Student Rights and Responsibilities
Academic Honesty
Blue Ridge Community College operates under the premise of academic honesty. The policy is that plagiarism and cheating are prohibited. Whereas it is the instructor’s responsibility to create an environment in which academic honesty is expected, it is the student’s obligation to uphold this policy.
A student is responsible for authenticating any assignment submitted to an instructor. If asked, the student must be able to substantiate to the instructor’s satisfaction that the assignment submitted is actually his/her own work. The instructor may employ various means of ascertaining authenticity, such as requiring photocopies of source documents, requiring copies of all drafts of the work, engaging in Internet searches, creating quizzes based on student work, requiring the student to explain the work and/or process orally, etc.
Attendance
The regularity of class attendance is necessary in order to receive maximum benefits from the program offered and for maintenance of a satisfactory academic record. Whenever students’ attendance or punctuality endangers their own success or that of other students, they may be withdrawn from the course. A student may be withdrawn for absences if any of the following occur:
Accumulating a combination of excused or unexcused absences exceeding ten (10) percent of the scheduled class contact hours for the semester. Three tardies constitute one class absence. In online and hybrid classes, missing weekly assignments that are academically related, excluding simple logins and/or email, are considered “absences”.
Logging into an online course but NOT completing graded activities for 14 consecutive days AND failing to communicate with the instructor during that time period. Submission of any graded activity, including those with failing grades, will constitute attendance in the class.
Instructors will make good faith efforts to stay in contact with students who stop attending their course(s). If after repeated communication attempts it becomes necessary to withdraw a student for non-attendance, the withdrawal must be completed between 14 and 25 days of non-attendance, and no later than 30 days of non-attendance. It is very important that the withdrawal grade and last date of attendance are provided on the withdrawal. In exceptional circumstances, such as in the case of illness, an instructor may allow a student to remain in class if in the instructor’s opinion the student has a reasonable chance of completing the course objectives. The instructor should maintain documentation of any communication with the student and/or his/her family.
A student is expected to confer with each instructor before anticipated or after unavoidable absences. The responsibility for making up classwork rests entirely with the student. In exceptional circumstances, such as in the case of illness, an instructor may allow a student to remain in class if the student has a reasonable chance of successfully completing the course learning outcomes.
When a student is to be withdrawn from a course for excessive absences, the instructor initiates the withdrawal process of the student from course enrollment following documented procedures. The instructor will provide a withdrawal grade, reason for withdrawal, and the last date of attendance. No refund of tuition is authorized for students withdrawn for excessive absences by instructors.
In accordance with the State Board of Community Colleges Code, a student may be extended up to two (2) excused absences during each academic year for religious observances required by that student’s faith. In each case, the student must provide written notice of the request for such an excused absence to his/her instructor(s). For all regularly scheduled observances, such requests must be made to each affected instructor within the first week of each class on a form provided by the College. Otherwise, the request must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the requested absence on the form provided. If the day(s) of observance falls on the first day of class, such a request shall be made to the Vice President for Instruction and immediately thereafter to the instructor. Where multiple classes may be missed, the student shall provide notification to each affected instructor. Instructors shall provide a record of excused absences using this provision to the Office for Instruction within a time frame deemed reasonable by the instructor. Excused absences for religious observation shall be recorded as a student absence toward the ten percent maximum as provided for in “Subsection A” above. For the purposes herein, a day of religious observation means an observance that is part of a sincerely-held religious belief that the student would otherwise be able to attend but for having to attend class.
See college procedure 4.12.1 Student class attendance for more information.
A student’s absence while participating in a College-sponsored or approved activity (excluding SGA sponsored events) will be considered an excused absence for participating students. Such excused absences will not be considered in the students’ class attendance for withdrawal purposes, nor will excused absences be included in the determination of a grade for “participation” of which class attendance is a part. The responsibility for making up classwork rests entirely with the student. All assignments, tests, labs, class time, and final exams to be missed due to College-sponsored or approved activity will be rescheduled prior to the excused absences or otherwise rescheduled at the discretion of the instructor.
Closings or delayed openings of Blue Ridge Community College may not correspond with the closings or delayed openings of the public school system in Henderson and/or Transylvania Counties. High school students who are dependent on transportation provided by the public school system may be unable to attend class on days that the public schools are closed or delayed if Blue Ridge Community College is on a normal schedule. Absences caused by this situation will not be considered in the students’ class attendance for withdrawal purposes, nor will the absences be included in the determination of a grade for the participation of which class attendance is a part. The responsibility for making up classwork rests entirely with the student, and it is the student’s responsibility to communicate to the instructor that they are dependent on public school transportation.
Campus Parking and Traffic Regulations
Blue Ridge Police and Public Safety personnel are employed to enforce the parking rules, traffic offenses and to work motor vehicle accidents on Blue Ridge Community College campuses. Other State and local law enforcement agencies will also prosecute for violations of applicable laws on campus and assist with reports and enforcement when necessary. In case of an accident, contact Blue Ridge Police and Public Safety, which will assist with what steps to take.
