #600
Phone: 806-373-4309
 
Confidential Communications

In response to an act of sexual misconduct, a victim may be unsure whom to contact for information about options and resources. Some victims may prefer a confidential consultation before deciding on a course of action. Amarillo College employees are “responsible employees” and have a duty to report complaints that come to their attention. Below, this procedure addresses when confidentiality may be honored.
 
Confidential communications are those communications that cannot be disclosed to another person without the reporter’s consent, except under very limited circumstances such as an imminent threat or danger to self or others. Victims may speak confidentially with a licensed professional counselor, pastoral counselors in the community, medical personnel, licensed social workers, and victims’ advocates. These individuals may assist victims in deciding whether to report, what options exist, and what resources are available. These individuals are required to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the College’s Title IX Coordinator, but the report should contain only the type of incident and may not include any information that would violate the victim’s expectation of privacy.
 
Non-Confidential Communications

Employees are required to report allegations of sexual misconduct even if they have been requested by the person confiding in them to keep the discussion confidential. Non-confidential communications consist of those communications reported to the Title IX Coordinator and others on a need-to-know basis in order to ensure that necessary steps are taken to protect the community as a whole and that appropriate disciplinary measures are considered and taken. Employees must report to the Title IX Coordinator all relevant details of the occurrence, including names of those involved and relevant facts including date, time and location.
 
When receiving a sexual misconduct report from an alleged victim, employees shall notify the victim that (i) the employee has an obligation to report the complaint to the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator and (ii) the alleged victim may request confidentiality, which will be evaluated by the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator. The employee shall also inform the alleged victim that he or she may speak confidentially with a licensed professional counselor or others identified in this procedure and although the alleged incident will be reported to the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator, it will only include the type of incident and may not include information that would violate the victim’s expectation of privacy.
 
Requests for Confidentiality

To the greatest extent possible, the College shall maintain the confidentiality of information and records related to investigations of complaints based on sexual misconduct. Limited disclosures may be necessary in order to conduct a thorough investigation and comply with applicable law. A Title IX Coordinator will evaluate a reporting party’s request for confidentiality in the context of the College’s responsibility to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for the entire college community. The Title IX Coordinator will make every effort to respect a reporting party’s request for confidentiality; however, there are situations in which the College must override a reporting party’s request for confidentiality in order to meet its Title IX obligations. When weighing a reporting party’s request for confidentiality that could preclude a meaningful investigation or potential discipline of the respondent, the College will consider a range of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, (i) circumstances that suggest there is an increased risk of the respondent committing additional acts of sexual violence or other violence (e.g., whether there have been other sexual violence complaints about the same respondent, whether the respondent has a history of arrests, etc.); (ii) whether the sexual violence was perpetrated with a weapon; (iii) the age of the victim subjected to the sexual violence; and (iv) whether the school possesses other means to obtain relevant evidence (e.g., security cameras or personnel, physical evidence.)
 
The College will inform the reporting party prior to disclosing the reporting party’s identity to a respondent and will take whatever interim measures are necessary to protect the reporting party and ensure the safety of others.
 
Finally, while federal law requires Amarillo College include certain reported incidents of sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking among its annual campus crime statistics, such information will be reported in a manner that does not identify victims.
 
Complaints Involving Victims Under the Age of 18

Complaints involving abuse of minors must be reported to Children’s Protective Services or other law enforcement agencies. The phone number for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is 1-800-252-5400.
 
Evidence Preservation in Sexual Assault Cases / Medical Exams

If a student experiences sexual misconduct or other criminal offense, it is important that he or she take action to preserve evidence. Such evidence will be helpful in the event that the victim seeks a protective order or desires to pursue a criminal prosecution. Victims of sexual assault or dating violence should not wash, shower, bathe, or change clothes prior to a medical exam or treatment. If the victim needs to remove an item of clothing, it should be placed in a paper bag (not a plastic bag). Instead of changing clothes, the victim may separately bring a change of clothing to the hospital to wear after the examination. Evidence of violence, such as visible injuries or bruising or damage to a vehicle, will need to be photographed. Likewise, evidence of emails, text messages, social media, or phone messages must be preserved and not deleted or altered.
 
Students who have just experienced a sexual assault or other sexual violence should call 911 and locate to a safe place. If the incident occurred on campus, the student should contact Campus Police. Campus personnel may assist the victim in obtaining transportation to a hospital or clinic, a police department, or other location. Prompt medical attention in a case of recent assault is necessary to document and treat any injuries and screen for certain medical conditions or transmitted diseases. Victims may receive a medical exam with or without police involvement. A nurse examiner may perform a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam. Such exams generally are available in hospital emergency rooms.
 
Filing A Complaint

Informal Resolution

A reporting party may, at any time, personally address the individual whose conduct is offensive, unwelcome, or intimidating and request that such conduct stop. However, particularly in cases of sexual violence, reporting parties are discouraged from contacting the alleged offender. Instead, reporting parties are encouraged to meet with a counselor or the Title IX Coordinator to discuss the student’s options. No reporting party is required to contact the alleged offender regarding the offender’s alleged conduct.
 
A reporting party may seek informal resolution by contacting the Title IX Coordinator. Informal resolution may include a meeting between a Title IX representative and the respondent to reinforce the requirements of the College’s policy against harassment. Informal resolution is not a precondition to filing a formal complaint. Additionally, if informal resolution is undesirable or ineffective, then the student may initiate a formal complaint at any time. Mediation shall not be employed in any instances involving sexual violence or an allegation that an employee sexually harassed a student.
 
Formal Complaint Process

Although reporting parties may file a complaint at any time, the College encourages reporting parties to report their concerns as soon as possible after the alleged incident(s) so that prompt action can be taken to investigate and resolve the complaint. A delay in reporting may result in a loss of evidence or availability. Reporting parties are encouraged to file complaints during the same semester that the alleged incidents occurred or within 30 days of the conclusion of the semester.
 
Reporting parties are encouraged to submit written complaints that describe all incident(s) or action(s) considered by the reporting party to be harassing or violent.
Reporting parties should provide the following information:

Contact information, including address, telephone, and email;
Name of person(s) directly responsible for alleged violation(s);
Date(s) and place(s) of alleged violations;
Nature of alleged violation(s) as defined in this policy;
Detailed description of the specific conduct that is the basis of the alleged violation(s);
Copies of documents, emails, text messages, photos, social media, or other physical evidence pertaining to the alleged violation(s);
Names of any witnesses to alleged violation(s) and contact information, if available;
Action requested to resolve the situation;
Reporting party’s signature and date of filing; and
Any other relevant information
 
The Reporting Party’s failure to provide a written complaint or to provide the information requested above may adversely impact the College’s ability to conduct a complete and thorough investigation and may limit the College’s ability to take appropriate corrective action.
 
Where to File a Complaint

Complaints alleging misconduct by a student shall be filed with the Title IX Coordinator who addresses student concerns.
Deputy Title IX Coordinator:
Denese Skinner, Vice President of Student Affairs
Email: titleIX@actx.edu
Phone: 806-371-5252
Office Location: Washington Street Campus, Student Services Center, Room 228C
 
Complaints alleging misconduct by an employee or campus visitor shall be filed with the Title IX Coordinator who addresses employee concerns.
Cheryl Jones, Vice President of Human Resources
Email: titleIX@actx.edu
Phone: 806-371-5040
Office Location: Washington Street Campus, Student Services Center, Room 260
 
Processing and Investigating the Complaint

The Title IX Coordinator or designee will evaluate the complaint to determine whether it is covered by this procedure. A formal investigation will be initiated if a complaint is within the scope of this policy and articulates sufficient specific facts, which if determined to be true, would support a finding that the College’s policy was violated. The College may decline to process a complaint under a variety of circumstances, including (i) the complaint is vague and does not describe conduct covered by this procedure; (ii) the reporting party declines to cooperate in the College’s investigation; or (iii) the complaint has been withdrawn or the requested remedy has already been implemented or was offered and rejected. If the College declines to process a complaint pursuant to this procedure, the College shall send the student or employee a written notification explaining the reasons.
 
