Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights Success Hub

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Students

• Students will read, know, understand, and abide by the Student Code of Conduct and all other College policies.
• Students know right from wrong and will make appropriate choices.
• Students understand that the College’s official means of communication is via their student email.
• Students are responsible for updating their personal contact information.
• Students will take responsibility for their own actions and, in some cases, their guests.
• Students will be honest and admit when their actions violate the Student Code of Conduct.
• Students will understand if they violate the Student Code of Conduct and engage in behaviors that are detrimental to themselves and/or the community, they will be held accountable for this behavior and educated accordingly.
• Students will understand that egregious and/or repeated violations of the Code of Conduct will result in suspension or expulsion.

Academic Complaints

Complaints of an academic nature are generally resolved within the division offering the course in which the complaint occurs. Questions or disagreements about grades, performance in class, assignments, and class rules and procedures must be discussed first with the instructor outside of the classroom environment. If the issue cannot be resolved with the instructor, the student may then speak with the instructor’s supervising coordinator by filling out a Student Complaint Form. If there is no supervising coordinator, the complaint will be routed to the Department Chair or Dean form to request a meeting with the department chair.  If the issue is not resolved after speaking with the supervising coordinator and/or the department chair, the student may take the complaint to the dean of the division. If the complaint is not satisfactorily resolved by the dean, the student may file a final appeal with the vice president for academic affairs or his/her designee.

After meeting with the student, the instructor, supervisor, department chair, and dean must complete the Student Complaint/Appeal Administrative Tracking Form and provide it and any supporting data to the next person who hears the complaint no longer than 30 days after the submission of the appeal.

Definitions

1. “Disruptive behavior” and “disruption” mean any behavior that willfully disturbs the orderly conduct of the learning environment. There are two levels of disruptive behavior and disruption. Level I includes, but is not limited to, unwarranted talking, noisemaking, discussing, or demonstrating about matters that are not relevant to the subject matter of the class or activity; interrupting the instructor or other students; unnecessary physical activity or movement in an instructional area; or persistent tardiness that interrupts an instructional activity. Level II, in addition to behavior that disrupts the instructional area, is behavior that presents a threat to the safety of those present, and may include, but is not limited to, being under the influence and/or in possession of alcohol or illicit drugs, fighting, assault, battery, threatening others with assault or physical harm, carrying a gun or other deadly or dangerous weapon, or engaging in other verbal or physical conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or threatening educational environment. Any student whose behavior falls into a Level II category will automatically be subject to a charge of a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
2. “Instructional area” means any area of the College where instructional activities take place. This includes, but is not limited to, classrooms, laboratories, studios, gymnasia, library facilities, faculty offices, clinical practice facilities, or field trip sites.
3. “Instructor” means any person performing an instructional function for the College. This includes, but is not limited to, instructors, tutors, counselors, advisors, librarians, co-op coordinators, and mentors.

Level I

Except for disruptive behavior provided for under Level II, the following procedures should be used:

First Violation

The first time a particular student causes a disruption, the instructor—depending on the seriousness of the infraction—should:

1. Order the student to immediately stop the disruptive behavior and give the student a verbal warning.

2. Make a written note of the warning for the instructor’s files.

3. Talk with the student after class to explain the consequences of any further disruption.

Second Violation

The second time a student causes a disruption, or if a student fails to stop behavior that constituted the first violation, the instructor should:

1. Inform the student of the infraction and order the student to leave the instructional area.
2. If the student leaves voluntarily, the instructor shall select from the following options for possible readmission into the class, and, to the extent practicable, inform the student of the option before the next class period:
   • Permit the student to return the next class period, whether or not a charge is filed under the Student Code of Conduct; or
   • Require that the student meet with one or more responsible officials, including the department chair, the dean, and/or the vice president for student affairs, prior to being permitted to return to class, whether or not a charge is filed. Classes missed during the time period in which the student fails to attend this meeting will be recorded as unexcused absences and will be handled as such in accordance with the official course syllabus. The meeting, which will be held prior to the next class, if possible, shall be a mediation/problem-solving session and shall produce a written warning establishing the consequences of any future infraction, or alternatively, an agreement binding the student to specific penalties or sanctions in the event of any future infractions. There will be no student advisor at this meeting. Following this meeting, the student will be allowed to return to class. Notwithstanding any prior discussions or agreements between the student and the instructor, the vice president, for good cause, including, but not limited to, any record of previous infractions at Prince George’s Community College, may impose further conditions or sanctions that he/she may deem warranted, and/or may institute proceedings under the Student Code of Conduct.
   • Failure or refusal by the student to attend the scheduled meeting will result in the matter being referred to the Vice President for Student Affairs for such further action that the vice president deems appropriate, and the student shall be excluded from class until the matter is settled.
3. If the student refuses to leave, the instructor shall advise the student that the failure to leave voluntarily renders the student liable for immediate suspension, dismissal, or expulsion, as well as criminal prosecution for trespass. If the student still refuses to leave, the instructor shall call the College police to have the student removed.
4. If the student has had to be removed by the College police, the instructor is obligated to file a charge under the Student Code of Conduct, and unless interim suspension has been imposed, the student will be required to meet with the dean and/or the Vice President for Student Affairs prior to being permitted to return to class. The instructor will also be present at the meeting unless specifically excused for good cause by the dean and/or vice president. The meeting will be held at the earliest time practicable, but in no event later than three working days subsequent to the instructor’s action. The meeting shall be informal in nature. The official conducting the meeting shall seek to determine whether the student should be permitted to return to the instructional area or should be excluded pending adjudication of the charge. The results of this meeting will determine the student’s access to work missed.

Student Conduct Process

Any member of the College community may submit an Incident Report in response to an alleged Student Code of Conduct violation enacted by a student. The Vice President for Student Affairs and/or official designee has the discretion to dismiss the alleged charges or file formal charges against the respondent. Other forms of reporting that may initiate possible action being taken upon a respondent are as follows:

College Police report or a report from another law enforcement agency in the surrounding community and/or state/federal government.

Written statement(s) from any member of the College community that indicates a student has allegedly violated the Student Code of Conduct.

The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs sends all students that may have violated the Student Code of Conduct an official letter informing the student of his/her alleged violation(s) and to attend a Student Rights Information Session. Students are granted seven business days to respond to this letter and attend the Student Rights Information Session.

Once this initial letter is sent to an official student email account, that student is known as a respondent for the duration of the conduct process. Upon completion of a Student Rights Information Session, the respondent can decide to accept the charges as they stand (Summary/Informal Resolution) or select a formal hearing.

If a formal hearing is selected, the program coordinator for Student Rights and Responsibilities and the respondent set a date for the formal hearing. Hearings are scheduled within seven days of the Student Rights Information Session. However, the Vice President for Student Affairs and/or designee reserve the right to extend this timeframe based on the circumstances of involved parties.

If there are any witnesses that would like to give testimony or provide a written statement to be read into the record at the hearing, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs must be made aware of those individuals five days prior to the formal hearing date.

The program coordinator for Student Rights and Responsibilities has ten days, from the date of the formal hearing, to issue a student conduct hearing outcome letter. The student conduct hearing outcome letter contains the following:

• List of the violations of the Student Code of Conduct;
• Brief description of behavior that may have violated the Student Code of Conduct;
• Decision rationale; and
• Appeal information (should the respondent be found responsible for Student Code of Conduct violations).

Academic Integrity Sanctions

After the faculty member has submitted the Incident Report Form:

The faculty member shall assign a grade of “zero” for the assignment.

The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs in conjunction with the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost for Teaching, Learning, and Student Success shall send a written warning via the student’s College email (personal email if not assigned) and notification of the report of the first violation to the student, explaining the nature of the violation with a warning that a second academic integrity violation will result in a failing grade, even if it occurs in a class different from the first violation and in a different term. Faculty members shall be copied on this letter.

