STCC Policies, State and Federal Regulations

The following policies have been enacted in order to clarify the seriousness of individual rights, which students may expect to enjoy as members of the College community. Similarly, these policies are intended to make the College community aware of obligations which community membership places upon the community. When the rights of others are infringed upon, the integrity of the institution is compromised. Therefore, policies and procedures have been created to ensure the safety of the campus community. Violations of the codes will result in disciplinary action. The College's appeal process is also described in detail.

Absence Due To Religious Beliefs

Any student in an educational or vocational training institution who is unable because of his [her] religious beliefs to attend class or to participate in any examination, study or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination or study or work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination, study or work requirement that [she] he may have missed because of such absence on any particular day; provided, however, that such a makeup examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden on such school. The institution for making available to the said student such opportunity shall charge no fees of any kind. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to the student because of his [her] availing himself [herself] of the provisions of this section. Section 2B, Chapter 151C, Massachusetts General Law.

Students Called To Active Military Duty - Massachusetts Public Colleges and Universities

Students who are unable to complete a semester because they are called to active United States military duty shall, upon verification, be granted the option of a refund or credit of tuition and campus fees. The refund policy for health fees is subject to the concurrence of the institution's insurance carrier.
Students shall receive non-punitive withdrawals in all courses from which they are required to withdraw.
Verification shall be provided by furnishing the Veteran's Affairs Office with a copy of the Orders to Active Duty within one week (seven days) of receipt of the order. If the Orders are not in writing, the student may sign an affidavit attesting to such Orders, which includes an address, or telephone number where the institution can verify the Orders, and furnish the affidavit within one week (seven days) of the receipt of the Orders.
The institution's President may waive or suspend any institutional policy or regulation that negatively impacts students in their withdrawal or subsequent readmission to the institution due to a call to active duty.
The institution, upon receiving the students' Orders will file mitigating circumstances forms with external federal agencies (for example, Veterans Regional Office) in an attempt to prevent overpayment charges being made to the student.
Any student required to withdraw due to being called to active duty shall be given priority in enrollment in the program of his or her choice upon return to the institution for the two semesters immediately following his or her discharge from active duty.

This policy may be changed at any time.

Cori/Sori (criminal Offender Record Information & Sex Offender Registry Information)

Students accepted into any program or offering of the School of Health Sciences or other offerings as announced by the college must undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check at least once a year for the duration of enrollment. This policy also applies to students participating in laboratory experiences on and off campus, including field trips and site visits. Depending on the student's CORI and SORI report, participation in a program or clinical affiliation, laboratory, or practicum experience may be denied. Any student, who refuses to consent to a CORI and SORI check, will be precluded from participating in the corresponding clinical fieldwork, practicum course, and/or laboratory experience. Students who do not complete the required clinical, laboratory or practicum courses will be unable to fulfill requirements for graduation and may be withdrawn from the program. Alternative clinical, laboratory, and/or practicum experiences, on or off-campus, are not an option. For additional information, contact the Dean of the School of Health Office, 413-755-4840.

CORI and SORI checks are performed pursuant to the Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 6, Sections 167-178B, and consistent with guidelines promulgated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 6, Sections 178C-178P.

Please note that a CORI/SORI Request Form must be on file at the College before the student can register for classes.

Solomon Amendment

STCC is complying with the Solomon Amendment, which was contained in the Omnibus Consolidation Appropriations Act of 1997. This requires that the U.S. Department of Defense have access to certain student recruiting information which includes name, address, telephone number, and if known, student's age, level of education, and major. Schools that fail to comply with a Solomon request may be ineligible to receive funds from certain federal programs. Students should contact the Registrar's Office to complete a non-disclosure of student information form if they do not want this information released.

Solicitation On Campus

The general policy of Springfield Technical Community College prohibits the selling of merchandise or the solicitation of donations on campus or at off-campus events. Under certain circumstances, exceptions to the rule are made for recognized student organizations, the College, or its departments. Clearance for the disbursement of material aimed primarily at the faculty and/or staff of the College must be secured from the office of the Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs. Clearance for all other solicitations, distribution of information and literature, must be received from the office of Student Activities and Development, and then may take place only at locations and times specifically designated by the Student Activities and Development Coordinator.

Non-affiliated off-campus organizations may apply for permission to use the campus facilities through the Special Events Coordinator. Approval to distribute and post information must be secured from the Student Activities and Development Office.

