2009-2010 Student Handbook

Administrative Information And Policies

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OCC Board of Trustees
Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders

Obligation To Know
Ocean County College students have the responsibility for being fully aware of college policies and regulations affecting students. The college reserves the right to make revisions to these policies and procedures at any point in time in between publication of the student handbook. In addition to this handbook, students should consult the college catalog and the Ocean County College policy book (a copy is kept in the office of the Vice President of Student Affairs) for current policies and practices of the college.

Civility Statement
Ocean County College defines civility primarily as the demonstration of respect for others, basic courtesy, reciprocity (treating others as we wish to be treated), and behaviors that create a positive environment in which to learn and to work. While no civility statement can guarantee considerate and principled conduct, the values set forth below represent institutional ideals and should serve as guideposts:

  1. Respect for the work of all persons.
  2. Courteous discourse (oral, verbal, non-verbal and electronic).
  3. Honest interactions and utterances.
  4. Fair and just treatment.
  5. Integrity and keeping promises.
  6. Commitment to the community college philosophy: Access, transfer, career preparation, workforce development, partnering and community outreach.
  7. Open professional communications.
  8. Diversity, professionalism and collegiality.
  9. Free expression of views without meanness or a desire to do harm.
  10. Tolerance of differing points of view.
  11. Avoidance of participation in cyber stalking, cyber bullying, or cyber sexual harassment.

These ideals are consistently modeled by those in leadership positions - in the administration, staff, faculty, and student body - and should provide direction for all members of the college community.

Harassment and Discrimination Policy Statement
Ocean County College prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment in any form.  All vocational opportunities are accessible without regard to race, color, national origin, sex or handicap. The Board of Trustees is committed to maintaining compliance with all applicable laws.

The Board of Trustees is also committed to maintaining compliance with any modification of existing antidiscrimination laws or new anti-discrimination laws which apply to Ocean County College.

Any student who has a Title IX concern, ADA or Section 504 accessibility concern or ADA related complaint may contact the Vice President of Student Affairs- Compliance Officer for all student programs and services at extension 2030.

Affirmative Action Policy Statement
The Board will govern the college so as to give employees the opportunity to pursue and achieve their potential, without regard to race, color, creed, sex, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, liability for military service, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), parental status, veteran status or disability.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement
The Board of Trustees of Ocean County College is committed to a policy of fairness and equity with respect to selection, hiring, retention, promotion, transfer, demotion, termination, salary, benefits, other privileges, conditions or terms of employment layoff, harassment, apprenticeship and training programs, job referrals or union membership.

Students With Disabilities Policy
The Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provide equal access to all academic programs and services to students with disabilities. Students who are within the protected population of ADA are expected to identify their specific needs to appropriate college officials. Those students with disabilities may contact Disability Services at (732) 255-0456 (Voice) or (732) 255-0424 (TTY)

Activity Period
Once each week, the college sets aside a specific activity period during which classes are not scheduled. These free hours are 2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. every Wednesday.

Students are encouraged to use these time periods to participate in the varied activities that are available through campus clubs and organizations and the Office of Student Life.

ADA Self-identification
See "Students with Disabilities Policy."

Alcoholic Beverages
The use or possession of liquor on the college campus is strictly forbidden. Use of liquor by students at off-campus college functions shall be in strict and literal accordance with local and state regulations.

ATM Machine
There is an ATM machine located in the lobby of the College Center.

Bicycles
In the interest of safety, bicycles are prohibited on the campus mall.

Bus Schedules
Limited public transportation to OCC is available through NJ Transit. Call their toll-free number 1.800.772.2222 for information and schedules. Printed schedules are located in the College Center Lobby and in the hallway outside of the Registration and Records Office. Schedules are also available online at www.ocean.edu under "Welcome Center."

Children on Campus
Children under the age of 18 who are not registered students of OCC are allowed on campus property only under the immediate supervision of a parent, guardian, or registered student, or while participating in a scheduled program or event. Children are never to be left unsupervised and are prohibited from being left unattended in college buildings or on college grounds.

On an emergency basis only, it is the prerogative of faculty to permit children of enrolled students admission to regular classes; however, admission of children to scientific laboratory type settings is prohibited for safety reasons.

College Seal
Permission to use the college seal must be obtained from the Vice President of College Advancement.

College/Student Fee
All students pay a college/student fee per credit hour. The fee is payable when the bill is due and represents partial subsidy of the following services:

College Budget
Registration and Records
Counseling
Financial Aid
Intercollegiate Athletics
Student Life Administration Operations
Health Service Office
Transfer & Placement
Parking

Student Life Fund
Clubs and Organizations
College Center Fund

Use of College Name
The name of Ocean County College shall be used only for official operations and activities as approved by the Board of Trustees, and cannot be used for commercial purposes or for personal gain.