Students and employees parking on campus must display a valid parking decal. Temporary handicapped decals, valid only on campus with Blue Ridge Police and Public Safety, may be obtained from the Police and Public Safety Department. Park only in designated parking places, obey posted parking and traffic signs, and observe flow-of-traffic arrows and “stop” markings painted on paved roads and lots. Vehicles found to be in violation of the following rules and regulations may be towed at the owner’s expense: unauthorized parking in a handicap space, unauthorized parking in a reserved space, parking in an area not designated for parking, parking in a manner that creates a hazard, and abandoned vehicles.
The College is authorized to collect a fine of up to $25 for any violations of the College policies regarding parking and traffic regulations.
Parking and Traffic Offenses
Parking in Unauthorized Areas (e.g. fire lanes, driveways, lawns, and spaces designated by marked signs, such as walkways, fire hydrants, loading zones, etc.)
Careless and Reckless Driving
Speeding
Failure to Yield to Pedestrian
Parking in Handicapped Space
Parking in Fire Lanes
Questions about College parking regulations should be directed to the Chief of Police.
Computer Usage
Students must adhere to the following policy concerning computer usage at Blue Ridge Community College.
The following are a few examples but not a comprehensive list of unauthorized uses of the Blue Ridge network or other computer resources:
Use of any assigned technology account by someone other than the student for whom the account is specifically designated.
Interfering with the ability of other users to make effective use of Blue Ridge network, computer, telecommunications, or other technology resources or services.
Gaining illegal access to files, damaging systems or information, or using any College technology for illegal activities
Interfering with the effective operation of the College bandwidth capacity or network monitoring systems.
Creating computer worms or viruses or deliberately infecting College property.
Using College technology resources, facilities, or equipment for commercial use or for personal use or profit.
Sending, receiving, or viewing threatening, abusive, obscene, or pornographic messages, language, material, or files to others, including posting such on a website or otherwise displaying such.
Using unauthorized file-sharing programs for accessing music, videos, movies, games, network files, applications, or other unauthorized activities.
Using College resources to violate copyright protection, transmit or store any copyrighted work without proper authorization from the copyright holder
All student webpages hosted on systems or College servers or those linked to College resources must comply with Blue Ridge acceptable use policies.
Student email is an official means of communication between students and instructors. It is the property of the College and should be used only for institutional purposes. When a student submits an application to the college for a curriculum program of study, he/she will be issued a free student email account.
Public Wireless Network
Terms and Conditions of Use
By using Blue Ridge Community College wireless network brcc-public-wireless, students agree to be bound by and comply with the terms of use specified below. If you do not agree to these terms of use, you are not authorized to use Blue Ridge Community College’s network resources. The wireless Internet access provided to visitors of the Blue Ridge campuses is for use free of charge and is limited to web and email access to off-campus hosts and web access only to on-campus hosts.
Wireless network access is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. Blue Ridge Community College does not warrant that this service will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components. All users should be aware that there are security, privacy, and confidentiality risks inherent in the use of wireless communications and technology. Blue Ridge does not make any assurances or warranties relating to such risks. Blue Ridge will not be responsible for any personal information that is compromised nor will Blue Ridge be responsible for any damages to hardware or software resulting from the use of the Blue Ridge network.
By using Blue Ridge Community College’s network, you fully agree that Blue Ridge is not liable, and hereby fully release, hold harmless and indemnify, Blue Ridge for any costs or damages arising from the use of this service. You also fully understand that Blue Ridge does not control any materials, information, products, or services on the Internet and your wireless network traffic may be monitored by Blue Ridge officials as a part of the normal network management processes. Furthermore, you agree to abide by any applicable federal, state, and local laws including US and International copyright laws.
Students are expected to comply with all College published policies and procedures.
All computer software on College computers is protected by federal copyright laws and by legal licensing agreements. Copying, providing, receiving, or using copyrighted material may be in violation of licensing agreements.
Violations of computer use policies by students must be reported to the Vice President for General Administration and/or CIO and/or the Vice President for Student Services. Individuals violating these guidelines will immediately lose their access rights; other disciplinary actions may also be taken by the College.
The College reserves the right to inspect all information on the network in order to ensure compliance with these policies, applicable laws, and regulations.
Users should not assume that any use not listed is otherwise excluded. Questions regarding whether a specific use is permitted should be referred to the Director of Information Technologies. Blue Ridge departments may have additional rules relative to computer or equipment used in their respective areas. Users are expected to abide by such rules.
Unlawful Discrimination And Harassment
The College strives to make its campuses inclusive and a safe and welcoming learning environment for all members of the College community. Pursuant to multiple federal and state laws and administrative regulations and pursuant to College policy, the College prohibits discrimination in its activities, services, and programs based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, veterans’ status, or other protected class in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall apply to this Procedure and shall be collectively referred to herein as “Unlawful Discrimination.”
The definitions are not intended to operate as speech codes, promote content and viewpoint discrimination or suppress minority viewpoints in the academic setting. Indeed, just because a student’s speech or expression is deemed offensive by others does not mean it constitutes discrimination or harassment.
In applying these definitions, College administrators shall view the speech or expression in its context and totality and shall apply the following standard: the alleged victim subjectively views the conduct as discrimination or harassment and that the conduct is objectively severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would agree that the conduct is discriminatory or harassing.
Discrimination
Any act or failure to act that unreasonably differentiates treatment of others based solely on their Protected Status and is sufficiently serious, based on the perspective of a reasonable person, to unreasonably interfere with or limit the ability of that individual to participate in, access, or benefit from the College’s programs and activities. Discrimination may be intentional or unintentional.
