Policies

Academic Forgiveness Policy

A student who desires to have inapplicable coursework and related grades from a previous curriculum excluded for the purpose of meeting graduation requirements may submit a written appeal to the Registrar. Such a request should be submitted with an application for graduation after 75% of the coursework in the present curriculum has been completed.

If approved, this action will generate a statement on the student’s academic record indicating the excluded courses and the revised cumulative grade point average.

Original entries for courses excluded under the terms of this policy, and the actual cumulative grade point average, will remain on the student’s record. When transferring to another college or university, a student may be held accountable for all attempts and grades associated with a course taken at Kellogg Community College.

Academic Fresh Start Policy

The Academic Fresh Start policy is designed to allow a student who has not performed well academically to have credits and grades excluded from the transcript calculations. The policy contains the following points:

1. Students requesting Academic Fresh Start must have shown academic success in their most recent semester(s) at KCC.
2. The student determines the semester to begin their Academic Fresh Start. A period of two or more years must have passed since the Academic Fresh Start point.
3. All grades, favorable and unfavorable received prior to the Academic Fresh Start point decided upon by the student, will be excluded from the computation of grade requirements for transcript purposes.
4. While the affected grades and credits are excluded from transcript calculations, they remain as part of the official transcript.
5. This is a one-time request that cannot be reversed.
6. Courses for which grades have been excluded under this policy are not counted toward meeting graduation requirements for a KCC degree or certificate.
7. Semesters containing courses which have been applied to an awarded degree or certificate may not be excluded as part of this policy.

The Academic Fresh Start policy is a Kellogg Community College policy and does not affect the considerations of transfer institutions. Application forms for Academic Fresh Start are available from the Registrar’s office; Eastern Academic, Fehsenfeld, and Grahl Centers; and the RMTC office.

Acceptable Use of Technology Policy

• Purpose - Kellogg Community College (KCC) owns and operates a variety of computer systems (hardware, software and networks), which are provided for the use of Kellogg Community College students, faculty, staff, and community users in support of the programs of the College and are to be used for education, research, academic development, and public service only. Commercial uses are specifically excluded. All students, faculty, staff, and community users are responsible for seeing that these computing facilities are used in an effective, efficient, ethical, and lawful manner. This document establishes the rules and prohibitions that define acceptable use of these systems. Unacceptable use is prohibited and is grounds for loss of computing and/or account privileges subject to College policy and/or legal sanctions under federal, state, and local laws.
• Audience and Agreement - All users of the Kellogg Community College computer systems must read and comply with the guidelines outlined in this document. The use of these systems acknowledges agreement to comply with these guidelines. Such guidelines will be reviewed by the KCC Technology Committee and may become subject to approval as a College policy or procedure.
• Rights - Kellogg Community College reserves all rights, including termination of services, to the computing resources that it owns and operates. These procedures shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of Kellogg Community College, nor shall they conflict with applicable acts of law. Users have rights that may be protected by College policy and federal, state, and local laws.
• Privileges - Kellogg Community College computer systems’ access and privileges are assigned and managed by the administrators or designees of specific systems. The authorized user is responsible for the proper use of the system, including any password protection.
• Responsibilities - Users are responsible for maintaining the following:
  1. An environment in which access to all college computing resources is shared equitably among users. The system administrators (or designee) set guidelines within which users must conduct their activities.
  2. An environment conducive to learning. A user who uses the college’s computer systems to threaten, harass, or make defamatory remarks shall bear full responsibility for their actions. Further, by using these systems, users agree that individuals who transmit such remarks shall bear sole responsibility for their actions. Many of the Kellogg Community College computer systems provide access to outside networks, both public and private, which furnish electronic mail, information services, bulletin boards, conferences, etc. Users are advised that they may encounter material which may be considered offensive or objectionable in nature or content. Users are further advised that Kellogg Community College does not assume responsibility for the contents of any of these outside networks. The user agrees to comply with the acceptable use guidelines for whichever outside networks or services they may access through Kellogg Community College systems. Further, the user agrees to follow proper etiquette on outside networks. The user agrees never to attempt to transmit, or cause to be transmitted, any message in which the origination is deliberately misleading. The user agrees that, in the unlikely event that someone does transmit or cause to be transmitted, a message that is inconsistent with an environment conducive to learning, or with a misleading origination, the person who performed the transmission will be solely accountable for the message, not Kellogg Community College, which is acting as the information carrier.
  3. An environment free of illegal or malicious acts. The user agrees never to use a system to perform an illegal or malicious act. Any attempt to increase the level of access to which the user is authorized, or any attempt to deprive other authorized users of resources or access to any Kellogg Community College computer system, shall be regarded as malicious.
  4. A secure environment. Any user who finds a possible security lapse on any system is obliged to report it to the system administrators. The system must not be used until the system administrators (or designee) has investigated the problem. Knowledge of passwords or loopholes in the computer security system shall not be used to damage computing resources, obtain extra resources, take resources from another user, gain unauthorized access to resources, or otherwise make use of computing resources for which proper authorization has not been given.
  5. Backup of their own data.
• Accounts - An account assigned to an individual must not be used by others without written permission from the system administrator (or designee). The individual is responsible for the proper use of the account, including proper password protection. If an individual user provides their password to others, then the individual authorized user is responsible for the consequences of said use.
• Confidentiality - While reasonable attempts are made to ensure the privacy of users’ accounts and electronic mail, privacy is not guaranteed. Every effort is made to secure sensitive or important files. However, no system can be made entirely secure. Additionally, the system administrators (or designee) monitor and may access information on computer systems to ensure college policy is observed. The College is subject to laws and regulations that require the release of information under certain circumstances. Student privacy rights are detailed in the Student Handbook.

