Annual Campus Safety and Crime Awareness Report

Section I: Description of Campus Security Policies

Providing a safe and secure campus is a key element in assisting the College in accomplishing its mission of offering instructional programs and student and community activities.

The college's Board of Trustees and administration is committed to providing a safe campus. In addition to various measures that have been taken by the Board and administration to create a safe campus, students and staff are encouraged to be responsible for their own security and the security of others.
Following are various policies and procedures that the College has adopted to prevent and deal with security issues on college premises.

Incident Reporting
The college asks that all criminal actions, suspected criminal actions, accidents, or unusual incidents be reported immediately. If you are a student, this can be done through your instructor. If you are an employee, this can be done through your supervisor. Both students and employees may also report directly to either the Switchboard Operator or the office of the Vice President of Student and Information Services.

In cases of an emergency, the college's Switchboard Operator should be contacted immediately.

The college Security Staff is available to assist with safety and crime incident reports. The Switchboard Operator will directly contact the Security Staff or, in the event of an emergency situation, the Sheriff's Department. The switchboard can be reached by dialing "0" from any of the campus courtesy (red) phones located in the hallways of campus buildings. If the Swithboard is closed, assistance can be requested by dialing 911 from a pay phone. No money is needed when dialing 911.

Campus Security
Campus Security is the direct responsibility of the Vice President of Student and Information Services, while the Security Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day operations. The security staff is compromised of individuals with extensive law enforcement and knowledge. Campus Security provides a safe and secure campus environment for students, staff, faculty and visitors. Both foot and vehicle security/safety patrols are conducted in order to minimize and deter the occurance of crime, protect the peace and serve the interests of the College. Campus Security has an excellent working relationship with local law enforcement agencies including the Sheriff's Department and the Michigan State Police.

The college also has a Health and Safety Committee comprised of members of the College staff. One of the functions of the committee is to review and address various campus health and safety issues, including security and crime awareness and prevention.


Section II: Crime Statistics

For the period beginning January 1, 2006 and ending December 31, 2006, there have been none of the following crimes reported to the College's campus security authorities or to the local law enforcement agencies.

Such crimes include:
• murder
• sex offense
• robbery
• aggravated assault
• burglary
• motor vehicle-theft

In addition, for the same period there have been no arrests for crimes that occurred on campus for liquor violations, drug abuse violations, or weapons possession.

Any questions about this report, campus security policies, or the College's crime statistics should be directed to the office of the Vice President of Student and Information Services.

Sexual Offender Information
In compliance with state and federal statutes, including the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act enacted on October 28, 2000, the campus community may obtain information about registered sex offenders from the Michigan State Police, Public Sex Offenders Registry Web Site, www.mipsor.state.mi.us.

Access to Campus Facilities
In addition to sponsoring and co-sponsoring a variety of events in which college facilities and grounds are open to the public, the college may allow non-profit community groups and profit organizations to use college facilities. (See MCCC Policies and Procedures 6.18(a).)

Students may also receive permission to access college buildings during non-operating hours if authorization is granted via a Building Admittance Permit. (See MCCC Policies and Procedures 6.23.)

Awareness and Prevention Programs
The college uses a variety of methods to disseminate information to staff and students about campus security procedures and practices including mailings, brochures, the Student Handbook, seminars, staff development programs, Campus/Community Events programs, and the student newspaper.

In addition to these methods, if the information is deemed to be more timely in order to protect College staff or students or to prevent other occurrences, notification may be announced by the use of flyers, campus bulletin boards, electronic message boards, the College's public address system, or by staff memos.

Students and staff should be familiar with these means of notification and routinely check these sources for security announcements.

MCCC students, staff, and visitors are absolutely prohibited from leaving children of any age on college property.

MCCC assumes no responsibility for the safety of children left on college property. Compliance with this rule is essential. MCCC students and staff are urged to contact the Child Care Center for the hours of operation and registration information. If the Child Care Center is not available, or if the child is not within the Center's age limit, then other child care arrangements must be secured. There are no exceptions to the absolute prohibition against leaving children on college property.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Monroe County Commulnity College (MCCC) is concerned about the health and welfare of its employees and students. The college recognizes alcohol/drug dependency as an illness and a major health problem. In compliance with the Federal Drug Free School and Campuses Regulations, MCCC has adopted a policy that requires employees and students to assist in maintaining a campus enviroment free from the effects of alcohol, drugs or other intoxicating substances.