Demonstrations
1. The philosophy of Ocean County College is to encourage freedom in expression of ideas presented in a scholarly and law-abiding manner.

2. Demonstrations that interfere with the daily operations of Ocean County College and/or cause personal injury to individuals or damage to property will not be tolerated on campus. The normal penalty for students involved in the planning or implementation of such a demonstration will be suspension from Ocean County College and prosecution to the fullest extent of civil law.

3. The college permits rallies or demonstrations when they are conducted in accordance with the following conditions:

a. That they are not designed to and do not interfere with the daily operations of Ocean County College.

b. That they are not designed to and do not cause personal injury to individuals or damage to property.

c. That they are limited to exterior areas (sidewalks, lawns); no activity will be permitted inside college buildings or in doorways leading to buildings. There shall be no interference with those entering or exiting any buildings. Speaking to other persons shall be conducted so as not to interfere with their easy passage.

d. That the intention to hold a demonstration and the names of all its participants must be filed in the Vice President of Student Affairs' office at least 48 hours in advance of the event. The statement of intention must include: date, time, location, purpose, approximate number expected to participate, type of activity involved (i.e., picketing, distributing leaflets, etc.) and the names of three persons responsible for maintaining reasonable order.

e. Literature may be posted on authorized bulletin boards only. Nothing may be posted on the building exteriors or elsewhere on campus. Student “coordinators” will be present to assure proper compliance with all rules and regulations.

f. Any student using physical force on another individual will be immediately suspended.

g. Off-campus picketing is subject to local laws and municipal regulations.

4. Since the provisions for acceptable rallies and demonstrations on the OCC campus have been stated, it should be clear to all students that the right to free expression does not in itself provide unlimited freedom in choosing the form and manner of expression. It is completely unacceptable when the form or manner of expression actually disrupts the normal operation of the college, causes property damage or bodily harm or threatens to do so.

Therefore, the following procedures will normally take place when an unacceptable demonstration occurs.

a. Those engaged in an unacceptable demonstration will be directly notified by the Dean of Special Services as soon as possible after the incident occurs that this activity is out of order and against the policies and regulations of the college and that they must cease such illegal activity immediately.

b. If those so ordered refuse to comply, the local police will be requested to take such action as necessary to enforce compliance. When local police are requested to come to the campus to enforce compliance with a lawful order, the college may be closed and the students required to leave the campus. The college shall be reopened for normal operation at a convenient time after order has been restored. Those students identified as participants in an unacceptable demonstration against whom it is necessary to direct forcible compliance will be immediately suspended from the college and subject to such police prosecution as their actions may warrant under the laws.

c. Nothing in the aforementioned policy shall restrict the President from directing such other action as necessary to meet a specific situation or circumstance.

Discipline
Ocean County College reserves the right to suspend, expel or take other corrective or disciplinary action against students for behavior reported to the Dean of Special Services that contributes or results in:

a) danger to the safety and well-being of oneself and/or others

b) a breach of college rules and regulations as set forth in this policy and in the most current Student Handbook and College Catalog

c) a disruption of any college curriculum or co-curricular program.

Specific corrective disciplinary action shall be determined by the Dean of Special Services, utilizing the procedures and sanctions cited in the Student/Faculty Judiciary Council in accordance with its constitution.

These sanctions include: verbal or written reprimand, restitution of costs, disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion.

The following is a specific, although not exhaustive, list of disruptive behaviors as defined and/or qualified by current statutes and case law that may result in the imposition of disciplinary action.

1. Persistent, repeated or gross acts of willful disobedience or defiance toward college personnel.

2. Assault, battery, or any other form of physical or sexual abuse of a student or college employee.

3. Verbal abuse of a student or college employee.

4. Any conduct that threatens the health or safety of another individual (including any such action that takes place at an event sponsored or supervised by the college).

5. Theft or damage to the property of the college, an employee or another student.

6. Interference with the normal operations of the college (e.g., disruption of teaching and administrative functions, disciplinary procedures, pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or other college activities, including its public service functions).

7. Use of personal portable sound amplification equipment (e.g., radios and tape players) in a manner that disturbs the privacy of other individuals and/or the instructional program of the college

8. Unauthorized entry into, or use of, college facilities.

9. Forgery, falsification, alteration or misuse of college documents, records, or identification.

10. Dishonesty such as cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the college and its officials.

11. Disorderly, lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct.

12. Extortion.

13. Conduct disruptive to any activity on college property or at any college sponsored or supervised function.

14. The use, possession, sale or distribution of narcotics or other dangerous illegal drugs on college property or at any function sponsored or supervised by the college.