This notice shall create a violation of academic integrity record for the student and serve as the student’s first academic integrity violation and warning. If a student is reported for a second violation, the student must attend a meeting with the reporting faculty member and the coordinator, chair, or dean of the department to discuss the charge. If the student is found responsible for a second violation of academic integrity, it will result in a failing grade for the course in which the student commits the second violation. The student will not have the option to withdraw or change status to audit once the incident report has been submitted. The Office Student Rights and Responsibilities in conjunction with the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost for Teaching, Learning, and Student Success will then notify the student in writing via the student’s College email (personal email if not assigned) of the attendant penalty for a second violation, and copy the instructor as well. The instructor will then issue an F for the course in which the second violation occurred.

If the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost for Teaching, Learning, and Student Success and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs finds that a student has committed three or more academic integrity violations, the student will be notified in writing of the allegation and the attendant penalty for this third violation. If the student is found responsible for this third violation of academic integrity, the Assistant Vice President for Curriculum, Programs and Regulation in the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost for Teaching, Learning and Student Success, will notify the faculty member, who will issue an F for the course in which the third violation occurred. A third violation will result in a judicial record and possible suspension. The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs will contact the student to initiate the student conduct process noted in Section 6—Student Conduct Process of the Student Code of Conduct.

Appeal Procedure for Bridges of Academic Integrity

Students have the right to appeal any decision which results in sanctions and/or disciplinary action for Academic Integrity.

A student may appeal the grade sanctions imposed by the faculty member to the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost for Teaching, Learning, and Student Success, by completing an Academic Integrity Appeal Form online. The appeal must be submitted within seven business days of the date the student is informed of the decision. The notification of the appeal may be delivered in person or by student email. The student is responsible for ensuring that timelines are met. For the purposes of delivering appeals, business days shall be considered Monday through Friday.

If further non-academic sanctions were imposed by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, a student may appeal to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, by completing an Academic Integrity Appeal Form online. The appeal must be submitted in writing within seven business days of the date the student is informed of the decision. For this appeal, the student must establish the basis for the appeal to include a student’s right to due process or the severity of the determined sanction. The notification of the appeal may be delivered in person, or by student email. The student is responsible for ensuring that timelines are met. For the purposes of delivering appeals, business days shall be considered Monday through Friday.

The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs shall follow the relevant provisions governing disciplinary proceedings in the Student Code of Conduct. In cases involving an appeal to an academic integrity violation, a final decision will be made jointly by the Executive Vice President and Provost for Teaching, Learning and Student Success and the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities

• Students will be treated fairly.
• Students will receive timely notification of charges, status updates, and resolutions.
• Students will have their questions regarding processes and services answered completely and in a timely manner.
• Students will be referred to other College offices as needed.
• Information regarding a student’s conduct history will be kept confidential, with information released only to those with a legitimate right to know.
• In cases involving drugs, suspension, and expulsion, a student's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) may be notified when the student is found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct policies.

Level II

If a student’s behavior, in addition to disrupting the instructional area, presents a threat to the safety of those present, which may include, but is not limited to, being under the influence and/or in possession of alcohol or illicit drugs, fighting, assault, battery, threatening others with assault or physical harm, carrying a gun or other deadly or dangerous weapon, or engaging in verbal or physical conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or threatening educational environment, the instructor should:

1. Order the student to stop the disruptive behavior and leave the area.
2. Call, or assign someone to call, the emergency phone number (ext. 0111) for the College police to remove, and if necessary, arrest the student.
3. Notify the department chair and dean and file a charge under the Student Code of Conduct with the vice president for student affairs.
4. If the instructor believes that the student’s presence within the College presents an immediate threat to the safety of the College community, the instructor should request, through the academic dean and vice president for student affairs, that the student be placed on interim suspension.
5. Unless interim suspension has been imposed by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the disruptive student will be required to meet with the dean and/or the Vice President for Student Affairs prior to being permitted to return to class. The instructor also will be present at the meeting unless specifically excused for good cause by the dean and/or vice president. The meeting will be held at the earliest time practicable, but in no event later than three working days subsequent to the instructor’s action. The meeting shall be informal in nature. The official conducting the meeting shall seek to determine whether the student should be permitted to return to the instructional area or should be excluded pending resolution of the matter, and provide the student with an explicit warning as to the consequences of any future disruption. The results of this meeting will determine the student’s access to work missed.
6. In addition, the instructor may file charges under various criminal laws, such as §26-101 of the Education Article of the Maryland Code, which provides criminal penalties for persons found guilty of willfully disturbing activities at an institution of higher education.

