2014 -2015 Student Handbook Mission The mission of Springfield College is to educate students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to humanity. The Student Handbook is also available online at www.springfieldcollege.edu 2014-2015 Table of Contents WELCOME TO SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE COLLEGE OFFICES Academic Affairs……………………..23 Academic Success Center……………..23 AmeriCorps………………………….24 ARAMARK Dining Services…………..24 Athletics.......................................25 Babson Library...............................26 Business Office……………………….26 Doggett International Center………….27 Financial Aid…………………………27 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Information Technology Services……...28 STATEMENTS OF IMPORTANCE Public Safety…………………………29 Official Communication……………..9 Registrar…………………………….30 Identification Cards ………………….9 Springfield College Bookstore………...30 Instant Communication Related to YMCA Relations Office....................31 Emergencies……………………...9 Anti-Discrimination Policy………….10 CAMPUS SERVICES FOR STUDENTS Banking on Campus ...……………….32 ACADEMIC CALENDAR Cab Service…………………………..32 Fall Semester……………………….12 Parking Facilities.............................32 Spring Semester…………………….12 ACADEMIC POLICIES AND CAMPUS TELEPHONE DIRECTORY PROCEDURES Administrative Offices……………...13 Academic Advising…………………...33 Academic Schools…………………..14 Academic Credit……………………..33 Academic Departments……………..14 Academic Grievance Policy…………...33 STUDENT AFFAIRS Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy………………………………..34 Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students……...15 Academic Honors…………………….38 Campus Recreation .......................16 Academic Progress Policy………...…..39 Career Center……………………...17 Academic Classification……………….42 Counseling Center.........................18 Athletic Participation Policy……….....43 Health Center………………………18 Cancellation of Classes…………….....43 Housing and Residence Life…………19 Catalog Year Policy ..... ……………..43 Multicultural Affairs......................19 Class Attendance Policy…………...…43 Spiritual Life……………………….20 Credits and Degree Requirements…….44 Student Activities & Campus Union….20 Degrees Offered……………………..44 Student Volunteer Programs.............22 Degree Requirements–Undergraduate Level……………………………....45 Distribution of Undergraduate Credits………………………....45 Enrollment Status…………………....46 Registration and Records……………..46 History and Traditions……………….4 Songs of Springfield College………….5 Greetings from the Vice President and Dean of Students of Student Affairs...6 Greetings from the Student Government Association………………………..7 Class Boards…………………………8 Page 2 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE REFUNDS Credit Balance Refund Policies ..... …..49 Federal Student Aid When A Student Withdraws ..............................50 RESIDENCE HALL POLICIES Residence Life Cancellation Policy .......51 Rights and Responsibilities of Resident Students .................................52 Policies and Regulations ....................53 Emergency Evacuation .....................54 Fire Prevention ..............................54 Residency Requirements ...................55 COLLEGE POLICIES Introduction to College Policies ..........56 Drug Free Schools and Community Act.56 Alcohol and Other Drug Information ...56 Alcohol Policy ................................59 Drug Policy ...................................61 Abuse and Assault Policy…..………...62 Guest Policy ..................................62 Financial Obligations ........................63 Firearms and Weapons ..................... 63 Gambling Policy ............................. 63 Harassment and Discrimination Policy .. 64 Hate Crime Policy .......................... 64 Hazing Policy and Rationale ............... 65 Life-threatening Behavior/Potential for Self Harm Policy ...................... 65 Medical Clearance........................... 66 Personal Property and Identity Theft .... 67 Release of Personally Identifiable Information and Student Records .. 67 Reporting Off-Campus Address Policy . 68 Responsible Use of Information Technologies ........................... 68 Sexual Misconduct Policy .................. 71 Solicitation Policy ........................... 91 Spectator Participation Policy............. 92 Student Demonstration Policy ............ 92 COMMUNITY STANDARDS Preamble to the Code of Conduct ....... 93 Student Rights ............................... 93 Student Responsibilities .................... 94 Student Code of Conduct .................. 94 APPENDIX’S A: Housing and Residence Life Terms and Conditions .................................. 106 B: Sexual Misconduct Report Process..111 C: Sexual Misconduct Response Resources………………………….112 P u b l i s h e d b y t h e O f f i c e o f S t u d e n t Af f a i r s The contents of the Student Handbook are not to be interpreted as an irrevocable contract between the student and Springfield College. All policies and procedures in this handbook were accurate at the time of publication. Changes that occur after this publication will be described in official College documents that supersede all information in this handbook. Questions regarding interpretation of any policy or procedure should be directed to the Office of Student Affairs. Page 3 2014-2015 Welcome To Springfield College HISTORY AND TRADITIONS The mission of Springfield College is to educate students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to humanity by building upon a foundation of Humanics and academic excellence. Founded in 1885, Springfield College is a private, coeducational institution that emphasizes the education of leaders for the allied health sciences, human and social services, sports movement activities, and the arts and sciences. Undergraduate and graduate programs reflect its distinctive Humanics philosophy–education of the whole person in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others. Springfield College is world renowned as the Birthplace of Basketball®, a game created by alumnus and faculty member James Naismith in 1891; as the alma mater of William G. Morgan, inventor of the game of volleyball; and for its long-standing and close relationship with the YMCA. Springfield College’s 1964 commencement speaker and honorary degree recipient was a young civil rights leader named Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Other honorary degree recipients include Bill Cosby; John F. Kennedy; Sargent Shriver; Art Linkletter; Henry Luce, the founder of “Time” magazine; Elliott Richardson; Julius ‘Doctor J’ Erving; Congressman Edward Boland; Tenley Albright, Olympic gold medalist and physician; Bonnie Prudden, women’s physical fitness pioneer; and Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Traditions: Springfield College students extend greetings to everyone they meet on campus. Springfield College students take pride in the campus and do not cut corners … not walking on the lawn traditionally involves concern for the appearance of the campus. Stepping Up Day is held every spring; it is the time when each class president receives an apprropriate symbol from the president of the next higher class and “steps up” to the next class. New student beanies have been a tradition at Springfield College since the early 1920s and are worn during New Student Orientation. The College colors are maroon and white The College mascot is “Spirit,” the majestic lion. The athletic teams are known, collectively as the Pride. Page 4 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE SONGS OF SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE “Go Get ‘Em Springfield” (fight song) Go, get ‘em Springfield We’re out today to win this game Go, get ‘em Springfield We’re backing you to win this game Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight, Victory is near And your praises loudly we will cheer Go get ‘em Springfield! Go, get ‘em, Go, get ‘em, Now! “Show Me the Scotsman” (traditional song of celebration at Springfield College) Show me the Scotsman who doesn’t love the thistle; Show me the Englishman who doesn’t love the rose; Show me a true-hearted son of old Springfield who doesn’t love the spot, where the Massasoit flows. “Song for Springfield” (College Hymn) Now raise a song for Springfield, Let hearts and voices blend To celebrate her praises, Whose fame shall have no end; While fellowship makes holy, While eager hope elates, And visioned youth come thronging Her spacious gates. Earthwide, may happy childhood Lift high its wond’ring eyes, Strong youth bring back the vision Of earthly paradise; To follow truth to wisdom, Nor faint through falt’ring fears, Be this thy task, O Springfield, Through all the years. Page 5 2014-2015 GREETINGS FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS AND DEAN OF STUDENTS Dear Student, On behalf of the Springfield College community, it is my pleasure to welcome you to a new and exciting year at the College. Since 1885, Springfield College has remained true to its founding mission of educating students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to humanity. During your time here, you will experience a superior learning and living environment that provides you with multiple opportunities not only to receive a stellar education, but also to be involved in numerous activities, organizations and clubs, and events that support our mission as well as your personal and professional growth. All of the Student Affairs professionals are committed to helping you make the most of your time here and ensuring that you have the support and opportunities to succeed. I urge you to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way! The state-of-the-art facilities provided for you are second to none, and have been designed to enhance your curricular and co-curricular experiences. The information in this Student Handbook provides you with a detailed guide to campus life. In it you will find important reference and resource information you may need. It is our expectation that you will use this Handbook to become more informed about our community standards and the expectations for all students at the College as well as the numerous opportunities available to you here at Springfield College. I wish you the very best in the upcoming academic year and welcome you as part of the Springfield College community. Sincerely, Theresa A. Vecchio, Ed.D. Interim Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students Page 6 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE GREETINGS FROM THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION Dear Students of Springfield College, The Springfield College campus has gone through some exciting renovations and expansions in recent years. With the establishment of the Wellness Center and Field House, the Richard B. Flynn Campus Union and many other enhancements, Springfield College has made important advance which have allowed for students to excel both academically and athletically. Springfield College continues to build its reputation of preparing students to serve as leaders in their professions through classroom studies and in-the-field experience. Springfield College offers its students many great opportunities to get involved and to become part of the SC community and family. Whether it is playing a sport, participating in Humanics in Action Day, joining a club or organization, or working in the surrounding neighborhood, Springfield College provides many ways to become an active member of the institution and to promote the Humanics philosophy. The Student Government Association Executive Board is proud to serve and represent all students. The members of the SGA Executive Board are easily approachable, friendly, and here to address your needs and concerns. Don’t be afraid to get to know each one of us a little better! I look forward to working and interacting with each and every one of you. Have a great year at Springfield College! Sincerely, Sarah Higgins ‘15 Student Government Association President 2014-2015 Student Government Association Executive Board President Sarah Higgins Southington, CT Health Studies Vice President for Business Affairs Christine Idiong Middletown, CT Physical Therapy Vice President for Student Affairs Paige Moran Enfield, CT Youth Development Vice President for Student Organizations Ryan Carrie Springfield, MA Youth Development Vice President for Operations and Facilities Chris Cassie Marlborough, MA Physician Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Meghan Higgins Cheshire, CT English Secretary/Parliamentarian Amanda Zacchia Southington, CT Physical Therapy Coordinator of Public Relations Fall: Paige Brandsdorfer Huntington Station, NY Communication Disorders Spring: Bethany Clark Fitchburg, MA Communication Disorders Senate Leader Maggie O’Rourke Tappan, NY Youth Development Page 7 2014-2015 CLASS BOARDS The Class Boards (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, and graduate) shall carry out their mission to serve as a community-building organization focused on forging unity amongst members of each individual class at Springfield College; and, shall serve as a classbased organization focused on building bridges between students on campus and the Springfield College alumni community. Through these complementary missions, the Class Boards shall serve to strengthen student ties to the College both while they are students, and once they have graduated as alumni. Class of 2015 President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Class of 2016 President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Class of 2017 President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Moriah Billups Barrington, RI Ashley Duhaime Abigail Williams Lynnfield, MA Sharon, MA Rehabilitation and Disability Studies Physical Assistant Physical Therapy Nichole Chaves Pittsfield, MA Physical Assistant Rocco DiStefano TBD TBD TBD Webster, MA Sports Biology Michael Lawson Kyle Andolina Queensbury, NY Ballston Spa, NY Sport Management Sport Management Amanda Calzolano Levittown, NY Amanda Calzolano Levittown, NY Occupational Therapy Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Organizations President TBD Page 8 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Springfield College Statements of Importance OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION Students are ultimately responsible for using official Springfield College communication methods. Failure to use official Springfield College methods does not excuse students from the content that may be received through each method. The official Springfield College communication methods are: Springfield College campus voice mail Springfield College e-mail system Springfield College campus mailbox Last address provided by students for offical communication puposes IDENTIFICATION CARDS All students are required to have a Springfield College identification (ID) card containing an assigned student identification number, which should be in their possession at all times. This card is used for identification purposes in accessing College buildings and grounds, using athletic and audiovisual equipment, borrowing material from Babson Library, attending College-sponsored events, and dining on campus. The first Springfield College ID card is issued to a student at no charge. Replacements for lost or stolen ID cards will cost $35. Except on weekends or holidays, an ID card can be replaced within 24 hours. Students should be prepared to show their ID card when requested to do so by residence life staff, public safety and security personnel, faculty, staff, or administrators, and to access residence halls. Failure to surrender the ID card when requested will result in disciplinary action. The identification must be surrendered if a student withdraws from the College in order for that action to be processed. Falsifying an identity or that of another person is against the law and will result in disciplinary action at Springfield College. Further, consistent with the College’s Alcohol Policy, falsifying an identification card or that of another student to obtain alcohol or to gain access to functions where alcoholic beverages are being served will lead to disciplinary action. This applies to all forms of identification including Springfield College ID card, driver’s license, liquor ID, or birth certificate. INSTANT COMMUNICATION RELATED TO EMERGENCIES Springfield College provides an online service for instant communication as it relates to on-campus emergencies. This technology allows Springfield College to communicate with students through a campus-wide system that sends out texts, emails, and contacts a voice line when there is an emergency on campus such as severe weather alerts, snow days, or a major crisis. This information is intended to be used for emergency purposes as it relates to student safety. Though accounts will be actively maintained and updated based on enrollment/employment status with the College, individuals are asked to log into their emergency notification account and add additional contact information as soon as possible. For more information regarding this service and how to sign up, visit Page 9 2014-2015 getrave.com/login/springfieldcollege or the Springfield College website. If you have further questions, please contact your residence hall staff or student affairs at extension 3100. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY Springfield College does not discriminate in its admissions or employment policies and practices on the basis or race, sex, sexual orientation, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, or status as a veteran. Springfield College is committed to fostering multicultural diversity in its faculty, staff, and student body. Students who feel that they have been subjected to a form of discrimination are encouraged to contact the College's 504 Coordinator, Deb Dickens, Director of Learning Support Services, 263 Alden Street, 109 Hickory Hall, Springfield, MA. 01109, 413.748.3747 (Voice/TTY), 413.478.3725 (fax), Email: DDICKENS@springfieldcollege.edu. When acts of discrimination or exclusion are discovered, steps are taken to remedy such practices. 504 Grievance Procedure Springfield College strives to provide prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging action prohibited by pertinent federal, state, and local disability antidiscriminatory laws. These procedures apply to discrimination on the basis of disability including: disagreement with the decisions made about accommodations; physical inaccessibility of a College program or activity; disability harassment; or any other form of discrimination on the basis of a disability or perception of a disability. A student may (1) attempt to resolve the matter informally or (2) immediately file a formal grievance, at the option of the student. To resolve the matter informally, the student should first meet with the 504 Coordinator and Director of Learning Support Services, to see if the matter can be resolved. If the student has concerns about meeting with the coordinator, he or she can meet with the appropriate department head or dean of the division concerned, and that person will try to resolve the matter. If the coordinator or the appropriate department head or dean of the division concerned is not successful in quickly achieving a satisfactory resolution (that is, generally within seven calendar days), he or she will inform the student of his or her efforts and the student’s right to file a formal complaint. If the student chooses to file a formal grievance, the following steps should be followed: 1. The student shall file a formal grievance within forty-five (45) calendar days after he/she becomes aware of the alleged violation or denial of accommodation. The student shall file the grievance in writing to 504 Coordinator and Director of Learning Support Services, 263 Alden Street, Hickory Hall, Room 109, Springfield, MA 01109, voice/TTY: 413.748.3747, fax: 413.748.3725, email: DDICKENS@springfieldcollege.edu The grievance shall be in writing and include the following: The grievant’s name , address, telephone number and email address; A full description of the problem; A description of what efforts have been made to resolve the issue Page 10 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE informally; and a statement of the remedy requested. Within fourteen (14) calendar days of receipt, the coordinator or designee (hereinafter referred to as the “grievance officer”) shall read the complaint and conduct an investigation. In undertaking the investigation, the grievance officer may interview, consult with and/or request a written response to the issues raised in the grievance from any individual the grievance officer believes to have relevant information, including faculty, staff, and students. If necessary or requested, the grievance officer will hear testimony or receive written testimony from the student, relevant faculty or staff member(s) and other knowledgeable people. The student has the right to ask for testimony from any faculty or staff whom he/she deems relevant to the case. 3. After completing the investigation, the grievance officer shall report his/her conclusions and proposed disposition in writing to the grievant and all other relevant parties. This transmission will be expected within forty-five (45) calendar days of the filing of the formal complaint. The deadline may be extended for good cause (e.g., reasons related to breaks in the academic calendar). The final report may also be provided, where appropriate, to any College officer whose authority will be needed to carry out the proposed disposition or to determine whether any personnel action is appropriate. 4. The disposition proposed by the grievance officer will be put into effect promptly. 5. Within ten calendar days of the issuance of the final report, the grievant may appeal the grievance officer’s determination by filing a written request for review to the Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs . The written request for review must specify the particular substantive and/or procedural basis for the appeal, and must be made on grounds other than general dissatisfaction with the proposed disposition. Furthermore, the appeal must be directed only to issues raised in the formal complaint as filed or to procedural errors in the conduct of the grievance procedure itself, and not to new issues. If the grievance involves a decision that is being challenged, the review by the Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs or designee usually will be limited to the following considerations: Were the proper facts and criteria brought to bear on the decision? Were improper or extraneous facts or criteria brought to bear that substantially affected the decision to the detriment of the grievant? Were there any procedural irregularities that substantially affected the outcome of the matter to the detriment of the grievant? Given the proper facts, criteria, and procedures, was the decision a reasonable one? A copy of the Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs’ written decision will be expected within 30 calendar days of the filing of the appeal and will be sent to the parties, the grievance officer and, if appropriate, to the College officer whose authority will be needed to carry out the disposition. The deadline may be extended by the Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs for good cause (e.g., reasons related to breaks in the aca 2. Page 11 2014-2015 Ac a d e m i c C a l e n d a r 2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5 FALL SEMESTER August 30-2 New Student Orientation September 1 Labor Day–no classes; last day to register without a late fee 1-6 Welcome Week 2 Classes begin 3 Last day to add first-half activity courses 8 Last day to add full-semester courses; last day to drop first-half activity course without withdrawal grade 15 Last day to drop full-semester course without withdrawal grade 13 Unity Fest 23 Humanics In Action Day 26-28 Family Weekend October 3 Degree applications due in registrar's office for December 2014 10 Last day to withdraw from first half activity courses; 13 Columbus Day–no classes 17-19 Homecoming Weekend 21 First-half activity courses end 22 Second-half activity courses start 23 Last day to add second-half activity courses 29 Last day to drop second-half activity courses without a withdrawal grade November 17 21 26 Spring semester early registration period begins Last day to withdraw from fall fullsemester courses Thanksgiving Break begins December 1 3 Classes resume Last day to withdraw from second-half activity courses 12 Classes end; Late Night Breakfast 13-14 Reading Days 16-18 Exams SPRING SEMESTER January 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day 20 New Student Orientation; last day to Page 12 register without a late fee 21 Classes begin 20-24 Welcome Back Week 22 Last day to add first-half activity courses 27 Last day to add full-semester courses 27 Last day to drop first-half activity course without withdrawal grade February 3 6 16 24 Last day to drop full-semester course without withdrawal grade Degree applications due to registrar's office for May 2012 President's Day–no classes Last day to withdraw from first half activity courses March 10 11 12 First-half activity courses end Second half-activity courses start Last day to add second-half activity courses 16-20 Spring break 23 Classes resume 24 Last day to drop second-half activity courses without a withdrawal grade April 6 Fall semester early registration period begins 14 Scholars In Action Day 17 Last day to withdraw from spring full semester courses 20-26 Sti-Yu-Ka 21 Last day to withdraw from second-half activity courses 21 Distinguished Professor of Humanics Lecture May 4 5 5 6 Stepping Up Day and PRIDE Awards Sports Recognition Night Classes end Academic Awards program and Late Night Breakfast 6 Reading Day 7-12 Exams 13-16 Class of 2013 Senior Week Activities 16 Graduate Commencement; Baccalaureate 17 Undergraduate Commencement SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Campus Telephone Directory The area code for Springfield College is 413 and the prefix for campus extensions is 748. Administrative Offices Location Ext Academic Advising Center .................................. Administration Building ..... 3379 Academic Affairs...................................................... Marsh Memorial ..... 3959 Academic Success Center ..................................................Hickory Hall ..... 3747 Administration and Finance ................................ Administration Building ..... 3145 Admissions, Graduate .................................................. Admissions House ..... 3729 Admissions, Undergraduate ........................................... Admissions House ..... 3136 Alcohol and Drug Clinical Services .......................... Towne Health Center ..... 3345 Alcohol and Drug Education & Community Standards……………....…Richard B. Flynn Campus Union……3922 Aramark Food Services .................................................... Cheney Hall ..... 3205 Aramark Food Services–Menu ............................................ Cheney Hall ..... 3355 Athletic Programs ......................................................... PE Complex ..... 3332 Babson Library ......................................................... Babson Library ..... 3315 Business Office ............................................... Administration Building ..... 3183 Campus Post Office ........................................................ Locklin Hall ..... 3876 Campus Recreation ............................ Wellness and Recreation Complex ..... 3468 Career Center ..................................... Richard B. Flynn Campus Union ..... 3222 Child Development Center ............................. Child Development Center 788.2451 Counseling Center ............................................. Towne Health Center ..... 3345 Dean of Students ................................. Richard B. Flynn Campus Union ..... 3100 Doggett International Center.................... Richard B. Flynn Campus Union ..... 3215 East Campus ...................................................................... Pueblo 750.5011 Facilities and Campus Services ........................................ FACS Building ..... 3252 Financial Aid ................................................ Administration Building ..... 3108 Fitness and Wellness Center .................. Wellness and Recreation Complex ..... 3396 Health Center ................................................. Towne Health Center ..... 3175 Housing and Residence Life ....................... Richard B. Flynn Campus Union ..... 3102 Institutional Advancement ........................................... Marsh Memorial ..... 3408 Intramurals .................................... Wellness and Recreation Complex ..... 3281 Learning Support Services ................................................Hickory Hall ..... 3747 Marketing and Communications .............................................. Alumni Hall ..... 3171 Math Support Services ....................................................Hickory Hall ..... 3747 Multicultural Affairs ............................. Richard B. Flynn Campus Union ..... 3249 Natatorium (Pool) ................................................... Wellness Center ..... 3417 Public Safety................................................... Public Safety Building ..... 5555 Registrar ..................................................... Administration Building ..... 3530 Spiritual Life ..................................... Richard B. Flynn Campus Union ..... 3209 Sports Information ........................................................ PE Complex ..... 3341 Springfield College Bookstore ................... Richard B. Flynn Campus Union ..... 3596 Student Activities & Campus Union ............. Richard B. Flynn Campus Union ..... 3141 Page 13 2014-2015 Student Affairs ................................... Richard B. Flynn Campus Union ..... 3100 Student Volunteer Programs ..................... Richard B. Flynn Campus Union ..... 3394 Switchboard ...................................... Richard B. Flynn Campus Union ..... 3000 Writing Support Services................................................. Hickory Hall ..... 3207 YMCA Relations ............................................................... Judd Hall ..... 3407 Academic Schools Location Ext Arts, Sciences, and Professional Studies ................................. Hickory Hall ..... 3713 Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Studies Wellness and Recreation Complex ..... 3385 Health Sciences and Rehabilitation Studies ............................ Allied Health ..... 3820 Human Services .............................................................. Blake Hall ..... 3204 Social Work ............................................................ Brennan Center ..... 3060 Academic Departments Location Ext Applied Exercise Science ...................... Wellness and Recreation Complex ..... 3178 Art and Art Therapy ......................................................... Blake Hall ..... 3930 Athletic Training .............................. Wellness and Recreation Complex ..... 3178 Business Management ..................................................... Locklin Hall ..... 3200 Chemistry/Biology .................................... Schoo-Bemis Science Center ..... 3337 Communications/Sports Journalism ......................................Weiser Hall ..... 3607 Computer Graphics ........................................................... Blake Hall ..... 3160 Dance ......................................................................... Blake Hall ..... 3130 Drama ........................................................................ Blake Hall ..... 3930 Education .................................................................. Locklin Hall ..... 3295 Emergency Medical Services Management .................................. Blake Hall ..... 3766 English ......................................................................Weiser Hall ..... 3117 Exercise Science and Sports Studies .......... Wellness and Recreation Complex ..... 3178 Humanities .................................................................Weiser Hall ..... 3607 Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science ....... Schoo-Bemis Science Center ..... 3117 Movement and Sports Studies................. Wellness and Recreation Complex ..... 4022 Music .......................................................................... Blake Hall ..... 3930 Occupational Therapy .............................. Allied Health Sciences Center ..... 3581 Physical Education Teaching and Administration Wellness and Recreation Complex ..... 4002 Physical Therapy .................................... Allied Health Sciences Center ..... 3590 Physician Assistant ........................................................... Blake Hall ..... 3554 Psychology ................................................................. Locklin Hall ..... 3592 Rehabilitation and Disability Studies ................................... Locklin Hall ..... 3318 Sports Biology ......................................... Schoo-Bemis Science Center ..... 3337 Sports Management and Recreation ......................................... Blake Hall ..... 3693 Social Sciences ................................................................ Blake Hall ..... 3646 Undeclared and General Studies Majors ...................Administration Building ..... 3379 Visual and Performing Arts .................................................. Blake Hall ..... 3930 Page 14 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE S t u d e n t Af f a i r s OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT OF STUDENT AFFAIRS AND DEAN OF STUDENTS Student Affairs Dean of Students Office Contact: Terry Vecchio, Ed.D.(Interim) Phone: 413.748.3100 Location: Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, Room 329 Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm E-mail: TVECCHIO@springfieldcollege.edu Website: www.springfieldcollege.edu/student-life The mission of student affairs at Springfield College is to foster an inclusive and diverse environment where students grow as leaders while exploring, understanding, and internalizing the Humanics philosophy. Our expert staff of student affairs professionals accomplishes this by working in concert with students, families, faculty, and staff through dynamic, intentional, and interactive co-curricular programs and services which inspire an open and just community. The Dean of Students Office oversees first year experience programming, community standards and alcohol and other drug education. The office also provides and supports social issues programs for students as well as supports students in their personal growth. ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY STANDARDS Contact: Location: Hours: E-mail: Website: Melissa Ortendahl, M.S. Phone: 413.748.3922 Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, Room 329 Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm MORTENDAHL@springfieldcollege.edu http://www.springfieldcollege.edu/student-life/alcohol-and-other-drug-educationand-community-standards Alcohol and Other Drug Education and Community Standards is the campus specialist on alcohol and other drug issues and oversees the Student Code of Conduct. All students are required to abide by the student code of conduct. The office provides campuswide resources for alcohol and other drug education at Springfield College. The staff is available to students as a confidential resource for a variety of services that may include consultation, programming, and referral to the Alcohol and Other Drug counselor at the Springfield College Counseling Center. Information and resources about problem gambling and other behavioral health issues can also be accessed through this office. The staff is available upon request to provide educational and classroom guest lectures. Page 15 2014-2015 CAMPUS RECREATION David Hall, Ed.D. Phone: 413.748.3468 Wellness and Recreation Complex, Room 151 Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm Monday–Friday 6:00 am–11:00 pm Saturday-Sunday 9:00 am - 11:00pm E-mail: DHALL2@springfieldcollege.edu Website: www.springfieldcollege.edu/campusrecreation Student Affairs Contact: Location: Hours: Building: The Office of Campus Recreation encompasses intramurals, sport clubs, informal recreation, fitness and wellness/health education programs and the Wellness Center. The department plans and implements intentional recreational programs and services for the whole College community. The mission is to provide students, faculty, and staff participation opportunities which promote health, fitness, and wellness through a variety of structured and informal recreational activities emphasizing life-long wellness. These opportunities are purposeful in fostering the growth of one’s spirit, mind, and body. Program Highlights The Office of Campus Recreation boasts over an 80 percent participation rate of the student body in its program. Student development is the underpinning of all programs, services and employment opportunities. Campus recreation is the largest employer of all students on campus, with approximately 175 on staff for spring 2014 semester. Programs or services are offered between 6:30 am and Midnight am daily. We offer 14 different sports clubs; 14 intramural events each semester; 20 different wellness programs and seminars per semester; programs such as Yoga, aerobics, and several group exercise programs; and personal training services. A Health Educator is available for students and faculty programming. Facilities The Wellness Center: The 47,840-square-foot Wellness Center, located closest to Alden Street, offers cardio and weight training space, a climbing wall, four multi-purpose teaching/activity spaces, and a faculty office complex. The Field House: The 93,820-square-foot Field House, located behind the Wellness Center, incorporates a six-lane running track, four multi-purpose courts, each with the ability to be closed off by a netting system, locker rooms, strength and conditioning facilities, storage, concessions, and restrooms. Check the postings at the entrances to these fitness facilities for hours of operation. Questions about the Wellness and Recreation Complex can be answered by calling ext 3421. Other facilities include, a six lane fifty meter pool, tennis courts, racquetball courts, multiple synthetic fields and 57 acres of forest ecosystem that provides a challenge course, winter and summer activities. Page 16 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE CAREER CENTER Student Affairs Contact: Jeanette Doyle, M.Ed. Phone: 413.748.3222 Location: Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, Room 229 Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm Monday and Tuesday evenings until 6:00 pm E-mail: JDOYLE2@springfieldcollege.edu Website: www.springfieldcollege.edu/student-life/career-center The mission of the Career Center is to assist students and alumni in making and managing career and life planning decisions. The professional staff guides students through the process by providing a variety of programs that challenge and support students in their personal and professional development. Services and programs are focused on helping individuals realize their potential and become well-informed individuals who are skilled and confident in presenting their credentials to employers. Resources and networking opportunities are available to assist students in identifying and securing on-campus employment, internships, summer, and full-time professional employment. Career-related workshops are offered weekly and cover a variety of topics, including resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, job search strategies, applying to graduate school, selecting the right major, and working a job fair. Students are encouraged to explore their career interests by talking with a career counselor, using the computerized career guidance program FOCUS, taking the Myers Briggs assessment tool, participating in a job shadow, and attending annual career fairs. Job search skills can be sharpened by scheduling videotaped practice interviews, having resumes and cover letters critiqued, and using the Career Center resources. The Career Center also provides guidance in both computerized and printed resources to assist students in making graduate school decisions and selecting/changing a major. Access to all Career Center services and programs are available through the College home page at www.springfieldcollege.edu/career. Assistive technology is available in the Career Center. Page 17 2014-2015 COUNSELING CENTER Student Affairs Contact: Brian Krylowicz, Ph.D. Phone: 413.748.3345 Location: Towne Student Health Center Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm E-mail: CounselingCenter@springfieldcollege.edu Website: www.springfieldcollege.edu/student-life/counseling-center The Counseling Center provides confidential individual, group and couples counseling, without charge, to undergraduate and graduate students at Springfield College. A staff of licensed mental health professionals, and some advanced graduate students under supervision of the professional staff, provide personal counseling to students who seek help for a variety of personal issues, including, but not limited, to stress, relationship concerns, depression, anxiety, loss, eating and body concerns, and family problems. We operate by appointment and it is our goal to have a chance to meet with you the same day you call or the next day but if it is a crisis, walk-ins will be accommodated. The best way to set up an appointment is to call or stop by between 8:30 am–4:30 pm, Monday–Friday. Our staff is also available for psychological crises and assessment after hours by contacting Public Safety and/or Residence Life. HEALTH CENTER Contact: Kellyann O’Brien Phone: 413.748.3175 Location: Towne Student Health Center Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 am–5:00 pm E-mail: HealthCenter@springfieldcollege. Website: www.springfieldcollege.edu/student-life/health-center The Springfield College Health Center provides primary medical services to all fulltime undergraduate and graduate students through the delivery of patient care, health education, and wellness promotion. Specialty clinics are available for internal medicine, gynecology, physical therapy, orthopedics and nutrition; however, off-campus medical referrals can be arranged as needed. Patient visits are scheduled by appointment. Walk-in patients are accommodated depending upon the availability of staff while urgent care problems are seen immediately without an appointment. All full-time undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to receive medical services at the Health Center regardless of health insurance coverage. Students do not need to purchase the school health insurance in order to be seen at the Health Center. There is no charge to be evaluated by a health care provider at the Health Center, but there may be costs for laboratory tests, medications, x-rays, etc. Charges incurred for medical services are the responsibility of the individual student since the Health Center does not bill insurance directly. Page 18 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE Contact: Tarome Alford, M.A. Phone: 413.748.3102 Location: Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, Room 331 Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm E-mail: TALFORD@springfieldcollege.edu Website: www.springfieldcollege.edu/student-life/residence-life As a residential campus, the mission of the Department of Housing and Residence Life is to create a living environment which promotes academic achievement and personal growth. This is accomplished through a holistic approach that endorses the Humanics philosophy of Springfield College. The residence life staff is committed to the promotion of the education of the spirit, mind, and body of each student. Because of the belief in the value gained from the residential experience, all students are required to live on campus through their junior year. However, most choose to live on campus for all four years. The residence life program and staff is supervised by the Director of Housing and Residence Life. Each residence facility has a resident director and undergraduate resident assistants who are trained to assist students in a variety of ways and to help create an environment within each hall that is conducive to meeting the program goals and enhancing the quality of life. Numerous social and educational programs are held in every hall each semester. Every hall also has a council that is composed of residents of the building. This group initiates many social functions and often serves as a representative sounding board for policies or regulations affecting the building. Each student is required to read and sign the contract before receiving room keys, and each student is given a copy of the document for future reference. It is important to remember that all Springfield College students will be held accountable for any infractions of the policies or regulations outlined in the contract. All of the policies and procedures governing the behaviors and concerns of resident students can be found in the Springfield College Student Handbook. Cable Service Springfield College operates a private 62-channel cable television system, which features educational and entertainment programming along with a selection of movies each month. Each room on campus is equipped with a live cable TV outlet. MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS Contact: John Wilson, M.A. Phone: 413.748.3249 Location: Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, Room 343 Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm E-mail: JWILSON@springfieldcollege.edu Website: www.springfieldcollege.edu/student-life/multicultural-affairs The Multicultural Affairs Center serves as the advocacy center for all students, regardless of race or ethnicity. Among the multitude of services provided, the center supports and advises students in all aspects of their experience and collaborates with academic and administrative departments on campus in an effort to better serve them. Through the involvement of the African-, Latino/a-, Asian-, and Native-American Page 19 2014-2015 alumni/ea and off-campus community agencies, a comprehensive network of support is offered which provides meaningful and enriching experience to all students at the College and to underrepresented students, in particular. In addition, the Center promotes and encourages racial and ethnic programs on campus in an effort to promote cultural pluralism. All students are welcome and encouraged to participate in the programs and activities planned. SPIRITUAL LIFE Student Affairs Contact: David McMahon, M.Div. Phone: 413.748.3209 Location: Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, Room 229 Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm E-mail: UCMSL@springfieldcollege.edu Website: www.springfieldcollege.edu/student-life/campus-ministry-and-spiritual-life Spiritual Life seeks to promote spiritual growth, ethical awareness, and human sensitivity across the campus. It serves as a resource for students, faculty, and staff on issues of faith and social justice on campus and around the world. In addition to supporting students in their own faith traditions, the director and associate chaplains encourage interfaith dialogue and cooperative ventures in an atmosphere of respect for religious pluralism. Spiritual Life provides pastoral counseling, student advocacy, faith development, worship and service opportunities, visiting lectures, and resources for reflective thought and effective engagement. Spiritual Life welcomes persons of all spiritual and religious backgrounds and coordinates formal ministries on campus and with the surrounding community. STUDENT ACTIVITIES & CAMPUS UNION Contact: Phone: 413.748.3142 Location: Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, Rooms 209/213 Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm Building: Sunday–Thursday 7:00 am–12:00 am Friday–Saturday 7:00 am–2:00 am E-mail: ACTIVITIES@springfieldcollege.edu Website: www.springfieldcollege.edu/student-life/student-activities The Office of Student Activities & Campus Union works directly with student organizations to create a vibrant and meaningful co-curricular experience for students on campus. Additionally, the office coordinates the Emerging Leaders Program for first-year students and other leadership activities and programs. Springfield College actively supports the philosophy that student learning and development occurs through the activities and programs that take place through the cocurriculum. Numerous opportunities exist for student participation in the planning and implementation of diverse social, cultural, recreational, educational, and leadership programs. Involvement in campus organizations, clubs, governing bodies, performing arts, athletics, and intramurals enable students to meet and interact with a variety of other students, apply classroom theories to real-life situations, acquire life-long skills and interests, learn more about themselves, and make valuable contributions to the Springfield College community. Information about becoming involved is available in the Office of Student AcPage 20 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE tivities & Campus Union (CU 209/213) and the Student Government Association Office (CU 203) in the Richard B. Flynn Campus Union. The Student Government Association promotes the interests and welfare of the student body as well as guides and finances over 40 registered student organizations. Managed by elected students, the Student Government Association approves funding for active organizations, adopts policies effecting students, and serves as a liaison between students and the College administration. Student Organizations Governing Bodies Student Government Association Class Boards Student Clubs and Organizations Applied Exercise Science Club Art Club Athletic Training ClubBest Buddies Best of Broadway Business Club Campus Activities Board (CAB) Communication Disorders Club Criminal Justice Club Education Club Environmental Club Fellowship of Christian Athletes Gaelic Society Habitat for Humanity Health Sciences Club International Student Organization Late Night Madness Leadership Training Conference MASSASOIT Yearbook Newman Community Physical Education Health EducationMajors Club Physician Assistant Student Organization Pre-Camp Pre-Medical Scholars Pride Dance Team PrideFit Club Project Sustainability Psychology Club SC Backstage SC Business SC Dancers SC Glee SC Outing Club SC Pride Alliance SC TV-3 SC Veterans Group Sport Management Club Springfield College Outreach Committee SPRINGFIELD STUDENT (newspaper) Society for Human Resource Management Sti-Yu-Ka Committee (spring week) Student Occupational Therapy Association Student Physical Therapy Organization Student Society for Bridging Differences Students Against Violence Everywhere Therapeutic Recreation Club Together Campaign WSCB Radio YMCA Club Youth Development Club Richard B. Flynn Campus Union Opened in January 2010, the state-of-the-art Richard B. Flynn Campus Union was named in honor of the College’s 12th president, and now serves as the hub of campus life. The student-centered campus union is home to a variety of program and lounge spaces for students to enjoy, participate in activities, and spend time with friends. Page 21 2014-2015 Student Affairs The facility includes space for student organizations and activities, international programs, career services, volunteer programs, residence life, and the administrative staff of the student affairs division. The campus union also features a food court with a two-story atrium for casual dining, sports bistro with large flat-screen televisions, and the United Campus Ministry and Spiritual Life Center with a meditation room. Other areas within the campus union include a large sub-dividable multi-purpose room with LCD projectors, the Springfield College Bookstore, Provisions on Demand (POD) convenience store, mailboxes for undergraduate students, several conference rooms and lounges, and activity space. The building’s entrance features a rotunda illuminated with computer-controlled colored lighting and topped by an electric carillon programmed to play 500 songs and sounds. All entrances are equipped with large flat-screen televisions displaying daily schedules of campus events and announcements. Landscaping includes an adjacent multilevel terrace with lake views, which also serves as the site of many College events. Discount Ticket Offers Student Activities & Campus Union offers the following tickets for purchase, Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, $11 for adults and $8 for youth Springfield Symphony Orchestra, exclusively for students, $7 with valid student ID Big E Tickets, seasonally available. STUDENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS Contact: Charlene Elvers, M.A. Phone: 413.748.3394 Location: Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, Room 350 Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm E-mail: CELVERS@springfieldcollege.edu Website: www.springfieldcollege.edu/student-life/student-volunteer-programs Student Volunteer Programs seeks to enhance the educational experience of students by providing opportunities to participate in community service programs and reflect on that experience. The office serves as a centralized clearinghouse of volunteer opportunities, with staff members serving to connect students with desired service opportunities. With student leadership support, the Office of Student Volunteer Programs also develops and coordinates special programs. Humanics in Action Day is held annually. Classes are cancelled on this day to allow students, faculty, and staff to work with Springfield neighbors on a variety of community and College improvement projects. Another major ongoing program supervised by the office is the Partners Program, which pairs a Springfield College student with a youth to provide tutoring/mentoring activities on a weekly basis. Additionally, Student Volunteer Programs supports and advises community service trips and the Community Federal Work Study Program. The latter program enables students to utilize their work study allotment for service to the community. Page 22 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE College Offices ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Contact: Jean A. Wyld, Ph.D. Phone: 413.748.3959 Location: Marsh Memorial, Room 211 Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 am–5:00 pm The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs provides support services for faculty members and the Faculty Senate, coordinates the student academic progress process, academic appeals, and annual commencement ceremonies. The Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Assistant Vice President are responsible for all academic programs offered by the College, and for academic support functions and services. College Offices ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTER Contact: Andrew Wilcox, M.A. Phone: 413.748.3747 Location: Hickory Hall, Room 109 Hours: Monday–Thursday: 9:00 am–9:00 pm Friday: 9:00 am–4:00 pm Sunday: 2:00 pm–9:00 pm E-mail: ASC@springfieldcollege.edu Website: www.springfieldcollege.edu/academic-success-center The Academic Success Center offers wide variety of services and programs: Writing Support Services is open 56 hours every week and offers writing help for all parts of the writing process such as getting a paper started, refining ideas, organizing a paper, employing proper documentation styles, and improving grammar and usage. Math-Science Support Services is available 25 hours each week in the Babson Library Language Lab and offers assistance in many courses within the Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science Department and the Biology/Chemistry Department. Learning Support Services coordinates academic accommodations and support services to students who have documented disabilities. Learning Support Services is open over 40 hours each week. The Content Tutorial Program offers tutorial assistance in those courses that are not covered by Writing Support Services and Math-Science Support Services. The Academic Coaching Program offers individualized assistance to students who want to maximize their academic potential by enhancing their time management and study skills. The Assistive Technology Program utilizes computing equipment and software to assist learners of all backgrounds and abilities with their academic endeavors. The MTEL Assistance Program provides support for students preparing to take the Communications and Literacy Skills portion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure®. The Conversation Partners Program provides support for non-native speaking students wishing to improve linguistic skills in languages such as English, Spanish, French, Chinese, and other languages as available. Page 23 2014-2015 AMERICORPS College Offices Contact: Shannon Langone, B.S. Phone: 413.748.3403 Location: Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, Room 350 Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm E-mail: SLANGONE@springfieldcollege.edu AmeriCorps is national service program that engages more than 70,000 Americans in community service each year. The AmeriCorps program provides direct services throughout Springfield in the areas of education, youth leadership development, health care, and other human-service needs. Students are placed in public schools, community centers, hospitals, and other community-based organizations, where they serve part-time, a total of 900 hours, during the academic year (September–June). Members serve in one of five areas, based on the best match between the organization’s service need and the member’s knowledge and skills, and in some cases, AmeriCorps placements may be combined with the member’s academic practicum or fieldwork. Graduate students from all academic programs are welcome to apply. Members receive a modest living allowance and, after they complete the program, an Education Award, which can be used for future tuition or to repay qualified student loans. Applications are due April 1 for the following service year and can be found on the College’s website under Office/Services, AmeriCorps Program. The Springfield College AmeriCorps Program is supported in part by the Massachusetts Service Alliance and the Corporation for National and Community Service. ARAMARK DINING SERVICES Contact: Jennifer Needle Phone: 413.748.3205 Location: Cheney Hall Website: www.campusdish.com/en-us/csne/Springfield The College operates a complete dining and snack service available for cash and meal plan customers. Undergraduate students living in a non-apartment style residence hall must have, at minimum, the 14 Meal Plan. Various options are available with a weekly meal allowance (to be used at the Fresh Food Company), and a declining balance of Dining Dollars (which may be used at any of the dining facilities on campus). The student’s campus ID card serves as their meal ticket and must be presented to the cashier. Dining Facilities Cheney Hall: The Fresh Food Company provides “all you care to eat” dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hours of the Fresh Food Company are Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–8:00 pm and Saturday–Sunday, 10:00 am–8:00 pm. The Fresh Food Company offers a variety of made to order menu options utilizing fresh local ingredients. Union Station: On the lower level of the Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, Union Station offers the following dining options plus an array of grab and go items: Burger Studio Monday–Thursday, 8:00 am–11:00 pm Friday, 8:00am -2:00 pm Saturday, 11:00am -2:00 am Sunday, 11:00am -11:00pm Chef’s Pride Monday–Friday, 11:00 am–8:00 pm Page 24 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Brick Oven Pizza Sunday–Thursday, 11:00 am–Midnight Subway Sunday–Thursday, 11:00 am–Midnight Friday–Saturday, 11:00 am–11:00 pm Dunkin Donuts: On the lower level of the Richard B. Flynn Campus Union offers a full service Dunkin Donuts experience. The hours of Dunkin Donuts are Monday– Friday, 7:30 am–9:00 pm, Saturday–Sunday, 8:00 am–9:00 pm. PODs: Provisions On Demand: On the main level of the Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, PODs offers almost everything typically available in any convenience store. The hours are Monday–Friday, 10:00 am–11:00 pm, Saturday, 3:00—10:00 pm, and Sunday, 3:00—7:00 pm. Starbucks: In Locklin Hall, the hours are Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–4:30pm Allied Coffee Shoppe: In the Allied Health Sciences Building, the hours are Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–1:30 pm. All food service locations on campus honor the student’s Dining Dollars. ATHLETICS Contact: Cathie Schweitzer, Ph.D. Phone: 413.748.3333 Location: PE Complex, Room 304 Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm E-mail: CSCHWEIT@spingifeldcollege.edu Website: www.springfieldcollege.edu/homepage/athletics.nsf/home The athletics program is an integrated part of the College’s total curriculum. Athletics interacts with academics–they are co-curricular, not extracurricular. Unlike at many institutions, coaches at Springfield College do more than coach. As faculty members and academic advisors, they also teach in the classroom and their “classrooms” extend to the playing fields and beyond. In their roles as teacher-coaches, they work with students and student-athletes alike to help them develop to their fullest potential. The influence of this great teaching/coaching tradition has had a powerful impact: approximately 200 of the College’s graduates hold intercollegiate head coaching positions. Springfield College takes great pride in a nationwide reputation as a training-ground for coaches, athletic directors, athletic trainers, and strength and conditioning. Baseball Men’s/Women’s Basketball Men’s/Women’s Cross Country Field Hockey Men’s/Women’s Indoor/Outdoor T & F Football Men’s/Women’s Gymnastics Golf Men’s/Women’s Lacrosse Softball Men’s/Women’s Soccer Men’s/Women’s Swimming Men’s/Women’s Diving Men’s/Women’s Tennis Men’s/Women’s Volleyball Wrestling Page 25 2014-2015 BABSON LIBRARY Contact: Andrea Taupier, M.S. Location: Babson Library, First Floor Hours: Monday–Thursday Phone: 413.748.3315 College Offices 7:30 am–Midnight (Labs close at 11:45pm) Friday 7:30 am–9:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am–9:00 pm Sunday 9:00 am–Midnight Website: www.springfieldcollege.edu/babson-library In today’s rapidly changing world, Babson Library is the student’s gateway to information services. The library serves the students, faculty, and staff of Springfield College and the College’s regional campuses. The library is a repository of a rich collection of print and nonprint materials, as well as featuring high-quality digital resources. Library staff members are pleased to provide professional assistance to all library users. The latest information about Babson Library, its resources, and services are available on the library’s website at www.springfieldcollege.edu/library. The site also features access to the library’s electronic resources, its online catalog, contact information, request forms, electronic reserves, archival and special collections, and information about the library’s staff and other services. Information about library hours is available by phone at extension 3315, and is also posted at the entrance to the library. The library hires many student employees each year and welcomes applications from all students. Students must display their Student ID while using the computers in the library. BUSINESS OFFICE Contact: Bernice Alvarado Phone: 413.748.3183 Location: Administration Building, First Floor Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm Web Site: www.springfieldcollege.edu/resources/business-office The Business Office at Springfield College manages tuition, housing fees, meal and dining plans, student health insurance, and payment plans. Student accounts are managed by individual business office staff based on class standing. As part of efforts to become more environmentally conscious, bills will be sent electronically with the ability to pay online via credit/debit card or check. The Business Office will cash Springfield College payroll checks, up to $999.99, for students during normal business hours Monday–Thursday, 9:30 am–3:00 pm and Friday, 9:00 am–3:30 pm. Page 26 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE DOGGETT INTERNATIONAL CENTER Contact: Deborah Alm, M.Ed. Phone: 413.748.3216 Location: Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, Room 309 Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm E-mail: DALM@springfieldcollege.edu Web Site: www.springfieldcollege.edu/academics/international-center The mission of the International Center at Springfield College is to foster the international character of the institution by promoting, supporting and developing a wide range of international and intercultural opportunities for all members of the Springfield College community. The International Center provides support services for international students at Springfield College. Students are provided with an orientation program, opportunities to actively participate in the International Student Organization, and peer and faculty advisors. It is also responsible for providing information to all students who may wish to explore study abroad opportunities. Study Abroad As an integral component of our undergraduate curriculum, Springfield College offers students opportunities to study abroad. Students may elect to attend one of our partner universities or to arrange study at another institution. Each partner university for study abroad is unique and offers Springfield College students an opportunity to select courses that may satisfy major, minor, electives, or courses that will fulfill the General Education curriculum at Springfield College. All courses must be pre-approved by the registrar’s office and academic advisors. Requirements: Students who wish to participate in a semester of study abroad at a partner university must have an overall GPA of 3.0, full-time undergraduate enrollment, and an excellent citizenship record. Individual institutions may have further requirements. Students who meet the requirements of, apply to, and are accepted at one of Springfield College’s partnership schools may qualify to have a portion of their financial aid applied to their semester abroad. FINANCIAL AID Contact: Edward Ciosek, M.Ed. Phone: 413.748.3108 Location: Administration Building, Second Floor Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm Web Site: www.springfieldcollege.edu/admissions/financial-aid The Financial Aid Office has complete information on grants, loans, state scholarships, and part-time employment on campus. A financial aid award is not automatically renewed. Applications and financial aid forms must be submitted each year by every applicant. Page 27 2014-2015 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES College Offices Contact: Technology Solutions Center Phone: 413.748.4872 Location: Babson Library, Main Level Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 am–5:00 pm E-mail: TSCREQUEST@springfieldcollege.edu Web Site: http://pride.spfldcol.edu/itsdept.nsf/pages/helpdeskdept.html Each student is given an individual e-mail account and all residence halls are equipped for wireless connection. In addition, most campus buildings have wireless internet access. Technology Solutions Center Reception Desk The Technology Solutions Center (TSC) Reception Desk is located on the main level of Babson library. For more information, please review the Student FAQ's frequently asked questions. Contact Information: 413-748-4TSC (4872) or tscrequest@spfldcol.edu Student Repairs - General Policy 1. Person dropping off computer must have SCID card for the owner of the device. 2. Computer owner must pickup the computer in person, present their SCID card upon pickup and sign the Request form for acceptance of the computer. 3. If parts are NOT required, computer will be ready for pickup in up to two full business days. 4. If parts are required, computer will be ready for pickup in up to five full business days. 5. If the TSC can not meet the timeframes above, TSC will contact owner at the number on the request and provide them with an explanation. 