Harassment
A type of Discrimination that happens when verbal, physical, electronic, or other behavior based on a person’s Protected Status interferes with a person’s participation in the College’s programs and activities and it either creates an environment that a reasonable person would find hostile, intimidated or abusive or where submitting to or rejecting the conduct is used as the basis for decisions that affect the person’s participation in the College’s programs and activities.
Harassment may include but is not limited to: threatening or intimidating conduct directed at another because of the individual’s Protected Status; ethnic slurs, negative stereotypes, and hostile acts based on an individual’s Protected Status.
Protected Status
Race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, age, political affiliation, or veterans’ status.
Standard of Evidence
The College uses a preponderance of evidence as the standard for proof of whether a violation occurred. In the student due process hearing and employee grievance process, legal terms like “guilt, “innocence” and “burden of proof” are not applicable. Student and employee due process hearings are conducted to take into account the totality of all evidence available from all relevant sources. The College will find the alleged Perpetrator either “responsible” or “not responsible” for violating these Procedures.
STATEMENTS OF PROHIBITION
Prohibition of Retaliation:
The College strictly prohibits punishing students or employees for asserting their rights to be free from Unlawful Discrimination. Retaliation against any person participating in connection with a complaint of Unlawful Discrimination is strictly prohibited. Reports of retaliation will be addressed through this procedure and/or other applicable College procedures. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, punitive actions from authority figures or peers, reprisal (acts of vengeance), or harassment. Retaliation is a serious violation and should be reported immediately. The College will take appropriate disciplinary action against any employee or student found to have retaliated against another.
Prohibition of Providing False Information:
Any individual who knowingly files a false report or complaint, who knowingly provides false information to College officials, or who intentionally misleads College officials involved in the investigation or resolution of a complaint may be subject to disciplinary action including, but not limited to, expulsion or employment termination. The College recognizes that an allegation made in good faith will not be considered false when the evidence does not confirm the allegation(s) of Unlawful Discrimination.
REQUESTING ACCOMMODATIONS
Students: Students with disabilities wishing to make a request for reasonable accommodations, auxiliary communication aids or services, or materials in alternative accessible formats should contact the College’s Division for Student Services. Information provided by students is voluntary and strict confidentiality is maintained. All requests for accommodations will be considered following the appropriate federal and state laws.
The College will also provide reasonable accommodation of a student’s religious beliefs/practices provided such expression/practice does not create a hostile environment for other students and employees and/or the accommodation does not cause undue hardship for the College.
REPORTING OPTIONS
Student Complaints: Any student wishing to make a report relating to Unlawful Discrimination may do so by reporting the concern to the College’s Division for Student Services.
For Unlawful Discrimination incidents between students and employees, the Vice President for Student Services will work in partnership with the Director of Human Resources to investigate and resolve the allegations.
INITIAL INVESTIGATION
As these Procedures apply to both students and employees as either the Complainant or the Respondent, the administrator receiving the incident report will determine if the case should be handled by 1) the Vice President for Student Services, or designee (student/student); 2) the Director of Human Resources, or designee (employee/employee); or 3) both (student/employee). For incidents involving students and employees, the College will utilize the process for both the student investigation and the employee investigation sections as applicable.
Student Investigation
Students filing complaints (“Complainants”) are urged to do so in writing as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days after disclosure or discovery of the facts giving rise to the complaint. Complaints submitted after the thirty (30) day period will still be investigated; however, Complainants should recognize that delays in reporting may significantly impair the ability of College officials to investigate and respond to such complaints. The Vice President shall fully investigate any complaints and will, as needed and if the complaint also involves an employee, collaborate with the College’s Director of Human Resources. During the course of the investigation, the Vice President may consult with other relevant College administrators and the College Attorney.
During the investigation, and if applicable to the complaint, the Vice President shall meet with the Complainant and the alleged Perpetrator (“Respondent”) separately and give each party an equal opportunity to provide evidence, including informing the Vice President of any potential witnesses. Both parties will be given access to any information provided by the other in accordance with any federal or state confidentiality laws.
During the investigation process, the Vice President may implement temporary measures in order to facilitate an efficient and thorough investigation process as well as to protect the rights of all parties involved. The temporary actions include, but are not limited to: reassignment of class schedules; temporary suspension from campus (but be allowed to complete coursework); or the directives that include no contact between the involved parties.
A confidential file regarding the complaint shall be maintained by the Vice President. To the extent possible, the College will keep all information relating to the complaint and investigations confidential; however, to maintain compliance with the Clery Act, both parties will be informed of the outcome of any institutional proceedings under these Procedures.
The Vice President shall make every effort to conclude the investigation as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) calendar days. If the nature of the investigation requires additional time, the Vice President may have an additional ten (10) calendar days to complete the investigation. The Vice President shall notify the parties of this extension.
Complainants and Respondents will be notified of available counseling services and their options of changing academic situations and other interim protective measures.
RECOMMENDATION AND APPEAL
Students
After the investigation is complete, the Vice President will put forward a recommendation of finding, based on the Standard of Evidence, and sanction(s) to both the Complainant and Respondent. If the recommendation is accepted by both parties involved, the recommendation and sanction(s) will become effective. The Vice President will submit to each party a final outcome letter that will include, but not limited to, the following:
Determination if the Respondent is responsible or not responsible for violating these Procedures;
Sanction;
Whether monitoring of academic schedules is needed between the parties to ensure that the individuals involved are not in classes together (the Vice President will assist in this process).
