College Policies

Dakota County Technical College, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and education opportunity. No person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in, programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law.

This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 877-937-3282 or TTY: 651-423-8621.

• 1B. 4 Nondiscrimination in Employment & Education Opportunity

The Responsible Authority for data practices compliance and access to government data for Dakota County Technical College is Randy Anderson , Vice President of Finance, Operations, Student Services and Marketing.

For Student Affairs [Academic] Records, contact:

Registrars Office
1300 145th Street East
Rosemount, MN 55068
651-423-8216 fax: 651-423-8775

For Personnel Records, contact:

Sue Raddatz, Human Resources Director
1300 145th Street East
Rosemount, MN 55068
651-423-8205 fax: 651-423-8775
Susan.Raddatz@dctc.edu

For Other Records, contact:

Registrars Office
1300 145th Street East
Rosemount, MN 55068
651-423-8216 fax: 651-423-8775

If you have questions or concerns about problems in obtaining access to data or other data practices problems, you may contact the campus data practices compliance officer, Dr. Ron Erickson, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs.

It is the policy of Dakota County Technical College to encourage the participation of any qualified individual in any program, service, or activity sponsored by the college, including qualified individuals with disabilities. It shall be a violation of this policy for a qualified person with a disability, on the basis of the disability, to be excluded from these benefits. The college will make reasonable accommodations for the documented physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified person with a disability unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship or fundamental alteration to the operation of its programs.

If you would like additional information regarding rights and remedies available under the ADA or wish to request accommodations for a disability or file a grievance based on non-compliance with the provisions of the ADA, please contact Anne Swanberg, Disability Advisor, at 651-423-8469 (voice) or 651-423-8621 (TTY).

In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) Dakota County Technical College has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees.

Dakota County Technical College prohibits students from possessing, using, and/or distributing illegal drugs and using alcohol on the college grounds or in college vehicles. Possession, use, and distribution of illegal drugs and the illegal use and distribution of alcohol are also prohibited at all college-sponsored activities which occur on or off campus.

Dakota County Technical College recognizes that there are many severe health and psychological risks associated with the use of illegal drugs and abuse of alcohol. These risks have been outlined by many health care agencies including the Office of the Surgeon General. In addition to these risks, the use of illegal drugs and abuse of alcohol contribute to a negative environment which does not promote the pursuit of a technical education. Therefore, the college will continue to implement services and policies that will insure a drug-free environment for students. Additional information is located in the Health Services Office.

• View Drugs Can End Your Education Booklet

Electronic information includes, but is not limited to, computer work-stations, e-mail, Internet, and local area networks. Electronic information service is provided to support the educational mission of DCTC. Access to and use of electronic information is a privilege, not a right, and should be treated as such. All students are responsible for seeing that electronic information services are used in an effective, efficient, ethical, and lawful manner.

Electronic information services may not be used for illegal activities or unauthorized purposes including, but not limited to:

• Harassment
• Destruction or damage to or tampering with equipment, software, or data
• Viewing, displaying, storing, transmitting or receiving material that is or may be reasonable regarded as obscene, sexually explicit, or pornographic, including any depiction, photograph, audio recording, or written word
• Downloading, installing, copying, or use of other unauthorized software
• Unauthorized copying and/or distribution of copyrighted materials
  Students will not engage in peer-to-peer file sharing, such as Kazaa, iMesh, WinMX, or other similar programs. Sharing copyrighted materials, such as MP3s or videos, without a license is criminal behavior and can subject the user and Dakota County Technical College to legal sanctions. Federal law requires that the college take action when notified that someone on its network is distributing copyrighted materials. The college will not protect individuals who distribute copyrighted material without an appropriate license. Moreover, the traffic such sharing generates can easily cause access problems for other users at the college. Both of these outcomes violate this college's policy.
• "Spamming" through widespread dissemination of unsolicited and unauthorized e-mail messages
• The disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications
• Private business or personal gain or profit

As electronic information users, students are responsible for using the system resources wisely.

General Standards and Guidelines:

Electronic information users are asked to take care in subscribing to listserves, transmitting large messages and attachments, and sending multiple copies.

Privacy of electronic information messages cannot be guaranteed. Maintenance of the electronic information system may require access to the user's files.

Sanctions for Violations:

If a student uses the system in ways that are judged excessive, wasteful, or unauthorized, he/she may be subject to loss of access and appropriate disciplinary procedures.

All electronic information users will have to acknowledge acceptance of these guidelines before their accounts are activated.

