Top Banner
Search the Website
828.327.7000

CVCC PolicIES

pART 1 | pART 2

4. CVCC Operations

4.1 CVCC Committees
The President’s Cabinet shall be responsible for establishing standing committees necessary for effective CVCC operations. Information regarding standing committees shall be available to CVCC employees on the CVCC website. This information shall at a minimum include the purpose and membership standing committee.

top of page | Policy Manual Table of Contents

4.2 Authorized Spokesperson
The President is the authorized spokesperson for CVCC. No other staff member is authorized to release information to the media and/or public unless specifically authorized to do so by the President.

Any staff member who releases institutional information without the President's authorization shall be held personally accountable and such information will be considered unofficial.

top of page | Policy Manual Table of Contents

4.3 Public Representation of CVCC
CVCC, as part of its mission, strives to enhance critical thinking and leadership skills in every member of the college community. These valuable skills are important character components for staff, faculty, students, and stakeholders. Likewise, CVCC promotes the ideals reflected in Title 23, North Carolina Administrative Code, Section 2C.0208 (“As an individual, each employee of the community college system retains all rights and obligations of citizenship provided in the Constitution and laws of North Carolina and the Constitution and laws of the United States”). As individuals, members of the CVCC community are encouraged to express their personal opinions publicly, a vital element of the critical thinking and leadership skills for which the college strives. The personal opinions of the individual members of the college community, however, do not necessarily represent those shared by CVCC or other members. When publicly expressing personal opinions or interpreting facts concerning a matter of public concern, individuals must either avoid using the college’s name or include the following disclaimer: “The opinions or presentation of facts expressed in [the above editorial, this speech, the previous recording] do not necessarily reflect positions held by CVCC or any of its constituents.” In instances where the disclaimer above may be distracting to the content of a public speech, the speaker may elect to use another disclaimer that addresses the same intent.

In general, the Office of the President is the single collective voice for CVCC. The President may designate a specific representative to speak for the office on specific concerns.

While individuals within the CVCC community may voice personal opinions publicly, the individuals may not act as a representative of CVCC unless such presidential designation has been made.

top of page | Policy Manual Table of Contents

4.4 Visitors/Children on Campus/Solicitation/Free Speech, Public Assembly, and Distribution/Petitioning
Visitors
Visitors are defined as anyone other than CVCC personnel, officially enrolled students, members of the Board of Trustees, and members of the CVCC Foundation Board.

Visitors are permitted (and welcomed) on CVCC property for participation in or attendance at CVCC sponsored or approved activities/events and for use of the CVCC library facility.

Employers wishing to recruit on campus must coordinate their visit with the Director of Career Services or the Director of the Alexander Center for Education.

Media representatives are encouraged to inquire with the Public Information Officer prior to interviewing, photographing or videotaping employees or students on the various CVCC campuses. See also CVCC policy 4.2 (Authorized Spokesperson).

Visitors must comply with all other CVCC policies including the CVCC policy on free speech, public assembly, distribution/petitioning, and the CVCC policy on solicitation.

Visitors may be required to provide personal identification to CVCC officials or campus security. Visitors who do not comply with requests for identification, or who interfere with the normal operations, functions, or learning environment of CVCC, will be asked to leave. Individuals who refuse to leave will be considered trespassing and will be subject to arrest. CVCC shall not be held responsible for accidents or injuries to visitors who are in violation of CVCC policies.

Children on Campus
For the purposes of this policy, a child is defined as any youth under the age of 16 who is not officially registered in a CVCC class or Challenger High School class.

Children accompanying employees, students, or visitors of CVCC must be under the constant supervision of a responsible adult while on CVCC property, or on the site of any approved off-campus class or other CVCC event. Employees of CVCC have assigned duties and cannot take supervisory responsibility for any unattended children of employees, students, or visitors. Children should not be unattended in any CVCC facility at any time.

CVCC assumes no responsibility or liability for children, or for any accidents or injuries to children.

Students, faculty, and staff are expected to arrange for their personal childcare away from the work site. An employee must have the approval of his/her supervisor to bring a child to the workplace during working hours due to an emergency situation at home. Sick children should not be brought to campus.

Children accompanying employees, students, or visitors are not permitted in classes, labs, or other learning environments.

Persons receiving CVCC services may be refused service if accompanied by a child who will be unattended during the time the patron is receiving services, or if accompanied by a child who is disruptive to CVCC operations. CVCC personnel are not expected to provide supervision of such children.