When performing maintenance, Kellogg Community College reserves the right to access all information on college computer systems. Any violations discovered will be reported immediately to the appropriate systems administrator and to the appropriate divisional supervisor.

Kellogg Community College programs and files are confidential unless they have been made available, with written permission, to authorized individuals.

• System Usage - Computer systems (such as email) are intended for college-related activities.

Nothing in this policy prohibits the appropriate use of computer systems for educational purposes by minors participating in an educational program.

Acceptable computer system use includes use for education, research, academic development, and public service purposes.

Other uses are prohibited and include, but are not limited to, these activities:

1. Fraudulent, threatening, harassing, or obscene messages and/or materials are not to be sent or stored.
2. Inappropriate mass mailing (for example, spamming or phishing) is prohibited.
3. Creation or intentional distribution of computer viruses, worms, or Trojan horses is prohibited.
4. Unauthorized access to or denial of service attacks on any computer system shall not be attempted.
5. Connecting devices to the college network without approval of the system administrator (for example, connecting a personal laptop to the network by disconnecting a college computer or printer and using its network cable).

Abusers are subject to sanctions as outlined in the Violations section.

• System Performance - No one shall deliberately attempt to degrade the performance of a computer system or network, or to deprive authorized personnel of resources, or access to any college computer system.

System administrators (or designee) may limit activities that could degrade the performance of computer systems or networks.

• Unauthorized Access - Loopholes in computer security systems, or knowledge of special passwords, should not be used to damage the computer system, obtain extra resources, take resources from another user, gain access to systems, or use systems for which proper authorization has not been given. Users with knowledge of loopholes or special passwords should report the condition to the appropriate system administrator.
• Copyright - The use of the college network to violate copyright law is prohibited, including violation by the use of personally attached computers and other devices. Specifically, the use of any peer-to-peer file-sharing software that copies and distributes copyrighted works (e.g. music, videos, software, games), without the permission of the copyright owner, is a violation of copyright law and is prohibited on any device using the college network.

Computer software protected by copyright is not to be copied using campus computing facilities, except as permitted by law or by contract with the owner of the copyright. The number of copies and distribution of copies is to be managed by the College’s IS department. The number of simultaneous users shall not exceed the number of original copies purchased.