6. A job ticket will be created under the owner's name at drop-off. When the computer is ready, the owner will receive and email with the subject 'Help Request Closed'. If the TSC is not able to service a computer (out-of-warranty, illegal software, etc.), the TSC will inform the owner as to why they cannot service the machine and will give advice on how to remedy the situation Student Device Registration Requirement Policy for Repairs The Student Device Registration Requirement Policy for Repairs defines the criteria and priority students can expect when requesting technical support. Network Registration To ensure a safe and secure network experience, Springfield College uses a network registration process for connecting student computers to the campus network from the residence halls. The instructional labs CR1 and CR2 in Babson Library feature overhead presentation technology; the Davis Hypermedia Lab in Visual Arts Center has high power PCs with CD sound, laser disk players, zip drives, scanners, and overhead presentation technology as well as a connection to the College cable television network with VHS and video projector playback facilities. This lab unleashes student creativity and resourcefulness through advanced software programs for art, multimedia, graphics, animation, sound, full motion video, and hypertext. Page 28 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE PUBLIC SAFETY Contact: Chief Michael Sullivan Phone: 413.748.5555 Location: Public Safety Building—25 Portsmouth Street E-mail: SCDISPATCH@springfieldcollege.edu Web Site: www.springfieldcollege.edu/department-of-public-safety The Department of Public Safety is comprised of campus police officers and security guards whose primary responsibility is to protect life and property, and to prevent and detect crime. The department is charged with the enforcement of federal, state, and municipal laws and ordinances, as well as College rules and regulations. The office is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An escort service is provided upon request to any on-campus location or College-owned housing. Call boxes are located at the rear of Abbey Hall and in Lot 10 between the Physical Education Complex and the Linkletter Natatorium. These phones connect with the Department of Public Safety by opening the cover and pushing the “emergency” button. There is a blue box at the entrance to Lot 2 on Wilbraham Avenue; simply opening the door activates this box. There are blue emergency call boxes with blue lights above them. One is located on Portsmouth Street, near Lot 5 and another is attached to the field shed at Blake Track. Pushing the “emergency” button activates these. There are two emergency poles located on the campus. One is near Lot 1 and Babson Library. The other is located at 45 Island Pond Road on the south side of the Brennan Center. Pressing the “emergency” button also activates these. While it is the goal of the Department of Public Safety to provide a safe and secure environment for the campus community, there can be no guarantee of a community free of crime. Each member of the campus community must assume some responsibility for their personal safety. Respite Center Located in the Public Safety Building, this center is used for students who are determined to be under the influence of alcohol and must be monitored by first responders from the EMS unit of the Department of Public Safety until their level of intoxication reaches a safe level where they may return to their residence hall. Hours of operation: Sunday–Wednesday, as needed. Thursday–Saturday, 8:00 pm–8:00 am Arrest Information: Students in violation of the Student Code of Conduct may be adjudicated both through the internal judicial proceeding and through a legal proceeding with public safety. If a student is arrested by the Department of Public Safety or by another law enforcement department, then it is expected that the student will attend the appropriate legal proceedings. For more information regarding your rights and responsibilities for these proceedings, please visit the Department of Public Safety. Page 29 2014-2015 REGISTRAR’S OFFICE College Offices Contact: Keith Ingalls, M.S. Phone: 413.748.3530 Location: Administration Building, First Floor E-mail: REGISTRAR@springfieldcollege.edu Website: www.springfieldcollege.edu/registrar The Registrar is dedicated to supporting the College's mission and its Humanics philosophy, and to serving the academic goals of its students. The Office serves as the centralized source for complete, current, and accurate academic information relevant to Springfield College. In addition, the Office is dedicated to providing high-quality educational support services as well as clear and consistent information regarding institutional academic policies and procedures. Academic policies and regulations are managed by the Registrar. The Office is also responsible for, but not limited to, certifying students' degree completions; preparing class schedules; coordinating student course enrollment; providing official student transcripts, degree and enrollment verifications; and compiling and maintaining grade reports and records. The Office also ensures that student records of academic progress and accomplishments are maintained with accuracy and integrity, and are transmitted in a timely and professional manner. Academic life at Springfield College is governed by a series of policies and regulations that ensure consistency and permit fairness to all students. These policies are under the auspices of the Office of Academic Affairs and can be found in the Springfield College undergraduate and graduate catalogs. Student transcripts and loan eligibility certification are maintained by the Registrar. SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE BOOKSTORE Contact: Nikki Parker Phone: 413.748.3597 Location: Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, Lower Level Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 am–6:00 pm Friday 8:00 am–4:00 pm Saturday 11:00 am–4:00 pm E-mail: BOOKSTORE@springfieldcollege.edu Website: www.spfld.bkstr.com Textbooks, clothing, gifts, residence hall supplies, gift cards, and other essentials are available at the SC Bookstore located on the lower level of the Richard B. Flynn Campus Union. Students may buy books online at the following website: www.spfld.bkstr.com. Page 30 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE YMCA RELATIONS College Offices Contact: Harry Rock Phone: 413.748.3914 Location: Stitzer YMCA Center, Judd Gymnasia Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm E-mail: HROCK@springfieldcollege.edu Website: www.springfieldcollege.edu/resources/ymca Facebook: Springfield College YMCA Professional Studies Program The YMCA and Springfield College enjoy a relationship that began in 1885 when graduates from the School for Christian Workers went on to serve in YMCAs. Today, Springfield College remains true to its heritage, and many Springfield College graduates choose to work for the YMCA. YMCA Relations offers the YMCA Professional Studies program (YPSP) to uniquely prepare students for careers in the YMCA. The YPSP integrates: Academic Preparation: Students major in an area of interest which is relevant to a YMCA career and minor in YMCA Professional Studies. Leadership and Professional Development: The focus of the YMCA Club is leadership/professional development, community service, and wellness programs. Students also have the opportunity to participate in local, regional, and national YMCA trainings and conferences. Career Development: Students engage in a full range of career exploration and development programs designed to prepare them for employment. Internships and Employment Opportunities: To expand student’s understanding of the YMCA and to deepen their commitment to service, YMCA Relations helps students’ secure meaningful internships and employment at YMCAs. With a motto of “Learn, Lead, Serve,” the YMCA Professional Studies Program offers a great blend of practical knowledge, experiential opportunities to grow as a leader, and a dedication to serving others. Page 31 2014-2015 Campus Services for Students BANKING ON-CAMPUS Bank of America provides an automated teller machine (CIRRUS and NYCE network) located inside the lower level of Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, next to the Bistro and is available during general hours of operation. The College assumes no liability with respect to the use of the ATM and/or injuries which may result therein. Representatives from area banks are on campus at the beginning of the fall semester to assist students who wish to open accounts. Campus Services TRANSPORTATION Contact: Yellow Cab Phone: 413.739.9999 Springfield College has partnered with Yellow Cab to establish the EASY RIDER program. This service allows students to use their ID cards as a way to charge their Springfield College student accounts for cab rides. The intention of the program is to provide students with a safe and unencumbered way to go to movies, out to dinner, shopping or to other social destinations. Students should communicate with their parent(s) about these travels, as the cost will be place on the student bill. Contact: Zipcar Springfield College is partnering with Zipcar to provide students with access to convenient transportation. Students can sign up for a Zipcar membership on line. PARKING FACILITIES All motor vehicles parked on campus must be registered with the Department of Public Safety. Only sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students may have cars on campus. First-year students may not have cars on campus without the approval of public safety. Parking is restricted to the lot(s) assigned by public safety. Parking regulations are enforced by the issuing of tickets, fines, booting devices, and towing. Vehicles parked in a fire lane, handicapped parking area, tow zone, or other designated “No Parking” area are subject to being booted or towed at any time without prior notice. In addition, any vehicle parked anywhere on campus, including a resident lot, which has accumulated parking violations in excess of three in one academic year, is subject to being booted or towed at any time without prior notice. Having a motor vehicle on campus is a privilege granted by the College and subject to revocation by the Chief of the Department of Public Safety at anytime for just cause. Page 32 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Ac a d e m i c P o l i c i e s a n d P r o c e d u r e s ACADEMIC ADVISING Academic Policies For a complete text regarding academic policies and information, please visit the online Undergraduate Catalog on the Springfield College website at: www.springfieldcollege.edu/registrar/springfield-college-catalogs. All students are encouraged review this site. Academic life at Springfield College is governed by a series of policies and regulations that insure consistency and permit fairness to all students. These policies are under the auspices of the Office of Academic Affairs and can be found in the Springfield College undergraduate and graduate catalogs. They are managed by the Registrar’s Office, which is responsible for preparing class schedules, enrolling students in courses, and compiling and maintaining grade reports and records. Student transcripts and certifying eligibility for loans takes place at the Registrar’s Office, located on the first floor of the Administration Building. Academic policies apply to all students enrolled for the current academic year. Specific program requirements and course descriptions apply to entering matriculated students for the duration of their enrollment as degree seeking students. Academic advising is considered an integral part of a student’s academic experience. Prior to beginning their first semester, all matriculated (degree-seeking) students are assigned an academic advisor, generally a faculty member in the student’s major. The academic advisor and the student will work together to evaluate the student’s educational development, select appropriate courses of study, and attempt to meet the student’s educational goals. Advisors are available to guide and support students, but it is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with academic policies and programs and to assume responsibility for his or her academic program. Undeclared majors are advised through the Academic Advising Center. When a student is accepted into a new major, a new academic advisor will generally be assigned by the chairperson of the student’s new major. Students must consult with their academic advisor before registering for courses or making changes to their academic schedule. Advisor approval is required on all course requests and change-of-schedule forms. ACADEMIC CREDIT The unit of measure for student progress at Springfield College is the “credit hour.” One credit hour is generally equated with fifty minutes of lecture each week through the duration of one semester. ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE POLICY If a student believes that she or he has been treated unfairly in his or her academic work (grade, departmental/program standards, etc.), the student has the right to seek resolution of the concern through informal and formal processes. At any step in the process, the student may consult with his or her academic advisor or any other faculty or Page 33 2014-2015 Academic Policies staff member for advice. Step 1 (informal process): Within 30 calendar days of the disputed action, the student must raise the concern with the instructor or appropriate party. The instructor or other party should respond to the student regarding this concern within 14 calendar days. (If the 30 days are interrupted by the close of a term or semester break, the remaining days will extend into the beginning of the following term or semester. In situations in which the instructor is on leave or no longer employed by the College, the student should proceed to Step 2.) Step 2 (informal process): If the student and the instructor do not agree to a resolution, the student has 14 calendar days from the instructor’s response to raise the concern with the chairperson of the department in which the grievance occurred or the campus director. The chairperson or campus director should respond to the student regarding this concern within 14 calendar days and must notify the instructor of the continuation of the grievance process. Step 3 (formal process, if needed): If accord is not yet reached through the steps above, the student may file a written grievance using the Academic Grievance Form. The grievance form must be submitted to the dean of the school in which the grievance occurred within 14 days following the chairperson or campus director’s response to the student. Upon receipt of the form, the school dean will conduct whatever review is needed to arrive at a resolution, including, if necessary, a meeting with the student and instructor. The dean will notify all parties involved in writing of her or his decision and any subsequent actions. The decision of the school dean regarding the grievance is final. Note: A student should also use this process to resolve a dispute with a department, program coordinator, department committee, etc. In such a case, the student should raise the concern with the relevant department chair or campus director within 30 calendar days of the disputed action (extending into the next semester or term if necessary). The chairperson should respond within 14 days. If accord is not reached, the student should proceed to Step 3, filing a written grievance with the appropriate dean within 14 calendar days of the chairperson or campus director’s response. This policy is not intended to supersede the Academic Integrity and Honesty Policy or the Harassment/Discrimination Policy. ACADEMIC HONESTY AND INTEGRITY POLICY Springfield College students are expected to be academically honest. Misrepresentation of facts, omissions, or falsifications in any connection with the academic process (including both course work and official College documents) are violations of the Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy, hereafter referred to as the Policy. Students are urged to consider that the public value of their education depends on the integrity of the grading system, and that academic dishonesty in any form dilutes the value of those grades. The Policy is not intended to diminish collegiality at Springfield College. Page 34 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE All of us learn from our colleagues, and education is a cooperative enterprise. Simple justice requires, however, that students receive the quantity and quality of academic credit they have earned. Justice of this sort is compatible with the community values and shared experiences on which a liberal education is based. If students know of fellow students who are cheating, or taking unfair advantage of policies or procedures, they should bring that to the attention of the course instructor and/or Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, (anonymously, if they wish). Misunderstanding the Policy will not be accepted as an excuse for dishonest work. If a student is in doubt on some points as they affect work in a particular course or as they may be interpreted in practice, he or she should consult with the instructor in the course or the dean of the school in which the course is offered, so as to avoid the serious charge of academic dishonesty. Academic achievement is generally evaluated on the basis of completed “exercises” (defined hereinafter) that a student produces independently. Obtaining credit for work, words, or ideas which are not the products of a student’s own effort is dishonest. Such dishonesty undermines the integrity of the academic standards of the College. Consequences of violating the Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy entail penalties ranging from failing an exercise to failing a course, reprimand, suspension, dismissal, expulsion from the College, forfeiture of a diploma, and/or legal action. This Policy also applies to alumni, insofar as it relates to Springfield College transcripts and other records of work at Springfield College. Basic Policy A student’s name on any “exercise(s),” which term shall include, but not be limited to, a theme, oral report, notebook, report, computer program, course paper, quiz, examination, or any other assignment related to a course or internship thereto, is regarded as assurance that the exercise is the result of the student’s own thoughts and study, stated in his or her own words, and produced without assistance, except as quotation marks, references, and footnotes acknowledge the use of printed sources or other outside help. In some instances, an instructor or department may authorize students to work jointly in solving problems or completing projects. Such efforts must be clearly marked as the results of collaboration. Where collaboration is authorized, students should make sure that they understand which parts of any assignment must be performed independently. Students are not allowed to present the same “exercise” previously or concurrently completed for another course, without the permission of the instructor(s) of the current course(s) in question. Students who perceive the possibility of an overlapping assignment should consult with their instructors before presuming that a single effort will meet the requirements of both courses. Offenses Against the Policy Use of Sources In preparing assignments, a student often needs or is required to employ outside sources of information or opinion. All such sources should be listed in the bibliography/ reference section. For citations, references in text are required for all specific facts which are not common knowledge and which do not obtain general agreement. New discoveries or debatable opinions must be credited to the source with specific references to edition, Page 35 2014-2015 Academic Policies page, or webpage even when the student restates the matter in his or her own words. Word-for-word, including any part, even if only a phrase or sentence, from the written or oral statement of someone else (including the Internet) requires citation in quotation marks and using the appropriate conventions for attribution. Paraphrasing or summarizing the contents of another’s work is not dishonest if the source or sources are clearly identified (author, title, edition, page), but such paraphrasing does not constitute independent work and may be rejected by the instructor. Laboratory Work and Assignments Notebooks, homework, and reports of investigations or experiments must meet the same standards as all other written work. If any of the work is done jointly or if any part of the experiment or analysis is made by anyone other than the writer, acknowledgment of this fact must be made in the report submitted. It is dishonest for a student to falsify or invent data. Creative Work A piece of work presented as the individual creation of the student is assumed to involve no assistance other than incidental criticism from any other person. A student may not knowingly employ artwork, story material, wording or dialogue taken from published work, motion pictures, lectures, World Wide Web, or similar media, without full acknowledgment. Examinations, Quizzes, and Tests In writing examinations and quizzes, the student is required to respond entirely on the basis of his or her own memory and capacity, without any assistance whatsoever except such as is specifically authorized by the instructor. Cheating on examinations and quizzes can take many forms including, but not limited to, using another individual to take an examination in one’s place, bringing into the exam room unauthorized materials from which one gains assistance, appropriating an exam or exam materials without authorization, purposely missing an exam in order to gain an advantage, copying during an examination, improper collaboration or unauthorized assistance on take-home examinations, or other actions that undermine equity and reduce the objectivity of evaluation of student work. Internships Students involved in community projects, practica, independent studies, or fieldwork experiences related to their academic program should be aware that their behavior is a reflection of themselves and the College; their behavior related to such experiences should be appropriate and professional and is subject to this Policy. Violations of this Policy in such circumstances include, but are not limited to, misrepresenting oneself, misrepresenting the College, misusing a position of authority, or failure to honestly report the results of their experience or research. College Documents Any misuse of official College documents connected with the academic process constitutes a violation of the Policy. Such documents include, but are not limited to registration cards, change of schedule forms, applications to change majors, grade report forms, applications for internships or fieldwork, and transcripts. Misuse of such Page 36 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE documents includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized alteration of a form, forging of signatures, or misrepresentation of personal or academic information requested. Violations of the Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy that fall under the paragraph entitled “College Documents,” including but not limited to, forging an advisor’s signature on a registration form, should be considered an offense against the College rather than a course-related offense involving a specific instructor. As such, the procedure to be followed is described in the third paragraph under the heading “Procedure,” i.e. the matter should be referred to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students for further disciplinary action. Other Offenses Against the Academic Policy In addition to fraudulent uses of sources as described above, dishonesty includes a number of offenses that circumvent procedures set up to produce a fair grade. The use of services of commercial “research” companies is cheating and a punishable offense. Any falsification of records or routines for grading is dishonest, whether before or after graduation. Gaining access to a recommendation (without permission) once rights have been waived is a violation of the Policy. Withholding, removing, or destroying materials needed by other students for class exercises is as much an offense against the Policy as is plagiarism. Lying in the course of an investigation or a hearing pursuant to the Policy shall also be deemed a violation of this Policy. Students should be scrupulous in learning the principles that govern each new area of computer operations to which they are introduced. Unauthorized collaboration, unauthorized borrowing of someone else’s data or programs, and use of the Springfield College computer for unethical purposes and/or other purposes, which violate any of the terms of this Policy, are a violation of this Policy and are subject to disciplinary and/or legal action. Procedures All cases of suspected academic dishonesty shall be referred to the instructor of the course in which the offense occurred. The person alleging a violation of the Policy shall provide copies of the work in question to the instructor and indicate clearly the nature of the alleged violation in an accompanying narrative. In cases of plagiarism, the person making the charge shall provide copies of original sources, if available, marking plagiarized phrases, sentences, and/or paragraphs, and shall indicate borrowings in the accused’s text and in original sources. In the case of an examination, the person making the charge shall provide to the instructor copies of the examination in question, indicate specifically the grounds for the charge, and explain his or her process of discovery. Other alleged offenses against the Policy should be documented with equal thoroughness and in equal detail. The instructor is expected to meet with the student and, if applicable, sanction the student with respect to the course work for which the instructor is responsible, as provided in I, II, or III below. If assistance with the investigation is needed, the instructor may consult with or refer the matter to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students or his/her designee. If the instructor determines that the student has violated the Policy, the sanction (I, II, or III) shall be assessed to the offender and that decision will be conveyed to the student in a letter from the instructor. The student will be informed in the letter that he or she has the right to appeal any decisions to the Dean of the School Page 37 2014-2015 Academic Policies wherein the Policy violation occurred. The appeal must be in writing and include all materials the accused considers relevant, including a narrative clearly outlining the grounds of appeal. The decision of the dean in response to this appeal will prevail. In addition to sanction I, II, or III, the instructor has the option of referring the matter to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students or his/her designee to investigate whether further disciplinary action is warranted. The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students following a referral to its office may act on the offense pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct (the Code). The student shall have all rights and remedies as provided in the Code. If the Dean of Students believes that a violation exists, he/she shall have the right to sanction a student in accordance with the Code, which may include, but not be limited to, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, revocation of degree, or legal action. Course-Related Sanctions No student may withdraw from a course following an accusation of a violation of this Policy, unless it is determined that no such violation occurred. An instructor is authorized to enact any sanction under I, II, or III, which he/she judges to be appropriate with respect to the course in which the violation occurred. I. Reprimand In some cases in which a first offense has been judged to merit a minor penalty, the student will be allowed to repeat the exercise or complete an alternative assignment, as determined by the instructor of the course. Responsibility for evaluation of the student’s work in the course continues to belong to the instructor of the course. The instructor should keep documentation of the offense and the reprimand. II. Loss of credit in the exercise For most offenses the least severe penalty will be loss of credit in the exercise. The student may be required to repeat the exercise or complete an alternative assignment, although credit will not be given. The student will be allowed to continue in the course. The instructor should keep documentation of the offense and the resulting sanction. III. A grade of “F” in the course When the offense is sufficiently serious to merit failure in the course, the student will be removed from the course immediately and the instructor will give a grade of “F.” The instructor must write a letter notifying the student of his/her status. A copy of the letter should be sent to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students for inclusion in the student’s permanent file. ACADEMIC HONORS Undergraduate students whose final cumulative grade point average (GPA) is 3.500 or above and who have completed at least 45 graded semester hours (exclusive of pass/fail grades) at Springfield College are awarded their degrees with honor according to the following criteria: Summa Cum Laude 3.900 to 4.000 Page 38 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Magna Cum Laude 3.700 to 3.899 Cum Laude 3.500 to 3.699 The qualifying cumulative GPA shall be determined at the close of the spring semester for May commencement and shall only include students who have completed all degree requirements. Students eligible for academic honors will be announced prior to commencement, and will be recognized at the May commencement ceremony with honor cords. Academic honors shall be noted on diplomas and transcripts. ACADEMIC PROGRESS POLICY This Institutional Academic Progress Policy applies to both full-time and part-time matriculated undergraduate students enrolled in the School of Arts, Sciences, and Professional Studies (ASPS); the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER); the School of Health Sciences and Rehabilitation Studies (HSRS); or interdisciplinary programs at Springfield College. A student is matriculated if he or she received official acceptance into Springfield College through the admissions process as a degree-seeking student. Academic Review Following the close of each full semester, a systematic undergraduate academic records review is conducted by the registrar to determine student academic standing status classifications. Undergraduate students will not be subject to review until they have attempted the completion of 12 cumulative credits at Springfield College. Academic Progress In order to be considered a full-time student at Springfield College, a student must enroll in at least 12 credit hours in a semester. Full-time students are expected to earn a minimum of 24 credit hours in an academic year, comprising two semesters and a summer. The undergraduate student who does not earn a total of 24 credits in the standard two-semester academic year may earn credit sufficient to meet or exceed the criterion through coursework taken the summer immediately following the end of the year review. The undergraduate student who does not earn a total of 24 credits in an academic year maintains matriculation status but is not eligible for participation in College activities for which satisfactory academic progress is a qualification. (Differing requirements exist for full-time status as it applies to financial aid eligibility.) Academic Standing A matriculated undergraduate student enrolled in the School of Arts, Sciences, and Professional Studies; the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation; the School of Health Science and Rehabilitation Studies; or interdisciplinary programs must have an institutional cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 2.000 to be eligible for graduation with a bachelor’s degree from Springfield College. The 2.000 CGPA is the minimum standard for the College; academic departments or schools may have higher standards for entrance into or continuation in their undergraduate programs and students are responsible for reviewing program standards and requirements that are found in the official department, school, or institutional documents. An undergraduate student’s academic standing status is assessed at the end of each semester according to the cumulative grade point average criteria listed below. As a result Page 39 2014-2015 Academic Policies of the undergraduate academic records review process, undergraduate students are assigned the appropriate academic standing status actions listed below. Cumulative Grade Point Average Criteria There are four minimum cumulative GPAs that students must meet, depending upon the number of credit hours they have attempted (credits attempted for completion include Springfield College courses graded “A through F” and “P” plus transfer credits that have been accepted by the College). The minimum CGPAs are as follows: Credit Hours Attempted for Completion Minimum GPA After attempting the completion of 0.5–30 credits 1.750 GPA After attempting the completion of 30.5–60 credits 1.850 GPA After attempting the completion of 60.5–90 credits 1.950 GPA After attempting the completion of 90.5+ credits 2.000 GPA Academic Standing Status Categories Following determination of status by the undergraduate academics records review process, academic standing status actions (Good Academic Standing, Academic Warning, Academic Probation, Continued Probation, and Academic Dismissal) go into effect at the start of the successive semester (fall or spring). Good Academic Standing An undergraduate student whose CGPA is at or above the minimum standards (as noted above) is classified as an undergraduate student in good academic standing at the College. A first-year undergraduate student who has received an academic alert or an academic warning is also considered to be in good academic standing. Academic Warning A first-time (non-transferring) undergraduate student who has attempted the completion of at least 12 but no more than 18 cumulative credits will be subject to an academic warning if his or her cumulative GPA fails to meet the criterion of 1.75, but is at or above 1.50. A student given an academic warning is considered to be in good academic standing. An academic warning will not be recorded on the student’s academic transcript. A student will be removed from academic warning when he or she has successfully met the appropriate CGPA. Academic Alert An undergraduate student who is in good academic standing, but has a semester GPA below the required CGPA, will receive an academic alert. The academic alert is designed to notify the undergraduate student that he or she is in danger of not continuing in good academic standing, and to encourage that student to seek academic support. This action is advisory and will not be recorded on the student’s academic transcript. Academic Probation The undergraduate student who, at any academic review point fails to meet the CGPA academic standing criterion, and who does not meet the criteria for academic warning, is placed on academic probation. An undergraduate student who is placed on academic probation will maintain matriculation status but will not be eligible for financial aid. Page 40 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE The undergraduate student who is placed on academic probation will be notified of this academic standing by letter. As part of the letter of notification from the Office of Academic Affairs, the undergraduate student on academic probation may be informed that he or she is required to take certain courses, limit the number of courses taken, or fulfill other conditions specified. Academic probation status will be recorded on the student’s academic transcript. An undergraduate student will be removed from academic probation when he or she meets or exceeds the criterion CGPA. When an undergraduate student is removed from academic probation, it will be so noted on the transcript. Continued Academic Probation An undergraduate student who was on academic probation during the semester of review will be continued on academic probation if the student’s semester GPA shows significant improvement, but his or her CGPA remains below the required level. Significant improvement is generally defined as a student earning a semester GPA of at least 2.000 and having met the conditions of his or her academic probation. If continued on academic probation, the undergraduate student will be subject to the conditions specified under academic probation. Continued academic probation will be recorded on the student’s academic transcript. Academic Dismissal At any academic standing review point, an undergraduate student who is currently on academic probation or continued academic probation will be academically dismissed when the criteria for continued academic probation are not met. The Office of Academic Affairs will send the undergraduate student a notification letter of dismissal. The student may appeal the institutional academic dismissal and is required to submit the request in writing to the Undergraduate Appeals Committee, via the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. The institutional academic dismissal will be recorded on the student’s transcript. Academic Dismissal Readmission An undergraduate student who is academically dismissed does not maintain matriculation status and may not take courses at Springfield College for a minimum of two (2) academic semesters [inclusive of fall and spring only] following academic dismissal; and thereafter must make a formal application for readmission to the College. A student who is officially readmitted to the College following institutional academic dismissal will return on academic probation unless he or she has raised his or her CGPA to equal or exceed the appropriate academic standing criterion through course work transferred from another accredited institution and has met all other conditions of readmission from academic dismissal. When a student is removed from academic dismissal, it will be so noted on the transcript. Page 41 2014-2015 Academic Policies Appeal Process An undergraduate student who has been academically dismissed from the College may appeal the academic dismissal to the Undergraduate Appeals Committee by submitting a written request for a hearing to the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. The timeline for the appeal will be specified in the letter of notification of dismissal. The undergraduate student’s appeal should contain information about circumstances affecting the student’s academic performance and the student’s plans to remedy the situation. Students may bring one Springfield College employee to the appeal meeting for emotional support or to present brief information on the student’s behalf. A College employee invited to attend is under no obligation to do so. A lawyer may not be present at the appeal meeting, either as a legal representative or as the above-mentioned College employee. Any College personnel speaking on behalf of the student will not be in the room during the student’s presentation but will be invited to speak following the student’s appeal presentation. The student may also bring letters of support written by any individual. The Undergraduate Appeals Committee will review the appeal. If the committee recommends that the appeal be supported, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs concurs, the student will be allowed to return on continued academic probation and will be required to adhere to all academic standing policies. The Office of Academic Affairs will inform the undergraduate student of the appeal decision by letter. The outcome of the appeal will be noted on the student’s academic transcript. ACADEMIC CLASSIFICATION Definition of Academic Credit Loads per Semester Full-time undergraduate student Enrolled for 12 or more credit hours Half-time undergraduate student Enrolled for six to 11 and one-half credit hours Less-than-half-time undergraduate student Enrolled for five and one-half or fewer credit hours Full-time graduate student Enrolled for nine or more credit hours Half-time graduate student Enrolled for four and one-half to eight and one-half credit hours Less-than-half-time graduate student enrolled for fewer than four and onehalf credit hours Undergraduate Classifications Earned 0–29.5 credit hours FR, First-year student Earned 30–59.5 credit hours SO, Sophomore Earned 60–89.5 credit hours JR, Junior Earned 90 and above credit hours SR, Senior graduate All graduate students GR, Graduate Page 42 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Determination of Class Year-Classification A student is considered a matriculated (degree-seeking) student at Springfield College as soon as he or she is officially accepted by the Office of Admissions. Designation of classification is established by the total number of semester hours a student has earned, inclusive of transfer credit awarded. The determination of class year occurs at the time grades are calculated each semester. ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION POLICY Students are permitted to play on one team per season and must maintain full-time undergraduate standing. Additional information on student athletics is available in the Athletics Department’s Student Athlete Handbook. CANCELLATION OF CLASSES Cancellation of classes because of inclement weather will be updated on the Springfield College website news page. Students, faculty and staff may sign up for SC Alert by clicking on the SC Alert button on the College’s home page and following the links. This program sends emergency notifications to a person’s mobile phone, Blackberry, wireless PDA, pager, smart or satellite phones, and e-mail addresses, including “pop ups” to Google, Yahoo, or AOL members. Cancellations will also be aired on radio stations WHYN AM 560 and television stations WWLP TV 22, ABC 40 and CBS 3. Students and faculty are advised to tune in to one of these stations on the morning in question. After 6:00 A.M., students may also call the school closing information line at (413) 748-5999 or refer to the Springfield College Cable TV station, which is aired in campus academic buildings and throughout the residence halls. Generally, if no cancellation is indicated by the 7:00 A.M. media announcements, classes will take place as scheduled. CATALOG YEAR POLICY Undergraduate students are responsible to complete the requirements for their major and for graduation that were in place upon their admittance to the College as a matriculated (degree-seeking) student-this is considered the student’s catalog year. note: If a student is readmitted to the College following a withdrawal or dismissal, he or she is responsible to complete the requirements in place on the new matriculation date.) In circumstances warrant, students (with approval from their department chairperson or SHS campus director) may petition the dean of their school to change their catalog year for their major and/or minor. Students may also petition to substitute or waive specific major or minor requirements. Those substitutions or waivers must be approved by the department chairperson or SHS campus director and the dean of the student’s school. Students who wish to substitute or waive General Education program requirements must petition the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. All waivers or substitutions must be properly documented with the Registrar. In certain circumstances, the College may approve changes to requirements that some or all students must fulfill, regardless of their date of entry. If such a case occurs, affected students will be notified. Page 43 2014-2015 CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY Academic Policies Springfield College students are expected to attend all class sessions for which they are registered; they are also responsible for the material covered in each class session and completion of assigned work by the announced due dates. Instructors are responsible to clearly communicate to the students via the syllabus their policies regarding class attendance and make-up work. Certain situations are recognized as College-excused absences from class, including: 1. Participation in an athletic activity approved by the athletic director and on file in the Dean of Students’ office. 2. Participation in a scheduled curricular or co-curricular activity approved by the appropriate dean or vice president and on file in the Dean of Students’ office. 3. Observation of religious holidays. Instructors should excuse absences of the above nature if the student follows the guidelines listed below. If possible, the instructor should allow the student to make up the class work or complete an alternative assignment. A student who anticipates absences of this nature: must provide his or her instructors with a list of dates of expected absences by the end of the first week of class and discuss with each instructor the impact of such absences. If the instructor deems that the absences will interfere with the student’s ability to successfully complete the objectives of the course, the student must seek to reduce the absences or withdraw from the course. should arrange in advance of the absence for make-up of any work that will be missed. should notify the instructor as soon as possible in the event of a sudden change of schedule (for example, participation in a game rescheduled due to rain or joining a team mid-season) and provide documentation if requested. Again, impact of the absence(s) must be discussed with the instructor. Absences due to illness or emergency: In the event of a missed class, students should notify professors as soon as possible and discuss options for obtaining missed material. Contact instructions are available on class syllabi. In the event of an absence due to illness or emergency extending longer than two days, students are required to contact the student affairs office at 413.748.3100 in order to notify professors and the residence life staff if necessary. CREDITS AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS Commencement Degrees are conferred three times each year, in May, August and December. Degrees are recognized at the annual commencement ceremony following the spring semester. Students who complete degree requirements during the prior December or are scheduled to complete in the spring semester are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony. Students who plan on completing in August are eligible to participate in the May commencement ceremony only if they are within 12 credits of Page 44 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE completion and have a minimum GPA of 2.0. All students must complete a degree application with the Registrar’s Office in order to be eligible to participate in the May commencement ceremony. Degree applications for the May ceremony are generally due to the Registrar’s Office by the beginning of February. Notwithstanding the foregoing and the successful completion of all academic requirements, a student may not be entitled to participate in commencement exercises and/or receive a diploma if he/she is involved in any disciplinary proceedings, and is sanctioned as such. DEGREES OFFERED Under the College’s charter, degree programs leading to a bachelor of arts (B.A.), and a bachelor of science (B.S.) are available on the undergraduate level. The College also offers graduate programs leading to a master of science (M.S.), master of education (M.Ed.), master of physical education (M.P.E.), master of social work (M.S.W.), master of business administration (M.B.A.), certificate of advanced graduate study (C.A.G.S), doctor of physical therapy (D.P.T.), and doctor of philosophy in physical education (Ph.D.). Honorary degrees are granted in limited number by the Board of Trustees to recognize preeminent achievement in the fields for which the College is noted. Posthumous Degrees Offered Upon request, Springfield College may award a degree (any level) posthumously in the following circumstance: When a student death occurs during a student’s final academic year, and the student was in good academic standing with the College and completed at least 90 percent of all required coursework for the degree. Graduate students must have begun the capstone experience. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will make the final determination in consultation with the registrar. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS–UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL (Department requirements may vary. See specific major requirements within department.) In order to complete a baccalaureate degree at Springfield College, an undergraduate student must complete the following requirements: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000. (Specific major programs may require a higher GPA.); Successful completion of 120 credit hours; Successful completion of the General Education Curriculum; Successful completion of all requirements for the declared major; and Fulfillment of residency requirement. Even if all of the foregoing requirements for a baccalaureate degree have been met, the sanctioning of a student pursuant to the Student Disciplinary Policy may prevent the awarding of such a degree. DISTRIBUTION OF UNDERGRADUATE CREDITS The minimum credits required for a baccalaureate degree is generally distributed among the General Education Curriculum; the requirements for a major; and electives Page 45 2014-2015 (inclusive of requirements for a minor), if applicable. Students majoring in certain programs may have additional requirements that decrease the number of electives in their program and/or increase their credit requirements for graduation. ENROLLMENT STATUS During the first week of classes, an undergraduate student may add or drop individual courses. If an undergraduate student drops below 12 credits, they are charged on a per credit basis and will be considered a part-time student. Financial aid eligibility and participation in varsity athletics may be affected. Please check with appropriate offices to determine the impact of part-time enrollment. If courses exceed 18 credits, students will be charged at the per credit rate for credits exceeding 18 in a semester. If a student withdraws from all courses, see the Refund Policy. REGISTRATION AND RECORDS Academic Policies Change of Major Undergraduate students may apply to a new major by meeting with the major’s department chairperson and completing an Application to Change Major/Minor Form, available from the Registrar’s Office. Some majors also require a letter of application. The new major’s department chairperson must approve and sign the application. In addition, the application must be signed by the chairperson of the student’s previous major. Students must generally be in good academic standing to be admitted into a new major. Some majors require higher GPAs to meet advanced standing standards or satisfactory completion of certain prerequisites. Certain majors are restricted in number and limit the number of new majors accepted. Applying to some majors, including physical therapy, requires a formal application and review process. Change of Schedule-Add/Drop Period Springfield College maintains a five-day add period and a 10-day drop period each semester (excluding summer). During the first five days of each semester, students may request additions to their schedule of courses. Students must complete a Change-ofSchedule Form to complete schedule additions. The form may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office. All Change-of-Schedule Forms must be signed by the student’s advisor before they are brought to the registrar for processing. After the five-day add period, students may not make additions to their academic schedules. Students are urged to refer to the academic cchedule each semester for more specific information. During the first 10 days of the semester, students may drop a course they have registered for. An approved Change-of-Schedule Form must be signed by the student’s advisor. After the 10-day drop period, with the exception of physical education activities, students may, with the approval of their advisor and course instructor, withdraw (receive a grade of W) from a course anytime up to a point at which 80 percent of the course is completed (12 weeks in a 15 week semester). Leave of Absence for Matriculated Students A student in good academic standing who wishes to temporarily interrupt his or her college program may request a leave of absence. Full-time students may have two Page 46 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Academic Policies consecutive semesters, and part-time students may have four consecutive semesters (exclusive of summer) from the date of the leave of absence. Leaves of absence are arranged through the Registrar’s Office in the Administration Building. For students going on a leave of absence, the registrar will drop all courses if leave is requested during the first ten days of the semester, and issue a grade of W for all courses if the leave is initiated after the 10-day drop period. The leave of absence option allows the student to re-enroll within the previously stated time period without going through readmission procedures. Extension of a leave, for not more than two semesters, may be obtained for extenuating circumstances by contacting the Registrar’s Office. If students do not enroll after the leave expires, they may lose their matriculation status, and may be required to reapply for admission. Non-matriculated Student Status A student may include a maximum of 30 semester hours earned as a full-time or parttime, non-matriculated student in the total hours required for graduation. Undergraduate courses are open to students who have earned a high school degree or GED. Students must have completed any prerequisites listed for courses for which they intend to register. Students may take classes for personal enrichment or as exploration for possible degree admissions. Students may not take more than 30 semester hours as an undergraduate, non-matriculated student and apply them toward a degree. Further courses taken as a non-matriculated student will require permission of the registrar. Student Record Springfield College will maintain student confidentiality rights and protect access to information as provided by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, also known as the Buckley Amendment. Except as provided by law, information from a student’s records will not be released without the prior written consent of the student. This legislation also provides numerous exceptions whereby the College may release information without prior notice and/or consent of the student, including, but not limited to, the following: 1. Directory information may be provided unless a student has filed a written request to withhold this information. Students must advise the Registrar’s Office in writing no later than September 15 of each academic year if they wish to restrict the release of this information. Springfield College considers the following information as “directory information”: name, campus mailbox, campus phone number, enrollment status, dates of attendance at the College, major, credit hours earned, degrees earned, and honors received. 2. Information may be shared with and by Springfield College faculty and staff who have a legitimate educational interest in the student. 3. Academic information may be shared with parents of students who complete an authorization to release academic records information, or if parents provide the registrar with an annual copy of their federal income tax return documenting the student as a dependent. In addition, any requests that come from officials of other institutions in which the student might be applying for transfer; government agencies and officials who provide proper identification; officers of the court; financial aid personnel to support a student’s Page 47 2014-2015 Academic Policies application for aid; as well as appropriate parties in health or safety emergencies will have access to information in the student’s records. Students may also be asked to sign a written waiver granting permission for the release of information from the school records. Students retain the right to review the contents of their educational and academic records. In order to do so, a formal written request must be made through the Registrar’s Office. In such cases, a meeting will be established within 45 days of the request to permit the student to review materials. Springfield College will comply with a written request initiated by the student to supply information in their behalf. Such requests must be signed and dated and include the specific records or information to be disclosed, the purpose for the disclosure, and the individual(s) to whom the information should be released. Details concerning the Buckley Amendment are available at the Office of the Dean of Students and the Registrar’s Office. Transcript of Academic Work Students may obtain student-issued, unofficial copies of their academic transcripts for the duration of study at Springfield College. Applications for these transcripts are made in writing to the Registrar’s Office. A $5 fee is charged for transcripts requested to be officially sent to a third party. Official transcript requests must include name and address of the official to whom the information is to be mailed, along with a student’s signature as permission to release a record. Official transcripts, bearing the College seal, are sent by the registrar directly to the receiver and may not be transmitted by the applicant. Ordinarily, transcript requests will be processed and mailed within 10 days of the written request. Currently enrolled students; non-enrolled students; students who have been separated, dismissed, suspended, expelled, disciplined, withdrawn, or were on a leave of absence may not obtain an official transcript, access to registration for courses, selection of a residence hall room, and/or a diploma if their accounts are not paid in full, as and when due. Withdrawal Policy from a Course Students, with the permission of their advisors and course instructors, may withdraw from a course at any time up to the point at which 80 percent of the course is completed. The end of the 12th week is the last day to withdraw from a course that meets the entire semester. Exceptions to the withdrawal deadline can be made only by the registrar. A W grade by the course instructor may be recorded as a grade of “F.” Withdrawal Policy from the College To withdraw from Springfield College, a student must meet with a member of the Registrar’s Office for an exit interview at which time the various steps of the withdrawal process will be reviewed. The purpose of the interview is for the student to have an opportunity to review options and bring closure to the experience at the College. At that time, an effective withdrawal date will be determined. This date will be used in processing any possible refunds. Students who are withdrawing from the College must return the student identification card that was issued to them. Withdrawals will not be processed unless Page 48 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Refunds the student identification card is returned. If a withdrawn student wishes to return to Springfield College as a matriculated student, they must apply for re-admission. CREDIT BALANCE REFUND POLICIES Refunds If a student has a credit balance on their account, a refund check will be issued within 14 days, unless the student authorizes the College, in writing, to hold the credit balance for a future semester. On the Friday following the refund check being generated, the refund check will be available for pickup at the Business Office Cashier Window. If the refund check is not picked up by 2:00 pm, it will be mailed to the billing address on the student account. The refund check will be made payable to the student, unless the student requests, in writing, the refund check be made payable to another party. Plus Loan and MEFA Loan refunds will be made payable to parent that borrowed the money. Tuition, Housing, and Meal Plan Refund Policy When a student withdraws from the College, refunds will be calculated according to the following schedules, except that unpaid school charges will be subtracted prior to the refund check being disbursed. 1. Tuition, fees, housing and meal plan charges will be refunded as follows: Before classes begin 100% During first week of classes 90% During second week of classes 80% During third week of classes 75% During fourth week of classes 70% During fifth week of classes 65% During sixth week of classes 60% During seventh week of classes 55% During eighth week of classes 50% During ninth week of classes 40% After ninth week of classes 0% 2. An administrative fee equal to the lesser of $100 or 5 percent of school charges will be assessed to the student’s account. 3. Fees are non-refundable, unless the withdrawal is effective prior to the start of classes. 4. Additionally, a $400-$600 room cancellation fee will be assessed to the student’s account. 5. Half of the academic year allowance for books and supplies is considered to be half spent at the start of the semester. 6. Financial aid received is refunded to granting agencies based on the date of withdrawal, subject to funding source regulations and College policy. 7. No refund will be made to students suspended, dismissed, or expelled during the course of the semester. This also includes students who leave prior to the completion of a judicial hearing. Non-Payment Policy For currently enrolled students, non-enrolled students, students who have been Page 49 2014-2015 separated, dismissed, suspended, expelled, disciplined, withdrawn, leave prior to the completion of a pending judicial hearing, or on a leave of absence, the College will withhold all official transcripts. The College will also deny access to registration for courses, selection of a residence hall room, and the awarding of diplomas or certificates to any student whose account is not paid in full when due. A late charge of $50 will be assessed for each month that a payment is past due. The student and/or the party who is responsible for the payment of the student account shall be jointly liable to the College for all costs of collection and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred. The student is required to make full payment of all accounts prior to the deadline for commencement (date established by the Registrar). Non-enrolled students, with a balance on their account, will be placed in collection. When a student registers for classes, he/she is responsible for the tuition charges and other College costs incurred. Non-attendance in classes does not constitute withdrawing or dropping a class. Any changes to a student’s course schedule require the approval of an academic advisor and an official registration action. FEDERAL STUDENT AID WHEN A STUDENT WITHDRAWS Refunds The law specifies how Springfield College must determine the amount of Federal Student Aid (FSA) assistance a student earns they withdraw from school. The FSA programs that are covered by this law are: Federal Pell Grant Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants Federal Stafford Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) Federal PLUS loans (Graduate and parent) Federal Perkins Loan Some state grant aid (LEAP, SLEAP) When a student withdraws during a term, the amount of Federal Student Aid program assistance they have earned up to that point is determined by a specific formula. If a student received (or Springfield College or parent received on the student’s behalf) less assistance than the amount that the student earned, the student may be able to receive those additional funds. If the student received more assistance than the student earned, the excess funds must be returned by Springfield College and/or by the student. The amount of assistance that the student has earned is determined on a pro rata basis and based on federal eligibility. For more information regarding Federal Financial Aid information, please visit: www.springfieldcollege.edu/home.nsf/admissions/financialaid. Page 50 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Residence Hall Policies RESIDENCE HALL ROOM CANCELLATION POLICY Hall Policies Living on campus is an important part of the Springfield College experience. The College has a three-year residency requirement for all students. Students removed from housing due to disciplinary sanctions will forfeit any refund. Students that need to fulfill the three-year residency requirement will participate in a campus wide room selection process during the spring semester. Students seeking to *cancel their housing contract must notify the Office of Housing and Residence Life in writing and the following penalties will be assessed: Cancellation Penalty for Enrolled Students: Before May 16 $400.00 cancellation fee May 16–July 1 600.00 cancellation fee July 2–October 17 *30% cancellation fee After October 17 *100% cancellation fee Cancellation Penalty for Seniors: Seniors will select their next year housing assignment during the fall semester. Seniors who have signed a housing contract and wish to cancel must notify the Office of Housing and Residence Life in writing and the following penalties will be assessed: After the fall semester room draw process: $800.00 cancellation fee After Thanksgiving Break but before the end of the fall semester: $1200.00 cancellation fee After fall semester but before May 1: $1700.00 cancellation fee After May 1 and before first day of classes: *30% cancellation fee After first day of classes: *100% cancellation fee Cancellation Policy for Graduate Students: Graduate Students who signed housing contract and wish to cancel must notify the Office of Housing and Residence Life in writing and the following penalties will be assessed: Before May 14 $600.00 cancellation fee May 15–July 2 $800.00 cancellation fee July 3–August 27 *30% cancellation fee After August 4 *100% cancellation fee NOTE: Our cancellation policy is not applicable to students seeking to withdraw from the institution. Please refer to the “Credit Balance Refund Policies” located in the Student Handbook. *Percentage of housing cost for the academic year Early Arrival /Vacation Break Housing Policy: Page 51 2014-2015 Students who have special authorization to arrive to campus prior to the beginning of the academic semesters are to be aware that there is a “No Guest, No Alcohol” (regardless of age) policy in all residence halls. This policy is also in effect for all students authorized to stay in housing during the Thanksgiving, Winter and Spring Break periods. This policy indicates that students who are authorized to stay in housing during college breaks agree to adhere to having no guests or consumption of alcohol in the residence halls. Failure to adhere to this policy means students will be removed from housing immediately and not allowed to return to housing until the official date of the opening of the halls. Students may also face judicial action as well. The Office of Housing and Residence Life will inform students which of the ten residence halls will be utilized as designated housing during college breaks. Break Housing Forms can be downloaded from the Housing and Residence Life website. Senior Week Policy: Seniors who seek to stay in housing after the academic year ends until graduation must purchase Senior Week tickets. Students will be required to make arrangements to move out of housing (at the completion of the last exam) if Senior Week tickets are not purchased. Seniors can obtain Senior Week tickets from the Office of Student Activities. Please understand that the housing contract expires at the completion of Final Exams and the option for students to stay in housing during Senior Week is a privilege. Seniors staying during the Senior Week are to adhere to College and Housing policies. This includes the restriction of guests from the residence halls during the period of Senior Week until the weekend of Graduation. Hall Policies RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF RESIDENT STUDENTS As a member of the residential community at Springfield College, students have a number of rights and privileges. At the same time, they have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a way which assists the community in upholding reasonable standards of conduct and civility. Rights 1. To be treated with respect and consideration. 2. To be able to read and study free from undue interference in individual rooms. 3. To expect a roommate to respect personal belongings. 4. To live in a clean environment. 5. To have free access to assigned room and facilities without pressure from a roommate. 6. To have personal privacy. 7. To have guests in the room in compliance with the guest policy outlined in the college policies. 8. To be able to address grievances and concerns. 9. To be free from fear or intimidation, and physical and/or emotional harm. 10. To be free from all forms of discrimination. 11. To expect the residence hall staff to be supportive in time of need and to assist in the resolution of conflicts or differences. Page 52 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS Hall Policies Responsibilities 1. To become familiar with all of the policies and regulations necessary for the residence hall community to function, and to abide by those rules, which are found in the Residence Hall Contract. 2. To treat others with respect and consideration, and to guarantee them their individual rights. 3. To be responsive to all reasonable requests of fellow residents. 4. To accept responsibility for personal and community safety, i.e. to refrain from misusing fire equipment, propping doors open, losing keys, throwing things out the window, and obstructing hallways or entrances with bicycles or other items. 5. To inform guest(s) of all relevant policies and regulations and accept responsibility for their conduct and behavior. 6. To control the volume of noise and music emitting from assigned room out of consideration of other residents. 7. To inform roommate(s) and floormates of personal needs and preferences and to negotiate differences. 8. To agree to seek out appropriate psychological help, when and if necessary, and to avoid becoming excessively demanding on fellow residents. 9. To avoid damaging College property and to recognize that public areas and their furnishings belong to everyone and that abuse of those areas violates the rights of the community. 10. To adhere to all College policies and regulations relative to the use and misuse of alcohol and illegal drugs. 11. To be responsive and cooperative in all dealings with residence life staff members. The policies and regulations detailed in the Residence Hall Contract have been designed with the belief that certain guidelines become necessary to provide a framework within which a residence facility and its residents can function harmoniously and demonstrate respect to other students as well as College and personal property. The College reserves the right, at the discretion of the Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students and/or his/her designee to search a residence hall room for health, safety, and policy violations. Failure to abide by College policies and regulations will result in disciplinary action as prescribed by the Springfield College Student Handbook. See Appendix A of the Springfield College Student Handbook for an outline of the “Terms and Conditions” to the student’s housing contract. Below is not an exhaustive list of policies. Please refer to your “Terms and Conditions” and the College Policies/Code of Conduct for more specific policies. a. Propping open doors of residence facilities. b. Unauthorized use of fire exit doors. (i.e. Alumni Hall) c. Throwing garbage or other items out windows. d. Removal of hall lounge furniture to use in student rooms. Page 53 2014-2015 e. Use of candles, incense, cigarettes or open flames are not permitted in residential facilities. All residential facilities are smoke-free. f. Damaging College property will result in charges to the individual(s) responsible for said damage. Damage to individual rooms or apartments will be shared by the students assigned to that space. Students living in the residential facilities and locked out of an assigned space will be assessed a $5 service fee for reentry. Housing and Residence Life will reissue a key to a student if the key is lost or stolen and a non-refundable $35 fee will be assessed. An additional fee may be assessed to replace the lock. Students living in the residence halls are expected to express themselves civilly at all times. Students are prohibited from using the windows of residence halls for displays of signage of any type. Students are assigned roommates when they are accepted for admission to the College. These assignments are based upon information gained from the Roommate Selection Survey sent to each individual prior to their arrival. Roommates are encouraged to negotiate differences and to work with staff to problem solve and communicate. Anyone desiring to change rooms or residence halls should go to the Office of Housing and Residence Life since all changes must be made by the assistant director. Returning students have the opportunity to select roommates and specific rooms or apartments during the Room Draw process, which is held each year in April. Hall Policies EMERGENCY EVACUATION Students should note that emergency matters calling for immediate attention should be reported directly to the resident director or the resident assistant on duty. These include serious accidents, illness, gross violations of rules, plumbing or electrical failures, fire, and similar matters. FIRE PREVENTION Each building is required to organize fire drill procedures and to hold fire drills. When the fire alarm sounds, each student is to leave the residence hall as quickly and quietly as possible. Evacuation Procedure 1. Shut all windows. 2. Leave lights on. 3. Wear shoes. 4. Take towel to cover face in case of fire. 5. Close doors, but leave unlocked. 6. Walk quickly to nearest exit; DO NOT use the elevator. 7. Remain calm. Failure to evacuate the premises within three to five minutes, failure to cooperate with College personnel, or premature re-entry of the building when alarms sound could result in a fine. If any further violations occur, the student will face severe disciplinary action. Page 54 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Fire Protection Equipment To protect the life and safety of those living in College housing, the use of fire extinguishers and all other equipment necessary for fire protection must be limited to emergencies or fire drills only. Tampering with fire equipment is prohibited. Fire Safety Regulations Students are not allowed to cook in their rooms or be in the possession of cooking appliances. All cooking and storage of cooking appliances must be restricted to kitchen facilities provided in each residence hall or apartment. Candles or incense are not permitted in residence halls. The garaging of any type of motor vehicle or combustible material is not permitted in the buildings. Refrigeration units using no more than 1.6 amps may be used. During holiday and spring vacations they must be emptied and left unplugged by the student. There is no storage for refrigerators over the summer. Air conditioning units are not permitted. Residence life staff may conduct safety inspections during breaks. Accidents can occur and in order to protect your personal belongings, all students are encouraged to purchase renters insurance, or check to see if your belongings are covered on your parents homeowners insurance. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT Hall Policies Springfield College is residential college that is committed to the belief that there are numerous benefits to living in a college community. The College believes in the education of the whole person and regards the residential experience as an integral part of that education. For this reason, the College requires all full-time undergraduate students to live on campus for a minimum of three years unless the student meets one of the following conditions: Are 23 years of age or older; Are married; Have a dependant child; Have been a veteran of at least two years on active military duty; Are planning to live at home with a parent(s) or guardian and that home is within a 60 minute drive to/from campus, or Have lived on campus for three years at Springfield College or at another college. Students who meet one of the above criteria are required to petition the Office of Housing and Residence Life by submitting a Commuter Status Application. Approved students will have their status recorded by the College. Page 55 2014-2015 College Policies INTRODUCTION TO COLLEGE POLICIES Each institution establishes rules and regulations to ensure that students’ individual rights are respected within the community. Such policies also serve to inform students of their responsibilities. Please read the following policy statements carefully. They will be applied consistently throughout the academic year. In addition, all students present at the time of a violation will be held responsible for the infraction. All residents of a room, apartment, or townhouse in which such violations occur may be subject to the full range of disciplinary actions, even if they were not present at the time of the incident. As a result, resident students are particularly advised to give careful attention to anyone who has access to their rooms, apartments, or townhouses. Any student who feels jeopardized by the actions of his/her roommate(s) should seek assistance from the residence life staff so that the problems may be avoided. Questions concerning campus policies should be raised at the Office of Students Affairs. DRUG FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY ACT College Policies Springfield College is in compliance with the Drug-Free Campus Regulations and has adopted the following policies to address the presence of alcohol and the use of drugs and/ or other illegal substances. Springfield College’s mission speaks to the importance of educating students in mind, body, and spirit for leadership and service to others. An understanding of the purpose of a Springfield College education underscores the rationale for the College policy on alcohol. The misuse and abuse of alcohol in whatever form is inconsistent with this fundamental commitment of the College to provide said education. The College encourages and supports students who abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages. It also acknowledges that we live within a social environment which establishes in law, a minimum age for the use of alcohol (21). The College does, however, permit the use of alcohol on campus in a manner consistent with the law. The College does not allow the use of alcohol to lead to disruptive behavior or conduct which infringes upon the rights of those who wish to pursue their academic interests as responsible members of the community. ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG INFORMATION The College hopes that the years spent as a member of the Springfield College community will be a time of great personal growth and development. Clearly, the primary goal is to gain knowledge and expertise in a particular field. However, there are other important goals, such as learning to take responsibility for one’s life, gaining awareness of one’s basic values, and making changes that are consistent with those values, as well as learning to live, work and play in a thoughtful community with others. The Alcohol and Drug policies are adopted to promote attitudes towards alcohol use that are consistent with an atmosphere of civility, and to discourage alcohol-related behavior on campus which is illegal and/or abusive to oneself or to others. The Drug Policy clearly outlines the position of the College relating to use of illegal substances. Both policies have been developed to be consistent with our belief in the total development of the person–in spirit, mind, and body. Page 56 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Alcohol Although many people do not think of it as such, alcohol is a powerful, mood-altering drug. It is a central nervous system depressant that falls into a class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics. Like all drugs, alcohol’s effects are dose dependent. Typically, a “dose” of alcohol is measured in terms of standard “drink”. A “drink” is defined as a 12 ounce beer, 5 ounce glass of wine, or 1.5oz of hard liquor. These all contain approximately one ounce of alcohol. On the average, it takes approximately one hour for an individual to metabolize one ounce of alcohol. This metabolic rate is affected by weight, body size, sex, rate of consumption, and presence of food in stomach. The way in which the effect of alcohol is experienced is modified by the individual’s expectations, mood, setting, and past experience. In general, low doses of alcohol produce slight sedation, lowering of inhibitions, and impairment of judgment and fine motor coordination. As the level of alcohol present in the blood increases (.08-.09) motor skills, balance, and speech become impaired. A feeling of euphoria is produced, and the individual becomes unaware of the impairment in his/her functioning. At the .10-.12 level, emotions are exaggerated, impotence may occur, and driving becomes extremely dangerous. Beyond this level, blackouts result (the person continues to be conscious but has no memory of events) and there is significant loss of control over behavior. If blood levels continue to rise, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and dysphoria occur. If the person becomes unconscious, there is an increased risk of asphyxiation from choking on one’s own vomit. If blood levels reach or exceed .30, the person may die from respiratory arrest, as the center which controls breathing become anesthetized. Chronic use of alcohol can lead to psychological and physical dependence, elevated blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack, cancer of the mouth and throat, cancer of the digestive system, pancreatic, and cirrhosis of the liver. In males, chronic heavy usage is associated with testicular atrophy and breast enlargement. The risk of breast cancer in women is sharply increased by consuming as little as one drink per day. Women who drink while pregnant risk the occurrence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in their unborn children. Other Drugs Barbiturates The use of barbiturates can result in a slowed heart rate and breathing, slowed reactions, confusion, weakened emotional control, distortion of reality, reduced awareness, and intoxication. Tranquilizers Tranquilizers (such as Valium, Librium, Ativan, and Tranzene) effects include slowed heart rate and breathing, lowered blood pressure, relaxation, drowsiness, confusion, loss of coordination, intoxication, and changes in personality. Cannabis The active ingredient in marijuana, hashish, and hashish oil is delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Use of THC results in an increase in heart and pulse rate, reddening of the eyes, dryness in the mouth, lowered body temperature, stimulated appePage 57 2014-2015 College Policies tite, loss of coordination, brief sense of well-being, intoxication, possible confusion, distortion of reality, impaired short-term memory, restlessness, and hallucinations. Other possible effects of abuse include depression, panic, varying degrees of tolerance, and psychological and physical dependence. Over-use may cause paranoia. Long-term heavy use is associated with chronic lung disease and possibly lung cancer. Hallucinogens Hallucinogens, such as Ecstasy, LSD, and PCP are substances capable of distorting perceptions, sensations, self-awareness, and emotions. Ecstasy (N-methyl-3, 4-methylenedi-oxyamphentaime or MDMA) causes several side effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. A more serious risk is tied to hypothermia, or elevated body temperature, which can result in death. LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) induces increased heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, irregular breathing, and euphoria, loss of ability to separate fact from fantasy, distortion of senses, hallucinations, paranoia, panic, and violence. Hazards include: (1) quick development of tolerance (2) increased risk of birth defects in user’s children (3) the reoccurrence of effects (flashbacks) even without further use and (4) death due to accident or suicide. PCP effects (phencyclidine) are unpredictable and are similar to LSD, but are more intense distortion. Stimulants Stimulants increase central nervous system activity. Amphetamine use results in increased heart rate and blood pressure, loss of appetite, increased activity levels, feeling of alertness, and self-confidence followed by depression. Heavy usage can result in hallucinations, paranoia, and drug-induced psychosis. Long-term use can result in psychological and physical dependence; withdrawal can result in suicidal depression. Cocaine, another stimulant drug, may cause quickened pulse and circulation, sharpened reactions, restlessness, feelings of well-being, alertness, overconfidence, confusion, anxiety, depression, paranoia, nervous exhaustion, and hallucinations. Hazards associated with cocaine use include physical and psychological dependence, destruction of nasal tissue from snorting the drug, lesions in lungs caused by smoking the drug, convulsions, respiratory paralysis, cardiac arrest, and death can result from overdose. Narcotics Narcotics are opiate drugs which relieve pain and induce sleep. Drugs included in this category are heroin, morphine, opium, codeine, methamphetamine, and methadone. Effects of usage include shallow breathing, reduction in appetite and thirst, reduction in sex drive, drowsiness, brief euphoria, lethargy, heaviness of limbs, apathy, loss of ability to concentrate, loss of judgment, and self-control. Hazards of abuse include physical and psychological dependence, and painful withdrawal. Overdose can cause coma, convulsion, respiratory arrest, and death. Associated risks include malnutrition infection, hepatitis, and increased risk of contracting AIDS if needles are shared. Page 58 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs In addition to services and referrals offered through the Springfield College Counseling Center and Health Services, the following services and sources of information are available in the surrounding community: Springfield College Counseling Center ........................... 413.748.3345 Springfield College Health Center ................................ 413.748.3175 Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) (self-help programs) .............. 413.532.2111 Narcotics Anonymous (NA) (self-help programs) .............. 413.538.7479 Al-Anon and Alateen of Greater Springfield .................... 413.782.3406 Providence Behavioral Health Care ............................... 413.539.2980 Holyoke Hospital ..................................................... 413.534.2627 Carlson Detoxification Center ..................................... 413.794.5555 Baystate Medical Center (Admissions) ........................... 413.794.0000 Baystate Medical Center (Health Information) ................. 413.794.2255 Mercy Hospital (Admissions)....................................... 413.748.9000 Gambler’s Anonymous (self-help program) ..................... 800.426.1234 Overeater’s Anonymous (self-help program) ................... 413.783.4198 ALCOHOL POLICY Springfield College is subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts regarding the consumption, purchase, possession, and transportation of any alcoholic beverage. Some of the more pertinent statues and regulations that have an impact on the way the College relates to these issues are as follows: 1. No person, group, or organization may sell alcoholic beverages except pursuant to a license granted by the Commonwealth through the local government licensing authority. Licensing authority does not give permission for groups to have an open bar on campus, except in a family residence. 2. No person shall operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcoholic beverages. Violators may be subject to arrest, fine, mandatory court education programs, immediate loss of license, and/or imprisonment. 3. No person or group shall purchase or otherwise procure alcoholic beverages for consumption by a person under 21 years of age. Violators may be subject to criminal charges and a fine. 4. No person under 21 years of age shall keep, purchase, sell, possess, be in the presence of or receive alcoholic beverages. Violators may be subject to arrest, criminal charges, and fine. 5. No person shall use the liquor identification card or driver’s license of another, or supply such cards to another, furnish false information in obtaining such cards, or alter or deface such cards. Violators may be subject to arrest, criminal charges, and fines. 6. In addition to the criminal penalties for wrongful handling and use of alcoholic beverages, individuals who furnish or sell alcoholic beverages to minors or to persons who are intoxicated may be liable to such persons and to anyone else who suffers personal injury as a result of such furnishing or sale. This may result in a civil lawsuit. Page 59 College Policies 2014-2015 Alcohol Policy and Procedures for Individual Use 1. Possession or use of alcohol in any form is strictly prohibited in first-year residence halls, regardless of one’s age. This restriction applies to all students of Springfield College, their guests, and members of their families. 2. Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages on or off the Springfield College campus must be in compliance with Massachusetts state laws. Legal use of alcohol is limited to the privacy of students’ rooms. 3. The possession, consumption or use of alcoholic beverages and or being in the presence of alcohol by those persons under the age of 21 is a violation of College Policy. 4. Alcohol consumption and/or carrying open containers of alcoholic beverages is not permitted in public areas of the residence halls (lounges, entrance ways, stairwells, lavatories, corridors, etc.) or in other College buildings, at athletic events, student activities, and outdoors on the campus unless specific written authorization is granted prior to the event by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students or designee. The College defines an open container as (1) any container that is used to hold alcoholic beverages and from which the container’s original seal is broken, and (2) cups, including but not limited to, those with open tops into which a straw may be inserted. 5. Large quantities of alcohol are not permitted in residence facilities or on the grounds of the campus, this includes any alcohol that was brought into the room by a guest. Large amounts of alcohol, kegs or beer balls, whether empty or full, tapped or untapped, are strictly prohibited and will be confiscated (taps and “keg -o-rators” included) by the College and will not be returned. Recognizing the serious health risks posed by excessive drinking, the College also prohibits drinking paraphernalia, including, but not limited to, drinking funnels, all manners of drinking games, and common sources of alcohol, regardless of age. The definition of large quantity will be at the sole discretion of the College. 6. Impairment, which could be attributed to the consumption of alcohol, that substantially interferes with student judgment and decision-making, causes disturbance, and/or requires the intervention of College personnel is prohibited. 7. Falsifying any identification cards, borrowing another student’s ID card to obtain alcohol or to gain entrance to functions where alcoholic beverages are being served or being involved with the process of buying or selling of false identification cards will result in disciplinary action. Production and/or alteration of identification cards for sale and/or mass-production of such cards will result in College sanctions and may result in criminal prosecution. 8. Students possessing or delivering alcohol in the residence buildings and who appear to be under the age of 21 will be confronted by the staff. There is an expectation that students in this age category will abide by the law. 9. Displays of alcohol signage and paraphernalia are prohibited in public locations and in residential facility windows. 10. Disciplinary proceedings will be commenced against those students who are hosting a gathering where alcohol is served to minors, the consumption of Page 60 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE alcohol by guests is not monitored, and/or s/he is furnishing a place for minors to consume alcohol. Underage students present where alcohol is found may face disciplinary action. 11. Abuse of alcoholic beverages is interpreted by the College as a lack of responsibility on the part of the student as determined in the discretion of the College and/or a violation of Massachusetts law and will not be tolerated. Students who abuse alcohol may be required to take a portable breath test to determine if there is need for medical intervention. Students transported to the oncampus Respite Center or to a nearby hospital will result in a meeting with a College official regarding the student’s well-being and decision-making. Alcohol abuse is a violation of the College’s Code of Conduct and will lead to disciplinary action and/or required intervention. 12. Students who operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol either on or off campus will face disciplinary action and could face criminal prosecution. Sanctions for Violating the Alcohol Policy A student who violates this policy in whole or part by will face severe disciplinary action as determined by the College in its sole and exclusive discretion. DRUG POLICY The College prohibits the possession, use, or distribution of any illegal and/or controlled substance as defined by the statues of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Considered to be evidence of drug-related violations and sufficient grounds for full disciplinary action include, but are not limited to the following: A. Being in the presence of smoke or odor of marijuana and/or controlled substances, drug paraphernalia and drugs. B. Being in the possession of any controlled substances (including non-prescribed prescription medication) and/or drug paraphernalia (paraphernalia includes but is not limited to grinders, rolling papers, scales, hookah). C. Use of any drug or controlled substances including non-prescribed prescription medication. D. Distribution of all types of drugs and drug paraphernalia, including, but not limited to, pipes, bongs, rolling papers, clips, and unauthorized use of syringes. E. Materials found to be in violation of College drug policy will be will be confiscated. Sanctions for Violating the Drug Policy A student who violates this policy in whole or part by being found in the presence of, possessing, using, and/or distributing illegal substances will face severe disciplinary action as determined by the College in its sole and exclusive discretion. Federal Law Persons convicted of drug possession under state or federal law are ineligible for federal student grants and loans for up to one year after the first conviction and five years after the second. Page 61 2014-2015 The penalty for distributing drugs is the loss of benefits for five years after the first, 10 years after the second, and permanently after the third conviction. It is especially important to note that under federal law, distribution of drugs to persons under the age of 21 is punishable by twice the normal penalty with mandatory imprisonment. A third conviction is punishable by mandatory life imprisonment. These penalties apply to distribution of drugs in or within 1,000 feet of a college or school. Federal law sets greatly heightened prison sentences for manufacture and distribution of drugs if death or serious injury results from use of the substances. ABUSE AND ASSAULT POLICY Springfield College has expectations of the student body to resolve differences in a mature and respectful manner. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidations, coercion, and/or other conduct that threatens or endangers the health and safety of any other member of the College community on or off campus is prohibited. It may be determined necessary to place any students involved in such an incident on interim suspension to allow time to investigate the incident. Due to the serious nature of such incidents, students found involved in violation of this policy may be suspended or dismissed from the College. GUEST POLICY College Policies Students are welcome to host guests in accordance with the following guidelines: A. All guests must be registered by their host through the completion of filling out a guest pass in advance of their guests arrival. Failure to register your guest could result in the loss of guest privileges. B. Guests are not permitted during final exams, study periods and when classes are not in session; including but not limited to, early arrival, late departures, and during the Thanksgiving, Winter and Spring breaks. C. All guests must have their guest pass (either printed out or in their smart phone) and a valid photo ID on them at all times and produce both when requested by College employees. D. Guests must be accompanied by their host at all times. If guests are found separated from their hosts, they may be trespassed from campus and the student host could have their guest privileges revoked. E. Guests are allowed on campus for no more than 2 consecutive nights during a 7 day period. Guest privileges may not be extended for the purpose of cohabitation. F. Hosts must seek and receive permission from their roommate(s) for any overnight guest in order for the guest to be able to reside in the host’s assigned residence hall room/suite/apartment G. Guests are expected to abide by all Springfield College policies. Hosts will be held responsible for any violations committed by their guests. H. Students may not have more than three guests at any point in time. I. Guests must be at least 18 years of age, however those under 18 may be granted permission to visit with parental permission given directly to Residence Life & Housing. J. Guests who bring a vehicle to campus must also register with Public Safety. Page 62 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Guests must park in designated areas. K. Students who are Springfield College students but not currently enrolled in classes or otherwise are on leave from the College must follow the same guidelines as non-student guests when they intend to visit campus for more than a very brief period of time. Non-enrolled students should also ensure that their l eave permits social visits. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS Tuition, fees, and other charges are payable when due. Deadlines for payment of tuition, fees, and other charges are identified on student account summaries, which are sent electronically to the individual(s) responsible for payment of the bill. Checks or money orders should be made payable to Springfield College. There is a penalty charge of $30 per check for all checks returned by the drawer’s bank. After two returned checks, the Business Office will no longer accept personal checks. The College withholds awarding diplomas and issuing official transcripts to any student whose account is in arrears. In addition, the College reserves the right to prevent any individual who fails to pay all bills from registering or selecting College housing. Any collection costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees, incurred by the College will be passed on to the individual and the student responsible for the bill. FIREARMS AND WEAPONS Students may not bring any weapons on campus. Any firearms or weapons found on campus will be immediately confiscated and held by the Department of Public Safety. The student will face severe disciplinary action on campus and, consistent with the commonwealth’s law, may also face imprisonment for not less than six months nor more than two and one half years in a jail or house of correction. Examples of weapons considered dangerous are: explosives, knives, pellet guns, paint guns*, slingshots, blades, wrist rockets, ammunition, fireworks, dangerous chemicals, and martial arts weapons. “Nunchucks, klackers, Kung-Fu sticks, or any other similar weapon consisting of two sticks of wood, plastic, or metal connected at one end by a length of rope, chain, wire, or leather” are illegal in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Massachusetts law, section 129C of Chapter 140). The law also includes “shreiken or any other similar pointed starlike objects intended to injure a person when thrown,” as well as “billy clubs or other dangerous weapons.” *All paint guns must be used only for off-campus activities and must be kept at public safety. GAMBLING POLICY Springfield College is committed to providing a safe environment for all students to learn and flourish. Springfield College cannot and will not condone any form of illegal gambling activity. Springfield College wants students to know that gambling is not a “risk free” activity. Services are available on campus to assist students that may be experiencing a gambling problem or gambling-related difficulties. HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION POLICY Harassment is defined as verbal or physical conduct interfering with an individual’s Page 63 2014-2015 College Policies work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work, education, or living environment. Springfield College PROHIBITS harassment and discrimination of any kind based on race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, or non-disqualifying disability. Harassment includes slurs and verbal or physical conduct related to a person’s race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or national origin. Sexual harassment is defined as sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature when: 1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a condition of the individual’s employment or academic performance; 2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting such individuals. 3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working, academic, or living environment. Any type of harassment that hinders access to either employment or educational services, opportunities, or programs is covered by this policy. Positive steps will be taken to eliminate harassment when such practices or acts are discovered. Persons found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Details of the Harassment/Discrimination Policy or information about filing a grievance can be obtained from the Affirmative Action Officer in Human Resources (second floor, Administration Building) or the Vice President for Student Affairs. Examples of harassment may include comments which are made with the intent or which have the result of inflicting emotional distress upon another person. Statements or actions about race, gender, religion, disability, or sexual preference which are directed specifically toward another person with the purpose of creating or resulting in a hostile environment will be dealt with under this policy. Students involved in this type of disrespectful behavior will face severe disciplinary sanctioning. Students involved in violations of these policies may be required to participate in educational/institutional programs and activities. Due to the serious nature of such incidents, students found involved in violation of this policy may be suspended or dismissed. HATE CRIME POLICY Springfield College does not tolerate hate crimes of any form. This includes use of racial, ethnic, religious, sexual, or anti-gay slurs and/or symbols of hate, such as a swastika. This also includes: physical attacks, intimidation, threatening action or language, and damage to personal property; because of a student’s race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Page 64 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE HAZING POLICY AND RATIONALE Policy Rationale Springfield College is first and foremost an educational institution. Its hazing prevention policies, and response procedures for hazing incidents, must grow from, and embody the institution’s mission. Education about hazing will be available through the Athletic Department and the Office of Student Activities & Campus Union. Membership in clubs, organizations, and other College-affiliated groups can increase leadership and service potential; provide athletic, recreational, intellectual, and spiritual opportunities; and otherwise contribute positively to personal and social development of our students. Where membership is linked with involvement in hazing activities, the educational purpose of the endeavor is compromised and safety of students is endangered. Hazing is therefore prohibited by College policy. Policy Statement and Definition Hazing is prohibited under Massachusetts General Laws (MGL 269, SS 17-19). “Hazing” means any act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student(s) in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization that is affiliated with an educational institution; and that is intended, or should reasonably be expected, to have the effect of humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning the student(s) or endangering the mental or physical health of a student(s). Hazing also includes soliciting, directing, aiding, or otherwise participating actively or passively in such acts. Hazing occurs regardless of the consent or willingness of persons to participate in the activity. Hazing is prohibited no matter if it occurs on or off campus. “Hazing” does not include any activity or conduct that furthers legitimate, curricular or co-curricular, program goals, provided that (1) the goals are approved by the College; and (2) the activity or conduct furthers the goals in a manner that is appropriate, contemplated by the College. For examples of non-hazing activities; please contact the Athletic Department at extension 3333 or the Office of Student Affairs at extension 3100. Hazing Penalties Those who organize, participate in, or fail to report a hazing incident are subject to punishment according to Massachusetts General Laws (MGL 269, SS 17-18), and will face College disciplinary actions for violating College policy ranging from suspension to dismissal. To report a hazing incident, immediately contact public safety, the Athletic Department, or Office of Student Affairs. LIFE-THREATENING BEHAVIOR/POTENTIAL FOR SELF HARM POLICY Springfield College recognizes that certain life threatening behavior (e.g. suicide threats, gestures, or attempts; eating disorders; substance abuse; threats, gestures, or attempts to harm others, actively delusional, odd behavior) are signs of personal distress. The College is committed to helping students alleviate whatever stress factors are precipitating life-threatening behavior by providing support and/or referral through use of appropriate resources. However, since it is critically important to maintain civility and respect for all members of the College community, it is recognized that action must be Page 65 2014-2015 taken when such behavior is considered by the College disruptive to and unacceptable in the academic and social/living environment. Any student who demonstrates such behavior while enrolled at Springfield College may be required to be placed on interim suspension while an investigation is conducted. They will be required to meet with a member of the student affairs staff and may be required to immediately undergo a psychological or medical assessment and evaluation, either with a member of the Counseling Center staff and/or outside medical personnel. The diagnosis and results of the evaluation(s) will be considered by the Vice President for Student Affairs or designee in determining if, or under what conditions, the student may continue at Springfield College. If it is determined that the student poses a threat to him/ herself or other members of the College community, she/he may be suspended from the College. The basis for this decision will be out of concern for the safety and welfare of the individual student and members of the community, as determined in the sole discretion of the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee. As a result, the College may require that the student actively engage in counseling and/or other treatment programs as a condition of re-enrollment. In such cases, College personnel would request to have access to the treatment providers to understand the student’s condition and if progress is being made. MEDICAL CLEARANCE College Policies During the course of the academic year, students may be inflicted with illness. The Health Center is the campus clearinghouse for all medical information and referrals. Students who are treated in the clinic or as an inpatient at the Health Center are released with permission to return to the classrooms, laboratories, gymnasia, or residence halls. It is the policy of Springfield College that students who have been ill and treated at an off-campus medical facility, whether or not hospitalized or placed on medical leave, provide written information relative to the diagnosis, treatment, discharge directions, and follow-up necessary to the Director of the Health Center, in the case of medical matters, or the Director of the Counseling Center, in the case of psychological emergencies, in order to return to the College community. Following a review of the documentation provided and any discussion with the health care professional deemed appropriate by the director, a recommendation is made to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students concerning the student’s return to normal routine activities at the College. At that point, a decision will be made in the sole discretion of the Vice President for Student Affairs or designee regarding permission to re-enter the College community. The student will be asked to meet with the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students or designee and will be informed of the outcome. The decision will be available in written form outlining any conditions which have been established. If necessary, written documentation will be prepared for the student’s faculty members substantiating the reason for class absences and requesting reasonable accommodation. While it is the concern at Springfield College that the recovering student have the appropriate medical or psychological support, it is also the obligation of the College to ensure that this student does not pose any threat of spreading illness or inflicting harm to Page 66 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE anyone else. Given the closeness of the campus community, threats might be apparent in the classroom, laboratory, residence or dining hall, or athletic complex. PERSONAL PROPERTY AND IDENTITY THEFT Students who participate in the theft of a personal property or identity theft may be held accountable through the Springfield College judicial process as well as the local court system. RELEASE OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION AND STUDENT RECORDS College Policies Springfield College will maintain student confidentiality rights and protect access to information as provided by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), also known as the Buckley Amendment. Except as provided by law, information from a student’s records will not be released without the prior written consent of the student. This legislation also provides for the College to release the following information without consent: 1. Directory information may be provided unless a student has filed a written request to withhold this information. Students must advise the Office of Registration and Records in writing no later than September 15 of each academic year if they wish to restrict the release of this information. Springfield College considers the following information as “directory information”: name, campus mailbox, campus phone number, enrollment status, dates of attendance at the College, major, credit hours earned, degrees earned, and honors received. 