Distribution Of Printed Materials And Posting Guidelines

The following guidelines are designed to ensure a smooth flow of information through the use of posted materials on student bulletin boards. All individuals, student groups, and those not directly affiliated with the College are required to follow these guidelines:

All materials must be submitted to the Student Activities and Development Office for approval prior to posting. Items of questionable taste, or items, which are obscene or libelous, will not be approved for posting.
The materials must include the name of an individual or organization. No anonymous material will be approved.
Priority for space will go first to recognized or forming campus organizations and individuals affiliated with the College, and then to others on a space-available basis.
All materials will be stamped with the date of approval and the date the materials will be removed. In the case of mass-produced material, a copy will be filed with the Student Activities and Development Office.
The final date of posting will be determined as follows: a.) Services (typing, babysitting, etc.) - a mutually agreeable time, not to exceed two (2) continuous semesters; b.) Advertising an event - the day of the event; or c.) Others - two (2) weeks from the initial date of posting, unless prior arrangements are made.
Materials may not be posted directly on walls, on glass, where they may cause an obstruction, or outside the building. They should only be posted on specified bulletin boards.
The maximum size for signs should be 11" x 14". The Student Activities and Development Coordinator must approve large posters or banners.
Materials not in accordance with these guidelines will be removed. Materials posted over other approved materials will be removed.
All questions should be directed to the Student Activities and Development Coordinator.
Any organization or individual wishing to distribute or sell literature or products on campus must obtain permission for such distribution or sale from the Student Activities and Development Coordinator.
Appeal of any decisions concerning this policy should be directed to the Dean of Student Services.

Drug And Alcohol Policy

On December 12, 1989 Congress amended Title XII of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This amendment, known as the "Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989", requires that every educational institution receiving federal funding certify its adoption and implementation of programs designed to prevent use of illegal drugs and abuse of alcohol by students and employees. Prior federal law applicable to the College regulated only criminal drug activity of federal grant-funded employees and recipients of federal aid.

Springfield Technical Community College, in accordance with legal mandates and its philosophy of establishing and maintaining an environment of learning and a supportive environment in which to conduct the business and mission of the College, will enforce the following policies:

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, and possession or use of alcohol or of a controlled substance is prohibited on the campus of STCC or as part of any College-related activity. Students who violate these restrictions shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including suspension, expulsion, or discharge, and shall also be subject to referral for criminal prosecution. Where students are convicted of violating a criminal drug or alcohol statute related to a College activity, the College should ordinarily expel or discharge the offender absent mitigating circumstances. Mitigating circumstances shall include, but shall not be limited to, considerations of handicap under federal and state law.
STCC shall cooperate in the enforcement of federal and state laws concerning illegal drugs and alcoholic beverages. Massachusetts's statutes pertaining to illegal drugs and alcohol include:
- Mass. General Laws, Chapter 94C (Controlled Substances Act)
- Mass. General Laws, Chapter 272, Section 59 (Public Drinking)
- Mass. General Laws, Chapter 90, Section 24 (Operating Under the Influence, Open Containers)
Third offense underage possession or consumption of any alcoholic beverage following progressive discipline for the first two offenses will result in automatic suspension.

Prescribed penalties under Chapter 94 range from mandatory probation for a first conviction of a class E substance, e.g., marijuana, to a period of imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of $2,000 for each subsequent conviction related to sale or distribution. Prescribed penalties under Chapter 90, Section 24 range from a fine of $100 to imprisonment for not more than two years and a fine of $1000. Federal judicial guidelines also exist which suggest penalties for violation of federal criminal statutes related to drugs and alcohol.
Parents or legal guardians of students under twenty-one (21) years of age will be notified each time the student has been determined to be in violation of the campus alcohol policy.
No Student Activities funds shall be used to purchase alcoholic beverages. STCC's policy additionally prohibits alcoholic beverages at any College event (on or off campus) that is intended for students or student participation. A "College event" is one that utilizes College facilities or College funds, or is represented as being a College function. All purchase orders for student events will positively exclude payments for alcoholic beverages. Faculty and professional staff who serve as advisors or chaperones to such events should understand that they will be expected to monitor the implementation of the Drug and Alcohol Policy.
The College will present campus-wide drug and alcohol education programs on an annual basis. This is in addition to other educational opportunities available in current or future academic offerings.
For any member of the STCC community who is experiencing substance abuse problems, STCC stands ready to offer supportive services and referrals for treatment as appropriate and rehabilitation counseling programs. Contact the Counseling Center, Health Services, or the Dean of Student Affairs Office for assistance.
Treatment Covered by Student Medical Insurance. Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 15A, 7B (St. 1988), Chapter 23, 22, and 117 Code of Massachusetts Regulations Section 3.04 require that students certify their participation in a qualifying student health insurance program, or in a health benefits program with comparable coverage. Students who do not possess adequate medical insurance must purchase the Massachusetts Community College Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan. This plan provides the following benefits related to drug and alcohol abuse:

Hospital Confinement Benefits

Drug Abuse Benefit: When a covered person is confined in a legally operated and duly-accredited public or private facility for the care or treatment of drug abuse, the Company will pay the same benefit provided for other illnesses. The coverage is not to exceed 30 days in any policy year for the treatment of drug abuse and is subject to the policy aggregate maximum benefit of $25,000. Please refer to the Massachusetts Community College Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan policy for additional information.

Non-Hospital Confinement Benefit

Mental Illness, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Benefit: The Company will pay for the treatment by a fully licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse, or independent clinical social worker. This coverage is not to exceed $50 per visit for an aggregate benefit of $500 during the policy period for treatment of a mental or nervous disorder, or for alcoholism or drug abuse. Please refer to the Massachusetts Community College Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan policy for additional information.
The College shall conduct a review of these policies and programs, and implement changes as necessary.

Civility In The Classroom

At times, the need may arise to seek assistance in matters of verbal or personality conflict on campus. If this happens, there are guidelines to follow in which the ultimate attempt is at conflict resolution. The suggestions are listed in priority order (chain-of-command) in an effort to facilitate the best outcome.

Student-to-student:

Try to discuss problem, rationally, with other student. If there is a threat of danger, seek assistance from Campus Police. (Dial 3911.)
Alert professor to problem.
If the problem persists, bring the issue to the Dean of Student Affairs attention. This might include filing a complaint against the harassing student.

Student-to-professor:

Try to discuss problem, rationally, with the professor.
If consensus with the professor cannot be reached, consult with the department Chairperson.
If the response is unsatisfactory, consult with the Dean of the department/School. (This person is different from the Dean of Student Affairs.)
If resolution is not reached, contact the Dean of Student Affairs.

Student Information Privacy Policy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 affords students certain rights with respect to their academic records. In compliance with the law the College has established the following policy:

All students, current and former, have a right to inspect and review their academic records. Requests to view information that is not available online to students must be made in writing to the Registrar’s Office. No confidential information (for example, students’ schedules, grades, GPA, etc.) is released over the telephone or without positive identification. The College will not release original documents contained within the student’s academic file to the student. When physical distance makes the examination of the records impractical, the College will provide to the student copies of the records. The College will respond to all requests to review records within 45 days.
Students have the right to request the amendment of their academic records to ensure they are not inaccurate, incomplete, misleading, or otherwise in violation of their privacy. Requests for amendment of records must be submitted in writing to the Registrar’s Office and will be reviewed by the College. If the College denies a student’s request to amend his/her record, the student has a right to a hearing.
Confidential student information, also referred to as “personally identifiable information,” shall not be released absent a student’s prior written consent unless an exception exists under the federal law. For example, school officials with a “legitimate educational interest” have access to students’ confidential records for a) internal educational purposes; b) routine administrative and statistical purposes; c) instructing and advising a student in an academic area; and d) emergency situations. These individuals include faculty, administrators, clerical and professional staff, and other persons who need student records information for the effective functioning of their office or position. “Confidential student records” include students’ grades, class schedules, disciplinary records, and all other non-directory information contained in a student’s record. No record of access will be kept if the obtained information is considered directory information, is required for normal clerical maintenance of a file, or is seen by College personnel in the normal performance of their responsibilities.
Directory (i.e., non-confidential) information includes:

Name
Address (incl. e-mail address)
Certificates/degrees earned (and dates of graduation)
Dates of attendance and enrollment status
Academic designations and awards (e.g., Dean’s List, academic scholarships, etc)

This information may be released by the College without a student’s prior written consent. Students may elect to withhold directory information by contacting the Registrar’s Office in writing.

Generally schools must have written permission from the eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions:

School officials with legitimate educational interest;
Other schools to which a student is transferring;
Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
Accrediting organizations;
To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena
Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies.

