COMPASS 2011-12
TABLE OF CONTENTS

V.    GENERAL COLLEGE POLICIES

A. Administration Search and Seizure Policy
B. Alcohol Policies
C. Bicycle Policy
D. Disability Access Statement
E  Discrimination
F. Drug and Alcohol Statement
G. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
H. Financial Aid Refunds
I.  Financial Policies
J. Missing Student Notification
K. Organization Policy
L.  Parental Notification
M. Posting Policy
N. Responsible Albrightian Policy
O. Sexual Assault/Rape Policy
P. Sexual Harassment Policy
Q. Smoking Policy
R. Student Demonstration Policy
S. Student Records
T. Vehicle Registration and Parking Regulations
U. Withdrawal Process

A. Administration Search and Seizure Policy 

Albright College respects the privacy of members of the College community. However, the College reserves the right for the appropriate officials to conduct searches if reasonable cause exists to believe that (a) activity is taking place in a student’s room or on College premises that is detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of individuals; or (b) substances are contained in the room or on the property of the College or on a person that would constitute a vio­lation of the Student Code of Conduct. A search involves the close physical examina­tion of all areas, which may include, but are not limited to, thoroughly going through an individual’s personal belongings. Determination of what constitutes “a reasonable cause to believe” that a search is necessary will be made by the director of public safety.  Rooms may be entered without the student present.

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B.  Alcohol Policies 

1.   Students are reminded that the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania limit involvement with alcoholic beverages to persons 21 years of age or older.

2.  The following are regulations for alcohol use:

a.  Albright College allows students who are 21 years of age to  possess and/or consume alcoholic beverages in the privacy of their own room (unless in a substance-free hall).

b.  Common-source containers of alcohol (i.e. party balls, punch bowl, kegs, etc.) are prohibited anywhere on campus.

c.   The use of grain alcohol is strictly forbidden.  

d.  Open containers containing alcohol are not permitted in the hallways and common areas of residence halls or in public areas of the campus. Any containers of beer or wine that are being transported must be sealed and covered while on College premises.

e.  If it is determined by Public Safety that a student has consumed alcohol which renders them to be in significant physical harm, they will be transported by ambulance to the hospital. If a student has consumed alcohol and their physical well-being is in question, an auxiliary officer will be called in to monitor the student’s condition until they are considered to be safe. The cost of the auxiliary officer’s salary, in the amount of $100, will be passed on to the student.

f.   The illegal purchase, possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages (The College expects every student to be aware of these laws and to assume the responsibility for compliance with them.)

g.  Students are reminded that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prohibits the purchase, possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by per­sons under the age of 21. Furthermore, any person 21 years of age or older is subject to charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor for providing someone under the age of 21 with any alcoholic beverages. Violators are subject to prosecution by state law enforcement officials.

h.  In order to acquaint students with the provisions of the law, the following sections have been excerpted from Chapter 63 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, effective June 6, 1973. In addition, Item 6 has been excerpted from Section 493 of the Pennsylvania Liquor Code.

1)  Section 6301: Corruption of Minors -­ A person of the age of 18 years and older is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree in regard to alcohol if he aids, abets, entices or encourages a minor in the commission of any crime. (Maximum five years and/or $10,000 fine.) Note: Anyone under the age of 21 is considered a minor in regards to alcohol.

2)  Section 6307: Misrepresentation of Age to Secure Liquor – A person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree if he, being under the age of 21 years, knowingly and falsely represents himself to be 21 years of age to any licensed dealer or other person, for the purpose of procuring or having furnished to him any intoxication liquors. (Maximum one year and/or $2,500 fine.)

3)  Section 6308: Purchase, Consumption, Possession or

Transportation of Liquor or Malt or Malt Brewed Beverages – A person is guilty of a summary offense if he, being less than 21 years of age, attempts to pur­chase, purchases, consumes, possesses or transports any alcohol, liquor or malt brewed beverages. (Maximum 90 days and/or $300 fine.)

4)   Section 6309: Representing to Liquor Dealers that Minor is of Age – A person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree if he knowing­ly, willfully, or falsely represents to any licensed dealer or other person any minor to be of full age for the purpose of inducing any such licensed dealer or other person to sell or furnish any intoxicating liquors to the minor (Maximum one year and/or $2,500 fine.)

5) Section 6310: Inducement of Minors to Buy Liquor - A person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree if he hires or requests or induces any minor to purchase or offer to purchase liquor, beer, wine, or brewed or malt liquors from a duly licensed dealer for any purpose. (Maximum one year and/or $2,500 fine.)

6)  Section 493 (1) of the Liquor Code: Furnishing Liquor or Malt or Brewed Beverages to Certain Persons – For any licensee or the board, or any employee, servant, or agent of such licensee or of the board, or any other person, to sell, furnish, or give any liquor or malt or brewed beverages, or to permit any liquor or malt or brewed beverages to be sold, furnished, or given, to any mentally challenged person, or to any minor, or to habitual drunkards, or persons of known intemperate habits (Maximum 90 days and/or $500 fine.)

i.    Fines (In addition to other sanctions, students who violate alcohol/drug policies will be fined.)

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C. Bicycle Policy

1.  The College is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged bicycles. Bicycle owners are responsible for removing their bicycles from campus at the end of every semester. Bicycles left after the end of the academic semester will be considered abandoned, confiscated by Public Safety, and held by the College until the bicycle is claimed. Bicycles left with Public Safety for more than one full semester will be deemed a gift to the College, to be disposed of through appropriate College channels.
2.  Bicycles, when not in use, must be securely locked to approved bicycle racks. Bicycle racks are placed in appropriate locations around campus.
3.  Bicycles that are locked to any device, railing, or structure other than an approved bicycle rack will be issued a warning.  A subsequent violation will result in removal by Public Safety and may result in disciplinary action. 
4.  Bicycle owners should use discretion when riding bicycles.  At all times, pedestrians have the right of way. All bicycles must be operated according to the provisions of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Vehicle Code as it pertains to bicycles, as well as the rules and regulations contained in this policy.
5.   Bicycles may not be ridden in residence halls or any other building.
6.  Bicycle owners are encouraged to have bikes insured in case of damage, loss or theft.
7.   Bicycle owners are strongly encouraged to register their bicycles with the Office of Public Safety. 