Materials on computer systems are copyrighted unless stated otherwise. Users of the college’s computer systems agree to follow guidelines for use of copyrighted materials.

Interference with measures used by copyright holders to protect copyrighted works is prohibited.

Users storing materials copyrighted by others on college computer systems, or displaying the materials through college web pages, must comply with copyright laws and guidelines. Abusers are subject to sanctions as outlined in the Violations.

• Violations - An individual’s computer use privileges may be suspended immediately upon the discovery of a possible violation of these guidelines. Such suspected violations will be confidentially reported to the system administrators (or designee).

Violations of these guidelines will be dealt with in the same manner as violations of other college guidelines and may result in disciplinary review. In such a review, the full range of disciplinary sanctions is available, including but not limited to, the loss of computer use and/or account privileges, dismissal or expulsion from the college, and legal actions. Violation of the above guidelines may constitute a criminal offense and result in referral to the appropriate agency.

• Additional Guidelines - System administration will establish more detailed guidelines, as needed, for specific computer systems and networks. These guidelines may cover such issues as allowable access time and disk space, handling of irretrievable mail, responsibility for account approval, and other items related to administering the system.
• Legal Mandate - This policy and associated guidelines shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of Kellogg Community College.

Accessibility in Technology Policy

Policy Statement

Kellogg Community College is committed to providing equitable access to information technology for KCC users, including services and the environments in which information technology is used. This policy establishes minimum standards for the accessibility of technology-related environments considered necessary to meet this goal and ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.

All areas of the College are responsible for implementing KCC’s accessibility standards, including:

• Use of design standards (recent Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) developed by Web Accessibility Initiative)). These standards will guide accessibility in areas such as:
  • Course documents
  • Electronic communications
  • Social media
  • Email
• Use of hardware and software products that promote universal design and access.
• Design and implementation of accessible technology-related work environments that accommodate all users.

Non-Availability Exceptions

Hardware or software for which no equivalent accessible option is available (non-availability). All areas of the college are responsible for documenting the following efforts in verifying compliance with this exception.

• Identification of alternative applications or equipment with similar required functionality that do not provide additional accessibility.
• Identification of alternative applications or equipment that are accessible but do not meet functionality requirements.
• Hardware and software for which no equivalent accessible option is available.
• Hardware and software tools specific to a process in which no individual associated with the process who will use the hardware or software requires accessibility accommodations.
• Software that is used as a standard or common practice in a field of study, industry, or profession.
• Undue burden. An undue burden is determined on a case-by-case basis. Generally, it is an action requiring such significant difficulty or expense that it is unreasonable when considered in the context of a number of factors such as the nature of the cost, difficulty, or complexity in relation to available resources and the benefit to be achieved.

Alcohol and Drug Policy

KCC’s concern for individual students, the effects of drugs and alcohol, and for the potential harm of the use of drugs and alcohol are consistent with the requirements of the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended by the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. KCC believes that drug abuse education and prevention programs are essential components of a comprehensive strategy to address illicit drug and alcohol use by students and employees on KCC premises, or while engaged in KCC related activities. Such abuse constitutes a grave threat to physical and mental well-being and significantly impedes the learning process. A listing of the effects and uses of drugs and alcohol is found at https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nationwide-trends.

As addressed in the Student Code of Conduct, KCC complies with local, state, and federal laws including those which regulate the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances.

Chemical Dependency

KCC recognizes that chemical dependency is an illness which needs to be treated. Chemical dependency may decrease the effectiveness of individuals on our campus. For more information regarding resources, please see a KCC Counselor.

Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program (DAPP)

The Drug Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (34 CFR Part 86) of the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) requires an institution of higher education (IHE), such as Kellogg Community College, to certify that it has implemented programs to prevent the abuse of alcohol and use and/or distribution of illicit drugs by KCC students on its premises and as a part of any of sanctioned college activity. KCC annually distributes the following to all students in its Annual Security Report (ASR):

• Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs, and alcohol by a student(s);
• A description of the legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol;
• A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse;
• A description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or reentry programs that are available to employees or students; and
• A clear statement that the institution will impose sanctions on students and employees and a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for violations of the standards of conduct.

