Policies and Procedures

Policies at West Shore Community College are adopted by the Board of Trustees and serve as statements of principle to inform decision-making and the conduct of College activities.

Procedures are issued by the College President and set forth action steps required to carry out a Board policy and/or a standard method for implementing actions.

POLICIES & PROCEDURES

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION POLICY

Expressive Activity Form

49ADM Freedom Of Expression Procedure

Freedom Of Expression Board Policy 5008

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

In accordance with West Shore Community College’s Inclement Weather Policy, classes and community events hosted on the campus will meet as scheduled and offices will remain open for business as usual unless announced otherwise.

On days when the weather is inclement and the college is open, the decision to drive to the campus is at the student’s discretion. Travel decisions must be the responsibility of each student after assessing the road conditions in their respective areas, the condition of their vehicle and their driving skills. If a student chooses not to come, students should inform their instructor and ask what they can do to make up any missed work.

Recognizing the college’s responsibility to students and the community, the decision to close will be made only under appropriate circumstances as outlined in board policy. The college’s administration will attempt to make a decision as early as possible, and your understanding of these difficult decisions will be appreciated.

Additional Information

On any day the college closes due to inclement weather, the college will remain closed through midnight of that day.
Weather conditions can vary throughout the college district; if classes are cancelled, they are cancelled across all campus locations.
Some campus facilities (i.e. Recreation Center and Ice Arena) may continue to operate and some community events may be held on the campus even if classes are canceled.

Board of Trustee Policy – 6057

The college has a responsibility to the students and to the public to provide the services and facilities for which they have contracted. With this responsibility in mind, the college and its employees will make every reasonable effort to be open and available to provide its services and facilities. The philosophy of the college is to remain in operation except when one of the following conditions occurs:

A state of emergency is declared or the State Police or Sheriff’s Office recommends closing the college.
A majority of the primary county roads are closed or extremely hazardous driving conditions exist.
Campus roads, walkways, or parking areas cannot be kept sufficiently cleared.

The decision shall be based upon the administration’s judgment of road conditions, the weather forecast, campus snow clearing abilities, and experience to answer the essential question; “Can a majority of students and staff safely reach campus?”

Where Can I Get Closing Announcements?

When weather conditions warrant, the college will place announcements on the Campus Operator Information Line (231-845-6211), the WSCC web site with class status or closing information on the homepage, Facebook, and the emergency notification system – WSCC Alerts or myNotify. Designated local radio and television stations will also be notified.

Those wishing to receive a text message or email directly to a mobile device are encouraged to use myNotify or login to the WSCC Alerts mobile safety site to confirm contact information and choose notification preferences.

TITLE IX - CAMPUS NON-DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, & SEXUAL MISCONDUCT INFORMATION, RESOURCES, and SUPPORT

Title IX Resources & Protections

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities, including academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other programs or activities at the College.

West Shore Community College is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all students and employees. Our commitment to effectively respond to experiences of sexual harassment and gender-based violence requires that College faculty and staff report disclosures of gender-based misconduct and/or sexual misconduct involving a member of the campus community to the Title IX Coordinator. Disclosures of pregnancy, new parenting status or lactation status are also reported to the Title IX Coordinator in order to provide reasonable accommodations. When reporting, faculty and staff must provide relevant details to assist with the College with response; this information will remain private and requests for confidentiality will be respected but cannot be guaranteed. The Title IX Coordinator will follow up with the reporting student or employee directly to offer options for disclosure and formal complaint grievance procedures.

For assistance with Title IX, please contact:

Debbie Campbell
Director of Human Resources / Title IX Coordinator
Administrative and Conference Building
Office 117B
231-843-5819
djcampbell@westshore.edu

Chris Barry
Dean of Student Services/Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Schoenherr Campus Center
Office 105D
231-843-5965
Cbarry1@westshore.edu

________________________________________

TITLE IX – Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Title IX?
It’s a federal law which states, ” No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” – Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Implementing Regulations at: 20 U.S.C § 1681 & 34 C.F.R. Part 106

On May 19, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education published long-anticipated official final regulations governing institutional responses to Title IX “sexual harassment,” including sexual violence. 85 Fed. Reg. 30026 (May 19, 2020) (“Final Rule”). Along with defining the scope of an institution’s Title IX jurisdiction, these comprehensive regulations indicate the supportive measures that institutions must offer to individuals who report sexual harassment, and the grievance process institutions must provide to complainants and respondents before issuing any disciplinary sanction arising from a formal complaint. These regulations are effective as of August 14, 2020.

What are Title IX Protections for Pregnant and New Parenting Students?
Title IX legislation also protects pregnancy and parenting students by providing reasonable accommodations. The College is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for pregnant and parenting students. Pregnant and parenting students at the College will not be excluded from any class, activity, or program on the basis of sex, pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy or recovery therefrom. Pregnant and parenting students may request reasonable accommodations when necessary because of pregnancy or parenting status, which, depend on the student’s individual needs and circumstances.

Recommended resources related to Title IX Protections for pregnant or new parenting status:

What training is provided to Title IX personnel?
Materials used to train Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and any person and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process can be found at:

How do I begin the TITLE IX process?
The first step to the Title IX process is to speak with the Title IX Coordinator at West Shore Community College who will listen and ask questions to determine if the report fits the Title IX regulation requirements for jurisdiction or if referral to the College’s student conduct process is more appropriate. Supportive measures and appeal options are also explained during the process. A formal written complaint submitted directly to the Title IX Coordinator is required to begin the TItle IX investigation process. A summary of the Title IX grievance process can be reviewed the Title IX and Violence Against Women Brochure.

Title IX legislation also provides reasonable accommodations for pregnant and parenting students enrolled at the College if they have disclosed their status. If you believe you have not received reasonable accommodations, please contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Entire Policy:
Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy

Board Policy Manual