15. Possession or use of alcoholic beverages on college property or at any function sponsored or supervised by the college.

16. Illegal possession or use of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, or other weapons on college property or at college sponsored activities.

17. Smoking in classrooms or other unauthorized campus areas.

18. Failure to satisfy college financial obligations.

19. Failure to comply with directions of college officials, faculty, staff, or campus security officers who are acting in performance of his/her duties.

20. Failure to identify oneself upon the request of a college official acting in the performance of his/her duties.

21. Gambling.

22. Sexual harassment or sexual and racial discrimination.

23. Theft or other abuse of computer time, including but not limited to:

a. Unauthorized entry into a file to use, read, or change the contents or for any other purpose.

b. Unauthorized transfer of a file.

c. Unauthorized use of another individual's identification and password.

d. Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or college official.

e. Use of computing facilities to send obscene or abusive messages.

f. Use of computing facilities to interfere with normal operation of the college computing system.

24. Hazing, defined as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.

25. Abuse of the campus judicial system, including but not limited to:

a. Failure to obey the summons of a judicial body or college official.

b. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a judicial body.

c. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a judicial proceeding.

d. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a judicial body prior to and/or during the course of the judicial proceeding.

e. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a member of a judicial body prior to, during, and/or after a judicial proceeding.

f. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the student code.

g. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the judicial system.

26. Violation of other applicable federal, state and local laws as such violations impact on campus personnel, the curricular or co-curricular programs and other college rules and regulations not cited above.

Dress Standard
Dress and personal appearance should be in good taste, consonant with an adult, professional atmosphere and should reflect the student's respect for her/himself and for the college.

Shoes and shirts must be worn in every campus building.

Drug Policy
The illegal use, possession or sale of drugs is a violation of the law and existing policy of Ocean County College. The college will, therefore, make every effort to uphold the law and render assistance and support to law enforcement agencies pursuing their objectives while at the same time rendering assistance to students when needed or necessary. In light of the foregoing statement, Ocean County College's procedure for implementing its policy is as follows:

1. Faculty members, employees and students are asked to report or submit to the Dean of Special Services any knowledge or evidence directly or indirectly relating to use, possession or sale of drugs anywhere on the college campus or any time during a college connected activity.

2. Information given to a counselor during the privacy of a counseling session will not be divulged by the counselor unless, in the judgment of the counselor, there exists a clear and imminent danger of life, limb and property.

3. The Dean of Special Services shall submit to the Vice President of Student Affairs information regarding the use, possession or sale of drugs on the college campus or during any college connected activity and will recommend the appropriate course of action to be followed.

4. Any student found guilty by the Dean of Special Services of the illegal use or possession of drugs may be suspended from the college. Return to the college will be considered on an individual basis and in no case will a person be reinstated as a student unless the college administration is satisfied that rehabilitation has taken place.

5. Any student found guilty of the illegal sale of drugs on campus will be expelled from the college.

6. Local, state and federal legal sanctions will also be applied.

Emergency Loan Fund
The Office of Student Life Emergency Loan Fund has been established to provide limited and immediate financial assistance to OCC students who may require additional money during the semester for books, supplies, graduation fees and personal needs. The loan amount cannot exceed $100.00. Loans will not be granted within two weeks of the end of the semester or during the summer.

The loan is short term and is expected to be repaid within two weeks. A student in default on a loan is not eligible for subsequent loans. Failure to repay a loan by the due date will result in a student's records being sealed, prohibiting that student from registering for the next semester, graduating or receiving transcripts of coursework.

The following penalty fees will be assessed to students who are delinquent in payment of their Office of Student Life Emergency Loans:

Financial Obligations
Outstanding financial obligations to any department within the college must be paid prior to registering for the next semester.

Forming New Clubs
Students can form new clubs around a variety of interests when they have a minimum of 10 members and have completed the APPLICATION FOR RECOGNITION AS AN OFFICIAL STUDENT ORGANIZATION. Interested individuals may contact the Office of Student Life for further information.

Gambling
In accordance with NJ state law, all forms of gambling are prohibited on the OCC campus and during all college-connected activities, on or off campus, except in connection with a college-sponsored program at a NJ licensed casino. Offenders are subject to disciplinary action that may result in suspension or expulsion.

General Rules and Regulations
All students are governed by college rules and regulations. Each student is expected to exercise discretion and act within the limits of decorum and propriety at all times and in all places.

