The College shall produce and clearly communicate students’ rights and responsibilities regarding their engagement with the learning opportunities offered. Students’ rights and responsibilities must be develop and updated, in concert with students, to consist of appropriate statements, regulations, and procedures for adoption by the Board of Trustees as needed. The students’’ right and responsibility must be clearly state, readily available, and administered in a fair and consistent manner.

710.001 COLLEGE AND STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The College provides students with broad, comprehensive programs of general education, including lower division transfer courses, developmental-remedial programs, professional development, and vocational-technical curricula. The College also provides cultural, professional, and community education. To assist its students to benefit most from its programs, and to assist students in discovering and developing their individual potential, the College also provides health, career, and counseling services which students are encouraged to use on a voluntary basis.

It is the responsibility of the student to help maintain a learning environment in the classroom and on the campus. A student's registration implies his/her acceptance of the responsibility to comply with the policies and regulations established by the College. Clark College may take appropriate disciplinary action when student conduct materially and substantially interferes with the College's primary educational responsibilities or subsidiary responsibility of protecting the health and safety of persons on the campus or in College facilities.

710.005 GENERAL POLICIES

1. The College is granted the right by law to adopt such rules as are deemed necessary to govern its operations and will adopt policies and procedures to ensure due process. If these rules are not followed, the College has the right to take action that is in the best interest of the College and commensurate with the constitutional rights of the individual.
   
   
2. If a student is charged with an off-campus violation of the law, the matter will be of no disciplinary concern to the College, unless the student's conduct also constitutes a violation of College rules. The interests of the College community are distinct from those of the civil authorities.
   
   
3. Students will have the right to participate in formulating and reviewing policies and rules pertaining to student conduct and in the enforcement of all such rules as provided by the Code of Student Conduct.
   
   
4. Rules of conduct and procedures of enforcement will be printed and be made available to all students.

710.010 FREEDOM OF ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

The College maintains an open-door policy, and it is the intent of the College that no eligible student will be denied admission because of his/her educational background. Curriculum offerings will be provided consistent with the mission, vision, and values of the College. All students, regardless of their courses of study, will be considered, known, and recognized equally as members of the student body. Alleged violations of this section are subject to the grievance procedures outlined in Administrative Procedure 735.000 STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES.

1. In the Classroom - Student performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis (which may include attendance) not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards.
   
   
2. Protection of Freedom of Expression - Students shall be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled.
   
   
3. Protection Against Improper Academic Evaluation - Students shall have the right to appeal their academic evaluation. Students are responsible for maintaining standards of academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled.
   
   
4. Protection Against Improper Disclosure - Individual student views, beliefs, and political associations, which administrative staff and faculty members acquire in the course of College duties, are to be considered confidential.
   
   
5. Student Records - To minimize the risk of improper disclosure, academic and disciplinary records shall be separate. Transcripts of academic records shall contain only information about academic status. Academic records, or information from counseling, or disability files, shall not be available to unauthorized persons in the College, or to individuals outside of the College, without the written consent of the student involved, except under legal compulsion or in cases where the safety of persons or property is involved. 
   
   The College may not communicate a student’s disciplinary record to any person or agency outside the College without the prior written consent of the student, except as required or permitted by law. Exceptions include, but are not limited to: (a) The student’s parents or legal guardians may review these records if the student is a minor or a dependent, if the student is a minor and disciplinary action involves the use or possession of alcohol or controlled substance, or in connection with a health or safety emergency regardless if the student is a dependent or a minor, as permitted by FERPA, 20 U.S. Sec. 1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99. (b) To another educational institution, upon request, where the student seeks to, intends to, or has enrolled. (c) Information concerning registered sex offenders. The office of the Vice President of Student Affairs shall maintain records of student grievance and disciplinary proceedings for at least six years.
   
   Administrative staff and faculty members shall respect confidential information about students which they acquire in the course of their work.
   
   No records shall be kept which reflect the political activities or beliefs of students.
   
