tcat-all-Student Conduct/Student Life

Copyright and Digital Millennium Act

Copyright - Materials published by the Tennessee College of Applied Technology are protected by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The DMCA also requires that the institution inform all computer and network users that downloading of copyrighted material is prohibited. In addition, Tennessee Code Annotated §49-7-1(c) specifies that the institution ensure that no copyrighted digital music or videos be downloaded using institutional resources. Any attempts to do so will result in appropriate disciplinary sanctions. Violations - Violations of the policy will result in corrective action by the appropriate institution office. Students who violate this policy will be referred to the Student Services Coordinator for appropriate action. Employees who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary measures imposed by their supervisor in conjunction with the institution’s administration. Violations of local, state, or federal laws regarding unlawful access or use may be referred to the appropriate law enforcement officials for investigation and/or prosecution.

Copyright General Information

Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) to creators of “original works of authorship” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and other published and unpublished works, when “fixed in a tangible form of expression.” Protections last for the term of the author’s life plus 50 years after death. It is illegal for anyone to violate any of the rights provided to the owner of a copyright. The Copyright Act (1976) contains provisions permitting the award of monetary damages against individuals who infringe on copyrighted material. In civil cases, the law allows the assessment of actual damages or statutory damages. For each infringement, statutory damages range from $250 to $10,000. Sections 107-118 of the Copyright Act also establish exempt uses of copyrighted materials and thus relief from liability. One major limitation is the doctrine of “fair-use” which is given statutory basis in Section 107 of the Act.

Patriot Act Notice to All Students

The U.S.A. Patriot Act authorizes law enforcement agencies, acting pursuant to a valid court order, to compel personnel to disclose otherwise confidential information about their student educational records, electronic communication including e-mail; their computer access of the internet and other network databases; and/or records of their telephone usage.

Disabled/Handicapped Parking Violations

Authority: Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-8-203

The fine for disabled/handicapped parking violations is established by State law and will increase, as needed, to remain in compliance with State law. This rule supersedes all rules or notices regarding fines for disabled/handicapped parking violations at any TBR Institution. The fine for disabled/ handicapped parking violation is $200.00 or as prescribed by state law.

Theft, Loss, or Damage to Motor Vehicles

The College is not responsible for the security of, loss, or damage to, any vehicle or its contents while on campus. Students are requested to report any incidents, unusual occurrences, or concerns regarding their vehicles on Tennessee College of Applied Technology property to the Tennessee College of Applied Technology - administration.

Sexual Offender Information

Pursuant to T.C.A. §Title 40-39-201, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology furnishes its students with a link to the state of Tennessee’s sex offender registry: https://sor.tbi.tn.gov/SOMainpg.aspx. The information contained in the registry has been provided to registering agencies and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation by the offender and is based upon information provided by the offender. Offenders may have moved without notification. This information may be used to determine whether an individual registered at this site is employed or enrolled as a student at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology only and should not be used in any manner to injure, harass, or commit a criminal act against any person named in the registry. Any such action could subject you to discipline by the Tennessee College of Applied Technology and/or criminal prosecution.

Drug-Free Campus and Workplace

In accordance with the Drug - Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-960) and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology prohibits the unlawful use, manufacture, possession, distribution, or dispensing of “controlled substances”, as defined in the Controlled Substance Act, 21 U.S.C. 812, and alcohol on school property. All employees and students are subject to this Act. Any violation of this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

Policy on Drug Screening

In addition to any program-specific policy, in compliance with the requirements of the Drug-Free Campus & Workplace Act and to maintain a safe environment conducive to both work and learning, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology - specifically prohibits the unlawful use, manufacture, possession, distribution or dispensing of alcohol or illegal drugs, the misuse of legally prescribed or “over the counter” drugs or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs in its facilities and programs. Pursuant to this policy, and where “reasonable suspicion” exists that a student or employee is “under the influence” of alcohol or a controlled substance while on campus or engaged in any Tennessee College of Applied Technology - related activity, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology may require that individual to submit to a test to determine the presence of alcohol or controlled substances.

