Student Services: General Policies and Procedures

Introduction

Student conduct in the environment of an institution of higher learning is expected to be exemplary at all times. The regulations listed within the Code of Student Conduct pertain to students and student life at Bossier Parish Community College. The Code of Student Conduct is promulgated by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services under the power and authority delegated by the Board of Louisiana Community and Technical College Supervisors and through the Chancellor of the College. The Chancellor has delegated the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services and the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs as the agencies responsible for the administration of discipline at Bossier Parish Community College.

In support of the mission of BPCC, the College expects its students, student organizations, and all members of the College community to respect the rights of others, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Louisiana and to obey all federal, state, and local laws, the rules and regulations of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Supervisors and of Bossier Parish Community College.

BPCC affirms the rights of a student to fair and reasonable resolution of problems, which may accompany the condition of his/her enrollment. The handling of discipline on the College campus is not a criminal proceeding and will follow College procedures.

Each student is responsible for reading and obeying all rules outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. Regulations are designed to create and promote a wholesome educational environment, which includes honesty, integrity, citizenship, and interacting/communicating with others in a respectful and civil manner. To this means, the College condemns hate speech, as well as epithets and slurs based on race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, etc.

The Articles of Section One list the offenses which may be punished, whether they are committed by a student acting singly or with other students or by members of a student organization, whether the violation occurs on or off College property, and whether or not any action is taken by civil authorities.

Student organizations are accountable for any actions or activities by a member acting singly or in concert with others that result in a violation of conduct standards.

The College may also impose discipline sanctions if an off campus violation causes the student to be a clear and present danger or threat to the College community or deters the College from its purposes, function, or goals.

Students suspended and/or expelled from another college or university for disciplinary reasons may not be allowed to enroll in Bossier Parish Community College

Section I: Acts That Constitute Sanctionable Misconduct

1.1 – Failure to comply with behavioral standards of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System and Bossier Parish Community College, as well as failure to abide by local, state, and federal laws.

1.2 – Violation of the rights of individuals as established in the United States and Louisiana Constitutions.

1.3 – Verbal abuse in the form of “fighting words,” abusive messages either written, verbal, or by email, or words directed at an individual, which tend to incite an immediate breach of peace.

1.4 – Harassing conduct of any kind including acts based on race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, etc.

1.5 – Stalking, that is, the repeated following or harassing of another person accompanied by the making of a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death or serious injury.

1.6 – Cyber stalking, that is, use in electronic mail or electronic communication any words or language threatening to inflict bodily harm, physical injury to the property of, or extortion of money or other things of value to any person or the person’s family or dependents; use of electronic mail or electronic communication for the purpose of threatening, terrifying, or harassing any person; use of electronic mail or electronic communication to make false statements to any person or the person’s family or dependents with the intent to threaten, terrify, or harass.

1.7 – Bullying, that is, severe or repeated use by one or more individuals of written, verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act or gesture or exclusion directed at another individual. Bullying may cause physical or emotional harm, may create a hostile environment, and may infringe on a person’s rights, and/or may disrupt the campus environment.

1.8 – Physical abuse or threat thereof including acts of intimidation against any person or persons, or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any such person or persons including hazing, domestic violence or offensive touching.

1.9 – Sexual offenses, including offensive touching (sexual battery), nonconsensual intercourse (rape), and intercourse with a person who is not capable of giving consent due to some form of intoxication or who is otherwise incapable of giving consent.

1.10 – Disregard for the property rights of others including theft, larceny, embezzlement, fraud, the temporary taking or unauthorized use of the property of another (including the property of the College), and/or possession of stolen goods.

1.11 – Unauthorized entry or use of College facilities or any violation of College rules regarding the use of College property. Unauthorized use, access to, manipulation of, tampering with or duplication of any College computer hardware, software programs, and/or associated documentation including, but not limited to, telecommunications equipment, computer equipment, etc.

1.12 – Using the College’s computing resources for personal or financial gain; allowing non-college personnel access to computing resources on campus; displaying obscene, lewd, or sexually harassing images or text in use of the College’s computers; or modifying or copying records or data belonging to the College.

1.13 – Vandalism, malicious destruction, damage, defacing, misuse, or abuse of College, public, or private property, including learning commons materials, computer equipment and software, vending machines, and vehicles.

1.14 – Setting a fire on campus or campus-related premises without proper authority.

1.15 – The intentional making of a false report of a bomb, fire, or other emergency.

1.16 – Failure to comply with fire or safety procedures (including failure to evacuate for fires drills and weather alarms) whenever the alarm sounds.

1.17 – Falsification of academic records, identification cards, medical documentation, financial aid records, academic forgery, altering official academic documents, misusing College documents, or withholding information relating to admission, transfer credits, financial aid, academic status, disciplinary status, records, etc.

1.18 – Failure to answer a College summons or to appear for a discipline hearing as notified by College officials.

1.19 – Failure to meet any College-related financial obligation. Passing worthless checks in order to fulfill financial obligations.

1.20 – Participation in any group demonstration, sit-in, or disorderly conduct which disturbs the orderly activities and processes of the College.

1.21 – Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverage in any form on campus or while participating in a College activity or on a College-sponsored trip.

1.22 – Carrying a firearm, or dangerous weapon, by a student or non-student on school property, at school-sponsored functions or firearm-free zone. This includes ammunition, explosives, fireworks, or other dangerous substances or materials of any kind.

1.23 – Unauthorized or illegal possession, use, or transportation of narcotics, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogenic drugs, marijuana, or other illegal drugs on campus or while on a College-sponsored event or trip.

1.24 – Obstructing or restraining the passage of any person at an exit or entrance to the College campus or property.

1.25 – Academic misconduct, such as cheating or plagiarism (see Academic Misconduct policy).

1.26 – Personal conduct which does not comply with socially accepted behavior in the academic community (e.g. drunkenness, use of profanity, disorderly conduct, lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct).

1.27 -Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or College-authorized activities or events. Severe or repeated disruption of class/lab activities.

1.28 – Disobedience to lawful order or directive from campus police, an instructor in the classroom, and/or insubordination or disrespect to an instructor and/or administrator when they are functioning in their official capacity.

1.29 – Failure to provide a valid Student ID when requested by campus personnel acting in an official capacity.

1.30 – Disturbing the peace by unreasonable loud noise or behavior.

1.31 – Failure to display valid vehicle registration permit when on campus.

1.32 – Gambling of any type.

1.33 – Conviction of any criminal ordinances or laws.

1.34 – Excessive noise.

1.35 – Retaliation against any complainant, witness, or College employee.

1.36 – Violation of the Smoke-Free Campus policy.

1.37 – Violation of a student’s right to free expression.

1.38 – Failure to follow the requirement of wearing a mask during a mask mandate for the College.

1.39 – Failure to report a positive COVID-19 test to campus authorities.

1.40 – Repeated or accumulated violations of any part of the code.

1.41 – Any violation of the subsections listed in the Code of Student Conduct may result in a student being required to appear before the Disciplinary Hearing Committee.

Section II: Academic Misconduct

General

Academic misconduct represents a most serious type of student misconduct; therefore, the College must make a determined effort to prevent its occurrence. The College must also develop policies and procedures that assure students of due process protection when academic misconduct is alleged and that provide meaningful and consistent sanctions for students found guilty of academic misconduct.