Short-term College counseling services available to each party.
If the Vice President’s recommendations are not accepted by either the Complainant or the Respondent, both may appeal and request a formal hearing. If the Vice President recommends sanctions that s/he cannot impose (i.e., expulsion), the matter shall automatically be set for a hearing. The President will preside over the hearing as the Presiding Officer. The process for the hearing is outlined below:
Prior to the hearing, the Complainant and the Respondent have the right to review all evidence, including written statements by the Respondent, the Complainant, or witnesses. Strict rules of evidence do not apply. The Standard of Evidence shall apply for the hearing.
Written notice including the date, time, and location of the hearing will be sent to all parties.
At the hearing, all pertinent parties have a right to speak and be questioned by the Presiding Officer. Cross-examination between parties is not permitted. The College will provide options for questioning without confrontation. Each phase of the hearing will be heard by both parties in separate rooms by the use of a speakerphone.
The Complainant and the Respondent are allowed to be accompanied by an advocate. The advocate may not present on behalf of either party unless otherwise instructed to do so by the Presiding Officer. If the Complainant or the Respondent chooses to have an advocate who is an attorney, notification must be provided to the Presiding Officer at least three (3) College business days prior to the hearing date. In this case, the College Attorney will also be present.
Both parties have a right to a written notice of the hearing outcome.
Sanctioning
The following sanctions may be imposed for those who have violated these Procedures.
Verbal or Written Warning
Probation
Administrative withdrawal from a course without refund
Required Counseling
No Contact Directive
Suspension
Expulsion (President must impose)
Other consequences deemed appropriate
Sexual Harassment and Violence
Blue Ridge Community College strives to make its campuses inclusive and a safe and welcoming learning environment for all members of the College community. Pursuant to multiple federal and state laws and administrative regulations and pursuant to College policy, the College prohibits discrimination in its activities, services, and programs based on sex, sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity.
Title IX is a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex includes quid pro quo harassment; sexual harassment; and sexual assault, stalking, dating or domestic violence (collectively referred to as "sexual harassment"). The College’s Title IX Coordinator has oversight responsibility for handling Sexual Harassment complaints and for identifying and addressing any patterns and/or systemic problems involving sexual discrimination or harassment. All allegations involving sexual harassment should be directed to the College’s Title IX Coordinator and addressed under these procedures. For other complaints of discrimination and harassment not related to sexual harassment, refer to Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment Procedure 3.15.1
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall apply to this Procedure. The definitions are not intended to operate as speech codes, promote content and viewpoint discrimination, or suppress minority viewpoints in the academic setting. Indeed, just because a student’s speech or expression is deemed offensive by others does not mean it constitutes discrimination or harassment.
In applying these definitions, College administrators shall view the speech or expression in its context and totality and shall apply the following standard: the alleged victim subjectively views the conduct as discrimination or harassment and that the conduct is objectively severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would agree that the conduct is discriminatory or harassing.
Actual Knowledge
Notice of sexual harassment or allegations of sexual harassment by the Title IX Coordinator or any College official who has authority to institute corrective measures on behalf of the College. Actual knowledge is not met when the only College official with actual knowledge is a Respondent.
Complainant
An individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment.
Consent
Explicit approval to engage in sexual activity demonstrated by clear actions or words. This decision must be made freely and actively by all participants. Non-verbal communication, silence, passivity or lack of active resistance does not imply consent. In addition, previous participation in sexual activity does not indicate current consent to participate and consent to one form of sexual activity does not imply consent to other forms of sexual activity. Consent has not been obtained in situations where the individual: i) is forced, pressured, manipulated or has reasonable fear that they will be injured if they do not submit to the act; ii) is incapable of giving consent or is prevented from resisting due to physical or mental incapacity (including being under the influence of drugs or alcohol); or iii) has a mental or physical disability which inhibits his/her ability to give consent to sexual activity.
Dating Violence
Crimes of violence against a person with whom the person has or had a social relationship or a romantic or intimate relationship.
Domestic Violence
Crimes of violence against a current or former spouse or intimate partner, a person with whom the student shares a child in common, a person with whom the student cohabitates or has cohabitated as a spouse, a person similarly situated to the student as a spouse, a person who is related to the student as a parent, child or person who is related to the student as a grandparent or grandchild.
Education Program or Activity
For purposes of these Procedures, this means any locations, events, or circumstances over which the College exercised substantial control over both the Respondent(s) and the context in which the alleged sexual harassment occurs. It also means any building owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the College.
Formal Complaint
A document filed by a Complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging sexual harassment against a Respondent and requesting the College investigate the allegation(s). A Formal Complaint initiates a formal grievance process in which parties are entitled to due process protections.
Informal Resolution
A resolution reached regarding an allegation of sexual harassment without the filing of a Formal Complaint. Informal Resolution may include mediation, facilitated dialogue, conflict coaching, restorative justice, or other models of alternative dispute resolution. Informal Resolution cannot be used for a student's allegation of sexual harassment against a College employee.