If children are left unattended, CVCC may notify law enforcement personnel and/or the Department of Social Services.

Solicitation
For purposes of this policy, solicitation is an oral or written request/notice for, or effort to achieve, a contribution, a donation, or a sale/purchase of goods or services on any property owned, leased, or under the jurisdiction of CVCC.

Solicitation for commercial (for profit) purposes that is not a routine and necessary part of CVCC's normal operations, activities, or functions is restricted as to time, place, and manner and must be approved in accordance with procedures established by the President (or designee). Such solicitation may not utilize state property. Such solicitation must not interfere or disrupt the normal operating and learning environment at CVCC. Fees for use of building or grounds space may be assessed.  Specifically prohibited is the distribution of printed solicitation material on parked vehicles and on CVCC bulletin boards.

CVCC students and employees may utilize certain bulletin boards designated by the President (or designee) to advertise the sale of used personal items. The President (or designee) shall establish procedures and guidelines for such usage.

Solicitation for charitable, community service, not-for-profit, or civic purposes must be approved in accordance with procedures and guidelines established by the President (or designee). Such solicitation must not interfere or disrupt the normal operating and learning environment at CVCC.

Free Speech, Public Assembly, and Distribution/Petitioning
Consistent with its educational mission, CVCC encourages the free exchange of ideas on campus, while assuring that other important CVCC interests and activities are not infringed upon or disrupted. CVCC recognizes the value of providing students, faculty, staff and others the opportunity to assemble and communicate with one another, as well as to distribute informative printed material to members of the CVCC community. CVCC is committed to protecting First Amendment rights of individuals and supports reasonable opportunity for people to distribute printed materials and to engage in other forms of expression and assembly on campus (collectively termed "expression activities" for purposes of this policy). Except with respect to commercial expression, and expression (e.g., obscenity, defamation, fighting words, harassment) which the Supreme Court has held constitutes content which can be proscribed, CVCC will not make decisions or take actions based on the content of expressive activities on campus. However, the President shall establish restrictions, unrelated to the content of noncommercial expression, on the time, place and manner of use of CVCC facilities for expression activities so that other important CVCC interests and activities are not infringed upon or disrupted.  Such restrictions shall be published as part of the procedures for obtaining authorization to use CVCC facilities for expression activities. All persons engaging in expression activities must observe such restrictions. Failure to comply with established restrictions may result in sanctions including, but not limited to, charges of trespass and forfeit of the right to use CVCC facilities for further expression activities.

Unlawful conduct is not permitted. Unlawful conduct is conduct that is prohibited by Federal, State, or local law or regulation, or that violates one or more rights of a person or entity under the common law of North Carolina.

In order to provide opportunity for access to multiple and diverse persons/groups, the President (or designee) may establish procedures and/or guidelines to regulate use by a single person/group.

Individuals have the right to dissent to the expression activities of another. However, such right to dissent shall not interfere with the authorized expression activities of another and need not occupy the same forum at the same time.

Use of public address systems or amplified sound is not permitted.

Duly authorized persons/groups may distribute printed materials by hand within designated areas on the condition that such material is for informational (not commercial) purposes. Such persons/groups shall be responsible for any clean-up costs associated with the distribution of such materials. Printed materials may not be distributed through CVCC's internal mail system.

Persons/groups utilizing CVCC facilities must comply with CVCC Policy 6.2 (Use of CVCC Facilities, Approval, Fees, Appropriate Use).

CVCC reserves the right to immediately terminate any expression activities otherwise permitted by this policy if in the judgment of CVCC officials, continuation of such activities will result in: (a) danger to participants or others; (b) unlawful conduct by participants or others; or (c) interference with disruption or disturbance of the CVCC's educational mission, operations, business, or functions.

top of page | Policy Manual Table of Contents

4.5 Institutional Calendar and Operating Hours
The President’s Cabinet shall establish an annual institutional calendar and normal operating hours for the provision of CVCC services.

top of page | Policy Manual Table of Contents

4.6 Adverse Weather (campus closings)
CVCC or campus closings during periods of extremely adverse weather shall be authorized by the President or designee.

top of page | Policy Manual Table of Contents 

4.7 Safety and Security
The Chief Security Officer shall establish procedures and programs which promote the safety and security of the CVCC community and which provide the CVCC community with accurate, complete, and timely information about safety/security at CVCC.