Students are especially accountable for behavior that contributes to or results in:

a. Danger to the safety and well-being of him/herself and/or others.

b. A breach of college rules and regulations.

c. Violation of local, state or federal laws.

d. A disruption of any college program whether it be curricular on non-curricular.

The college reserves the right to suspend, expel or take other corrective action on any student for justifiable cause and regards this right as part of the college contract.

Specific corrective or disciplinary action shall be determined by the Dean of Special Services, utilizing the sanctions cited in the Student-Faculty Judiciary Council in accordance with its constitution.

Grievance Procedure
Any student who believes he or she has been harmed by the interpretation, application or violation of college policies and/or procedures may file a complaint through the Dean of Special Services.

The complaint shall be handled in accordance with appropriate procedure approved by the President.

1. A grievance is a claim by a student that he/she has suffered harm by a member of the college community due to one or more of the following conditions: sex, marital status, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, or Vietnam-era veteran.

In the event that a student believes he/ she has the basis for a grievance, he/she shall first informally discuss the grievance with the college employee who is a party to the grievance within seven (7) calendar days of the alleged incident. If the informal discussion with the college employee fails to resolve the complaint, the student grievant may then pursue informal discussion of the issue with the employee's supervisor.

2. If, as a result of the informal discussion(s), a grievance still exists, the student shall submit the grievance, in writing, within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of the alleged grievance to the V.P.-level officer in whose functional area of responsibility the alleged grievance took place with a copy to the college employee(s) who is/are a party to the grievance. Failure to initiate this procedure within the specified time frame shall negate the student's right to grieve.

The written grievance, signed by the student, shall include:

a. The nature of the grievance including as much specificity as possible.

b. The nature and extent of harm, loss or inconvenience.

c. The results of previous discussion with the involved college employee.

d. The dissatisfaction with previous action, The appropriate V.P.-level officer shall then investigate the charges and hold a formal meeting with the grievant, the college employee against whom the grievance is filed, and other parties to the grievance.

The appropriate V.P.-level officer shall give a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours notice of such a formal meeting to the principal parties. This meeting shall be held at a time which is mutually convenient for both parties. The employee against whom the grievance is filed shall in such notice be apprised of the specific nature of the complaint.

The principal parties to the grievance shall have the opportunity to have present a representative of their respective choices at the meeting.

The appropriate V.P.-level officer shall respond after his/her investigation of the charges, in writing, to the written grievance within fourteen (14) calendar days of receipt of the grievance. A copy of the response shall also be provided to the college employee(s) who is/are a party to the grievance and the employee's supervisor.

3. If the student feels that he/she has not received a satisfactory settlement of the grievance from the appropriate V.P.-level officer, he/she may request the President of the College to hear the complaint. The President may review the complaint or, at the President's discretion, appoint a representative or a Review Committee to do so and make recommendations on the complaint. A review/hearing, if a hearing is deemed appropriate by the President, shall commence within fourteen (14) calendar days of the date on which the President received the request from the grievant.

The President's designated representative or Review Committee shall render its recommendation on the grievance, in writing, to the President within fourteen (14) calendar days of its inception.

The parties to the complaint shall be instructed to appear at the review/hearing, if a hearing is held, and shall be given a minimum notice of twenty-four (24) hours, This hearing shall be held at a time which is mutually convenient for both parties. The principal parties to the grievance shall have the opportunity to have present a representative of their respective choices at the hearing.

The President shall render a decision on the grievance within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of the recommendation or the close of the President's own review. A copy of the President's decision shall be provided to the student, to the college employee who is party to the grievance, and to the employee's supervisor.

4. The designated reviewing party at each level of the grievance procedure, beyond the informal first level, shall arrange for orderly presentation of evidence related to the grieved condition. Individuals involved in the complaint shall be notified of the dates, times, and procedures for hearings if such hearings are held.

The number of days held should be considered as maximum, and all reasonable effort should be made to expedite the process. However, the time limits may be extended by mutual consent, if conditions warrant.

A grievance may be withdrawn at any level by a grievant.

No reprisals shall be taken against any student because he/she initiates or takes part in the grievance process.

If remedial action is indicated in the resolution of the grievance, established administrative and operating procedures shall be utilized.

All time frames and procedures outlined herein are subject to change in accordance with relevant provisions of existing collective bargaining agreements.

The Division of Student Affairs has primary responsibility for the implementation of this procedure. Any questions and/or concerns relative to the procedure as outlined herein shall be referred to the Vice President of Student Affairs or Dean of Special Services.