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D. Disability Access Statement

Albright College is dedicated to extending all available services, programs, and activities to our students including those with disabilities in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  To facilitate equal educational and learning opportunities for students with documented disabilities including but not limited to learning, sensory, physical, medical, and mental health conditions, the College has designated the Academic Learning Center (ALC) as the central office on campus that supervises disability services.  Students must self disclose their disability to the director of the Academic Learning Center and provide qualified and current documentation of their disability in a timely manner.  The ALC meets with students to discuss their specific requests and reasonable accommodations are made on a case by case basis.  The director will make referrals to other college units as needed. The ALC is committed to providing timely, individual assessment of student needs and promotes self-advocacy and intentional learning among all students, especially students with disabilities. The ALC is located in the basement level of the Administration Building and can be reached via phone at 610-921-7662, via e-mail at academiclearningcenter@albright.edu, or via TTY at 610-921-7241.  Visit the ALC web site for documentation guidelines and more information at http://www.albright.edu/academics/alc.html

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E. Discrimination

Diversity is one of the strengths of a society as well as one of the hallmarks of a college campus. Albright College recognizes and values the perspectives molded by different cultures and backgrounds. Albright College recognizes and supports the ideal that colleges protect the academic environment and encourage freedom of expression, and the responsibility that it entails. While members of the Albright community reserve the right of freedom of expres­sion, the members of the community must also recognize they have a duty to be responsible. Members of our community have the right not to be discrimi­nated against by any agent, organization or member of the Albright College community.

1.  Hate/Bias: The Pennsylvania Crimes Code states that a person commits the offense of ethnic intimidation if, with malicious intention toward the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity of another individual or group of individuals, he commits an offense under any other provision of this article or under Chapter 33 (relating to arson, criminal mischief and other property destruction) exclusive of section 3307 (relating to institutional vandalism) or under section 3503 (relating to criminal trespass) with respect to such individual or his or her property or with respect to one or more mem­bers of such group or to their property.

a.  Definition: As used in this section, “malicious intention” means the inten­tion to commit any act, the commission of which is a necessary element of any offense referred to in subsection (a) motivated by hatred toward the actual or perceived race, color, religion or national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity of anoth­er individual or group of individuals (PA Crimes Code 2710). 

Albright College holds the members of its community to a higher standard than the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. Albright College is committed to protect­ing individual freedoms, as long as they are not inflammatory or harmful toward others, whether it is intentional or not. Violation of the norms of civil­ity and other accepted rules of behavior, whether or not covered by specific regulations, subjects a student to disciplinary action.

2.     Disciplinary Action: A violation of College policy such as harassment, van­dalism, assault, etc. that is motivated by hate or intolerance will be considered a harsher violation. Any member of the Albright community who participates in promoting hatred and intolerance will be brought before the appropriate office or the Office of Community Standards. Those found guilty of hate/bias infractions of the Student Code of Conduct may find the sanctions imposed more severe than sanctions for non-­hate related infractions.

3.     Notification of Hate/bias: Any person who becomes aware of an incident of hate/bias should call (311) or come into the Office of Public Safety immediately. Any member of the Albright College community (student, faculty or administration) may initiate the College’s complaint process. Complaints must be submitted in writing to the Public Safety Office as soon as possible after the complainant (person submitting the complaint) becomes aware of the alleged violation.

4.     Filing a Complaint: Complaints alleging hate/bias incidents should be addressed to the Office of Public Safety. The written complaint will be forwarded to the appropriate office: for a student it will be sent to community standards; for an employee to human resources; and for faculty to the provost.

5.     Reporting of Incidents to the Albright Community: This policy requires that these incidents be reported to the Albright College community by the appro­priate disciplinary office.  

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F.    Drug and Alcohol Statement

1.   Drugs

• Standard of Conduct – Possession, use and/or distribution of non-prescription and/or illegal controlled substances, prescribed medical drugs that were unlawfully obtained or are being unlawfully or abusively used, and related paraphernalia are strictly prohibited on any area of campus. In addition, the abusive or unlawful use of over-the-counter drugs is strictly forbidden. Any violation of this policy is also considered a violation of the Student Conduct Code.

• College Sanctions – Students who possess, use and/or distribute illegal drugs, prescribed medical drugs that were unlawfully obtained or are being unlawfully used, or drug paraphernalia on Albright College property will be subject to community standards sanctions and educational programming. Repeat offenders may face more severe penalties, including automatic suspension and/or removal from the residence halls. Students who distribute controlled substances or possess such substances with the intent to distribute may be subject to more severe sanctions including suspension and/or expulsion.

• Local, State and Federal Laws – In addition to sanctions imposed by the College, drug violations may be referred to the appropriate external authorities. Under local, state and federal laws, such as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, violations as specified above may result in penalties ranging from fines through imprisonment. A list of penalties for federal drug offenses can be found on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Web site at http://www.dea.gov/agency/penalties.htm. If a student is convicted of a drug-related offense under local, state or federal law, financial aid will be revoked for a specified period of time.

• Health Risks – The health risks caused by drug use vary depending on the drug involved. Studies have shown that marijuana contributes to sterility in men, destroys brain cells and leads to diseases associated with cigarette smoking. The use of cocaine or any cocaine-based substance may cause heart failure, erratic behavior, personality changes, birth defects, loss of appetite, paranoia and mood swings. The use of drugs without a doctor’s supervision may also cause serious health difficulties. In addition, the abuse of any substance can adversely affect relationships, employment, academic and athletic performance and self-esteem.

• Treatment – The College provides confidential counseling services to students. The Albright College Counseling Center is located at the Gable Health Center and can be reached at 610-921-7532. The Counseling Center personnel will provide referrals to both in- and outpatient treatment facilities at the Reading Hospital and other area treatment centers.

2. Alcohol

• Standard of Conduct – Possession, distribution, use and/or consumption of alcohol by students under 21 years of age is strictly prohibited on campus. The operation of a motor vehicle by a driver who is legally impaired or intoxicated (reckless driving) is also prohibited. In addition, consumption of alcohol and/or possession of open containers of alcohol by any student in public areas is not permitted. No alcohol is permitted at Greek rush events. 

• College Sanctions – Students who violate any of the above alcohol regulations will be subject to a minimum penalty of a disciplinary warning. Subsequent offenses will result in more serious action. Offenses and sanctions will be kept on file in the Community Standards office and reported to the appropriate agencies.

• Local and State Laws – In addition to sanctions imposed by the College, alcohol violations may be referred to the appropriate external authorities. Under local and state laws, such as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Vehicle and Traffic Law, and Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, violations may result in penalties ranging from fines through suspension of a driver’s license and possible imprisonment.

• Health Risks – Use of alcohol may result in mood changes, impulsive actions, loss of judgment and loss of coordination. Excessive use of alcohol may cause heart damage, liver damage, damage to the digestive tract, cancer, brain damage, mental disorders, loss of sexual function, blood disorders and birth defects. Also, long-term alcohol use may affect relationships, employment, academic and athletic performance, and self-esteem. Students will be held completely responsible for any violation of College policy while under the influence of alcohol.