Equal treatment guaranteed to students by the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution requires that the same College policies, procedures, and practices be used to consider all allegations of academic misconduct and also requires the imposing of “like sanctions for like violations” on all students found guilty of academic misconduct. This obligation of the College can be fulfilled only if each instructor reports all suspected academic misconduct to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services in accordance with the provisions of this Code.

Students may be asked to sign a Student Honor Code in each class at the beginning of each semester. The Student Honor Code is as follows:

I, (student name), agree to abide by the BPCC policies and procedures as stated in the Student Handbook regarding types of academic misconduct, the disciplinary sanctions for academic misconduct, and the due process procedures. I agree that all assignments that I do for this course, including tests, will be my own and that I will neither give nor receive any unauthorized assistance.

Types of Academic Misconduct

Although all academic misconduct is wrong, premeditated acts of academic misconduct represent a greater threat to the integrity of the College than do unpremeditated acts of academic misconduct. The following definitions of and distinctions between unpremeditated and premeditated academic misconduct are established.

Unpremeditated

Unpremeditated academic misconduct is an act of academic misconduct taken without advance contemplation, prior determination, or planning, or full understanding that the act is considered academic misconduct: e.g., on the spur-of-the-moment, seizing the opportunity to cheat; collaboration to a greater degree than is permitted in a particular situation; and careless or incomplete documentation of sources.

Premeditated

Premeditated academic misconduct is an act of academic misconduct which grows out of advance contemplation or meditation, prior deliberation, or planning which may, but not necessarily, include the preparation of a written plan or notes. Although prior thought and planning is requisite to premeditation, this prior thought and planning need not exist for any particular period of time before it is carried into effect.

For purposes of filing formal charges, each of the following offenses will normally be considered an act of academic misconduct:

• Copying from another student’s test;
• Allowing another student to copy from a test paper;
• Using unauthorized materials or documents. Having such forbidden material open in sight of the student will be considered prima facie evidence of use;
• Failing to thoroughly follow instructions related to the preparation and presentation of work submitted for credit in a manner that results in submitting as one’s own the work of another, or misleading faculty members as to the condition under which the work was prepared, e.g., working with another on a project that was to be done individually;
• Collaboration during a test with any person by giving or receiving information without authority;
• Using specially prepared materials, e.g., notes, formula lists or notes written on the student’s clothing or body, during a test. Bringing such forbidden material to a test will be considered prima facie evidence of use or attempted use;
• Using unapproved technology during a test, e.g., a smart watch, cell phone, or calculator;
• Stealing, buying, or otherwise obtaining all or part of an un-administered test, including answers to an un-administered test;
• Selling or giving away all or part of an un-administered test, including answers to an un-administered test;
• Bribing any other person to obtain an un-administered test or information about an un-administered test;
• Substituting for another student, or permitting any other person to substitute for oneself, to take a test;
• Submitting as one’s own, in fulfillment of academic requirements, any work such as, but not limited to, a theme, report, term paper, essay, computer software, other written work, painting, drawing, sculpture, or other scholastic art work prepared totally or in part by another;
• Any selling, giving, or otherwise supplying to another student for use in fulfilling academic requirements any theme, report, term paper, essay, computer software, other written or verbal work, painting, drawing, sculpture, or other scholastic art work;
• Breaking in and/or entering a building or office for the purpose of changing a grade in a grade book, on a test paper, or on other work for which a grade is given;
• Changing, altering, or being an accessory to changing and/or altering a grade in a grade book, on a test paper, on other work for which a grade is given, on a “drop slip,” or on other official academic records including computer files of the College which relate to grades;
• Proposing and/or entering into an arrangement with an instructor to receive a grade of “F” or any other reduced grade in a course, on a test, or any other assigned work instead of being charged with academic misconduct under the Code of Student Conduct;
• Plagiarism is defined as using another’s work as one’s own including words, ideas, or data of others, and/or information from the Internet. The source of this information must be acknowledged through complete, accurate, and specific footnote or comparable references, and, if word-for-word statements are included, through quotation marks as well. Failure to identify any source, published or unpublished, copyrighted or un-copyrighted, from which information, terms, phrases, or concepts have been taken, is plagiarism. Only universally available facts such as the date of Abraham Lincoln’s death are excluded from such documentation requirements. By placing his or her name on work submitted for credit, the student certifies the originality of all work not otherwise identified in references;
• Attempting to commit, or being an accessory to the commission of, an offense listed above.

Instructions for Documenting Alleged Acts of Academic Misconduct

If an alleged act of academic misconduct occurs in a class, the following due process steps will be followed:

1. The instructor will verbally or electronically (e-mail) notify the student of the alleged charges and evidence against the student, will promptly complete an Academic Misconduct Student Notification Form, and will document all evidence. The instructor will give the form to the instructor’s supervisor.
2. The instructor’s supervisor will schedule a meeting with the student and the instructor and will present a copy of the Academic Misconduct Student Notification Form to the student. Failure of the student to attend this meeting will be interpreted as an admission of guilt. In cases concerning distance education students, the meeting may be held via phone conference or via an online venue such as Skype. The student will be given the opportunity to refute the charges. The instructor and the instructor’s supervisor will then jointly determine if the charges are justified or are to be dismissed, and will complete the Academic Misconduct Student Counseling Form.
3. If the charges are to be dismissed, the instructor’s supervisor will so note on the Academic Misconduct Student Counseling Form. The instructor’s supervisor will keep a copy of the Academic Misconduct Student Counseling Form in the division office files.
4. If the charges are deemed to be justified, the student will be advised of the disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed for the academic misconduct. The student may accept the sanction(s) or may request a meeting with the Vice Chancellor for Student Services. The instructor’s supervisor will then send a copy of the Academic Misconduct Student Counseling Form to the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services for further review.

Disciplinary Sanction for Academic Misconduct

Sanctions for Academic Misconduct

After an Academic Misconduct Student Counseling Form is filed by the instructor, the following sanctions for acts of academic misconduct may be imposed upon students participating in academic courses for credit or audit at BPCC by the instructor of record for the student:

• Probation and a “0” on the assignment/test will be given.
• Removal from the course in which the academic misconduct has occurred. A letter grade of “F” in the course will be given.

The following sanctions for acts of academic misconduct may be imposed upon students in academic courses for credit or audit at BPCC only by decision of the Academic Misconduct Appeals Committee within the venue of an Academic Misconduct Appeals hearing:

• Separation from the College for one semester. A letter grade of “F” in the course will be given.
• Separation from the College for not less than two semesters or more than two calendar years. A letter grade of “F” in the course will be given.
• Expulsion from the College. A letter grade of “F” in the course will be given. This action must be approved by the Chancellor.

Assignment of Grade

If a student is charged with academic misconduct, and the case cannot be handled administratively or considered by the Academic Misconduct Appeals Committee prior to the final date for filing a semester grade, the instructor bringing the charge shall report an “I” grade in the course in which the alleged academic misconduct occurred. If the student is found not guilty, a permanent grade will be assigned to remove the “I” grade on the basis of the quality of work done in the course. If the student is found guilty of academic misconduct, the sanction determined by the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services and/or the Academic Misconduct Appeals Committee will be applied.

Permanent Separation from the College

When separation from the College is the imposed sanction, students will receive an “F” in the course in which the academic misconduct has occurred. All other courses will be dropped and a “W” grade will be assigned.