Students who think they are being discriminated against because of a disability are encouraged to contact the ADA Compliance Officer. The ADA Compliance Officer will review the grievance as well as the concerns of all parties and will attempt to resolve the grievance to everyone's satisfaction. The ADA Compliance Officer is Anne Swanberg (651-423-8463).

Students may wish to file a formal grievance in writing. A Student Grievance form is available in the Student Services Office. Written grievances must be completed within 15 days after the student is aware of the alleged violation.

The grievance form is submitted to the Vice President. Students may submit additional documentation, evidence, or expert opinion to support their appeals. Students needing assistance with appeals may request that an advocate be assigned by the Vice President.

Within ten working days of receiving the grievance, the Vice President of Academic Affairs will provide written notification of his ruling to all involved parties.

Students have the right to pursue appeals through external channels. The ADA Compliance Officer can assist students wishing to file complaints with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights or the Office of Civil Rights

It is the policy of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities that every person be given equal opportunity to be admitted to the technical college of his or her choice, thereby insuring that no disparate effect will be created in student population with regard to race, creed, color, gender, sexual preference, national origin, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, religion, disability, or membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law. Dakota County Technical college s an equal opportunity educator and employer.

College students are responsible for buying their own industrial safety glasses for programs which require them. Standard frames should be used to identify easily safety eye wear being worn in the designated areas. Students without required safety eye wear will not be permitted in class. Non-prescription safety glasses can be purchased from the college bookstore. Prescription safety glasses can also be purchased in the bookstore with a Student Requisition for Prescription Safety Glasses and a copy of the prescription. If the glasses are being purchased elsewhere, students are required to show their instructor written evidence obtained from their eye doctor.

I. Safety Glasses

Eye/face protective devices meeting ANSI Z87.1-1979 shall be worn by employees and students when any of the following situations exist:

• Operation Hazard
• Acetylene-burning cutting and/or welding Sparks, harmful rays, molten metal, flying particles
• Chemical handling Splashes, acid burns, fumes
• Chipping/hammering Flying particles
• Electric (Arc) welding Sparks, intense rays, molten metal
• Furnace operations Glare, heat, molten metal
• Grinding (light*) Flying particles
• Grinding (heavy) Flying particles
• Laboratory Chemical splashes, glass breakage
• Machining/sawing Flying particles
• Molten metals Heat, glare, sparks
• Spot welding Flying particles, sparks

* includes air or electric, portable, or bench-mounted grinding devices using wire wheels

A. Industrial safety glasses with side shields meeting ANSI Standard Z87.1-1979 shall be required in the following majors or departments:

• Auto Body Collision Technology
• Heavy Construction Equipment Technology
• Heavy Duty Truck Technology
• Related Welding
• Welding/Structural Fabrication
• Wood Finishing
• Others as deemed necessary by the administration (future majors, etc.)

B. Non-side-shield safety glasses meeting ANSI Standard Z87.1-1979 shall be required in the following majors and/or departments:

• Automotive Technology
• Automotive Service Education Program (ASEP)
• Electrical Lineworker
• Others as deemed necessary by the administration (future majors, etc.)

C. Goggles and/or face shields meeting ANSI Standard Z87.1-1979 shall be worn when working with or around specified machinery or with or around potentially hazardous liquids in the following majors or departments:

• Applied Visual Arts
• Architectural Technology
• Automotive Technology
• Automotive Service Education Program (ASEP)
• Dental Assistant
• Graphic Design Technology
• Heavy Construction Equipment Technology
• Heavy Duty Truck Technology
• Landscape Horticulture
• Medical Assistant
• Photographic Technology
• Related Welding
• Welding/Structural Fabrication
• Wood Finishing
• Others as deemed necessary by the administration (future majors, etc.)

II. Contact Lenses

A. Contact lenses shall not be worn in the following majors or departments:

• Auto Body Collision Technology
• Automotive Technology
• Automotive Service Education Program (ASEP)
• Electrical Lineworker
• Graphic Communications
• Heavy Construction Equipment Technology
• Heavy Duty Truck Technology
• Related Welding
• Telecommunications Systems Technology
• Welding/Structural Fabrication
• Wood Finishing
• Others as deemed necessary by the administration (future majors, etc.)

B. Contact lenses will be allowed in hazardous situations only when accompanied by appropriate covering safety eye wear in the following majors or departments:

• Applied Visual Arts
• Architectural Technology
• Landscape Horticulture
• Photographic Technology

III. Maintenance and disinfecting of eye protectors

A. "Pitted or scratched lenses may reduce vision and seriously reduce protection. Lenses that are pitted or scratched should be replaced when, in the judgment of the supervisor/instructor, the eye protector no longer complies with the requirements of ANSI Standard Z87. 1.6.4.1.2."