Standards of Conduct

Students are required to abide by KCC’s Student Code of Conduct & Title IX . The following acts are considered violations under the Student Code of Conduct:

• Use, possession, manufacturing, distribution, or being under the influence of marijuana, heroin, narcotics, or other controlled substances except as expressly permitted by federal law. Possession of drug paraphernalia is also prohibited on campus.
• Use, possession, manufacturing, distribution, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or public intoxication. Alcoholic beverages may not, in any circumstance, be used, possessed, or distributed to any person under twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Failure to abide by the Student Code of Conduct may result in sanctions listed in the Code of Conduct & Title IX section.
• KCC Public Safety reserves the right to require a breathalyzer and/or drug testing of persons who appear to be under the influence of prohibited drugs and/or alcohol while on KCC premises or at KCC sponsored activities.

Sanctions

Sanctions are administered on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the unique facts and/or mitigating or aggravating circumstances presented. The ultimate goal of the sanctions is to reinforce KCC’s commitment to a positive and safe learning environment consistent with acceptable social standards and in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Furthermore, when a student has also violated the law, KCC Public Safety will seek prosecution of drug and alcohol-related offenses that occurs on the college campus or college events and involve currently enrolled students when warranted.

• Federal - Federal law provides criminal and civil penalties for unlawful possession or distribution of a controlled substance. Under the Controlled Substance Act, as well as other related federal laws, the penalties for controlled substance violations includes, but are not limited to, incarceration, fines, potential for the forfeiture of property used in possession or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance (which may include homes, vehicles, boats, aircrafts and any other personal or real property), ineligibility to possess a firearm, and potential ineligibility to receive federal benefits (such as student loans and grants). Specific statues include but are not limited to:
  • 21 USC §801, et seq.
  • MCL 333.7403, et seq.
  • MCL 436.1703, et seq.
• State - Under current State of Michigan law, a person shall not knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance. If an individual is found guilty of a violation of the state law, they may be subject to large fines and/or imprisonment. A minor may not purchase or attempt to purchase alcoholic liquor, consume or attempt to consume alcoholic liquor, possess or attempt to possess alcoholic liquor, or have any bodily alcohol content. Violation of the law may subject a minor to fines, participation in a substance abuse program or treatment center, imprisonment, community service hours, and/or out of pocket expenses related to required substance abuse screenings.
• Local - The City of Battle Creek ordinances prohibits the sale, consumption or possession of an alcoholic beverage in an open container. Violations of the city ordinance may subject an individual to fines and costs, requirement to participate in alcohol and/or substance abuse treatment, and may possibly result in a driver’s license suspension.
• College - Violations of the Student Code of Conduct are taken very seriously. In cases of noncompliance with the Student General Rules or a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the College will impose discipline that is consistent with the impact of the offense on the college community. Progressive discipline principles will be followed in that the student’s prior discipline history at the College will be taken into account. Disciplinary action taken against a student may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the sanctions listed in the Student Code of Conduct.

Health Risks

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), the following are risks associated with drugs and alcohol abuse.

• Drug Abuse - The following sub-categories are the most frequently used drugs, listed with their associated risks associated category(ies), per NIDA 6:

1. Cannabinoids - (marihuana and hashish) Known risks are cough, frequent respiratory infections, possible mental health decline, and addiction.
2. Opioids - (heroin and opium) Known risks are constipation, endocarditis, hepatitis, HIV, addiction, fatal overdose.
3. Stimulants - (cocaine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine) Known risks are weight loss, insomnia, cardiac or cardiovascular complications, stroke, seizures, and addiction. Specific risks associated with cocaine use is nasal damage from snorting, and specific risks associated with methamphetamine use is severe dental problems.
4. Club Drugs - (MDMA-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine [also known as: Ecstasy, Adam, clarity, Eve, lover’s speed, peace, uppers]; Flunitrazepam [also known as: Rohypnol: forget-me pill, Mexican Valium, R2, roach, Roche, roofies, roofinol, rope, rophies]; GHB [also known as: Gamma-hydroxybutyrate: G, Georgia home boy, grievous bodily harm, liquid ecstasy, soap, scoop, goop, liquid X]) Known risks are sleep disturbances, depression, impaired memory, hyperthermia, addiction. Risks specific to GHB are unconsciousness, seizures, and coma.
5. Dissociative Drugs - (Ketamine [also known as: Ketalar SV: cat Valium, K, Special K, vitamin K]; PCP and analogs [also known as: Phencyclidine: angel dust, boat, hog, love boat, peace pill]; Salvia divinorum [also known as: Salvia, Shepherdess’s Herb, Maria Pastora, magic mint, Sally-D]; Dextromethorphan (DXM) [also known as: cough and cold medications: Robotripping, Robo, Triple C]) Known risks are anxiety, tremors, numbness, memory loss, and nausea.
6. Hallucinogens - (LSD [also known as: Lysergic acid diethylamide: acid, blotter, cubes, microdot yellow sunshine, blue heaven]; Mescaline [also known as: Buttons, cactus, mesc, peyote]; Psilocybin [also known as: Magic mushrooms, purple passion, shrooms, little smoke]) Known risks are flashbacks and Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder.
7. Other Compounds - (Anabolic steroids [also known as: Anadrol, Oxandrin, Durabolin, Depo-Testosterone, Equipoise: roids, juice, gym candy, pumpers]; Inhalants [also known as: Solvents (paint thinners, gasoline, glues); gases (butane, propane, aerosol propellants, nitrous oxide); nitrites (isoamyl, isobutyl, cyclohexyl): laughing gas, poppers, snappers, whippets]) Known risks for anabolic steroids are hypertension, blood clotting and cholesterol changes, liver cysts, hostility and aggression, acne, (in adolescents) premature stoppage of growth, (in males) prostate cancer, reduced sperm production, shrunken testicles, breast enlargement, (in females) menstrual irregularities, and development of beard and other masculine characteristics For inhalants, the known risks are cramps, muscle weakness, depression, memory impairment, damage to cardiovascular and nervous systems, unconsciousness, and sudden death.

• Alcohol Abuse - Alcohol affects every organ in the drinker’s body and can damage a developing fetus. Intoxication can impair brain function and motor skills; heavy use can increase the risk of certain cancers, stroke, and liver disease. Alcoholism or alcohol dependence is a diagnosable disease characterized by a strong craving for alcohol, and/or continued use despite harm or personal injury. Alcohol abuse, which can lead to alcoholism, is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work.

Information and Support Services

The following programs are available to currently enrolled students at KCC:

• Ongoing promotions regarding substance abuse counseling (via KCC Counseling Services)
• Ongoing campus presentations about substance and alcohol abuse.
• Individual counseling by KCC counselors for students who need assistance with substance and alcohol abuse issues (via KCC Counseling Services)
• Informational tables on substance and alcohol abuse at student events
• General substance/alcohol abuse information is available on the KCC website

Annual Notification of the DAAPP

Notification of the information contained in the Drug Abuse and Alcohol Prevention Program (DAAPP) will be distributed to all currently enrolled students on or before October first of each year in the College’s Annual Security Report.

Americans With Disabilities Act

Kellogg Community College does not discriminate in the admission or treatment of students on the basis of disability. The College is committed to compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act:

1. Section 202 of the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act: “No qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from the participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of any public entity, or be subject to discrimination by any such entity.”
2. Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act: “No otherwise qualified individual, with a disability as defined (herein) shall by reason of his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

While ensuring the academic integrity of its programs, the College is dedicated to providing the reasonable accommodations needed to ensure equal access to educational opportunities for individuals with verified disabilities.