Due Process for Academic Misconduct

Applicable Geographical Jurisdiction

College disciplinary action shall be taken only for academic misconduct which takes place in the following areas or situations:

• College-owned or controlled property, all other remote sites, and all electronic learning venues.
• Divisions and programs may also establish conduct standards for the student-department relationship, as long as these standards are consistent with the provisions of the Code of Student Conduct.

1. The Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services may dispose of the alleged academic misconduct as being unfounded, may impose administrative sanctions 1 – 2 without a hearing, or may refer the alleged violation to the Academic Misconduct Appeals Committee (a sub-committee of the Disciplinary Hearing Committee) for a formal hearing.
2. The Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services will notify the student either orally or in writing of the date, time, and place of the hearing. The notice shall sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the student at the address appearing in official College records, or the notice may be sent via email. The notice will direct the student to appear before the Academic Misconduct Appeals Committee on the date, time, and place specified for the hearing. The notice will specify a hearing date no fewer than three, but not more than ten, working days after the receipt of the letter.
3. Prior to the hearing, the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services will inform the student of the following rights of due process:
   1. The student defendant has the right to a closed hearing.
   2. The student defendant has the right to appear at the hearing alone or with an advisor or friend. The advisor or friend may advise the student defendant but may not address the Committee.
   3. The student defendant has the right to argue on his/her behalf.
4. The Chair of the Academic Misconduct Appeals Committee will inform the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services in writing of the outcome of the hearing.
5. Students may not contact committee members concerning the results of the hearing.  Any student contacting a committee member will be subject to disciplinary action. 
6. The Chair of the Academic Misconduct Appeals Committee or the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services’ designee will inform the student of the outcome of the hearing.
7. The student defendant has the right to appeal the decision of guilt or any sanction resulting from it to the Chancellor of the College by submitting a written appeal within four (4) working days of the decision of the Committee.

Section III: Disciplinary Policies and Procedures

The Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services is responsible for administration of student discipline including, but not limited to all academic misconduct cases and student discipline for College Transition Programs.

Initiation of Discipline Proceedings

3.1 – When the Vice Chancellor receives information alleging that a student(s) has violated any rule or regulation of this Code, the Board of Supervisors, the College, or its various divisions, the Vice Chancellor shall investigate the alleged violation.

3.2 – The Vice Chancellor may summon a student (either orally or in writing) to appear in connection with an alleged violation. The summons shall direct the student to appear at a specified date, time, and place.

3.3 – A student who fails, without good cause, to comply with a summons or letter of notice issued by the Vice Chancellor may be charged with a violation of Sub-section 1.18; and may be placed on disciplinary probation, temporarily suspended, or barred against readmission.

3.4 – The Vice Chancellor may dispose of a violation as being unfounded, may impose administrative sanctions without a hearing, or may refer the violation to a formal disciplinary hearing or formal academic misconduct hearing.

Definitions

3.5 – Student: any person enrolled in academic classes (full-time, part-time, audit, or credit).

3.6 – College employee: any person employed by the College including student employees.

3.7 – College facilities: all lands, buildings, and facilities owned, leased, or controlled by the College.

3.8 – College activity, event, or trip: any activity, event, or trip that is sponsored by the College or any division/organization of the College.

3.9 – Disciplinary Hearing Committee: committee composed of four faculty/staff members, and three student members appointed by the SGA. The initiating administrator is an ex-officio member only. A quorum consists of five members of the committee, two of whom must be students and two of whom must be faculty/staff. Because Academic Misconduct is considered a behavioral issue, the Disciplinary Committee will hear Academic Misconduct cases.

Sanctions

Discipline sanctions may be imposed in response to sanctionable misconduct committed by students or a student organization. The purpose of imposing sanctions is to promote educational and social development of the student and the College community, to provide appropriate penalties, and to deter other acts of misconduct which thwarts the aims, purposes, and policies of the institution.

No refund or credit of tuition, fees, or other costs associated with attendance of the College will be made to students when discipline sanctions are imposed which result in the student’s being deprived privileges and/or access to services.

In the case of serious violations, a notation of the discipline matter will be placed on a student’s transcript until it is cleared. In case of dismissal from the College, the record is permanent.

Discipline records are confidential in accordance with federal and state laws. The contents of the student discipline record may not be released to anyone not associated with campus discipline except upon written approval of the student or a court-ordered subpoena.

Administrative Sanctions

The initiating administrator may dispose of a violation by imposing any of the following sanctions without a hearing:

3.10 – Written Reprimand: from the appropriate administrator to the student on whom the penalty is imposed, placed in the student’s permanent discipline record.

3.11 – Warning probation: written notification that further violations of any sub-section of this code will result in more severe discipline action. Warning probation may be imposed for a period of not more than one calendar year.

3.12 – Disciplinary probation: written notification that further violations of any sub-section of this code may result in suspension. The terms of disciplinary probation shall be determined by the Vice Chancellor.

3.13 – Suspension of privileges: prohibits participation in or attendance at certain events, activities, or class/lab; restricts specific campus student privileges.

3.14 – Community Service: assigned a specific number of hours of service.

3.15 – Restitution: repair or replacement of property damaged.

3.16 – Fines: monetary fines to fit the particular case. If the fine is not paid, it remains on the student’s record as an indebtedness to the College, which then renders the student ineligible to register for subsequent semesters.

3.17 – Cancellation of registration and/or denial of credit may be imposed in cases where the student is found guilty of withholding and/or falsifying information relating to the student’s admission, transfer credits, academic status, records, etc.

3.18 – Suspension: may be used by the Vice Chancellor in the event of a threat of safety to the College community or if a student refuses to answer a summons.

3.19 – Expulsion: may be used by the Chancellor and/or the Disciplinary Hearing Committee in the event of a threat of safety to the college community. Most violations and infractions of behavioral standards are dealt with by administrative sanctions. 

Readmission Procedure for Involuntary Removals

A student may be involuntarily removed (suspension/expulsion) from the College in the event the student becomes a threat to the health and safety of the campus community. This does not apply to instructor initiated withdrawals due to non-attendance. If the student chooses to seek possible readmission, the student must petition for readmission in writing to the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services no later than the semester prior to the semester in which the student wishes to reenroll. The student is not allowed to reenroll the semester immediately following the involuntary removal.

The student must submit or agree to one or more of the following:

• A meeting with the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services or her/his designee.
• A full mental health evaluation, if applicable, signed and validated by a licensed mental health professional.
• Court records, if applicable, showing adjudication of criminal charges.
• Submission to a background check.
• A signed Conduct Contract submitted to the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Services.

Once the document(s) are submitted, the student may be allowed to readmit by the Chancellor or the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services, OR, the student may be required to appear before the Disciplinary Hearing Committee or the Threat Assessment Team to appeal for readmission.

If, after being readmitted, the student once again becomes a threat to the health and safety of the campus community, the student will be removed from the College and will not be allowed to reenroll for any future semesters.

Section IV: Disciplinary Hearing Procedures

In disciplinary cases involving a formal hearing before the Disciplinary Hearing Committee, the hearing is informal and will be closed. All deliberations of the committee are private. The standard of guilt is whether it is more likely than not that the violation occurred. The vote is by a simple majority vote of the members present.

Notice of Hearing

4.1 – The Vice Chancellor shall notify the student either orally or in writing, of the date, time, and place for the hearing and of the precise charges which have been lodged against him or her, stating where, when, and how the alleged violation occurred and citing the section(s) of the Code which were allegedly violated.

