LOS RIOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the policy of the Los Rios District to implement policies to guarantee that no qualified student or prospective student or any person having an educational relationship with the District shall be unlawfully discriminated against, harassed, or excluded from any benefits, activities, or programs on the grounds of ethnic group identification, race, color, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy or childbirth-related condition, sexual orientation, sexual identity, religion or religious creed, age (over forty), national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, political affiliation or belief, military and veteran status, or marital status, nor shall any students be discriminated against for conversing in a language other than English.

The District further complies with those federal and state laws and the regulations of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges which prohibit sexual harassment.

Such non-discrimination policies extend to all of the functions and activities of the Los Rios Community College District including employment and employment selection, educational programs, services, admissions and financial aid.

Inquiries regarding this policy may be directed to the Equity Officer (Titles VI and VII), Dean of Student Success and Equity (916) 691-7913; Vice-President, Student Services and Enrollment Management, Gender Equity Coordinator (Title IX), at College Center (916) 691-7487; Dean of Counseling & Student Services (Section 504 and ADA, American Disabilities Act), Library Building, Room L220 (916) 691-7333; or Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources, Los Rios Community College District, 1919 Spanos Court, Sacramento, CA 95825 (916) 568-3101; or to the Director of the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington, D.C.

Note: Inquires may be initiated by individuals who allege they have experienced discrimination as well as by other individuals or entities, such as a family member, representative, organization, or other third party wishing to file on behalf of an individual or group alleged to have suffered unlawful discrimination or harassment.

Any individual who believes that he/she has been discriminated against is encouraged to follow the complaint procedures as set forth in the Los Rios Community College District Regulation (R-2423). This regulation may be found at: http://losrios.edu/legal/Regulations/R-2000/R-2423.pdf.

Note: The lack of English language skills is not a barrier to admission to, and participation in, vocational education programs and services.

ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS

The Los Rios Board of Trustees, in order to meet the provisions of the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and the Education Code, has established policies giving students and parents of dependent students access to certain designated records. A summary of the rights and procedures for access are contained in the Students Rights and Responsibilities section of the Los Rios Community College District Policy manual. Complete copies of the Act, Education Code, and Board policies are available in the offices of Admissions and Records and the Vice President of Student Services.

District Regulation 2265 provides for the release, without student consent, of Student Directory Information, i.e. student’s name, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received and most recent previous public or private school attended. In addition, federal law provides that representatives of the U.S. Department of Defense shall be provided a student’s name, address and telephone number for recruitment purposes. Students have the right to refuse the release of one or more such designated categories by submitting a written statement to the Admissions and Records Office.

STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Citizenship: In joining the academic community, students enjoy the right of freedom to learn and share the responsibility in exercising that freedom. Students are expected to conduct themselves in ways appropriate to the educational purposes of the college.

Faculty Performance Review: Students may be asked to complete a questionnaire in each class where the professor is undergoing performance review.

Student Rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Students have the right to:

• Inspect and review their own education records within a reasonable time after the College receives a request for access. If a student wants to review his or her record, they should contact the Vice President of Student Services for a petition. Education records include any item of information directly related to an identifiable student maintained by the District or College or required to be maintained by an employee in the performance of the employee’s duties, whether that information is recorded by handwriting, print, tapes, files, microfilm, electronically or other means. Education records do not include directory information, information provided by a student’s parent related to financial aid or scholarships, information prepared by and that remains in the sole possession of the person who created it; certain medical records, and decisions reached as a result of disciplinary hearings. Education records are maintained by the offices that generate or receive those records and the manager of those offices is responsible for the maintenance of those records. The Admissions and Records Office at each College maintains a log of those persons who have been given access to education records as required by FERPA.
• Request an amendment of their education record if a student believes it is inaccurate or misleading. If a student feels there is an error in his or her record, the student should submit a statement to the College official responsible for the record, clearly identifying the part of the record he or she wants changed and why he or she believes it is inaccurate or misleading. That office will notify the student of their decision and advise of any appropriate appeal rights.
• Consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. There are several exceptions which permit disclosure without consent, including but not limited to:
  • Disclosure to school officials with “legitimate educational interests.” School officials are employees of the District and its colleges, agents with which the District or College has contracted with to provide services, the Board of Trustees; or students serving on a committee or assisting another school official in the performance of his or her tasks. A legitimate educational interest exists when the school official has a need to know the information in connection with his or her official duties.
  • “Directory information.” Directory information is a student’s name, student identification number, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and most recent previous public or private school attended by the student. A student has the right to withhold the release of directory information. To do so, the student must complete a form, which is available from the Office of Admissions and Records. However, placing a “No Release” on a student’s records means that no one including friends, parents, prospective employers, honor societies or any other group or individual will be able to obtain this information.
  • Disclosures to officials of another school, school system, or institution of postsecondary education where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled so long as the disclosure is for the purpose related to the student’s enrollment or transfer.
• File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Further information about FERPA and student records can be found in the Los Rios Community College District Policy and Regulation 2265 and at the College office of the Vice President of Student Services.