   
6. Protection From Any Improper, Arbitrary Action By A College Employee – Students shall have the right to appeal any action taken by a College employee that is viewed to be improper or arbitrary.

Revised Policy/Procedure Approved by Executive Cabinet
April 13, 2010

710.011 STUDENT ABSENCE FOR REASONS OF FAITH OR CONSCIENCE

Per RCW 28B.137.010 and WA SB5166 Clark College students can take absences for reasons of faith or conscience.

Clark College defines absences that are covered by this policy as organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization, or spiritual beliefs, and faith practices outside of formalized religious organization.

Regardless of an instructor’s class expectations or grading policies, absences authorized under this policy shall not adversely impact a student’s grade. Students will not be required to pay any fees for seeking reasonable accommodations under this section.

All requests for absences occurring within a quarter, under this policy must be submitted via email to the faculty of a course within the first two (2) weeks of the quarter.

Faculty are required to reasonably accommodate students who, due to the observance of religious holidays, expect to be absent or endure a significant hardship during certain days of the course or program. "Reasonably accommodate" means coordinating with the student on scheduling examinations or other activities necessary for completion of the program and includes rescheduling examinations or activities or offering different times for examinations or activities.

Procedures

1. Within the first two (2) weeks of the quarter, defined as 14 calendar days from day one of the quarter, students must coordinate absences by providing written notice of request to the faculty of the courses for which they are enrolled. Student requests must include specific dates for absence, and for accommodations and outline absences that may conflict with examinations, or other course activities.
   
   
2. In order to ensure their absence does not negatively affect their grades, the student must comply with directions of request within the first two (2) weeks of the beginning of the quarter. Consideration will be given for absences/hardships that occur within the first two weeks of the term. After the first two weeks of the beginning of the course, the college will not authorize an accommodation for an absence for a student without exceptional and compelling circumstances.

Students may use the following template for requests:

Subject Line: “Request for Absence for Reasons of Faith or Conscience”

 

Dear (Faculty Name),

I am writing to request the following dates of absence for reasons of faith and conscience this quarter:

(Enter Dates)

These dates may impact coursework deadlines and I would like to connect with you to figure out the next steps for accommodating my absences due to faith and conscience.

Sincerely,

(Student Name)

 

3. After notification of the absence/hardship, each professor will determine what adjustments, if any, must be made to the scheduled assignments/activities. These adjustments should be communicated from the professor to the student within four business days of receiving the notification.
4. "Reasonably accommodate" means coordinating with the student on scheduling examinations or other activities necessary for completion of the program and includes rescheduling examinations or activities or offering different times for examinations or activities. If the student’s absence/hardship occurs on a day when a test/assessment is scheduled or an assignment is due, the professor may require that the student take the test or submit the assignment before or after the regularly assigned date. If a substantial group engagement activity/project is planned, students should work with their faculty to determine whether a reasonable accommodation can be made to minimize impact on other students and assure a similar opportunity for learning can be implemented.
5. Faculty must include a syllabus statement for their course with the following information (found on the syllabus development page located on Clarknet):

Reasonable Accommodations for Religion/Conscience: Students who will be absent from course activities due to reasons of faith or conscience may seek reasonable accommodations so that grades are not impacted. Such requests must be made within the first two weeks of the quarter and should follow the procedures listed in the Student Rights & Responsibilities website: https://www.clark.edu?StudentsRights&Responsibilities

6. If a student fails to complete the formal process, the professor is not obligated to make any accommodations for the student or treat an absence/hardship as authorized under this policy or the law.

7. If a student believes that they have not been provided accommodations fairly and without bias, they can file a Student Complaint within three (3) business days from instructor response to begin a review and process for resolution. See complaints policy and procedure for details in policy 735.000.  Student Complaints can be filed here: https://clark-advocate.symplicity.com/care_report/index.php/pid811360

New Policy/Procedure Approved by Executive Cabinet
November 18, 2014

June 8, 2021

710.015 NOTIFYING STUDENTS ABOUT PERSONAL EMERGENCIES

Students who must be contacted in an emergency can be reached through Registration. When Registration is not open, Security will make the contact. Persons needing to contact a student should be referred to Registration or Security.

