Dec 04, 2024

2023-2024 Academic Catalog

2023-2024 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]

2023-2024 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
Freedom from Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence
Freedom from Discrimination
Freedom from Bullying
Assistance for Parenting Students
Intellectual Property Rights
Accuracy of Student Reported Information
Financial Obligations to the College
Student Identification Cards
Notice Regarding Student/Staff Images
New Student Orientation
Representation: Student Government Association
Student Clubs and Organizations
Services for Students with Disabilities
Voter Registration
Police Department
Weather Closings

Consumer Information
$1,000 Tuition Rebates
Tuition Charges for Repeated and Excessive Hours
Withdrawal Limitations for Students Enrolled at Texas Colleges and Universities
Student Right to Know
Campus Security
Textbooks
Notice Regarding Student Eligibility for Professional Licensure

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
Crisis Intervention Team

Student Complaints
Process
Discrimination Complaints
Disability Accommodation Complaints

Campus Procedures and Notifications
Weapons on Campus
Parking
Notification of Penalty for False Alarm or Report
Student Expression and Use of College Facilities

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 (SACSCOC) to award Associate degrees and certificates. Questions about the accreditation of Amarillo College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

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 post secondary 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 post secondary 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 post secondary 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 and Sexual Violence

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.

A full narrative of Amarillo College’s policy regarding Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation: Sex and Sexual Violence can be found at the following location:

https://pol.tasb.org/PolicyOnline/PolicyDetails?key=1003&code=FFDA#localTabContent

Freedom from Discrimination

Statement of Nondiscrimination
The College prohibits discrimination, including harassment, against any student on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, religion, age, or any other basis prohibited by law. Retaliation against anyone involved in the complaint process is a violation of College policy and is prohibited.

Discrimination
Discrimination against a student is defined as conduct directed at a student on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, religion, age, or on any other basis prohibited by law, that adversely affects the student.

Prohibited Harassment
Prohibited harassment of a student is defined as physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct based on the student’s race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, or any other basis prohibited by law that is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that the conduct limits or denies a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the College’s educational program.

Examples
Examples of prohibited harassment may include offensive or derogatory language directed at another person’s religious beliefs or practices, accent, skin color, or need for accommodation; threatening, intimidating, or humiliating conduct; offensive jokes, name calling, slurs, or rumors; physical aggression or assault; display of graffiti or printed material promoting racial, ethnic, or other negative stereotypes; or other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property.

Retaliation
The College prohibits retaliation by a student or College employee against a student alleged to have experienced discrimination or harassment or another student who, in good faith, makes a report of harassment or discrimination, serves as a witness, or otherwise participates in an investigation.

Examples
Examples of retaliation may include threats, rumor spreading, ostracism, assault, destruction of property, unjustified punishments, or unwarranted grade reductions. Unlawful retaliation does not include petty slights or annoyances.

False Claims
A student who intentionally makes a false claim, offers false statements, or refuses to cooperate with a College investigation regarding discrimination or harassment shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Prohibited Conduct
In this policy, the term “prohibited conduct” includes discrimination, harassment, and retaliation as defined by this policy, even if the behavior does not rise to the level of unlawful conduct.

Reporting Procedures

Student Report
Any student who believes that he or she has experienced prohibited conduct or believes that another student has experienced prohibited conduct should immediately report the alleged acts to a responsible employee.

Employee Report
Any College employee who suspects and any responsible employee who receives notice that a student or group of students has or may have experienced prohibited conduct shall immediately notify the appropriate College official listed in this policy and shall take any other steps required by this policy.

Exceptions
A person who holds a professional license requiring confidentiality, such as a counselor, or who is supervised by such a person shall not be required to disclose a report of prohibited conduct without the student’s consent.

A person who is a nonprofessional counselor or advocate designated in administrative procedures as a confidential source shall not be required to disclose information regarding an incident of prohibited conduct that constitutes personally identifiable information about a student or other information that would indicate the student’s identity without the student’s consent, unless the person is disclosing information as required for inclusion in the College’s annual security report under the Clery Act. [See GCC]

Responsible Employee
For purposes of this policy, a “responsible employee” is an employee:

Who has the authority to remedy prohibited conduct.
Who has been given the duty of reporting incidents of prohibited conduct.
Whom a student reasonably believes has the authority to remedy prohibited conduct or has been given the duty of reporting incidents of prohibited conduct.

The College designates the following persons as responsible employees: any instructor, any administrator, or any College official defined below.

Definition of College Officials
For the purposes of this policy, College officials are the ADA/Section 504 coordinator and the College President.
ADA / Section 504 Coordinator

Reports of discrimination based on disability may be directed to the ADA/Section 504 coordinator. The College designates the following person to coordinate its efforts to comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, which incorporates and expands the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended:

Name: Denese Skinner
Position: Vice President of Student Affairs
Address: Washington Street Campus, Student Services Center, Room 228C
Telephone: (806) 371-5252

Other Anti discrimination Laws
The College President or designee shall serve as coordinator for purposes of College compliance with all other anti discrimination laws.

Alternative Reporting Procedures
A student shall not be required to report prohibited conduct to the person alleged to have committed the conduct. Reports concerning prohibited conduct, including reports against the ADA/Section 504 coordinator, may be directed to the College President.

A report against the College President may be made directly to the Board. If a report is made directly to the Board, the Board shall appoint an appropriate person to conduct an investigation.

Timely Reporting
Reports of prohibited conduct shall be made as soon as possible after the alleged act or knowledge of the alleged act. A failure to immediately report may impair the College’s ability to investigate and address the prohibited conduct.

Investigation of the Report
The College may request, but shall not require, a written report. If a report is made orally, the College official shall reduce the report to written form.