For the purposes of this policy, “reasonable suspicion” means suspicion based on specific and articulable facts, taken together with rational inferences from those facts that give rise to the conclusion that an individual is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance(s). “Under the influence” means that an individual’s judgment or motor coordination is impaired due to the presence or use of alcohol or a controlled substance(s), including prescription medication(s).

When it has been determined that a reasonable suspicion exists that an individual is under the influence of alcohol and/or a controlled substance, he/she may be required to submit to a test to determine whether the individual is actually under the influence. An individual who refuses to undergo testing when reasonable suspicion has been determined to exist, will be found to have violated this policy and will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Additionally, any person who tests positive for being under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance(s) in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. The cost of reasonable suspicion drug testing is the responsibility of the individual being tested.

Student Life Activities

Student activity programs are designed to provide information and resources, which will assist students in career and life planning. The Student Services Department is always receptive to student suggestions and requests regarding any activities that students want to organize such as job fairs, health fairs, financial aid workshops, and professional development. All students are encouraged to participate in these planned activities.

Student Organizations

National Technical Honor Society

National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) is the acknowledged leader in the recognition of outstanding student achievement in career & technical education. Thousands of schools and Colleges are affiliated with the Society. Member schools agree that NTHS encourages higher scholastic achievement, cultivates a desire for personal excellence, and helps top students find success in today’s highly competitive workplace.

Mission: To honor student achievement and leadership, promote educational excellence, and enhance career opportunities for the NTHS membership.

Vision: To be the leader in providing recognition for excellence in career and technical education and creating significant occupational opportunities for America’s top workforce education students.

SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is an applied method of competition and instruction for preparing America’s high-performance workers in public career and technical programs. It provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship, and character development. It builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills. It emphasizes total quality at work – high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education, and pride in the dignity of work. SkillsUSA also promotes understanding of the free-enterprise system and involvement in community service.

Mission: SkillsUSA’s mission is to help its members become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens.

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association (SGA) allows active student participation in the affairs of the College and serves as the student leadership of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. The purpose of the SGA is to promote and maintain active communication between the students, faculty and administration, and to provide a means for members of the student body to express themselves effectively in the development and maintenance of the College programs which affect them.

Student Veterans Association

The Student Veterans Association (SVA) allows active student participation in the network of support to veterans. The purpose of the SVA is to:

• Provide a network of support to military veterans, their families, and civilian supporters.
• Educate the community about the experiences of military veterans.
• Work with the College administration to meet the needs of student veterans and prospective student veterans.
• Cultivate student veterans concerns through scheduled meetings, advocacy, social and recreational activities.
• Foster esprit de corps among student veterans and promote an understanding of student veteran issues.

Student Services

Educational. The staff assists applicants in selecting an area of training based upon his/her abilities, interest, and goals.

Personal Counseling. The staff will provide individual counseling services to students who are experiencing personal, academic, attitude, or financial problems. The staff may recommend outside agencies specially trained to assist students in specific personal problems. All matters will be treated individually and on a confidential basis.

Job Placement. Tennessee College of Applied Technology is dedicated to our graduates finding employment upon completion of training. The department maintains very close contact with industry and the state employment security office and can place a large percentage of students in employment upon completion of training. Placement of graduates is a primary concern of each instructor and College’s personnel. Also, the student must fully participate in the job seeking process. Transcripts are available to the student or to agencies upon request. A transcript request form can be completed in the Student Services Department. Placement rates are continually evaluated and reported to our accrediting agency and the Tennessee Board of Regents. Placement rates are evaluated and utilized to monitor effectiveness and continuation of all programs.