Respondent
An individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment.
Retaliation
To intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, participated, or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under these Procedures.
Sexual Assault
An offense that meets the definition of rape, fondling, incest, or statutory rape as used in the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting system.
Sexual Harassment
Quid pro quo harassment; unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would find so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the College's education program or activity, including conduct based on sex stereotyping; or any instance of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking.
Quid pro quo harassment is a person having power or authority over another and conditioning an educational or employment benefit or service or access to receiving the educational or employment benefit or service upon a person's participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.
Stalking
Engaging in a course of conduct directed to a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his/her safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress.
Standard of Evidence
The College uses clear and convincing as the standard for proof of whether a violation occurred. In the student due process hearing and employee grievance process, legal terms like “guilt, “innocence” and “burden of proof” are not applicable. Student and employee due process hearings are conducted to take into account the totality of all evidence available from all relevant sources. The College will find the alleged Respondent either “responsible” or “not responsible” for violating these Procedures.
Supportive Measures
Individualized services reasonably available that are non-punitive, non-disciplinary, and not unreasonably burdensome to the other party that are designed to ensure equal educational access, protect safety, or deter sexual harassment, Examples of support measures are counseling, extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments, modifications of work or class schedules, campus escort services, mutual restrictions on contact between the parties, leaves of absences, increased security and monitoring of certain areas of the College, and other similar measures.
Title IX Coordinator
For purpose of these Procedures, the Title IX Coordinator refers to the Vice President for Student Services. The Title IX Coordinator's office is in the Sink Building. The phone number is 828-694-1804 and the email is kirstenb@blueridge.edu
SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY
These procedures apply to the conduct of and protect:
College students and applicants for admission into the College
College employees and applicants for employment
College student organizations
Third parties participating in a College education program or activity
These Procedures apply to conduct that occurs in a College Education Program or Activity located within the United States and of which the College has actual knowledge.
REPORTING
Reporting to Local Law Enforcement
Individuals may report sexual misconduct directly to local law enforcement agencies by dialing 911. Individuals who make a criminal allegation may also choose to pursue College grievance procedure simultaneously. A criminal investigation into the matter does not release the College from its obligation to conduct its own investigation (nor is a criminal investigation determinative of whether sexual harassment has occurred). However, the College’s investigation may be delayed temporarily while the criminal investigators are gathering evidence. In the event of such a delay, the College must take interim measures when necessary to protect the alleged Complainant and/or the College community.
Individuals may choose not to report alleged sexual harassment to law enforcement authorities. The College respects and supports individuals’ decisions regarding reporting; nevertheless, the College may notify appropriate law enforcement authorities if required or warranted by the nature of the allegations.
Reporting to College Officials
The College’s Title IX Coordinator oversees compliance with these Procedures and Title IX regulations. Questions about these Procedures should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator. Anyone wishing to make a report relating to Sexual Harassment may do so by reporting the concern to the College’s Title IX Coordinator in person, by mail, by telephone, by email, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person's verbal or written report of alleged sexual harassment.
For Sexual Misconduct incidents between students and employees, the Title IX Coordinator will work in partnership with the Director of Human Resources to investigate and resolve the allegations.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
Scope
Use of these grievance procedures applies to reports alleging sexual harassment carried out by employees, students, or third parties.
All reports of sexual harassment are taken seriously. At the same time, those accused of sexual harassment are presumed "not responsible" throughout this grievance procedure.
Initial College Response and Assessment
After receiving a report of sexual harassment, the Title IX Coordinator takes immediate and appropriate steps to:
Communicate with the individual who reported the alleged conduct;
Implement supportive measures to eliminate and prevent the recurrence of sex harassment, deter retaliation, remedy the effects of sex harassment, and provide due process rights during a College investigation;
Provide the individual with a copy of this Policy and Procedure; and
Determine whether the alleged conduct, as described by the reporting party, falls within the scope of this policy and if so, initiate the investigation and resolution procedures outlined below.
The Title IX Coordinator may delegate the authority to take some or all of these steps to a Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
The Title IX Coordinator must administratively close a report or complaint of sexual harassment if after an initial assessment:
The allegations as stated do not constitute a violation of this Policy and Procedure, even if proven; or
The alleged sexual harassment did not occur in the College’s Education Program or Activity or did not occur in the United States.
The Title IX Coordinator will notify the parties if a report or complaint of sexual harassment is closed under this section, including the reason(s) for closure, and direct the parties to the appropriate College office or department to resolve the report or complaint. All parties may appeal the Title IX Coordinator’s dismissal of a Formal Complaint under this section by using the appeal procedures in Section VI, below.
The Title IX Coordinator may administratively close a report or complaint of sexual harassment if:
The Complainant, at any time, requests withdrawal of the report or complaint;
The Respondent is no longer enrolled or employed by the College; or
The College is prevented from gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination of responsibility.
The Title IX Coordinator will notify the parties if a report or complaint of sexual harassment is closed under this section, including the reason(s) for closure, and direct the parties to the appropriate College office or department to resolve the report or complaint. All parties may appeal the Title IX Coordinator’s dismissal of a Formal Complaint under this section by using the appeal procedures in Section VI, below.
Regardless of when alleged sexual harassment is reported, a Complainant must be participating in or attempting to participate in the College’s education program or activity for a Formal Complaint to be filed.
