GENERAL POLICIES AND INFORMATION

General Statement

Through enrollment at Temple College, you agree to recognize the authority of the College in governing your actions in relation to the College, and you automatically agree to abide by any regulation concerning students and/or student organizations set up by the College or its representatives.

Food and Drink

Temple College seeks to create an environment conducive to learning. Food and drinks that disrupt student learning are not allowed. These include, but are not limited to, foods that are messy, noisy, or strongly aromatic. Drinks can be either (1) in plastic containers with a screw on lid or (2) in leak-proof, resealable, non-disposable containers with screw on, snap on, or locking lids. Professors may enforce stricter policy standards; these policies must be established in the course syllabus.

Students are responsible for leaving classrooms in good order by properly disposing of and/or recycling all food and drink related waste. Professors may revoke food and drink privileges if students fail to comply with any of the above requirements.

Classes held at center locations (TBI, EWCHEC-Taylor, EWCHEC-Hutto, and ISDs) are subject to the food and drink policies of the institutions governing those locations.

Campus Carry and Weapons

Open Carry

Texas Senate Bill 11 (SB 11) was passed by the 84^th Texas Legislature and was signed into law on June 1, 2015. It is often referred to as “Campus Carry.” The law permits individuals to carry a concealed handgun on a public community college in Texas beginning August 1, 2017. Open carry of handguns on any Temple College location is not authorized as outlined in Government Code Sec. 411.2031 and Penal Code 46.035. Maintaining a safe and secure educational environment is of the utmost importance to Temple College. The Board of Trustee approved policy for campus carry on any Temple College location can be found at https://www.templejc.edu/live/files/59-campus-concealed-carrypdf .

Tobacco Use

Temple College prohibits all smoking and/or tobacco use on all campuses, which includes, but is not limited to, hookahs, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, vaping apparatuses, and other such tobacco substitutes. Failure to comply can result in a campus citation. Repeat violators may be subject to fines and discipline pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct.

For more information, please see Board policy at https://pol.tasb.org/PolicyOnline/PolicyDetails?key=161&code=FLBD#legalTabContent

Drug and Alcohol Policies

Temple College cares about your health and safety. Temple College prohibits the illegal use of drugs and alcohol and fully supports the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. Any location at which college activities are conducted is declared to be drug and alcohol-free.

Alcohol: A student shall be prohibited from using or being under the influence of intoxicating beverages on College District premises or off premises at a College District-sponsored activity, function, or event. With the prior consent of the Board or the Board’s designee, the provisions herein may be waived with respect to any specific event that is sponsored by the College District. State law shall be strictly enforced at all times on all property controlled by the College District in regard to the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages. 

Steroids: Anabolic steroids and growth hormones are for medical use only. State law prohibits possessing, dispensing, delivering, or administering an anabolic steroid or growth hormones in any manner not allowed by state law. State law provides that body building, muscle enhancement, or increasing muscle bulk or strength through the use of an anabolic steroid is not a valid medical purpose. Only a medical doctor may prescribe an anabolic steroid or human growth hormone for a person. A violation of state law concerning anabolic steroids or human growth hormones is a criminal offense punishable by confinement in jail or imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Controlled Substances: No student shall possess, use, transmit, or attempt to possess, use, or transmit, or be under the influence of, any of the following substances on College District premises or off premises at a College District-sponsored activity, function, or event:

1. Any controlled substance or dangerous drug as defined by law, including but not limited to marijuana, any narcotic drug, hallucinogen, stimulant, depressant, amphetamine, or barbiturate.
2. Any abusable glue, aerosol paint, or any other volatile chemical substance for inhalation.
3. Any performance-enhancing substance, including steroids.
4. Any designer drug.
5. Any other intoxicant or mood-changing, mind-altering, or behavior-altering drug.

Exception: A student who uses a drug authorized by a licensed physician through a prescription specifically for that student’s use shall not be considered to have violated this rule.

The transmittal, sale, or attempted sale of what is represented to be any of the above-listed substances shall also be prohibited under this policy.