A written record of the following information will be kept:

1. Student.
   
   
2. Caller's name, agency (if any), address, and telephone number.
   
   
3. The nature of the emergency.  (If not given, no student contact will be made.)
   
   
4. Any message for the student, e.g., whom to call or where to go.

Based upon the student's current schedule, an attempt will be made to contact the student via the staff person nearest the student's current or next class or by the Security staff. The information will be relayed to the student, and/or the student will be referred to Registration or Security. If contact is not made with the student, a message will be given to the instructor to have the student contact Registration or Security.

The College's responsibility ends with providing the message to the student; the student may then take whatever action he/she deems appropriate.

The College does not give student address, telephone number, or other information to non-staff members, except as authorized under 20 U.S.C. § 1232g(b)I (Buckley Amendment) in connection with an emergency where the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.

New Policy/Procedure (Formerly 315.022) Approved by Executive Cabinet
May 20, 2014

710.020 FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

The current edition of the Clark College Catalog lists information for the Notification of Students Rights under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

710.030 ADMISSION

Clark College admits anyone who is at least 18 years of age, who is a graduate of an accredited high school or the equivalent, is a participant in Running Start, or participant in other approved programs designed for age-specific groups. Exception to this policy may be granted by the College for special consideration of underage individuals not participating in one of the above mentioned programs. Further information regarding special consideration can be found in the “Underage Admissions/Exceptions” section of the current College catalog. The College reserves the ultimate right to determine admission to the College and/or to enroll in certain classes.

Revised Policy/Procedure Approved by Executive Cabinet
April 18, 2013

710.035 STUDENT DEBTS

Admission to or registration with the college, continuation of enrollment may be withheld for failure to meet financial obligations to the college.

Appropriate college staff are empowered to act in accordance with regularly adopted procedures to carry out the intent of this policy, and if necessary to initiate legal action to ensure that collection of debt owed to the college is brought to a timely and satisfactory conclusion.

Students are entitled to use available appeal processes to resolve outstanding obligations to the college.

Revised Policy/Procedure Approved by Executive Cabinet
June 12, 2012

October 26, 2021

710.040 RUNNING START

Running Start students may participate in College clubs and co-curricular activities. However, Running Start students who compete in College activities, such as (but not limited to) debate and music competitions, forfeit their high school eligibility for the corresponding activity. Running Start students are not eligible to participate in College varsity athletics.

710.050 FIELD TRIPS

Students are responsible for their conduct on curricular and co-curricular field trips. Students under age 18 are required to complete and have their parent or legal guardian sign a College release form prior to participating in a field trip requiring an overnight stay.

710.060 STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Policy

Clark College and the Disability Access Center (DAC) office assist students with disabilities in pursuing their educational goals. Clark College is committed to ensure its programs and services are accessible and inclusive for students with disabilities.

Clark College recognizes that programs and services may need to be altered to assure full accessibility to students with disabilities. Through DAC, students with disabilities can request accommodation to assure equal access and discuss their concerns regarding barriers encountered. DAC will primarily focus on approving and providing, in partnership with faculty, student disability accommodations for classes.

DAC serves as a resource to the campus community in striving to make Clark College both accessible and inclusive for students with disabilities.

Clark College Disability Course Substitution Procedure

Overview

This procedure outlines how students with documented disabilities may request disability related course substitutions. However, this procedure does not apply to students pursuing a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA)*.

To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 Clark College offers disability course substitutions for degrees and certificates to adapt academic requirements to the needs of eligible students with disabilities.  

Disability Access Center (DAC) staff will review individual student requests to determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis. DAC staff will then work with the Advising Office, Office of Instruction, Credentials and other stakeholders to determine the reasonableness and appropriateness of these requests. Finally, the Academic Standards Committee will review the collected documentation, and will either grant or deny the request.

