General College Policies

Student Grievance Procedures

College Process

Students are encouraged to resolve complaints informally and use the formal student grievance procedure as a last resort. The online Student Complaint Form is available on the College’s website and may be obtained from the Office of Student Life on each campus/site. A student wishing to file a complaint should submit the form and follow the instructions contained in the College’s policy on Student Grievance Procedures. If the student’s complaint is not satisfied through the established mediation procedures, as applicable, the student may have the option to continue with the College’s formal student grievance process.

State Agency Contact and Complaint Information

Louisiana Community and Technical College System 

Students who have a complaint about the College may contact the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, the authorized state agency to address complaints regarding LCTCS institutions, which may be contacted at (225) 922-2800 or visit www.lctcs.edu/.

Louisiana Board of Regents

For academic degree-granting institutions, Louisiana Board of Regents relies on the Consumer Affairs Division of the Attorney General’s Office, which may be contacted at (225) 326-6200 or visit http://www.ag.state.la.us/Article.aspx?articleID=36&catID=0.”

Distressed Students

It is the responsibility of every student to conduct his or her self in a manner fitting an academic environment. Most student behaviors that are exhibited can be handled by faculty and staff at the time of the incident utilizing the student judicial process; however, some incidences may require further documentation and review, or an immediate emergency response. While in most cases, the exercise of good sense and judgment prevail, the College also has established Behavioral Intervention Team Procedures to assist distressed students.

The purpose of the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) is to supplement and support the existing system in determining whether distressed persons pose a threat to self or others.  At Delgado, the Behavioral Intervention Team also assists the Office of Student Life staff in determining which course of action should be recommended to assist and support the student in his or her time of distress.

The objectives of the Behavioral Intervention Team Procedures enable and empower the accomplishment of the following goals:

• To balance the educational, social, psychological, physical, and emotional needs of the person and the College’s mission;
• To intervene early and provide support and response to persons who display varying levels of behaviors;
• To respond with support first and sanctions as a last resort;
• To respond with individualized assessment the recommendations for assessment or mandated assessment to assist in determining the potential for violent, homicidal and/or suicidal behaviors while avoiding stigmatizing mental health issues and stereotype-based profiling;
• To enable adherence to a formalized protocol of instructions for communication, coordination and intervention;
• To balance FERPA, HIPAA and ethical and moral standards with the College’s need-to-know and emergency communication needs;
• To centralize the process for collection and assessment of referrals initiated by a person’s behavior and recognize interactional patterns of concern involving someone that may be known to various faculty/staff and administrators;
• To engage faculty and staff in effective response with respect to the above;
• To coordinate follow-up to ensure that services, support and resources are deployed effectively; and
• To follow up as appropriate with psychological assessment, conduct actions, disability services, accommodations, hospitalization and withdrawal, as needed, balancing that which is in the best interest of the person and the College.

Distressed students may be referred through the online Student Referral Form or the Office of Student Life at (504) 671-6001.

Drug Free Campus Policy

Drug Free Schools and Communities Act

The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) requires the College to adopt and implement a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees. This program must include the following:

1. Standards of conduct concerning the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of drugs, and the illegal use of alcohol by students and employees on College property or at any College activity;
2. Description of legal sanctions;
3. Clear statement of the College’s sanctions for violations;
4. Description of any available drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation services; and
5. Description of the health risks associated with use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol.

The information below is in compliance with the requirements of the Act.

In an effort to assure compliance with Public Law 101-226, all facilities of Delgado Community College are designated as Drug Free Zones. The College abides by all state, federal, and local laws pertaining to alcohol and will enforce underage drinking laws. It is unlawful to possess, use, or distribute illicit drugs on Delgado property or at any college-sponsored event, whether or not the event occurs on campus. In addition, Delgado prohibits the consumption, possession, or distribution of alcohol on campus, except as designated in the College’s Alcoholic Beverages at Student Functions policy.