Informal Resolution
Any party may request the College facilitate an informal resolution to a sexual harassment complaint at any time after the filing of a Formal Complaint. The Title IX Coordinator may offer the parties the opportunity for informal resolution, too.
Upon a request for informal resolution, the Title IX Coordinator determines whether informal resolution is appropriate based on the facts and circumstances of the case. The Title IX Coordinator ensures that any proposed informal resolution is consistent with the College’s obligations to prevent and redress sexual harassment.
A student’s allegations of sexual harassment against a College employee are not eligible for informal resolution.
The Title IX Coordinator provides the parties with written notice of proceeding with an informal resolution, including the allegations of sexual harassment, the requirements of the informal resolution process, and potential outcomes resulting from participating in the informal resolution process.
The Title IX Coordinator also designates an independent, neutral person to facilitate the informal resolution.
Informal resolution is voluntary.
The Complainant and Respondent must provide written consent for informal resolution to take place.
Any party has a right to end the informal resolution process at any time prior to agreeing to a resolution and begin or continue the formal investigation and grievance process.
Informal resolution concludes the matter only when all parties have signed a written agreement that confirms resolution of the allegations.
The resolution agreement must include a waiver of the parties’ right to have a formal hearing on the allegations that have been informally resolved.
Parties are prohibited from revoking or appealing a resolution agreement. Should the Respondent violate the terms of an informal resolution agreement, such violation will subject the Respondent to an investigation and the formal grievance process contained in this procedure.
If a resolution agreement is not reached, the College will continue with a formal investigation.
Investigations
The goal of a formal investigation is to reach a determination as to whether a Respondent has violated one or more College policies prohibiting sexual harassment and if so, remedy the effects of a violation.
The Title IX Coordinator may include possible violations of other College policies that contributed to, arose from, or are otherwise related to alleged violations of this Policy and Procedure in the scope of an investigation.
The Title IX Coordinator gives written notice to the Complainant and Respondent of the investigation, providing sufficient details to allow the parties to respond and prepare for initial interviews, including the identity of the parties involved (if known), the conduct alleged to be sexual harassment, the date and location of alleged incidents (if known), a statement that the Respondent is presumed not responsible and a determination of responsibility is made at the conclusion of the process, information regarding the parties’ right to an advisor and the right to review evidence, and notice that the College prohibits knowingly making false statements or submitting false information during the grievance process.
The Title IX Coordinator designates an investigator to investigate the allegations of sexual harassment.
Parties to an investigation can expect a prompt, thorough, and equitable investigation of complaints, including the opportunity for parties to ask questions, present witnesses and provide information regarding the allegations.
Parties and witnesses should cooperate in the investigation process to the extent required by law and this policy.
The standard of proof used in investigations is clear and convincing. It is the College’s responsibility to establish the standard of proof and gather evidence during investigations.
The College aims to bring all investigations to a resolution within thirty (30) business days from the date the Title IX Coordinator determines an investigation will commence.
Extensions of timeframe for good cause are allowed, so long as written notice and the reason for the delay are provided to the parties. Good cause includes:
The complexity and/or number of the allegations;
The severity and extent of the alleged misconduct;
The number of parties, witnesses, and other types of evidence involved;
The availability of the parties, witnesses, and evidence;
A request by a party to delay an investigation;
The effect of a concurrent criminal investigation or proceeding;
Intervening holidays, College breaks, or other closures;
Good faith efforts to reach a resolution; or
Other unforeseen circumstances.
Investigations typically include interviews with the Complainant, the Respondent, and any witnesses, and the objective evaluation of any physical, documentary, or other evidence as appropriate and available. The College will give the Complainant and the Respondent written notice of any interview, meeting, or hearing at which a party is invited or expected to participate.
The Title IX Coordinator will inform the Complainant and Respondent at regular intervals of the status of its investigation.
The College may suspend or place on administrative leave a student or employee, pending the completion of an investigation and resolution, when the College performs an individualized safety and risk analysis and determines the person poses an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of any member(s) of the College community.
The Title IX Coordinator may recommend to the appropriate College official to implement or stay an interim suspension of a student or employee and the conditions and duration of such suspension or leave.
In all cases in which an interim suspension or administrative leave is imposed, the student or employee shall be given notice and an opportunity to challenge the removal decision immediately following the removal.
Violation of an interim suspension under this Procedure is grounds for expulsion or termination.
Interviews conducted as part of an investigation under this Procedure may be recorded by the College. Recordings not authorized by the College are prohibited.
The Complainant and Respondent have the right to be accompanied by an advisor of their choosing during all stages of an investigation.
A party may elect to change advisors during the process.
All advisors are subject to the same rules:
During the investigation, the advisor’s role is limited to providing advice, guidance, and support to the Complainant or Respondent. An advisor is not permitted to act as a participant or advocate during the investigative process.
Advisors are expected to maintain the privacy of the records shared with them.
Advisors are expected to refrain from interfering with investigations.
Any advisor who oversteps their role or interferes during an investigation process will be warned once. If the advisor continues to disrupt or otherwise fails to respect the limits of the advisor role, the advisor will be asked to leave. The Title IX Coordinator determines whether the advisor may return or should be replaced by a different advisor.