Nondiscrimination

This procedure is to be applied in a nondiscriminatory manner, without regard to a person’s gender, race, age, color, religion, veteran’s status, disability, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin.

If a disruption occurs in an instructional area, the instructor may elect to take either or both of the following actions:

1. Proceed under this rule as described in the following procedures, and/or
2. File a charge with the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, in which event the matter will proceed under the Student Code of Conduct.

Student Athlete Concern

A student athlete complaint process has been set up; community members can share concerns related to, but not limited to, Mental and Physical well-being, Health and Safety Protocols, Team Culture, including abusive behavior, harassment or hazing by a coach, a College staff member or other student-athlete. Concerns submitted through this process will be reviewed by a senior-level administrator.

Please note that this process is not intended to address such concerns as playing time and position on the team. There are separate appeal processes for violations of the substance abuse policy, student-athlete conduct policy, and issues related to National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA rules. These issues should be discussed with Athletics Director Jo Ann Rogers Todaro.

Non-Academic Complaints

Members of the College community can file a non-academic complaint. Complaints can be filed for any legitimate reasons when a service is not provided, or their student rights have not been granted. Complaints should discuss the issue with the person or department prior to submitting a non-academic complaint. The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities routes the complaint to the supervisor or department investigator for review. 

After a review of the information or meeting with the student, the instructor, supervisor, department chair, and dean must complete the Student Complaint/Appeal Administrative Tracking Form and provide it and any supporting data to the next person who hears the complaint no longer than 30 days after the submission of appeal.

Third or Subsequent Violation, or Violation of Agreement

If the instructor determines that the student has been disruptive for the third time, or has violated any agreement as a result of a second violation, a charge against the student under the Student Code of Conduct is mandatory on the part of the instructor; in addition, the instructor shall:

1. Order the student to leave the instructional area, and if the student refuses to leave, call the College police, who will remove the student. 
2. Notify the department chair and dean of the infraction, and bar the student from further attending class until the matter has been finally resolved by the vice president for student affairs. An informal meeting will be convened by the Vice President for Student Affairs and shall include the student, an advisor chosen by the student, if the student desires one, the instructor, and others as determined by the vice president for student affairs.
3. The role of the advisor is limited to observer of the proceedings and counselor to the student, and does not extend to legal representative for the student. The advisor is not an advocate and may not comment, question witnesses, or present argument, and may be excluded from doing so. The student will be given a reasonable opportunity during the course of the meeting to confer in private with the advisor. If the student has selected an advisor with personal knowledge of the events leading to this meeting, he/she may give his/her recollection of the events. No continuances will be granted to allow the advisor to attend.
4. The conditions for readmission to class, if permitted at all, shall be determined by the Vice President for Student Affairs and communicated through the dean to the instructor.

Appeals for Dealing with Disruptive Behavior

A student may appeal to the Vice President for Student Affairs any adverse action taken or decision made under this rule, except those appeals from decisions of the vice president shall be to the president, who may appoint a designee to consider the same. A student may also seek redress through the department chair of any adverse academic impact of an absence from class imposed under this rule.

1. Any such appeal must be in writing and delivered to the Vice President for Student Affairs (or president, if the appeal is from the vice president’s decision) not later than two working days after the student receives notice of the decision. Notice may be delivered to the student or mailed to the student at his or her last address recorded in the Office of Records and Registration. Notice by mail shall be conclusively presumed to have been received by the student five days after the date it is deposited in the mail, first class, postage prepaid, and properly addressed.
2. The party considering the appeal will expeditiously conduct such investigation as he or she deems appropriate to determine whether or not the decision appealed is supported by substantial credible evidence, and will give the student an opportunity to present his or her side of the case before deciding the appeal.
3. The decision will be affirmed if supported by substantial credible evidence and if consistent with college policies, procedures, regulations, and rules.
4. A student otherwise barred from attending class will not be permitted to attend class pending appeal except with the written permission of the Vice President for Student Affairs or president, if the appeal is from the vice president’s decision.