A complete listing and explanation of controlled substances in accordance with 21 USC § 812 - Schedules of controlled substances can be found online at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/USCODE-2010-title21/USCODE-2010-title21-chap13-subchapI-partB-sec812/content-detail.html

Standards of Conduct

The possession, use, manufacturing, distribution, dispensing, or sale of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or controlled substances by Temple College students in accordance with 21 USC § 812 - Schedules of Controlled Substances, except on bona fide prescription, on the campus/centers or at any college activity is prohibited.

Violation:

Students who violate this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. [See FM-Discipline and Penalties and FMA-Discipline and Penalties-Discipline Procedure]  Such disciplinary action may include referral to drug and alcohol counseling or rehabilitation programs or student assistance programs, suspension, expulsion, and referral to appropriate law enforcement officials for prosecution.

Any student violating this policy is subject to arrest. Conviction for violating the local, state, and/or federal laws governing alcohol and controlled substances can result in fines, imprisonment, seizure of property, or a combination of these penalties.

Health Risks

Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a vehicle or operate equipment safely, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Even low to moderate doses of alcohol impairs judgment and increases the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse, confrontations at work, and legal problems. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described. Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and liver. The regular consumption of alcohol greatly increases the risk of most types of cancer. Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk of becoming alcoholics than other youngsters.

The use of drugs can pose many risks to health. It can cause high blood pressure, heart or respiratory failure, impaired memory or injury, even death through violence or self-destructive behavior. Even infrequent use may lead to tremors, impaired sexual response, cardiovascular damage, and impaired performance, which could lead to poor grades, poor job performance, financial problems, and interpersonal conflicts.

What Works: Schools Without Drugs, U. S. Department of Education (1992).

Drug and Alcohol Programs

To assist students with prevention, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation for drug/alcohol related problems, advisors refer students to outside agencies and/or the Office of Student Accommodations. Temple College provides a list of various outside services on the Mental Health Counseling webpage located at http://www.templejc.edu/resources/mental-health-counseling/ Local services specific to drug and alcohol abuse prevention, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation include:

Cenikor

416A N 3rd. St.

Temple, TX 76501

Toll-Free Number: 1-888-236-4567

Temple & Killeen: 254-299-2791

Waco: 254-299-2784

www.cenikor.org

Texas Department of State Health Services Region 7, Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA): Austin-Round Rock, Killeen-Temple, College Station-Bryan, Waco (Counties: Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Bosque, Brazos, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Coryell, Falls, Fayette, Freestone, Grimes, Hamilton, Hays, Hill, Lampasas, Lee, Leon, Limestone, Llano, McLennan, Madison, Milam, Mills, Robertson, San Saba, Travis, Washington, Williamson)

4001 E. 29th Street, Suite 90

Bryan, TX 77802

Toll-Free Number: (866) 448-1699

(979) 846-3560

http://bvcasa.org/

Student’s Rights and Responsibilities

Once an individual has paid tuition and fees, that person is classified as a student at Temple College. It is each student’s responsibility to be aware of their rights, responsibilities and opportunities.

Temple College endeavors to ensure the constitutional rights of each of its students. It also seeks to provide each student with the type of environment that will maximize his/her education. To this purpose, the college has set certain rules, regulations and policies in order to ensure an educational environment. It is within the framework of state, local and federal laws as well as college regulations that the student must comply in order to assert his/her freedoms while at Temple College. The college has the obligation of providing policies to guarantee a student’s rights, while the student has the responsibility of abiding by the rules and regulations of the college.

Involvement in Decision Making (POLICY)

In accordance with procedures developed by the College President, students shall be selected annually to provide a voice for the student body in the decision-making processes of the College District on appropriate committees.

For additional information, see Board policy at https://pol.tasb.org/PolicyOnline/PolicyDetails?key=161&code=FLE#localTabContent

Student Expression and Use of College Facilities (POLICY)

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

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

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.

For additional information, please see Board policy at https://pol.tasb.org/PolicyOnline/PolicyDetails?key=161&code=FLA#localTabContent

Student Conduct

Each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of, and shall be required to comply with, the contents and provisions of the College District’s rules and regulations concerning student conduct.