B.If protective equipment is shared it must be cleaned and disinfected according to ANSI Standard Z87.1.6.4.3.

IV. Hair restraints

will be worn in all programs when working with and around machinery:

• If hair is five inches long,
• When whiskers are two inches below the chin.

Dakota County Technical College requires that all students make satisfactory progress toward a degree, diploma, or certificate to remain in good academic standing. Additionally, federal and state laws require that a recipient of financial aid make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree, diploma, or certificate to remain eligible for financial aid. Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid is defined in a separate policy. In compliance with federal and state laws and to implement college policy, Dakota County Technical College has established and will apply the following standards of academic progress to all students.

Students bear the primary responsibility for their own academic progress and for seeking assistance when experiencing academic difficulty. Students are encouraged to keep a file of their grades and transcripts. Academic advisors are available to review their students' academic progress

Requirements

The requirements for this policy are based on students successfully meeting both a qualitative and a quantitative measure each term. Satisfactory progress will be measured after a student has attempted 12 cumulative credits.

• Qualitative Measure: All students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 G.P.A.
• Quantitative Measure: All students are required to complete a minimum of 67% of cumulative attempted credits.
• Students are considered to be making unsatisfactory academic progress whenever they fail to meet the standard of a cumulative 2.0 G.P.A. or fail to complete 67% of their attempted credits.
• NOTE: Developmental coursework (below 1000 level) will be included under this policy with a limit of 32 semester credits normally being allowed.

Implementation

Academic progress will be monitored as follows: All students who have attempted 12 or more cumulative credits will be evaluated at the end of each term.

Probation Letter: Any student who fails to meet the minimum satisfactory academic progress requirements for that term will receive a probation letter from the Registrar and will be placed on probation for one term, commencing immediately. During the term of probation, a student who receives a 2.0 G.P.A. for that term and completes at least 67% of all attempted credits that term may continue at the college but will remain on probation that term. This allows students making substantial improvement to continue with their educational objectives. Students experiencing academic difficulties are encouraged to use the resources available in the Learning Center. Academic assistance includes reading support, communications support, study skills support, Limited English proficiency support, math support, tutoring, and special accommodations. To arrange for extra help, students should stop by the Learning Center (room 2-141). In addition, advisors are available in the Student Services Office to help students with academic or personal concerns. Call 651-423-8301 or stop by the Student Services Office to schedule an appointment with one of the advisors.

Suspension Letter: A student on probation who fails to meet the minimum satisfactory academic progress requirements for a second consecutive term will receive a suspension letter from the Registrar and will be subject to suspension, one term in duration, commencing immediately. The student will be dropped from all courses for that term. Suspended students who wish to remain enrolled at the college must complete an appeal form and have it approved in order to be reinstated and continue in their classes for that term.

Appeals

A student who fails to make satisfactory academic progress and is suspended from enrollment has the right to appeal based on unusual or extenuating circumstances (e.g., death in the family, student's injury or illness). Suspended students who wish to remain enrolled at the college must submit an appeal within one week (seven days) of the date of their suspension letter. Students are encouraged to see an advisor to begin the appeals process. Appeals must be submitted in writing on the Student Petition Form available in the Student Services Office. The appeal must include an explanation of the circumstances that affected academic progress. If requested, the appeal must include supporting documentation. Students needing assistance with their appeals may request an advocate to be assigned by a advisor.

Students have the right to appeal for reinstatement when:

• They have experienced undue hardship based on the death of a relative, injury, or illness.
• They need to complete developmental and/or remedial coursework as certified by an advisor, the Supplemental Services Coordinator, or their program advisor.
• They have extenuating or unusual circumstances that can be supported.

Appeals must be directed to the Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid who serves as Chair of the Appeals Committee. The appeal will be reviewed by the Appeals Committee, and a written decision on the appeal will be provided to the student. The decision will be final. Students who are granted an appeal will be allowed to remain enrolled at the college for that term. They will continue on probationary status for that term.

Reinstatement

A student who has been suspended from enrollment may continue at the college after an appeal has been approved or return to the college after the period of suspension has passed. In both cases, the student remains on probation. A suspended student whose appeal to remain in school has been denied and who has sat out the required term may return to the college under probationary status.

