1 MESSAGE FROM THE PROVOST This Student Handbook has been revised extensively, and hence I urge you to read it carefully and keep a copy handy. The Handbook conveys information that is important for all aspects of student life at Tougaloo. Its purpose is to ensure that you know what is required of you to be successful in your academic career. This Handbook outlines how the College ensures student achievement, and the rules, regulations, and procedures that must govern college life. Remember that you are part of a community, and must be mindful of your responsibility to yourself and to your fellow students to make it harmonious. Your top priority as a student should be to excel in academics. Be sure to take full advantage of support services that you might need. The College provides a range of assistance and guidance that are intended to enable you to achieve your potential. Even as you focus on your course of study, I also encourage you to participate fully in extra –curricular activities. Tougaloo’s aim is to develop well-rounded, mature individuals prepared to go out into the world, and hence the College provides opportunities for you to explore your own learning styles, to engage in critical inquiry, to be creative thinkers, and to draw informed conclusions. Tougaloo makes available opportunities for you to excel in your field of endeavor, but the desire to do so has to come from within you. So you must do your part to be an integral part of Tougaloo College and the rich traditions that it embodies. I wish for each of you a wonderful and productive career at Tougaloo College. Sincerely, Asoka Srinivasan, Ph.D. Provost/Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs 2 MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN OF STUDENTS Dear Students, Welcome to the historic TOUGALOO COLLEGE! The Office of Student Affairs is excited to work with students as you enter the gates as Eaglets and throughout your matriculation to become soaring Eagles. We provide programs, services, and activities to augment the academic experience and aid in fostering personal growth and development, emotional wellness, leadership development, as well as social and civic engagement. The Student Handbook identifies many opportunities, as well as outlines College policies, procedures, campus resources, and activities that go along with the sacred rights which are guaranteed to all members of the Tougaloo College Family. While this Handbook does not serve as a contract, it does provide guidance as to the conduct expected of our students. If you are to fully enjoy and exercise the rights of a Tougaloo College student, you must be well acquainted with your Handbook and adhere to the policies as outlined. We want your experience here at Tougaloo College to be truly memorable and rewarding. Thus, we look forward to getting to know you and providing you with the academic support services you need to reach your educational goals. Please be informed that we reserve the right to change policies as the need arises; however, such changes will be communicated to you in a timely manner. You are encouraged to meet frequently with your academic advisor(s), participate fully in co-curricular activities, and care for your fellow students and self: mind, body, and spirit. And finally, please know that you are always welcome to ask questions and seek additional information by visiting our office in Jamerson Hall or contacting our office at (601) 977-7814. You are the reason we are here! Warmly, Gladys Jones Dean of Students 3 Tougaloo College Eaglet Creed As a student, member, and scholar of the Tougaloo College community, I obligate myself to the pursuit of academic excellence, model citizenship, intellectual and social responsibility. As an Eaglet... I will abide and encourage my peers to value the rules and regulations, which are included in our Student Handbook; I will practice personal and academic integrity; I will respect and appreciate the diversity of others’ ideas and opinions; I will demonstrate integrity and determination in all academic pursuits; I will respect others by honoring their rights, privacy, and belongings; I will exhibit behavior and choose language that demonstrates respect for self and others; I will uphold the rights of all persons to be treated with dignity and respect and to refrain from all forms of intimidation, harassment, and illegal discrimination; I will embrace the importance of personal well-being: a commitment to a healthy lifestyle in all its facets; I will engage in the civic life and activities of our community: a commitment to improve the quality of life of others; I pledge to uphold these values and encourage others to follow my example; I will take pride in my beloved institution, Tougaloo College; and I will take pride in my education at my beloved Tougaloo College by adhering to the class attendance policy. 4 STATEMENT OF ACCREDITATION Tougaloo is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Science degrees. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 1866 Southern Lane Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 Telephone number: (404) 679-4501 STATEMENT ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Tougaloo College does not discriminate in admission or employment by reason of race, physical handicap, color, religion, or sex. The College is an equal opportunity employer. INTRODUCTION This Student Handbook is prepared by the Office of Student Affairs and is updated annually. It serves as a ready reference to the major regulations relevant to students at Tougaloo College. Many of the policies are presented in an abridged form; more detailed statements may be obtained from the Office of Student Affairs in Jamerson Hall. Where appropriate, the administrative office or individual with responsibility for developing, changing, or implementing specific policies has been noted. Students should consult the College catalog for policies relevant to academic programs. All students are encouraged to read the Student Handbook. The information printed is as accurate and current as possible. However, this does not preclude the possibility of content changes that may occur during the academic year. Any changes will be updated on the Tougaloo College website. 5 TOUGALOO COLLEGE www.tougaloo.edu STUDENT HANDBOOK Guidelines and Standards of Conduct 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS General Information ........................................................................................................... 9 Institution Mission, Vision, Purpose Statements 10 History of Tougaloo College 11 Student Freedom, Rights, and Responsibilities ………………………………………… 13 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act 14 College Policies …………………………………………………………………………… 16 Disruptive Activities 18 Dress Code 19 Smoke/Tobacco Free Policy 22 Student Complaints and Grievances 24 Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistic Act 26 Alcohol and Drug Policy 26 Campus Safety 28 College Search Policy 29 Emergency Notification 29 Reporting Crimes and Emergencies 30 Gender-based Conduct 30 Grievance Procedure 36 Campus Governance …………………………………………………………………….. 43 Judiciary System 45 Adjudication Process 47 Code of Conduct …………………………………………………………………………..55 Violations and Penalties 56 Range of Sanctions and Penalties 69 Student Affairs …………………………………………………………………………… 74 Career Services …………………………………………………………………………… 74 Graduate and Professional Schools 76 Internship and Cooperative Education Programs 76 Counseling Services ………………………………….................................................... 76 Disability Services 77 Religious Life …………………………………………………………………………….. 77 Residential Life…………………………………………………………………………… 78 Applying for Housing 79 Residential Life Personnel 80 Residence Hall Guidelines and Regulations 81 Residential Life Policies 84 Student Activities………………………………………………………………………… 94 Guidelines Governing Student Organizations 94 7 Guidelines for Governing Greek Letter Organizations 98 Opportunities for Clubs and Organizations 101 Guidelines for Activities 102 Recreational Activities 107 Student Government Association ……………………………………………….………. 108 Campus Resources ………………………………………………………………………..121 Public Safety……………………………………………………………………………… 122 Procedures for Reporting Crime and Emergencies 122 Fire Drills 124 Missing Persons 125 Campus Traffic Regulations 126 Traffic Violations and Penalties 128 Financial Aid …………………………………………………………………….……….. 131 College Refund Policy 131 Standards of Satisfactory 132 Health Services…………………………………………………………………………… 136 Medical Records Compliance Policy 137 In Case of Accident, Sickness, or Emergency 138 Library Information……………………………………………………………………… 142 Hours 142 The Library Collection 142 Circulation 143 Fines and Charges 143 Student Union…………………………………………………………………………….. 144 Warren Hall 144 Food Services 144 College Bookstore 146 Directory………………………………………………………………………………….. 147 College Administration 148 Student Affairs Staff 149 Alma Mater ……………………………………………………………………………….. 150 8 GENERAL INFORMATION 9 GENERAL INFORMATION Mission Statement Tougaloo College prepares its students to be lifelong learners, who are committed to leadership and service in a global society through its diverse undergraduate and graduate programs. The College is accessible to all persons, while making students aware of its rich legacy as an independent, historically black liberal arts institution affiliated with the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Vision Statement As a thriving