4.2 – The notice shall direct the student(s) to appear before the committee on the date, time, and place specified for the hearing.

4.3 – The notice shall be sent via email.

4.4 – The notice shall specify a hearing date no fewer than three, not more than ten, work days after the receipt of the notice.

4.5 – In the event a student defendant does not respond to an email or voicemail message, and/or does not appear at the hearing at the specified time and place, the student defendant will relinquish his/her rights to serve as the student defendant and to present his/her information to the committee, and the hearing will continue as scheduled. The student defendant will be notified of the decision of the Committee by the Chair of Disciplinary Hearing Committee or the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services’ designee.

Rights of the Student Defendants and Victims

4.6 – The student defendant and victim shall be informed of the due process rights as outlined below.

4.7 – The student defendant and the victim have the right to a closed hearing.

4.8 – The student defendant and the victim have the right to appear at the hearing alone or with an advisor or friend. The advisor or friend may advise the defendant or victim but may not address the committee, witnesses, or other parties. Failure on the part of the advisor or friend to follow 4.8 will result in the advisor or friend being removed from the hearing immediately.

4.9 – The student defendant has the right to know what documentary evidence will be offered against him/her.

4.10 – The student defendant and the Vice Chancellor have the right to offer evidence.

4.11 – The student defendant has the right to argue on behalf of himself or herself.

4.12 – The Committee members have the right to cross-examine each witness who will testify.

4.13 – The Committee members have the right to call/interview anyone not involved in the hearing who may have information that helps in the deliberation process.

4.14 – The student will be notified by the Chair of the Disciplinary Hearing Committee or the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services’ designee regarding finding of guilt or innocence and sanction imposed, if any.

4.15 – Students may not contact committee members concerning the results of the hearing.  Any student contacting a committee member will be subject to disciplinary action.

4.16 – Victims of cases involving violence will be informed of the outcome of the hearing and subsequent appeals.

4.17 – BPCC will, upon written request, disclose to the alleged victim of a crime of violence or, a non-forcible sex offense, the report on the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by BPCC against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such crime or offense. If the alleged victim is deceased because of such crime or offense, the next of kin of such victim shall be entitled to the results of any disciplinary proceeding regarding to the crime.

4.18 – Victims and respondents in cases of sexual misconduct will be informed of the outcome of the hearing and subsequent appeals.

4.19 – The student defendant has the right to appeal the decision of guilt or any sanction resulting there from.

4.20 – The Chair of the Disciplinary Hearing Committee and/or the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services may postpone the hearing for cause.

Disciplinary Hearings Committee Sanctions

4.21 -Any administrative sanction listed above.

4.22 – Suspension: forced withdrawal from the College for a specified period of time.

4.23 – Expulsion: permanent, forced withdrawal from the College.

4.24 – Bar Against Readmission: written notification issued to a student who has left the College that he/she will not be allowed to re-enroll until the pending discipline matter has been resolved. The penalty terminates on clearance of the discipline matter. This sanction may also be imposed in cases of severe disciplinary infractions and/or in the event of a threat of safety to the College community. Students may appeal to the Disciplinary Hearing Committee for readmission to the College after one year.

Section V: Appeal Procedures

1. The student has the right to request to appeal the decision of guilt or any sanction imposed if any of the following apply: procedural error occurred; insufficient evidence to support the charge(s); sanctions imposed were inappropriate; information discovered that indicates that the administrator or committee members were not impartial. The appeal is based on the records of the investigation/hearing. No new evidence may be presented.
2. The student may issue an appeal by submitting the written appeal to the appropriate administrator within four (4) working days after notice of the sanction has been given (either verbally or written) to the student. A student may issue a written appeal as follows:

• • Decision of the instructor to the academic dean of the appropriate academic area.
  • Decision of the academic dean to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
  • Decision of administrative sanction to the Disciplinary Hearing Committee.
  • Decision of Disciplinary Hearing Committee to College Chancellor.

3. The LCTCS will allow for appeal of grievances to the Board of Supervisors of the LCTCS after all due process procedures at the institutional level are exhausted. If a student chooses to appeal to the LCTCS Board, the appeal must be within 30 calendar days of the institution’s decision. The System staff shall then review the due process proceedings followed by the institution and submit recommendations to the LCTCS Board.

   Louisiana Community and Technical College System
   265 S. Foster Drive
   Baton Rouge, LA 70806-4104
   225-922-2800

Introduction

BPCC affirms the rights of students to fair and judicial resolution of problems which may accompany conditions of their enrollment. Toward this end, the College maintains informal and open access to instructors and administrators as an avenue by which grievances may be discussed.

Section I: Definitions

1.1 – Grievance – Defined as an expression of alleged unfair or inequitable treatment with respect to the application of policy, procedure, or regulation.

1.2 –Discrimination Complaint – Written complaint alleging any policy, procedure, or practice that discriminates on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

1.3 – Student Grievant/Complainant – Individual enrolled in academic courses part-time, full-time, “credit,” or audit who files the grievance.

1.4 – Applicant Grievant (under ADA) – Applicant for admission to postsecondary education who submits a complaint alleging discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

1.5 – Respondent – Person alleged to be responsible for the violation.

1.6 – Day – Working days in which the College is open for business, excluding holidays and week-ends.

1.7 – Title VI, Section 504, and ADA Coordinator – Person(s) designated to coordinate efforts to comply with and carry out responsibilities under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other state and federal laws addressing equal educational opportunity:

Coordinator for Section 504 and ADA
Angie Cao, Assistant Director of Student Services
Disability Services, F254, 6220 East Texas Street, Bossier City, LA 71111
Phone number: 318-678-6511
Email: acao@bpcc.edu
Days/hours available: Monday – Friday — 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

1.8 – Compliance Coordinator – Person responsible for processing complaints who serves as moderator and recorder during hearings:

Equity/Compliance Coordinator
Title IX Coordinator
ADA Coordinator for Employees
Tierney “Teri” Bashara, Director of Human Resources
Human Resources Office, A-105
6220 East Texas Street
Bossier City, LA 71111
Phone: 318-678-6056
Hours: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, excluding holidays and weekends.

1.9 – Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Athletics – Person responsible for processing complaints concerning Title IX as it applies to Athletics.

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Athletics
Amanda Nordberg, Head Coach Softball/Athletic Director
Athletic Department, I-164
6220 East Texas Street, Bossier City, LA 71111
Phone: 318-678-6320
Email: anordberg@bpcc.edu
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, excluding holidays and weekends.

1.10 – Chancellor’s Designee – Person authorized by the Chancellor to hear appeals concerning student grievances listed as follows:

• Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs in cases involving members of the faculty.
• Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services in cases involving students.
• Vice Chancellor for External Affairs & Chief of Staff in cases involving professional and support staff members.

Section II: Discrimination Grievances (Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA)

A. Informal Pre-Filing Procedures

Prior to filing a formal grievance, the student is encouraged to make a reasonable effort to resolve the problem informally. The College is committed to making every effort possible to resolve issues in this informal manner. A grievance must be lodged with the proper authority within thirty (30) days from the date of the alleged violation.

2.1 – Student requests a resolution and/or corrective action from the Title VI, Section 504, and ADA Coordinator.

Coordinator for Section 504 and ADA
Angie Cao, Assistant Director of Student Services
Disability Services, F254, 6220 East Texas Street, Bossier City, LA 71111
Phone number: 318-678-6511
Email: acao@bpcc.edu
Days/hours available: Monday – Friday — 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

2.2 – Student may choose to bypass Bossier Parish Community College grievance procedures and file a complaint with the appropriate office of civil rights.