• Treatment – The College provides confidential counseling services to students.  The Albright College Counseling Center is located in the Gable Health Center and can be reached at 610-921-7532. Counseling Center personnel will provide referrals to both in- and out-patient treatment facilities at the Reading Hospital and other area treatment centers.

This information is provided in compliance with section 1213 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 [20 U.S.C. 1145g] and again amended in the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) [Public Law 110-315] was enacted on August 13, 2008. 

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G.    Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records:

1. “The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a written request.” Students should submit written requests to the registrar that identify the records they wish to inspect. The registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the registrar, he or she shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

2. “The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading.” Students should write the official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when noti­fied of the right to a hearing.

3. “The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information con­tained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.” One exception, which permits disclo­sure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educa­tional interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit, personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance commit­tee, or assisting another school official in performing his/her other tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsi­bility.

4. “Upon request, the College discloses education records without consent, to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.”

5. “The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.” The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920  For additional information on these rights, please contact the registrar or the dean of students.

6. Parent Notification Amendment
   
   Federal Register: July 6, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 130)
   
   Section 99.31(a) (14) Prior Consent Not Required for Disclosures to Parents and Legal Guardians Regarding Violations of Alcohol or Drug Laws or Rules.
   
   The Higher Education Amendments of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), permits postsecondary institutions to disclose to parents and legal guardians of students under the age of 21, without the student’s consent, information regarding the student’s violation of any federal, state or local law, or any rule or policy of the institution governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance.
   
   In addition to this new provision, the statue already provided that post secondary institutions may disclose certain information from a student’s education records to parents or legal guardians under several exceptions to the prior consent rule. Under section 99.31(a) (8) of the regulations, institutions may release information to parents or guardians, without the student’s consent, if the student is a dependent for tax purposes. Also, under section 99.31(a) (10), an institution may release information to a parent or legal guardian in connection with a health or safety emergency. This provision adds a new expectation to the prior consent requirement of FERPA.
   
   http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

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H. Financial Aid Refunds

In accordance with federal regulations, Albright College has instituted a refund policy for students who are recipients of Federal Title IV financial assistance (Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Academic Competitiveness Grants and National SMART Grants, Perkins Loans, Stafford Loans, PLUS Loans and Federal Work Study). This policy applies to each recipi­ent of Title IV assistance who withdraws or is dismissed from Albright College during the first 60 percent of a semester in which that student began attendance.

Federal aid will be adjusted based on the percent of the semester completed prior to the withdrawal. That is, students will be entitled to retain the same percent of the federal financial aid received as the percent of the semester completed. This percent is calculated by dividing the number of days in the semester (excluding breaks of five days or longer) into the number of days completed prior to the withdrawal (excluding breaks of five days or longer). The date of withdrawal will be the date the student begins the withdrawal process at the VP for Student Affairs/Dean of Students Office or the student’s last date of attendance at a documented academically-related activity.  There will be no adjustment to federal financial aid after the completion of 60 percent or more of the semester.

Once the federal refund amount has been calculated, the funds will be returned to lenders in the following order:

• Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
• Subsidized Stafford Loans
• Perkins Loans
• PLUS Loans
• Pell Grant
• Academic Competitiveness Grant
• National SMART Grant
• Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

Pennsylvania and other state grants will be adjusted in accordance with the granting agency’s stated guidelines. PHEAA Grant funds will be reduced by the same percentage as in the progressive refund schedule above, according to the date of the withdrawal. 

Albright College grant and scholarship funds will be adjusted based on the percentage of tuition the student received when he or she withdraws from the College.

Students who are dismissed from the College for failing to meet academic standards or are suspended or expelled for disciplinary reasons are not eligible to receive a refund for payments made nor have their financial obligations credited in whole or in part.

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I.  Financial Policies 

1.  Enrollment Deposit :

All entering students pay a $200 enrollment deposit. This deposit holds their position in the class. This deposit is held in escrow and credited to the stu­dent’s account upon graduation or withdrawal from the College after complet­ing at least one semester. Students withdrawing from the College without meeting this requirement forfeit their enrollment deposit.

2.  Billing and Payment:  

Tuition, room, board and fees are billed on a semester basis as a matter of convenience. Payment is required before the start of classes; any outstanding balance that remains on the student’s account after deduction of financial aid, grants, scholarships and loans should be paid on or before the due date in August for the fall semester and the due date in January for the spring semester. To avoid delays in registration, course selection and room assign­ment, as well as the imposition of finance charges associated with late pay­ments, we suggest that you determine as promptly as possible, but before the due date, how you plan to meet these expenses.

As an alternative to the traditional method of paying educational costs in full at the beginning of each semester, Albright College offers a budget plan financed through Tuition Management Systems that allows for monthly installment payments covering tuition and fees throughout the academic year. Information about this program designed to assist students and their families is mailed to all students in advance of each academic year. Additional information is available from the Tuition Management Systems Web site at www.afford.com .

Students are granted auxiliary credit privileges that enable them to charge purchases made in the bookstore or food services provided by Jake’s Place. These charges, which are posted semi­monthly, are payable upon presentation of the monthly billing statement. Details of these monthly charges are either provided at the time of purchase or sent directly to the student at his/her campus mailing address. Delinquent accounts are subject to the assessment of monthly interest charges and the cost of collection if referred to an outside agency. Final account balances of less than one dollar will not be collected or refunded.

Maintaining one’s account in good standing is a prerequisite of responsible citizenship. Outstanding balances are subject to finance charges, as well as discontinuance of auxiliary credit privileges. Students are urged to use these privi­leges appropriately.

Questions relating to any charge appearing on a monthly billing statement should be brought to the attention of the Controller’s Office within seven days of receipt of the billing statement. Parents and students are urged to consult with the Controller’s Office in advance of payment due dates to settle accounts in a timely fashion and to avoid finance charges that would otherwise be imposed.

3.  Institutional Refund Policy: 

Tuition, room, board and other fees are based on an academic year of study and billed on a semester basis. A full-­time student is defined as one taking a minimum of three, but not more than five, courses per semester. Part-time students are defined as taking one or two courses and are billed on a per-course basis. Credit adjustments to student accounts for tuition charges are provided to those students whose enrollment status changes from full ­time to part time due to their withdrawing from course(s) prior to the end of the drop/add period in accordance with College policies described below. Students are not eligible for credit adjustments for withdrawing from courses after the drop/add period expires.

Students must consult the Student Affairs Office prior to withdrawal from college. Refund of any financial aid is determined by the Financial Aid Office in accordance with federal regulations. Refund of any College fees is determined by Student Account Office procedures.

The Student Accounts Office will not issue any refunds without written documentation of withdrawal.  Oral communication or failure to report to class is not considered formal notification of withdrawal and, therefore, no refund will be given.