Initial Assessment
Upon receipt or notice of a report, the College official shall determine whether the allegations, if proven, would constitute prohibited conduct as defined by this policy. If so, the College official shall immediately authorize or undertake an investigation, except as provided below at Criminal Investigation.

If the College official determines that the allegations, if proven, would not constitute prohibited conduct as defined by this policy but may constitute a violation of other College rules or regulations, the College official shall refer the complaint for consideration under the appropriate policy.
Interim Action

If appropriate and regardless of whether a criminal or regulatory investigation regarding the alleged conduct is pending, the College shall promptly take interim action calculated to address prohibited conduct prior to the completion of the College’s investigation.

College Investigation
The investigation may be conducted by the College official or a designee or by a third party designated by the College, such as an attorney. The investigator shall have received appropriate training regarding the issues related to the complaint and the relevant College’s policy and procedures.

The investigation may consist of personal interviews with the person making the report, the person against whom the report is filed, and others with knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the allegations. The investigation may also include analysis of other information or documents related to the allegations.

Criminal Investigation
If a law enforcement or regulatory agency notifies the College that a criminal or regulatory investigation has been initiated, the College shall confer with the agency to determine if the College’s investigation would impede the criminal or regulatory investigation. The College shall proceed with its investigation only to the extent that it does not impede the ongoing criminal or regulatory investigation. After the law enforcement or regulatory agency has completed gathering its evidence, the College shall promptly resume its investigation.

Concluding the Investigation
Absent extenuating circumstances, such as a request by a law enforcement or regulatory agency for the College to delay its investigation, the investigation should be completed within ten College business days from the date of the report; however, the investigator shall take additional time if necessary to complete a thorough investigation.

The investigator shall prepare a written report of the investigation. The report shall be filed with the College official overseeing the investigation.

Notification of the Outcome
The College shall provide written notice of the outcome, within the extent permitted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or other law, to the victim and the person against whom the complaint is filed.

College Action

Prohibited Conduct
If the results of an investigation indicate that prohibited conduct occurred, the College shall promptly respond by taking appropriate disciplinary or corrective action reasonably calculated to address the conduct, in accordance with College policy and procedures [see FM and FMA].

Corrective Action
Examples of corrective action may include a training program for those involved in the complaint, a comprehensive education program for the College community, counseling for the victim and the student who engaged in prohibited conduct, followup inquiries to determine if any new incidents or any instances of retaliation have occurred, involving students in efforts to identify problems and improve the College climate, increasing staff monitoring of areas where prohibited conduct has occurred, and reaffirming the College’s policy against discrimination and harassment.

Improper Conduct
If the investigation reveals improper conduct that did not rise to the level of prohibited conduct, the College may take disciplinary action in accordance with College policy and procedures or other corrective action reasonably calculated to address the conduct.

Confidentiality
To the greatest extent possible, the College shall respect the privacy of the complainant, persons against whom a report is filed, and witnesses. Limited disclosures may be necessary in order to conduct a thorough investigation and comply with applicable law.

Appeal
A party who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation may appeal through the applicable grievance policy beginning at the appropriate level. [See DGBA(LOCAL) for employees, FLD(LOCAL) for students, and GB(LOCAL) for community members] A party shall be informed of his or her right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Freedom From Bullying

Bullying Prohibited
The College prohibits bullying as defined by this policy. Retaliation against anyone involved in the complaint process is a violation of College policy and is prohibited.

Bullying
Bullying occurs when a student or group of students engages in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that occurs on College property, at a College sponsored or College related activity, or in a vehicle operated by the College and that:

Has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or of damage to the student’s property; or
Is so sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive that the action or threat limits or denies a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the College’s educational program.

Examples
Bullying of a student may include hazing, threats, taunting, teasing, confinement, assault, demands for money, destruction of property, theft of valued possessions, name calling, rumor spreading, or ostracism.

Retaliation
The College prohibits retaliation by a student or College employee against any person who in good faith makes a report of bullying, serves as a witness, or participates in an investigation.

False Claim
A student who intentionally makes a false claim, offers false statements, or refuses to cooperate with a College investigation regarding bullying or retaliation as defined by this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Timely Reporting
Reports of bullying or retaliation shall be made as soon as possible after the alleged act or knowledge of the alleged act. A failure to immediately report may impair the College’s ability to investigate and address the prohibited conduct.

Reporting Procedures

Student Report
To obtain assistance and intervention, any student who believes that he or she has experienced bullying or believes that another student has experienced bullying should immediately report the alleged acts to an instructor, counselor, administrator, or other College employee.

Employee Report
Any College employee who suspects or receives notice that a student or group of students has or may have experienced bullying or retaliation shall immediately notify the student conduct officer.

Report Format
A report may be made orally or in writing. The student conduct officer or designee shall reduce any oral reports to written form.

Prohibited Conduct
The student conduct officer or designee shall determine whether the allegations in the report, if proven, would constitute prohibited conduct as defined by College policy, including harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or age. If so, the College shall proceed under policy FFDA or FFDB, as appropriate, instead. If the allegations could constitute both prohibited conduct and bullying, the investigation shall include a determination on each type of conduct.

Investigation of the Report
The student conduct officer or designee shall conduct an appropriate investigation based on the allegations in the report. The student conduct officer or designee shall promptly take interim action calculated to prevent bullying or retaliation, as defined by this policy, during the course of an investigation, if appropriate.

Concluding the Investigation
Absent extenuating circumstances, the investigation should be completed within ten College business days from the date of the initial report alleging bullying or retaliation, as defined by this policy; however, the student conduct officer or designee shall take additional time if necessary to complete a thorough investigation.

The student conduct officer or designee shall prepare a final, written report of the investigation. The report shall include a determination of whether bullying or retaliation, as defined by this policy, occurred.