CAMPUS TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

The college has posted both maximum speed limits and designated parking areas. It is the responsibility of all students, staff and visitors to observe and honor these traffic regulations. All violators will be cited.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Students must report a change of address immediately to the Admissions and Records Office. Students receiving financial aid must also notify the Financial Aid Office of mailing address changes.

STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Students may file a grievance in the event of alleged breach of students’ rights as detailed in Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees policies and regulations. A grievance may be filed if the student feels discrimination has occurred based upon race, color, national origin, sex, sexual preference, age or handicap.

Steps to Filing a Grievance:

• Students must make a reasonable, good faith attempt within TEN (10) days to discuss the problem with the staff member involved or with his/her immediate supervisor. Failure to do so within the prescribed period of time will constitute a waiver of any right to pursue the matter further.
• If the complaint is not resolved within TEN (10) days by the immediate supervisor and the staff member involved, the student may then file a formal grievance, within FIVE (5) days of completing the informal procedure, and not later than 25 days from the date of the alleged wrongful act.
• The student must submit a Grievance Form to the Dean of Counseling and Student Services. The grievance must contain a specific statement of the alleged act of wrong-doing, the name of the person against whom the grievance is filed, the names of any witnesses, and the nature of the relief sought by the grievant (not to include the imposition of disciplinary action on an employee). Failure to file the completed grievance form within the above-specified time period shall constitute a waiver of any right to further proceedings.
• Within TEN (10) days of the receipt of the grievance, the Dean of Counseling and Student Services will determine whether the issue is grievable under the policies and regulations of the Los Rios Community College District, at which time, if the issue is grievable, a hearing will be scheduled. If it’s not grievable, the Dean will notify the student in writing that the grievance has been rejected and state the specific reason(s) for the rejection, or that the grievance was referred to the designated hearing officer. At this time, the person(s) against whom the grievance is filed shall be notified of the status of the grievance, and shall be given a copy of the formal grievance.
• Within TEN (10) days from appointment, the Hearing Officer will schedule a hearing on the grievance. All parties shall be notified by the Hearing Officer of the time and day of the hearing. If the designated time and day are not convenient for the parties, a mutually agreeable time may be set.
• The hearing will be conducted in accordance with the guidelines set forth in board policy.
• The Hearing Officer shall deliver a written decision within TEN (10) days of the conclusion of the hearing to all parties to the grievance, with copies to the Dean and Vice President for Student Services, the college President and the Vice Chancellor responsible for Student Services.
• Either party to the grievance may appeal the Hearing Officer's decision to the Vice President for Student Services within FIVE (5) days. Such appeal must be submitted in writing and state specifically the grounds for appeal.
• Within TEN (10) days after receiving the appeal documents, the Vice President for Student Services will inform all parties to the grievance and the appropriate personnel in the District Office, in writing, of the decision. The decision of the Vice President for Student Services will be final.

For more detailed information, see Board Policies and Regulations 2412. Any questions regarding student conduct, rights and responsibilities, due process, and grievance procedures may be directed to the Dean of Counseling and Student Services.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE POLICY

In accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the college is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace; and, in accordance with the requirements of the Drug Free Schools and Community Act Amendment of 1989, a drug- and alcohol-free college environment for students and employees.