Office of Civil Rights
701 Loyola Avenue, Suite 600
New Orleans, LA 70113
Phone: 504-589-2329

B. Formal Filing Procedures

2.3 – Student files a written grievance. Grievance Forms are also available from the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services and/or the Office of Human Resources.

Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services Dr. Teresa Jones	Equity/Compliance Coordinator
A-221 6220 East Texas Street Bossier City, LA 71111 Phone 318-678-6310 Hours: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, excluding holidays and weekends.	Tierney “Teri” Bashara, Director of Human Resources Human Resources Office, A-105 6220 East Texas Street Bossier City, LA 71111 Phone: 318-678-6056 Hours: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, excluding holidays and weekends.

2.4 – Student grievant submits written grievance to the Compliance Coordinator and/or Chancellor’s Designee within ten (10) days after the attempt at informal resolution has failed. The grievance must include name, nature, and date of alleged violation; names of persons responsible (where known); and requested action.

2.5 – Compliance Coordinator notifies respondent within ten (10) days and asks respondent to:

• Confirm or deny facts;
• Indicate acceptance or rejection of student’s or applicant’s requested action; and/or
• Outline alternatives.

2.6 – Within ten (10) days, respondent submits answer to the Compliance Coordinator.

2.7 – Within ten (10) days after receiving respondent’s answer, the Compliance Coordinator refers the written compliant and the respondent’s answer to the Chancellor’s Designee as defined in Section 1.9.

The Chancellor’s Designee will review the written complaint and the respondent’s answer and make a written recommendation to the Compliance Coordinator for one of the following:

• Dismissal of the grievance based upon inadequate evidence.
• Acceptance of the complainant’s requested action(s).
• Referral of the grievance to a hearing.

2.8 – If the recommendation of the Chancellor’s Designee is to dismiss the grievance without a hearing, the Chancellor’s Designee will send this decision in writing to the Compliance Coordinator. The Compliance Coordinator will respond to the grievant in writing within ten (10) days as to the decision of the Chancellor’s Designee.

2.9 – If the recommendation of the Chancellor’s Designee is to refer the grievance to a hearing, the process will be as follows:

• The Compliance Coordinator will schedule a hearing within ten (10) days with the grievant, the respondent, and the Chancellor’s Designee as defined in Section 1.10.
• The Compliance Coordinator will conduct the hearing.
• Within ten (10) days after the hearing, the Chancellor’s Designee will issue a written decision to the student and to the Compliance Coordinator.

2.10 – If the grievant or respondent is not satisfied with the Chancellor’s Designee’s decision, he/she must notify the Compliance Coordinator within ten (10) days and must submit a written appeal to the Chancellor.

2.11 – The Chancellor will review the written appeal, and every effort will be made to resolve all appeals within 30 business days of the formal request for appeal.

2.12 – If the grievant or respondent is not satisfied with the Chancellor’s decision, he/she must notify the Compliance Coordinator within ten (10) days and must request a hearing with the Governing Board*.

2.13 – Within ten (10) days after receiving the request, the Compliance Coordinator notifies the Governing Board to establish a hearing date. The hearing is to be conducted within thirty (30) days from the date of notification to the Governing Board.

*Board of Supervisors
Louisiana Community and Technical College System
Attn. Human Resources
265 S. Foster Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806-4104
Phone: 225-922-2800

2.14 – The Governing Board or its hearing panel establishes and conducts the hearing.

2.15 – After the hearing, the Governing Board issues a final, written decision regarding the validity of the grievance and any action to be taken.

Section III: Complaints (other than appeals of academic standing or reported grade and discrimination)

A. Informal Procedures

A complaint must be lodged with the proper authority within thirty (30) days from the date of the alleged violation. No student may appeal to the higher authority until he/she has exhausted all prior appeals.

3.1 – When feasible, the student should try to personally approach the faculty/staff member involved in an attempt to resolve the issue.

3.2 – Student must request a review of the issue with the appropriate academic dean or Department Supervisor under whom the faculty/staff member is employed.

3.3 – After reasonable effort to resolve the issue informally, the student complainant may proceed by completing Student Complaint Form and moving to a more formal procedure.

B. Formal Procedures

Student Complaint Forms are also available from the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services and/or the Office of Human Resources.

3.4 – Student submits to the Vice Chancellor, under whom the faculty/staff member is employed, a written complaint within ten (10) days after the attempt at informal resolution has failed. The written complaint must include a copy of the informal complaint information, including the student complainant’s name, nature, and date of alleged violation; names of persons responsible (where known); name, dates, and results of the unsuccessful informal procedures.

3.5 – The student complainant may request a formal hearing from the Student Complaint Committee, which is a subcommittee of the Disciplinary Hearing Committee. The Student Complaint Committee will convene within ten (10) days to render a decision.

3.6 – The decision of the Student Complaint Committee may be appealed to the Chancellor within ten (10) days of the Committee’s decision. The Chancellor is the final appeal on campus.

3.7 – Procedures and information on appeals to the Governing Board may be addressed to:

Board of Supervisors
Louisiana Community and Technical College System
265 S. Foster Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806-4104
Phone: 225-922-2800

3.8 – The Governing Board will issue a decision regarding the validity of the complaint and any action to be taken.

3.9 – BPCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Commission on Colleges. The Commission reviews complaints submitted by students, faculty, and other members of the public about its member institutions. Persons wishing to file a complaint against Bossier Parish Community College may access information and a complaint form. It is the responsibility of the complainant first to attempt to resolve the matter with the institution.

3.10 – Complaint Process for Students from a SARA Member State:

BPCC participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement. Students from other SARA-approved states should refer to the following documents for the appropriate complaint procedure:

• Board of Regent’s SARA Student Complaint Process
• Board of Regent’s SARA Student Complaint Form

Complaint Process for Students from a State That Is Not a Member of SARA:

This list provides phone number, emails and/or links to state education agencies.

Section IV: General Provisions

4.1 – Complaint records will remain confidential unless permission is given by the parties involved to release such information.

4.2 – BPCC will not tolerate any type of discipline or retaliation, direct or indirect, against any person who, in good faith, files a complaint or responds to questions in regard to having witnessed a prohibited incident.

4.3 – False charges are treated as serious offenses and may result in disciplinary action.

Student Conduct and Appeal Procedures

Harassment, including sexual harassment, is prohibited by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Office for Civil Rights, and state regulations (R.S.23:301,312,332), and therefore, it is the policy of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Board of Supervisors and Bossier Parish Community College that unlawful harassment of employees and students is prohibited.

Harassment is physical, verbal, and visual conduct that creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile environment, which interferes with work/academic performance. This includes harassment because of race, sex, sexual orientation, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability or medical condition, age, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation.

Sexual Harassment is defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature…when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment/academic success, (2) submission or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment/academic decisions affecting such individual, or (3) such conduct has the purpose and effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work/academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working/academic environment.

LCTCS applies this definition to the areas of academic advancement, academic standing, or academic performance.