Follow-Up. An effort is made to keep in touch with graduates after entering employment to determine their success and to make the training more relevant to the needs of new students and industries. All graduates are requested to keep the school informed as to their employment and any changes in employment. Surveys and student follow-up studies are made to determine if changes need to be made in meeting these needs. Employers, College’s personnel, and others are involved in follow-up efforts to assess and/or improve program curriculums and serving the needs of each student. It is very important for students, faculty and staff to recognize the importance of all responses to follow-up surveys as a means of evaluating, improving and funding the program offerings at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. Graduates are normally considered for “entry-level” employment in their respective occupation. A certificate of completion may be awarded to any preparatory student who reaches a payroll job proficiency level and to any supplemental student who completes objectives for upgrading necessary skills and knowledge. A diploma may be awarded to each preparatory student who demonstrates satisfactory proficiency in a complete course of study.

Limited English Proficiency. The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - follows TBR policy in admission and delivery of services to those students with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - makes use of a language identification card to determine the language of LEP individuals who present themselves at a campus location seeking information. The institution is a subscriber to state of Tennessee-contracted Linguistica International for outside interpreter service.

Alumni

This institution does not have a formal alumni organization. However, all graduates are considered Tennessee College of Applied Technology alumni and are encouraged to provide any feedback to the College as deemed appropriate and respond to follow-up forms as received. The College also encourages its alumni to provide community support to the College and visit the College periodically.

Career Counseling

Vocational guidance is the primary service offered to students by the Student Services Office to assist each applicant who desires or expresses an interest in pursuing a course of study in this College. Student Services personnel will assist the applicant in choosing a training program through an evaluation of the applicant’s work experience, interests, test scores, and previous education.

Student Services personnel are responsible for guidance to those currently enrolled students who may decide to change their original vocational choice. In addition, the student may make personal problems or conflicts known to a member of the Student Services Office who will endeavor to help the student with alternatives to successfully solve or adjust to the problem. If appropriate or necessary, the student will be referred to an agency that has been established to meet specific needs of the individual. By providing career assessment, academic, and personal counseling, the Student Services Office functions for the benefit of helping applicants, students, and graduates to develop their employment potential and reach their intended career goals. Students need not have an appointment or schedule a specific time in advance, but in some cases, it is advisable. Instructors will cooperate with the students in allowing and encouraging the use of the Student Services Department.

Communication Devices

Telephones in the College offices are for College business only. Except for emergency situations, students will not be called from class to receive incoming calls. The College is not staffed to handle calls or take messages from family, friends, etc. Students must advise friends and family of this procedure. Students are not permitted to use office or classroom phones except for emergencies. Cell phone and other electronic devices should be silenced during training hours.

Exit Interview

Students leaving the College are requested to complete an exit interview form. This questionnaire will provide useful information to the College regarding the quality of programs, instructional equipment, and our services, as well as student employment information. Before leaving the College, the student should obtain an exit interview form (hard copy or electronic) from the Student Services Office or from the instructor. Students must complete an exit interview form upon completion of their training program to meet graduation requirements.

Emergency Procedures

Each institutional department/program has a copy of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Emergency Preparedness Response Guide. The plan is easily recognizable in a red flipbook and is located in a centralized area for faculty, staff, and student access. Included in the Guide are Emergency Response Plans, Emergency Notifications, Medical Emergency Plan, Active Shelter Protocol. Floor Plans, Evacuation Routes, and Safe Places information are posted in public areas and classrooms.

Infectious Disease Policy

TBR Institutions will comply with all Federal and State laws, Executive Orders, Rules, Regulations, and Guidance from Public Health Agencies/Authorities applicable to outbreaks of infectious and/or communicable diseases. This policy authorizes TBR institutions to enact policies, procedures, and/or plans to facilitate compliance with such laws, orders, and guidance, for the purpose of making best efforts to prevent the spread of infectious/communicable diseases within the campus community.

College employees, students, and other persons entering the premises of any TBR institution shall be required to comply with all policies, procedures, and/or plans established relating to the control of an outbreak of infectious/communicable diseases. Implementation and enforcement of policies, procedures, and/or plans promulgated in response to an outbreak of an infectious or communicable disease shall be enforced with the primary goal of achieving compliance with the applicable policy or plan. Removal from campus or discipline of individuals who are not compliant with the institution’s policy or plan is authorized as necessary after efforts at obtaining compliance have been exhausted or as health, safety, and security require.