As the College has expenses of a continuing nature, usually incurred on an annual basis, it assumes that students, once enrolled, will remain for the semester.  However, the College recognizes that individual circumstances may dictate a withdrawal.  The Controller’s Office will review a request for refund of institutional charges upon official notification of withdrawal from the Registrar, Housing, and Food Services offices that the student’s withdrawal has been processed by those offices.  The refund is subject to the assessment of an administrative fee of $200, a record fee of $20, and the cancellation fees delineated in the residential housing and food service contract, and is based on the following schedule according to the date of withdrawal:

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J.  Missing Student Notification

In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 we are notifying you that Albright College has a policy for notifying the designated emergency contact listed in housing and/or other administrative areas of campus for a student who resides in on-campus housing and who is determined to be missing.

A student may be deemed missing if it is reported to appropriate college officials (public safety, housing and residential life, resident assistant, lead RA, assistant director or director, Gable Health and Counseling Center personnel or the Dean of Students Office) that the student has been unreachable via personal contact, telephone, e-mail, or other means of electronic communication for 24 hours or more. Any member of the student affairs team that receives the call will refer the information directly to the leadership of public safety immediately (director or assistant directors).

Upon determination by Albright College public safety that a student is missing, the designated emergency contact will be notified as soon as possible but no later than 24 hours after that determination. The student's custodial parent or guardian will also be notified if that person is not the designated emergency contact and the student is under 18 years of age and not an emancipated individual.

Students are encouraged to periodically review and update their emergency contact with the housing department. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy please contact the Dean of Students Office at 610-921-7611.

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K.  Organization Policy 

1.   Any student or student organization that aids, abets, encourages, requests, initiates, or assists any other student, non­-student or student organization in acts that violate a policy constitutes an organizational offense.

2.   Societies, clubs, Greek organizations, athletic teams or similar organized groups in or recognized by the College are subject to the same standards as individuals in the community. The committing of any offenses by such groups or the failure of any organized group to exercise preventative measures relative to violations of the code by their members shall constitute an organizational offense. To be classi­fied as an organizational offense, one (or more) of the following circumstances must have occurred: the offense was conducted with the knowledge, authorization or approval of an executive officer and or member(s) of the organization; organizational or group funds were utilized to support the offense; a significant number of organi­zation members participated, supported or were aware of the misconduct; the misconduct occurred in any reserved space on or off campus that serves as a College function. The misconduct occurred as a result of or during an organiza­tion-sponsored function or activity; or the misconduct was, by its nature, deemed to be an organizational offense. Both the individual and organization will be held accountable for misconduct originating from one event or activity.

3.   The organization as a whole as well as students individually shall be subject to disciplinary action as if the student or student organization had actually com­mitted the violation. Any violation of the Student Code of Conduct by members of a student organization may result in both the organization and the members involved in the behavior being subject to disciplinary action up to and including dissolution of the organization.

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L.  Parental Notification

1.   The vice president for student affairs and dean of students or designee has the authority to notify parents or guardians about possible violations of the Student Code of Conduct under the follow­ing circumstances: when students have authorized the College to release edu­cational records to parents or guardians, when students under the age of 21 are found to have committed any violation of the College’s policies on alcohol or drug violation, when students are involved in a disciplinary violation that could result in suspension or expulsion from the College, or when students are facing a medical or psychological emergency.

2.   The Higher Education Amendments of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), permit post-secondary institutions to disclose to parents and legal guardians of students under the age of 21, without the student’s consent, information regarding the student’s violation of any federal, state or local law, or any policy of the institution governing the use or possession of alcohol or controlled substances.

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M.  Posting Policy

Posting is considered to be any information tacked, tied, taped, stapled or written on any surface on campus. It is an expectation that all members of the College community will adhere to the policy and will aid in removing expired and improperly posted notices.

1.     Location

a.  All materials must be posted on bulletin boards or cork strips or (in the Campus Center) designated posting lines and designated posting areas. No postings are permitted on glass, painted, wooden, metal, plastic or other surfaces. Sufficient posting spaces are available in all buildings. Suggestions for additional bulletin board and cork strip locations are welcome; please notify the dean of students.

b.   Bulletin boards and cork strips are designated as either “College community” or “academic.” 

c.   In some buildings, “academic” bulletin boards or cork strips have been designated specifically for academic and other official postings. To post on academic boards/strips, permission must be obtained from the building secretary, the Office of Housing and Residential Life, or the sponsoring faculty, staff or administrator.

d.  Permission is not needed for posting on “College community” boards/strips as long as the posting policy is adhered to. 

e.   Items may not be posted on any outside areas except on bulletin boards provided expressly for this purpose. Outside areas include lampposts, street signs, sidewalks, exterior walls and doors, utility poles, trees and other immobile objects considered part of their property.

f.  Items may not be distributed among parked vehicles.

g.   Chalking is permitted on sidewalks only.

2.     Content and Size

a.  All materials must include the name of the sponsor and relevant event information.

b.  Materials that promote the use of alcohol or other drugs or that promote discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, and/or national origin, or that are obscene, socially inappropriate or intimidating, or that are offensive to the prevailing standards of an academic community, are prohibited. Guidance as to the appropriateness of postings may be sought from the Campus Center Office, faculty advisers, the dean of students, or the director of housing and residential life.

c.  Sponsors are permitted one sign per bulletin board or cork strip.

d.  Personal message postings (i.e., happy birthday or congratulations) may not exceed 3' by 3'.

e.   Postings promoting events may not exceed 8 1/2" x 14".

An example of a posting that contains appropriate material and is of an accepted size is available in the Office of Student Affairs.

3.     Duration

a.  On “College community” boards/strips, personal message postings (i.e., happy birthday or congratulations) may not stay up for more than one week and must include the date posted. Personal message posting may be removed earlier if space is needed. 

b.  On “College community” boards/strips, postings promoting events must be removed within 72 hours following the event.

c.   Removal of materials from “academic” bulletin boards/strips is at the discretion of the sponsor.

4.     Removal

a.  It is the responsibility of the sponsor to remove materials.

b.  If members of the campus community deem it necessary to remove materials that otherwise adhere to the approved posting policy, they must first notify the sponsor and explain why they wish to remove the materials. If the materials are removed, they must be returned to the sponsor.

c.  Postings by people who are not Albright students, faculty, staff or administration are prohibited without the permission of the Campus Center Office.

5.     Violations

Violations to the Posting Policy may result in corrective action by the appropriate disciplinary body.

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N. Responsible Albrightian Policy

Albright College’s primary concern is the health and safety of its students.  The College is aware that students are sometimes reluctant to seek medical attention in alcohol- and other drug-related emergencies out of fear that they may face sanctions related to possessing or consuming alcohol or other drugs.  Because these emergencies are potentially life-threatening, Albright College seeks to create a culture of trust and care paired with safety and responsibility while reducing any barriers that would prevent students from seeking assistance by implementing the Responsible Albrightian Policy.