Temple College students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted authority, and observe correct standards of conduct. You are expected to:

1. Demonstrate courtesy, even when others do not;
2. Behave in a responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline;
3. Attend all classes, regularly and on time;
4. Prepare for each class and take appropriate materials and assignments to class;
5. Obey all classroom rules;
6. Respect the rights and privileges of students, faculty, and other College District staff and volunteers;
7. Respect the property of others, including College District property and facilities; and
8. Cooperate with and assist the College District staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline.

For detailed student conduct information, please visit the Student Rights and Responsibilities – Student Conduct section of the Temple College Board Policy Manual, which can be found at https://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Code/161?filter=FLB.

Disruptive Behavior

Temple College wants you to feel safe on campus. Disruptive behavior or violence have no place in education. It is imperative that the College provides an atmosphere conducive to learning, which enables the faculty to teach and permits students to engage in advancement of knowledge. Behaviors in class and other learning environments such as sleeping in class, belligerent attitude, ignoring instructor’s directions, (e.g. not participating in class group activities), talking at inappropriate times, use of unauthorized personal devices (e.g. gaming, browsing the Internet, texting, listening to music, etc.) and other behaviors as outlined under the Student Rights and Responsibilities: Student Conduct section of the Student Handbook may be considered disruptive behavior and may lead to the student being asked to leave the classroom. Failure to comply may result in a faculty member requesting that the campus police remove the student from the classroom.

After the first in class disruptive behavior incident, the faculty member should hold a conference with the student detailing the disruptive behavior and the actions necessary for the learner to remain in class. If the student agrees to the conditions outlined by the faculty member, a conference form detailing the conditions will be sent to the student and to the department chair. If the student violates the conditions stated on the form, the instructor can request that the Provost, Vice President, Academic Affairs remove the student from the class roll. If the student wishes to appeal removal from the classroom, they must follow the Disciplinary Proceedings policy outlined in the Student Handbook at http://templejc.edu/.

Behaviors outside of class such as being loud and disruptive, using wheeled devices (e.g. skateboards, hoverboards, rollerblades, scooters, bicycles, etc.) on the College premises in such a manner as to constitute a safety hazard or cause damage to College or personal property, belligerent attitude, etc. may also be considered disruptive behavior. Operation of wheeled devices, other than those medically approved, are prohibited inside any College building.

Any person who creates an interruption of the normal function of the College may be asked to leave the area and could be subject to disciplinary action. Failure to comply with such a request may be reported to the Provost/Vice President, Academic Affairs and Student Services. Repeated or severe violations will be handled through the College

Discipline and Penalties: Further, any conduct jeopardizing the health, safety, State, Federal or local criminal statutes or civil rights of others on campus shall be grounds for possible disciplinary action and/or arrest by local law enforcement officers.

Cell Phone and Other Personal Devices

Use of cell phone and other personal devices must be conducted outside Temple College’s classrooms, laboratories, testing areas, and the library unless used for academic purposes and approved by the faculty member teaching the class or person responsible for the appropriate area. Violations of the Cell Phone and Other Personal Devices policy will be addressed through the Disruptive Behavior policy.

Other Student Conduct Policies

Student Complaints (POLICY)

Informal Process: The College District 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.

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 “mini-trial” at any level.

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

Notice to Students: The College District shall inform students of this policy through appropriate College District publications.

Complaints

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

Other Complaint Processes

Some of these policies require appeals to be submitted in accordance with FLD-Student Rights and Responsibilities-Student Complaints after the relevant complaint process:

1. Complaints alleging discrimination or harassment based on race, color, sex, gender, national origin, disability, age, or religion. [See FFDA-Freedom From Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation-Sex and Sexual Violence and FFDB-Freedom From Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation-Other Protected Characteristics]
2. Complaints concerning retaliation relating to discrimination and harassment. [See FFDA and FFDB]
3. Complaints concerning disciplinary decisions. [See FMA–Discipline and Penalties-Discipline Procedure]
4. Complaints concerning a commissioned peace officer who is an employee of the College District. [See CHA-Site Management-Security]
5. Complaints concerning the withdrawal of consent to remain on campus. [See GDA-Community Expression and Use of College Facilities-Conduct on College Premises]

General Provisions:

Filing: Complaints 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 District shall make reasonable attempts to schedule conferences at a mutually agreeable time. If a student fails to appear at a scheduled conference, the College District may hold the conference and issue a decision in the student’s absence.
• Response: At Levels One, Two, Three, and Four, “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 District business days. In calculating timelines 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 District at any level of this process. If the student designates a representative with fewer than three days’ notice to the College District before a scheduled conference or hearing, the College District may reschedule the conference or hearing to a later date, if desired, in order to include the College District’s counsel. The College District 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 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 five 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 Process

Prior to filing a written complaint, the student (complainant) may first choose to attempt to resolve his or her complaint by discussing the matter with the person (respondent) alleged to be responsible for the discrimination or error. This discussion shall occur within 15 days of the alleged complaint.

If the complaint is not resolved at this level or the complainant is not comfortable discussing the complaint with the respondent, the complainant must submit a formal complaint with the Level One administrator.

False and/or malicious allegations made by the complainant may result in disciplinary action against the complainant.

Complaints and appeals under this policy shall be submitted in writing.

Copies of any documents that support the complaint should be attached. 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 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

Complaints 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 or within five days of the date the student met with the person alleged to be responsible for the discrimination or error; and
• With the lowest level administrator who has the authority to remedy the alleged problem.
• In most circumstances, students shall file Level One complaints with the department chairperson or student services supervisor. If the only administrator who has authority to remedy the alleged problem is the Level Two, Level Three, or Level Four administrator, the complaint may begin at Level Two, Level Three, or Level Four, respectively, following the procedure, including deadlines, for filing the complaint at Level One.

If the complaint is not filed with the appropriate administrator, the receiving administrator must note the date and time the complaint was received and immediately forward the complaint to the appropriate administrator.

The appropriate administrator shall investigate as necessary and schedule a conference with the student within five 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 five 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 request a conference with the Level Two administrator to appeal the Level One decision.

The appeal notice must be filed in writing, within five days of the date of the written Level One response or, if no response was received, within five days of the Level One response deadline.

After receiving notice of the appeal, the Level One administrator 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:

1. The original written complaint and any attachments.
2. All other documents submitted by the student at Level One.
3. The written response issued at Level One and any attachments.
4. 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 five 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 five 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 Level Three administrator to appeal the Level Two decision.

The appeal notice must be filed in writing, within five days of the date of the written Level Two response or, if no response was received, within five 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:

1. The Level One record.
2. The written response issued at Level Two and any attachments.
3. 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 five 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 five 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 College President.

The appeal notice must be filed in writing, within five days after receipt of the written Level Three response, or, if no response was received, within five days of the Level Three response deadline.

The College President or designee shall inform the student of the date, time, and place of the meeting.

The Level Three record shall include:

1. The Level One record.
2. The Level Two record.
3. The written response issued at Level Three and any attachments.
4. 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 President 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 College President. The College President shall hear the complaint and may request that the administration provide an explanation for the decisions at the preceding levels.

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

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Student Complaint Procedure

Texas Education Code, §61.031, concerning Public Interest Information and Complaints, and 34 C.F.R. §600.9(a)(1) of the United States Department of Education’s Program Integrity regulations, requires each state to establish “a process to review and appropriately act on complaints concerning an institution of higher education including enforcing applicable State laws.” Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter1, Subchapter E implements Texas Education Code, §132.002(k), which requires the THECB Agency to take appropriate action, including by making appropriate referrals to an accrediting agency or to the Office of the Attorney General of Texas, to address any complaints received by the Agency from a student or prospective student of a Title IV participating exempt school to which Texas Education Code, §132.002(h) exemption applies and is regulated by the Agency.

The first step for current, former, or prospective students who would like to file a formal complaint against a Texas higher education institution is to exhaust all of the institution’s student complaint or grievance procedures as required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Section 1.116(b).  An institution’s student complaint or grievance procedures are typically available in the academic catalog or student handbook on the institution’s website. After all of the institution’s student complaint or grievance procedures have been exhausted, if the matter remains unresolved, a formal complaint may be filed with the THECB.

Detailed information regarding THECB Student Complaint information can be found at http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/links/student-complaints/