Guest Speakers on Campus
Any organization recognized by the Office of Student Life has the privilege of inviting any speaker to appear on this campus within the limits of the Guest Speaker policy and procedures which are coordinated by the Office of Student Life.

ID Cards/Library Cards
All students are required to have their pictures taken for OCC ID cards at the beginning of each academic year. The ID cards are necessary for trip sign-up and purchasing tickets through the Office of Student Life and to borrow books/materials from the library. Replacement ID Cards/Library Cards are $10.00.

Inclement Weather Emergency Closing
Classes will be canceled according to the following three announcements:

The first place an emergency closing will be posted is the college website www.ocean.edu. There will also be a recorded message on the main college phone line, 732-255-0400. In addition to these outlets, local media are expected to announce college closings - but students are urged to check the website or phone message also to get the most accurate and up to date information.

If the college is open, there will be no announcement.

The following radio stations will air announcements on closings or delayed openings:

FM RADIO

  • 92.7 WOBM
  • NJ 101.5

AM RADIO

  • 1160 WOBM

Lab Fees
See listing in college catalog

Letters
Individual students may not write in the name of Ocean County College to other student groups or to officials at other colleges unless this is done in an official capacity by a student organization.

No club or organization will be permitted to conduct correspondence on official college stationery unless approved by the Office of Student Life. All student organizations are encouraged to develop their own stationery under the guidance of the Office of Student Life.

Loan
See Emergency Loan Fund.

Lost and Found
Lost items from all over the campus usually wind up at the Security Office located in Instructional Building Room 101. If you should become parted from a prized possession, call extension 2170 or stop in to claim it. Items will only be kept for 5 days.

Medical Absences
In the event of an extended leave of absence from classes due to illness, it is the responsibility of each student to contact the instructor directly.

Messages and Mail
Every recognized student organization will have a mailbox in the College Center. Information for any of these groups may be given to the personnel in the Office of Student Life for proper handling.

Outgoing calls by students must be made from public telephones. Families and friends of students are urged not to send personal mail or make routine telephone calls to students at the college.

OCC Email Address for Students
All full- and part-time students are provided an “official” OCC email address through Ocean Cruiser. This is a primary means of communication between OCC and you. Go to the College website, then click on Ocean Cruiser. Students should check their OCC email on a frequent basis to obtain important OCC-related information.

Off Campus Offenses
Except for college sponsored off-campus programs, it is the intent of the college to leave disciplinary action with respect to off-campus offenses of students to the civil authorities. It must be noted, however, that there are certain off-campus offenses that by their very nature pose a serious threat to the persons or property of the college community. In such cases, the college reserves the right to take appropriate action.

Parking / Traffic Regulations

Parking Regulations
1. Students are permitted to park in Parking Lots 1 and 2 in white lines only. Areas are designated as follows:

a. White lines - Student Parking (subject to municipal tickets)
b. Yellow lines - Faculty/Staff Parking
c. Blue lines - Handicapped Parking

2. Vehicles must park within designated parking areas. Lack of a regular parking space in an area is not a valid excuse for parking in an unmarked location.

3. Motorcycles, motor scooters, motorbikes and bicycles are subject to the same regulations as four-wheel vehicles, except they are to be parked in specially designated motorcycle areas.

4. Parking on the grass or loading dock areas or in a Fire Zone is prohibited at all times.

5. Driving any vehicle (two or four wheel) on the mall is prohibited at all times.

6. The owner of vehicles parked in restricted zones for the purpose of loading or unloading must notify security and receive permission before parking illegally.

7. Any vehicle that has been left on the campus for 3 consecutive days will be identified as an abandoned vehicle and towed off the campus at the owner's expense. A disabled vehicle should be reported to security immediately.

8. Special parking permits for handicapped or disabled students may be obtained from the local police. A doctor's note must be taken to the local police department and a state temporary pass will be issued. Permanent disability permits are issued through the State of New Jersey.

9. Students are not permitted to park in Visitor or Faculty/Staff parking at any time.

Traffic Regulations
1. The speed limit at Ocean County College is 15 M.P.H., unless otherwise posted. This regulation will be strictly enforced.

2. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times.

3. All persons operating a vehicle on campus must obey stop signs and all other signs regulating traffic safety.

4. All vehicle accidents occurring on campus must be reported to the Security Department and the Toms River Police Department, 732.349.0150. In the case of personal injury, the incident should also be reported to the college nurse.

Enforcement
1. The Security Department enforces the college vehicle regulations. A written notice of violation(s) is affixed to each vehicle parked in violation of the regulations.