The Responsible Albrightian Policy provides consideration for alternative consequences for students who, while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, responsibly report alcohol and/or other drug-related emergencies to the proper authorities for the intention of seeking medical or safety assistance for anyone in need of emergency care.  Alternative consequences should not be confused with amnesty.

1.     Description of and Requirements during Emergency Situations:  Students who find themselves in a situation that requires emergency care of another should contact the Department of Public Safety at 610-921-7671, or 311 from an on-campus phone, or press the red button on the campus call boxes.  Call 911 if off campus, and/or immediately seek assistance from a residence life staff member to report the details needed by emergency response personnel.

2.     Scope of Protection
The College will consider the positive impact of reporting an incident when determining the appropriate sanctions for policy violations.  In such cases, any possible negative consequences for the reporter of the situation will be evaluated against the possible negative consequences for the student who needed assistance.

Students needing medical assistance during an alcohol- or other drug-related emergency will not face disciplinary/conduct action for the mere possession/use of alcohol or drugs.  However, the Office of Community Standards will seek a mutually agreeable resolution to the matter, when possible, while meeting with the same student to discuss the incident.  This student may be required to participate in an appropriate educational program. 

3.   Other Requirements/Conditions
Even if there is not a disciplinary action, the Office of Community Standards will maintain a file of each case that may be used to establish a pattern of history should subsequent alcohol or other drug violations occur.  Conduct violations do not appear on the student’s academic transcript.

4.  Institutional Discretion Statement
Based on the totality of the incident, the College hearing officer will make the final determination as to the applicability of the Responsible Albrightian Policy and reserves the right to reduce any sanctions or outcomes, including dismissing any and all charges against a student.

5.  Important Policy Limitations
Students should be aware that the Responsible Albrightian Policy does not prevent action by local and state authorities when the situation warrants outside involvement.

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O.   Sexual Assault/Rape Policy

Sexual assault and rape are crimes that will not be tolerated at Albright College. The nature of these types of incidents causes immense difficulty to the individuals directly involved and offends the educational mission of the institution. Those identified as being responsible for such acts may expect to be criminally prosecuted and held accountable under the College’s Sexual Misconduct Policy procedure. 

1.   What to Do if You Have Been Sexually Assaulted or Raped

a.  Get to a safe place as soon as you can (i.e., Public Safety, hospital, RA)

b.  Get help immediately by contacting an assistant director of housing, resident assistant, Health Services, Counseling Services, dean of students, or Public Safety. Between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, call the Gable Health and Counseling Center at Albright College (ext. 7532). Call the Office of Public Safety at Albright College (ext. 311 or 7670) even if you do not want further action taken.

c.  Seek medical care. Save all of the clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault. Place each item of clothing in a separate bag. Do not use plastic bags.

d.  Go to either St. Joseph’s Hospital or the Reading Hospital and Medical Center emergency department for medical care.  Even if you think that you do not have any physical injuries, you should still have a medical examination and discuss with a health care provider the risk of exposure to sexually transmit­ted infections and the possibility of pregnancy resulting from the sexual assault. A medical examination is extremely important even if you are unsure if you are interested in pursuing a police report. You may call the Public Safety Office at Albright College (ext. 311 or 7670) if you need transportation to the emergency room.

e.  Do not disturb anything in the area where the incident occurred.

f.  Preserve physical evidence and refrain from changing clothes, bathing, show­ering, brushing your teeth, douching or urinating.

g.   If you suspect that you may have been given a date-rape drug, ask the hospital emergency department where you receive medical care to test for date-rape drugs.

h.  Write down as much as you can remember about the circumstances of the assault, including a description of the assailant.

i.    Get emotional support by scheduling an appointment with the Albright College Counseling Center . (ext. 7532).

j.    It is your choice whether you would like to speak with a counselor on­ or off campus.

k.   Every effort will be made to maintain privacy and confidentiality. “Need to know” guidelines will be imposed.

l.   If you need information regarding sexual assault r rape, please visit the Gable Health Center website at http://www.albright.edu/resources/healthcenter/stepstotake.html

2.  Reporting an Indecent Assault 

A student who believes that she or he has been the victim of an indecent assault should report the assault to the Public Safety Office of Albright College and the Gable Health and Counseling Center even if you may not want further action taken. The victim will never be pressured into making any decisions that they do not desire. 

Public Safety will assist you in reporting the incident to either the Muhlenberg Police Department or the Reading Police Department, as appropriate. If a report is completed with both the Reading Police Department and the Office of Public Safety simultaneously, the adjudication processes will be separate and distinct from one another.  Once a student files an incident report of sexual mis­conduct, there will be an investigation of the incident. If the victim chooses to have criminal charges filed through either the Reading Police Department or the Muhlenberg Police Department, Public Safety will discontinue any on-campus investigation until the criminal charges have been adjudicated. The accused may be charged criminally by local law enforcement authorities. The case also may be dealt with as a violation of Albright College’s Sexual Misconduct Policy if the accused is a student at Albright College. The student will appear before the Community Standards Hearing Board for a hearing. If the accused is found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct, sanctions will be assessed that could include probation, suspension or expulsion.

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P.  Sexual Harassment Policy 

1.  Sexual Harassment: Albright College believes that its students, faculty and staff living and working in the College community should be free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is unlawful and contrary to the best interests of the College, its students and its employees.

a.  Scope: It is the policy of Albright College to provide a learning community and workplace or campus community free of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or com­munications deemed to constitute sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is considered to be a very serious matter and is prohibited in the workplace by any person and in any form. It is the responsibility of all students, faculty and staff to ensure compliance with this policy. Any student, faculty, staff or person who has a workplace or campus/community sexual harassment complaint shall report the matter to a student personnel official, supervi­sor or vice president, or directly to the associate vice president and director of human resources.

b.  Policy: Sexual harassment of any Albright College employee or student in the workplace or campus/community by any employee or other person, either directly or indirectly, is not tolerated and is prohibited. No student, faculty or staff member shall be threatened or made to feel threatened, either explicitly or implicitly, neither by sexual harassment nor by the reporting of sexual harassment. A student, faculty or staff member’s refusal to submit to unwelcome sexual advances or conduct or the reporting of such advances will not adversely affect the employee’s or the student’s performance, evalua­tion, wages, advancements, academic standing or retention, career devel­opment or any other condition of employment. Sexual harassment in the workplace or campus/community is strictly prohibited. This includes, but it is not limited to, unwelcome and offensive sexual flirtations, unwelcome advances or propositions, verbal abuse of a sexual nature, offensive dis­plays in the workplace or campus/community of sexually suggested objects or materials, and any other activity that could be interpreted as creating a sexually hostile work or campus/community environment. Any student, faculty or staff member who believes that he or she has been sexually harassed should report the act immediately to the employee’s supervisor or student personnel official or to the associate vice president and director of human resources, who serves as the affirmative action officer. The complaint will be investigated, and the student, faculty or staff member will be advised of the findings and conclusions. While there are no express time limits for initiating complaints, every effort should be made to file a complaint as soon as possible. Once a complaint is made, the College will conduct an investiga­tion and take appropriate actions as indicated by the findings of the inves­tigation. The complaining individual may file an informal complaint, which involves a meeting to discuss the alleged incidents, or a formal com­plaint, which includes a written statement by the complaining individual. All complaints will be promptly investigated. To the extent possible, confi­dentiality and privacy will be respected in handling such harassment com­plaints.