If the College proceeds with a complaint investigation, the Title IX Coordinator or designee shall determine whether interim action is needed pending completion of an investigation (e.g., a no-contact order, temporary reassignment, or suspension). The Title IX Coordinator shall appoint an impartial investigator to investigate the complaint. In cases where the respondent is a student, the investigator will typically be from Student Affairs. In cases in which the respondent is an employee, an investigator from Human Resources typically will conduct the investigation. In some instances, and when available, a team comprised of an investigator from Student Affairs and an investigator from Human Resources will conduct the investigation together.
 
The Title IX Coordinator or designee shall notify the reporting party and respondent of the name and contact information of the investigator(s). The respondent shall receive written notice of the allegations and shall be informed of his or her right to submit a written response to the allegations within 10 school days, unless unusual circumstances warrant additional time. The written notice shall inform the respondent that retaliation against the reporting party is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.
 
Time Frame for Investigation

Barring unusual circumstances (e.g., multiple reporting parties, a complaint filed prior to a College holiday), the investigation ordinarily will be completed within a reasonably prompt timeframe. An investigation shall commence even if a law enforcement agency is conducting a separate criminal investigation against the respondent. However, the College’s investigation may be temporarily delayed when requested by police investigators or the District Attorney’s Office. If the College’s investigation is temporarily delayed due to a pending criminal investigation, the reporting party and respondent will be notified. All deadlines in this procedure may be extended by mutual agreement or good cause.
 
Interviews and Documentation

The investigator shall interview the reporting party, the respondent, and other individuals determined by the investigator to possess relevant information. The reporting party and the respondent each will be permitted to provide documentation or other tangible evidence to the investigator. The reporting party and the respondent may suggest witnesses to interview; however, the decision whether to interview is a matter of professional judgment for the investigator in light of the issues at hand, in light of the information already obtained in the investigation, and in light of the resources available.
 
Right to Representation

During meetings pertaining to the investigation and complaint process, the reporting party and the respondent may be accompanied by an advisor. Advisors, however, may not actively participate in meetings or interview witnesses.
 
Investigative Reports

The investigator shall prepare a written report that summarizes the facts and evidence gathered during the investigation. The investigator will then permit the respondent and the reporting party to review the written report (with a copy to the Title IX Coordinator). Student identifiable information, if confidential by law, will be redacted. The respondent and the reporting party will each have 10 school days to provide comments and suggested corrections to the investigator. After receiving the comments from the parties (or if no comments are submitted), the investigator will determine whether additional investigation is needed and write a report that summarizes the findings using a preponderance of the evidence standard. The investigator will consider the totality of the circumstances, including the context and duration of the conduct and its severity. Facts will be considered on the basis of what is reasonable to persons of ordinary sensitivity.
 
The investigator will send the report to the Vice President of Enrollment Management if the respondent is a student or to the Vice President of Human Resources if the respondent is an employee to proceed with a hearing or finding. If determined that a violation of policy occurred, the decision maker will then proceed with a disciplinary consequence or other corrective action. The action shall be reasonably calculated to prevent a reoccurrence of the misconduct and/or to ameliorate its impact. If the respondent is a student, the procedures set forth in Board of Regents Policy Section FMA should be followed and if the respondent is an employee, the procedures set forth in Section DGBA should be followed.
 
The final determination shall be sent to the respondent, the reporting party, and the Title IX Coordinator. The final determination may be redacted to protect student information that is confidential by law under the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act.
 
Review and Appeals

If the reporting party or respondent wish to appeal the final determination or discipline, the reporting party or respondent should follow the procedures set forth in the Board of Regents Policy Section FMA if the alleged sexual misconduct is by a student or Section DGBA if the alleged sexual misconduct is by an employee.
 
Rights During Disciplinary Proceedings

In disciplinary hearings and appeals involving allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking, the individual presenting the case, subject to the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act, should notify the Title IX Coordinator and the reporting party that the respondent has requested a hearing and the date and time of the hearing. The reporting party and responding party shall receive written notice of the following rights and options:
 
The right to attend and participate in the hearing;
The right to have his or her past sexual history excluded from evidence;
The right to provide testimony at the hearing in a manner that does not require the reporting party to directly confront or to be directly questioned by the respondent while preserving the respondent’s right to challenge such testimony;
The right for an advisor to cross-examine a party or a witness to provide the opportunity to test the credibility of parties and witnesses;
The right to receive assistance from the College’s Tile IX Coordinator;
The right to provide input to the individual presenting the case regarding potential witnesses, evidence and argument that may be presented at the hearing or during a subsequent appeal;
The right to know the outcome of the hearing; and
The right to information regarding the procedure for appealing the final disposition.
 
The notice to the reporting party and responding party shall include a copy of the applicable disciplinary procedure. Additionally, the notice shall inform the reporting party of his or her right to be accompanied during any disciplinary proceeding by an advisor of his or her choice. If the reporting party intends to attend the hearing and/or to bring an advisor, he or she shall notify the individual presenting the case in writing at least three school days prior to the hearing. The student’s advisor may cross-examine witnesses or parties. An advisor may not be a witness in the matter.
 
The individual presenting the case shall notify the respondent and the Title IX Coordinator of the reporting party’s intent to attend the hearing.
 
Retaliation Prohibited

Every reporting party has the right to file a complaint or to participate in an investigation without being subjected to retaliation. Retaliation is an adverse action taken by an employee or student against an individual who makes a good faith report of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct or who participates in an investigation pertaining to a complaint of discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct. For an action or decision to be considered adverse, it must be materially adverse and be of the type that would dissuade a reasonable person from exercising his or her rights to file a complaint or to participate in an investigation. Unlawful retaliation does not include petty slights or annoyances. Any employee or student who engages in retaliation may be subject to disciplinary action.
 
Office for Civil Rights

Students may wish to file complaints of discrimination and harassment with the Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education, Washington, D.C., at the same time they file a grievance, during or after use of the grievance process, or without using the grievance process at all. If a student files a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights, the complaint must be filed no later than 180 days after the occurrence of the possible discrimination.
 
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
Dallas Office
1999 Bryan Street, Suite 1620
Dallas, Texas 75201-6810
Phone: 214-661-9600
Email: OCR.Dallas@ed.gov

Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act

In compliance with the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (Section 1601 of “Public Law 106-386”) and the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act, all persons required to register as part of the State of Texas’ Sex Offender Registration Program are required to provide notice of their presence on campus to the Campus Police Department. Information on registered sex offenders can be obtained through the Texas Department of Public Safety Crimes Record Service at: https://publicsite.dps.texas.gov/SexOffenderRegistry.

Intellectual Property Rights

The intellectual property policy of Amarillo Junior College District (“Amarillo College”) seeks to protect and promote the traditional freedom of Amarillo College, its employees and students in matters involving intellectual property and trade secrets; seeks to balance fairly and reasonably the equitable rights of authors, inventors, sponsors, and Amarillo College; and attempts to ensure that any intellectual property in which Amarillo College has an equity interest is utilized in a manner consistent with the public interest.

Rules for Intellectual Property are available at the following location: https://www.actx.edu/president/pagesmith/79

Accuracy of Student-Reported Information

Students are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the personal information that they provide to the College.  In addition, students are responsible for keeping the College informed of changes in their personal information including:  current postal address, email address, name, or other pertinent information.  All changes should be provided in writing to the AskAC Center (located on any AC Campus) or faxed to AskAC at 806-345-5505.  Failure to ensure the accuracy of personal information may affect a student’s ability to access important College resources and prevent the College from accurately reporting enrollment information to State and Federal entities.

Please note:  Students are not required by a specific legal authority to provide a Social Security number.  However, students who do not provide a valid Social Security number will not be issued a Form 1098-T and, in turn, will not qualify to file for education tax credits (http://www.irs.gov/uac/Tax-Benefits-for-Education:-Information-Center).

Any communication mailed or emailed to the address on record is considered to have been properly delivered to the student.

Financial Obligations to the College

Students incurring financial obligations to the College as a result of unpaid loans, insufficient checks, unpaid parking/library fines, or other obligations may have administrative or disciplinary action taken against them by the College, such as withholding transcripts, or denial of re-enrollment until the debt is paid or the check is redeemed.

All uncollectable accounts are subject to being turned over for collections with additional expenses to students.