Alcohol and drug use is a major issue in the community and on college campuses. Alcohol and drugs can seriously damage physical and mental health, as well as jeopardize personal and public safety. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption may lead to physical abuse, date rape, auto accidents, violence, and other behaviors that lead to self-destruction.

The College provides referral services and other assistance to students, faculty, and staff who seek help with substance abuse problems. Phone (504) 671-6009 or come by the Student Health Services Office, Building 2, on the City Park Campus for more information about alcohol and/or drugs and their effects.

College Sanctions

Violations of the college drug policy by students, faculty, or staff will result in disciplinary action, as outlined in Delgado’s Drug-Free College policy. Depending on the nature of the offense, this can take the form of a written reprimand, suspension, demotion, reduction in pay, or termination of the person’s association with Delgado. Penalties for faculty and staff members may include termination of employment. Disciplinary actions against students will be imposed in accordance with the College’s Student Judicial Code, and may include suspension or expulsion. As with all illegal activities, substance abuse can result in criminal prosecution as well, under state and federal laws, including section 22 of the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law of 101- 226).

Legal Sanctions

It is unlawful in Louisiana to produce, manufacture, distribute, dispense, or possess illegal drugs. The most common illegal drugs on college campuses are marijuana, opium derivatives, hallucinogens, depressants, cocaine, cocaine derivatives, and amphetamines. The Criminal Code of Louisiana carries specific penalties for the possession and use of illegal drugs. Louisiana Revised Statute 40:981.3, Violation of Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law; Drug Free Zone, states that any person who violates a provision of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law (Louisiana Revised Statute 40:966-970) while on any property used for school purposes by any school, within two thousand feet of any such property, or while on a school bus, shall, upon conviction, be punished by the imposition of the maximum fine and be imprisoned for not more than one and one-half times the longest term of imprisonment authorized by the applicable provisions of R.S. 40:966 through 970 of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law.

It is also unlawful in Louisiana for anyone under 21 years of age to purchase or possess any alcoholic beverages for any reason, in any place open to the public. Exceptions occur when the alcohol is possessed or consumed for the following reasons: for established religious purposes; for medical purposes when prescribed by a licensed authority; when an 18-20 year old is accompanied by a parent, spouse, or legal guardian at least 21 years of age; in private residences or private clubs or establishments when lawfully employed by a licensed enterprise for the lawful sale, handling, transport or dispensing of alcoholic beverages. In accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 14:98, Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in Louisiana, and anyone with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or above will be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI).

Weapons on Campus Policy

In accordance with LRS 14:95.2, with the exception of duly authorized law enforcement officers, carrying a firearm or dangerous weapon, by anyone on College property, at College-sponsored functions, or in a firearm-free zone is unlawful, and violators shall be subject to criminal charges and College discipline. Although Louisiana Revised Statute 32:292.1 allows for a person who lawfully possesses a firearm to transport it on campus in a locked, privately-owned vehicle in any parking lot, parking garage, or other designated parking area, Campus Police must be contacted prior to transport to determine the firearm’s compliance with this legislation. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors who are aware of a weapon brought to the College must immediately notify the Campus Police Department at (504) 671-6112.

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the college receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify record(s) they wish to inspect. The college official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
   
   If the records are not maintained by the college official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
    
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the college to amend a record they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the college official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.
   
   If the college decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the college will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
    
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
   
   An exception permitting 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 or 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 Supervisors; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting a school official in performing his or her tasks.
   
   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.
   
   Upon request, the college discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. [NOTE: FERPA requires an institution to make a reasonable attempt to notify the student of the records request unless the institution states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request.]
    
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Delgado Community 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
   600 Independence Ave., SW
   Washington, DC 20202-4605

Withholding Directory Information

Delgado Community College does not normally disclose directory information. However, at its discretion, it may provide directory information in accordance with the provision of the Family Educational rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, to include: the student’s name, local and home address, telephone number, e-mail address, date and place of birth, photographs, dates of enrollment and full or part time status, schedule of classes, division in which enrolled, major field of study and classification, degrees earned awards and honors received and respective dates, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams and recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.