College Action
If the results of an investigation indicate that bullying or retaliation as defined by this policy occurred, the College shall promptly respond by taking appropriate disciplinary or corrective action reasonably calculated to address the conduct.

Corrective Action
Examples of corrective action may include implementing a training program for the individuals involved in the complaint, implementing a comprehensive education program for the College community, conducting followup inquiries to determine if any new incidents or any instances of retaliation have occurred, involving students in efforts to identify problems and improve the College climate, increasing staff monitoring of areas where bullying or retaliation has occurred, and reaffirming the College’s policy against bullying and retaliation.

Improper Conduct
If the investigation reveals improper conduct that did not rise to the level of bullying or retaliation as defined by this policy, the College may take disciplinary or any other appropriate corrective action.

Appeal
A student who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation may appeal through the Student Complaint policy, beginning at the appropriate level.

Assistance for Parenting Students

The AC Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) serves as the point of contact for current and incoming students who are the parent or guardian of a child younger than 18 years of age. The ARC provides information and assistance related to health care, childcare, food security, affordable housing, employment and transportation assistance, and student academic success strategies.

Additionally, the ARC professionals are prepared to provide information and guidance related to AC policies that are uniquely designed to support pregnant or parenting students. Please visit the ARC Website for more information: https://www.actx.edu/arc/

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://pol.tasb.org/PolicyOnline/PolicyDetails?key=1003&code=CT#localTabContent

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.

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).

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.

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:

Membership shall be confined to students of the College and to persons officially connected with the College.
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.

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
Jump start 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.

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.

Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act

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/

Weather Closings

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.

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

Tuition Charges for Repeated and Excessive Hours

In accordance with Texas Education Code Section 54.014, 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 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.

Additionally, resident students who have attempted hours beyond the amount required for their degree may be charged additional tuition, up to the level of out-of-state tuition.

For a student who was initially enrolled in fall of 2023 and in an associate degree program the excess hours limit is the required semester credit hours for the degree, plus 15;

A student initially enrolled in fall of 2023 but not enrolled in any program is treated as enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program and the excess hours limit is 150;

For an undergraduate resident student initially enrolled in the fall of 2006 or later, the excess hours limit is the hours required for the student’s degree, plus 30;

For an undergraduate resident student initially enrolled in the fall of 1999 through summer 2006, the excess hours limit is the hours required for the student’s degree, plus 45; and

For an undergraduate resident student initially enrolled before fall 1999, there is no excess hours limit.

Please contact the Registrar’s Office for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Graduation

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

Completion of degree or certificate requirements with a 2.0 grade point average.
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:

Scholastic Dishonesty
“Scholastic dishonesty” includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, and collusion.

“Cheating” includes, but is not be limited to:

Copying from another student’s test or class work;
Using test materials not authorized by the person administering the test;
Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test without permission from the test administrator;
Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of an unadministered test, paper, or another assignment;
The unauthorized transporting or removal, in whole or in part, of the contents of the unadministered test;
Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for oneself, to take a test;
Bribing another person to obtain an unadministered test or information about an unadministered test; or
Manipulating a test, assignment, or final course grades.

“Plagiarism” is 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” is the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of course requirements.

Disorderly Conduct
“Disorderly conduct” includes any of the following activities occurring on premises owned or controlled by the College:

Behavior of a boisterous and tumultuous character such that there is a clear and present danger of alarming persons where no legitimate reason for alarm exists.
Interference with the peaceful and lawful conduct of persons under circumstances in which there is reason to believe that such conduct will cause or provoke a disturbance.
Violent and forceful behavior at any time such that there is a clear and present danger that free movement of other persons will be impaired.
Behavior involving personal abuse or assault when such behavior creates a clear and present danger of causing assaults or fights.
Violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud, or otherwise disorderly conduct under circumstances in which there is reason to believe that such conduct will cause or provoke a disturbance.
Willful and malicious behavior that interrupts the speaker of any lawful assembly or impairs the lawful right of others to participate effectively in such assembly or meeting when there is reason to believe that such conduct will cause or provoke a disturbance.
Willful and malicious behavior that obstructs or causes the obstruction of any doorway, hall, or any other passageway in a College building to such an extent that the employees, officers, and other persons, including visitors, having business with the College are denied entrance into, exit from, or free passage in such building.

Prohibited Conduct

Federal, State, and Local Law
Violations of federal, state, or local law or College policies, procedures, or rules, including the student handbook shall be prohibited.

Prohibited Weapons and Devices
Possession, distribution, sale, or use of firearms, location-restricted knives, clubs, knuckles, firearm silencers, or other prohibited weapons or devices in violation of law or College policies and procedures are prohibited.

Drugs and Alcohol
Behaviors regarding drugs and alcohol and associated paraphernalia shall be prohibited.

Debts
Owing a monetary debt to the College that is considered delinquent or writing an “insufficient funds” check to the College shall be prohibited.

Disruptions
“Disorderly conduct,” as defined above, or disruptive behavior shall be prohibited.

Behavior Targeting Others
The following behavior targeting others shall be prohibited:

Threatening another person, including a student or employee;
Intentionally, knowingly, or negligently causing physical harm to any person;
Engaging in conduct that constitutes harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, or bullying directed toward another person, including a student or employee;
Hazing with or without the consent of a student;
Initiations by organizations that include features that are dangerous, harmful, or degrading to the student, a violation of which also renders the organization subject to appropriate discipline; and
Endangering the health or safety of members of the College community or visitors to the premises.

Property
The following behavior regarding property shall be prohibited:

Intentionally, knowingly, or negligently defacing, damaging, misusing, or destroying College property or property owned by others;
Stealing from the College or others; and
Theft, sabotage, destruction, distribution, or other use of the intellectual property of the College or third parties without permission.