2. In the case of blatant parking violations (Handicapped, Loading Zones, Fire Lanes. etc.), the Security Department will notify Toms River Police and a municipal summons will be issued.

3. When personal or property safety is threatened, the normal flow of traffic is impeded, or the maintenance of the college is stopped by an illegally parked vehicle, it may be towed at the owner's expense.

Fees

The fine for each parking violation must be paid in person or by mail to:

Accounting Department
Ocean County College
College Drive, P.O. Box 2001
Toms River, NJ 08754-2001

Checks or money order should be made payable to Ocean County College.

PARKING IN HANDICAPPED, FIRE AND/OR LOADING ZONES IS A MUNICIPAL VIOLATION AND SUBJECT TO TICKETING BY THE DOVER TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT.

Traffic Appeal Procedures
1. A ticket may be appealed to the Traffic Appeals Committee provided it is made in writing to the Security Office within twenty (20) calendar days from the issuance date of the Vehicle Violation Ticket.

2. Request forms may be obtained from and returned to the Security Office. Failure to properly file an appeal request form shall result in the forfeit of the right to appeal.

3. The following issues will not be considered for appeal:

a) the length of time the vehicle was illegally parked

b) parking on the grass

c) that parking in a particular area in the past did not result in being ticketed or that there were no “no parking” signs

d) that other vehicles in the same area were not ticketed

e) that Parking Lot #1 was full

f) parking in faculty/staff for any reason when you are a student

g) direct violation of Parking Policy

4. The Traffic Appeals Committee, not the Security Department, has the authority to hear and decide appeals.

Payment Methods
Checks or money orders are acceptable if made payable to Ocean County College and must include the student's name and ticket number.

A charge of $20.00 will be assessed for all checks issued to the college and not paid upon presentation to the bank. Once a personal check is returned by a bank to the college, it will not be re-deposited nor will the college accept another personal check in its place. Instead, payment will have to be made in cash or by certified check or money order.

Once payment has been made, the check cannot be returned to the student if the student changes his or her mind about attending. Likewise, the student should not process a stop payment order at his or her bank. The college will treat a stop payment as a returned check and will apply the $20.00 returned check charge. Instead, the student should go to the Office of Registration and Records and process a “drop” form. The college will, in turn, generate a refund check in the appropriate amount.

Petitions
Before a petition is circulated, one copy must be filed with the Office of Student Life. Each copy must bear the words, “Ocean County College”, the name of the group or groups sponsoring the petition and the petition itself.

Pets are not allowed on Campus.

Portable stereos are not permitted in any building.

Posters, Notices, Circulars, Literature
1. Posters and notices may be placed only on bulletin boards assigned by the Office of Student Life. All posters, notices, circulars and other literature posted or distributed on campus must contain the name and address of the distributing organization or individual.

2. Notices are not to be sent to instructors to read in class. If a group wishes to circulate to the faculty, approval must be received directly from the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

3. Notices for students are to be distributed in a fashion that does not interfere with student passage. Pressure is not to be exerted upon individuals to accept notices.

The distribution of notices is in no way to interfere with the regular functioning of the college. The distributors are responsible for policing (cleaning up) the area so that no notices or other distributed materials litter the campus.

4. Only posters, notices, circulars and literature which have been approved by the Office of Student Life can be distributed/ posted on campus.

5. Advertisements, flyers, etc., are not permitted to be placed on motor vehicles parked on campus.

Publicity
General publicity concerning the college and college activities is released through the College Relations Department. All information for press and radio must be cleared through that office as well. Student club/ organization publicity is handled in conjunction with and approved by the Coordinator of Student Volunteerism/Programming or the Coordinator of Student Activities/Operations.

Recreational Activities
Informal recreational activities (frisbee throwing, playing hackie sack, football, baseball, etc.) must not pose danger to the safety and well-being of others, interfere with the movement of others on the campus, or disrupt any college curricular or co-curricular program/activity. Disregard of this policy (#5247) may result in verbal or written reprimand, restitution of costs, disciplinary probation, suspension or expulsion.

Assistance/Emergency Telephones
Emergency telephones are located strategically throughout the buildings and within the parking lots for access to Campus Security and the College Nurse for emergency and general information.

Roller Skates, Roller Blades, and Skateboards are not permitted on campus.