Prior to finalizing a report, the investigator provides all parties an equal opportunity to review any evidence obtained as part of the investigation that is directly related to the allegations raised in the Formal Complaint, including evidence upon which the College does not intend to rely.
The Complainant and Respondent may submit a written response to the evidence within ten days after receipt of the evidence.
Responses must be submitted to the investigator via email, mail, or hand delivery by 5:00 p.m. eastern standard time on the date responses are due.
Responses may not exceed 10 double-spaced pages on 8.5x11 paper with one-inch margins and 12-point font.
The investigator considers any responses received from the parties and conducts any further investigation necessary or appropriate.
Following an investigation and at least 10 days prior to a grievance hearing, the investigator submits an investigative report to the parties that fairly summarizes relevant evidence. The report includes a summary of the allegations; a summary of the response; a summary of the investigative steps taken to verify the allegations and response; and a summary of the evidence relevant to a determination of responsibility.
GRIEVANCE HEARINGS
At least 10 days after the issuance of an investigation report, the College must hold a live hearing in front of a decision-maker to determine responsibility of a Respondent. The decision-maker may not be the Title IX Coordinator or the investigator(s). A "live hearing" means either in person or virtually. The following hearing rules apply:
All parties must be able to see and hear the questioning of parties and witnesses.
Any party may request a virtual hearing. If requested, the College will provide a virtual hearing.
All parties have an equal opportunity to present witnesses, including fact and expert witnesses.
The parties’ advisors are permitted to cross-examine the parties and any witnesses.
The parties are prohibited from directly conducting cross-examination. Cross-examination must be conducted by a party’s advisor.
The decision-maker determines whether questions asked during cross-examination are relevant to the determination of responsibility. If the decision-maker disallows a question, they will explain the basis for their decision at the hearing. Parties and advisors may not challenge a decision-maker’s relevancy determinations during the hearing.
Evidence or questions that inquire about the Complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual history are prohibited (i.e. rape-shield protections) unless such questions and evidence are offered to prove that someone other than the Respondent committed the conduct alleged by the Complainant, or if the questions and evidence concern specific incidents of the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior with respect to the Respondent and are offered to prove consent.
The decision-maker may consider statements of persons not present at a hearing and/or not subject to cross-examination unless the statements are subject to exclusion under another provision in this Procedure. 'Statements' include but are not limited to opinions and statements in police reports, medical records, court records, investigation notes, emails, written statements, text messages, social media postings, and the like.
Records with a legally recognized privilege, such as medical treatment records, may not be used unless the individual or entity who holds the privilege waives the privilege. Any waiver must be written and made in advance of a hearing.
If a party does not have an advisor, the College will provide an advisor at no cost to the party. The advisor may, or may not, be an attorney.
Other standard Rules of Evidence do not apply in grievance hearings under these Procedures.
The College will provide either an audio recording, audiovisual recording, or transcript of the hearing to all parties.
The decision-maker evaluates all relevant evidence and reaches a determination regarding responsibility. The decision-maker issues their final written determination to all parties within ten (10) days of the hearing. The final written determination includes a summary of the allegations; a description of the procedural steps taken by the College to investigate and reach a determination of responsibility; findings of fact supporting the determination; conclusions regarding the application of College policies to the facts; a statement of and rationale for the result as to each allegation, including a determination of responsibility; any disciplinary sanctions the College recommends or imposes; whether remedies designed to restore or preserve equal access to an education program or activity will be provided to the Complainant; and the College’s appeal procedures.
The following sanctions may be imposed for those who have violated these Procedures:
Students
Verbal or Written Warning
Probation
Administrative withdrawal from a course without refund
Required Counseling
No Contact Directive
Suspension
Recommendation of Expulsion
Other consequences deemed appropriate
If the decision-maker is required to make a recommendation for student expulsion or employee suspension, demotion, or dismissal, such recommendation will be made to the appropriate College official after the time for appeal has expired. If the decision-maker recommends the Respondent be expelled, suspended, demoted, or dismissed, during the time in which either party has to appeal, the Respondent shall remain on suspension unless otherwise determined by the decision-maker.
APPEALS
After the decision-maker submits their determination of responsibility to the Complainant and Respondent, all parties are given an equal opportunity to appeal the determination. Appeals may be based only on these grounds:
Procedural irregularity that affected the outcome;
New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time of the hearing that could affect the outcome; and/or
The Title IX Coordinator, investigator, or decision-maker had a bias or conflict of interest that affected the outcome.
Parties must submit any appeal to the President of the College by 5:00 p.m. eastern standard time via email or mail, within ten (10) days of receiving the decision-maker’s written determination of responsibility. Appeals may not exceed ten (10) double-spaced pages on 8.5x11 paper with one-inch margins and 12-point font.
The College notifies all parties when an appeal is filed and provides all parties a copy of the appeal and a chance to submit a written statement supporting or challenging the outcome. Parties must submit written statements supporting or challenging the outcome to the President of the College by 5:00 p.m. eastern standard time via email or mail, within two (2) days of receiving a copy of an appeal.
The President shall conduct a review of the record, including the appeal(s) received, any written statements supporting or challenging the outcome, the investigation report, the decision-maker’s written determination of responsibility, and any accompanying evidence prior to issuing a written decision to the Complainant and Respondent that describes the result of the appeal and the rationale for the result.