2. Information may be shared with and by Springfield College faculty and staff who have a legitimate educational interest in the student. 3. Academic information may be shared with parents of students who complete an authorization to release academic records information, or if parents provide the registrar with an annual copy of their federal income tax return documenting the student as a dependent. 4. Alcohol and drug violation information may be shared with parents, at the institution’s discretion. Students may be asked to sign a written waiver granting permission for the release of information from the school records. Students retain the right to review the contents of their educational and academic records. In order to do so, a formal written request must be made through the offices of the Registrar or Student Affairs. In such cases, a meeting will be established within 45 days of the request to permit the student to review materials. Springfield College will comply with a written request initiated by the student to supply information in their behalf. Such requests must be signed and dated and include the specific records or information to be disclosed, the purpose for the disclosure, and the individual(s) to whom the information should be released. Details concerning the FERPA are available at the Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Registration and Records. Page 67 2014-2015 REPORTING OFF-CAMPUS ADDRESS POLICY Seniors who choose to live in non-College owned facilities are required to notify the Office of Housing and Residence Life of their local address and phone number no later than September 15 of each year or within two weeks of assuming residence at that location. The information is critically important for the College to have on file in case of emergencies. A student can choose to restrict publication of the information which would then only permit access by the offices of Student Affairs and Public Safety. Failure to comply with this regulation may result in cancellation of registration. RESPONSIBLE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES College Policies The Springfield College Responsible Use Policy is to serve as a guideline by which faculty, staff, and students can review the requirements of ethical and legal behavior within the College community when using a computer, computer system, network, or the Internet. Access to, and use of, computing and networking resources at Springfield College are privileges extended to members of the Springfield College community. The use of College computing resources, like any other College-related activity, is subject to the normal requirements of legal and ethical behavior within the College community. Members of the Springfield College community may use these resources for purposes related to their studies, their responsibilities for providing instruction, the discharge of their duties as employees, their official business with the College, and other College-sanctioned or authorized activities. Springfield College acknowledges that occasionally, faculty, staff, and students use College resources assigned to them or to which they are granted access for noncommercial uses. These uses are permitted by faculty, staff, and students, if they are not excessive; do not interfere with the performance of any faculty, staff, and students; do not interfere with the efficient operation of the College or its computing resources; and are not otherwise prohibited by this policy or any other College policy or directive. Because computing systems have such great power, activities that might at first seem to be merely mischievous, can harm an entire College community and beyond. Any unauthorized access or interference with system functionality is unacceptable. College-wide guidelines such as the “Student Handbook,” Sexual Harassment Policy and Copyright Policy apply to the use of computing resources, as do community standards of consideration for others, and the mission of the College. Federal, state, and local laws and regulations also apply. Springfield College computing resources may only be used for legal purposes and may not be used for any of the following purposes or any other purposes that is illegal, immoral, unethical, dishonest, damaging to the reputation of the College, inconsistent with the mission of the College, or likely to subject the College to liability. Impermissible uses (some of which may constitute illegal uses) include, but are not limited to, the following: Harassment Libel or slander Page 68 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Fraud or misrepresentation Destruction of, or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the College or others Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications Unauthorized copying or transmission of copyright protected material Use of the College’s trademarks, logo, insignia, or copyrights without prior approval Violation of computer system security Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes (including passwords), or network identification numbers (including e-mail addresses) assigned to others Use of computer communications facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing progress of others Development or use of unapproved mailing list Use of computer facilities for private business purposes unrelated to the mission of the College or to College life Academic dishonesty Violation of software license agreements Violation of network usage policies and regulations Violation of privacy Viewing, posting, or sending obscene pornographic, sexually explicit, or offensive material Posting or sending material that is contrary to the mission and values of the College Intentional or negligent distribution of computer viruses Socially responsible and non - offensive behavior when interacting through social media. Responsibilities of Users The user is responsible for correct and sufficient use of the tools available for maintaining the security of information stored on each computer system. The following precautions are strongly recommended: Computer accounts, passwords, and other types of authorization should not be shared with others. Understand the level of protection the computer systems automatically apply to files. Be aware of computer viruses and other destructive computer programs, and take steps to avoid them. Understand that the user has ultimate responsibility for resolution of problems related to the invasion of the user’s privacy or loss of data. Be sure to make backup copies of all important data. Respect the privacy of others. Be sure to comply with all federal, state and other applicable laws as well as College policies and regulations. Security Springfield College will assume that users are aware that electronic files are not College Policies Page 69 2014-2015 College Policies necessarily secure. Users of electronic mail systems should be aware that electronic mail is generally not secured and is extremely vulnerable to unauthorized access and modification. The Office of ITS will make available to interested persons information concerning reasonable methods for attempting to protect information on central computing systems from loss, tampering, unauthorized search, or other access. Privacy and Confidentiality Springfield College reserves the right to inspect and examine any Springfield College owned or operated communications system, computing resource, and/or files or information contained therein at any time, as well as personally owned computers linked to College servers and telecommunications equipment. Authorized access to data or information entails both privilege and responsibility, not only for the user, but also for the system administrator. There is no expectation of privacy or confidentiality for documents and messages stored on College-owned equipment. Additionally, e-mail and data stored on Springfield College network of computers may be accessed by the College for the following purposes: Troubleshooting hardware or software problems Preventing unauthorized access and system misuse Retrieving business-related information* Investigating reports of violation of College policy or local, state, or federal law Complying with legal requests for information Rerouting or disposing of undeliverable mail * The system administrator will need specific approval from the Office of Human Resources or the appropriate designee to access these items. The extent of the access will be limited to what is essentially necessary to acquire the information. Reporting Violations All users should report any discovered unauthorized access attempts or other improper usage of Springfield College computers, networks, or other information processing equipment. If you observe, or have reported to you, a security or abuse problem, with any College computer or network facilities, including violations of this policy, you should notify the Chief Information Officer, the Office of Human Resources, or other appropriate administrator. Violations of this policy may be treated as violation of College policy and/or violations of civil or criminal law. The Office of ITS in conjunction with the Office of Human Resources will investigate apparent or alleged violations of these guidelines. The College reserves the right to immediately suspend user privileges pending investigation. Such action will be taken to protect the security and integrity of the computer system and will take precedence over its impact on the individual work. When appropriate, at the discretion of the Chief Information Officer, cases of apparent abuse will be reported to the Vice President for Student Affairs (student cases), the Vice President for Academic Affairs (faculty cases), or the Director of Human Resources (staff cases). These offices are responsible for determining any further disciplinary action. Upon a finding of a violation, disciplinary measures may include warnings, suspension of user privileges (temporary or permanent), and disciplinary action Page 70 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE up to and including termination of employment. The College may also pursue civil and/or criminal charges if it deems appropriate. Questions regarding this policy should be sent to the Director of Information Technology Services or the Director of Human Resources. SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY Members of the college community, guests and visitors have the right to be free from all forms of gender and sex-based discrimination, examples of which can include, but are not limited to, acts of sexual violence, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking (collectively “Sexual Misconduct”). All members of the campus community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others. Springfield College has a zero tolerance policy for Sexual Misconduct. When an allegation of Sexual Misconduct is brought to an appropriate administrator’s attention, and a respondent is found to have violated this policy, serious sanctions will result. This policy has been developed to reaffirm these principles and to provide recourse for those individuals whose rights have been violated. This policy is intended to define community expectations and to establish a mechanism for determining when those expectations have been violated COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS The expectations of our community regarding Sexual Misconduct can be summarized as follows: In order for individuals to engage in sexual activity of any type, there must be clear, knowing and voluntary consent prior to and during sexual activity. Consent more fully described on pages 5 – 6, is permission. Consent can be given by word or action, but non-verbal or implied consent is not as clear as talking about what you sexually want or do not want. Consent to some form of sexual activity is not to be taken as consent to any other form of sexual activity. Silence--without actions demonstrating permission--cannot be assumed to show consent. Additionally, there is a difference between seduction and coercion. Coercing someone into sexual activity violates this policy in the same way as physically forcing someone into sex. Coercion happens when someone is unreasonably pressured for sex. Alcohol or other drug use place the capacity to consent in question; sober sex is less likely to raise such questions. When alcohol or other drugs are being used a person will be considered unable to give consent if they cannot fully understand the details of a sexual interaction (who, what, when, where, why, or how) because they lack the capacity to reasonably understand the situation. Individuals who consent to sex must be able to understand the activity to which consent is being provided. Under this Sexual Misconduct policy, “No” always means “No,” and “Yes” may not always mean “Yes.” Anything but a clear, knowing and voluntary consent to any sexual activity is equivalent to a “no” and a violation of this Sexual Misconduct policy. Page 71 2014-2015 College Policies OVERVIEW OF POLICY EXPECTATIONS WITH RESPECT TO CONSENSUAL RELATIONSHIPS There are inherent risks in any romantic or sexual relationship between individuals in unequal positions (such as teacher and student, supervisor and employee). These relationships may be less consensual than perceived by the individual whose position confers power. The relationship also may be viewed in different ways by each of the parties. Furthermore, circumstances may change, and conduct that was previously welcome may become unwelcome. Even when both parties have previously consented to a romantic or sexual involvement, this past consent is not continuing consent which may result in a violation of applicable sections of the faculty/staff handbooks. The college does not wish to interfere with private choices regarding personal relationships when these relationships do not interfere with the goals and policies of the college. For the personal protection of members of this community, relationships in which power differentials are inherent (including, without limitation, faculty-student, staff-student, administratorstudent) are generally discouraged. Consensual romantic or sexual relationships in which one party maintains a direct supervisory or evaluative role over the other party are unethical. Therefore, persons with direct supervisory or evaluative responsibilities who are involved in such relationships must bring those relationships to the timely attention of their supervisor, and will likely result in the necessity to remove the employee from the supervisory or evaluative responsibilities, or shift the student out of being supervised or evaluated by someone with whom they have established a consensual, romantic or sexual relationship. This includes, without limitation, RAs and students over whom they have direct responsibility. While no relationships are prohibited by this policy, failure to selfreport such relationships to a supervisor as required can result in disciplinary action for an employee. SEXUAL VIOLENCE -- RISK REDUCTION TIPS Risk reduction tips can often take a victim-blaming tone. With no intention to victim blame, and with recognition that only those who commit Sexual Misconduct are responsible for those actions, these suggestions may nevertheless help you to reduce your risk experiencing Sexual Misconduct. Below, suggestions to avoid committing a non-consensual sexual act are also offered: • If you have limits, make them known as early as possible. • Tell a sexual aggressor “NO” clearly and firmly. • Try to remove yourself from the physical presence of a sexual aggressor. • Find someone nearby and ask for help. • Take affirmative responsibility for your alcohol intake/drug use and acknowledge that alcohol/drugs lower your sexual inhibitions and may make you vulnerable to someone who views a drunk or high person as a sexual opportunity. • Take care of your friends and ask that they take care of you. A real friend will challenge you if you are about to make a mistake. Respect them when they do. Page 72 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE If you find yourself in the position of being the initiator of sexual behavior, you owe sexual respect to your potential partner. These suggestions may help you to reduce your risk for being accused of Sexual Misconduct: • Clearly communicate your intentions to your sexual partner and give them a chance to clearly relate their intentions to you. • Understand and respect personal boundaries. • DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS about consent; about someone’s sexual availability; about whether they are attracted to you; about how far you can go or about whether they are physically and/or mentally able to consent. If there are any questions or ambiguity then you DO NOT have consent. • Mixed messages from your partner are a clear indication that you should stop, defuse any sexual tension and communicate better. You may be misreading them. They may not have figured out how far they want to go with you yet. You must respect the timeline for sexual behaviors with which they are comfortable. • Don’t take advantage of someone’s drunkenness or drugged state, even if they did it to themselves. • Realize that your potential partner could be intimidated by you, or fearful. You may have a power advantage simply because of your gender or size. Don’t abuse that power. • Understand that consent to some form of sexual behavior does not automatically imply consent to any other forms of sexual behavior. • Silence and passivity cannot be interpreted as an indication of consent. Read your potential partner carefully, paying attention to verbal and non-verbal communication and body language. In campus hearings, legal terms like “guilt, “innocence” and “burdens of proof” are not applicable, but the college never assumes a student is in violation of college policy. Campus hearings are conducted to take into account the totality of all evidence available, from all relevant sources as determined by person or body conducting a hearing. College judicial proceedings use a “preponderance of evidence” or “more likely than not” standard when hearing and determining responsibility in all judicial administrative or board hearings. The college reserves the right to take whatever measures it deems necessary in response to an allegation of Sexual Misconduct in order to protect students’ rights and personal safety. Such measures include, but are not limited to, modification of living arrangements, interim suspension from campus pending a hearing, and reporting the latter to the local police. Not all forms of Sexual Misconduct will be deemed to be equally serious offenses, and the college reserves the right to impose different sanctions, ranging from verbal warning to expulsion, depending on the severity of the offense. The college will consider the concerns and rights of both the complainant and the person accused of Sexual Misconduct. Page 73 2014-2015 Sexual Misconduct Offenses include, but are not limited to: 1. Sexual Harassment 2. Non‐Consensual Sexual Intercourse (or attempts to commit same) 3. Non‐Consensual Sexual Contact (or attempts to commit same) 4. Sexual Exploitation 5. Sexual Violence 6. Domestic Violence 7. Dating Violence 8. Stalking College Policies Sexual Harassment is: “sexual harassment” means sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: submission to or rejection of such advances, requests or conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment or as a basis for employment decisions; or: such advances, requests or conduct have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or sexually offensive work environment. It also includes (without limitation), for the purposes of this policy: • unwelcome, gender-based verbal or physical conduct that is, • sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it, • unreasonably interferes with, denies or limits someone’s ability to participate in or benefit from the college’s educational program and/or activities, and is or may be • based on power differentials (quid pro quo), the creation of a hostile environment or retaliation. Not all workplace or educational conduct that may be described as “harassment” affects the terms, conditions or privileges of employment or education. For example, a mere utterance of an ethnic, gender-based or racial epithet which creates offensive feelings in an employee or student may not affect the terms and conditions of their employment or education. The legal definition of sexual harassment is broad and in addition to the examples contained herein, other sexually oriented conduct, whether it is intended or not, that is unwelcome and has the effect of creating a work place environment that is hostile, offensive, intimidating, humiliating, to male or female workers may also constitute sexual harassment. Page 74 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE While it is not possible to list all those additional circumstances that may constitute sexual harassment, the following are some examples of conduct which if unwelcome, may constitute sexual harassment, the following are some examples of conduct which if unwelcome, may constitute sexual harassment depending upon the totality of the circumstances including the severity of the conduct and its pervasiveness: Unwelcome sexual advances – whether they involve physical touching or not; Sexual epithets, jokes, written or oral references to sexual conduct, gossip regarding one’s sex life; comment on an individual’s body, comment about an individual’s sexual activity, deficiencies, or prowess; Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons; Unwelcome leering, whistling, brushing against the body, sexual gestures, suggestive or insulting comments; Inquiries into one’s sexual experiences; and, Discussion of one’s sexual activities. Further examples of Sexual Harassment: • A professor insists that a student have sex with him/her in exchange for a good grade. This is sexual harassment regardless of whether the student accedes to the request. • A student repeatedly sends sexually oriented jokes around on an email list s/he created, even when asked to stop, causing one recipient to avoid the sender on campus and in the residence hall in which they both live. • Explicit sexual pictures are displayed in a professor’s office, on the exterior of a residence hall door or on a computer monitor in a public space. • Two supervisors frequently ‘rate’ several employees’ bodies and sex appeal, commenting suggestively about their clothing and appearance. • A professor engages students in discussions in class about their past sexual experiences, yet the conversation is not in any way germane to the subject matter of the class. She probes for explicit details, and demands that students answer her, though they are clearly uncomfortable and hesitant. • An ex-girlfriend widely spreads false stories about her sex life with her former boyfriend to the clear discomfort of the boyfriend, turning him into a social pariah on campus • Male students take to calling a particular brunette student “Monica” because of her resemblance to Monica Lewinsky. Soon, everyone adopts this nickname for her, and she is the target of relentless remarks about cigars, the president, “sexual relations” and Weight Watchers. • A student grabbed another student by the hair, then grabbed her breast and put his mouth on it. Page 75 2014-2015 Three Types of Sexual Harassment A. Hostile Environment includes any situation in which there is harassing conduct that is sufficiently severe, pervasive/persistent and patently/objectively offensive that it alters the conditions of education or employment, from both a subjective (the alleged victim’s) and an objective (reasonable person’s) view­ point. The determination of whether an environment is “hostile” must be based on all of the facts and circumstances. These circumstances could include, without limitation: 1) The frequency of the conduct; 2) The nature and severity of the conduct; 3) Whether the conduct was physically threatening; 4) Whether the conduct was humiliating; 5) The effect of the conduct on the alleged victim’s mental or emotional state; 6) Whether the conduct was directed at more than one person; 7) Whether the conduct arose in the context of other discriminatory con-duct; 8) Whether the conduct unreasonably interfered with the alleged victim’s educational or work performance; 9) Whether the statement is a mere utterance of an epithet which engenders offense in an employee or student, or offends by mere discourtesy or rudeness; 10) Whether the speech or conduct deserves the protections of academic freedom. College Policies B. Quid pro quo sexual harassment exists when there are: 1) Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature; and 2) Submission to or rejection of such conduct results in adverse educational or employment action. C. Retaliatory harassment is any adverse employment or educational action taken against a person because of the person’s participation in a complaint or in­ vestigation of discrimination or Sexual Misconduct. 2. Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse: Non‐Consensual Sexual Intercourse is: · Any sexual intercourse (anal, oral, or vaginal), · However slight, · With any object, · By a man or woman upon a man or a woman, Page 76 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE · Without consent*. 3. Non-Consensual Sexual Contact: Non‐Consensual Sexual Contact is · Any intentional sexual touching, · However slight, · With any object, · By a man or a woman upon a man or a woman, · Without consent*. *CONSENT DEFINED: Consent: Consent is clear, knowing and voluntary. Consent is active, not passive. Silence, in and of itself, cannot be interpreted as consent. Consent can be given by words or actions, as long as those words or actions create mutually understandable clear permission regarding willingness to engage in (and the conditions of) sexual activity. Consent to any one form of sexual activity does not imply consent to any other forms of sexual activity. Previous relationships or prior consent does not imply consent to future sexual acts. Force: Force is the use of physical violence and/or imposing on someone physically to gain sexual access. Force also includes threats, intimidation (implied threats) and coercion that overcome resistance or produce consent (“Have sex with me or I’ll hit you. Okay, don’t hit me, I’ll do what you want.”). Coercion is unreasonable pressure for sexual activity. Coercive behavior differs from seductive behavior based on the type of pressure someone uses to get consent from another. When someone makes clear to you that they do not want sex, that they want to stop, or that they do not want to go past a certain point of sexual interaction, continued pressure beyond that point can be coercive. NOTE: There is no requirement that a party resists the sexual advance or request, but resistance is a clear demonstration of non-consent. The presence of force is not demonstrated by the absence of resistance. Sexual activity that is forced is by definition non-consensual, but nonconsensual sexual activity is not by definition forced In order to give effective consent, one must be of legal age. Sexual activity with someone who one should know to be -- or based on the circumstances should reasonably have known to be -- mentally or physically incapacitated (by alcohol or other drug use, unconsciousness or blackout), constitutes a violation of this policy. Incapacitation is a state where someone cannot make rational, reasonable decisions because they lack the capacity to give knowing consent (e.g., to understand the “who, what, when, where, why or how” of their sexual interaction). Page 77 2014-2015 This policy also covers a person whose incapacity results from mental disability, sleep, involuntary physical restraint, or from the taking of rape drugs. Possession, use and/or distribution of any of these substances, including Rohypnol, Ketomine, GHB, Burundanga, etc. is prohibited, and administering one of these drugs to another student is a violation of this policy. More information on these drugs can be found at http://www.911rape.org/ Use of alcohol or other drugs will never function as a defense for any behavior that violates this policy. This means that a student who is being accused of a violation of Sexual Misconduct cannot use their level of intoxication to justify their actions or have them excused (“I was too drunk/high to know what I was doing”). The sexual orientation and/or gender identity of individuals engaging in sexual activity is not relevant to allegations under this policy. Sexual activity includes: Intentional contact with the breasts, buttock, groin, or genitals, or touching an-other with any of these body parts, or making another touch you or themselves with or on any of these body parts; any intentional bodily contact in a sexual manner, though not involving contact with/of/by breasts, buttocks, groin, geni-tals, mouth or other orifice. Intercourse however slight, meaning vaginal pene-tration by a penis, object, tongue or finger, anal penetration by a penis, object, tongue, or finger, and oral copulation (mouth to genital contact or genital to mouth contact). College Policies 4. Sexual Exploitation: Occurs when a student takes non‐consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for his/her own advantage or benefit, or to benefit or advantage anyone other than the one being exploited, and that behavior does not otherwise constitute one of other Sexual Misconduct offenses. Examples of sexual exploitation include, but are not limited to: • Invasion of sexual privacy; • Prostituting another student; • Non-consensual video or audio-taping of sexual activity; • Going beyond the boundaries of consent (such as letting your friends hide in the closet to watch you having consensual sex); • Engaging in voyeurism; • Knowingly transmitting an STD or HIV to another student; • Exposing one’s genitals in non-consensual circumstances; inducing another to expose their genitals; Sexually-based stalking and/or bullying may also be forms of sexual exploitation Page 78 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE SANCTION STATEMENT Any student found responsible for violating the Sexual Misconduct policy with respect to Non-Consensual or Forced Sexual Contact (where no intercourse has occurred) will likely face one, or more of the recommended sanctions from the list below depending on the severity of the incident, and taking into account any previous campus conduct code violations.* Probation ◦Along with community service, counseling, educational classes, schedule changes, housing changes, no contact order or loss of privileges Suspension ◦Along with community service, counseling, educational classes, schedule changes, housing changes, no contact order or loss of privileges Expulsion ◦Along with community service, counseling, educational classes, schedule changes, housing changes, no contact order or loss of privileges Dismissal Any student found responsible for violating the Sexual Misconduct policy with respect to Non-Consensual or Forced Sexual Intercourse will likely face one, or more of the recommended sanctions from the list below, depending on the severity of the incident, and taking into account any previous campus conduct code violations. Suspension ◦Along with community service, counseling, educational classes, schedule changes, housing changes, no contact order or loss of privileges Expulsion ◦Along with community service, counseling, educational classes, schedule changes, housing changes, no contact order or loss of privileges Dismissal Any student found responsible for violating the Sexual Misconduct policy with respect to sexual exploitation or sexual harassment will likely face one or more of the recommended sanctions from the list below, depending on the severity of the incident, and taking into account any previous campus conduct code violations.* Probation ◦Along with community service, counseling, educational classes, schedule changes, housing changes, no contact order or loss of privileges Page 79 2014-2015 Suspension ◦Along with community service, counseling, educational classes, schedule changes, housing changes, no contact order or loss of privileges Expulsion ◦Along with community service, counseling, educational classes, schedule changes, housing changes, no contact order or loss of privileges Dismissal Any student found responsible for other violations of the Sexual Misconduct policy, will likely face one or more of the recommended sanctions below depending on the severity of the incident and taking into account any previous campus conduct code violations. Probation ◦Along with community service, counseling, educational classes, schedule changes, housing changes, no contact order or loss of privileges Suspension ◦Along with community service, counseling, educational classes, schedule changes, housing changes, no contact order or loss of privileges Expulsion ◦Along College Policies with community service, counseling, educational classes, schedule changes, housing changes, no contact order or loss of privileges Dismissal *The conduct body reserves the right to broaden or lessen any range of recommended sanctions in the case of serious mitigating circumstances or egregious behavior. Neither the initial hearing officers nor any appeals body or officer will deviate from the range of recommended sanctions unless they find compelling justification to do so. EXAMPLES 1. Amanda and Bill meet at a party. They spend the evening dancing and getting to know each other. Bill convinces Amanda to come up to his room. From11:00pm until 3:00am, Bill uses every line he can think of to convince Amanda to have sex with him, but she adamantly refuses. He keeps at her, and begins to question her religious convictions, and accuses her of being “a prude.” Finally, it seems to Bill that her resolve is weakening, and he convinces her to give him a “hand job" (hand to genital contact). Amanda would never had done it but for Bill's incessant advances. He feels that he successfully seduced her, and that she wanted to do it all along, but was playing shy and hard to get. Why else would she Page 80 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE have come up to his room alone after the party? If she really didn't want it, she could have left. Bill is responsible for violating the college’s Non-Consensual or Forced Sexual Contact policy. It is likely that a college hearing board would find that the degree and duration of the pressure Bill applied to Amanda are unreasonable. Bill coerced Amanda into performing unwanted sexual touching upon him. Where sexual activity is coerced, it is forced. Consent is not effective when forced. Sex without effective is Sexual Misconduct. 