Commercial Solicitation Policy

Kellogg Community College prohibits active commercial solicitation by non-KCC organizations on College-owned property unless the activity is specifically authorized by the College and directly benefits a registered student organization or another KCC department, program or service. Active commercial solicitation is defined as the promotion or sale of products, merchandise, or services for the benefit or profit of individuals or business interests. Groups and individuals seeking to engage in active commercial solicitation activities for a specific duration on College-owned property must first receive written permission, which is contingent upon requestors agreeing to abide by the College’s time, place, and manner regulations as defined by the KCC Freedom of Expression Policy and comply with all other campus policies.

Communicable Disease and Vaccination Policy

It is a KCC policy to safeguard, to the highest degree possible, KCC employees, students, and the public who come into contact with people who are known to have or suspected of having, a communicable disease without endangering the KCC community or individual students.

Students who have contracted a communicable disease that presents a potentially serious health hazard will have their individual situations reviewed by a panel convened by the President. The President shall have the authority to remove the individual from the KCC environment, pending the recommendation of the panel. All reportable communicable diseases will be referred to the local county health department in accordance with Michigan statutory and administrative guidelines.

In the event of a communicable disease outbreak, such as pandemic flu, KCC will work with county health departments and rely on guidance from the Center for Disease Control to determine the need for employees and students to have specific vaccinations.

Allied health students may require specific vaccinations prior to attending clinical education sites. Specific vaccination requirements will be outlined by program faculty prior to the start of clinical rotations.

Copyright Statement

Kellogg Community College is required by federal law to inform students of its policies and sanctions related to copyright infringement. Copyright is a protection provided by the laws of the United States to the creators of works of authorship. Works of authorship encompass many different formats including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and a few other creative work formats (17 U.S.C. § 102). These laws prevent people from using the creative works of others without obtaining the author’s or creator’s permission. This means that you cannot use someone else’s work for a presentation or report without getting the permission of the author or creator first.

The one exception to this rule is the principle of “fair use.” This principle allows very limited use of copyrighted materials for educational purposes (17 U.S.C. § 107). If you have questions about whether your use of copyrighted material is “fair use,” please ask your instructor or a librarian.

If you are found to have used copyrighted information in violation of copyright law, the College will take action against you. Possible action includes sanctions as set forth in Sanctions, the notification of law enforcement authorities, and the notification of the copyright owners. All college students, faculty, and staff are expected to respect the rights of copyright owners and comply with copyright laws.

Education Records and FERPA

Appeal of Education Records

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended, students have the right to request that inaccurate or misleading information in their education record be amended. KCC is required under FERPA to consider the request; however, KCC is not required to amend education records. FERPA’s amendment procedure may not be used to challenge a grade, an individual’s opinion, or a substantive decision made by a school about a student. See details on FERPA at https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/students.html.

The student must follow these levels of appeal for education records issues:

• Director of the department responsible for the record (or designee)
• Dean of the division involved (or designee)
• Vice President for Student and Community Services (or designee)

Students who believe their rights have been abridged, or that the institution has failed to comply with FERPA requirements, may file a complaint with:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-8520

Student education records are maintained in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which is a Federal law that is administered by the Family Policy Compliance Office (Office) in the U.S. Department of Education (Department) 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99. FERPA applies to all educational agencies and institutions (e.g., schools) that receive funding under any program administered by the Department.

Under FERPA, a school is not generally required to maintain particular education records or education records that contain specific information. Rather, a school is required to provide certain privacy protections for those education records that it does maintain. Also, unless there is an outstanding request by an eligible student to inspect and review education records, FERPA permits the school to destroy such records without notice to the student.

Education records include all information maintained by KCC which is directly related to the student with the exception of:

• Records of KCC law enforcement unit compiled for law enforcement purposes.
• Records of instructional, supervisory, administrative, and certain educational personnel which are in the sole possession of the originator.
• Financial records of the student’s parents.
• Confidential letters of recommendation prior to January 1,1975.
• Confidential letters and recommendations associated with admissions.
• Records containing information about more than one student.
• Reports made by physicians, psychiatrists, or psychologists.
• Records which relate exclusively to individuals in their capacity as KCC employees.