Student Identification Cards

Student identification cards (student ID’s) are provided free of charge and are available to all students enrolled in academic classes. The Student ID displays the student’s name, ID number and photograph. New students are encouraged to obtain an ID upon registration and retain their cards for the duration of attendance at Amarillo College. ID cards are required for access to some campus services. Please contact the AskAC Center on any Amarillo College campus to report a lost or stolen ID.

Specialized badges are also available for students in programs that have unique identification requirements. The charge for this service is $2.00. Please see the AskAC Center on the West Campus for more information regarding specialized badges.

New Student Orientation

New students are required to attend New Student Orientation, which prepares them for the first semester of college. By providing important information about policies, services, and activities, New Student Orientation helps students avoid potential obstacles in achieving their goals.  Students are required to attend New Student Orientation prior to the beginning of their first semester or they will not be permitted to re-enroll until the requirement is fulfilled.  Information on offerings and registration can be found at https://www.actx.edu/nso/.  Transfer students with 12 or more transferable hours do not need to take New Student Orientation. Official transcripts from previously attended institution must be on file with the AC Registrar’s Office for exemption to be verified. Please call (806) 371-5440 to verify transfer exemption.

Representation: Student Government Association

The Student Government Association (SGA) is a group of AC students who are elected by fellow students to represent the student body in all matters to the Board of Regents, the administration and the faculty, and to develop student programming to enhance the learning atmosphere. Through involvement in SGA, students have the opportunity to learn and develop in a creative, intellectual, cultural, and social setting. The SGA makes recommendations regarding student interests and policies through the Director of Student Life. Membership is composed of returning Student Government Association members as well as 30 representatives elected by the student body in the fall of each academic year. The Association elects its own officers each spring. Students may call upon the elected representatives to voice their concerns or ideas at any time. Inquiries may be made in the Student Government Office, located on the fourth floor of the Byrd Business Building or by phone at 371-5322.

Services for Students with Disabilities

The disAbility Services Department provides and coordinates services for Amarillo College students with documented disabilities. The purpose of these services is to ensure equal access for students to participate in all programs and activities. DisAbility Services offers academic support and advising, professional tutoring, arrangements for placement test and class test administration, assistance with obtaining recorded books and materials, coordination of (ASL) interpreters, and other accommodations as required. Amarillo College students must apply to receive services. Students must provide a copy of documentation for each disability requiring accommodations. Services provided will be based on need and appropriateness for each individual. Reasonable accommodations are provided in a timely manner; however, students should allow some time for processing and the provision of services. This program does not provide diagnostic testing or evaluation, personal care attendants, or a specific learning disability program.

The Office of disAbility Services is located in the Ware building, Office 300B. Students may contact the disAbility Services Department at (806) 345-5639. More information is available online at www.actx.edu/disability

Voter Registration

Amarillo College encourages good citizenship practices for students. Students can register to vote online at: http://www.rockthevote.com/.

Police Department

Amarillo College strives to maintain a safe and secure environment in which to work and study. Amarillo College Police Department Officers are the emergency medical response unit on campus and are peace officers with the power of arrest.
Amarillo College understands the concerns of parents and students and accepts the responsibility to employ security measures and implement policies to ensure that all students at the College are as free as possible from any threat to their safety or well-being.

Police Department Services

• Enforcement of laws and college policies, rules, and regulations
• First responders in the event of accident or illness providing minor first aid and arranging additional care as appropriate
• Timely notification to the campus community and the general public of crimes or situations of a violent or threatening nature which may cause danger to students or employees
• Security and access to campus facilities
• Security escorts
• Lost and found
• Information
• Daily log of reported crimes
• Investigate vehicle accidents
• Jumpstart vehicles
• Unlock vehicles when keys locked inside
• Notary Public services
• Safety and education training

Reporting Crimes and Emergencies

Amarillo College Police officers are on duty from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and observe all official AC holidays.

Emergency medical or criminal calls during off hours must be directed to 9-1-1, and there will not be an AC Police response.

Locations:

Washington Street Campus:
Durrett Hall, Room 111-A
371-5911 (non-emergency, call 371-5163)

East Campus:
East Campus Student Services Center, Room 103
371-5911 (non-emergency, call 371-5163)

West Campus:
371-5911 (non-emergency, call 371-5163)

Downtown Campus:
371-5911 (non-emergency, call 371-5163)

Moore County Campus:
911 (non-emergency, call 934-7220)

Everett and Mabel McDougal Hinkson Memorial Campus in Hereford:
911 (non-emergency, call 363-7120)

The Amarillo College Police Department encourages the prompt and accurate reporting of all crimes and emergency situations. Crimes or emergency situations occurring on any of the Amarillo campuses or at off-campus events sponsored by the College should be reported to the Amarillo College Police Department as noted above. AC Police Officers will respond to the crime or emergency, conduct an investigation, and file appropriate reports. At the Moore County Campus and Everett and Mabel McDougal Hinkson Memorial Campus in Hereford, local Police Department officers will respond to the situation, conduct an investigation, and send a copy of the report to the AC Police Department. For more information, visit www.actx.edu/police. 

The Amarillo College Police Department has been given the responsibility of assisting victims of both violent and non-violent sexual crimes on campus or while participating in approved off-campus activities. Victims assistance in the form of counseling, medical referral and legal help can be obtained through the Police Department, 371-5163. Any form of unwanted sexual activity should be reported to the Amarillo College Police Department. The Police Department provides training to the College community as required by the Clery Act.
 

CONSUMER INFORMATION

$1,000 Tuition Rebates

The Texas Education Code provides for tuition rebates of up to $1,000 to undergraduate students who complete their baccalaureate degree with a minimum of “excess” courses. You may qualify for this rebate if:

• You enrolled for the first time in the Fall of 1997 or later.
• You request your rebate for your first baccalaureate degree received from a Texas public institution.
• You were a resident of Texas while attempting all of your course work at Texas public institutions.
• You attempted no more than three semester credit hours in excess of the minimum required for your degree.

This rebate will be given by the institution granting the baccalaureate degree, not by Amarillo College. Some credit hours earned exclusively by exam may be excluded.

For more information, visit Home/ Get All the Facts/ Paying for College/ Types of Financial Aid /$1000 Tuition Rebate Program - FAQ

Additional Tuition Charges - Early Warning

In accordance with Texas Education Code §54.014 (https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._educ._code_section_54.014), students who have attempted 45 or more credit hours beyond the amount required for their degree at Texas public colleges or universities may be charged additional tuition, up to the level of out-of-state tuition. This includes all credit hours in which a student was registered as of the official census day for the semester (i.e. repeated courses, failed courses, and courses from which the student withdrew after census day); this does not include credit hours for which the student paid out-of-state tuition, courses designated as developmental, any hours removed from admission consideration under Academic Fresh Start (Texas Education Code §51.931), or hours accumulated toward a previous baccalaureate degree. Students who entered higher education for the first time prior to fall 1999 while classified for tuition purposes as a Texas resident are exempt.

Students may be required to pay a higher tuition rate if they have attempted 30 or more credit hours beyond the amount required for their degree.

Withdrawal Limitations for Students Enrolled at Texas Colleges and Universities

The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic careers, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. There are certain exceptions to this policy and petitions for exceptions should be directed to the Registrar.

Three-peat Supplemental Fee

The Texas General Appropriations Act of 2003 resulted in the establishment of the following Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board policy. “Public institutions of higher education may not submit for formula funding credit or contact hours attempted by students who have enrolled in courses containing the same content for a third or more times at institutions since September 1, 2002.”

Amarillo College students who attempt a course with the same content more than twice will be charged an additional $50.00 per credit hour fee for that course.

Students affected by this policy are those who register for a course at AC (Amarillo College) which they have already attempted twice since the fall 2002 term. The policy does not apply to courses taken at other institutions. Students enrolled by the official reporting date for any given course will be counted as having attempted the course, even if they later drop the course.

Certain types of coursework are exempt from the provisions of this policy. Please contact the Registrar’s Office for more information.

Student Right-To-Know Act of 1990

Title I of the Act known as the “Student Right-to-Know Act”, requires the Amarillo College to disclose institution-wide graduation rates and transfer rates of certificate-seeking or degree-seeking, full-time students entering the institution.  This information is updated on a regular basis and can be found at the following location: https://www.actx.edu/ir/4-year-average-rates.

