Student Handbook 2019–2020 WELLS COLLEGE STUDENT HANDBOOK 2019–2020 A COMPENDIUM OF STUDENT-RELATED COLLEGE POLICIES, RESOURCES AND INFORMATION Last updated: October 22, 2019 Page | 1 MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT GIBRALTER Welcome to Wells College! We are delighted you chose to join the Wells community. This student handbook has been compiled as a tool to help you explore what it means to be a part of Wells College. It will address many of your questions and provide a guideline for your time here. I encourage you to review it carefully and keep it handy. You are beginning an exciting academic journey, sharing in an experience and gaining skills that will last a lifetime. A Wells education requires that you stretch your thinking, explore new topics and develop your unique strengths as you prepare for what lies ahead. The Wells experience challenges both the individual and the collective, and the Wells community is one in which we will all have the chance to understand and celebrate our differences―and our commonalities. The handbook encompasses what is available to you, what is expected of you and what you can expect from others. In order to be successful in this shared endeavor, there are established guidelines, policies and procedures to help community members collaborate in a spirit of understanding. You’ll also find a brief history of traditions at Wells, information about the people who make up the Wells community and resources for both the campus and the surrounding region. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with students and believe that the time you spend on our campus makes a difference in your lives. As your time here unfolds, I fully anticipate getting to know each of you as we experience, together, this one-of-a-kind community. Let the journey begin . Jonathan Gibralter President Page | 2 MESSAGE FROM INTERIM DEAN OF STUDENTS CHARLES B. KENYON Dear Wells Students: Welcome to the 2019–2020 academic year and a special welcome to our newest community members: the class of 2023 and our new transfer students! I’m honored to have this opportunity to welcome you to the Wells campus. The student handbook is a valuable resource and reference guide for the services, policies and expectations we have as a Wells community. Please pay careful attention to the information contained in our Honor Code, the Community Standards Statement, Student Code of Conduct and the Residence Life sections. We all have chosen to live and work at Wells and to be a part of a diverse community that respects the rights and privileges of each member on campus. The sections described above outline the tenets by which we hold each other accountable and provide the values on which we build our programs and services. The Dean of Students Office and Campus Life staff encourages you to get involved on campus— be a part of our community and work together to create the experience you want from Wells. By taking the initiative and becoming involved in student life, you will not only enhance your educational experience, but you will also be enriching the quality of the Wells College community. I strongly encourage you to explore all that Wells has to offer! In addition to the resources outlined in this handbook, I hope you visit the Wells College website (wells.edu) often; there will always be new information and updates. My staff and I are ready to answer any questions you might have or hear from community members with any insights or suggestions. Please stop by Macmillan Hall 210 and visit or email us at [email protected]. I wish you the best for a great year. Sincerely, Charles B. Kenyon Interim Dean of Students Page | 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Wells College Mission, Vision, Values and Traditions .......................................................................... 6 II. Academic Policies and Regulations ..................................................................................................... 11 Academic Calendar ...................................................................................................................... 11 Academic Integrity ...................................................................................................................... 12 Institutional Review Board .......................................................................................................... 12 Library ......................................................................................................................................... 12 Academic Penalties ...................................................................................................................... 12 Academic Advisement, Requirements and Standing................................................................... 12 Intercollegiate Athletic Policies and Regulations ........................................................................ 14 III. Administrative policies ....................................................................................................................... 15 Bias Incident Protocol.................................................................................................................. 15 Children at Work during Regular Working Hours ..................................................................... 16 Disclosure of Disabilities Policy ................................................................................................. 17 Dissent, Policy on ........................................................................................................................ 18 Drug-Free Schools, Communities and Workplace Policies ........................................................ 20 Event Planning ............................................................................................................................. 24 Firearms ....................................................................................................................................... 25 Fundraising and Solicitation ........................................................................................................ 25 General Policy on Grievances and Appeals................................................................................. 26 Harassment and Inappropriate Conduct....................................................................................... 28 Hazing .......................................................................................................................................... 30 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act .................................................................. 31 Information Technology on Campus ........................................................................................... 31 Lake Activities: Boating and Swimming .................................................................................... 33 Leave of Absence, Withdrawal, Readmission and Involuntary Leave Policy & Procedures...... 34 Pets ............................................................................................................................................... 36 Political Activity and Use of College Resources ......................................................................... 36 Posting Policy .............................................................................................................................. 37 Restroom Access ......................................................................................................................... 38 Sexual Misconduct Policy ........................................................................................................... 39 Smoking Policy ............................................................................................................................ 39 Student Access to Records and Release of Information (FERPA) .............................................. 40 IV. Student Code of Conduct.................................................................................................................... 44 Overview and Jurisdiction ........................................................................................................... 44 Procedures for Handling Complaints........................................................................................... 45 Violations ..................................................................................................................................... 49 Sanctions ...................................................................................................................................... 57 Appeals ........................................................................................................................................ 59 Disciplinary Records ................................................................................................................... 60 Sexual Misconduct Hearings ....................................................................................................... 60 Page | 4 V. Residence Life Policies ........................................................................................................................ 61 Community Standards Policy ...................................................................................................... 61 Behavior in College Residence Halls .......................................................................................... 62 Service Animal / Emotional Support Animal Policy ..................................................................