The affirmative action officer will be responsible for overseeing the investigation and maintaining the documents of the investigation and ensuring that the appropriate action is taken. There will be no discrimination or retaliation against any student, faculty or staff member for making a sexual harassment complaint. Any student, faculty, staff member or person who is found to have engaged in sexual harassment will be subject to appropriate cor­rective or disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination, suspension or expulsion. This policy applies to students, faculty, staff and non­employees who come into contact with College students and employ­ees. Any sexual harassment by a non-employee, such as a vendor or con­tractor, shall be reported immediately to the employee’s immediate supervisor or to the affirmative action officer.

c.   Process for Addressing Complaint of Sexual Harassment: The Sexual Harassment Policy requires action and confidential record keeping as a means of protecting the entire Albright College community of faculty, administrators, staff and students. Immediate and, if necessary, corrective action shall be taken on all complaints of sexual harassment. Members of the Albright College community should encourage individuals who experi­ence sexual harassment to come forward. In addressing complaints of sex­ual harassment, the individual should speak directly to the harasser, identi­fying the incident and what was objectionable and stating the remedy sought. Or, the individual can write to the harasser, identifying the incident and what was objectionable and stating the remedy sought. On the assumption that the remedy sought is to have the action cease, this could end the matter. Failing that, or alternatively, the individual should report the incident directly to one of the following individuals, who are responsible for helping resolve the problem either informally or formally: 1) If the individual is a student, he/she should report the incident to the Department of Public Safety; 2) If the individual is faculty, administrator or support staff, he/she should report the incident to his/her immediate supervisor; 3) If the individual is not comfortable reporting the incident to his/her supervi­sor or wants to take it further, then he/she should report the incident to the affirmative action officer, who also serves as the associate vice president and director of human resources.

The individual should keep records documenting all incidents and conversations that involve sexual harassment, including the date, time, place and witnesses, if available. After informal or formal intervention is complete and there is evidence of inappropriate actions that violate the College Sexual Harassment Policy, disciplinary action against the harasser may follow. Disciplinary action should be commensurate with the scope and severity of the occurrence. Effort will be made to provide appropriate relief in the form of sanctions that may include reprimand, warning, pro­bation, suspension, demotion, expulsion or termination. All employees and students should be aware that the College is prepared to take action to pre­vent and remedy such behavior, and individuals who engage in such behavior are subject to disciplinary action. Appeals with regard to this process should be made to the president.

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Q. Smoking Policy

Smoking is prohibited in ALL buildings on campus. Smoking is not permitted within 25 feet of entranceways to residence halls. Refrain from smoking near windows. All debris must be disposed of properly. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in a fine and/or disciplinary action.

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R.  Student Demonstration Policy

1.   The trustees, administration and faculty of Albright College are pledged to the growth and development of the institution as a place where men and women can search for truth and justice and develop into responsible, law­-abiding citizens. Albright College is dedicated to intellectual development through the process of rational decision ­making and to freedom of thought and opinion. It welcomes responsible dissent and dialogue with respect to the issues of our times. Freedom for members of the Albright community to protest by lawful means must be, and will be, protected. Appropriate expres­sions of dissent are welcome so long as these expressions do not interfere with the rights of other students, faculty, administrators and staff to conduct their normal duties in the regular operation of the College. The procedure for demonstrations by members of the Albright community is outlined on the Public Safety Web page. Albright College is open to the discussion of any issue with the College community. Individuals have recourse both through campus organizations and appropriate College administrators.  Most campus demon­strations, marches, picketing and rallies are peaceful and non­-disruptive. Therefore, those requesting permission to demonstrate will be provided a suitable location, and every attempt will be made to ensure that those partici­pating do so in a safe manner.

Unlawful disruption includes activities that: (i) deny rights of students, faculty, staff or guests of the College; (ii) disrupt or obstruct College activities; (iii) deny rights of those engaged in peaceful discussion or dissent; (iv) deny free movement of anyone, on any part of the campus or College-owned or -leased property; (v) deny the use of offices or other College facilities to students, faculty, staff, trustees or guests; (vi) endanger the safety of any person on College property; (vii) threaten the destruction of, or cause destruction to, College-owned or -leased property.

2.   Peaceful, Non-­Obstructive Demonstrations

Generally, demonstrations of this kind will not be interrupted. Those desiring to demonstrate must first obtain permission from the provost, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, or vice president of administration and finance. Upon written request, permission will be granted and will include any stipula­tions, if necessary. This request may be made in the form of an e­-mail to any of the aforementioned. The written request will include date and time of demonstration, location requested, number of participants expected, and reason for demonstration. Request must be presented 24 hours prior to time of scheduled demonstration. Demonstrations shall be restricted to Science Field, Kelchner Field, Gene Shirk Stadium, or the Library plaza, and will be assigned according to availability. Members of the Albright College com­munity will be permitted to distribute leaflets, circulate petitions, and picket, if it is done consistent with this established procedure and not in violation of the aforementioned items letters a­-g. In an effort to provide a safe environment for demonstrators, a demonstration shall only be con­ducted during daylight hours, unless express permission has been received by the provost, dean of students, or vice president of administra­tion and finance. Members of Public Safety will monitor all demon­strations to ensure that those participating are doing so in a safe environ­ment and that the requirements of this policy are being met. When the aforementioned requirements for a peaceful demonstration are not being followed, the provost, dean of students, vice president for administration and finance, or director of public safety will advise demonstrators to disperse. In the event of violent demonstration – with potential for injury, or actual injury to persons, or damage to property – the director of public safety will immediately contact the police department having juris­diction. Upon the arrival of the responding police department – they will assume control. Public Safety officers will provide assistance as requested.

If a campus building is obstructed or the normal activities of the College are interrupted, the provost, dean of students, vice president for administrative and financial services, or director of public safety will advise demonstrators to cease such activity.