Employees are prohibited from the following when reporting for work, while on the job, on campus or in any vehicle used for college business; students are prohibited from the following when attending classes, on campus, or in any vehicle used for college business:

• the unlawful use, possession, transportation, manufacure, sale or other distribution of an illegal or controlled substance or drug paraphernalia
• the unauthorized use, possission, transportation, manfacture, sale or distribution of alcohol
• being under the influence of alcohol or haveing a detectable amount of an illegal or controlled substance in the blood or urine unless prescribed for a medical condition("controlled substance" means a drug or other substance as defined in applicable federal laws on drug abuse prevention).

In addition, no alcoholic beverages will be permitted on campus or sold or provided by the Distrit at any college-sponsored event off campus, unless approved by the Board of Trustees.

Violations

The college will impose disciplinary action up to and including termindation of employment for violation of the drug and alcohol policy. Conditions of continued employment may include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program. Violations by employees are to be reported to the Office of Human Resources as soon as possible.

Students will be imposed disciplinary action up to and including dismissal or suspension from the college for violation of the drug and alcohol policy and may be subject to losing financial aid. Violations by students are to be reported to the Office of the Vice President of Student and Information Services as soon as possible. (See MCCC Policy 3.10, Due Process with regard to Discipline other than Academic.)

Any employee, student or student assistant convicted under any drug or alcohol statute for a violation occurring whlile on the job, on campus or in any vehicle used for college business must notify the college as soon as possible after such a conviction. A conviction inlcudes any finding of guilt or plea of no contest and/or imposition of a fine, jail sentence or other penalty. The college will determine if college policies have been violated and what, if any, disciplinary action will be administered.

Federal and State Law

Under federal law it is unlawful to manufacture, distribut, dispense, deliver, sell or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, dispense, deliver or sell controlled substances. Under federal law, a civil penalty of up to $100,000 and imprisonment of up to one year may be imposed for a first offense of simple possession of certain specified controlled substances; a second offense has penalties of up to $250,000 and up to two years in prison. The penalty imposed depends upon many factors that include the type and amount of controlled substances involved, the number of prior offenses, whether death or serious bodily harm resulted from the use of such substances and whether any other crimes were committed in connection with the use of the controlled substance.

Under Michigan law it is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 to buy, possess, transport (unless in the course of their employment) or consume alcoholic beverages. It is unlawful for any adult to buy alcoholic beverages for or furnish them for any purpose to anyone less than 21 years of age. If convicted of drunk or impaired driving, the court my order imprisonment, fines and costs, community service, alcohol treatment or education or a combination of these penalties. For a first offense, penalties may include $100 to $500 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail. Under Michigan law, the offense of possession or casual exchange of a controlled substance (such as marijuana) is punishable by up to one year an/or $1,000. The penalties are more severe depending on the number of subsequent offenses and the type and weight of the controlled substance.

Health Risks

Excessive use of alcohol and other drugs is a serious health problem in itself, but alcohol and drug abuse can also contribute to a host of other physical and mental health problems such as complications in pregnancy, viiolent behavior, HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases, psychological depression, hallucinations and death.

Resources
MCCC is interested in the continued good health and personal well-being of the employees and students and we recognize that employees and students suffering from alcohol or drug dependence can be treated. Employees and students may contact the Director of Human Resources at 734-384-4245 or designee for a referral service. If someone contacts the Office of Human Resources, it is kept in strict confidence and not placed in the personnel file. We encourage any employee or student to seek professional care and counseling prior to any violation of this policy.

In addition, you may contact any of the following free resources for confidential help:

Policy Statement on Illegal Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

The Community College District of Monroe County, Michigan affirms its desire to create a work and study environment for all individuals that is fair and responsible. The College endeavors to support an environment that will support, nurture, and reward career and educational goals on the basis of relevant factors such as ability and work performance.

The College believes that illegal discrimination and sexual harassment are inconsistent with a supportive environment, and as such, endorses all applicable state and federal legislation, which includes Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act ( Michigan) and the 1964 Civil Rights Act (Federal) involving prohibiting discrimination or harassment in employment and in the utilization of education facilities.

It is therefore the policy of the College that no employee or qualified person participating in a College sponsored program, service, or activity shall be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, height, weight, sex, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

It is furthermore the policy of the College that any illegal acts of discrimination or sexual harassment of students or employees will be considered as unacceptable and impermissible conduct. Such acts will not be condoned or tolerated by the College.