Confidentiality of Records

The Act defines the following as public directory information and allows the release of this information to external agencies at the discretion of KCC officials:

• Student name, address, telephone number, and email address
• Dates of attendance and enrollment status
• Major field of study, degrees, honors, and awards received
• Participation in officially recognized activities
• Sport, weight, and height of members of athletic teams
• Previous educational agency or institution attended

Students have the right to prohibit the release of directory information and may submit a written request to the Registrar’s office. This request must be submitted before the first day of the semester.

KCC prohibits the release of personally identifiable information, other than directory information, from education records without the student’s written consent. Exceptions to this statement are listed below:

• Qualified personnel within KCC and persons who have entered into a partnership or contract with KCC and whom KCC has determined to have a legitimate educational interest
• Compliance with judicial orders and pursuant to lawfully issued subpoenas
• Accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions
• Compliance with state or federal mandates
• Emergency situations to protect your health or safety
• Other educational institutions in which the student is enrolled or intends to enroll
• NJCAA for student-athletes
• Military recruiters for the purpose of federal military recruiting as stated in PL 104-206, Section509(2)
• Reporting requirements of the Carl D. Perkins and Technical Education Act, Section and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Section 122 (KCC may use your Social Security Number in order to compile summary reports as mandated by these acts)

Access to Education Records

Under FERPA, a school must provide an eligible student with an opportunity to inspect and review their education records within forty-five (45) days following its receipt of a request. A school is not required to provide an eligible student with copies of education records unless failure to do so would effectively prevent the student from obtaining access to the records.

Under FERPA, a school is not required to provide information that is not maintained, or to create education records, in response to an eligible student’s request. Accordingly, a school is not required to provide an eligible student with updates on their progress in a course (including grade reports), or in school unless such information already exists in the form of an education record.

Amendment of Education Records

Under FERPA, an eligible student has the right to request that inaccurate or misleading information in their education records be amended. While a school is not required to amend education records in accordance with an eligible student’s request, the school is required to consider the request. If the school decides not to amend a record in accordance with an eligible student’s request, the school must inform the student of their right to a hearing on the matter. If, as a result of the hearing, the school still decides not to amend the record, the eligible student has the right to insert a statement in the record setting forth their views. That statement must remain with the contested part of the eligible student’s record for as long as the record is maintained.

However, while the FERPA amendment procedure may be used to challenge facts that are inaccurately recorded, it may not be used to challenge a grade, an opinion, or a substantive decision made by a school about an eligible student. FERPA was intended to require only that schools conform to fair recordkeeping practices and not to override the accepted standards and procedures for making academic assessments, disciplinary rulings, or placement determinations. Thus, while FERPA affords eligible students the right to seek to amend education records which contain inaccurate information, this right cannot be used to challenge a grade, an individual’s opinion, or a substantive decision made by a school about a student. Additionally, if FERPA’s amendment procedures are not applicable to an eligible student’s request for amendment of education records, the school is not required under FERPA to hold a hearing on the matter.

Freedom of Expression Policy

Kellogg Community College is a public institution of higher education whose authority is derived from the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and whose property and resources are primarily dedicated to academic, administrative, and related functions. As an institution that highly regards the freedom of speech, freedom of expression and right to peaceably assemble, Kellogg Community College affords groups and individuals an invitation to exercise such freedoms on its grounds. The purpose of this policy is to facilitate expressive activities while ensuring that such activities do not interfere with College operations and the learning environment.

For anyone lawfully present on the College’s campuses, the outdoor common and indoor common areas are designated as venues for free expression, including spontaneous expression, speeches, demonstrations, and the distribution of information. Anyone who wishes to engage in commercial solicitation is required to reserve time and space for such activities following the terms of the College’s Facility & Grounds Usage and Commercial Solicitation policies.