Campus Security

Title II of the Act, known as the “Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990,” requires the college to disclose certain information on campus crime statistics and campus security policies.

Please visit the Amarillo College Police Department site for information and statistics: https://www.actx.edu/police/

Textbooks for courses(s)

Books may be purchased from the Amarillo College bookstore. However, students are not obligated to purchase these books from the Amarillo College Bookstore.

Notice Regarding Student Eligibility for Professional Licensure

Students are encouraged to review the specific academic requirements for the program in which they seek to enroll, including those related to practicum/internship, pre-qualifications for licensure (such as the need for a criminal background check) and whether or not completion of that program will qualify them to work in the state where they are located.  Please visit the Licensures Disclosures page (https://www.actx.edu/ie/licensures) on the Amarillo College Website for more information.

Additionally, students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licensure are potentially ineligible for such licensure if they have been convicted of a criminal offense.  Students can learn more, as well as receive guidance regarding their right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority (in order to clarify their particular situation), by contacting the AC Advising Center, the AC legal clinic or the academic department associated with the educational program.

Notice Regarding Student/Staff Images

Amarillo College celebrates the achievements of our students, faculty, and staff. In order to respect and protect the privacy interests of the College’s students and employees on campus and at institutional activities, the College has implemented a photo release policy.

Throughout the year, Communications & Marketing may take images/photographs and/or videos of students, faculty, and staff on campus participating in official college activities. These images/photographs and/or videos may appear in various AC publications, including, but not limited to, the AC website, newsletters, programs, brochures, social media, and mass media outlets.  It is the responsibility of students, faculty, and staff NOT interested in having their image/photograph and/or video presence captured and used for marketing, communications, and PR purposes to both notify the Communications and Marketing representative that they would not like their presence captured AND to remove themselves from the area where the image/photograph and/or video is being collected.

A release is not required for students, faculty, and staff when:

• Photographed in a public space (i.e. AC campuses) or at public events (i.e. June Jazz)
• The photograph is taken in a non-public environment and the primary focus is not recognizable, such as when a silhouette, posterior/dorsal view, or out of focus shot is taken
• Invited to attend a group activity/event and chose to participate of their own free will (i.e. Campus Lighting Ceremony)

A release will be required for students, faculty, and staff when:

• The primary focus of images/photographs and/or videos have been recruited specifically to serve as subjects/models
• Known minors (i.e. anyone under age 18).

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Student Responsibility

Students are responsible for knowing and understanding Amarillo College’s requirements relating to registration and academic standards. Students are encouraged to meet regularly with their academic advisors and to contact the Registrar’s Office with questions about academic procedures, policy, or regulations.

Academic Grievances

A student who has a grievance concerning an academic course in which he or she is enrolled should make an appeal in the following order:

1. Instructor

2. Department Chair/Program Director

3. Dean

4. Vice President of Academic Affairs

5. College President

Student Academic Freedom

Students shall be free to be guided by scholarly research, study the substance of a given discipline, examine pertinent data, question assumptions, take reasoned exception to information and views offered in the classroom, and reserve judgment about matters of opinion.

Testing

Visit the Amarillo College Testing Services website at https://www.actx.edu/testing/ for information regarding testing and developmental education in Texas.

Semester Load

The minimum semester load for full-time status in a fall or spring semester is 12 credit hours. Students who wish to enroll in more than 21 hours must have the approval of their academic advisor.

A summer semester consists of a variety of variable length terms. The normal summer semester load is six to eight hours. Students who wish to enroll in more than nine hours must have the approval of their academic advisor.

Adding a Course

To add a course, students should consult an academic advisor. If the change in enrollment results in additional charges, then the charges may be paid at any AC student service counter or online via AC Connect.

Withdrawing from a Course

It is the responsibility of the student to officially withdraw from a course. A grade of “W” will be posted for student-initiated withdrawals that are submitted on or before the withdrawal deadline for a particular class. Please follow the path below to find the withdrawal deadline for a specific course:

AC Connect

   WebAdvisor (login required)

        Current Student

           Academic Profile

              My Important Course Section Dates

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must have permission from their instructor and can either email or meet with their instructor to begin the withdrawal process. Failure to withdraw may result in a grade of “F” for the course.

Changing from Credit to Audit Status

Students who are enrolled for credit may change to audit status no later than the census date for each semester or term (census date information is available via your ACConnect account). Permission of the instructor is required. The election to change to audit status will be irreversible. No credit will be awarded and a grade of “AU” (audit) will be assigned.

Tuition/Fee Refunds

If a class does not materialize and is canceled by the College, 100 percent of all tuition and fees charged will be refunded. However, if a transcript received by Amarillo College after a student has completed enrollment shows that the student is suspended at the last college attended, the student is subject to being withdrawn with forfeiture of all tuition and fees. Likewise, any student who provides false information regarding TSI or other test scores will be subject to withdrawal and forfeiture of tuition and fees. Tuition and fees paid directly to Amarillo College by a sponsor, donor or scholarship shall be refunded to the source rather than directly to the student.

Please visit the Amarillo College Website at: www.actx.edu/bus for more information regarding tuition/fee refunds.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class in accordance with the requirements of the course as established by the instructor. Attendance and/or participation requirements in courses delivered electronically (telecourses and on-line courses) will be unique to the individual course.

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped from the classes they have not attended.

Religious Holy Days

Amarillo College shall excuse a student from attending classes or other required activities including examinations for the observance of a religious holy day, including travel for that purpose. A student whose absence is excused for this observance may not be penalized for that absence and shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment from which the student is excused within a reasonable time after the absence.

Amarillo College may not excuse absences for religious holy days which may interfere with patient care.

If a student and an instructor disagree about the nature of the absence being for the observance of a religious holy day, or there is a similar disagreement about whether the student has been given a reasonable time to complete any missed assignments or examinations, either the student or the instructor may request a ruling from the President of Amarillo College or his or her designee. The student and the instructor shall abide by the decision of the President or the designee.

Grading Practices and Reports

Faculty must inform their students in writing at the start of the semester of the following:

1. The grading policy.

2. The procedure for determining grades and course averages.

3. The attendance policy.

A student may request current grade information at any time from his/her instructor.

End of semester grades in all courses are filed in the Registrar’s Office and are maintained as official records of the College. A final grade will be reported at the close of each semester. A grade once earned and recorded cannot be removed. If a student repeats a course, however, the higher grade earned is the one counted toward fulfillment of degree requirements. For further information regarding Amarillo College grading practices and reports, refer to the Amarillo College General Catalog (http://catalog.actx.edu/).

Academic Probation

Placement
A student will be placed on academic probation when the student’s semester grade-point average falls below a 2.0 and the student’s cumulative grade-point average is less than 2.5. For purposes of determining academic probation, all course work taken during the summer terms in a given year will be considered as one semester.

Conditions
Academic probation is effective for at least one semester. The summer term may serve as a probation semester. An administrative hold will be placed on the student’s account, and in order for that hold to be released the student must attend mandatory academic advising with his/her advisor. A student on probation is also encouraged to meet with an academic advisor.

Removal
A student is removed from academic probation when a 2.0 grade-point average or better is earned on all work attempted at Amarillo College during the semester that the student is on probation.

High School Dual Credit
A dual credit student whose semester grade-point average falls below a 2.0 may be placed on academic suspension. Academic suspension is effective for one semester. During that semester dual credit students may not be allowed to enroll in/take Amarillo College (AC) classes. After the suspension semester, the student is eligible to once more take AC classes. All suspensions will be reviewed by the dual credit office. Exceptions will be made on case by case decision. Students will be notified if they have been placed on suspension.
 

Academic Suspension

Placement
A student who is on suspension from Amarillo College or any other college will not be allowed to attend classes during his/her one semester of suspension. After the student sits out of one semester, the student can return to school on academic probation.

If a student transfers to Amarillo College from another institution, and was placed on academic suspension at that institution, the student will not be allowed to attend classes until the suspension term(s) has been completed.

Removal
After the suspension semester, the student is eligible for readmission to Amarillo College the next semester on academic probation.