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of illicit drugs and alcohol is prohibited in the workplace and college premises. Violation of this policy by students will result in disciplinary sanctions up to and including expulsion, and may include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program.

In addition to disciplinary sanctions, violators may be prosecuted under applicable law. Students will be informed of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol, and will be advised of the availability of drug or alcohol counseling, treatment or rehabilitation programs through the Health Services Office. Call (916) 691‑7254 for more information.

CAMPUS SECURITY: THE CLERY DISCLOSURE ACT

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, codified at 20 USC 1092 (f) as a part of the Higher Education Act of 1965, is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose certain timely and annual information about campus crime and security policies. All public and private post secondary educational institutions participating in federal student aid programs are subject to it. The law, originally enacted by Congress in 1990 as the Campus Security Act, was championed by Howard and Connie Clery after their daughter Jeanne was tragically murdered at Lehigh University in 1986. Amendments to the Act in 1998 renamed it in memory of Jeanne Clery.

The Clery Act requires all colleges and universities to publish an annual report every year by October 1st that contains 3 years worth of crime statistics and certain security policy statements including sexual assault policies which assure basic victims’ rights, the law enforcement authority of campus police and where the students should go to report crimes. CRC’s crime statistics are available at: https://www.police.losrios.edu/crime/jeanne-clery

Campus safety and security and crime prevention advice is available in the “General Policies and Information” section of “Important Information for All Students” that accompanies the class schedule: www.crc.losrios.edu/schedule

SMOKING POLICY

Cosumnes River College is a smoke-free campus effective August 1, 2016. No smoking, vaping, or tobacco use is allowed anywhere on campus.

ILLEGAL DISTRIBUTION OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS,INCLUDING MUSIC, VIDEO AND PRINTED MATERIALS

The colleges of the Los Rios Community College District (LRCCD), including Cosumnes River College (CRC), support the Higher Education Opportunity Act and Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which outline efforts to eliminate the illegal distribution of copyrighted material. Under the law, college administrators may be obligated to provide copyright holders with information about users of the LRCCD information network who have violated the law.

Accordingly, CRC students are prohibited from using the Los Rios Community College District (LRCCD) information network to illegally download and/or share music, video and all other copyrighted intellectual property. Be aware that illegal forms of downloading and file sharing as well as the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials are violations of the law and may subject you to academic sanctions from the college as well as criminal and civil penalties, including a lawsuit against you by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In addition to being illegal, file sharing drains the LRCCD network’s bandwidth, which slows computer connections for students and employees who are using the network for legitimate academic purposes and ultimately costs the college money. LRCCD and its colleges have developed policies and consequences to ensure that students properly use the LRCCD information network and respect music and other forms of intellectual property as well as conduct responsible use of the Internet.

Please review these policies at: http://www.losrios.edu/legal/Policies/P-8000/P-8000.htm and especially http://www.losrios.edu/legal/Policies/P-8000/P-8861.htm

There are plenty of easy, affordable ways to get music online legally. To protect their intellectual property, companies have licensed hundreds of digital partners that offer a range of legal downloading options, including download and subscription services, legitimate peer-to-peer services, video-on-demand, podcasts and CD kiosks. For a list of sources that offer legal downloading sites, access www.riaa.com

SEXUAL ASSAULT POLICY

Any student, faculty, or staff member who is a victim of, or is contacted regarding sexual assault or a threat of sexual assault at a college facility should notify the College Police at (916) 691‑7777. Students and staff may work the WEAVE confidential advocate at CRC.

With the consent of the victim, College Police shall notify the College Health Center and Vice President for Administrative Services. The information shall be provided with sensitivity and with consideration to the personal needs of the victim.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual Harassment Policy
It is the desire of the Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees to provide for all students and employees an educational environment and work place free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment in any situation is unacceptable and is in violation of state and federal laws and regulations. Where evidence of harassment is found, appropriate corrective action shall be taken.

Definition of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances; requests for sexual favors; and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, made by someone from or in the work or educational setting, under any of the following conditions:

• Submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or a condition of an individual’s employment, academic status or progress.
• Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis of employment or an academic decision affecting the individual.
• The conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual’s work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.
• Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the educational institution.