Request for Outreach Program

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities is committed to educating students about their role as members of our college community and society. Through marketing campaigns, participation in educational workshops, and facilitated conversations, students are empowered to think beyond themselves and understand how their actions affect their future, the lives of others, and their community. Any department or student club of the College community can request an Outreach Program. Requests can be made at conduct@pgcc.edu.

• Academic Integrity
• Alcohol and Drug Prevention (Marijuana and Prescription Drug)
• Bystander Intervention
• Civility Topics Focusing On Campus Culture
• Classroom Management and Responding to Disruptions
• Conduct Records and the Job Search
• Cyber Bullying and Social Media
• Ethical Decision Making
• Family Educational Right and Privacy Act/ FERPA (Buckley Amendment) – Confidentiality
• Sexual Misconduct Prevention And Response
• The Code of Student Conduct and How It Applies to Students On and Off Campus

Student Rights

Students shall have the right:

1. of free inquiry, expression, assembly, and advocacy; and
2. to form and join organizations for legal purposes; individually and through representative organizations, to express views on issues of institutional policy and on matters of interest to the student body;
3. to a student press free of censorship;
4. to participate in recommendations on the allocation of funds derived from student fees;
5. to participate in the evaluation of faculty performance;
6. to due process of disciplinary proceedings;
7. to fair and unbiased academic evaluations based upon defined criteria, appropriate to the course, of which the instructor has advised them in writing at the beginning of the course, and to the review of academic evaluations;
8. to receive competent instruction, relevant to the subject matter, at the times and places assigned for their courses;
9. to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of instruction, and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion;
10. to be protected against improper disclosure of information about their views, beliefs, academic evaluations, political associations, and educational records; and
11. To enjoy a college experience free from discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Students shall be responsible:

1. to meet the established requirements of the course in which they
   are enrolled;
2. to exercise their rights of free inquiry, expression, assembly, and advocacy in a manner which will not interfere with the rights of others or with the operation of the College;
3. to exercise their rights of free inquiry, expression and advocacy in the classroom in a manner which is relevant to the subject matter of the instructional program and is subject to the right of the instructor to maintain order;
4. to meet the obligations of responsible journalism in the student press; and
5. to comply with the College policies, procedures, and regulations applicable to students and student conduct.

Educational Interventions and Sanctions

1. Warning: Notice to the student that continuation or repetition of specified conduct may be cause for other disciplinary action.
2. Censure: Written reprimand for violation of specified regulation.
3. Educational Assignment: A developmental task or writing assignment designed to make a positive contribution to student’s overall success at the College.
4. Community Service: The completion of a specified amount of service hours to the campus and/or surrounding community.
5. Personal Counseling Assessment: A referral to Counseling Services, Disability Support Services, and other College student services may be required for some cases.
6. Restitution: In addition to any of the foregoing, reimbursement may be required for damage to or misappropriation of property. This may take the form of appropriate service or other compensation.
7. No Contact Order: A clear directive to cease and decease from any contact with a specified member of the College community. This includes, but not limited to, all faculty, staff, and students.
8. Campus Restrictions: A student’s privilege to enter in, or be near, specified campus buildings, areas, and/or extension centers has been revoked.
9. Probation: Exclusion from participation in privileges or extracurricular College activities as set forth in the notice of probation for a specified period of time. If a student while on probation violates any of the terms set forth in the notice of probation or violates the Student Code of Conduct, as determined after the opportunity for a hearing, he/she shall be subject to further discipline in the form of suspension, dismissal, or expulsion.
10. Interim Suspension: Exclusion from classes and other privileges or activities as set forth in the notice of interim suspension, pending final determination of an alleged violation.
11. Deferred Suspension: Completion of specified educational sanctions upon a specified date. If aforementioned sanctions have not been completed, the suspension will take immediate effect.
12. Suspension: Exclusion from classes and exclusion from other privileges or activities or from the College as set forth in the notice of suspension, for a definite period of time, with reinstatement thereafter dependent upon a showing of observance during the period of suspension of the terms set forth in the notice of suspension. If a student, while on suspension, violates any of the terms set forth in the notice of suspension or violates the Student Code of Conduct while on college property or in relation to a College-sponsored activity, as determined after the opportunity for a hearing, he/she shall be subject to further discipline in the form of dismissal or expulsion.
13. Dismissal: Termination of student status for an indefinite period. The student may be readmitted to the College only with the specific approval of the president. If a dismissed student violates the Student Code of Conduct while on College property or in relation to a College-sponsored activity, he/she shall be subject to further discipline in the form of expulsion.
14. Expulsion: Permanent termination of student status without possibility of readmission to any campus of the College.
15. Other: Other types of discipline as set forth in campus regulations.