2. Jiang is a junior at the college. Beth is a sophomore. Jiang comes to Beth’s dorm room with some mutual friends to watch a movie. Jiang and Beth, who have never met before, are attracted to each other. After the movie, everyone leaves, and Jiang and Beth are alone. They hit it off, and are soon becoming more intimate. They start to make out. Jiang verbally expresses his desire to have sex with Beth. Beth, who was abused by a baby -sitter when she was five, and has not had any sexual relations since, is shocked at how quickly things are progressing. As Jiang takes her by the wrist over to the bed, lays her down, undresses her, and begins to have intercourse with her, Beth has a severe flashback to her childhood trauma. She wants to tell Jiang to stop, but cannot. Beth is stiff and unresponsive during the intercourse. Is this a policy violation? Jiang would be held responsible in this scenario for Non Consensual Sexual Intercourse. It is the duty of the sexual initiator, Jiang, to make sure that he has mutually understandable consent to engage in sex. Though consent need not be verbal, it is the clearest form of consent. Here, Jiang had no verbal or nonverbal mutually understandable indication from Beth that she consented to sexual intercourse. Of course, wherever possible, students should attempt to be as clear as possible as to whether or not sexual contact is desired, but students must be aware that for psychological reasons, or because of alcohol or drug use, one’s partner may not be in a position to provide as clear an indication as the policy requires. As the policy makes clear, consent must be actively, not passively, given. 3. Kevin and Amy are at a party. Kevin is not sure how much Amy has been drinking, but he is pretty sure it’s a lot. After the party, he walks Amy to her room, and Amy comes on to Kevin, initiating sexual activity. Kevin asks her if she is really up to this, and Amy says yes. Clothes go flying, and they end up in Amy’s bed. Suddenly, Amy runs for the bathroom. When she returns, her face is pale, and Kevin thinks she may have thrown up. Amy gets back into bed, and they begin to have sexual intercourse. Kevin is having a good time, though he can’t help but notice that Amy seems pretty groggy and passive, and he thinks Amy may have even passed out briefly during the sex, but he does not let that stop him. When Kevin runs into Amy the next day, he thanks her for the wild night. Amy remembers nothing, and decides to make a complaint to the Dean. This is a violation Page 81 2014-2015 of the Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse Policy. Kevin should have known that Amy was incapable of making a rational, reasonable decision about sex. Even if Amy seemed to consent, Kevin was well aware that Amy had consumed a large amount of alcohol, and Kevin thought Amy was physically ill, and that she passed out during sex. Kevin should be held accountable for taking advantage of Amy in her condition. This is not the level of respectful conduct expected of students. OTHER MISCONDUCT OFFENSES (WILL FALL UNDER TITLE IX WHEN SEX OR GENDER-BASED) 1. Threatening or causing physical harm, extreme verbal abuse, or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person; 2. Discrimination, defined as actions that deprive other members of the community of educational or employment access, benefits or opportunities on the basis of gender; 3. Intimidation, defined as implied threats or acts that cause an unreasonable fear of harm in another; College Policies 4. Hazing, defined as acts likely to cause physical or psychological harm or social ostracism to any person within the college community, when related to the admission, initiation, pledging, joining, or any other group-affiliation activity (as defined further in the Hazing Policy); 5. Bullying, defined as repeated and/or severe aggressive behavior likely to intimidate or intentionally hurt, control or diminish another person, physically or mentally (that is not speech or conduct otherwise protected by the 1st Amendment). 6. Domestic Violence defined as felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction...or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction. Page 82 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE 7. Dating Violence defined as violence committed by a person A) who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and B) where the existence of such relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors; i) the length of the relationship, ii) the type of relationship, iii) the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. 8. Stalking, defined as engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to A) Fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or B) Suffer substantial emotional distress. Confidentiality and Reporting The College has adopted a policy that defines all employees (with the exception of the Counseling Center employees and staff) as mandatory reporters/responsible employees. If they learn about Sexual Misconduct or discrimination, they are expected to promptly contact our Sexual Assault Victim Advocate. She will take responsibility for contacting other appropriate College officials as needed. If a report is made to a member of the Counseling Center staff, it will be kept confidential and no further action (such as an investigation) will take place unless you request it. You can expect, however, that our on and off-campus resources will be made available to you, and that, reasonable on-campus accommodations can also be made for you, even if reporting confidentially. When reporting Sexual Misconduct or discrimination, a responsible employee may initially be able to omit personally identifiable information (the name of the victim, the name of the accused individual and other identifying details about witnesses, location, etc), if you request confidentiality, and if that request is granted. Subsequent to an initial report, campus officials may need additional information in order to fulfill the College’s obligations under Title IX. In taking these subsequent actions, the College will always be guided by the goals of empowering the victim and allowing the victim to retain as much control over the process as possible, but no employee (other than counseling center employees) can or should promise confidentiality. Page 83 2014-2015 Federal Timely Warning Reporting Obligations Victims of Sexual Misconduct should also be aware that college administrators must issue immediate timely warnings for incidents reported to them that are confirmed to pose a substantial threat of bodily harm or danger to members of the campus community. The college will make every effort to ensure that a victim’s name and other identifying information is not disclosed, while still providing enough information for community members to make safety decisions in light of the danger. The reporters for timely warning purposes are exactly the same as detailed at the end of the above paragraph. Reporting If you or a fellow student feels that they have been a victim of an act of Sexual Misconduct, we strongly encourage you to contact the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate (SAVA) immediately. The Sexual Assault Victim Advocate is on call 24 hours a day and is able to come to meet with the student or to respond to campus when an incident arises to provide guidance and support to the victim. The SAVA has been trained to know the resources available on campus and off campus and will be able to help explain and clarify the choices and options you have for reporting the incident, receiving medical care, meeting with a counselor or spiritual advisor as well as they can assist in organizing academic support or other accommodations, if needed. College Policies The SAVA can be reached by phone: 413.748.3544, 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. This campus number is automatically connected to the SAVA’s personal cell phone, so they can be reached whether they are on or off campus. You also have option to report to our Public Safety department (our Public Safety department has trained Sexual Assault Investigators who are specially trained to investigate incidents of Sexual Misconduct), the local Springfield Police Department Special Victims Unit, or our campus Title IX Coordinator You also have the right to decline to notify police or other campus authorities (although, please understand that in not reporting, it severely limits the College’s ability to respond to and eliminate any discriminatory environment.) Page 84 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE What to Expect From Springfield College Public Safety Springfield College Public Safety strongly encourages all victims of sexual assault to report the incident in a timely manner. Time is critical factor for evidence collection and preservation. There are on-campus resources (see chart below) who will assist the victim of sexual assault in notifying law enforcement agencies, upon the victim’s request. Filing a police report will not obligate the victim to prosecute, move forward with an internal investigation or judicial proceeding, nor will it subject the victim to scrutiny or judgmental opinions from officers. Filing a Police Report will: Ensure that a victim of sexual assault received the necessary medical treatment and tests, at no expense to the victim. Provide the opportunity for collection of evidence helpful in prosecution, which cannot be obtained later (ideally a victim of sexual assault should not wash, douche, use the toilet, or change clothing prior to a medical/legal exam). Assure the victim has access to free confidential counseling from counseling professionals specifically trained in the area of sexual assault crisis intervention. Over the past ten years Springfield College has devoted resources, energy, and time creating an environment that assists, supports, and protects victims of sexual assault. Public Safety is committed to working in conjunction with the Dean of Students Office, Counseling Center, Health Center, Residence Life, and Student Affairs to make sure no victim, is re-victimized by the investigative process, and supported in any decision they make. Please see next page for a chart of on-campus resources. Page 85 2014-2015 On Campus Resources Sexual Assault Victim Advocates Kelly O’Brien Sue Nowlan Allison CummingMcCann Terry Vecchio, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs/ Dean of Students 413.748. 3544 On-Call 24/7 (in rotation) Will respond to student, as requested 413.748. 3100 RBF Campus Union Suite 325 (Second Floor) Coordinator AOD & Community Standards Melissa Ortendahl 413.748. 3324 RBF Campus Union Suite 325 (Second Floor) Counseling Center *Confidential Brian Krylowicz, Director 413.748. 3345 Towne Center Health Health Center Kelly O’Brien, Director 413.748. 3175 Towne Center Health Public Safety Michael Sullivan, Executive Director/Chief of Police 413.748. 5555 Public Safety Building Title IX Coordinator Scott Kuhnly 413.748. 3031 Administration Building Housing & Residence Life Tarome Alford, Director 413.748. 3102 RBF Campus Union David McMahon, Director 413.748. 3209 RBF Campus Union College Policies Dean of Students Office Spiritual Life Page 86 Rm. 212 (Second Floor) Second Floor First Floor SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Off Campus Resources Baystate Hospital 413.794.0000 759 Chestnut Street Springfield, MA 01199 Mercy Medical Center 413.748.9000 271 Carew Street Springfield, MA 01104 YWCA Victim Hotline 413.733.7100 1 Clough Street Springfield, MA 01118 Springfield Police Special Victims Unit 413.787.6352 or 413.787.6353 130 Street Springfield, MA 01105 Pearl QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding College’s Sexual Misconduct policy and procedures. Does information about a complaint remain private? The privacy of all parties to a complaint of Sexual Misconduct must be respected, except insofar as it interferes with the college’s obligation to fully investigate allegations of Sexual Misconduct. Where privacy it not strictly kept, it will still be tightly controlled on a need-to-know basis. Dissemination of information and/or written materials to persons not involved in the complaint procedure is not permitted. Violations of the privacy of the complainant or the accused individual may lead to conduct action by the college. In all complaints of Sexual Misconduct, all parties will be informed of the outcome. In some instances, the administration also may choose to make a brief public announcement of the nature of the violation and the action taken, without using the name or identifiable information of the alleged victim. Certain college administrators are informed of the outcome within the bounds of student privacy (e.g., the President of the College, Dean of Students, Chief of Public Safety). If there is a report of an act of alleged Sexual Misconduct to a conduct officer of the college and there is evidence that a felony has occurred, local police may be notified. Page 87 2014-2015 This does not mean charges will be automatically filed or that a victim must speak with the police, but the institution is legally required to notify law enforcement authorities. The institution also must statistically report the occurrence on campus of major violent crimes, including certain sex offenses, in an annual report of campus crime statistics. This statistical report does not include personally identifiable information. Will my parents be told? No, not unless you tell them. Whether you are the complainant or the accused individual, the College’s primary relationship is to the student and not to the parent. However, in the event of major medical, disciplinary, or academic jeopardy, students are strongly encouraged to inform their parents. College officials will directly inform parents when requested to do so by a student, in a life-threatening situation, [or if an accused individual has signed the permission form at registration which allows such communication]. College Policies Will the accused individual know my identity? Yes, if you file a formal complaint. Sexual misconduct is a serious offense and the accused individual has the right to know the identity of the complainant/alleged victim. If there is a hearing, the college does provide options for questioning without confrontation, including closed-circuit testimony, Skype, using a room divider or using separate hearing rooms. Do I have to name the perpetrator? Yes, if you want formal disciplinary action to be taken against the alleged perpetrator. No, if you choose to respond informally and do not file a formal complaint (but you should consult the complete confidentiality policy above to better understand the college’s legal obligations depending on what information you share with different college officials). Victims should be aware that not identifying the perpetrator may limit the institution’s ability to respond comprehensively. What do I do if I am accused of Sexual Misconduct? DO NOT contact the alleged victim. You may immediately want to contact someone who can act as your advisor; anyone may serve as your advisor, however, no advisors are allowed to actively participate during any formal judicial proceedings. You may also contact the Student Conduct Office, which can explain the college’s procedures for addressing Sexual Misconduct complaints. You may also want to talk to a confidential counselor at the counseling center or seek other community assistance. See below regarding legal representation. Page 88 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Will I (as a victim) have to pay for counseling/or medical care? Not typically, as our institution provides these services already. If a victim is accessing community and non-institutional services, payment for these will be subject to state/ local laws, insurance requirements, etc. What about legal advice? Victims of criminal sexual assault need not retain a private attorney to pursue prosecution because the prosecution will be handled by the District Attorney’s [Prosecutor’s] office. You may want to retain an attorney if you are considering filing a civil action against the alleged perpetrator. The accused individual may retain counsel at their own expense if they determine that they need legal advice about criminal prosecution and/ or the campus conduct proceeding. Both the accused and the victim may also use an attorney as their advisor during the campus’ grievance processes, although advisors (of any kind) are not allowed to actively participate in any formal judicial proceedings. What about changing residence hall rooms? If you want to move, you may request a room change. Room changes under these circumstances are considered emergencies. It is typically institutional policy that in emergency room changes, the student is moved to the first available suitable room. If you want the accused individual to move, and believe that you have been the victim of Sexual Misconduct, you must be willing to pursue a formal or informal college complaint. No contact orders can be imposed and room changes for the accused individual can usually be arranged quickly. Other accommodations available to you might include: • Assistance from college support staff in completing the relocation; • Arranging to dissolve a housing contract and pro-rating a refund; • Assistance with or rescheduling an academic assignment (paper, exams, etc.); • Taking an incomplete in a class; • Assistance with transferring class sections; • Temporary withdrawal; • Assistance with alternative course completion options; · Other accommodations for safety as necessary. What should I do about preserving evidence of a sexual assault? Public Safety is in the best position to secure evidence of a crime. Physical evidence of a criminal sexual assault must be collected from the alleged victim’s person within 120 hours, though evidence can often be obtained from towels, sheets, clothes, etc. for much longer periods of time. If you believe you have been a victim of a criminal sexual Page 89 2014-2015 assault, you should call our Sexual Assault Victim Advocate at 413.748.3544 or Public Safety at 413.748.5555 before washing yourself or your clothing. Our local hospitals (Baystate and Mercy Medical Center) both have SANE Programs that we partner with. The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (a specially trained nurse) at the hospital is usually on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (call the Emergency Room if you first want to speak to the nurse; ER will refer you). Our sexual assault victim advocate from the College can also accompany you to Hospital and Public Safety can provide transportation. If a victim goes to the hospital, local police will be called, but s/he is not obligated to talk to the police or to pursue prosecution. Having the evidence collected in this manner will help to keep all options available to a victim, but will not obligation him or her to any course of action. Collecting evidence can assist the authorities in pursuing criminal charges, should the victim decide later to exercise it. College Policies For the Victim: the hospital staff will collect evidence, check for injuries, address pregnancy concerns and address the possibility of exposure to sexually transmitted infections. If you have changed clothing since the assault, bring the clothing you had on at the time of the assault with you to the hospital in a clean, sanitary container such as a clean paper grocery bag or wrapped in a clean sheet (plastic containers do not breathe, and may render evidence useless). If you have not changed clothes, bring a change of clothes with you to the hospital, if possible, as they will likely keep the clothes you are wearing as evidence. You can take a support person with you to the hospital, and they can accompany you through the exam, if you want. Do not disturb the crime scene— leave all sheets, towels, etc. that may bear evidence for the police to collect. Will a victim be sanctioned when reporting a Sexual Misconduct policy violation if he/she has illegally used drugs or alcohol? No. The severity of the infraction will determine the nature of the college’s response, but whenever possible the college will respond educationally rather than punitively to the illegal use of drugs and/or alcohol. The seriousness of Sexual Misconduct is a major concern and the college does not want any of the circumstances (e.g., drug or alcohol use) to inhibit the reporting of Sexual Misconduct. Will the use of drugs or alcohol affect the outcome of a Sexual Misconduct conduct complaint? The use of alcohol and/or drugs by either party will not diminish the accused individual’s responsibility. On the other hand, alcohol and/or drug use is likely to affect the complainant’s memory and, therefore, may affect the outcome of the complaint. A person bringing a complaint of Sexual Misconduct must either remember the alleged Page 90 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE incident or have sufficient circumstantial evidence, physical evidence and/or witnesses to prove his/her complaint. If the complainant does not remember the circumstances of the alleged incident, it may not be possible to impose sanctions on the accused without further corroborating information. Use of alcohol and/or other drugs will never excuse a violation by an accused individual. Will either party’s prior use of drugs and/or alcohol be a factor when reporting Sexual Misconduct? Not unless there is a compelling reason to believe that prior use or abuse is relevant to the present complaint. What should I do if I am uncertain about what happened? If you believe that you have experienced Sexual Misconduct, but are unsure of whether it was a violation of the institution’s Sexual Misconduct policy, you should contact the institution’s student conduct office or the sexual assault victim advocate. The institution can provide non-legal advisors who can help you to define and clarify the event(s), and advise you of your options. Please see Appendix’s B and C (found on page 111, and 112) for further information about our on and off campus resources as well as our Reporting Process. SOLICITATION POLICY The primary goal of Springfield College is fostering education and study. To achieve this, the College places restrictions on activities which might disrupt the operations of the College. For this reason, commercial groups not associated or affiliated with the College are not permitted on College-owned property for the purpose of solicitation without the advanced written permission of the Vice President for Student Affairs or Director of Student Activities & Campus Union. Such solicitation includes the distribution of flyers, announcements, and posters as well as door-to-door sales in the residence halls or other College buildings. The Office of Student Activities & Campus Union in the Richard B. Flynn Campus Unionarranges opportunities for outside vendors to sell their goods in the campus union during the academic year. Arrangements for such sales must be made through and approved by the Director of Student Activities & Campus Union in advance and in writing. College Policies The Sexual Misconduct Policy was adapted from the National Center for Higher Education Risk Management Model Sexual Misconduct Policy and ATIXA. Page 91 2014-2015 Campus-recognized and affiliated groups are permitted to place announcements, flyers, and posters, for the purpose of advertising their group’s events, ONLY on bulletin boards. These bulletin boards are placed in numerous areas around the campus. Flyers, posters, and announcements placed on walls by College-recognized groups may be removed and discarded. No door-to-door solicitation is permitted in the residence halls or any College-owned buildings by anyone including recognized or affiliated Springfield College groups or individuals. Banners may not be hung from any building on campus without written permission from the Vice President for Student Affairs. There are designated areas on campus where banners may be hung for the purpose of advertising programs or events. Arrangements may be made to hang banners at these locations through the Office of Student Activities & Campus Union. Disciplinary action will be taken against the group or individuals who violate this policy. SPECTATOR PARTICIPATION POLICY Copies of the Athletics Department Spectator Participation policy are available in the athletics office. In essence, the Springfield College Athletics Department believes in providing a positive, meaningful, educational atmosphere for the conduct of its athletic events and behavior contrary to this intent will not be tolerated. A Springfield College student found to be in violation of this policy is regulated by the general rules, guidelines, and sanctions established in the Springfield College “Student Handbook.” STUDENT DEMONSTRATION POLICY College Policies Students who choose to express their opinions and differences through demonstrations must keep the following in mind: The demonstration must be orderly at all times and should in no way jeopardize the public safety or interfere with the College program(s). Picketing or demonstrating must not interfere with the entrances to buildings or the normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Students involved in a demonstration may not interfere by mingling with organized meeting, or other assemblies for the purpose of harassment since this invades the rights of others to assemble and the rights of speakers to free expression. The demonstrating group may not obstruct or physically interfere with the integrity of the classroom, the privacy of the residence halls, the operation of the administrative process, or the function of the physical plant. Acts of violence or intimidation on the part of any group of students or other conduct which the College deems in violation of its policies, whether it be those who are demonstrating, those who are dissenting, or those who are interfering with the process of dissent, will result in immediate disciplinary action. Page 92 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Community Standards PREAMBLE TO THE CODE OF CONDUCT The mission of Springfield College is to educate students in the spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to humanity by building upon the foundation of the Humanics and academic excellence. The purpose of the Springfield College Student Code of Conduct is to promote a campus environment that supports the mission of the College, by articulating appropriate standards of individual and group behavior. Springfield College students are disciplined and respectful of the rights of others and uphold the norms of civic responsibility and conduct themselves in accordance with the Humanics philosophy. Violations of the norms of civility and other accepted rules of behavior, whether or not covered by specific regulations, may subject a student to disciplinary action. Students are required to familiarize themselves with all College policies and regulations. Ignorance of said policies and regulations regarding expected behavior will not be accepted as a defense or excuse. STUDENT RIGHTS Code of Conduct The following enumerated rights which are deemed necessary to achieve the educational goals of the College are guaranteed to each student within the limitations of statutory law and College policy. A student shall have the right to participate in a free and civil exchange of ideas. Students shall be treated on an equal basis in all areas and activities of the College regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. A student has the right to personal privacy except as otherwise provided by law, and in accordance with other College policies, and this will be observed by students and College authorities alike. Each student shall be free from disciplinary action by college officials for violations of civil and criminal law off campus, except when such a violation is determined also to be a violation of the provision regarding off-campus conduct in the Student Code of Conduct and College policies. Each student subject to disciplinary action arising from violations of the Student Code of Conduct and College policies shall be assured procedural due process. Students’ academic rights include competent instruction for full-allotted time and sufficient assignments graded fairly and promptly to inform the student of academic standing. Page 93 2014-2015 STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES A student has the responsibility to respect the rights and property of others, including other students, the faculty, the administration, and the staff. A student has the responsibility to be fully acquainted with the published College policies and to comply with them and the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A student has the responsibility to recognize that student actions reflect upon the individuals involved and upon the entire College community. A student has the responsibility to recognize the College’s obligation to provide an environment for learning. STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT Code of Conduct Interpretation of Regulations Disciplinary regulations of the College are set forth in writing in order to give students general prohibitive conduct. The regulations should be read broadly and are not designed to define misconduct in exhaustive terms. In addition, alleged violations of local, state, and federal laws may constitute a violate of the College’s Student Code of Conduct. Violations of the Student Code of Conduct may be grounds for disciplinary action. Article I. Definitions 1. The term “College” means Springfield College. 2. The term “student” includes all persons taking courses at the College, either full-time or part-time, pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or professional studies. Persons who withdraw after allegedly violating the Student Code of Conduct, who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the College or who have been notified of their acceptance for admission are considered “students” as are persons who are living in College residence halls, although not enrolled in this institution. This Student Code of Conduct does apply at all locations of the College. 3. The term “faculty member” means any person hired by the College to conduct classroom or teaching activities or who is otherwise considered by the College to be a member of its faculty. 4. The term “College official” includes any person employed by the College, performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities. 5. The term “member of the College community” includes any person who is a student, faculty member, College official, or any other person employed by the College. A person’s status in a particular situation shall be determined by the Office of Human Resources and/or the Office of Registration and Records. 6. The term “College premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the College (including adjacent streets and sidewalks). 7. The term “organization” means any number of persons who have complied Page 94 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. with the formal requirements of College recognition. The term “Student Conduct Board” means any person or persons authorized by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students to determine whether a student has violated the Student Code of Conduct and to recommend sanctions that may be imposed when a rule(s) violation has been committed. The term “Student Conduct Administrator” means a College official authorized on a case-by-case basis by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students to impose sanctions upon any student(s) found to have violated the Student Code of Conduct. The Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students may authorize a Student Conduct Administrator to serve simultaneously as a Student Conduct Administrator and the sole member or one of the members of the Student Conduct Board. The Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students may authorize the same Student Conduct Administrator to impose sanctions in all cases. The term “Appellate Board” means any person or persons authorized by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students to consider an appeal from a Student Conduct Board’s determination as to whether a student has violated the Student Code of Conduct or from the sanctions imposed by the Student Conduct Administrator. The term “shall” is used in the imperative sense. The term “may” is used in the permissive sense. The Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students is the person designated by the College President to be responsible for the administration of the Student Code of Conduct. The term “policy” means the written regulations of the College as found in, but not limited to, the Student Code of Conduct, Residence Life Handbook, the College website and computer use policy, and Graduate/ Undergraduate Catalogs. The term “cheating” includes, but is not limited to: (1) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; (2) use of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; (3) the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the College faculty or staff; or (4) engaging in any behavior specifically prohibited by a faculty member in the course syllabus or class discussion. The term “plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials. The term “complainant” means any person who submits a charge alleging Page 95 2014-2015 that a student violated this Student Code of Conduct. When a student believes that s/he has been a victim of another student’s misconduct, the student who believes s/he has been a victim will have the same rights under this Student Code of Conduct as are provided to the complainant, even if another member of the College community submitted the charge itself. 18. The term “accused student” means any student accused of violating this Student Code of Conduct. 19. The term “business day” means any day, Monday through Friday, during which the College is open for business. Article II. Student Code of Conduct Authority 1. The Student Conduct Administrator shall determine the composition of Student Conduct Boards and Appellate Boards and determine which Student Conduct Board, Student Conduct Administrator and Appellate Board shall be authorized to hear each matter. 2. The Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students shall develop policies for the administration of the student conduct system and procedural rules for the conduct of Student Conduct Board Hearings that are not inconsistent with provisions of the Student Code of Conduct. 3. Decisions made by a Student Conduct Board and/or Student Conduct Administrator shall be final, pending the normal appeal process. Article III. Proscribed Conduct A. Jurisdiction of the College Student Code of Conduct The College Student Code of Conduct shall apply to conduct that occurs on College premises, at College-sponsored activities, and to off-campus conduct that adversely affects the College community and/or the pursuit of its objectives. Each student shall be responsible for his/her conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree, even though conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during periods between terms of actual enrollment (and even if their conduct is not discovered until after a degree is awarded). The withdrawal/leave of absence process can not be completed if there is a pending judicial matter. The Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, or designee, shall decide whether the Student Code of Conduct shall be applied to conduct occurring off campus, on a case by case basis, in his/her sole discretion. B. Conduct–Rules and Regulations Any student found to have committed or to have attempted to commit the following misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in Article IV: 1. Acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to the following: a. Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty. b. Furnishing false information to any College official, faculty member, or office. Page 96 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE c. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 12. 13. Code of Conduct 10. 11. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any College document, record, or instrument of identification. Disruption or obstruction of teaching; research; administration; disciplinary proceedings; other College activities, including its public service functions on or off campus; or of other authorized non-College activities when the conduct occurs on College premises. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person or the community. Attempted or actual theft of and/or damage to property of the College or property of a member of the College community or other personal or public property, on or off campus. Hazing, defined as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, a group or organization. The express or implied consent of the victim will not be a defense. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts; they are violations of this rule. Failure to comply with directions of College officials or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so. Organizing or participating in any illegal gambling activity. This includes but is not limited to: Internet gambling, sports betting, bookmaking, and placing bets with bookmakers. Student-athletes must comply with existing NCAA standards. Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys to any College premises or unauthorized entry to or use of College premises. Violation of any College policy, rule, or regulation published in hard copy or available electronically on the College website. Violation of any federal, state or local law. Violations included in the drug policy, including but not limited to, use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of marijuana, heroin, narcotics, or other controlled substances except as expressly permitted by law. Violations included in the alcohol policy including, but not limited to use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of alcoholic beverages (except as expressly permitted by College regulations), or public intoxication. Alcoholic beverages may not, in any circumstance, be used by, possessed by, or distributed to any person under twenty-one (21) years of age. Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on College premises or use of any such item, even if legally possessed, in a manner that harms, threatens, or causes fear to others. Page 97 Code of Conduct 2014-2015 14. Participating in an on-campus or off-campus demonstration, riot, or activity that disrupts the normal operations of the College and/or infringes on the rights of other members of the College community; leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any campus building or area. 15. Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on College premises or at College-sponsored or supervised functions. 16. Conduct that is disorderly, lewd, or indecent; breach of peace; or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on College premises or off campus, at functions sponsored by, or participated in by, the College or members of the academic community. Disorderly conduct includes, but is not limited to: any unauthorized use of electronic or other devices to make an audio or video record of any person while on College premises without his/her prior knowledge, or without his/her effective consent when such a recording is likely to cause injury or distress. This includes, but is not limited to, surreptitiously taking pictures of another person in a gym, locker room, or restroom. 17. Theft or other abuse of computer facilities and resources, including but not limited to: a. Unauthorized entry into a file, to use, read, or change the contents, or for any other purpose. b. Unauthorized transfer of a file. c. Use of another individual’s identification and/or password. d. Use of computing facilities and resources to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member or College official. e. Use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene or abusive messages. f. Use of computing facilities and resources to interfere with normal operation of the College computing system. g. Use of computing facilities and resources in violation of copyright laws. h. Any violation of the College Computer Use Policy. 18. Abuse of the Student Conduct System, including but not limited to: a. Failure to obey the notice from a Student Conduct Board or College official to appear for a meeting or hearing as part of the Student Conduct System. b. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a Student Conduct Board. c. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a Student Conduct Board proceeding. d. Institution of a Student Code of Conduct proceeding in bad faith. e. Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participating in, or use of, the student conduct system. f. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a Student Page 98 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Conduct Board prior to, and/or during the course of, the Student Conduct Board proceeding. g. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a member of a Student Conduct Board prior to, during, and/or after a Student Code of Conduct proceeding. h. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Student Code of Conduct. i. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the Student Code of Conduct system. 19. Students are required to engage in responsible conduct that reflects positively upon the College community and to model good citizenship in any community. 20. Any violation of the Sexual Misconduct Policy. C. Violation of Law and College Discipline 1. College disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with conduct that potentially violates both the criminal law and this Student Code of Conduct (that is, if both possible violations result from the same factual situation) without regard to the tendency of civil or criminal litigation in court or criminal arrest and prosecution. Proceedings under this Student Code of Conduct may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off campus at the discretion of Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. Determinations made or sanctions imposed under this Student Code of Conduct shall not be subject to change because criminal charges arising out of the same facts giving rise to violation of College rules were dismissed, reduced, or resolved in favor of or against the criminal law defendant. 2. When a student is charged by federal, state, or local authorities with a violation of law, the College will not request or agree to special consideration for that individual because of his or her status as a student. If the alleged offense is also being processed under the Student Code of Conduct, the College may advise off-campus authorities of the existence of the Student Code of Conduct and of how such matters are typically handled within the College community. The College will attempt to cooperate with law enforcement and other agencies in the enforcement of criminal law on campus and the conditions imposed by criminal courts for the rehabilitation of student violators (provided that the conditions do not conflict with campus rules or sanctions). Individual students and other members of the College community, acting in their personal capacities, remain free to interact with governmental representatives as they deem appropriate. Article IV. Student Code of Conduct Procedures A. Charges and Student Conduct Board Hearings 1. Any member of the College community may file charges against a student for violations of the Student Code of Conduct. A charge shall be prepared in Page 99 2014-2015 2. 3. Code of Conduct 4. Page 100 writing and directed to the Student Conduct Administrator. The Student Conduct Administrator may conduct an investigation to determine if the charges have merit and/or if they can be disposed of administratively by mutual consent of the parties involved on a basis acceptable to the Student Conduct Administrator. Such disposition shall be final and there shall be no subsequent proceedings. If the charges are not admitted and/or cannot be disposed of by mutual consent, the Student Conduct Administrator may later serve in the same matter as the Student Conduct Board or a member thereof. If the student admits violating institutional rules, but sanctions are not agreed to, subsequent process, including a hearing if necessary, shall be limited to determining the appropriate sanction(s). All charges shall be presented to the accused student in written form. A time shall be set for a Student Conduct Board Hearing, not less than two nor more than 15 business days after the student has been notified. Minimum and maximum time limits for scheduling of Student Conduct Board Hearings may be extended at the discretion of the Student Conduct Administrator. Student Conduct Board Hearings shall be conducted by a Student Conduct Board according to the following guidelines except as provided by Article IV(A)(7) below: a. Student Conduct Board Hearings normally shall be conducted in private. b. The complainant, accused student and their advisors, if any, shall be allowed to attend the entire portion of the Student Conduct Board Hearing at which information is received (excluding deliberations). Admission of any other person to the Student Conduct Board Hearing shall be at the discretion of the Student Conduct Board and/or its Student Conduct Administrator. c. In Student Conduct Board Hearings involving more than one accused student, the Student Conduct Administrator, in his or her discretion, may permit the Student Conduct Board Hearings concerning each student to be conducted either separately or jointly. d. The complainant and the accused student have the right to be assisted by an advisor of their choosing. The Student Affairs Office offers a pool of Springfield College community members who have been trained as hearing advisors . The advisor must be a member of the College community and may not be an attorney or family member. The complainant and/or the accused student is responsible for presenting his or her own information, and therefore, advisors are not permitted to speak or to participate directly in any Student Conduct Board Hearing before a Student Conduct Board. A student should select as an advisor a person whose schedule allows attendance at the SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE 5. 6. scheduled date and time for the Student Conduct Board Hearing because delays will not normally be allowed due to the scheduling conflicts of an advisor. e. The complainant, the accused student and the Student Conduct Board may arrange for witnesses to present pertinent information to the Student Conduct Board. The College will try to arrange the attendance of possible witnesses who are members of the College community, if reasonably possible, and who are identified by the complainant and/or accused student at least one business days prior to the Student Conduct Board Hearing. Witnesses will provide information to and answer questions from the Student Conduct Board. Questions may be suggested by the accused student and/or complainant to be answered by each other or by other witnesses. This will be conducted by the Student Conduct Board with such questions directed to the chairperson, rather than to the witness directly. This method is used to preserve the educational tone of the hearing and to avoid creation of an adversarial environment. Questions of whether potential information will be received shall be resolved in the discretion of the chairperson of the Student Conduct Board. f. Pertinent records, exhibits, and written statements (including Student Impact Statements) may be accepted as information for consideration by a Student Conduct Board at the discretion of the chairperson. g. All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the chairperson of the Student Conduct Board. h. After the portion of the Student Conduct Board Hearing concludes in which all pertinent information has been received, the Student Conduct Board shall determine (by majority vote if the Student Conduct Board consists of more than one person) whether the accused student has violated each section of the Student Code of Conduct which the student is charged with violating. i. The Student Conduct Board’s determination shall be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the accused student violated the Student Code of Conduct. j. Formal rules of process, procedure, and/or technical rules of evidence, such as are applied in criminal or civil court, are not used in Student Code of Conduct proceedings. There may be a single verbatim record, such as a tape recording, of all Student Conduct Board Hearings before a Student Conduct Board. Deliberations shall not be recorded. The record shall be the property of the College, and will be erased at sole discretion of the College. If an accused student, with notice, does not appear before a Student Conduct Board Hearing, the information in support of the charges shall be presented and considered even if the accused student is not present. Page 101 2014-2015 The Student Conduct Board may accommodate concerns for the personal safety, well-being, and/or fears of confrontation of the complainant, accused student, and/or other witness during the hearing by providing separate facilities, by using a visual screen, and/or by permitting participation by telephone, videophone, closed circuit television, video conferencing, videotape, audio tape, written statement, or other means, where and as determined in the sole judgment of Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students to be appropriate. B. Sanctions 1. The following sanctions may be imposed upon any student found to have violated the Student Code of Conduct: a. Warning–A notice in writing to the student that the student is violating or has violated institutional regulations. b. Conduct Probation–A written reprimand for violation of specified regulations. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions (college suspension or college expulsion) if the student is found to violate any institutional regulation(s) during the probationary period. c. Loss of Privileges–Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time. d. Fines–Specific fines may be imposed. e. Restitution–Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement. f. Discretionary Sanctions–Work assignments, essays, service to the College or surrounding community, educational workshops or programs or other related discretionary assignments. g. Deferred Suspension–For a definitive period of time, the student loses the opportunity to participate in all co-curricular activities including athletics, clubs, and organizations. h. Residence Hall Suspension–Separation of the student from the residence halls for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified. i. Residence Hall Expulsion–Permanent separation of the student from the residence halls. j. College Suspension–Separation of the student from the College for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified. k. College Expulsion–Separation of the student from the College for a period of time, after which the student is eligible to reapply. l. Dismissal–Permanent separation of the student from the College. m. Revocation of Admission and/or Degree–Admission to or a degree awarded from the College may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violation of College standards in obtaining the degree, or for other Code of Conduct 7. Page 102 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE serious violations committed by a student prior to graduation. Withholding Degree–The College may withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the completion of the process set forth in this Student Code of Conduct, including the completion of all sanctions imposed, if any. o. Other Sanctions–At the discretion of the Student Conduct Administrator. More than one of the sanctions listed above may be imposed for any single violation. (a) Other than College expulsion or revocation or withholding of a degree, disciplinary sanctions shall not be made part of the student’s permanent academic record, but shall become part of the student’s disciplinary record. Cases involving the imposition of sanctions other than residence hall expulsion, College suspension, College expulsion or revocation or withholding of a degree shall be expunged from the student’s confidential record seven years after final disposition of the case. (b) In situations involving both an accused student(s) (or group or organization) and a student(s) claiming to be the victim of another student’s conduct, the records of the process and of the sanctions imposed, if any, shall be considered to be the education records of both the accused student(s) and the student(s) claiming to be the victim because the educational career and chances of success in the academic community of each may be impacted. The following sanctions may be imposed upon groups or organizations: a. Those sanctions listed above in Article IV(B)(l)(a)-(e). b. Loss of selected rights and privileges for a specified period of time. c. Deactivation or loss of all privileges, including College recognition, for a specified period of time. In each case in which a Student Conduct Board determines that a student and/or group or organization has violated the Student Code of Conduct, the sanction(s) shall be determined and imposed by the Student Conduct Administrator. In cases in which persons other than, or in addition to, the Student Conduct Administrator have been authorized to serve as the Student Conduct Board, the recommendation of the Student Conduct Board shall be considered by the Student Conduct Administrator in determining and imposing sanctions. The Student Conduct Administrator is not limited to sanctions recommended by members of the Student Conduct Board. Following the Student Conduct Board Hearing, the Student Conduct Board and the Student Conduct Administrator shall advise the accused student, group, and/or organization (and a complaining student who believes s/he was the victim of another student’s conduct) in writing of its determination and of the sanction(s) imposed, if any. n. 2. 3. 4. 5. Page 103 2014-2015 Code of Conduct C. Interim Suspension In certain circumstances, the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, or a designee, may impose a College or residence hall suspension prior to the Student Conduct Board Hearing before a Student Conduct Board. 1. Interim suspension may be imposed: a) to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the College community or preservation of College property; b) to ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being; or c) if the student poses an ongoing threat of disruption of, or interference with, the normal operations of the College. 2. During the interim suspension, a student shall be denied access to the residence halls and/or to the campus (including classes) and/or all other College activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible, as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students or the Student Conduct Administrator may determine to be appropriate. 3. The interim suspension does not replace the regular process, which shall proceed on the normal schedule, up to and through a Student Conduct Board Hearing, if required. However, the student should be notified in writing of this action and the reasons for the suspension. The notice should include the time, date, and place of a subsequent hearing at which the student may show cause why his or her continued presence on the campus does not constitute a threat. D. Appeals 1. A decision reached by the Student Conduct Board or a sanction imposed by the Student Conduct Administrator may be appealed by the accused student (s) or complainant(s) to an Appellate Board within five (5) business days of the decision. Such appeals shall be in writing and refer to one or more of the following grounds for an appeal. The written appeal shall be delivered to the Vice President for Student Affairs or designee. 2. Except as required to explain the basis of new information, an appeal shall be limited to a review of the verbatim record of the Student Conduct Board Hearing and supporting documents for one or more of the following purposes: a. To determine whether the Student Conduct Board Hearing was conducted fairly in light of the charges and information presented, and in conformity with prescribed procedures giving the complaining party a reasonable opportunity to prepare and to present information that the Student Code of Conduct was violated, and giving the Accused Student a reasonable opportunity to prepare and to present a response to those allegations. Deviations from designated procedures will not be a basis for sustaining an appeal unless significant prejudice results. b. To determine whether the decision reached regarding the accused student was based on substantial information, that is, whether there were facts in the case that, if believed by the fact finder, were sufficient to Page 104 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE establish that a violation of the Student Code of Conduct occurred. To determine whether the sanction(s) imposed were appropriate for the violation of the Student Code of Conduct which the student was found to have committed. d. To consider new information, sufficient to alter a decision, or other relevant facts not brought out in the original hearing, because such information and/or facts were not known to the person appealing at the time of the original Student Conduct Board Hearing. 3. If an appeal is upheld by the Appellate Board, the matter shall be returned to the original Student Conduct Board and Student Conduct Administrator for reopening of the Student Conduct Board Hearing to allow reconsideration of the original determination and/or sanction(s). If an appeal is not upheld, the matter shall be considered final and binding upon all involved. Article V. Interpretation and Revision A. Any question of interpretation or application of the Student Code of Conduct shall be referred to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students or his or her designee for final determination. B. The Student Code of Conduct shall be reviewed every year under the direction of the Vice President of Student Affairs. c. The Student Code of Conduct at Springfield College has been developed and based upon the Edward N. Stoner II and John W. Lowery model, Navigating Past the “Spirit of Insubordination”: A Twenty-First Century Model Student Conduct Code With a Model Hearing Script, 2004. Page 105 2014-2015 APPENDIX A Overview of Housing and Residence Life’s Terms and Conditions: 1. Check – In and Check – Out: A. Each resident must follow the check – in procedures within each hall. This includes registration, receipt of key(s) or access card and acknowledgment of the condition of the room via the Room Inspection/Inventory form. B. Upon vacating the room, the resident must check out with a staff member, return the key(s) and acknowledge and sign the Room Inspection/Inventory form. C. Failure to check out of the residence hall following the established procedure may result in the forfeiture of the student’s right to appeal individual damages and a fine of $25. 2. Access to Rooms: The College reserves the right, at the discretion of the Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students and/or his/her designee, to enter a room when there is probable cause to believe that there may be a concern regarding policy violations or the health, safety and/or welfare of the resident and /or any member of the student body. Failure to abide by policies and regulations will result in disciplinary action as prescribed by the Springfield College Student Handbook. Members of the Facilities and Campus Services Department (FACS) and contracted personnel may enter the rooms for maintenance purposes. When feasible, students will be notified in advance. The Residence Life staff may conduct monthly room inspections. A new lease agreement will be executed each year during the student’s tenure at the College. 3. Assignment of Housing: The College expressly reserves the right at any time during the year to reassign the student to other housing accommodations. In the event of a vacancy, the College reserves the right to assign students to unoccupied beds during the school year. Requests for room changes must be approved through the Office of Housing & Residence Life. A charge of $35 will be made for every room change. 4. Room/Roommate Changes: Students are encouraged to try to work with their roommate or to seek assistance from the residence life staff if a roommate situation is not resolved. The Resident Director may move or reassign one or both residents if the conflict cannot be resolved. To avoid a $50 Improper Room Change fee, no room change can occur without prior written approval on the Room Change form through the Office of Housing & Residence Life. Page 106 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE 5. Room Consolidations: Most students will initially have a roommate. If a resident moves out or cancels his/her room assignment, the remaining roommate will be asked to do one of the following: A. Select a roommate of his/her choosing B. Anticipate that a new roommate will be assigned to the room C. Move into a room where a roommate is needed D. Buy-out the room (see details below) 6. Bought Out Singles: Double rooms may be leased as singles if space is available. If a roommate moves out (for any reason), the Office of Housing & Residence Life will contact the remaining roommate outlining the following options: A. Keep the room as a “Bought – Out” single and pay the additional prorated cost. B. Consolidate rooms with another student. The student with the least amount of earned academic credit hours would be required to move unless both students mutually agree on other arrangements. C. Failure to respond will result in a new room assignment or a new roommate. A new assignment will require the student with the least amount of earned credit hours to move into the room. Students are to move into the newly assigned space within the allotted time period in order to avoid being assessed a Bought ‐ Out single room rate. Note: The Bought – Out single room assessment would be for the remainder of the semester. 7. Guests: Overnight guests are limited to no more than three consecutive nights. The roommate must grant consent. A student host is responsible for the conduct of his or her guest. All guests must comply with College rules and regulations. Guest privileges may not be extended for the purpose of cohabitation. No student may have more than three guests at any given time. 8. Condition of Room: The student shall maintain his/her room in a clean and sanitary condition and shall not make any additions or alterations to the room. Students are liable for any damages to College property, their rooms, and common areas of the building. The use of nails, screws, tape, paint or any other instrument, which may damage walls/doors, is strictly prohibited. Room inspections will be completed by the residence life staff on a monthly basis to insure that the housing space you are provided is kept from debris and trash, clean and free of fire and health hazards, and maintained in an appropriate fashion. Students will be billed for furniture removed from a room. Students shall turn over the room and all College property belongings to the College in good, clean condition, reasonable wear and tear accepted. Cleaning charges will be assessed to students upon vacating their room if it is unclean or in disrepair. 9. Personal Property Loss: The College is not liable for the loss of money, clothing, other valuables, or for the loss and/or damage to property belonging to the student. This would also include any personal goods stored in the residence hall facilities. Page 107 2014-2015 It is strongly suggested that families extend their homeowners coverage to include the student’s possessions while away from home or that they can purchase renter’s insurance. Brochures are available in the Office of Housing & Residence Life. The student understands and agrees that it shall be his/her own obligation to insure his/her personal property. 10. Vacations: In the interest of total security, the College reserves the right to secure all residence halls during College vacation periods. Most residence halls will be closed during Thanksgiving break, winter break, spring break and summer recess. Students staying in halls designated as open during vacation periods will be charged an additional fee according to their length of stay. The College will publish opening and closing schedules. 11. Meal Plan: All students living in residence halls (with the exception of the Living Center, Senior Suites, and Townhouses) are required to have, at a minimum, the 14meal plan. 12. Storage: The College does not provide storage facilities for students’ personal possessions. 13. Keys/Card Access: Each student is issued a minimum of one key and an access card. In the event of a lost key/access card, a non-refundable $35 charge will be made for the issuance of each new key that the student receives from the Office of Housing and Residence Life and access card that the student receives from the Cardroom. In addition, a stolen key will necessitate a lock change. The student responsible for the key loss will be financially liable for all charges associated with a lock change. Students will be charged $35 per key if keys are not returned at the end of the academic year, or if the student gives keys to the new occupant of their room during a room change. 14. Noise: The College does not allow or condone excessive noise and will take appropriate disciplinary action when confronted with violations. Neither the student nor his/her guests, shall make or suffer any unlawful, noisy, or otherwise offensive use of his/her room and/or the residence halls, nor commit or permit any nuisance to exist thereon, nor create any interference with the rights, comfort, safety or enjoyment of the College. Excessively large amplifiers are prohibited. In addition, residents should be aware that they are expected to exercise consideration for others at all times, and will observe 24-hour courtesy hours. They will also observe quiet hours between the hours of 10p.m. and 8a.m. (Sunday – Thursday) and midnight to 10 a.m. (Friday and Saturday). 15. Alcohol and Drugs: The student agrees to comply with federal, state and municipal laws and ordinances, and with College policy regarding possession or use of Page 108 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs. Furthermore, the student agrees that his or her housing accommodation shall not be used for any purpose contrary to law. Alcohol abuse and intoxication are not condoned. Irresponsible behavior, as a result of alcohol or drug abuse will not be tolerated. Violation of the above policies are more fully described in the Springfield College Student Handbook and will result in a range of sanctions that may include a fine, removal from the residence hall, and suspension/ dismissal from the College. 16. Fire Prevention: Each residence hall will hold fire drills throughout the year. Students are expected to evacuate the residence hall immediately upon hearing the alarm sound. Failure to evacuate within three to five minutes, failure to cooperate with College personnel, or premature reentry of the building will result in judicial action. Any student who tampers with fire extinguishers or any fire safety equipment is subject to suspension from the College and additional judicial sanctions. The use of candles, incense, cigarettes or other open flames of any type is not allowed in the buildings. Students will be held accountable. All Residence Halls are smoke free. 17. Electrical Appliances: Due to fire regulations, cooking in student rooms is not permitted. Residence Life staff members are authorized to remove all devices which they deem, in their discretion, to be dangerous. Students wishing to cook in the residence halls may do so only in designated kitchen areas. Refrigerators no more than 4.0 cubic ft. may be used in the rooms. Irons which are UL approved, in good repair and which have a thermostatic control, may also be used in student rooms. Air conditioning units, space heaters, toasters ovens, open coiled burners, George Foreman grills, and microwave ovens (with the exception of the microfridge units) are not permitted in student rooms. Additionally, halogen touchier lamps are prohibited in student rooms. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in a $50 fine. 18. Pets: All pets are prohibited in all College owned residential facilities. Fish contained in a bowl or tank up to 10 gallons (without a filter) are permitted. Small sharks, though fish, are not permitted. 19. Signs: Students are not permitted to put signs of any type in any window of a College owned residential facility. 20. Lofts: The College does not permit the use of lofts in the residence halls. 21. Furniture: Students cannot remove furniture from the rooms/apartments. 22. Damages: Students are responsible for the payment of all damages that occurred within his/her assigned room. Charges for all damages to the premises shall be divided equally among occupants, unless one (or more) occupant(s) accepts responsibility for Page 109 2014-2015 total damage and notifies the Office of Housing & Residence Life prior to the submission of bills. When damage to common areas of the residence halls (i.e., lounges, stairwells, lobbies, hallways, bathrooms) are clearly the result of negligence, carelessness, malicious intent to destroy, or theft, residents of the floor or building will be billed for their share of the repair and/or replacement costs. It shall be the responsibility of all residents to be invested into the residential community and minimize damages and require those who are responsible to pay. All information pertaining to damages should be reported to Resident Assistants, Resident Directors, or directly to the Office of Housing & Residence Life. Damage charges will be based on local hourly rates, plus the cost of materials and overhead. All repairs to College property must be completed by College personnel or contractors of the College. Requests for repairs or other maintenance should be reported to your Resident Assistant or Resident Director. 23. The Springfield College Student Handbook: All residents are advised to read and become familiar with the student code of conduct and the policies that relate to student life. 24. Student Liability: Student agrees to indemnify and save the College harm from liability, loss or damage arising from any situation that is made or suffered on the premises by him/her, guests or from any carelessness, neglect or improper conduct of any such persons. All personal property in and part of the College campus shall be at the sole risk of the student. Subject to provisions of applicable law, the College shall not be liable for damage to, or loss of property of any kind which may be lost or stolen, damaged or destroyed by fire, water, steam, or otherwise, while on College’s property, or in any storage space in the building or for any personal injury unless caused by the negligence of the College. 25. I have read the Rights and Responsibilities of Resident Students outlined in the Springfield College Student Handbook. I understand that failure to comply with these guidelines may result in action taken by the Office of Housing & Residence Life or the Dean of Students. 26. Failure to comply with the terms of this agreement will result in action by the College to hold the student accountable and may also result in the student forfeiting his/her right to live on campus, or other appropriate disciplinary action. Page 110 SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE Appendix B Sexual Misconduct Report Process Page 111 2014-2015 Appendix C Sexual Misconduct Response Resources Page 112