CVCC encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes and safety/security concerns to the CVCC Safety and Security Office. The Chief Student Services Officer shall establish procedures for students and others to report crimes and safety/security concerns, including procedures for voluntary, confidential reporting.

The Chief Security Officer shall establish procedures for the CVCC community to follow in the event of emergencies.

CVCC encourages students, employees, and others to be responsible for their own safety/security and the safety/security of others.

CVCC shall comply with the requirements of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics.

top of page | Policy Manual Table of Contents | Annual Security Report Table of Contents

4.8 Sale of Food/Beverages
Any person(s), group, or other party selling food/beverages on CVCC campuses or at CVCC sponsored activities must comply with all applicable laws and regulations including those related to licensing and sanitation. CVCC employees and students sponsoring or coordinating an event or meeting on campus which includes any sale of food must obtain prior approval for such sale from the President’s Cabinet.

top of page | Policy Manual Table of Contents

4.9 Parking
Employees, students, and visitors are expected to park in designated parking spaces only. Handicapped parking spaces are designated and are regulated by NC General Statutes. Vehicles parked in areas not designated for parking may be ticketed and/or towed at vehicle owner expense. CVCC will not be responsible for vehicles damaged while parked on the school premises, during towage, or while being stored.

top of page | Policy Manual Table of Contents

4.10 Firearms/Weapons Possession
Except for law enforcement officers duly authorized to carry a firearm and/or weapon, the possession of a firearm and/or other weapon on any CVCC campus/site is illegal under North Carolina law and is prohibited.

top of page | Policy Manual Table of Contents| Annual Security Report Table of Contents

4.11 Alcoholic Beverages
The possession, sale, distribution, and/or use of alcohol on CVCC campuses/sites are prohibited. The CVCC Safety and Security Office enforces federal, state, and local laws regulating the possession, use, sale, and distribution of alcohol. North Carolina law makes it unlawful to sell, furnish, or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. North Carolina law also makes the possession or use of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21 illegal. Violators are subject to criminal prosecution. Legal sanctions may include fines and/or imprisonment. Student violators are subject to disciplinary action under provisions of the Student Conduct Policy. CVCC employees are subject to disciplinary action under personnel disciplinary policies.

top of page | Policy Manual Table of Contents| Annual Security Report Table of Contents

4.12 Illegal Drugs/Controlled Substances
The possession, sale, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances on CVCC campuses/sites is prohibited. The CVCC Safety and Security Office enforces federal, state, and local laws making the possession, use, sale, and distribution of controlled substances illegal. Violators are subject to criminal prosecution. Legal sanctions may include fines and/or imprisonment. Student violators are subject to disciplinary action under provisions of the Student Conduct Policy. CVCC employees are subject to disciplinary action under the personnel disciplinary policies.

top of page | Policy Manual Table of Contents | Annual Security Report Table of Contents

4.13 Tobacco Products
The use of tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco) is prohibited on all CVCC campuses (including CVCC buildings, grounds, and parking lots). The prohibition applies to all individuals including staff, students, employees, visitors, patrons, vendors, and/or their agents. (effective August 1, 2009)

top of page | Policy Manual Table of Contents

4.14 Communicable Diseases
Employees, employees of contractors or contracted services, and students who are infected with a communicable disease or who have a reasonable basis for believing they might be infected have the responsibility of reporting the infection to the personnel officer (in the case of employees and employees of contractors) or to the Chief Student Services Officer (in the case of students). All such information reported shall remain confidential. Only persons with a need to know will be informed.

The college will support a program of educating and informing employees and students about communicable diseases, warning signs, and protective measures through publications, seminars, and other appropriate means.

Persons infected with a communicable disease shall not be excluded from enrollment or employment, or restricted in their access to CVCC's services or facilities, unless medically based judgments in individual cases establish that exclusion or restriction is necessary to assure the protection and welfare of the individual or other members of the CVCC community.

The assessment of an employee or employees of a contractor or contracted service with a suspected communicable disease and the final determination of that employee's ability to remain on the job shall be made by the President. If an employee or employee of a contractor or contracted service is found to have a communicable disease, the president may prohibit attendance or participating in work at the college until a letter or certificate is obtained from one or more licensed physicians and/or public health officials stating that the attendance of the employee or employee of a contractor or contracted service no longer constitutes a health risk to other employees and students at the college.