Clark College has developed the following course substitution process in order to afford students with disabilities an alternate means to demonstrate learning outcomes required for the specific program.  If granted, the substitution will not waive any prerequisites or other requirements of any course, program, or degree at Clark College.

Process for Course Substitution Requests:

• A student registers with DAC and submits Documentation of Disability. This documentation, provided by a qualified specialist, confirms the student’s need for a course substitution, including the impact of the disability on the course work or subject area in question.

• DAC assesses and if supporting, completes the Verification of Disability Consideration Letter by DAC staff if support on disability basis.

• Optional: The student can provide documentation that they have made a good faith effort to complete the requirements using all reasonable support services or accommodations, and supporting documentation from tutors, instructors, and support services personnel or other relevant sources when appropriate, and/or the student can write a 1 or 2 page statement.

• Student and DAC review this procedure and start the Course Substitution Form, Section A completed by Student and DAC Representative.

• Student and DAC coordinate with Advising and/or Program Faculty to complete Section B of the Course Substitution form. Section B is meant to ensure that the course being substituted for is comparable to the course being substituted and can be proposed for the specified degree program. The completed form must be approved bythe Department/Division Chair, Dean, and DAC Director. Any stakeholder concerns are addressed collectively in good faith, and with the three approvals, the student’s request proceeds to the committee.

• DAC and the student submit the Documentation of Disability, Verification of Disability Consideration Letter by DAC, the signed Course Substitution Form to the Academic Standards Committee. The Academic Standards Committee reviews the request based on the following criteria.

  1. The course substitution meets needs and program requirements to complete.

  2. Reviews student history, via the DAC Letter and supporting documents from student.

  3. The course outcomes between the courses are comparable, but not necessarily equivalent.

  4. The course substitution does not constitute a fundamental alteration of the student’s degree pathway and program outcomes.

• If a request is denied according to a fundamental alteration, a rationale will be provided by the Academic Standards Committee to the student and DAC.

• If a request is denied for any reasoning, it may be appealed to the Vice-President of Instruction who would have final decision making.

• If a request is approved by the Academic Standards Committee, a letter indicating approval of disability course substitution will be sent to the student and DAC regarding the decision. Documentation of the appeal and decision will be scanned and saved in the Student Record.

• This process will often take a full quarter.

*DTA degrees: All AA-DTA and AA-DTA/MRP are transfer bound and meet state requirements for direct transfer agreements (DTA). All AFA, AA, AST1, AST2 are designed for transfer, but do not qualify for the direct transfer agreement (DTA). Non-DTA degrees: Professional-Technical Certificates, Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS), and Applied Baccalaureate Degrees (BAS).

**Additional Information: If students are requesting course substitution(s) for Math and/or Computational Skills, the student would have to complete the process described once for their program required Math or Computational skills requirement. (For example, if you are requesting a course substitution in Math you could request all the Math levels needed for your program in this one request).

Revised Policy/Procedure Approved by Executive Cabinet
April 9, 2024
June 25, 2024

 

710.061 STUDENT E-MAIL

Purpose

Clark College provides e-mail accounts to students as a tool for sharing important information regarding registration, financial aid, deadlines and more. E-mail allows the College to communicate quickly and efficiently. It is cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Clark College has selected an e-mail system that is 100% accessible over the Internet through standard browsers in order to provide universal access to all students. Student e-mail is accessible from anywhere there is an available internet connection. This ensures that all students have access to this important form of communication.

It is important that Clark students check their e-mail account often so that they do not miss important College announcements and deadline reminders.

This policy is intended to ensure that students have access to official electronic communication from the College, and understand their responsibilities related to this form of communication.

Policy

a. Use of Student E-mail

E-mail is an official mechanism of communication within Clark College. The College reserves the right to send official communications to the College e-mail address assigned to all students. 

Official e-mail communications are intended only to meet the academic and administrative needs of the College community.