Directives
Failure to comply with directives given by College personnel, and failure to provide identification when requested to do so by College personnel shall be prohibited.

Tobacco and E cigarettes
Possession or use of tobacco products or ecigarettes on College property without authorization shall be prohibited.

Misuse of Technology
The following behavior regarding misuse of technology shall be prohibited:

Violating policies, rules, or agreements signed by the student regarding the use of technology resources;
Attempting to access or circumvent passwords or other security-related information of the College, students, or employees or uploading or creating computer viruses;
Attempting to alter, destroy, disable, or restrict access to College technology resources including but not limited to computers and related equipment, College data, the data of others, or other networks connected to the College’s system without permission;
Using the internet or other electronic communications to threaten College students, employees, or volunteers;
Sending, posting, or possessing electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal;
Using email or websites to engage in or encourage illegal behavior or threaten the safety of the College, students, employees, or visitors; and
Possessing published or electronic material that is designed to promote or encourage illegal behavior or that could threaten the safety of the College, students, employees, or visitors.

Dishonesty
The following behavior regarding dishonesty shall be prohibited:

Scholastic dishonesty, as defined above;
Making false accusations or perpetrating hoaxes regarding the safety of the College, students, employees, or visitors;
Intentionally or knowingly providing false information to the College; and
Intentionally or knowingly falsifying records, passes, or other College related documents.

Gambling and Other Conduct
Gambling or engaging in any other conduct that College officials might reasonably believe will substantially disrupt the College program or incite violence shall be prohibited.

Discipline
A student shall be subject to discipline, including suspension, if the student violates this policy:

While on College premises;
While attending a College activity; or
While elsewhere if the behavior adversely impacts the educational environment or otherwise interferes with the College’s operations or objectives.

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.

Reports of Alleged Misconduct

College faculty and staff shall submit an alleged violation or violations of College policies and procedures, including the rules for student conduct, committed by a student to the student conduct officer within a reasonable time following an alleged incident, not to exceed ten College business days.

The student conduct officer or designee shall investigate the matter as necessary. If an allegation is deemed to be unfounded, the student conduct officer or designee shall dismiss the allegation and shall provide the student written notice that the allegation of misconduct was made against the student and that the allegation was dismissed.

Exception
Reports of sex discrimination or sexual harassment shall be submitted in accordance with appropriate College policy.

Conference
If, however, the student conduct officer or designee determines that the allegation warrants further consideration, the student conduct officer or designee shall summon the student for a conference to be held within a reasonable time, not to exceed ten College business days, following the receipt of the allegation of misconduct.

At the conference, the student conduct officer or designee shall notify the student of the allegation or allegations and provide the student an opportunity to respond.

Unfounded Allegations
After conferring with the student, if the student conduct officer or designee determines that the student did not commit a violation, the allegation or allegations shall be dismissed as unfounded. The student shall be provided written notice of the dismissal.

Misconduct Warranting a Penalty
If the student conduct officer or designee determines that the student committed misconduct that warrants a penalty other than suspension or expulsion, the student conduct officer or designee shall provide the student written notice of the penalty and the student’s right to appeal to the disciplinary appeals committee.

Suspension
If the student conduct officer or designee determines that the student committed misconduct that warrants a suspension, the student conduct officer or designee shall inform the student in writing of the determination, and a hearing shall be scheduled for consideration by the disciplinary appeals committee as described below.

Expulsion
If the student conduct officer or designee determines that the student committed misconduct that warrants expulsion, the official shall inform the student in writing of the determination. The student conduct officer or designee shall forward the determination and all evidence collected during the investigation and conference to the College President, and a hearing shall be scheduled for consideration by the disciplinary appeals committee as described below.

Interim Disciplinary Action
The student conduct officer or designee 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 an ongoing threat of disrupting the educational environment.

Disciplinary Appeals Committee
The disciplinary appeals committee shall be convened:

On request of a student appealing a penalty other than suspension or expulsion. The request must be filed in writing, on a form provided by the College, within ten College business days of the date of the administration’s written notice.
Automatically, if the student conduct officer or designee determines that a student committed misconduct warranting suspension or expulsion.

Composition
The disciplinary appeals committee shall be composed of at least three College employees and a minimum of one current College student. The members of the disciplinary appeals committee and the committee chairperson shall be designated according to procedures developed by the College President. All members of the disciplinary appeals committee shall be eligible to vote during the hearing.

Hearing Notice
The student conduct officer or designee shall notify the student by letter of the date, time, and place for the hearing. Unless the student and the student conduct officer or designee otherwise agree, the hearing shall take place within a reasonable time period, not to exceed ten College business days after the date of the student’s request for the hearing or the student conduct officer or designee’s determination that the student should be suspended or expelled.

Failure to Appear for Hearing
The disciplinary appeals committee may impose appropriate punishment upon a student who fails without good cause to appear for the hearing; for purposes of assessing punishment, the committee may proceed with the hearing in the student’s absence.

Hearing Procedure
The hearing shall proceed as follows:

The chairperson shall read the description of the misconduct.
The chairperson shall inform the student of his or her rights.
The designated official or representative shall present the College’s case.
The student or representative shall present the student’s defense.
The designated College official or representative shall present rebuttal evidence.
The committee members may ask questions of witnesses testifying on behalf of the student or the College.
The designated official or representative shall summarize and argue the College’s case.
The student or representative shall summarize and argue his or her case.
The designated official or representative shall have an opportunity for rebuttal argument.
The committee members shall deliberate in closed session. The committee members shall vote on the issue of whether or not the student violated College policies and procedures, including the rules for student conduct.
If the committee finds the student did commit misconduct, the committee shall determine whether the penalty assessed, or proposed in the case of suspension or expulsion, by the student conduct officer or designee is appropriate and, if necessary, shall assess a different or additional penalty.
The committee chairperson shall communicate the decision and any findings of facts in support of the committee’s decision to the student in writing within ten College business days of the hearing. The notice shall include procedures for appealing the committee’s decision to the College President.