The assessment of a student with a suspected communicable disease and the final determination of that student's ability to remain in college shall be made by the Chief Student Services Officer, based upon recommendations from local health authorities. If a student is found to have a communicable disease, the dean of student services may prohibit attendance at the college until a letter or certificate is obtained from one or more licensed physicians and/or public health officials stating that the attendance of the student no longer constitutes a health risk to employees and other students at the college.

top of page | Policy Manual Table of Contents

4.15 Self-Administered Prescription Medications
CVCC personnel and students who are diabetic or who have other health problems may be required to self-administer insulin or other medications while on campus. In this process, materials may be generated that are contaminated with blood and body fluid. Improper disposal of this waste can place employees and students at risk of contracting blood borne diseases.

All employees and students who self-administer prescription medications are required to keep all used and/or contaminated materials in their possession while on campus and transport these materials to their home or other locations for proper disposal. Individuals who fail to follow these procedures will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

top of page | Policy Manual Table of Contents

4.16 Sexual Harassment
CVCC prohibits any and all forms of sexual harassment. This policy is applicable to all employees and students and applies to relations with both employees and students. Sexual harassment is defined as "unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature." Supervisory personnel are responsible for handling complaints immediately, seriously, and discreetly, and for making sure that the identities of the parties concerned are kept confidential.

Employees who believe that they are being sexually harassed, or have taken measure to stop the harassment but have been unsuccessful, may report a complaint to any of the following persons:

  • The employee’s immediate supervisor;
  • Any CVCC administrator;
  • CVCC’s personnel office; or
  • The CVCC President.

Students who believe that they are being sexually harassed, or who have taken measures to stop the harassment but have been unsuccessful, may report a complaint with any to the following College representatives:

  • The Chief Student Services Officer;
  • Any Dean;
  • Any Vice President; or
  • The CVCC President.

If individuals decide they want to make a report, contact should be made with the CVCC representative (in list above) with whom they feel the most comfortable. As with any job-related or student complaint, CVCC encourages following the chain of command where possible. However, due to the personal nature of sexual harassment and CVCC’s strong opposition to sexual harassment, any employee/student who feels he or she is being subject to sexual harassment can complain to any one of the persons listed previously, orally or in writing.

When making a complaint of sexual harassment, the employee/student should be prepared to provide the following information:

  • Name;
  • The name of the person or persons committing the sexual harassment;
  • The specific nature of the sexual harassment; or
  • Whether the employee/student has previously reported such harassment and, if so, when and to whom.

The appropriate Vice President is the person designated by the President to be investigator of complaints of sexual harassment which involve only employees. The Vice President may delegate the investigation to another College employee, under his or her supervision. In the event the sexual harassment complaint is against the Vice President, the investigator shall be a CVCC employee appointed by the President.

The Chief Student Services Officer is the person designated by the President to be investigator of complaints of sexual harassment which involve students only or students and employees. The Chief Student Services Officer may delegate the investigation to another CVCC employee under his or her supervision. In the event the sexual harassment complaint is against the Chief Student Services Officer, the investigator shall be a CVCC employee appointed by the Vice President with primary responsibility for student services or the President.

top of page | Policy Manual Table of Contents | Annual Security Report Table of Contents

4.17 Sexual Offenses
CVCC is committed to the maintenance of an environment that is supportive of its primary educational mission and free from all exploitation and intimidation. CVCC will not tolerate rape, sexual assault, or other forcible and non-forcible sex offenses and supports this policy for students, faculty and staff by sponsoring prevention, intervention and education programs specifically addressing these offenses. Information and awareness programs are offered at various times by way of a variety of events throughout the year. CVCC recognizes the importance of assisting individuals who are victims of sexual assault and helping them to regain a sense of personal control over their lives and decisions. The protocol for reporting of and responding to sex offenses is available on the CVCC website, in Student Services, and in the Personnel Office.

Definition of Sex Offenses:

  • Sex Offenses (Forcible) – Any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent.
  • Forcible Rape – The carnal knowledge of a person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (or because of youth).
  • Forcible Sodomy – Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of youth or because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
  • Sexual Assault With An Object – The use of an object or instrument to unlawfully penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of youth or because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
  • Forcible Fondling – The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of youth or because of temporary or permanent mental incapacity.
  • Sex Offenses (Non-forcible) - Unlawful, non-forcible sexual intercourse.
  • Incest – Non-forcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
  • Statutory Rape – Non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.

top of page | Policy Manual Table of Contents | Annual Security Report Table of Contents

4.18 Technology Resources (Acceptable Use)
Technology resources include, but are not necessarily limited to, computers, software, networks, internet access, telephones, voice mail, printers, scanners, copiers, and electronic (e-mail) services provided by CVCC. Technology resources also include CVCC web pages, social media sites sponsored by CVCC, and other online resources provided or sponsored by CVCC. This policy applies to all users of technology resources provided by CVCC. Compliance is critical to the security and integrity of technology resources and is mandatory.