The College expects that every student will receive e-mail at his or her Clark College e-mail address and will read e-mail on a frequent and consistent basis. Students have the responsibility to recognize that certain communications may be urgent and require immediate attention. A student’s failure to receive and read College communications in a timely manner does not absolve that student from knowing and complying with the content of such communications.

All use of e-mail will be consistent with other Clark College policies including the Student Computing Resources Policy

(https://www.clark.edu/campus-life/student-support/computing_resources/policy.php).

b. Assignment of Student E-mail

An official College e-mail address will be issued to all enrolled students. The official e-mail address will be maintained in each student’s record.  

c. Access to Student E-mail

Students who are not in possession of a personal computer and/or other mobile device with internet access can use computers available in open computer labs at the College or at their local library.

d. Re-directing/Forwarding of E-mail

Students may elect to redirect (auto-forward) e-mail sent to their College e-mail address. Students who redirect e-mail from their official College e-mail address to another address do so at their own risk. The College is not responsible for the handling of e-mail by outside service providers. If e-mail is lost as a result of forwarding, it does not absolve the student of the responsibilities associated with communication sent to their official College e-mail address.

e. Spam Filtering

E-mail systems uses a variety of spam filtering tools, including some that can be controlled by the student. However, no current spam filtering technique is completely effective. Some e-mail that should be blocked may be allowed to pass through the filter, while some e-mail that should be delivered is blocked. Students who elect to forward e-mail from their official College e-mail address must insure that the e-mail is not inadvertently identified as spam by the target e-mail system. Where possible, the official College e-mail address should be included on the “safe” list of the target e-mail system. 

f. Faculty Use of Student E-mail

Faculty may reasonably expect that students are accessing their College e-mail and may use e-mail for their courses accordingly. Faculty may determine how e-mail will be used in their classes.

Policy Ownership

Information Technology Services will be responsible for the maintenance of this policy.

THE COLLEGE WILL ISSUE THE FOLLOWING USAGE GUIDELINES TO STUDENTS WHEN THEY ACTIVATE THEIR ACCOUNT:

• Use a clear and appropriate header in the subject line of your message.
• Keep messages simple and direct. Messages should be short, as long messages are less likely to be fully read.
• Proof your messages for proper spelling and grammar before posting.
• Caution should always be exercised in communicating sensitive matters by e-mail.
• Privacy should not be assumed when employing this method of communication.
• Be courteous to other e-mail recipients. If you disagree with another person, do it politely.
• Avoid getting involved in heated exchanges (flames) whether by originating inflammatory messages or responding to them.
• Avoid attaching very large files (documents, pictures) to e-mail messages as these files consume network storage space and contribute to slow response times. Many e-mail systems will reject messages that exceed a certain size (typically 10-15 MB). Avoid cutting/pasting content from a web site into an e-mail. It is more efficient to include the URL to the website within the body of the e-mail message.
• Be careful to identify your recipient(s) when replying to a message. Selecting “reply to all” will send your response to all of the recipients of the original e-mail with potentially unintended consequences.
• If you are forwarding a message from another person, preserve the original sender’s wording.  Editing the length of a message is permissible, if acknowledged, and as long as the context of the original message is preserved. If the message is personal, ask permission from the original sender before forwarding. Electronic chain letters or other “pyramid” schemes should not be forwarded to other e-mail recipients. These include warnings regarding viruses.
• Copyrighted material may not be forwarded to other e-mail recipients unless you have permission to do so. Remember: a copyright declaration is not required to establish copyright.
• Your e-mail account is not to be used for commercial purposes, i.e., running a business.
• Students are responsible for the use and security of their e-mail accounts. Your account password is private and confidential information. You will never be asked for your password by an employee of the College. Do not share your password with anyone.