Students may request non-disclosure of this directory information and the request forms can be completed at the Office of the Registrar’s help desk located on the second floor of Bldg. 2, Rm. 202. A new form for non-disclosure must be completed each semester and summer session. This form becomes invalid at the end of each semester/ session. Please allow two (2) working days for processing.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us via telephone or mail. Our address is:

Delgado Community College,
Office of the Registrar
615 City Park Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 671-5022

Student Judicial Code

• Student Rights
• Student Responsibilities

In order to ensure that all students are familiar with their rights and responsibilities, Delgado Community College publishes policy and procedures information on the College’s website. Student rights and responsibilities are also listed in each semester’s Student Handbook.

Student Rights

In order to preserve and to guarantee students of Delgado Community College those conditions indispensable to the full achievement of the objectives of higher education in a free democratic society, the College holds the following rights essential to the development of students as individuals and to the fulfillment of their responsibilities as members of society:

A. The right of every person to be considered for admission to Delgado Community College and to participate equally in all College offerings, programs and activities without regard to race, color, religious or political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship, national origin, age, disability/handicap or marital status or veteran’s status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, and the sickle cell trait;

B. The right to form and participate in campus, local, national, or international organizations for intellectual, religious, social, political, economic or cultural purposes when such organizations do not infringe upon the rights of others;

C. The right individually or in association with others, to engage freely in off-campus activities, provided they do not claim to represent the College;

D. The right to issue official student publications following the procedures set forth by the College;

E. The right to form and maintain democratic student governance;

F. The right to use campus facilities, provided the facilities are used for the purpose contracted subject to the approval of the appropriate college official;

G. The right of students to invite and hear speakers of their choice subject to the approval of the appropriate college official;

H. The right to address concerns in course scheduling, curriculum, or faculty through proper channels;

I. The right to due process in all disciplinary matters and the right to appeal to the proper authority or committee;

J. The right to have faculty who will maintain and encourage an atmosphere of integrity;

K. The right to file a complaint through the Student Grievance Procedures to the College when the student’s rights have been violated; and

L. Enumeration of certain rights herein shall not be construed as to nullify or limit other rights possessed by students.

Student Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of every student to conduct his or her self in a manner fitting an academic environment. In most cases, the exercise of good sense and judgment prevail. The following acts as set forth by legislative act and LCTCS policy are contrary to acceptable conduct. The College reserves the right to take any necessary and/or appropriate steps to protect the safety and wellbeing of the College community. Jurisdiction may be extended based on conduct off campus, when the behavior or the presence of the student, in the College’s sole judgment, adversely impacts or represents a threat to the College community, damages the reputation of the institution, or impairs, obstructs, or interferes with the interests and/or mission, processes, or functions of Delgado Community College. Behavior conducted through electronic means through blogs, web pages, social networking sites and any other modes of electronic communication are in the public sphere, are not private, and can be subject to allegations of misconduct. Any student who commits or attempts to commit any acts, such as, but not limited to the following, will be subject to disciplinary proceedings:

A. Academic dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism, academic misconduct, collusion, or accessory to acts of academic dishonesty. Students should be aware that personally completing assigned work is essential to learning. Students who are aware that others in a course are cheating or otherwise committing academic dishonesty have the responsibility to bring the matter to the attention of the course instructor and/or the Division Dean. Academic honesty and intellectual integrity are fundamental to the process of learning and to evaluating academic performance.  Maintaining such integrity is the responsibility of all members of the College. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. Cheating–The act of deception by a student who misrepresents his mastery of information on an academic exercise.  These acts can be either premeditated or not.  Examples include copying or allowing someone else to copy work of another student; using a textbook or other material during an examination; collaboration during an academic exercise or giving or receiving information; and using specially prepared materials during an academic exercise, such as notes or formula lists.
2. Plagiarism–The inclusion of someone else’s actual words or paraphrases, ideas, or data into one’s own work without acknowledging the original source. The included material must have appropriate citations such as footnotes or quotation marks and identification of the sources, published or unpublished, copyrighted or not copyrighted.
3. Collusion–The unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing an academic exercise or committing an academic violation with another person.
4. Academic Misconduct–The actual or attempted tampering or misuse of academic records or materials such as transcripts and examinations.  Examples include stealing, buying, or otherwise obtaining all or part of an non-administered test or academic exercise; selling, bribing or giving away all or part of an non-administered academic exercise or any information about it; changing or altering a grade book, test, change of student record form, or other official academic records of the College that would alter grades; and breaking in and/or entering a building or office for the purpose of changing a grade or tampering in any way with grades or examinations.
5. Falsification/Fabrication–The intentional use of invented information or the falsification of research findings with the intent to deceive.  Examples include citation of information not obtained from the source indicated; listing sources in a bibliography not used in the academic exercise; inventing data or source information; submitting as one’s own, any academic exercise prepared totally or in part for/by another; taking a test for another student or permitting another student to take a test for oneself; submitting work previously used for credit in another course without express permission of the Instructor; and falsifying information on official school documents such as application, financial aid, and/or scholarship forms.
6. Accessory to Acts of Academic Dishonesty–The act of intentionally facilitating, supporting, or conspiring with another student to commit any form of academic dishonesty.

B. Harassment defined as the act of systematic and/or continued unwanted and annoying actions of one party or a group. Such actions will be considered a violation of misconduct if deemed, for example, as intimidating, disparaging, unwelcomed sexual advances, physical or verbal in nature. Furthermore, if a violation of legal statute is found to have occurred the matter may be pursued criminally.

C. Obstruction or disruption of teaching and research.

D. Obstruction or disruption of authorized college event, administrative procedure, or disciplinary procedure.

E. Unauthorized entry into or unauthorized occupation of any college facility.

F. Verbal, emotional, or physical abuse or threat thereof against any person on campus or at any college-authorized event, or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health and safety of any such person.

G. Theft or damage to personal property or to the property of the College or injury to a person on the campus.

H. Intentional interference with the right of access to college facilities or with any lawful right of any person on the campus.

I. Setting a fire on campus without proper authority.

J. Unauthorized use or possession of fire arms, ammunition, or other dangerous weapons, substances, or materials on the campus.

K. Knowingly furnishing false information to the College, which includes but is not limited to false reporting or false accusations.

L. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of college documents, records or identification.

M. Use, possession or distribution of narcotic or dangerous drugs such as marijuana, hallucinogens, and other drugs which are not prescribed or expressly permitted by law.

N. Failure to comply with the directives of campus officials and law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties, to identify oneself to these officers when requested to do so, or failure to respond to requests for information.

O. Conduct which adversely affects the student’s suitability as a member of the academic community (such as drunkenness, use of profanity, or behavior deemed unbecoming of a student).

P. Violating the Tobacco-Free College policy in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 40:1300.251-263.

Q. Gambling in any form on College property.

R. Use or possession of any alcoholic beverage on campus or at College-related activities occurring off site, except at functions as approved by the Chancellor.

S. Misuse or Abuse of Computer Equipment, Programs, or Data - Unauthorized use of computing resources or use of computing resources for unauthorized purposes is prohibited by the College’s Information Technology Security policy. This may include but is not limited to such activities as accessing or copying programs, records, or data belonging to the College or another user without permission; attempting to breach the security of another user’s account or deprive another user of access to the College’s computing resources; knowingly or carelessly performing an act that will interfere with the normal operation of computers, terminals, peripherals, or networks; using the College’s computing resources for personal or financial gain; allowing non-college personnel access to college computing resources; displaying obscene, lewd, or sexually harassing images or text in use of college computing services; transporting copies of College programs, records, or data to another person or computer site without written authorization; attempting to destroy or modify programs, records or data belonging to the College or another user.

T. Aiding or inciting others to commit any act set forth above.

Due Process/Judicial Procedures

As directed by the Board of Supervisors for the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, Delgado must establish a student disciplinary procedure.