Notwithstanding the College's definition of directory information, the Department of Defense (the “DOD”), pursuant to the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (the “Solomon Amendment”), identifies the following information as “student recruiting information”: NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE LISTING, AGE, PLACE OF BIRTH, LEVEL OF EDUCATION (e.g., freshman, sophomore), DEGREE AWARDED, MOST RECENT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION ATTENDED, and CURRENT MAJOR(S) If the College receives a request for student recruiting information from the DOD, or one of its affiliated agencies, the College will release the student recruiting information requested. Because the information sought by the DOD may include information not designated as directory information under the College’s policy, compliance with the DOD’s request may result in the release of personally identifiable information. When student recruiting information is released pursuant to a DOD request, notice of the request and the release of the information will be posted in a conspicuous location in the College's Registrar's Office for a period equaling one academic year. If a student has exercised his/her right to request that no information be designated as directory information, then no information shall be released to any third party, including the DOD.
Students have a right to file a complaint with the US Department for Education concerning alleged failures of the College to comply with FERPA.

USA Patriots Act

Following the September 2001 terrorist attacks, the United States Congress passed and President Bush signed the U.S.A. Patriots Act. The law institutes a number of measures aimed at strengthening America's defenses against terrorism. The Patriot Act amends several provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) by providing the United States Attorney General, or his/her designee, with access to student record information when said request is in connection with an investigation or prosecution of terrorism crimes. The Attorney General's request for student record information shall take the form of a court order authorizing the Attorney General's access to such information for the purpose stated above. The Act further provides that a College need not make a record of the disclosure in the student's file, as FERPA ordinarily requires. Contact the Registrar's Office for additional information on the U.S.A. Patriots Act.

Campus Grounds Smoking Policy

I. POLICY

Be it enacted that:

smoking or holding a lit cigarette in the following areas on campus be prohibited:
1. The back of Building 2 (non-"green" side).
2. Under/near the overhang in the back of Building 13 (non-"green" side);
3. Under/near the overhang in the back of Building 17 (non-"green" side).
signs be placed on or by each entrance door located in areas defined in (a) saying the following:

NO SMOKING
THIS SIDE OF BUILDING
The first line will be in a larger font than the last two lines.

II. EVALUATION OF POLICY

Policy will be evaluated after the Spring Semester of 2004 by Administrative Services and the Student Government, or after Fall Semester of 2004, or any time immediately after the policy has been in effect a full continuous Fall or Spring semester for the first time.

III. ENFORCEMENT

The policy will be governed by Article III: Proscribed Conduct, Section b. 8 of the Springfield Technical Community College Student Handbook, covering the

"Violation of published College policies, rules or regulations."

Student violators should be brought to the attention of the Dean of Students.

IV. FURTHER ACTION

Possibility of review of other campus areas in need of consideration to remain open.

Hazing Law

Massachusetts General Law Chapter 269, Sections 17, 18, 19 (St. 1985, Chapter 536)

269:19. Notification by Schools of Hazing Law; Report by Schools Disciplinary Policy.
[Text as amended by 1987. 665 effective April 4, 1988. For text effective until April 4, 1988, see 1986 Edition.]

Section 19. Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of post secondary education shall issue to every student group, student team or student organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen: provided, however, that an institution's compliance with this section's requirements that an institution issue copies of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution's recognition or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations.

Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges or applicants for membership. It shall be the duty of each such group, team or organization, acting through its designated officer, to deliver annually, to the institution an attested acknowledgement stating that such group, team or organization has of this section and said sections seventeen and eighteen, that each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a copy of sections seventeen and eighteen, and that such group, team or organization understands and agrees to comply with the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each person who enrolls as a full time student in such institution a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education shall file, at least annually, a report with the regents of higher education and in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education and in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education, certifying that such institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student groups, teams or organizations and to notify each full time student enrolled by it of the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen and also certifying that said institution has adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the organizer and participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set forth with appropriate emphasis in the student handbook or similar means of communicating the institution's policies to its students. The board of regents and, in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such reports, and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution which fails to make such report.

269:17 Hazing Prohibited; Definition; Penalties.
[Text as amended by 1987, 665 effective April 4, 1988. For text effective until April 4, 1988, see 1986 Edition]

Section 17. Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment.

The term "hazing" as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest of extended isolation.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.

269:18 Failure to Report Hazing; Penalty.
[Text as amended by 1987, 665 effective April 4, 1988. For text effective until April 4, 1988, see 1986 Edition.

Section 18. Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.