Revised Policy/Procedure Approved by Executive Cabinet
July 2, 2010

710.065 STUDENT COMPUTING RESOURCES POLICY

1. Intent
   
   It is the policy of the College to maintain access for its students to local, national, and international sources of information and to provide an atmosphere that encourages access to knowledge and the sharing of information. It is expected that College computing resources will be used by students with respect for the public trust through which they have been provided and in accordance with policies and regulations established by the College.
   
   
2. Scope
   
   In this policy, computing resources are defined as computers, computer software, networks, and electronic messaging systems (e-mail, voice mail, facsimile and imaging systems) operated by or for the benefit of the students of the College. The use of these resources is a privilege, not a right. It is the student’s responsibility to use these resources in a manner that is efficient, ethical, and legal.
   
   Students will strictly adhere to this policy which is provided to ensure a predictable, secure computing environment for all users. Failure to comply with the regulations set forth in this policy may result in loss of access to College computing resources and administrative, civil, and criminal action under Washington State or federal law.
   
   
3. General Provisions
   
   a. Students may use only those computing resources that they have been specifically authorized to use; the use of any College computing resource is limited to authorized educational purposes.
   
   b. If access to computing resources is protected by a personal password, students are not to make this password available to others or allow others to use a password-protected account. Students may not accept another student’s password or attempt to find out the password of another user or aid such attempt by any other person. In some instances, shared accounts may be established to allow collaboration, in which case a password may be shared.
   
   c. Students may not interfere with the use of computing resources by any other authorized user.
   
   d. Students may not use College computing resources for any commercial activity.
   
   e. Students may not use the College’s computing resources to send, receive, or display information including text, images, or voice that is sexually explicit or constitutes discrimination or harassment. “Sexually explicit material” is defined in RCW 9.68.130 but exempts authorized study and research in the areas of art, health, and science. 
   
   Policies related to discrimination and harassment are specifically addressed in the Clark College Code of Student Conduct, Sections WAC 132N-121-050-1 (d) and WAC 132N-121-060-14 & 15.
   
   f. Students may not examine, copy, alter, rename, or delete the files or programs of another user without the user’s permission. System administrators may, as a requirement of system maintenance, delete files that are determined to be nonessential.
   
   g. Students may not forge any electronic message or engage in any other fraudulent activity using College computing resources.
   
   h. Students may not subvert, attempt to subvert, or assist others to subvert the security of any computing resource or otherwise interfere with the legitimate operation of any computing resource whether internal or external to the College (hacking).
   
   I. The use of software or hardware devices designed to capture or examine network data (protocol analyzer or “sniffer”) is restricted to authorized College staff for the purpose of network maintenance and instruction. Unauthorized use of such software or hardware devices is expressly forbidden.
   
   j. College computing resources may not be used to create, disseminate, or execute a self-replicating or similar nuisance program (e.g., virus, worm, trojan horse, e-mail bomb, spamming), whether or not it is destructive in nature.
   
   
4. Copyrights/Patents
   
   Students are prohibited from using Clark College computing resources to engage in the unauthorized use and/or distribution of copyrighted material, including peer-to-peer file sharing of music, video, and other digital content. Students who violate College policy or federal copyright/patent law are subject to disciplinary action, and civil or criminal penalties. It is the responsibility of the student to be informed about copyright/patent law. For more information on intellectual property rights, copyright law, College policies, and Internet sites where music and video can be legally downloaded, visit the Clark College web site at https://www.clark.edu/campus-life/student-support/computing_resources/policy.php 
   
   
5. External Networks and Computing Resources
   
   Students who use College computing resources to access external networks and computing resources agree to comply with the policies of those external networks and computing resources. Specifically, students agree to comply with the K-20 Network Conditions of Use and Acceptable Use Policies.
   
   
6. Privacy
   
   Pursuant to the Electronic and Communications Privacy Act of 1986, Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2510 and following, notice is hereby given that there are no facilities provided by Clark College for sending or receiving confidential messages. Users must be aware that electronic messaging systems may not be secure from unauthorized access and should not be used to deliver confidential information.
   