Clery Act

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (20 USC § 1092(f)), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides information regarding the safety and security of College community members. This information is updated annually and can be obtained from the College website by searching for Annual Security Report.

Data Requests

Faculty and staff can request student conduct data for the following information:

• Conduct statistics
• Alcohol and Drug statistics
• Clery information
• Verification of records for clubs
• Scholarships
• Athletics
• Off-campus trips

Requests can be made by email at conduct@pgcc.edu.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

It is the policy of the Board to comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and to provide for its employees and students a workplace which is drug-free. The president is authorized to make, promulgate, issue, rescind, and amend reasonable rules, regulations, and procedures to carry out this policy and to assure compliance with the Drug-Free Act of 1988. In addition, the College expects all members of the College community to comply with all federal, state, and local laws pertaining to the possession, use, manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of alcohol and drugs. A more detailed overview of the College’s can be found on the College’s website.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords you, the student, rights with respect to your education records. They are:

The right to inspect and review the education records within 45 days of the day PGCC receives your request for access.

You must submit to the director of records and registration a written request that identifies the record(s) you wish to inspect. The director will decide for access and notify you of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the Office of Records and Registration, the director will advise you of the College official to whom the request should be addressed.

The right to request the amendment of education records that you believe are inaccurate or misleading.

You must write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record you want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

If the College decides not to amend the record as requested, the College will notify you of the decision and advise you of your right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to you at that time.

The right to consent to disclosures of non-directory, personally identifiable information contained in your education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

Directory information is information which may be released to a third party without your written consent. Directory information includes, but is not limited to, name, address, telephone number, email address, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, degrees earned, and previous Colleges attended. While the College does not routinely release such information to anyone who inquires, it may legally do so if the third party demonstrates a legitimate need to know such information. You may refuse to permit such disclosure without your written consent by notifying the director of records and registration in writing of your wish to be excluded from such a release of information.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605 

Nondiscrimination Policy

Prince George’s Community College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons to the end that no person, on the grounds of sex, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, qualified disabled veteran, or Vietnam-era veteran, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of this institution. Under this policy, this institution will not discriminate against any person on the grounds of sex, race, age, color, religion, veteran’s status, disability, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin in its admission policies and practices or any other policies or practices of the institution relating to the treatment of students and other individuals, including employment, the provision of services, financial aid, and other benefits, and including the use of any building, structure, room space, materials, equipment, facility, or any other property.

An individual who believes they or any other individual or group of individuals have been subject to prohibited discrimination may, on their own or through a representative, file a written complaint with the College’s Vice-President for Equity, Culture and Talent, Chanelle Whittaker (Kent Hall, Room 132, 301-546-0050, whittacm@pgcc.edu).

Shaundricka Ranel, the College’s Senior Director, Compliance, Policy and Title IX (Kent Hall, Room 133, 301-546-7011, ranelsm@pgcc.edu), coordinates the College’s efforts to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex.