High School Dual Credit
A dual credit student whose semester grade-point average falls below a 2.0 may be placed on academic suspension. Academic suspension is effective for one semester. During that semester dual credit students may not be allowed to enroll in/take Amarillo College (AC) classes. After the suspension semester, the student is eligible to once more take AC classes. All suspensions will be reviewed by the dual credit office. Exceptions will be made on case by case decision. Students will be notified if they have been placed on suspension.
 

Graduation

A complete description of graduation requirements are listed in the College Catalog. Briefly, the requirements are as follows:

1. Completion of degree or certificate requirements with a 2.0 grade point average.
    
2. Discharge of all financial obligations to the College.

Graduation is an automatic process. If you are in your final term of completing requirements, you will receive a notification email from the Registrar’s Office.  Please check your Amarillo College email account for all official communication including graduation notification. Degrees are posted to the student transcripts at the end of each term. Diplomas are available 7-10 days after the end of the term and may be picked up at the AC student service counter located in the lobby of the Student Service Center on the Washington Street Campus.

Amarillo College reserves the right to post degrees and/or certificates for current and former students.

Commencement

Amarillo College holds graduation ceremonies at the end of the spring and fall semesters. Summer graduates are encouraged to participate in one of these ceremonies. If you plan on attending a graduation ceremony, you can find detailed information regarding the date, time and instructions on the commencement procedures at our website:  www.actx.edu/registrar.  Your name will appear on your diploma as it appears on the official college record.  Only legal names will be printed on the diploma.
 

STUDENT CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Code of Conduct

Amarillo College expects a high standard of conduct from its students. Students are expected to comply with the law, respect proper constitutional authority, and obey College policies, rules and regulations. Unacceptable conduct is defined as an action or behavior that is contrary to the best interest of a fellow student or students, the faculty or staff, the College, or the teaching/learning process. Students failing to perform according to established standards may be subject to disciplinary action. Policies, standards, rules and regulations apply to students attending College activities whether the activity takes place on or off campus.

Each student shall be responsible for becoming knowledgeable of the contents and provisions of College policies, rules, and regulations concerning student conduct. In some cases, individual programs may have approved policies for student conduct which also apply to student conduct in those programs.

All students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted authority, and observe correct standards of conduct. In addition to activities prohibited by law, the following types of behavior are prohibited:

1. Scholastic dishonesty, punishable as prescribed by Board policies, shall include, but not be limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.

“Cheating on a test” shall include:

1. Copying from another student’s test paper.
2. Using test materials not authorized by the person administering the test.
3. Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test without permission from the test administrator.
4. Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of a pending test.
5. The unauthorized transporting or removal, in whole or in part, of the contents of the pending test.
6. Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for one’s self, to take a test.
7. Bribing another person to obtain a pending test or information about a pending test.

“Plagiarism” shall be defined as the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work.

“Collusion” shall be defined as the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of course requirements.

2. Violations of the penal Statutes of Texas, or of the United States, occurring on College property or in connection with College-sponsored activities may also constitute violations of the College’s rules and regulations when such violations affect the educational process and goals of the College.
    
3. Obstruction or disruption of any authorized College operation or activity. Disorderly conduct shall include any verbal or physical abuse, intimidation, or the subjection of another person to inappropriate, abusive, threatening, or demeaning actions.
    
4. Use of alcoholic or intoxicating beverages and use of drugs not prescribed by a physician.
    
5. The illegal use, possession, transmissions, and/or sale of drugs or narcotics, as those terms are defined by the Texas Controlled Substances Act.
    
6. Gambling in any form.
    
7. Hazing with or without the consent of a student; a violation of that prohibition renders both the person inflicting the hazing and the person submitting to the hazing subject to appropriate discipline. Initiations by organizations may include no feature that is dangerous, harmful, or degrading to the student; a violation of this prohibition renders the organization subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
    
8. Failure to comply with a directive from a College administrator, faculty member, or Police Officer.
    
9. Falsification of admission forms or alteration of student records.
    
10. Unauthorized solicitation.
     
11. Smoking of any tobacco products and the use of electronic or vapor smoking devices are prohibited on all Amarillo College property and in buildings and facilities on all campuses and locations, including parking areas, green spaces, and walkways. The use of tobacco products which are smokeless and vaporless is prohibited inside any College building. This policy does not apply to East Campus Housing. Effective August 1, 2016. 
     
12. Possessing on any campus or college-related activity, any weapons that are prohibited by law. Specific information related to weapons can be found in this document under the heading “CAMPUS PROCEDURES AND NOTIFICATIONS.”
     
13. Holding rallies, demonstrations, or any other form of public gathering without prior approval of the Vice President of Student Affairs, or conducting an activity that causes College officials to interrupt their scheduled duties to intervene, supervise, or observe activities in the interest of maintaining order.
     
14. Exhibiting behavior that gives reasonable cause to question, in the opinion of the College, whether the student is able to satisfactorily function in institutional programs or institutional activities in which the student is engaged.
     
15. Interference with teaching, research, administration, or the College’s subsidiary responsibilities through “disorderly conduct or disruptive behavior.”
     
16. Failure to pay a debt to the College or writing an “insufficient funds” check to the College.
     
17. Disorderly conduct which shall include any verbal or physical abuse, intimidation or the subjection of another person to inappropriate, abusive, threatening or demeaning actions on property owned or controlled by the College or at College-sponsored functions. Students who behave in a disorderly fashion may be required to leave the premises, withdraw from a club or organization, or withdraw from the College.
     
18. Dressing in a manner which does not observe health and safety regulations and appropriateness to a learning environment. Students shall be informed of special dress requirements for any particular course or program. Students failing to comply with such requirements may be subject to disciplinary action. In cases where a student’s dress or hygiene interferes with learning, the appropriate College official shall conduct initial counseling with the student.
     
19. Damaging or destroying College property.
     
20. Sexual assault or harassment which includes any unwanted sexual advances or contact. Violation of such may result in disciplinary action as well as prosecution under state, federal, or local laws.
     
21. Unauthorized access, reconfiguration, modification, copying or misuse of College or other students’ computer files, including inappropriate use of e-mail, data or software. Violation may lead to disciplinary action.

Student Conduct/Disciplinary Procedures

Any student violating the student conduct policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension, in accordance with College policy. The principles of due process apply in all student conduct disciplinary cases at Amarillo College. These procedures have been instituted to protect the rights of the students and the rights of the College.

Alleged Violations
A student may be summoned to appear in connection with an alleged violation of any disciplinary or traffic-related regulation.

A student may be placed on disciplinary probation without a hearing for failure to comply without good cause to a letter or summons. The College may also elect to proceed with a formal hearing. Alleged student violations of College policies, rules, or regulations may be reported by students, College personnel, or any other person who witnesses or has knowledge of such alleged violations. Where possible, the accused student will be informed of the alleged violation and its disciplinary consequences by the College official responsible for maintenance of the appropriate policy, rule, or regulation.

Preliminary Hearing
The Vice President of Enrollment Management shall be notified in writing of the alleged violation, and will conduct a preliminary hearing with the student to review the allegations along with the relative facts and evidence. In some cases the preliminary hearing may be extended for continued review to interview witnesses and to gather additional information. Based upon the findings of the preliminary hearing, the Vice President will either dismiss the allegations or present the student with formal charges. If formal charges are warranted, the student has the right to waive a formal hearing in writing, and accept an administrative disposition of the case by the Vice President.

Emergency Suspension or Withdrawal
The Vice President of Enrollment Management, Vice President of Academic Affairs, or the College President may take immediate disciplinary action, including suspension, pending a hearing against a student for policy violations if the continuing presence of the student poses a danger to persons or property or poses an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process.

Formal Hearing
In cases in which the accused student disputes the facts and formal charges are filed against the student, the Vice President of Enrollment Management or designee will conduct a formal hearing within five class days. The student will be notified in writing at least three days prior to the hearing. The student may review the charges and evidence against him or her prior to the hearing. Legal counsel may be present at a hearing only with the prior consent of the College. If counsel is present, the counsel may not participate in the hearing or present the student’s case, but only advise the student of his or her rights.