   Authorized College staff, with due regard for the right of privacy of students and the confidentiality of their data, have the right to suspend or modify access to computing resources and to examine files, passwords, printouts, tapes, and any other material which may aid in the investigation of possible abuse.
   
   Students are expected to cooperate in such investigations when requested to do so. Failure to cooperate in investigations of possible abuse is grounds for discipline that may include suspension of access to computing resources, suspension from classes, and/or dismissal from school.
   
   
7. Disclaimer
   
   The College accepts no responsibility for any damage to or loss of data arising directly from or incident to the use of Clark College computing resources or for any consequential loss or damage therefrom. It makes representation of no warranty, express or implied, regarding the computing resources offered or their fitness for any particular use or purpose. The College’s liability in the event of any loss or damage shall be limited to the fees and charges, if any, paid to the College for the use of the computing resources which resulted in said loss or damage.
   
   
8. Enforcement
   
   Enforcement of the provisions of this policy lies with the director of computing services in accordance with the provisions of the Clark College Code of Student Conduct (WAC 132N-121).
   
   
9. Agreement to Comply
   
   Students implicitly acknowledge, by continued use of computing resources, their agreement to comply with all published policies governing the use of College computing resources.

Revised Policy/Procedure Approved by Executive Cabinet
August 3, 2010

710.070 STUDENTS WITH BLOOD BORNE ILLNESSES

The following policy pertains to students of Health Occupations including, but not limited to Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, and Emergency Medical Technician programs. Students entering these programs have a significant responsibility to protect their patients from exposure to blood borne pathogens. Illnesses that can be spread through exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM) include:

1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
   
   
2. Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Hepatitis D
   
   
3. Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease
   
   
4. Malaria
   
   
5. Syphilis
   
   
6. Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

The above list may be updated as information is received from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The presence of these diseases may not preclude the student from participating in a Health Occupations program. Clark College will follow CDC recommendations and guidelines concerning Health Care Workers (HCWs). Health-care workers are defined as persons, including students and trainees, whose activities involve contact with patients or with blood or other body fluids from patients in a health-care setting. The current recommendations of the CDC are as follows:

All HCWs should adhere to universal precautions, including the appropriate use of hand washing, protective barriers, and care in the use and disposal of needles and other sharp instruments. HCWs who have exudative lesions or weeping dermatitis should refrain from all direct patient care and from handling patient-care equipment and devices used in performing invasive procedures until the condition resolves. HCWs should also comply with current guidelines for disinfection and sterilization of reusable devices used in invasive procedures.

Currently available data provide no basis for recommendations to restrict the practice of HCWs infected with HIV or HBV who perform invasive procedures not identified as exposure-prone, provided the infected HCWs practice recommended surgical or dental technique and comply with universal precautions and current recommendations for sterilization/disinfection. The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) 1991, 36. defines exposure-prone invasive procedures as procedures during which there is a recognized risk for percutaneous injury to the health-care worker (HCW), and if such an injury occurs, the HCW’s blood is likely to contact the patient’s body cavity, subcutaneous tissues, and/or mucous membranes. MMWR August 16, 1991 / 40(32);565-566.

All students enrolled in any of the Clark College Health Occupations Programs will receive curricular content regarding blood borne pathogens in accordance with Chapter 70.24.RCW.

Clark College does not require routine testing for any of the above listed illnesses, or require the student to disclose previous infection with a blood borne illness prior to entry into a Health Occupations program, or during any portion of the academic experience. Additionally, a student is not required a change of serostatus during the course of their program. However, it is of great importance that students with these pathogens have access to the most current information regarding the spread of these diseases, as well as any risks that may emerge for the student.

Therefore, any Clark College Health Occupations Student with infection of a blood borne disease are encouraged to discuss the specific risks of their condition with their personal physician or health care provider. Other resources available to the student include the Clark College Health Services Officer, members of the Clark College Health Occupations Faculty, or the appropriate infection control personnel at their clinical site. All conversations held concerning the health status of the student will be kept strictly confidential.