Dakota County Technical College is committed to providing its employees, students, and visitors with a healthy environment in which to work and study. To achieve this objective, and in compliance with the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act (M.S. 144.411-144.417) and legislation enacted by the 1988 legislature (Minnesota Laws 1988, Chapter 666, Article 1, Section 44, Subd. 9-Smoking in State Buildings), Dakota County Technical College has adopted a tobacco-free policy that prohibits the use of all tobacco products within the college buildings. In compliance with the Minnesota Statutes for public buildings, "all smoking is prohibited in the facilities and college vehicles." All classrooms, labs, hallways, entry ways, restrooms, college vehicles, etc. are tobacco-free areas. Tobacco use is not permitted in front of the main entrance or at any of the other front entrances or at the east, west, and north entrances to the main building.

Designated Smoking Areas:

All staff, students, and visitors are permitted to smoke in the designated shelters outside the East and West main entrances. These are the only areas on campus where smoking is allowed.

Definitions:

• Smoking includes carrying a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, or any other lighted smoking equipment.
• Smokeless tobacco or snuff is pulverized chewing tobacco.
• College buildings include all buildings owned or leased by Dakota County Technical College.
• If you are a tobacco user, we ask you to abide by this policy for the benefit of all other students, faculty, and staff.

Disciplinary Sanctions for Students: Disciplinary action, as specified in Dakota County Technical College's "Student Conduct Rules and Procedures," shall be taken against a student who violates the college Smoking and Tobacco Use Policy and Procedures.

A student may challenge an act or omission or a decision by a Dakota County Technical College employee through the procedures described below. These procedures do not apply to situations involving violation of the Student Conduct Code. Students are encouraged to use informal means to have the decision underlying the dispute/disagreement reconsidered before making a complaint or grievance under these procedures.

No retaliation of any kind shall be taken against a student for participation in a complaint or grievance. Complaint and grievance records shall be released only as allowed by state and federal law.

Definitions

Appeal: A request for reconsideration of a grievance application of a policy or procedure

Complaint: An oral claim by a student alleging improper, unfair, arbitrary, or discriminatory treatment

Business Day:A weekday during which classes are in session."Day" excludes Saturdays, Sundays, breaks in the academic calendar, and when day classes are canceled due to bad weather, faculty/staff meetings, or any other reason.

Grievance: A written claim raised by a student alleging improper, unfair, arbitrary, or discriminatory action by an employee involving the application of a specific provision of a rule/regulation, policy, or procedure

Retaliation: Retribution of any kind taken against a student for participating in a complaint or grievance

Student: An individual student, a group of students, or the student government

Complaints

A student may make a complaint by bringing it to the attention of the appropriate employee(s) and requesting an opportunity to discuss it. The employee(s) contacted by the student must meet with the student and respond to the complaint within five business days of receipt of the complaint. If such oral complaint is not satisfactorily resolved, it may only be pursued as a written grievance if it satisfies the grievance definition outlined above.

Grievances

A grievance must be filed within 30 days following the act or omission or decision giving rise to the grievance, or the date on which the student reasonably should have known of such act or omission or decision if that date is later. Grievance forms may be obtained in the Student Services Office. All grievances must be submitted in writing to one of the advisors. The grievance shall set forth the nature of the grievance, the facts on which it is based, the act or omission or decision grieved, and the relief requested. Grievances will be evaluated in up to four steps:

Step 1: Evaluation by the employee(s) named in the grievance. Upon receipt of a written grievance, the advisor shall forward the grievance to the appropriate employee(s). Within five days of the employee's receipt of the grievance, the employee(s) shall discuss the matter with the student at a time mutually agreeable to the parties. If at this meeting a resolution is reached, it shall be reduced to writing and signed by both parties. If no agreement is reached, the employee(s) shall prepare a written response. The employee's response must be issued within ten days of the day of the meeting with the student. In either event, the employee shall provide a copy of the written document to the advisor. If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, the student may request Step 2 review within the time allowed.

Step 2: Appeal to the appropriate Academic Dean/Supervisor or designee. If no agreement is reached in Step 1, the student may appeal to the appropriate Academic Dean/Supervisor (or designee) by filing a written notice of appeal with the Academic Dean/Supervisor. The notice of appeal must be filed within five days of receipt of the written response in Step 1, or, if no timely response was given, within five days of the date a response was due.