During the formal hearing, the student may admit guilt or deny the formal charges. In the formal hearing, the student is entitled to present his or her case, to present witnesses who may provide substantiating evidence, and be confronted by witnesses against him or her.

Hearing Panel
A panel composed of at least one student appointed by the Student Government Association President, one faculty member appointed by the President of the Faculty Senate, and one administrator appointed by the President of the Administrators Association shall hear the facts and testimony, and see any evidence presented in the hearing. The panel will recommend to the Vice President of Enrollment Management an opinion as to whether the accused student has violated the code of conduct and recommend penalties, if appropriate.

Decision in Hearing
Based upon the findings of the formal hearing and recommendations from the hearing panel, the Vice President of Enrollment Management will determine the student’s guilt or innocence and any penalties assessed. The student will be notified in writing of the outcome of the hearing within three days of the hearing.

Penalties
If the student is found guilty, penalties that may be imposed include:

1. Reprimand.
    
2. Curtailment of privileges.
    
3. Requirement to participate in training.
    
4. Requirement to participate in community service.
    
5. Disciplinary probation.
    
6. Exclusion from class with an assignment of a grade of F.
    
7. Termination of student employment.
    
8. Temporary disciplinary suspension.
    
9. Restitution.
    
10. Prosecution under federal law, state law, or city ordinances.
     
11. Permanent suspension from the institution for repeated violations of the code of conduct.

Suspended Students
No students who have been suspended for disciplinary reasons from the College shall be permitted on any campus or other facilities of the College during the period of suspension without the prior written approval of the Vice President of Enrollment Management.

Appeals
Students who wish to appeal a decision must submit a written letter of appeal to the Vice President of Enrollment Management within seven calendar days. Appeals will be reviewed based upon the following criteria:

1. The severity of the penalty.

2. Adherence to disciplinary policies and procedures of the College.

The Vice President will conduct a review and render a decision in writing within seven days.

Appeal to President
Any student disciplined pursuant to this policy may, within 15 days of receiving notice of the decision from the Vice President of Enrollment Management, petition in writing the College President to review the decision. The student’s petition will state with particularity why the decision is believed to be incorrect or unfair. The College President may choose to allow oral argument on the petition, in which case the parties will be provided notice of the date, time, and place of the review within seven days of the receipt of the appeal request. The College President will notify the student, in writing, of the results of the review within seven days.

Disciplinary Record
Amarillo College will maintain an official disciplinary record for any Amarillo College student who has been assessed a disciplinary penalty. This record will reflect the nature and disposition of the charge, the penalty assessed, and other pertinent information. The disciplinary record shall be separate from the student’s academic record and shall be treated as confidential. The contents shall be available to College officials who have a need to know, but shall not be revealed except upon request of the student or in accordance with applicable state or federal laws.

Interrogations and Searches
College officials have a limited right to search students or their property when such search would be in the interest of the overall welfare of other students, or when necessary to preserve the good order and discipline of the College. Even if no search warrant is obtained, any prohibited item within “plain view” is subject to seizure.

Areas such as lockers and desks which are owned and controlled by the College may be searched by College officials when they have reasonable cause to believe that stolen items or items prohibited by law or by Board policy are contained in the area to be searched. Indiscriminate searches in the nature of “fishing expeditions” shall be prohibited.

Stolen items and items which are forbidden by Board policy or law may be impounded and may be used as evidence in internal College disciplinary proceedings against the student.

The above policies shall not apply in the event that law enforcement authorities are involved in a search. College searches conducted with assistance from law enforcement authorities are governed by the Fourth Amendment standards that are applicable in the criminal law context.

Crisis Intervention Team
The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) exists to promote a healthy campus community and to provide an organized and coordinated first response for Amarillo College students who may display behavior that causes reason for concern for the welfare of the individual or the campus community by connecting them to appropriate campus or community resources. In some cases, the CIT will create intervention plans in which students are expected to participate on a voluntary basis. However, in cases where the safety of the student or others, or when there is the potential for disruption to the learning environment of the College, the CIT has the authority to require a student to follow an intervention plan. Students who do not comply with the directives of the intervention plan will be recommended for formal disciplinary action.

STUDENT COMPLAINTS

Student Complaint Policy

Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to secure at the first possible level prompt and equitable resolution of student complaints, including those alleging discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability.

Representation
The student may be represented at any level of the complaint.

Procedure for Communicating and Resolving Complaints by Current, Former and Prospective Students

Level One

Formal student complaints must be submitted in writing and directed to the Vice President of Enrollment Management. To ensure that concerns are addressed and resolved as quickly as possible, students are encouraged to use the web form available at the following location: http://www.actx.edu/admission/complaint.

The Vice President of Enrollment Management will evaluate all written complaints and, when necessary, assign the complaint to an appropriate Amarillo College administrator for attention and/or action.

Level Two

If action is requested by the student, then the administrator to whom the complaint is assigned will arrange to hold a conference with the student within 15 class days. During the conference, the student will provide any evidence relevant to the complaint. The administrator and the student will work together to resolve the complaint.

Level Three

If the outcome of the conference at Level Two is not to the student’s satisfaction, then the student has 15 class days to request a conference with the College President, who shall schedule and hold a conference with the student. Prior to, or at the conference, the student shall submit written statements and/or evidence provided at Level Two. The President and the student will work together to resolve the complaint.

After exhausting Amarillo College’s complaint process as described above, current, former, and prospective students may initiate a complaint with The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Directions are available at the following location: http://www.highered.texas.gov/links/student-complaints/

Discrimination

Discrimination Complaints

Any student who believes that he or she has been discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability by the institution or its personnel may informally discuss the complaint with the Vice President of Student Affairs with the objective of reaching a reasonable solution. The Vice President of Student Affairs shall advise the student of his or her options in the situation. In addition, the Vice President of Student Affairs will notify the College’s Equal Opportunity Coordinator in cases where Amarillo College employees may be involved.

If the aggrieved student believes the complaint has not been resolved at the informal discussion, he or she may submit a written complaint stating his or her name, the nature and date of the alleged violation, names of persons responsible (where known), names of any witnesses, and requested action within 30 class days of the date of the informal discussion, to the Vice President of Student Affairs. The Vice President of Student Affairs shall ensure that the aggrieved student’s rights to appropriate due process procedures are honored. If a hearing is held, the Vice President of Student Affairs shall conduct the hearing. The Vice President of Student Affairs will consult with the College legal counsel and render a decision in writing on the complaint within ten class days. If this decision is not to the student’s satisfaction, he or she may appeal the decision to the President within ten class days of the receipt of the written decision according to procedures at Level Three above.

Disability Accommodations

Students with disabilities needing accommodations must make requests through the disAbility Services Department. Any approved accommodation will be based on appropriate documentation and discussion with the student and will be evaluated in accordance with state and federal guidelines. If a student disagrees with the accommodation decision and desires to appeal the decision, the appeal should be made in the following order:

1. Coordinator of disAbility Services - The student will contact the Coordinator to discuss the grievance with the objective of arriving at a satisfactory resolution of the complaint.
    
2. Vice President of Student Affairs- If the complaint is still not resolved, the student may submit a written appeal within 5 business days to the Vice President who will investigate the complaint and render a written decision within 10 business days.
    
3. College President - If the complaint is still not resolved, the student may submit a written appeal within 5 business days to the College President, who will render a written decision within 10 business days.

Students have the right to file a complaint with the (United States Department of Education) Office for Civil Rights at any point in this process.  Please visit the following website to learn more about the Office for Civil Rights:  http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html

TRAFFIC INFORMATION

Parking

All parking areas are available to students.

General traffic regulations of the state and city are applicable on Amarillo College campuses. Students who have three or more unpaid parking citations will be contacted by the Police Department. If parking citations are not paid and problems resolved, repeat violations may have their vehicle impounded and/or lose on-campus parking privileges. Questions regarding parking can be directed to the Police Department, 371-5163, located in Room 111, Durrett Hall.

Traffic Citation Appeal Procedure

Students appealing traffic citations must complete an appeal form (available at the AskAC Centers or AC Police Department), include a copy of the citation, and submit to the Police Department within seven days of the ticket date. An appeals committee consisting of students and College employees will meet on a regular basis to review traffic citation appeals. Failure to submit an appeal within the prescribed seven day period voids the right to appeal.
 