All hearings shall be recorded by the College. A stenographic digest of the recording shall be made if needed for an appeal, and, on request, the student shall be given a copy of the digest. The student or the student’s representative may listen to the tape recording and compare it with the digest.

Evidence

Evidence shall be handled in accordance with the following:

Legal rules of evidence do not apply; the committee chairperson may admit evidence or exclude evidence considered to be irrelevant, immaterial, and unduly repetitious.
At the hearing, the College shall be required to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the charges are true.
A student may not be compelled to testify.
The committee shall determine if a violation has occurred and assess an appropriate penalty based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing.

Appeal to College Administration
A student may, within ten College business days of receiving notice of the disciplinary appeal committee’s decision, petition in writing the College President to review the decision. The student’s petition shall state with particularity why the decision is believed to be incorrect. After receiving notice of the appeal, the disciplinary appeals committee chairperson shall forward all evidence considered during the hearing, the audio recording of the hearing, and the digest of the hearing, if applicable, to the College President.

The College President shall hold a conference within ten College business days after the appeal notice is filed. At the conference, the student may provide information concerning any documents or information relied on by the committee. The College President may set reasonable time limits for the conference. The conference shall be audio recorded.

The College President shall provide the student a written response, stating the basis of the decision, within ten College business days following the conference. In reaching a decision, the College President may consider the evidence included in the student’s petition, provided during the conference, and forwarded by the committee chairperson. The College President may act to affirm, modify, remand, or reverse the decision of the disciplinary appeals committee.

Appeal to Board
If the College President affirmed or modified the decision of the disciplinary appeals committee or if the time for a response has expired, the student may appeal the decision to the Board. The appeal notice must be filed in writing, on a form provided by the College, within ten College business days after receipt of the written response from the College President, or, if no response was received, within ten College business days of the response deadline.

The College President or designee shall inform the student of the date, time, and place of the Board meeting at which the appeal will be on the agenda for presentation to the Board.

The College President or designee shall provide the Board the evidence presented to the College President, as well as the audio recording of the College President’s conference with the student and the written response provided by the College President to the student.

The College shall determine whether the appeal will be presented in open or closed meeting in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and other applicable law.

The presiding officer may set reasonable time limits and guidelines for the presentation, including an opportunity for the student and the administration to each make a presentation and provide rebuttal and an opportunity for questioning by the Board. The Board shall hear the appeal and may request that the administration provide an explanation for the decisions at the preceding levels.

In addition to any other record of the Board meeting required by law, the Board shall prepare a separate record of the hearing. The hearing, including the presentation by the student or the student’s representative, any presentation from the administration, and questions from the Board with responses, shall be recorded by audio recording, video/audio recording, or court reporter.

The Board shall then consider the evidence. It may give notice of its decision orally or in writing at any time up to and including the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. If for any reason the Board fails to reach a decision regarding the evidence by the end of the next regularly scheduled meeting, the lack of a response by the Board upholds the student conduct officer’s decision.

Expulsion Hearing
If the student conduct officer or designee determines that the student’s misconduct warrants expulsion [see Conference, above], the Board shall convene to conduct an expulsion hearing. The College President or designee shall inform the student of the date, time, and place of the Board meeting at which the appeal will be on the agenda for presentation to the Board. The notice shall contain the contents described at Disciplinary Appeals Committee-Contents of Notice, above.

The College President or designee shall provide the Board the documentation presented by the student conduct officer.

The Board shall proceed according to the procedures set out at Disciplinary Appeals Committee-Failure to Appeal for Hearing, Hearing Procedure, and Evidence, above, with the Board substituted for references to the committee and the presiding officer of the Board substituted for the committee chairperson.

Penalties for Student Misconduct

A student shall be subject to discipline for violations of College policies and procedures, including the rules outlining expectations for student conduct. If a student commits an infraction or engages in misconduct, the College may impose one or more of the following penalties:

1. Reprimand
A verbal or written warning to the student following a rule violation. Repetition of such misconduct may result in more severe disciplinary action.

2. Restitution
Reimbursement for damage to or misappropriation of property. Reimbursement may take the form of appropriate service to repair or otherwise compensate for damage.

3. Scholastic penalties
The assignment of a failing grade on an assignment or examination or in a course by an instructor based on scholastic dishonesty; including cheating, collusion, and plagiarism; committed by a student. The instructor shall submit a written report of the incident and of the planned action to the instructor’s dean.

4. Conditional Probation
The placing of a student on notice that continued infraction of regulations may result in suspension or expulsion from the College. Conditional probation may include restrictions on a student’s rights and privileges or specified community service. The probation may be for a specified length of time or for an indefinite period according to the relative severity of the infraction or misconduct. Failure to fulfill the terms of the probation may lead to suspension or expulsion.

5. Suspension
Forced withdrawal from the College for either a definite period of time or until stated conditions have been met. Normally, suspension shall extend through a minimum of one regular long semester (with summer sessions not counting in the one semester minimum time lapse). However, suspension may exceed the one semester minimum.

6.Expulsion
Permanent forced withdrawal from the College . A student receiving disciplinary expulsion shall have the action noted in the student’s permanent record.

Suspended or Expelled Students
No former student who has been suspended or expelled from the College for disciplinary reasons shall be permitted on the campus or other facilities of the College, initiated into an honorary or service organization, or permitted to receive credit for academic work done in residence or by correspondence or extension during the period of suspension or expulsion without the prior written approval of the College President or a designated representative.