Use of technology resources shall be in compliance with local, state, and federal law. Use of technology resources shall comply with any contractual or professional obligations of CVCC. All users are responsible for using technology resources in an efficient, responsible, considerate, ethical, and lawful manner. Any information distributed by a user must accurately identify the creator, distributor, and recipient of that information.

Access to technology resources is a privilege rather than a right. Access may be withdrawn from those who use it inappropriately or irresponsibly. Users who violate any of the technology resource policies may be subject to disciplinary action and/or legal action.

Technology resources are to be used to fulfill CVCC’s mission. Acceptable uses by faculty and staff include:

  1. Use to complete the official work of the CVCC (including instruction and administration);
  2. Use directly related to academic research activities approved by CVCC;
  3. Use directly related to service on behalf of CVCC;
  4. Use directly related to professional development activities approved by CVCC; or
  5. Very limited non-commercial personal use as long as that use does not interfere with the work of the CVCC and does not create additional cost for CVCC.

Acceptable uses by students include:

  1. Use directly related to classes in which the student is officially enrolled;
  2. Use directly related to service activities approved by the College; or
  3. Very limited non-commercial personal use as long as that use does not interfere with the work of the CVCC and does not create additional cost for CVCC.

Technology resources may not be used for any purpose which is illegal, immoral, unethical, dishonest, damaging to the reputation of CVCC, inconsistent with the mission of CVCC, or which may subject CVCC to liability. Unacceptable uses of technology resources include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Harassment;
  2. Libel or slander;
  3. Fraud or misrepresentation;
  4. Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the College or to others;
  5. Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications;
  6. Unauthorized access of electronically stored information;
  7. Infringement of copyrights, trademarks, or the rights of others;
  8. Use of the CVCC logo without prior approval from the Director of Community Relations for the CVCC;
  9. Violation of computer system security;
  10. Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes (including passwords), or network identification numbers (including e-mail accounts) assigned to others;
  11. Unauthorized access to the CVCC’s information systems, Internet or other networked computers;
  12. Use of computer communications resources in ways that disrupt or impede the computing activities of others;
  13. Use of technology resources for commercial business purposes unrelated to CVCC, for personal profit, or for solicitation of resources for non-CVCC sponsored activities;
  14. Academic dishonesty;
  15. Violation of software license agreements;
  16. Violation of network usage policies and regulations;
  17. Violation of privacy;
  18. Posting, sending, or intentionally accessing pornographic, sexually explicit, or offensive material;
  19. Posting, sending, or intentionally accessing material that is contrary to the mission of CVCC;
  20. Intentional distribution of computer viruses, trojan horses, timebombs, worms, or other rogue programming; or
  21. Use of electronic mail (e-mail) for chain letters, pyramid schemes, unsolicited mass mailings (spamming).

All installations, modifications, and/or repairs of technology resources must be authorized by the Executive Officer of Technology Services or designees. Unauthorized resources are subject to seizure by CVCC. The usage of CVCC technology resources may be monitored as authorized by the Executive Officer of Technology Services or designee. CVCC personnel or designees will generally not access the content of user files except as follows: a. The user gives prior consent; b. CVCC needs to ensure the security or operating performance of its systems or networks; c. There is reasonable concern that a violation of CVCC policy or law has occurred; d. CVCC is complying with a valid subpoena or search warrant issued by a court of competent jurisdiction; or e. Other reasons as determined necessary by the President. Therefore, CVCC does not does not guarantee privacy regarding the use of its technology resources. Any questions as to the appropriate use of technology resources should be directed to the Executive Officer of Technology Services.

The President or designee shall establish guidelines and procedures for the use of social media sites sponsored by CVCC.

top of page | Policy Manual Table of Contents | Annual Security Report Table of Contents

 
2550 US HIGHWAY 70 SE • HICKORY, NC • 28602-8302 • 828.327.7000
828.327.7000
Updated 12.20.2011: Employment