710.080 THREAT AND VIOLENCE

Please refer to policy and procedure 527.066

New Policy/Procedure Approved by Executive Cabinet
March 2, 2010

710.090 CLARK COLLEGE HAZING PREVENTION

Policy Statement

Hazing is prohibited within the Clark College community. Hazing is any conduct committed as part of a person’s recruitment, initiation, pledging, admission into, or affiliation with a student organization, athletic team, or living group (collectively “student groups”) or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such a student group that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious psychological or emotional harm, to any student or other person attending Clark College, including causing, directing, coercing, or forcing a person to consume any food, liquid, alcohol, drug, or other substance which subjects the person to risk of such harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate. "Hazing" does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions. This prohibition applies to conduct that may occur both on and off campus. In compliance with 2SHB 1751 (2022), the College will implement procedures and programs, including offering students and employees hazing prevention training and programming, implementation of a mandatory reporting procedure, creation of a hazing prevention committee, and publication of a hazing report.

Procedure

• Definition: As used in RCW 28B.10.901 and 28B.10.902, "hazing" includes any act committed as part of a person's recruitment, initiation, pledging, admission into, or affiliation with a student organization, athletic team, or living group, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization, athletic team, or living group that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious psychological or emotional harm, to any student or other person attending a public or private institution of higher education or other postsecondary educational institution in this state, including causing, directing, coercing, or forcing a person to consume any food, liquid, alcohol, drug, or other substance which subjects the person to risk of such harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate. "Hazing" does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions. 

• Employee Mandatory Reporting:   

1. If, as a result of observations or information received in the course of employment or volunteer service, any employee, including a student employee, or volunteer at Clark College has reasonable cause to believe that hazing has occurred, the employee or volunteer shall report the incident, or cause a report to be made, to a designated authority (Colleges should define the process and identify employees who are considered designated authority). The employee or volunteer shall make the report at the first opportunity to do so.
2. "Reasonable cause" means a person who witnesses hazing or receives a credible written or oral report alleging hazing or potential or planned hazing activity. 
3. A person who witnesses hazing or has reasonable cause to believe hazing has occurred or will occur and makes a report in good faith may not be sanctioned or punished for the violation of hazing unless the person is directly engaged in the planning, directing, or act of hazing reported. 
4. Nothing in this section shall preclude a person from independently reporting hazing or suspected hazing activity to law enforcement. 
5. As used in this section, "employee" means a person who is receiving wages from Clark College and is in a position with direct ongoing contact with students in a supervisory role or position of authority. "Employee" does not include a person employed as medical staff or with an affiliated organization, entity, or extension of a postsecondary educational institution, unless the employee has a supervisory role or position of authority over students. "Employee" does not include confidential employees. 

• Hazing Prevention Committee: The Clark College Hazing Prevention Committee shall promote and address hazing prevention. The committee shall have a minimum of six members including a designated chair appointed by the president of the institution. Fifty percent of the committee positions shall include students currently attending the higher education institution with at least one position filled by a student from a student organization, athletic team, or living group. The other fifty percent of the committee positions shall include at least one faculty or staff member and one parent or legal guardian of a student currently enrolled at the institution. Student input shall be considered for committee membership. A student who is a member of a student organization, athletic team, or living group that was affiliated with a finding of a hazing violation within the last twelve months may not participate in or be a member of the hazing prevention committee. The Chair of Clark College’s Hazing Prevention Committee is designated by the Vice President of Student Affairs.

• Training: All “employees” including student employees must receive hazing prevention training, either electronically or in person, on the signs and dangers of hazing, as well as the College’s prohibition against hazing. 

The College must provide students with educational programming on hazing that includes information on hazing awareness, prevention, intervention, and the College’s policies prohibiting hazing. This programming can be provided either in person or electronically and must be part of the College’s new student orientation sessions. The program must also be posted on the College’s public website for the public, including parents, legal guardians, and volunteers to review.

New Policy/Procedure Approved by Executive Cabinet
October 10, 2022