The College will investigate any allegation of illegal discrimination or sexual harassment. If inappropriate behavior is found to have occurred, prompt remedial action will be taken. Any employee found to have engaged in prohibited discrimination or sexual harassment is subject to immediate discipline up to and including termination, and any student found to have engaged in prohibited discrimination or sexual harassment is subject to immediate discipline, up to and including expulsion.

No employee or student will be disciplined or retaliated against for making a good faith complaint or request for investigation pursuant to this policy.

The College's Equal Opportunity Officer and Title IX and Section 504/ADA Coordinator and Compliance Officer for discrimination and sexual harassment is the Director of Human Resources, Monroe County Community College, l555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, Michigan 48l6l, phone (734) 384-4245.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

Discrimination because of sex includes acts of “sexual harassment.” Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or communication of sexual nature when:

• submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or academic opportunity or advancement,

• submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a factor in employment decisions or academic decisions affecting such individual, or

• such conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work or academic opportunity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment.

Bringing a Complaint

Any employee or student (the complainant) who believes that he or she has been the subject of illegal discrimination or sexual harassment should report the matter immediately in accordance with the following procedures. Use of the informal procedure first is encouraged, however, is not required.

Informal Procedure

1. The informal procedure format is to provide an opportunity for informal consultation and counseling and, where appropriate, mediation among the parties involved.

2. Under the informal procedure, the complainant, if an employee, may bring the matter to the attention of his/her immediate supervisor unless the supervisor is the person about whom the complaint is being made. In that case, the complainant may bring the matter to that person’s supervisor. The complainant may also bring the matter to the attention of the Director of Human Resources. In the case of complaints by a student, the complainant may bring the matter to the Division Dean or to the Vice President of Student and Information Services.

3. If informal resolution of the complaint is not achieved, the complainant may initiate formal procedures within twenty-eight (28) calendar days after the informal process concludes, but within, ninety (90) calendar days after the conduct occurred.

Formal Procedure

1. The complainant, if an employee, will submit a written statement to the Director of Human Resources, or in the case of complaints by a student, the Vice President of Student and Information Services, within twenty-eight (28) calendar days after the conduct of which is the subject of the complaint occurs. The Grievance Form for Complaints of Discrimination or Sexual Harassment (see Procedure 1.65[b]) must be used. The grievance forms are available in the Office of the Director of Human Resources, Room A-138 and the Admissions Office, Room A-101 in the Student Services/ Administration Building.

2. The Director of Human Resources or the Vice President of Student and Information Services will inform the alleged offender of the allegation.

3. Formal Investigation:

a. The purpose of the investigation, which will include interviewing the parties and witnesses, is to gather and verify facts about the case. The Director of Human Resources, the Vice President of Student and Information Services, or their designee, and/or the College’s legal counsel will conduct the formal investigation.

b. Investigations will be conducted promptly, thoroughly, and fairly, affording both the complainant and the accused a full opportunity to provide input and/or respond.

c. Possible outcomes of an investigation are:

(1) a finding that the allegations are not warranted or could not be substantiated,

(2) a finding that the allegations are substantiated and, if so, prompt remedial action will be taken. The College uses a disciplinary system in which the extent of the disciplinary action taken depends on all the facts and circumstances available at the time the decision is made. The corrective action will depend on the frequency and severity of the conduct and may include disciplinary action, up to and including termination if the individual who engaged in the inappropriate conduct is an employee, or academic discipline, up to and including immediate expulsion if the individual who engaged in the inappropriate conduct is a student, or

(3) a negotiated settlement of the complaint.

4. Every effort will be made to inform the involved parties of the investigative findings and any corrective action taken or to be taken.

No employee or student will be disciplined for making a good faith complaint regarding illegal discrimination or sexual harassment nor will any retaliation for making a good faith complaint be tolerated.

In both informal and formal complaint cases of illegal discrimination or sexual harassment, the privacy of all individuals will be given special attention. However, due to the nature of fact-finding and investigation that may be needed, confidentiality cannot be promised.

Anonymous charges will not be the basis of any administrative action.

The Compliance Officer for the College for complaints of illegal discrimination or sexual harassment is the Director of Human Resources. The Office of Human Resources is located in the Student Services/Administration Building, phone (734) 384-4245.


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Smoking Policy

Smoking is prohibited in all College buildings.