Failure to discontinue unacceptable behavior will result in immediate contact with the police department hav­ing jurisdiction. Public Safety will provide assistance as requested.

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S.  Student Records 

Student records for student affairs are maintained in each office reporting to the vice president for student affairs and dean of students. The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students holds conduct records resulting from citations to the Student Code of Conduct for seven years after the student graduates. The files for students who do not graduate are held intact indefinitely. Students may not return to Albright College until the hearing has been held and a decision has been reached regarding the outstanding incident.  

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T.  Vehicle Registration and Parking Regulations   

1.   Registration

All Albright College employees, who desire to utilize Albright parking facilities, Accelerated Degree Program (ADP) students, undergraduate students, including commuter students and graduate students, must register their vehicles with the Department of Public Safety.  The registration and parking sticker are FREE. 

All freshmen students are required to register their vehicles but are not permitted to park anywhere on campus.

Traditional undergraduate students must place their parking sticker on the rear window on the driver’s side, facing out.  Employees, Accelerated Degree Program and graduate students must place their parking sticker on the rear-view mirror, facing out. Proper placement permits easy identification of a vehicle in situations where the Department of Public Safety must contact the owner.

Undergraduate students, including commuters, are required to register his/her vehicle each year with the Department of Public Safety.  Students who change vehicles during the academic year must register the new vehicle and obtain a new parking sticker.

Employees, ADP students and graduate students are only required to register once. However, if a change of vehicle occurs, a new permit sticker is required. If employees have additional vehicles that may from time to time be driven and parked on campus lots, they must register them and obtain parking stickers for them.

The Office of Public Safety encourages members of the Albright community who plan to park off campus to register their vehicles and obtain parking stickers. In the event of a problem (e.g., lights left on), registration enables Public Safety to identify and contact the owner.

2.  Guest/Temporary Registration

Temporary registration/parking permits must be obtained from Public Safety when students have visitors or when a particular vehicle will be parked on campus for a brief period of time, not to exceed the three-day on-campus housing rule, which is more fully described in the student handbook.

3.  Rental Vehicles

Whenever a College department uses a rental vehicle for any period of time, it is necessary to obtain a temporary parking permit and to display it on the dashboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle, whether parking on the street or on campus.  This requirement is necessary in the event the vehicle must be moved from its stationary status for an emergency situation.

Parking/Parking Locations

*Unless otherwise noted, “employees” refers to faculty, staff and administrators with valid parking permits; “students” refers to upperclassmen (sophomores, juniors and seniors), ADP and graduate students with valid parking permits.  First-year students, with the exception of first-year commuters, are not permitted to park on campus.  First-year commuters with a valid parking permit may park in the Shirk Stadium Lot. 

5.  Visitor/Guest Parking:

All members of the Albright community should make every effort to make our guests feel welcome upon their arrival on campus.  When offices or departments are expecting guests, they should obtain special parking permits from the Office of Public Safety.  The host, if possible, should distribute the special parking permits to guests prior to their arrival. Guests should be directed to park in designated visitor/guest parking spaces in the main parking lot at 13th and Bern Streets or the Gene Shirk Stadium parking lot on the corner of 13th and Exeter Streets. Guests should place their special parking permit on the dashboard of their vehicle. Should these designated spaces not be available, guests may park in any available space, except the ones designated for College officials, persons with valid permits, guests of the Admission Office and the 15-minute restricted spaces. Unexpected guests should be assisted by the host office/department in obtaining a special parking permit and parking location.

In the event that guests are in need of special attention or consideration, arrangements should be made through the Office of Public Safety, which will assist in any way possible.

6.  Handicapped Parking

Spaces have been designated throughout campus for any person who is physically disabled, in accordance with applicable law. Cars parked illegally in these spaces are subject to being ticketed or towed at the owner’s expense. Anyone needing special consideration for parking should contact the Department of Public Safety. If it is justifiable, a temporary parking permit and an alternate parking location may be provided when available, or other appropriate arrangements will be made.

7.   City and Township Street Parking

Although city and township regulations permit parking on public streets, members of the Albright community should be sensitive to the need to maintain good community relations and avoid, whenever possible, parking in front of private residences when there are alternative locations. The City of Reading has granted parking permits to the residents along the west sides of Palm and Amity Streets and, therefore, non-residents are prohibited from parking at these locations.  Under no circumstances should a member of the Albright community block a private driveway. Failure to abide by public parking ordinances and regulations may result in traffic citations issued by the appropriate city or township police departments. 

8.   Parking Restrictions

a.    No parking is permitted in any fire lane, loading dock, reserved space or area marked “No Parking,” including but not limited to:

1)  Masters Hall circle (designated fire lane)

2)  West fire lane in front of Mohn Hall

3)  Campus Center loading dock

4)  Center for the Arts loading dock

5)  Science Center loading dock

6)  Entire driveway entering the parking lot of North Hall

7)  Either side of the main driveway to Albright Woods

8)  Entrance to any delivery, service or trash removal area

9)  Unpaved landscaped areas, unless authorized by Public Safety or Facilities.

b.  Penalties

Unregistered vehicle/no current permit displayed                 $50

Infractions that result in immobilization of vehicle              $50

Unauthorized parking in handicapped space                        $50

Parking in a loading zone                                                           $25

Parking in a fire lane                                                                   $25

Parking in a no parking/driving zone                                       $25

Parking on sidewalk/grass                                                          $25

Parking in reserved/restricted spaces                                       $20

Exceeding 15-minute parking limit                                          $20

Improperly displayed sticker                                                     $20

Violators are responsible for payment of towing charges in addition to the above-stated penalty.  Commonwealth statutes hold private institutions harmless from any liability associated with towing of vehicles from private parking lots.

9.  Towing of Vehicle

The Office of Public Safety reserves the right to arrange to tow any vehicle when the location of the vehicle presents a hazardous or emergency situation.

10.  Responsibility for Violations

The owner/operator of a vehicle registered with the Department of Public Safety is responsible for any and all violations and related penalties. It is incumbent upon the owner/operator to ensure that all operators of the vehicle are made aware of the College’s parking rules and regulations, which can be found in the student handbook, the rules and regulations distributed when registering the vehicle and on the College’s Web site.