Procedure

1. Infectious/Communicable Disease Plans
   1. During certain communicable disease outbreaks such as a large epidemic or pandemic, TBR institutions may be required, or may find it appropriate, to develop and implement a plan or procedure to comply with laws, orders or directives issued by government or public health officials to address and/or curtail such outbreaks. In developing such plans/procedures, TBR institutions shall do so in a manner that is consistent with applicable lawful orders issued by government authorities and guidance from public health authorities including, but not limited to, the CDC , federal, state and local public health agencies. When creating such plan/procedure, TBR institutions shall also take care to comply with all applicable state and federal laws, including but not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and/or all laws governing/prohibiting unlawful discrimination. TBR institutions shall consult with the TBR Office of General Counsel (OGC) to ensure that any policy or plan promulgated in response to an outbreak of an infectious or communicable disease is compliant with such laws.
   2. During an outbreak of an infectious/communicable disease, and consistent with guidance from appropriate health authorities, TBR· institutions may take steps to identify and address potential actions or protocols that are appropriate given, the nature and circumstances associated with a particular outbreak/disease, including but not limited to the following:
      1. Implementation of health screening protocols as a precondition to entry onto/into any campus or facility owned or controlled by a TBR institution, consistent with guidance or directives from local, state, or federal authorities.
      2. Implementation of health safety protocols as a requirement of permitted presence for persons entering any campus or facility owned or controlled by a TBR institution, consistent with guidance or directives from local, state, or federal authorities. (E.g., wearing a mask or PPE to prevent shedding/spread of a virus.)
      3. Establishment of requirements requiring individuals who travel to and from countries with active communicable disease outbreaks to report such travel and quarantine and/or isolate for established periods of time prior to entry/return to any campus/facility owned or controlled by the institution.
      4. Restrict business related travel to high-risk locations.
      5. Require individuals seeking to return to any campus or facility after any period of travel, to self-quarantine, or isolate and to provide evidence of testing, screening(s) or other information from a treating medical professional, that the individual is free from, or not likely to transmit, a particular infectious/communicable disease consistent with public health/medical guidance, as permitted by law, prior to returning to any campus/facility.
      6. Require individuals seeking to return to any campus or facility after any period of quarantine or isolation related to a diagnosis or exposure to an infectious/communicable disease to provide evidence of testing, screening(s) or other information from a treating medical professional, that the individual is free from or not medically likely to transmit a particular infectious/communicable disease at issue consistent with public health/medical guidance and as permitted by law, prior to returning to any campus/facility.
      7. Inquire about any symptoms recently experienced, consistent with an infectious/communicable disease, by any individual seeking to enter campus.
      8. Require an individual to submit to an appropriate medical evaluation from a physician of the College’s choosing at the College’s expense prior to entering any campus or facility.
      9. Consult with an individual’s physician (with appropriate consent) regarding the health of any individual relative to an infectious/communicable disease, prior to entering any campus or facility.
      10. Consult with public health authorities and/or other qualified persons or resources, to assist in determining any appropriate course of action.
      11. Exclude individuals from any campus/facility who are infected with, or have been exposed to, an infectious/communicable disease from any campus, facility, or activity. Employees will be subject to the College’s policies, procedures and other requirements for requesting/receiving benefits and leaves of absence.
      12. Offer accommodations to employees and students who are displaced from their regularly scheduled College events and/or activities due to an infectious/communicable disease.
      13. Activate College Emergency Operations to consider measures such as social distancing, College closure, cleaning procedures, travel monitoring, class suspension, use of PPE, etc.
      14. Implement other temporary action(s) that is/are reasonably required to prevent unacceptable risk of introduction or exposure of an infectious or communicable disease to a TBR institution’s campus or community, until the College is able to consult with a physician or local, state or federal authorities.
      15. Establish alternate work plans and/or education delivery plans.
      16. Implement all health/safety requirements imposed by federal, state, and/or local authorities as applicable to members of the college community.
   3. The primary focus of an institution’s infectious/communicable disease plan shall be maintain and protect the health and safety of the campus community.