For purposes of this policy, the term expressive activity includes such activities as:

• Meetings and other group activities;
• Speeches, performances, demonstrations, parades, marches, rallies, vigils, and other events;
• Distributions of informational materials, such as circulars, newspapers, leaflets, and pamphlets;
• Any other expression, including spontaneous expression, protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

While Kellogg Community College maintains its authority to regulate the time, place, and manner of expressive activities, it shall not consider or regulate the content or viewpoint of expressive activities when enforcing this policy, including by restricting students’ expression based on concerns about other person(s)’ negative reaction to that expression. When expressive activities occur, Kellogg Community College will work to ensure that such activities transpire without interference by the College, provided the learning environment is not substantially and materially disrupted and campus safety is not compromised by said expressive activities. If persons react negatively to expressive activities occurring on the campus of Kellogg Community College, the College will take necessary steps to ensure campus safety while allowing the expressive activity to continue, unless the College’s operations are materially and substantially disrupted.

For purposes of this policy, the terms outdoor common and indoor common refer to such areas as:

• Lawns, sidewalks, benches, and other outdoor areas that are not otherwise reserved for use. These outdoor common areas are defined by KCC as a traditional public forum.
• The indoor seating/dining area of the Student Center, located at KCC’s North  Avenue campus in Battle Creek, unless it is otherwise reserved for use. This indoor common area is defined by KCC as a limited public forum. This indoor common area does not include the Kellogg Room and Bruin Bistro.

For purposes of this policy, the peaceful distribution of informational materials in the indoor and outdoor common areas does not, without more, represent a substantial or material disruption to the learning environment at the College.

Expressive activities, as defined by this policy, are allowed on Kellogg Community College campuses during the periods that College facilities are open to the general public.

No expressive activity at Kellogg Community College shall be permitted to:

• Falsely defame an individual;
• Constitute a genuine threat or harassment;
• Block access to campus buildings;
• Impede ingress or egress to the College or any College property, pedestrian pathway, parking lot, building, facility, or event;
• Obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic;
• Include the use of audio amplification devices, unless specifically authorized by the College;
• Include the use of fire or pyrotechnics, unless specifically authorized by the College;
• Affix materials to College buildings, equipment, fences, trees, or property unless specifically authorized by the College.

Kellogg Community College does not assume any obligation or responsibility for the content of expressive activities or materials distributed. People engaging in expressive activities assume responsibility for damages to College property, for the cleanup of materials immediately following the conclusion of expressive activities and for remaining in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Lost and Found Policy

As a service to the KCC community, the KCC Public Safety office maintains lost and found items. Items turned in to the KCC Public Safety office are held for 30 days; after the holding period, items containing confidential information are permanently disposed of and all other items are donated to local charity. When claiming a lost item, individuals must show ID and sign for the item.

Media Use Statement

KCC reserves the right to use images and/or voices in photograph(s), video or audio recordings taken either in class or on the KCC campuses, of KCC students and/or their art/productions, in whole or part, for the purposes of instruction, advertising, and promoting KCC and its programs. Students who do not wish to comply with this policy must notify the Public Information and Marketing department in writing when they register.

Pregnant Student Policy

Under the Department of Education’s (DOE) regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Kellogg Community College does not discriminate against any student, or exclude any student from its education program or activity, including any class or extracurricular activity, on the basis of such student’s pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery therefrom.

Students who are pregnant, and those recovering from pregnancy-related conditions, may request temporary disability accommodations from the College’s Support Services department. Support Services staff will work with faculty and academic administrators to determine the appropriate accommodation in a particular class and/or program. When extended leave occurs, to the extent possible, students will be placed in the same position of academic progress that they were in when they took leave.

Residency Policy

Your residency status is based on the taxing district in which you live, and the tuition you pay is based on your residency status. Contact the Registrar’s office for information on establishing your residency and how residency is determined for tuition purposes.

Reverse Transfer Policy

Students who have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution may be considered for reverse transfer to meet the general education requirements for an Associate in Applied Science degree at KCC. The determination of which courses are to be considered in reverse transfer is at the discretion of the program director/coordinator for the student’s program of study. This policy does not release the student from meeting program-specific requirements or graduation requirements, and does not apply to the following KCC transfer degrees: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in General Studies, Associate in Criminal Justice, Associate in International Studies, Associate in Elementary Education, and Associate in Agricultural Science.