Within five days of receipt of the notice of appeal, the Academic Dean/Supervisor (or designee) shall meet with the student at a mutually agreeable time. If at this meeting a resolution is reached, it shall be reduced to writing and signed by both parties. If no agreement is reached, the Academic Dean/Supervisor (or designee) shall prepare a written response. The written response must be issued within ten days of the day of the meeting with the student. In either event, the employee shall provide a copy of the written document to the advisor. The Academic Dean's/Supervisor's decision is final, unless the grievance appeal involves a college rule or regulation. Where a rule or regulation is involved, the student may request Step 3 review within the time allowed if the matter is not satisfactorily resolved.

Step 3: Appeal to the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs or designee. If no agreement is reached in Step 2, and the matter involves a college rule or regulation, the student may appeal to the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs (or designee) by filing a written notice of appeal with the Vice President. The notice of appeal must be filed within five days of receipt of the written response in Step 2, or, if no timely response was given, within five days of the date a response was due.

Within five days of receipt of the notice of appeal, the Vice President (or designee) shall meet with the student at a mutually agreeable time. If at this meeting a resolution is reached, it shall be reduced to writing and signed by both parties. If no agreement is reached, the Vice President (or designee) shall prepare a written response. The written response must be issued within 15 days of the day of the meeting with the student. The Vice President's decision is final.

If the matter involves a Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) Board policy or the actions of any college president, the student may appeal through the Chancellor to the Board by filing a written notice of appeal with the Chancellor. The decision of the Board is final.

PART 1. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Dakota County Technical College is committed to the creation and maintenance of an academic community which fosters intellectual, personal, social, and ethical development of its students. The purpose of the Student Conduct Code is to provide an educational experience through which students learn to understand, accept, and promote attitudes conducive to responsible involvement in society; to provide a system by which students are held accountable for actions which violate college standards; and to protect the due process rights of students charged with violating these standards. This code of conduct is designed to explain the rights and responsibilities inherent in membership in the college community.

All students are expected to be familiar with and to comply with the Student Conduct Code. Consequences for failing to comply could result in sanctions. Dakota County Technical College reserves the right to revise the Student Conduct Code at any time.

• Review the complete text of Student Records Policy and Procedures

In compliance with Section 99.6 of the regulations implementing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

Dakota County Technical College maintains records about students in various places within the institution. Under federal and state law, students have certain rights concerning the records which the college maintains. This notice is to make students aware of those rights. Students with questions about their rights should contact the Registrar in the Student Services Office.

Data Privacy

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, DCTC is designating the following as Directory Information

1. Name
2. Address
3. Telephone Number
4. Date of Birth
5. E-mail addresses
6. Major
7. Dates of attendance
8. Participation in recognized activities
9. Degrees/awards received
10. Honors
11. Photographs including Student ID pictures
12. Height and weight of athletes

This designation makes the above information public data under state law and the information may be released to organizations and individuals requesting it. If you do not want any of this information released to third parties, stop by or call Student Services to request the Student Data Privacy Form.

In accordance with the Student Right to Know Act, the college provides graduation rate information for current and prospective students. Contact the Registrar at 651-423-8216 for more information.

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 their 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, a written request which identifies as precisely as possible the record or records he or she wishes to inspect. The college official will make the needed arrangements for access as promptly as possible 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 their education records to ensure that they are not inaccurate or misleading.
   
   Students may ask the college to amend a record that 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 their 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 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 Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another 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.
4. The right to file with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint 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, D.C., 20202-4605

When Dakota County Technical College requests non-public data concerning you or your family, the purpose of that request will be specifically stated to you. In addition, our overall purpose and intended use of all such data shall be for the smooth and uninterrupted conduct of business to fulfill the educational purpose of Dakota County Technical College. At the time that any non-public data is requested from you regarding your family, you will be informed of the consequence arising from refusing to supply such information. In addition, you will be informed of the persons or entities authorized by law to receive the information, unless the individual requesting the information does so pursuant to a law enforcement investigation, otherwise governed by law. Unless you are specifically notified otherwise, the information gathered by Dakota County Technical College will be routinely accessed by college personnel, agents, contractors, and others authorized by law to the extent necessary.

Dakota County Technical College has a comprehensive student records policy. Request for copies of the entire policy and questions should be addressed to:

Vice President of Student Affairs, Dakota County Technical College
1300 145th Street East, Rosemount, MN 55068

Dakota County Technical College is committed to providing equal opportunity in athletics for male and female students. Each college or university with intercollegiate athletics must provide athletic opportunities for male and female students in accordance with federal and state requirements. DCTC Title IX Compliance Officer is Randy Anderson, Vice President of Finance, Operations, Student Services, and Marketing. His office is in room 2-201, his phone number is 651-423-8241.