For the purpose of further clarification, sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Making unsolicited written, verbal, visual, or physical contact with sexual overtones. Some examples are: epithets, derogatory comments or slurs of a sexual nature, impeding or blocking movements or any physical interference with normal work, derogatory posters or cartoons.
• Continuing to express sexual interest after being informed that the interest is unwelcome. (Reciprocal attraction is not considered sexual harassment.)
• Within the work environment, engaging in explicit or implicit coercive sexual behavior which controls, influences, or affects the career, salary, and/or work environment or any other term or condition of employment within the educational environment, engaging in explicit or implicit coercive sexual behavior which controls, influences, or affects the educational opportunities, grades, and/or learning environment of the student.
• Making reprisals, threats of reprisal, or implied threats of reprisal following a negative response to a sexual advance. For example, within the work environment, either suggesting or actually withholding support for an appointment, promotion, or change of assignment; suggesting a poor performance report will be prepared; or suggesting probation will be failed. Within the educational environment, either suggesting or actually withholding grades earned or deserved; suggesting a poor performance will be prepared; or suggesting probation will be failed; or suggesting a scholarship recommendation or college application will be denied.
• Offering favors or educational or employment benefits, such as grades or promotions, favorable performance evaluations, favorable assignments, favorable duties or shifts, recommendations, reclassifications, in exchange for sexual favors.

Complaint Procedure and Impact
Any individual who believes that he/she has been sexually harassed is encouraged to follow the complaint procedures as set forth in the Los Rios Community College District Regulation (R-2423). Complaints may also be initiated by other individuals or entities, such as a family member, representative, organization, or other third party wishing to file on behalf of an individual or group alleged to have suffered unlawful discrimination or harassment. Complainants are encouraged to use the official form provided by the Chancellor’s office, however, that form is not required and complaints will not be considered defective or rejected if you do not use the form. Throughout the procedures, the College President and the College/District Equity Officers will insure that confidentiality will be maintained and that due process will be followed with respect to both parties. In the case of a student it shall not affect grades, class selection, or other matters pertaining to his or her status as a student. In a situation where evidence is found that an allegation of sexual harassment is brought solely for the purpose of vexation, the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

Sexual harassment policy, procedural steps and forms are available from the college Equity Officer, Dean of Student Success and Equity, Learning Resource Center (916) 691-7913.

Note: Inquiries may be initiated by individuals who allege they have experienced discrimination as well as by other individuals or entities, such as a family member, representative, organization, or other third party wishing to file on behalf of an individual or group alleged to have suffered unlawful discrimination or harassment.

Any individual who believes that he/she has been discriminated against is encouraged to follow the complaint procedures as set forth in the Los Rios Community College District Regulation (R-2423). This regulation may be found at: http://losrios.edu/legal/Regulations/R-2000/R-2423.pdf.

STUDENT RIGHT-TO-KNOW PROGRAM COMPLETION

In compliance with the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, completion and transfer rates for students attending Cosumnes River College can be found on the California Community College State Chancellor's Office Web site at http://srtk.cccco.edu/index.asp.

LOS RIOS POLICE DEPARTMENT AT CRC

The Los Rios Police Department is staffed by dedicated, professional, and community service oriented employees located at each of the four colleges. Campus Police protect the safety and security of all students, faculty, staff, visitors, and property as well as provide accurate and timely information about the security environment of the college and our surrounding community. The Los Rios Police Department is staffed with sworn police officers, college safety officers, campus security officers, dispatchers, clerks, and student assistants. Officers use foot, bike and vehicle patrols to serve the campus population and maintain high visibility on the campus. Campus Police enforce state and local laws the same as any sworn law enforcement agency and are authorized to use force, arrest, and cite anyone who violates the law.