For a complete description of the policy and procedures, see the College’s Student Judicial Code policy, which is available at www.dcc.edu (click on “Current Students” then “Student Policies”) or in the Office of Student Life of each campus or site. In accordance with LCTCS Policy #2.004, Student Conduct and Appeal Procedures, after the student has exhausted all due process procedures at the college level, the student may choose to appeal to the LCTCS Board of Supervisors within thirty (30) calendar days of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs’ decision.

Hazing

Following the purpose and philosophy of Delgado Community College, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Board of Supervisors, and the laws of the State of Louisiana, it is believed that true fraternalism can be nurtured only in an atmosphere of social and moral responsibility. Furthermore, hazing is believed to be inconsistent with the responsibility of Greek and/or other student organizations to conduct safe, constructive student education. The fact that the individual may be willing to submit voluntarily to hazing in no way diminishes the College’s responsibility to refrain from these activities.

To eliminate the harmful practice of hazing, Delgado Community College has adopted the following policy to be followed by all students, student organizations (including but not limited to Greek organizations, clubs, and athletic teams), groups and individuals on its campuses. No student organization is to employ a program of student initiation/pledge education that includes “hazing.” Hazing is defined as

1. any action taken or situation created, whether on or off College property, which is life threatening to an individual;

2. kidnapping, paddling, slapping, branding, burning with a cigarette, or any such activities which are life threatening to or are intended to hurt or to humiliate physically or mentally an individual.

Hazing may include but is not limited to the following activities when these activities are life threatening or intended to hurt or to humiliate physically or mentally:

1. physical exercise; scavenger hunts; road trips; any activity resulting in excessive fatigue, physical or psychological shocks

2. wearing apparel which is uncomfortable to the individual, or if worn publicly, is conspicuous or not normally in good taste

3. engaging in public stunts or buffoonery; hair cutting; morally degrading or humiliating games or activities; giving of food or drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) which is distasteful or designed to provoke nausea or inebriation

4. any form of verbal harassment; any action or situation which subjugates an individual to a condition where he/she might tend to lose self-respect or suffer injury to personal or religious values

5. any activities which interfere with the student’s scholastic responsibilities

6. the use of obscenities and vulgarities in dress, language, or action.

It is the duty of all student organization members and pledges to report immediately, in writing, any violation of this policy to the appropriate Student Affairs professional on the campus where the incident occurred. Any violation of this policy will be investigated by a person(s) appointed by the Chancellor, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken following the procedures outlined in the College’s Student Judicial Code.

Non-Discrimination

Delgado Community College assures equal opportunity for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religious or political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship, national origin, age, disability/handicap or marital status or veteran’s status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, and the sickle cell trait in the admission to, participation in or employment in programs and activities of the College.

Delgado Community College has a designated 504/ADA Coordinator and provides academic adjustments and auxiliary aids to qualified students. Delgado Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Anyone with concerns or complaints about services offered should contact Traci Smothers, Equal Access Equal Opportunity Officer, at (504) 671-5161.

Tobacco-Free College Policy

Delgado Community College operates in compliance with Louisiana Revised Statute 40:1300.251-263 to provide a tobacco-free environment. Student, faculty, staff and visitor use of tobacco derived or containing products is prohibited on all College premises, including all facilities and within its vehicles. These products include but are not limited to cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, hookah-smoked products, oral and smokeless tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and any additional products that meet the definition of a tobacco product as defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Alleged violations of this policy by students may be addressed in accordance with the procedures outlined in the College’s Student Judicial Code policy. 

Environmental Safety – Clery Act Compliance

Crime Statistics

The Delgado Community College Campus Police Department is dedicated to providing professional law enforcement services to our community. The Department maintains daily statistics of reported crimes, which are available to the college community for review during business hours at the Communications Office located in Building 1 Annex on the City Park Campus, and are also available on the College web site at www.dcc.edu. The table is a summary of criminal offenses reported to Campus Police for the past four years.