Workplace/academic harassment infringes on employees/student’s rights to a comfortable work/academic environment and it is a form of misconduct that undermines the integrity of the employment/academic relationship. No employee/student, male or female, should be subjected to unsolicited and unwelcome overtures or conduct, either verbally, visually, physically, or electronically transmitted. Although this list is not all-inclusive, examples of conduct that is prohibited include:

• Taking any personnel/academic action on the basis of an employee’s/student’s submission to or refusal of sexual overtures
• Unwelcome or unwanted conversation
• Unwelcome or unwanted touching
• Continued or repeated verbal abuse of sexual nature
• Explicit or degrading verbal comments, suggestions, or slurs about another individual or his/her appearance
• Offensive comments regarding sexual or private matters
• Display of sexually suggestive pictures, objects
• Offensive jokes
• Verbal abuse, comments, names, or slurs that in any way relate to an individual’s race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, or disability
• Any other offensive or abusive physical, visual or verbal conduct

This policy applies to all members of the LCTCS Board of Supervisors, unclassified employees, students, supervisors, managers, faculty, vendors, and all other individuals doing business with LCTCS. It is the policy of LCTCS that no member of the LCTCS community may harass another. This includes harassment of an employee by another employee, of a student by an employee, of an employee by a student, of a student by another student. Additionally, under appropriate circumstances, LCTCS may take action to protect its employees and students from harassment, on LCTCS property, or at LCTCS sponsored events, by individuals who are not students or employees of LCTCS.

A complaint of harassment should be presented as promptly as possible after the alleged harassment occurs. Any employee who believes he/she is the subject of harassment or who has knowledge of harassing behavior must report such conduct to his/her direct supervisor, and the institution’s human resource department. All institutions are required to develop a system of recording all formal written complaints to be submitted and kept on file in the institution’s Chancellor’s office and in the office of the System President for LCTCS system office staff.

Any student who believes he/she is the subject of harassment or who has knowledge of harassing behavior must report such conduct to Student Services personnel. He/she also may submit a complaint to the institution’s Chancellor. No student or employee is required to report or make a complaint of harassment to the person who is allegedly engaging in the problematic conduct. In the event that an individual feels uncomfortable making a complaint at the institution level, such complaints may be made at the system level with the LCTCS Director of Human Resources (225-219-8700), Louisiana Community and Technical College System, 265 South Foster Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806. Each campus is required to provide to employees and students a copy of this policy and post a poster with contract list identifying individual names, titles, physical locations and telephone numbers where complaints may be filed.

Employee complaints of harassment should be reported to:

Teri Bashara, Director of Human Resources
Human Resources Office, A-105; Phone 318-678-6040

Student complaints of harassment should be reported to:

Vice Chancellor for Student Services, Karen Recchia
Student Services Office; Phone 678-6036
Chancellor Rick Bateman, A-233; Phone 318-678-6112

Complaints of harassment will be investigated promptly and in as impartial and confidential a manner as possible. A member of human resources will conduct investigations, unless otherwise deemed necessary, in order to assure an impartial and confidential investigation. LCTCS will not tolerate any type of discipline or retaliation, direct or indirect, against any employee or other person who, in good faith, files a complaint of or responds to questions in regard to having witnessed prohibited harassment. False charges are treated as serious offenses and may result in disciplinary and/or civil action.

Any employee/student or member of management who is found, after appropriate investigation to have engaged in harassing conduct is subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment and/or student standing per the institution’s current policies which govern students, the Code of Student Conduct.

See Also

• Personal Crisis Intervention Contact Information

In order to properly address issues that involve misappropriation of assets in accordance with R.S. 24:523, BPCC within the Louisiana Community and Technical College System has developed policy and procedures for reporting, in writing, any actual knowledge of the misappropriation of public funds or assets to the LCTCS director of internal audit.

Employees or students with any actual knowledge of the misappropriation of public funds or assets should report the information to the Chief of Campus Police. The Chief will investigate and determine the validity of the information of misappropriation. The BPCC Police Chief will provide the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services with the information. The VC of Enrollment Management and Student Services will notify the Associate VC of Finance and the Chancellor. The Chancellor will notify, in writing, the LCTCS director of internal audit as expediently as possible within formation of the misappropriation of assets.

In addition, the misappropriation will be reported, in writing,to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor (LLA) and the Bossier Parish District Attorney (DA) by the Chancellor.

Note: Policy located on BPCC’s website on Student Services page under General Policies and Procedures (type ‘Misappropriation’ in the search bar)

Recognizing and addressing bullying is paramount to ensuring a safe and healthy campus environment that is conducive to learning and that protects the rights of individuals. Bossier Parish Community College defines “bullying” as severe or repeated use by one or more individuals of written, verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act or gesture or exclusion directed at another individual. Bullying may cause physical or emotional harm, may create a hostile environment, and may infringe on a person’s rights, and/ or may disrupt the campus environment.

Any individual who believes that he/she is the subject of bullying or who has knowledge of bullying behavior immediately should report such conduct to Student Services personnel, faculty, staff, or Campus Police personnel. Complaints of bullying will be investigated promptly and in as impartial and confidential manner as possible. Retaliation against any individual reporting such conduct will not be tolerated.

Any individual who is found, after appropriate investigation, to have participated in bullying is subject to disciplinary action per the institution’s current policies which govern faculty, staff, and students.

Complaints of bullying may be reported to the following:

• Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Services: 318-678-6276
• Campus Police: 318-678-6013
• Campus Deans
• Any faculty or staff

The Board of Supervisors of the Louisiana and Community Technical College System (LCTCS) and Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) are committed to providing a supportive educational environment free from hazing, one that promotes its students’ mental and physical well-being, safety and respect for one’s self and others.  In accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 17:1801, 17:1801.1, 17:1805, 14:40.8, and 14.502, the Board of Regents’ Uniform Policy on Hazing Prevention and LCTCS Policy #2.003, BPCC shall prohibit hazing and take all reasonable measures to address hazing, including without limitation:  adoption of an effective policy; clear communication to campus organizations, students, and other stakeholders of laws and policies; and education and training.  BPCC shall take prompt and appropriate action to investigate and effectively discipline those accused of such conduct in a manner consistent with all applicable laws.

Definition of Hazing:

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act by a person acting along or acting with others that is directed against another when all of the following apply:

1. The person knew or should have known that such an act endangers the physical health or safety of the other person or causes severe emotional distress.
2. The act was associated with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, participating in, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.

Hazing includes but is not limited to any of the following acts associated with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, participating in, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization:

1. Physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, paddling, striking, branding, electric shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body or similar activity.
2. Physical activity, such as sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, or calisthenics, that subjects the other person to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the physical health or safety of the individual or causes severe emotional distress.
3. Activity involving consumption of food, liquid, or any other substance, including but not limited to an alcoholic beverage or drug, that subjects the individual to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the physical health or safety of the individual or causes severe emotional distress.
4. Activity that induces, causes, or requires an individual to perform a duty or task that involves the commission of a crime or an act of hazing.

Hazing shall not include a physical activity that is normal, customary, and necessary for a person’s training and participation in an athletic, physical education, military training, or similar program sanctioned by the College.

Consent is Not a Defense:

A student’s request to join or become a member of an organization is not consent to any form of hazing.  Further, a student’s acceptance to an invite or open enrollment to join is not consent to undergo hazing nor a defense for those accused of Hazing pursuant to this Policy.

Other Definitions:

Postsecondary education institution, education institution, or institution:

Any postsecondary education institution in the state of Louisiana supported wholly or in part by public funds.