The President’s written decision is final.
PROTECTION AGAINST RETALIATION
The College will not in any way retaliate against an individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, participated, or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under these Procedures. Retaliation is a violation of College policy regardless of whether the underlying allegations are ultimately found to have merit. Reports of retaliation are treated separately from reports or complaints of sexual harassment.
PROVIDING FALSE INFORMATION
Any individual who knowingly files a false report or complaint, who knowingly provides false information to College officials or who intentionally misleads College officials involved in the investigation or resolution of a complaint may be subject to disciplinary action including, but not limited to expulsion or employment termination. The College recognizes a determination regarding responsibility alone is not sufficient to conclude a false report or complaint was made.
LIMITED IMMUNITY
The College community encourages the reporting of misconduct and crimes by Complainants and witnesses. Sometimes, Complainants or witnesses are hesitant to report to College officials or participate in resolution processes because they fear that they themselves may be accused of various policy violations. It is in the best interest of this College that as many Complainants as possible choose to report to College officials and that witnesses come forward to share what they know. To encourage reporting, the College offers Sexual Harassment Complainants and witnesses amnesty from minor policy violations.
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
A student’s personally identifiable information found in a student’s education records will be shared only with College employees who need to know to assist with the College’s response to sexual harassment.
A student’s personally identifiable information found in a student’s education records will not be disclosed to third parties unaffiliated with the College unless:
The student gives consent;
The College must respond to a lawfully issued subpoena or court order; or
The College is otherwise required by law to disclose.
SUSPENDING PROCEDURES
In cases of emergency or serious misconduct, the College reserves the right to suspend this process and may enact appropriate action for the welfare and safety of the College community.
EMPLOYEE AND STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS
Romantic or sexual relationships between College employees and students are prohibited if the employee and the student have an academic relationship. Academic relationships include any activities in which the employee is a direct or indirect supervisor or instructor for the student, as in a classroom or lab, or is a sponsor for any College activity involving the student, including work-study or organizational/club/sport activities. This prohibition shall continue until the student or the employee is no longer affiliated with the College. Employees engaging in inappropriate relationships will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Students engaging in inappropriate relationships may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
Romantic or sexual relationships between College employees and students not in an academic relationship that impairs the College employee’s effectiveness, disrupts the workplace/learning environment, and/or impairs the public confidence in the College will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or expulsion from the College.
SUSPENDING PROCEDURES
In cases of emergency or serious misconduct, the College reserves the right to suspend this process and may enact appropriate action for the welfare and safety of the College community.
STUDENT AND EMPLOYEE EDUCATION AND ANNUAL TRAINING
The Title IX Coordinator, investigators, decision-makers, and those involved in any informal resolution process shall receive annual trainings on topics including:
The definition of sexual harassment for Title IX purposes;
The scope of the College’s education programs and activities under Title IX;
How to conduct an investigation and grievance process including hearings, appeals, and informal resolution processes;
How to serve impartially, including avoiding prejudgment of facts at issue, conflicts of interest, and bias;
Technology to be used at live hearings;
Issues of relevance of questions and evidence, including rape-shield limitations; and
Issues of relevance to create an investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence.
All training materials are posted on the College's website.
All new students and all employees shall be required to participate in a primary prevention and awareness program that promotes awareness of sexual harassment. This program will be held annually at the beginning of each fall semester.
At this annual training, students and employees must receive training in the following areas:
Information about safe and positive options for bystander intervention skills;
What "consent" means with reference to sexual activities;
Risk reduction programs so students recognize and can avoid abusive behaviors or potential attacks;
How and to whom to report an incident regarding discrimination, harassment and sex-based violence;
The importance of preserving physical evidence in a sex-based violent crime; and
Options about the involvement of law enforcement and campus authorities, including the alleged victim’s option to: i) notify law enforcement; ii) be assisted by campus authorities in notifying law enforcement; iii) decline to notify law enforcement; and iv) obtain "no-contact" or restraining orders.
Each year, all students and employees will receive an electronic copy of these Procedures sent to their College email address of record. These Procedures will be maintained online in the College’s website and a hard copy will be kept on file (in English and Spanish) in the Title IX Coordinator’s office and the Director of Human Resources’ office. Other translations will be made available upon request.
Drug Prevention Program
Blue Ridge Community College conducts an ongoing informational program for students and employees describing the dangers of abuse of narcotics, alcoholic beverages, and stimulant drugs. The Student Services Division will provide informational materials designed to alert the entire college community to the above described hazards. The College will cooperate with all other appropriate community agencies in this endeavor. Specific college policies strictly prohibit the possession and use of such substances on the campus and during any college-sponsored function. Severe sanctions against violators are provided for in these policies.
Institutional Responsibilities to Third-Party Recipients of Certain Services
As a part of their normal training, students in human service programs are engaged in activities where the health and well-being of persons outside the school are involved. Under these conditions, the institution incurs a moral and legal obligation concerning the student and the recipient of his/her services.
To ensure the safety of the third party recipients the institution may suspend, expel, or refuse to enroll any such student who:
Presents problems in physical or emotional health which do not respond to appropriate treatment and/or counseling within a reasonable period of time; and/or
Demonstrates behavior that conflicts with safety essential to nursing and/or child care.