CAMPUS PROCEDURES AND NOTIFICATIONS

Weapons on Campus

Law enforcement personnel attending classes on any campus of Amarillo College are entitled to full privileges of students of the college and may carry their weapons on the campuses. Unless those law enforcement personnel authorized to carry firearms are in uniform or otherwise identified as law enforcement, weapons must be concealed.

Students may not bring to any campus or a college-related activity any weapons prohibited by law or identified below:

1. Fireworks or explosives of any kind,

2. Clubs,

3. Razors or illegal knives,

4. Chains,

5. Martial arts throwing stars, and

6. Any other object, including college supplies, used in a way that threatens or inflicts bodily injury on another person.

The possession or use of articles not generally considered to be weapons may be prohibited when the college President, or designee, determines that a danger exists for any student, college employee, or college property by virtue of possession or use.

Lockers and cars parked on college premises may be inspected by college personnel if there is reasonable cause to believe they contain weapons.

Concealed Handguns
This rule provides guidelines for the legal carrying of concealed firearms on all campuses of Amarillo College by those with a license to do so, including prohibitions in certain areas of campus, effective August 1, 2017.

This rule was written to comply with Texas Government Code § 411.2031. This statute allows for each junior college president to consult with students, faculty, and staff to determine any areas that would be prohibited from concealed carry due to specific considerations for the safety of our campus community. This rule establishes those areas.

Procedures and Responsibilities
1. The College President established this rule after consulting with Amarillo College students, staff and faculty about the nature of the student population, specific safety considerations, and the uniqueness of the campus environment. The Board of Regents, as required by law, reviewed these rules.

2. A handgun license holder, under Chapter 411, Texas Government Code, may carry a concealed handgun on or about the license holder’s person while the license holder is on any campus of Amarillo College or in an Amarillo College vehicle, unless prohibited by state or federal law or this rule. The open carrying of a handgun on campus is prohibited. Licensed peace officers are authorized by law to carry firearms at all times.

3. Amarillo College enforces state law regulating firearms on campus. This enforcement occurs in two ways. First, campus police or other applicable law enforcement agencies will investigate and take appropriate action, including referral for criminal prosecution when violations occur. Second, Amarillo College will consider any violation of state law regulating firearms to be a violation of Amarillo College policy. Accordingly, such a violation is subject to disciplinary action under rules applicable to students, faculty, and staff.

Rules Applicable to Carrying a Concealed Handgun on Campus
1. State Law Prohibitions - A license holder is responsible for complying with the applicable state law prohibitions.

2. Federal Law Prohibitions - A license holder is responsible for complying with the applicable federal law prohibitions.

3. Other Prohibited Campus Premises - A license holder is also prohibited from carrying a concealed handgun on the following campus premises:

a. the Hagy Center for Young Children on the Medi Park Campus
b. the Child Development Lab on the West Campus
c. the Gymnastics/Dance Facility on the West Campus
d. the Amarillo Museum of Art on the Washington Street Campus
e. the Carter Fitness Center on the Washington Street Campus

Notification of Penalty for False Alarm or Report

It is a state jail felony (under Section 42.06, Texas Penal Code) for anyone to knowingly initiate, communicate or circulate a report of a present, past, or future bombing, fire, offense, or other emergency regarding a public institution of higher education that the initiator knows to be false or baseless.

Posting Guidelines

Before posting or distributing petitions, handbills, signs, or pieces of literature, the student or registered student organization, individual, or group must submit a copy of the material to be distributed to one of the following for approval:

• East Campus - East Campus Student Services Center, Room 149
• Hereford Campus - Student Services Counter
• Moore County Campus - Student Services Counter
• Washington Street Campus - Student Affairs Office, SSC 228; or Student Activities Office (located on the fourth floor of the Byrd Business Building) for student organization postings
• West Campus - AskAC Center (West Campus Lecture Hall)

The material to be posted or distributed must meet the following guidelines.

• Signs or materials of any kind which promote a business that is in direct competition with any Amarillo College class or service is strictly prohibited from posting on any Amarillo College Campus.
• The student or registered student organization, individual, or group distributing the information must be identified on the material to be posted.
• If the item is a petition, it must contain the name and signature of the initiator. If the initiator is a student organization the petition must contain a statement signed by the organization’s advisor that the advisor is aware of the petition. The text of the petition must also be printed on each page that contains supporting signatures.
• The item(s) must show a College approval stamp on the material.
• The material must not contain non-permissible solicitation, and must not be obscene or libelous.
• The material to be posted should not be larger than 14” x 22” unless special permission is given by the approving office.
• Materials must be posted only in designated areas (bulletin boards) on Amarillo College property.
• The items must not be displayed on windows, glass doors, painted walls, banisters, or columns of buildings except as designated or specially approved.
• Materials which promote commercial enterprises may be posted only in designated areas.
• No person may remove material posted without permission from the approving office, the student, individual or group, or the registered student organization.
• No student or registered student organization may distribute literature by accosting individuals or by hawking or shouting.
• Distribution must not interfere with free and unimpeded flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, and must not disturb or interfere with academic or institutional activities.
• POSTED MATERIALS SHOULD BE REMOVED BY THE STUDENT OR ORGANIZATION no later than 14 days after posting or, if it relates to an event, not longer than 24 hours after the event to which it relates has ended. At the time of removal, care should be taken not to litter the area around which the material was posted.

Solicitation

No solicitation (sale or offer for sale of any property or service, and the receipt of or request for any gift or contribution) is allowed on any AC campus, except with the prior written consent of the Vice President of Business Affairs or the Vice President of Student Affairs.

Participation in Political Activities

Before a representative or speaker for any political group may speak on campus, the representative must be invited by a recognized student organization. The student organization must be one which has been established in accordance with Amarillo College policy and which has been approved by the Vice President of Student Affairs. Time and location will be scheduled by the Vice President.

Recognized political party representatives who wish to contact students may have a table set up in the lobby of the College Union Building after being registered by the Vice President of Student Affairs.

Political party representatives wishing to place posters or announcements on the campus must use the bulletin boards of the College. The placing of posters must be governed by the same policy which applies to distribution of other printed materials such as posters and handouts.

The Vice President of Student Affairs shall require two working days advance notice from the recognized student organization(s) for participation in politics to determine final approval or disapproval of the event.

Weather Closing Policy

If Amarillo College campuses are closed because of inclement weather, an official announcement will be made through all local television and radio stations. The message will also be posted on the college website, social media platforms, and the College’s main telephone number (806) 371-5000.  Additionally, an alert will be sent out via the AC Alert text messaging system.

Morning closings will be announced by 6:30 a.m. The decision to close or change evening classes will be made by 3:00 p.m. If a decision to cancel classes or close a campus is made during the day, students will be notified through the media and website. If no announcement is made, the College is open as normally scheduled.

Please listen closely to weather announcements as one campus may be closed while others remain open.

Student and Community Use of College Facilities

Conduct on College Premises
Amarillo College property, facilities, and personnel are primarily dedicated to use and access by College faculty, staff, and enrolled students. They are also available to citizens of the community who have legitimate business at the College. “Legitimate business” is defined as activities reasonably related to enrollment, employment, or contractual relation with the College or the seeking thereof; and persons on College property at the invitation of the College. The College may limit community access to property, facilities, and personnel if that access is believed to be disruptive to the normal and orderly functioning of the College’s operations, or is deemed inappropriate to the College’s purposes. In addition, but not in lieu of definitions of “disruption” and “disruptive behavior,” the term “disruptive” means any activity calculated or otherwise which has the effect of disturbing students, faculty, or staff in the performance of their studies, activities, or jobs. The College reserves the right to establish reasonable conditions regarding the access of any person to the College’s property, facilities, and personnel. Any individual or group activity considered by the College to be disruptive to the orderly functioning of the College may result in access limitations being prescribed by the President or designee.

Any person who has no legitimate business interest at the College, and/or is disruptive to the normal and orderly functioning of the College’s operations as defined above, is an undesirable person and may be ejected from College property upon his or her refusal to leave peaceably on request. Identification may be required of any person on the College property at any time, and inquiry may be made of said person as to his or her reason for being on College property. In addition to the criminal penalties as allowed by law, students who refuse to identify themselves fully in accordance with College policy may be subject to discipline, including suspension.