11.  Appeal Hearings

If you believe that a parking citation you have received is unwarranted, you have the right to request a hearing by completing an APPEAL FORM, which can be obtained from the Office of Public Safety and submitted to that office within five calendar days of the date of issuance.  An appeal hearing will be conducted by Captain Thomas Focht, associate director of public safety, who has been designated as the “hearing examiner.”  At the time of submission of an appeal form, each Appellant will be assigned a date and time for a hearing, which is mutually agreed upon. You may, before the date of the hearing, request a new date in the event of an unanticipated conflict. Only one new hearing may be requested. Failure to appear for a scheduled hearing will result in an additional $5 fine to your citation and the forfeit of any right to appeal. Failure to request a hearing within five days of the parking citation or failure to appear at your hearing will result in your forfeiting any appeal rights. A plea of ignorance of the Albright College parking policy will not be accepted as an excuse for violation   The Appellant will be contacted either by correspondence or e-mail within three days after the hearing, by the hearing examiner, who will advise of the verdict of said hearing.  Should the Appellant feel the verdict and conclusion of the hearing examiner to be unjustified and unfair, the Appellant may, within three days of receiving notice from the hearing examiner, contact Sgt. William A. Henry of Public Safety by phone or e-mail, to request an additional hearing of the appeal.  A date and time will be scheduled in regards to said hearing, which will be conducted and administered by Mr. Thomas G. McDaniel, director of public safety.  The decision by the director will be final and absolute.

This regulation, dated June 1, 2011, supersedes any and all previous Albright College parking regulations.

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U.  Withdrawal Policy

Students are expected to be enrolled continuously from their initial enrollment through graduation.  Understanding that unexpected events may occur, the College allows for a student to request a full withdrawal.  Albright College reserves the right to initiate or mandate withdrawal and reserves the right to defer or refuse readmission.  References in this policy to “withdrawal” refer to full withdrawal from all courses. 

The following types of withdrawal are addressed in this policy: voluntary, voluntary medical and mandated medical.  Issues of Community Standards violations or academic dismissals will be handled by the appropriate department. 

1.   Voluntary Withdrawal Policy
 A student who wishes to leave the College for personal or medical reasons may request a withdrawal. A withdrawn student is no longer considered a degree candidate; he/she may not remain living in residence on campus, and may not participate in College activities as an enrolled student.

a.   Procedure

1) To initiate a withdrawal, a student must acquire a Student Withdrawal Form from the VP of Student Affairs/Dean of Students’ Office and arrange for an exit interview.
2)  Depending on the student’s reason for withdrawal, approval from certain departments may be necessary.  This will be determined through the exit interview process. 
3)  Once the exit interview and necessary approvals are obtained, the withdrawal form should be returned to the VP for Student Affairs/Dean of Students’ Office.

• For the non-resident student, withdrawal will be in effect when this form is completed and returned to the VP for Student Affairs/Dean of Students’ Office. 
• For the resident student, withdrawal will be in effect when the student’s room has been vacated and the completed form is returned to the VP for Student Affairs/Dean of Students’ Office. 
  
  Note:  Non-attendance in class is not to be assumed as withdrawal. Grades for courses from which there has been no official withdrawal will reflect the student’s academic performance and work completed.

b.  Readmission

1)  If less than a year has lapsed since a student’s withdrawal from Albright and he/she has not attended classes at another institution, he/she should contact the registrar’s office for readmission.  Readmission will be granted after review and approval by College administration. 
2) If more than a year has lapsed since a student’s withdrawal and/or a student has attended classes at another institution, he/she must contact the Admission Office and reapply for admission.
3) The College reserves the right to refuse readmission.

2.  Voluntary Medical Withdrawal

All requests for medical withdrawals require the recommendation of the College’s health or counseling care providers.

a.     Procedure

1)  Students seeking a medical withdrawal must file a request by completing the Student Withdrawal Form from the VP for Student Affairs/Dean of Students’ Office. A letter from the physician or clinical psychologist must accompany the application.

2)  The student will be allowed to register for classes again only after the health center and/or counseling center has authorized a return to classes. 

3)  If a student has taken coursework at another institution after withdrawal, he/she may need to reapply as a transfer student through the Admission office.

b.     Readmission:

1)  A student seeking readmission after a voluntary medical withdrawal should contact the office of the VP for Student Affairs/Dean of Students’ Office.

2)  Readmission will require providing relevant medical information to Health and Counseling Services such as certification by the student’s physician or psychologist that the student is able to attend classes.  Return to the College may be contingent upon signing a behavioral contract. Such contracts may require the student to acknowledge that certain behaviors are proscribed.

3.   Mandated Withdrawal Policy
A key component of Albright College’s mission is to provide a safe residential learning community where students are able to pursue their academic and social goals. The College may require a student to withdraw from the college if reason exists for the College to believe the student’s continued presence on campus poses a significant threat to self or to others or to the stability and continuance of normal college operations.

a.   Mandated Medical or Psychological Withdrawal: Typically, a mandated medical or psychological withdrawal will arise from a student exhibiting acute or persistent health or behavioral problems, despite having been offered or provided with reasonable accommodations, such as those made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The College may initiate the mandated medical or psychological withdrawal process if, in the judgment of the vice president for student affairs and dean of students, a student:

1) Engages or threatens to engage in behavior that poses a danger of harm to self or others, causes significant property damage, or substantially affects the health or safety of others.

2)  Interferes with or disrupts the operations, activities, or functions of the College or fails to comply with the behavioral requirements of a College official in the performance of his/her duty with regard to the College’s commitments to both the individual and the community.

b.     Procedure

1) Any individual who believes that a student meets the criteria described above should contact the vice president for student affairs/dean of students.

2) The Office of the VP for Student Affairs/Dean of Students will conduct a preliminary investigation and, if necessary, consult with Academic Affairs, Counseling Services, or other appropriate offices. The student may be required to undergo assessment by a medical/psychological provider identified by the vice president for student affairs and dean of students. If the student fails to complete this assessment, the vice president for student affairs/dean of students may implement a mandated medical or psychological withdrawal immediately.

3) If a mandated medical or psychological withdrawal is implemented, the terms of the leave will be communicated to the student in writing.

4) The decision of the vice president for student affairs/dean of students concerning a mandated medical or psychological withdrawal is final.

c.     Readmission

1) A student seeking readmission after a mandated medical or psychological withdrawal should contact the office of the vice president for student affairs/dean of students.

2) Readmission will require providing relevant medical information to Health and Counseling Services, including certification by the student’s physician or psychologist that the student is able to attend classes.

3) The vice president for student affairs/dean of students has the authority to make the final decision regarding return to the College, including return to activities and residential life, and may determine additional criteria for a student to return.

4) Return to the College may be contingent upon signing a behavioral contract. Such contracts may require the student to acknowledge that certain behaviors are proscribed and that if they reoccur, withdrawal from the College will be mandated.

5)  Occasionally, a student is released within hours or within a day or two of entering a hospital. If the student lives on campus, he/she must find alternative accommodations off campus until his or her case is reviewed and readmission is approved.

6) In no case will the student be permitted to attend classes or dining hall meals or participate in extracurricular activities until the review assessment has been completed.

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