Students may not be aware of their responsibilities and rights when they are stopped or questioned by Campus Police. If you are stopped by a College Police Officer, please remember:

• When you see the red overhead lights and/or hear the siren, remain calm and pull safely over to the side of the road
• Remain in your vehicle unless the Officer advises otherwise and follow the requests or directives given
• The Officer may issue you a citation. If you are unsure of the reason, ask the Officer for details. Accept the citation and sign it- this is not an admission of guilt. State law mandates that if you refuse to sign, you will be arrested

These guidelines apply both on campus and in the surrounding area. Campus Police attend to numerous issues and problems, including loud and disruptive behavior, violations of the law or the standards for student behavior, and crimes. You may be approached if an Officer thinks you are in need of help, have violated rules, laws, or the college standards, or fit the description of a suspect or witness. The Officer may ask you to provide identification or proof of enrollment. Unless you are not certain that the person stopping you is an Officer or an official of the college, you are to comply with the request.

CRC students are expected to have their student ID/UTP card on them when on campus. Some students have challenged officers and resisted arrest (this is a misdemeanor) and have been subject to citation, arrest, and student disciplinary action. Campus Police are committed to campus safety and well-being and are here to support student success and development. If you have a question about procedures or a complaint about your treatment, contact the Los Rios Police Department at (916) 691-7400 and ask to speak with a supervisor.

RESOURCES FOR STUDENT CONCERNS

The following is a list of staff members who are serving as compliance officers for certain types of complaints, grievances, or disciplinary matters at CRC.

College Equity Officer Tadael Emiru
LRC Building (916) 691-7913
Serves as first level compliance officer for student and staff complaints/ allegations based on ethnicity, religion, age, sex, (gender), sexual orientation, sex bias, sex stereotyping, color, or physical or mental disability as set forward in District Regulations (R-2434). Provides information about discrimination complaint procedures and forms. After initial contact, may initiate a detailed investigation and resolution or may refer certain complaints to the appropriate, specialized compliance officer.

Disciplinary Officer Shannon Dickson
Library Building (916) 691-7350
Receives and investigates referrals of student discipline and student disruptions. Makes recommendations for disciplinary action consistent with district’s regulations on student conduct. Presents case to an appeals board if student appeals disciplinary decision. May work in concert with college police, student grievance officer and/or college equity officer.

Student Grievance Officer Chad Funk
Library Building (916) 691-7333
Available to students who feel they have been wronged in accordance with district regulations and wish to file a grievance. Provides grievance procedures and forms. Note: if the situation involves alleged discrimination based on a protected status, then the student should contact the College Equity Officer. Determines if issue is grievable according to district regulations and Education Code. Provides information to Vice President of Student Services, if student appeals.

Sexual Harassment Officer Tadael Emiru
LRC Building (916) 691-7913
Investigates and attempts to resolve sexual harassment complaints from students and staff as set forth in the district regulations (R-2423). Provides information about complaint procedures and forms. After initial contact, may initiate a detailed investigation and resolution or may refer certain complaints to the appropriate, specialized compliance officer.

Title IX Coordinator Kimberly McDaniel
College Center (916) 691-7326
Oversees sex and gender equity conditions for staff and students. Responds to and seeks resolution of discrimination complaints based on gender, sex, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. Works in concert with Dean of Kinesiology and Athletics, College Equity Officer, and college police. For information on filing a Title IX complaint, contact the Vice President for Student Services Office.

504 Coordinator Shannon Dickson
Library Building (916) 691-7350
Oversees the campus compliance with 504 Federal Regulations and Board approved policy to ensure nondiscrimination on the basis of disability. Serves as first level grievance/ complaint official when discrimination on the basis of disability is alleged. Carries out the provisions of the grievance procedure and impartially investigates any complaint. For information on the process for filing a grievance, contact the Dean of Student Services and Counseling.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinators

Shannon Dickson (for students) (916) 691-7350
Library Building

Cory Wathen (for faculty and staff) (916) 691-7252
Administration Building

Kimberly McDaniel (916) 691-7487 (for students with service animals)
Administration Building

Carries out the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Ensures that students/staff applying for services under this act have proper disability verification. Oversees the campus compliance with ADA regulations.

Note: Most complaints, grievances or disciplinary matters should be resolved at the campus level. This is the quickest and most successful way of resolving issues involving the college. You are encouraged to work through the college complaint process first. Issues that are not resolved at the college or Los Rios District level may be presented via resources provided by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.