Security/Safety
To facilitate the reporting of criminal actions or a campus emergency, the following procedures are in place:

a) The Security Office, located in Parking Lot #1, is open and staffed 24 hours a day;

b) There is a motorized patrol of campus and parking lots;

c) Emergency telephones are located throughout the campus and are direct dial to the switchboard operator, Security Office, and College Nurse;

d) The Security Office is equipped with call extension “ID” which allows the Security Department to identify your calling location in the event of an emergency;

e) Security, the Telephone Operator, the College Nurse and the Duty Administrator are equipped with portable two-way radios and are in constant communication with each other;

f) From off-campus, Security can be reached at 732.255.0451 or, on-campus, ext. 2170, 24 hours a day;

To control access to the campus and college buildings, the following policies and procedures are in effect;

a) There is college policy that deals with visitors to the campus and the times they are permitted in buildings;

b) Security issues photo ID cards to all Faculty/ Staff, active alumni and students;

c) Buildings are secured at the conclusion of activities each day;

d) Written permission must be obtained by a student from a faculty or staff member to work late in a building;

e) Doors and door locks are inspected nightly to insure proper operation;

f) Lights are inspected nightly and reported to maintenance if not working;

g) CCTV are mounted on campus. Security Officers at Ocean County College maintain an excellent working relationship with the Toms River Police Department, the Ocean County Sheriff's Department and the New Jersey State Police. The security manual requires our security officers to handle violations of minor rules and regulations and to call the police for violations of a serious or criminal nature.

Sexual Assault Victims Bill Of Rights
Ocean County College will not tolerate sexual assault in any form. Sexual assault includes any forcible and/or non-forcible sex offense, including acquaintance rape, in accordance with current state and federal law.

A victim of sexual assault shall have the right:

1. To be treated with dignity and provided a safe and confidential place to report the incident and discuss his/her concerns. The three offices designated for this purpose are the College Health Office, the Security Office, and the Counseling Center;

2. To be free from any suggestion that victims must report the crimes to be assured of any other right guaranteed under this policy;

3. To be free from any suggestion that victims are responsible for the commission of crimes against them.

4. To be free from any pressure from campus personnel to:

  • report crimes if the victim does not want to do so;
  • report crimes as lesser offenses than the victim perceives the crime to be;
  • refrain from reporting crimes;
  • refrain from reporting crimes to avoid unwanted personal publicity.

5. To receive full, prompt, and victim-sensitive cooperation of campus personnel with regard to obtaining, securing, and maintaining evidence, including a medical examination when it is necessary to preserve evidence of the assault.

6. To be provided a list of references of existing campus and community medical, counseling, mental health and student services for victims of sexual assault, whether or not the crime is formally reported to campus or civil authorities.

7. To have access to campus counseling under the same terms and conditions as apply to other students in their institution seeking such counseling.

8. To be informed of and assisted in exercising:

  • any rights to confidential or anonymous testing for sexually transmitted diseases, human immunodeficiency virus, and/or pregnancy;
  • any rights that may be provided by law to compel and disclose the results of testing of sexual assault suspects for communicable diseases.

9. To be afforded the same access to legal assistance as the accused.

10. To be afforded the same opportunity to have others present during any campus disciplinary proceeding that is allowed the accused.

11. To be notified of the outcome of the sexual assault disciplinary proceeding against the accused.

12. To have any allegation of sexual assault investigated and adjudicated by the appropriate criminal and civil authorities of the jurisdiction in which the sexual assault is reported.

13. To receive full and prompt cooperation and assistance of campus personnel in identifying the procedures for notifying off-campus authorities.

14. To require campus personnel to take reasonable and necessary actions to prevent further unwanted contact of victims by their alleged assailants.

Sexual Harassment
If you have any questions or concerns, trained facilitators are here to help. (Policy #2410 and #2420)

Carol Crawford, Instructional Bldg. Rm. 107, ext. 364
Don Doran, College Center, ext. 2136
Kate Pandolpho, Admin Bldg., Rm 24, ext. 2941
Nancy Polonitza, Counseling, ext. 2495
William Rickert, Russell Bldg. Rm. 112, ext. 2179

Shoes and Shirts must he worn in every campus building.

Skateboards and Sleds are not permitted on campus.

Smoking is not permitted on campus.

Snow Days (See Inclement Weather)

Solicitation
There will be no solicitation on campus. Promotional activities involving campus events must be pre-approved by the Office of Student Life.

Student Fee
See College/Student Fee

Student Life Box Office
The Office of Student Life operates the Student Life Box Office which is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Evening hours vary based on staff availability. Please see sign posted at box office. Campus program tickets, travel program reservations, half-price Broadway theater coupons, information and more are available to all full and part-time students, alumni and staff. (Travel sign-up procedures are listed within the monthly Happenings Calendar.)

Student Life Emergency Loan Fund
(See Emergency Loan Fund)

Student Privacy
Policy:
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, which became effective November 19, 1974 sets out requirements designed to protect the privacy of students. Specifically, the stature governs (1) access to records, and (2) the release of such records.