Disciplinary Record
The College shall maintain for every student alleged or determined to have committed misconduct at the College, a disciplinary record that shall reflect the charge, the disposition of the charge, the sanction assessed, if any, and any other pertinent information. The disciplinary record shall be separate from the student’s academic record and shall be treated as confidential; the contents shall not be revealed except on request of the student or in accordance with applicable state or federal laws.

Searches

College officials may conduct searches of students, their belongings, and their vehicles in accordance with state and federal law and College policy. Searches of students shall be conducted in a reasonable and nondiscriminatory manner.

College officials may initiate a search in accordance with law, including, for example, based on reasonable suspicion, voluntary consent, or pursuant to College policy providing for suspicionless security procedures, including the use of metal detectors.

In accordance with College policies and procedures, students are responsible for prohibited items found in their possession, including items in their personal belongings or in vehicles parked on College property.

Reasonable Suspicion Searches
Searches should be reasonable at their inception and in scope. If there is reasonable suspicion to believe that searching a student’s person, belongings, or vehicle will reveal evidence of a violation of College policy and procedures, a College official may conduct a search in accordance with law and College regulations.

Suspicionless Searches
For purposes of this policy, a suspicionless search is a search carried out based on lawful security procedures, such as metal detector searches or random drug testing.

Use of Trained Dogs
The College reserves the right to use trained dogs to conduct screening for concealed prohibited items. Such procedures shall be unannounced. The dogs shall not be used with students; however, students may be asked to leave personal belongings in an area that will be screened. If a dog alerts to an item or an area, it may be searched by College officials.

College Property
College-provided technology, storage, and similar items are the property of the College and are provided for student use as a matter of convenience. College property is subject to search or inspection at any time without notice. Students have no expectation of privacy in College property. Students shall be fully responsible for the security and contents of College property assigned to them. Students shall not place or keep in College-provided technology, storage, or similar item, any article or material prohibited by law or College policy and procedures.

A student shall be held responsible for any prohibited item found in College property provided to the student.

Crisis Intervention Team

The AC 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

Informal Process
The College encourages students to discuss their concerns with the appropriate instructor or other campus administrator who has the authority to address the concerns.

Concerns should be expressed as soon as possible to allow early resolution at the lowest possible administrative level.

Informal resolution shall be encouraged but shall not extend any deadlines in this policy, except by mutual written consent.

Formal Process
A student may initiate the formal process described below by timely filing a written complaint form.

Even after initiating the formal complaint process, students are encouraged to seek informal resolution of their concerns. A student whose concerns are resolved may withdraw a formal complaint at any time.

The process described in this policy shall not be construed to create new or additional rights beyond those granted by law or Board policy, nor to require a full evidentiary hearing or “minitrial” at any level.

Freedom from Retaliation
Neither the Board nor any College employee shall unlawfully retaliate against any student for bringing a concern or complaint.

Complaints
In this policy, the terms “complaint” and “grievance” shall have the same meaning.

Other Complaint Processes
Student complaints shall be filed in accordance with this policy, except as required by the policies listed below.
Some of these policies require appeals to be submitted in accordance with FLD after the relevant complaint process:

Complaints alleging discrimination or harassment based on race, color, sex, gender, national origin, disability, age, or religion. [See AC Board Policy FFDA and FFDB]
Complaints concerning retaliation relating to discrimination and harassment. [See AC Board Policy FFDA and FFDB]
Complaints concerning disciplinary decisions. [See AC Board Policy FMA]
Complaints concerning a commissioned peace officer who is an employee of the College. [See AC Board Policy CHA]
Complaints concerning the withdrawal of consent to remain on campus. [See AC Board Policy GDA]

General Provisions

Filing
Complaint forms and appeal notices may be filed by hand delivery, electronic communication, including email and fax, or U.S. Mail. Hand delivered filings shall be timely filed if received by the appropriate administrator or designee by the close of business on the deadline. Filings submitted by electronic communication shall be timely filed if they are received by the close of business on the deadline, as indicated by the date/time shown on the electronic communication. Mail filings shall be timely filed if they are postmarked by U.S. Mail on or before the deadline and received by the appropriate administrator or designated representative no more than three days after the deadline.

Scheduling Conferences
The College shall make reasonable attempts to schedule conferences at a mutually agreeable time. If a student fails to appear at a scheduled conference, the College may hold the conference and issue a decision in the student’s absence.

Response
At Levels One, Two, and Three, “response” shall mean a written communication to the student from the appropriate administrator. Responses may be hand delivered, sent by electronic communication to the student’s email address of record, or sent by U.S. Mail to the student’s mailing address of record. Mailed responses shall be timely if they are postmarked by U.S. Mail on or before the deadline.

Days
“Days” shall mean College business days. In calculating time lines under this policy, the day a document is filed is “day zero.” The following day is “day one.”

Representative
“Representative” shall mean any person who or organization that is designated by the student to represent the student in the complaint process.

The student may designate a representative through written notice to the College at any level of this process. If the student designates a representative with fewer than three days’ notice to the College before a scheduled conference or hearing, the College may reschedule the conference or hearing to a later date, if desired, in order to include the College’s counsel. The College may be represented by counsel at any level of the process.

Consolidating Complaints
Complaints arising out of an event or a series of related events shall be addressed in one complaint. A student shall not file separate or serial complaints arising from any event or series of events that have been or could have been addressed in a previous complaint.
Untimely Filings

All time limits shall be strictly followed unless modified by mutual written consent.
If a complaint form or appeal notice is not timely filed, the complaint may be dismissed, on written notice to the student, at any point during the complaint process. The student may appeal the dismissal by seeking review in writing within ten days from the date of the written dismissal notice, starting at the level at which the complaint was dismissed. Such appeal shall be limited to the issue of timeliness.