Minor Children and Pets on Campus
From time to time, classes and activities are offered at Amarillo College for minor children and pets. On these occasions, they are invited to avail themselves of these opportunities. At other times, however, students are cautioned that minor children and pets are not permitted to remain unattended on campus or to attend classes with students.

Student Clubs and Organizations

An organization in which membership is limited to students, staff, and faculty may become a registered student organization by complying with the registration procedures established by the Director of Student Life.

Regulations governing clubs and organizations are located in the Student Life Office in the CUB basement.
Membership is governed by the constitution and bylaws of each organization, subject to the following limitations:

1. Membership shall be confined to students of the College and to persons officially connected with the College.
    
2. Any student who is placed on academic probation shall be considered on social probation as well, and the student shall participate in organizational activities only to the extent of attending regular meetings. The student shall not hold any office, either elective or appointive, nor serve on committees. A minimum of 2.0 grade point average is required of all members unless higher standards are stipulated by the club or organization constitution.
    

HEALTH INFORMATION

Communicable Diseases

Students and their children with communicable diseases including but not limited to Chicken Pox, Scarlet Fever, Active Tuberculosis, Measles, and Influenza should exercise care not to infect College students or staff with their illnesses. This can best be done by following medical recommendations concerning quarantine. Ill children should not be brought to College classes. Further information concerning these issues can be obtained by contacting the Police Department at 371-5163.

Immunizations

Amarillo College recommends that students entering this institution be fully vaccinated prior to enrollment and preventative vaccinations be taken when required. The consequences of not being fully immunized for diphtheria, rubella, mumps, tetanus and poliomyelitis are severe. An outbreak of any of these diseases can have a devastating impact on the campus community. Immunization is an integral part of preventative health care.

All students majoring in health care related fields must provide documented proof that they have been fully immunized prior to admission to the program. Students in Allied Health and Nursing programs should consult with the program chair regarding mandatory immunization requirements.

Student Health Insurance

Amarillo College does not provide health insurance for students. However, information from various insurance carriers is kept on file in the office of the Vice President of Student Affairs for students to consider for individual purchase.

Bacterial Meningitis Information

All new Amarillo College students under the age of 22 are required to show proof of Bacterial Meningitis vaccinations 10 days prior to starting classes.

Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast - so take utmost caution. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that cause meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, including 100-125 on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths among college students every year. There is a treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities.

Symptoms

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Rash or purple patches on skin
• Vomiting
• Light sensitivity
• Stiff neck
• Confusion and sleepiness
• Nausea
• Lethargy
• Seizures

There may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. These can occur anywhere on the body. The more symptoms, the higher the risk, so when these symptoms appear seek immediate medical attention.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests.
• Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.

Transmission

• The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, or by sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions.
   
• Increased Risks
   
• Exposure to saliva by sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils, food, kissing, etc.
   
• Living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or group home).

Possible Consequences

• Death (in 8 to 24 hours from perfectly well to dead)
• Permanent brain damage
• Kidney failure
• Learning disability
• Hearing loss, blindness
• Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that requires amputation
• Gangrene
• Coma
• Convulsions

Treatment
Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and chances of recovery are increased. However, permanent disability or death can still occur.

Vaccinations are available and should be considered for:

• Those living in close quarters
• College students 25 years old or younger
• Vaccinations are effective against 4 of the 5 most common bacterial types that cause 70% of the disease in the U.S. (but does not protect against all types of meningitis).
• Vaccinations take 7-10 days to become effective, with protection lasting 3-5 years.
• The cost of vaccine varies so check with your health care provider.
• Vaccination is very safe - most common side effects are redness and minor pain at injection site for up to two days.
• Vaccination is available from local health care providers.

For More Information

· https://dshs.texas.gov/immunize/school/college-requirements.aspx

· Other informational web sites: http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/index.html.

Student Assistance Program for Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Students may receive confidential assistance for personal problems relating to drug or alcohol abuse by making an appointment with the Amarillo College Counseling Center, located in the Student Service Center room 228, or by calling 371-5900.

Health Risks Of Alcohol /Drug Abuse

While drinking alcohol is itself not necessarily a problem, drinking too much can cause a range of consequences, and increase your risk for a variety of problems. For more information on alcohol’s effects on the body, please see the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s related web page describing alcohol’s effects on the body.

Drug use can have a wide range of short- and long-term, direct and indirect effects. These effects often depend on the specific drug or drugs used, how they are taken, how much is taken, the person’s health, and other factors. Short-term effects can range from changes in appetite, wakefulness, heart rate, blood pressure, and/or mood to heart attack, stroke, psychosis, overdose, and even death. These health effects may occur after just one use. For more information regarding the health Consequences of drug abuse, please see the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s related web page describing the effects of drug use on the body.

Agencies/Resources for Treatment of Alcohol/Drug Abuse

Cenikor (Amarillo Treatment Center), 888-236-4567
Location:                1001 Wallace Blvd., Amarillo, Texas
Services:                Treatment programs to achieve successful long-term recovery
Eligibility:                Inpatient and outpatient treatment to help people recover from substance use disorders and learn
                                mechanisms to help them stay abstinent after treatment
Residence:             Services for inpatients, outpatients, and shelter patients
Cost:                       Call for current information
Hours:                     8:00 am to 7 pm

Alcoholics Anonymous (Amarillo Central Office), 806-329-3088 (Call 24 Hours)
Funding:                Contributions
Services:               A program to help and rehabilitate alcoholics who are trying to overcome their drinking problems
Eligibility:               Alcoholics and/or their families
Residence:            None
Cost:                      None
Hours:                    24-hour number, volunteers on-call through answering service

Alcoholic Recovery Center, 806-376-7993
Location:                412 S.E. 16th Avenue, Amarillo, Texas
Funding:                 Texas Rehabilitation Commission
                               TCADA
                               U. S. Veterans Administration
                               Private donations
                               Client payments
Services:                Alcoholics Anonymous; Narcotics Anonymous; TCADA Level 4
                               Residential Treatment Program; Texas Workforce Commission Job
                               Training           
Eligibility:                Must be 18 years of age
                               Males only
Cost:                       Call for current information
Hours:                     24-hour

Haven House, Intake Center for Downtown Women’s Center, 806-374-5654​
Location:                 409 S Monroe, Amarillo, Texas
Funding:                  State and private funding
Services:                 24-hour supervised living by a trained and qualified staff; 3- to 6-month
                                treatment program
Eligibility:                 Must be 18 years of age or older
                                Females only
                                Sobriety required
Residence:              None
Cost:                       Call for current information
Hours:                     24-hour

Amarillo Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, 806-374-6688 or 1-800-566-6688
Location:                 803 South Rusk Street, Amarillo, Texas
Funding:                  The United Way
                                TCADA (Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse)
                                Junior League of Amarillo
                                Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation
Services:                 Educational programs providing current scientific and factual
                                information on alcohol, drugs and alcoholism, and state-of-the-art
                                programs for the prevention of substance abuse among all age groups -
                                particularly teenagers and young adults
Eligibility:                 None
Residence:              None
Cost:                        Call for current information
Hours:                      Call for current information

Managed Care Center for Addictive/Other Disorders, Inc., 806-331-2723
Location:                  808 S. Crockett, Amarillo, Texas
Funding:                   Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Services:                  In- and outpatient substance abuse treatment services for adults
Eligibility:                  None
Cost:                         Call for current information
Hours:                       Call for current information

The Pavilion, 1-800-537-2585 or 806-354-1810
Location:                  1501 Coulter Road, Amarillo, Texas
Services:                  Mental Health and substance abuse services; detoxification; hospital
                                 inpatient and outpatient services
Cost:                         Call for current information
Hours:                       Call for current information

West Texas Counseling and Rehabilitation Program (WTCR), 806-373-0922
Location:                  2300 Line Avenue, Amarillo, Texas
Services:                  Substance abuse treatment, detoxification, methadone maintenance,
                                 methadone detoxification, outpatient services
Cost:                         Call for current information
Hours:                       Call for current information

Hotline:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National 24-hour-a-day Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357)