Sabrina Thomas (Annex B, Room 19, 301-546-5211, thomassm@pgcc.edu) serves as the College’s ADA Coordinator, and is responsible for coordinating the College’s overall efforts to comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. She is responsible for processing ADA accommodation requests from College employees.

Thomas Mays (Lanham Hall, Room 101G, 301-546-7594, maysto@pgcc.edu), the College’s Director of Disability and Support Services, is responsible for processing accommodation requests from College students in accordance with the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which addresses students with disabilities in post-secondary educational settings.

Keith Murvin (Annex B, Room 9, 301-546-0606 murvinek@pgcc.edu) addresses reports of accessibility issues with facilities.

Inquiries regarding compliance with these laws may also be directed to the Office of Civil Rights for the United States Department of Education.

Under provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats by contacting either of the employees listed above who process ADA accommodation requests.

PGCC Faith-Based and Religious Accommodations

Prince George's Community College is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful community. In accordance with Maryland House Bill 923 (MD HB923) concerning academic accommodation appeals related to religion, the College upholds the prohibition of any unlawful discrimination or harassment based on religion.

We are dedicated to our Core Commitments and our efforts to provide reasonable religious accommodations to our students who face conflicts between their sincerely held religious practices or beliefs and any college policy, procedure, or academic requirement.

Students are required to check their course syllabi at the beginning of the semester for any religious or cultural conflicts. Additionally, students must inform their professors within 14 days of the semester and discuss arrangements for missed classes or assignments.

If students are Sabbath-observant, they must make this fact known to their professors for any course in which Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (depending on your faith) work is required.

If you require an Academic Religious Accommodation Appeal, please click here.

For the purpose of this policy, a religious practice or belief is defined as a sincerely held practice or observance that includes moral or ethical convictions regarding the nature, purpose, and cause of the universe. Religion encompasses not only conventional and organized religious beliefs, it also encompasses new, uncommon, or non-institutional religious beliefs subscribed to by a limited number of individuals.

A religious accommodation is characterized as a reasonable modification to class, exams, or assignments that allows a student to engage in their sincerely held religious practices or beliefs without imposing undue hardship on the college.

Some examples of religious accommodations may include designated time for prayer during the class which is normal practice, and the opportunity to participate in religious events or observe religious holidays. All accommodations must be reasonable and should not cause undue hardship to the college.

For more information on your rights, please contact:

• Office of Student Rights: 301-546-0887
• PGCC Institutional Information and Policies
• Maryland General Assembly: HB0923
• U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
• Know Your Rights: Title VI and Religion

PGCC is committed to our Core Commitments promoting Students First, Achievement, Continuous Improvement, Empathy, Equity, and Integrity; our effort is aimed at ensuring that all community members can pursue their educational goals while honoring their deeply-held religious beliefs.

Services for Persons with Disabilities

Prince George’s Community College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations and services to qualified persons with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals who need classroom accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Support Services, Lanham Hall, Room 101, or call 301-546-0838. For TTY or TDD call 301-546-0122. The email address is: dss@pgcc.edu.

Accessible transportation will be provided to accommodate persons with disabilities on all College sponsored trips. Requests for accommodations must be made to the sponsoring agent a minimum of 15 days prior to the trip. Individuals with questions, complaints, or suggestions should contact the Section 504/ADA Officer, Kent Hall, Room 130, or call 301-546-0170.
For TDD call 301-546-0122.

Sex Offender Registry and Access to Related Information

The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement agency information provided by a state concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a state to provide notice, as required under state law, of each institution of higher education in that state at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student. The State of Maryland maintains an Internet registry located at www.dpscs.state.md.us/sorSearch/.

More Information

Our dynamic campus community provides a supportive learning environment with many opportunities to get involved and have fun.

Under the Student Life and Support Services page on the website, you'll find information on clubs and organizations, academic support and tutoring, the wellness center, and more.

Technical Support hours, contact info, and computer labs can be found here.

 

Student Right to Know Act

In compliance with the Student Right to Know Act of 1990, Prince George’s Community College provides information regarding the graduation/persistence rates of designated student population groups in degree and/or certificate programs.