Organization:

An association, corporation, order, society, corps, cooperative, club, service group, social group, band, spirit group, athletic team, or similar group whose members are primarily students at, or former students of, a postsecondary education institution, including the national or parent organization of which any of the underlying entities provided for in this definition is a sanctioned or recognized member at the time of the hazing.

Pledging:

Any action or activity related to becoming a member of an organization, including recruitment.  Pledging is the broader term related to the admission, initiation, joining, or any other group-affiliation activity on the basis of actual or perceived membership; pledging is not reserved solely for Greek organizations but, rather, applies to any student organization.

Appropriate Authority:

Any state or local law enforcement agency

A 911 Public Safety Answering Point as defined in Title 33of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

Emergency Medical Personnel.

Reckless Behavior:

An activity or behavior in which a reasonable person knew or reasonably should have known that the activity or behavior may result in injury to another, including but not limited to excessive consumption of alcohol, binge drinking, drag racing, consumption of any controlled dangerous substance, acts of hazing, or other similar activity.

Serious Bodily Injury:

Bodily injury that involves unconsciousness, extreme physical pain, or protracted and obvious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of that function of a bodily member, organ, mental faculty, death, or substantial risk of death.

Prohibition:

No student organization, athletic team, or individual shall employ a program of student initiation/pledge education or social events which includes hazing.  BPCC operates with a zero tolerance, and all alleged cases will be investigated.

Duty to Report:

It is the duty of all current or potential student organization members and any faculty or staff member to report as soon as practicable under the circumstances, any violation of this policy to the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services or designee in the case of students and to the Director of Human Resources in the case of employees who will report of the alleged act to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction in the place where the alleged act or acts of hazing occurred. The information reported to law enforcement shall include all details received by the College relative to the alleged incident, with no information being redacted, including the name of all individuals alleged to have committed the act or acts of hazing. The College should document in writing all actions taken with regard to the report including but not limited to the date the report was received, reports made to law enforcement, and any other information relative to the College’s investigation, processing, and resolution of the incident.  Failure to comply with the provisions of reporting may be subject to criminal penalties as outlined in Act 635 and Act 382.

Expectations for Violations:

In addition to potential criminal penalties related to hazing, any violation of this policy, including knowledge of and failure to report hazing activity, as soon as practicable under the circumstances, will result in expulsion, suspension, or dismissal, in the case of students, and may result in termination in the case of employees.  Students will not be permitted to return for at least one semester.  In addition, there will be a suspension of activities for a minimum of one academic year of any student organization that participates in hazing.  Individuals accused of violations of this policy will be adjudicated through the College’s codified student and/or employee judicial process and may be subject to criminal penalties as outlined in Act 635 and Act 382.

If any person serving as a representative or officer of an organization, including any representative, director, trustee, or officer of any national or parent organization of which any of the underlying entities as recognized in this Policy is a sanctioned or recognized member at the time of hazing, knew and failed to report to law enforcement that one or more of the organization’s members were hazing another person, the organization may be subject to penalties under R.S. 14:40.8.

Publication and Dissemination:

College policies on hazing shall be published on college and student organization websites and included in the Student Handbook and Code of Student Conduct. https://www.bpcc.edu/current-students/student-handbook

Duty to Seek Assistance:

In accordance with Act 637 of 2018, codified as R.S. 14:502, all members of the campus community who are at the scene of an emergency and who know that another person has suffered bodily injury caused by an act of hazing shall, to the extent that the person can do so without danger or peril to self or others, give reasonable assistance to the injured person. In addition, any person who engages in reckless behavior that results in the serious bodily injury of any person shall, to the extent that the person can do so without danger or peril to self or others, give reasonable assistance to the person. Reasonable assistance includes immediately seeking or reporting the need for medical assistance from an appropriate authority as defined above.

Criminal Penalties Applicable to Failure to Seek Assistance:

Any person who violates R.S. 14:502, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars, imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than one year or both.

Any person who violates R.S. 14:502, and the serious bodily injury results in the death of the person shall be fined not more than two thousand dollars, imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than five years, or both.

Authority of Campus Police

BPCC’s Campus Police, by authority of R.S. 14:40.8, have the right to carry concealed weapons and to exercise the power of arrest when discharging their duties for alleged acts of hazing committed by members of an organization that is organized and operating at the College, regardless of the location where the alleged acts occurred.  Campus Police have the authority to discharge their duties off campus when investigating a crime of criminal hazing committed off campus by members of an organization that is organized and operating at the College.

Education, Awareness, and Prevention:

BPCC provides education, awareness, and prevention activities for hazing that include but are not limited to the following:

1. Participation in National Hazing Prevention Week each September.
2. Inclusion in new faculty/staff orientation.
3. Policy posting on Canvas for students and employees.
4. A one-hour mandatory hazing course via CANVAS for student organization members, prospective members, student organization volunteers, and student organization employees.

E. Educational information on the dangers of and prohibition on hazing provided either in person or electronically to new students and parents of minor students.

Acts of discriminatory or derogatory nature in relation to race, sex, ethnic background, religious beliefs, age, and physical condition will not be tolerated. Students who believe that they have been subjected to discriminatory and/or derogatory acts may report the incidents to the Vice Chancellor for Student Services.

Although Bossier Parish Community College does not have an official policy concerning dress code, the students, faculty, and staff of the College take pride in exhibiting an appropriate and professional appearance while on campus and while representing the College. Therefore, all BPCC students are expected to dress in an appropriate manner while on campus, while in the classroom, and while representing the College within the community.

Food and/or drinks are not allowed in the theater, classrooms, laboratories, learning commons, and other instructional support areas. Events requiring refreshments in these areas require prior approval from the director of the designated area.

Cell phones and other electronic devices are not to be used in the classroom without the instructor’s permission. Refer to the course Section Information Sheet for specific guidelines.

The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) was established by the College to support and strengthen safety and security efforts across the campus.  The BIT is made up of a licensed counselor, the Assistant to the Athletic Director, BPCC Confidential Advisors, the BPCC Safety and Security Officer, and the BPCC Chief of Police.  The Campus Counselor leads the team and reports directly to the Vice Chancellor for Student Services.  The purpose of the BIT is to provide immediate crisis intervention for students if needed and to serve as the referral team for counseling services, emergency basic needs, psychiatric and dependency assistance, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and other crisis situations.

During regular office hours (8:00 am – 4:30 pm), call:

• Denise Morgan, Coordinator, Student Services, 318-678-6276
• Angie Cao, Student and Disability Services Specialist, 318-678-6511

From 4:30-10:00 pm, call:

• BPCC Campus Police 318-678-6318

After 10:00 pm, call:

• Emergency Services 911

Crisis Lines

• Suicide Hotline 800-273-8255 (TALK)
• Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-4673 (HOPE)
• Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 (SAFE)
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 318-865-2172
• Al-Anon 318-683-1399
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA) 318-677-4344
• Gambling Hotline 877-770-7867

More community resources.