Costs Incurred
Each party shall pay its own costs incurred in the course of the complaint.

Complaint and Appeal Forms
Complaints and appeals under this policy shall be submitted in writing on a form provided by the College.
Copies of any documents that support the complaint should be attached to the complaint form. If the student does not have copies of these documents, copies may be presented at the Level One conference. After the Level One conference, no new documents may be submitted by the student unless the student did not know the documents existed before the Level One conference.

A complaint or appeal form that is incomplete in any material aspect may be dismissed but may be refiled with all the required information if the refiling is within the designated time for filing.

Level One
Complaint forms must be filed:

Within 15 days of the date the student first knew, or with reasonable diligence should have known, of the decision or action giving rise to the complaint or grievance; and
With the vice president of enrollment management or designee who will evaluate the complaint and, if necessary, assign the complaint to an appropriate College administrator for attention and/or action.

The appropriate administrator shall investigate as necessary and schedule a conference with the student within ten days after receipt of the written complaint. The administrator may set reasonable time limits for the conference.

Absent extenuating circumstances, the administrator shall provide the student a written response within ten days following the conference. The written response shall set forth the basis of the decision. In reaching a decision, the administrator may consider information provided at the Level One conference and any relevant documents or information the administrator believes will help resolve the complaint.

Level Two
If the student did not receive the relief requested at Level One or if the time for a response has expired, the student may appeal the Level One decision.

The appeal notice must be filed in writing, on a form provided by the College, within ten days of the date of the written Level One response or, if no response was received, within ten days of the Level One response deadline.

After receiving notice of the appeal, the vice president of enrollment management or designee shall prepare and forward a record of the Level One complaint to the Level Two administrator. The student may request a copy of the Level One record.

The Level One record shall include:

The original complaint form and any attachments.
All other documents submitted by the student at Level One.
The written response issued at Level One and any attachments.
All other documents relied upon by the Level One administrator in reaching the Level One decision.

The Level Two administrator shall schedule a conference within ten days after the appeal notice is filed. The conference shall be limited to the issues and documents considered at Level One. At the conference, the student may provide information concerning any documents or information relied on by the administration for the Level One decision. The Level Two administrator may set reasonable time limits for the conference.

The Level Two administrator shall provide the student a written response within ten days following the conference. The written response shall set forth the basis of the decision. In reaching a decision, the Level Two administrator may consider the Level One record, information provided at the Level Two conference, and any other relevant documents or information the Level Two administrator believes will help resolve the complaint.

Recordings of the Level One and Level Two conferences, if any, shall be maintained with the Level One and Level Two records.

Level Three
If the student did not receive the relief requested at Level Two or if the time for a response has expired, the student may request a conference with the College President or designee to appeal the Level Two decision. The appeal notice must be filed in writing, on a form provided by the College, within ten days of the date of the written Level Two response or, if no response was received, within ten days of the Level Two response deadline.

After receiving notice of the appeal, the Level Two administrator shall prepare and forward a record of the Level Two complaint to the Level Three administrator. The student may request a copy of the Level Two record.

The Level Two record shall include:

The Level One record.
The written response issued at Level Two and any attachments.
All other documents relied upon by the Level Two administrator in reaching the Level Two decision.

The Level Three administrator shall schedule a conference within ten days after the appeal notice is filed. The conference shall be limited to the issues and documents considered at Level Two. At the conference, the student may provide information concerning any documents or information relied on by the administration for the Level Two decision. The Level Three administrator may set reasonable time limits for the conference.

The Level Three administrator shall provide the student a written response within ten days following the conference. The written response shall set forth the basis of the decision. In reaching a decision, the Level Three administrator may consider the Level One and Level Two records, information provided at the Level Three conference, and any other relevant documents or information the Level Three administrator believes will help resolve the complaint.

Recordings of the Level One, Level Two, and Level Three conferences, if any, shall be maintained with the Level One, Level Two, and Level Three records.

Level Four
If the student did not receive the relief requested at Level Three or if the time for a response has expired, the student may appeal the decision to the Board.

The appeal notice must be filed in writing, on a form provided by the College, within ten days after receipt of the written Level Three response, or, if no response was received, within ten days of the Level Three response deadline.

The College President or designee shall inform the student of the date, time, and place of the Board meeting at which the complaint will be on the agenda for presentation to the Board.
The College President or designee shall provide the Board the record of the Level Three complaint. The student may request a copy of the Level Three record.

The Level Three record shall include:

The Level One record.
The Level Two record.
The written response issued at Level Three and any attachments.
All other documents relied upon by the administration in reaching the Level Three decision.

The appeal shall be limited to the issues and documents considered at Level Three, except that if at the Level Four hearing the administration intends to rely on evidence not included in the Level Three record, the administration shall provide the student notice of the nature of the evidence at least three days before the hearing.

The College shall determine whether the complaint will be presented in open or closed meeting in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and other applicable law. [See BD]

The presiding officer may set reasonable time limits and guidelines for the presentation, including an opportunity for the student and administration to each make a presentation and provide rebuttal and an opportunity for questioning by the Board. The Board shall hear the complaint and may request that the administration provide an explanation for the decisions at the preceding levels.

In addition to any other record of the Board meeting required by law, the Board shall prepare a separate record of the Level Four presentation. The Level Four presentation, including the presentation by the student or the student’s representative, any presentation from the administration, and questions from the Board with responses, shall be recorded by audio recording, video/audio recording, or court reporter.

The Board shall then consider the complaint. It may give notice of its decision orally or in writing at any time up to and including the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. If for any reason the Board fails to reach a decision regarding the complaint by the end of the next regularly scheduled meeting, the lack of a response by the Board upholds the administrative decision at Level Three.

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 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 Accommodation Complaints

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:

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.
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.
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: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html

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

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.