In response to this legislation, Ocean County College has developed the following policy regarding:

  1. Access to Educational Records
    Access to information within a student's permanent education record shall be in accordance with the guidelines as set forth in the above legislation. Procedures for access shall be developed by the Dean of Special Services.
  2. Release of Information Contained in Educational Records
    Since a student's permanent educational records contains both public and private information, it is necessary to establish criteria for the maintenance and disclosure of each. Therefore, information which is regarded as public, designated Directory Information, and subject to release without the written consent of the student, is listed in Category A. Information which can be released only with written consent of the student and is regarded as private or privileged is listed in Category B.

    Category A - Directory Information
    The data in Category A includes official administrative records necessary for the continuance and operation of the administrative system at the college. Specifically, the information included would be:
    1. Student's Name
    2. Student's Address
    3. Student's Telephone Listing
    4. Date and Place of Birth
    5. Major Field of Study
    6. Participation in Officially Recognized Activities and Sports
    7. Weight and Height of Members of Athletic Teams
    8. Dates of Attendance
    9. Degrees and Awards Received
    10. Most Recent Previous Educational Agency or Institution Attended by the Student.

    Data contained in Category A, designated as Directory Information, are considered public information and may be disseminated, without written consent of the student unless otherwise indicated on the student's record folder.

    Category B - Privileged Information
    The Data contained in Category B are for the privileged use of the members of the Vice President of Student Affairs, staff, and the faculty of Ocean County College. This information may not be released to any other parties without the written consent of the student, which include:
    1. Test Results (standardized intelligence tests, aptitude tests, etc.)
    2. Health Data
    3. Faculty Evaluations Including Mid-term Reports and Attendance Reports
    4. Counseling Reports, Including Disciplinary Actions
    6. Any and All Information Maintained in a Student's Permanent Educational Record Not Specifically Listed in Category A.

    The College has the right and chooses not to release this information without the student's or Dean of Special Services approval.

Technology Fee
All students pay a technology fee per credit hour.

Textbooks & Materials
A student may expect to spend an average of $500.00 per semester for textbooks. Students, however, should be alerted to the fact that material and supply costs for some courses may increase this figure significantly. A laboratory or materials fee may, on the average, add $100.00 per semester.

Tuition and Fees
Tuition for a bona fide resident of Ocean County College will be based on a per credit hour charge multiplied by the number of credits registered for plus fees. Failure to make payments by the specified due date for tuition and fees may cause the courses selected by the student to be canceled from his/her schedule.

The student's tuition and fees are established by the college's Board of Trustees and are subject to change at any time. PLease see OCC website for the current tuition and fee rate.

Tuition Payment Plan
Payment to OCC for tuition and fees is normally required to be paid in full at the time of registration. However, we recognize that making payment in full before the semester begins can cause an economic hardship for many students. To remedy this situation, we provide the OCC Tuition Payment Plan (TPP).

The OCC Tuition Payment Plan offers a financial planning option that allows you a line of credit to pay tuition and fees in installments. There are no interest or finance charges, although there is a $50 contract fee for full-time students and $30 contract fee for part-time students to sign up for the program and there are penalty fees for missed or late payments. To participate, you must be registered for six or more credit hours in the fifteen week Fall or Spring semesters. Register for classes and sign up for the payment plan early to spread your costs out over the maximum number of installments.

Brochures on the payment plan can be obtained online and from the following offices: Cashiers, Admissions, Advising and Counseling, Financial Aid, and Student Life.

Tuition Refunds
Students who officially withdraw from courses may be eligible for a percentage refund of tuition and certain fees. If any fees are still owed, your refund will be applied accordingly; if your bill has been paid, you will receive your refund from the college's business office. No refund will be given for registration fees, tuition deposit, certificate, graduation or Tuition Payment Plan fees.

Official date of withdrawal will be the date the Registration and Records Office receives the completed withdrawal form with all required signatures.

The schedule for refund for the Fall and Spring Semesters is as follows:

Cancelled by the college.......................100%

Approved withdrawal prior to the
first day of the semester......................100%

Approved withdrawal from the first day
of the semester up to and including the
tenth day of the semester......................50%

Approved withdrawal after the tenth day
of the semester...................................None

NON-ATTENDANCE DOES NOT RELIEVE STUDENTS OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

STUDENTS MUST WITHDRAW FROM CLASS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND.

The first day of class is defined to be the date on which classes officially begin for the semester and not the student's first class day.

Withdrawal Policy

Clergy Act Crime Report