Student Crisis Intervention Referral Form

1. You must have your vehicle registration to obtain the permit.
2. Student parking is allowed only in the white striped areas. Students are not allowed to park in visitor parking for any reason.
3. Faculty and staff parking is designated by yellow striped areas.
4. All vehicles parked on the campus of Bossier Parish Community College must have a parking permit. Parking permits must be obtained EACH semester. Please refer to Parking web page for parking permit prices. These fees are payable at the Business Office or online.
5. Campus Police Department is located in Building F, Room 104. The office is open during school hours.
6. Parking permits are to be displayed on the bottom corner of the back glass on the driver’s side. If there is no back glass, place the permit on the rear bumper, driver’s side. Stickers must be affixed on the outside of your vehicle.
7. Parking violation fines may be paid at the Business Office, Building F, 1st floor. Fines may also be paid online. Fines are listed on the violation citation.
8. If a student does not have a BPCC parking permit, a vehicle registration check will be conducted through the State of Louisiana or officers will identify the student through other means.
9. In the event that a person locks his/her keys in a vehicle, only a licensed locksmith may unlock the vehicle. No police officer or fire personnel can unlock a vehicle unless it is an emergency or there is no licensed locksmith within that city. (R. S. 36:409C (8) subsection F)
10. Students indebted to the College will not receive official transcripts and will not be able to register for school until all fines are paid.

All students must have a valid student identification card. Student ID cards may be obtained during general registration hours and during times scheduled by the Office of Student Life (F-220). Student ID cards are used for admittance to various BPCC functions, are recognized by cooperating community businesses for student discount privileges, and are mandatory in order to use the BPCC Learning Commons

To ensure the safety and security of all of our students, all BPCC students are required to have their student ID in their possession at all times while on campus. Campus Police and College Administrative personnel have direct authority to request a student to produce a student ID. Failure or resistance on the part of the student to produce a valid student ID may result in disciplinary action. Student IDs are the property of BPCC. Lending an ID to anyone or failure to show a student ID to any College representative upon request is a violation of College regulations.

Students must be currently enrolled in classes to receive a student ID card and must be able to present either a printed schedule or a government-issued ID card (i.e. Driver’s license, military ID, etc.) A replacement fee will not be charged for student ID card re-prints; however, students do not have to get a new ID card every semester.

Student ID Card Schedule

Registration Week
During posted on-site general and late registration hours
First Week of Classes
Monday – Thursday	8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Friday	8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Normal Daily Schedule
Monday – Friday	8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Student ID cards made in the Office of Student Life (F-220).

Unauthorized use of computing resources is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, using the College’s computing resources for personal or financial gain; allowing unauthorized non-College personnel access to computing resources on campus; displaying obscene, lewd, or sexually harassing images or text in use of the College’s computers; or modifying or copying records or data belonging to the College.

It is the responsibility of the student to check with the lab instructor for policies concerning the specific lab that the student is using. Lab Managers may adopt a more restrictive policy for their areas but may not adopt a policy that is less restrictive. The computers are property of Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) and are operated under BPCC supervision. Therefore, the student should have no expectations of privacy. BPCC Computer Services has the ability to monitor activity on all aspects of its computers, and students need to be aware that the network administrators record the students’ activities on the computers. Use of the BPCC computers MUST be related to approved course work or other instructor authorized tasks.

Unauthorized tasks include but are not limited to the following:

• Making changes to the configuration of the computer including desktop backgrounds, screensavers; installing or uninstalling software unless authorized and supervised by an instructor in a classroom activity.
• Attempting to counter security measures for any purpose or to hack passwords to gain unauthorized access to a device or to data resources.
• Installing or using a peer-to-peer file sharing software. Examples include but are not limited to the following: KaZaa, Napster, iMesh, BearShare, Streaming Video, and Internet Radio.

Bossier Parish Community College Learning Commons provides connectivity to LOUIS (the Louisiana Library Network) and the Internet. All use of the Learning Commons is subject to federal, state, and local law, and BPCC regulations. All students using the Learning Commons must have a valid BPCC ID. An acceptable use policy is posted in the Learning Commons.

Sales/solicitation, promotion, and/or advertising of a commercial nature on campus, whether by non-students or students, is strictly prohibited on the campus.

The College allows the posting of official College notices in buildings on designated bulletin boards.No notices may be affixed to glass doors or windows or on painted walls. Placing advertisements on vehicles is prohibited.

Political announcements, campaign literature, signs, handbills, banners, and other promotional materials may only be posted in the designated open announcement areas. Bossier Parish Community College encourages all students to register to vote. The Student Government Association hosts voter registration drives annually.

No commercial or non-commercial materials that are not official College notices shall be posted on walls, doors, in the foyers, on cars, or non-designated areas. Persons distributing materials must not block the doorways, passage ways, nor be in the buildings, or create a public nuisance.

For the safety of users and pedestrians on BPCC’s campus, skateboards, roller blades, hoverboards, unmanned aircraft systems, etc. are prohibited on campus. Bicycles may be parked in appropriate areas in the parking lot, but may not be ridden on the sidewalks, in the buildings, or other areas on campus.

It shall be the policy of BPCC to forbid gaming of any nature on campus. Gaming includes the playing of dominoes, cards, dice or any other game of chance.

Students who think they may have a gambling problem can call the following numbers for help:

• The Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling in Shreveport: 222-7657
• Statewide Hot Line: (800)749-COPE (2673)
• Nationwide Help Line: (800)522-4700
   

Policy

Bossier Parish Community College seeks to provide a safe, healthy, pleasant environment for its faculty, staff, and students. To this end, the use of smoke-producing tobacco products and the advertising, sale, free distribution, and discarding of such tobacco products shall be prohibited in all indoor and outdoor facilities and in all state-owned vehicles. The policy extends to faculty, staff, students, vendors, guests, and visitors.

Specifications

Smoke-producing tobacco products are defined as products including, but not limited to, cigarettes (clove, bidis, kreteks), cigars and cigarillos, pipe, hookah-smoked products, and electronic or e-cigarettes.

“Use of tobacco products” shall include:

• Use or possession of a lighted tobacco product
• Use of Electronic Cigarettes

“Indoor and outdoor facilities and state-owned vehicles” shall include:

• All buildings and facilities owned or leased by Bossier Parish Community College
• All outdoor areas owned or leased by Bossier Parish Community College, including the grounds of all campuses
• All state-owned or leased vehicles, including cars and vans

Exceptions:

• None

Compliance

Non-compliance with this policy will be handled in the same manner as any other policy violation and is subject to disciplinary process.

Enforcement and Penalties

Enforcement of this policy will be made by the Campus Police Department.

Students

• 1st offense – written warning that BPCC is a smoke-free campus
• 2nd offense – student is required to meet with Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services or her designee

Staff and Faculty

• Any faculty or staff members who violate the Smoke-Free Campus policy will be referred to their immediate supervisor and/or Human Resources.

In order to maintain an academic environment conducive to the well-being of all students, Bossier Parish Community College prohibits visitors to the academic classroom, the student lounges, the Learning Commons, the Learning Commons (Learning Commons and Tutoring Center) without prior approval from the instructor, or director of the service area, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and/or the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services.

This policy applies to the presence of children or pets (with the exception of service animals)of enrolled students. Such a policy protects the children and eliminates distractions for other students.

Policy violations may result in class dismissal or College suspension.

All visitors to the campus must check in at the office of the Campus Police Department located in Building F.

BPCC does not permit the unauthorized possession of, display of, or attempt or threat to use firearms, ammunition, fireworks, or other dangerous weapons on the College facilities property or at any College activity. Students found in violation of the Weapons Policy will be brought before the Disciplinary Hearing Committee for sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion.

In compliance with the Louisiana Board of Regents’ Uniformed Service Mobilization Policy (BoR Academic Affairs Policy 2.21), BPCC is committed to help any military student who has received military mobilization orders. Students should contact the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services at 318-678-6276 to begin the mobilization process at the College.

More Information