Graduation/Completion Information
(Student Right to Know Act)

The United States Department of Education requires all community colleges to provide current and prospective students with historical data regarding the number of students who complete a degree or a certificate. This data has been standardized so all colleges provide the information on a consistent basis. The reporting covers only students who indicated at the time of their college admission that they were seeking a degree or a certificate, and is compiled three years after their date of admission. The information was retrieved from college records and responses from a student questionnaire.

In addition to the above criteria, the following numbers cover only full-time (12 credit hours or more) students whose first semester at Monroe County Community College was Fall 2001. MCCC is proud to note that community colleges in general have an excellent reputation for meeting their student's goals, whether that is to receive a degree, certificate, prepare for a career, or improve job skills. Because many of the programs offered at MCCC do not lead to a degree or certificate, we are especially pleased with our 36% graduation rate that compares favorably with other Michigan community colleges.

The following numbers are based on 183 full-time students who met the above criteria for this reporting period.

Of 183 students:
65 (36%) had graduated with an Associate Degree or Completion Certificate
27 (15%) were still enrolled at MCCC
29 (15%) reported they transferred to another college or university
62 (34%) were no longer attending MCCC and reported they had not transferred to another college or university

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Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Monroe County Community College complies with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which governs the release of personally identifiable information of MCCC students. This act allows students to view most records on file with the College and also specifies under what conditions information may be released. Further information about this law and students rights and privileges may be obtained from the Registrar's Office or from the MCCC Web site.

While the College does not publish a directory of students, the following items are considered "directory information" and may be released without the students prior consent: name, address, e-mail address, terms of attendance, degrees and awards received and most recent previous educational agency or institution attended. The College will not release any other information concerning a student without written authorization from the student.

Other than required by law the College does not sell or otherwise provide the names and addresses of students to companies or agencies outside of the College.

Disabilities

If you have a documented disability, for which an accommodation may be appropriate, please contact the Learning Assistance Lab at (734) 384-4167.
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Parking Regulations

The roadways on campus are under the jurisdiction of Monroe Township and subject to the ordinances of the Township.

1. All vehicles should be properly parked in compliance to lot markings and signage. Improperly parked vehicles are subject to towing.

2. No parking is permitted on the grass, walkways, or pedestrian right-of-ways.

3. Vehicles parked in spaces designated for the physically disabled must display proper authorization. Stickers for temporary authorization for physically accessible parking may be requested from the office of the Vice President of Student and Information Services or approved by the Coordinator of the Learning Assistance Lab (LAL).

4. Staff and students should not park in spaces designated for Board of Trustees, Visitor, or other limited parking.

5. Certain areas are designated for staff parking only. Vehicles parked in these areas must display a staff parking sticker. (Student assistants are not considered "staff" in matters of parking.)

Social Security Number Privacy Policy

The State of Michigan Public Act 454 of 2004 establishes regulations to help ensure the privacy of student Social Security numbers. This includes thae proper use, disclosure, and disposal of student Social Security numbers.

The Community College District of Monroe County, Michigan will follow procedures to ensure that these requirements are met.

PROCEDURE ON THE USE, DISCLOSURE, AND DISPOSAL
OF STUDENT SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS

Monroe County Community College protects the student’s right of privacy of information and recognizes the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of student records while performing effective functions of the College.  In this effort, the College has implemented procedures as prescribed by Michigan P.A. 454 of 2004, which pertain to the use, disclosure, and disposal of student social security numbers (SSNs).

      SSNs are collected from all students and are currently used for:

• Financial aid
• Specific reporting functions as required by state and federal government
• Transcripts
• Reporting to the National Student Clearinghouse used for attendance verifications, degree reporting, and loan tracking

The Student ID number may be used interchangeably for the SSN whenever the student registers for classes, makes a payment, or other internal functions.  When the student gives an SSN, the Student ID will be printed on any internal hard copy material such as schedules, rosters, bills, etc.

All documents and records containing student SSNs will be kept in a secure environment.  Copies of materials with a student SSN are destroyed when not retained in a secure area.  Any original hard copy material, such as an application, with the SSN listed, is treated as confidential material and is shredded or destroyed after the student has not registered for four years.

Faculty and staff are notified annually of privacy procedures and FERPA requirements for any form of communication, printed or verbal.  Only authorized College personnel may access records and documents that contain student SSNs and identification.  Any College employee that accesses social security data without authorization shall be disciplined up to and including termination.  If illegal intent is determined, employees will be referred to authorities for possible criminal prosecution.

page last updated: March 25, 2008