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.

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.

Student Expression and Use of College Facilities

Distribution of Literature
Written or printed materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory materials not sponsored by the College shall not be sold, circulated, distributed, or posted on any College premises by any College student or registered student organization, except in accordance with this policy.

The College shall not be responsible for, nor shall the College endorse, the contents of any materials distributed by students or registered student organizations that is not sponsored by the College.

Materials distributed under the supervision of instructional personnel as a part of instruction or other authorized classroom activities shall not be governed by this policy.

Materials must be submitted to the Student Life Office and approved by the Director of Student Life before distribution.

Limitations on Content
Materials shall not be distributed by students or registered student organizations on College property if:

The materials are obscene.
The materials contain defamatory statements about public figures or others.
The materials advocate imminent lawless or disruptive action and are likely to incite or produce such action.
The materials are considered prohibited harassment.
The materials constitute nonpermissible solicitation.
The materials infringe upon intellectual property rights of the College.

Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions
Distribution of the materials shall be conducted in a manner that:

Is not disruptive;
Does not impede reasonable access to College facilities;
Does not result in damage to College property;
Does not coerce, badger, or intimidate a person;
Does not interfere with the rights of others; and
Does not violate local, state, or federal laws or College policies and procedures.

The distributor shall clean the area around which the literature was distributed of any materials that were discarded or leftover.

The vice president of student affairs or director of student life shall designate times, locations, and means by which materials that are appropriate for distribution, as provided in this policy, may be made available or distributed by students or registered student organizations to students or others in College facilities and in areas that are not considered common outdoor areas.

Posting of Signs
For the purposes of this policy, “sign” shall be defined as a billboard, decal, notice, placard, poster, banner, or any kind of handheld sign; and “posting” shall be defined as any means used for displaying a sign.

Except for signs that violate the restrictions in this policy and administrative procedures, a student or registered student organization may publicly post a sign on College property in common outdoor areas and in areas or locations designated by the vice president of student affairs or director of student life. No object other than a sign may be posted on College property.

Restrictions

A sign shall not be larger than 22 inches by 28 inches, unless authorized by the vice president of student affairs or director of student life. A sign shall not be attached or posted:

To a shrub or plant;
To a tree, except by string to its trunk;
To a permanent sign installed for another purpose;
To a fence or chain or its supporting structure;
To a brick, concrete, or masonry structure;
To a statue, monument, or similar structure;
On or adjacent to a fire hydrant; or
In a College building, except on a bulletin board designated for that purpose.

Removal
A student or registered student organization shall remove each sign not 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.
A sign posted in accordance with this section shall not be removed without permission from the vice president of student affairs or director of student life, the student, or the registered student organization.

Disclaimer
Materials distributed by a registered student organization must include a disclaimer indicating that the materials are not sponsored by the College and do not represent the views of the College or College officials, faculty, or staff.

Use of Facilities and Grounds
The facilities and grounds of the College shall be made available to students or registered student organizations when such use does not conflict with use by, or any of the policies and procedures of the College.

The requesting students or student organization shall pay all expenses incurred by their use of facilities in accordance with a fee schedule developed by the Board.

Requests
To request permission to meet or host a speaker in College facilities, interested students or registered student organizations shall file a written request with the vice president of student affairs or director of student life in accordance with administrative procedures.

The students or the registered student organization making the request shall indicate that they have read and understand the policies and rules governing use of College facilities and that they will abide by those rules.

Approval
The vice president of student affairs or director of student life shall approve or reject the request in accordance with provisions and deadlines set out in this policy and administrative procedures, without regard to the religious, political, philosophical, ideological, academic viewpoint, or other content of the speech likely to be associated with the student’s or registered student organization’s use of the facility.

Approval shall not be granted when the official has reasonable grounds to believe that:

The College facility requested is unavailable, inadequate, or inappropriate to accommodate the proposed use at the time requested;
The applicant is under a disciplinary penalty or sanction prohibiting the use of the facility;
The proposed use includes nonpermissible solicitation;
The proposed use would constitute an immediate and actual danger to the peace or security of the College that available law enforcement officials could not control with reasonable efforts;
The applicant owes a monetary debt to the College and the debt is considered delinquent;
The proposed activity would disrupt or disturb the regular academic program;
The proposed use would result in damage to or defacement of property or the applicant has previously damaged College property; or
The proposed activity would constitute an unauthorized joint sponsorship with an outside group.
The vice president of student affairs or director of student life shall provide the applicant a written statement of the grounds for rejection if a request is denied.

Common Outdoor Area Exception
Common outdoor areas are traditional public forums and are not subject to the approval procedures. Students and student organizations may engage in expressive activities in common outdoor areas, unless:

The person’s conduct is unlawful;
The use would constitute an immediate and actual danger to the peace or security of the College that available law enforcement officials could not control with reasonable efforts;
The use would materially or substantially disrupt or disturb the regular academic program; or
The use would result in damage to or defacement of property.

Announcements and Publicity
In accordance with administrative procedures, all students and registered student organizations shall be given access on the same basis for making announcements and publicizing their meetings and activities.

Identification
Students or registered student organizations distributing materials on campus or using College facilities shall provide identification when requested to do so by a College representative.

Violations of Policy
Failure to comply with this policy and associated procedures shall result in appropriate administrative action, including but not limited to, confiscation of nonconforming materials, suspension of a student’s or registered student organization’s use of College facilities, and/or other disciplinary action in accordance with the College’s discipline policies and procedures.

Interference with Expression
Faculty members, students, or student organizations that interfere with the expressive activities permitted by this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the College’s discipline policies and procedures.

Appeals
Decisions made by the administration in accordance with this policy may be appealed in accordance with the College’s student complaint policy.

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)

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