This information can be obtained from the Office of Planning and Institutional Research, Kent Hall, Room 231, or by calling 301-546-0723.

Reporting An Issue of Concern

To report an issue of concern, please complete the Incident Reporting Form. Your report will enter a secure database. Information related to a situation of concern will be handled confidentially. The work of the BIT is to compliment the cCllege disciplinary process.

The BIT will provide ongoing professional development support to assist members of the College community with effective management of potentially difficult situations in and out of the classroom and will provide protocols for specific College incidents with respect to concerning behavior.

Additional support services are available in the Wellness Center and Disabilities Support Service.

For emergencies call 911, then call College Police at 301-546-0666.

For additional information, contact:

The Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs

Kent Hall, Room 119 (remote services only until further notice)

301-546-7592 or 301-546-0412

Title IX

Prince George’s Community College is committed to providing an educational and employment environment that is free from discrimination based on sex and retaliation. The College, as a recipient of federal financial assistance, is subject to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (Title IX). It is College policy not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs or activities, including admissions and employment. Title IX prohibits sex discrimination based on actual or perceived characteristics of sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, which includes domestic violence, and dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and retaliation.
 
To ensure compliance with federal, state, and local civil rights laws and regulations, and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the education program or activity, the College’s Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Sex Discrimination Policy (031014) and Title IX: Sex Discrimination Procedure (031014CP) provide for prompt, fair, and impartial resolution of all allegations of sex discrimination or retaliation. The College will act on any notice, complaint, or knowledge of a potential violation of this policy or procedure that is received.  Notice of an alleged Title IX violation may be submitted through the College’s reporting portal, option 6.

Students and employees may report alleged sex discrimination to Confidential Employees.  Confidential Employees are prohibited from reporting actual or suspected sex discrimination or retaliation to the Title IX Coordinator in a way that identifies those involved. Instead, a Confidential Employee will provide the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information, explain how to make a complaint of sex discrimination, and that the Title IX Coordinator may be able to offer and coordinate supportive measures. 

The following are Confidential Employees:

1. For students: Mental Health and Wellness Center employees and staff (including student-employees), located at Bladen Hall, Room 132, 301 Largo Road, Largo, MD 20774-2199, Phone: (301) 546-0845 (weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.), Email: CounselingServices@pgcc.edu
2. For employees: Equity, Culture, and Talent’s Total Rewards employees, located at Annex B, 301 Largo Road, MD, 20774-2199. Phone: (301) 546-0680 (weekdays, 8:30a.m. – 4:30p.m.) Email: ECT-Benefits-Comp@pgcc.edu.

Title IX Coordinator
Shaundricka Ranel
Location: Kent Hall, Room 133 - Largo Campus
Office: 301-546-7011 | Email: TitleIX@pgcc.edu

Procedures for Suspected Plagiarism/Cheating

A faculty or staff member who suspects plagiarism or cheating has occurred is responsible for gathering all evidence supporting the allegation of plagiarism/cheating within 15 business days after discovering the suspected violation. Once the faculty member has obtained the evidence, the faculty member shall confer with the student to discuss the alleged violation. At that conference, via telephone, email, or in person, the faculty member must present the evidence that supports the suspected violation.

If, after conferring with the student, the faculty member determines that the evidence supports the charge of plagiarism/cheating and/or the student admits to the charge of plagiarism/cheating, the faculty member shall complete and submit an Incident Report Form with accompanying documentation in the student conduct management system which routes the form to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities and copies the form to the Provost’s Office. Any subsequent appeals and documentation submitted through the student conduct management system follow the same routing destinations.

The student shall be given the opportunity to admit to or refute the charge of plagiarism/cheating based on the evidence provided. The student has the right to appeal any faculty member's decision that may result in sanctions. If the student wishes to appeal, they must use the incident reporting portal – appeal form number 8 the instructor’s decision, s/he may appeal to the academic discipline-specific Coordinator; if the student wishes to appeal the Coordinator's decision, the student may appeal to the Department Chair. This is the student’s final appeal.