   4. An institution’s infectious/communicable disease plan should permit, to the extent reasonably possible, students who are impacted by an infectious/communicable disease to continue to participate in an educational program. An institution’s infectious/communicable disease plan should permit, to the extent reasonably possible, employees who are impacted by an infectious/communicable disease to continue to work, as long as an employee is able to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily. The College will consider making reasonable accommodations for impacted students and employees consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws as well as guidance from public health authorities. Discrimination against and/or harassment of employees and/or students impacted by an infectious/communicable disease is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.
   5. Health care workers, personal service workers, and food service workers employed by the College will be expected to follow guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and protocols at Affiliate sites for the prevention of transmission of infectious/communicable diseases. The College will make educational materials on infectious, communicable diseases available for students and employees.
2. Responsibilities
   1. General
      1. Through the President and/or designee, the Institutional Administration will develop procedures and regulations concerning the outbreak of infectious, communicable, and/or life-threatening diseases that are appropriate to the particular circumstances and guidance, and consistent with this policy. The President and/or designee should include individuals with appropriate authority over essential functions of the College as well as persons with relevant medical/health education/experience in the process to develop procedures and/or regulations responsive to the outbreak of an infectious/communicable disease. Such procedures and/or regulations will be published to the institutional community as appropriate. In meeting its compliance obligations TBR institutions will prioritize, in descending order:
         1. Health and Safety of the Campus and Surrounding Community,
         2. Continuity of Education Mission for Students,
         3. Minimized Disruption of Employment for Faculty & Staff
   2. Environmental Health & Safety
      1. Plans will require the appropriate Vice President(s) or designees to coordinate environmental health & safety, police/security, custodial, and maintenance services personnel to ensure that procedures, regulations, and appropriate precautions are implemented to minimize the risk of introduction, exposure, and/or spread of infectious/communicable and/or life-threatening diseases. This will include special attention to custodial, public safety and other employees and students with increased likelihood of exposure to the infectious/communicable diseases.
   3. Internal Communication of Procedures
      1. Plans will include the requirement that the appropriate Vice President(s), Chief Human Resources Officer(s) or designees will ensure education and outreach programs are developed to provide employees and students with appropriate factual material regarding relevant disease protocols and precautions.
      2. Plans should ensure that clear guidance is provided about the referral of questions about infectious/communicable diseases or lifethreatening illnesses to the appropriate Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, designee, or the institution’s Employee Assistance Program.
   4. Response to Notifications
      1. Infectious/Communicable disease plans should provide for the response to information acquired by the institution regarding any individual present on an institution’s campus who is/has been diagnosed, infected, or exposed to an infectious/communicable disease. The plan will provide for the President and/or designee(s) to recommend medically reasonable efforts/action to confirm, assess, and respond to the reasonably anticipated risk to the campus community and communication with the appropriate health department authorities as required. Responsibilities will also include the confirmation of reports of infectious/communicable diseases impacting the institutions/campus/community.
   5. External Communications
      1. Infectious/Communicable disease plans should provide that decisions concerning official communications with external stakeholders will be disseminated from the President’s or other designated office. TBR institutions will follow Tennessee Department of Health guidance for reporting occurrences to appropriate health authorities.
   6. Confidentiality
      1. Infectious/Communicable disease plans shall provide that TBR institutions will maintain confidentiality of medical information received and will not disclose the identity of any individual who has been infected, diagnosed or exposed to an infectious/communicable disease, except to individuals with a need to know or as may be permitted or required by law, absent consent from the affected individual.
      2. College employees will be informed that they are to take reasonable precautions to comply with confidentiality obligations, e.g. FERPA, ADA, FMLA, HIPAA, and/or state confidentiality laws. An employee, other than the affected employee or student, who inappropriately releases confidential medical information shall be subject to disciplinary action, which may include termination of employment. In certain situations, specific government reporting requirements or a medical justification may necessitate the disclosure of health information, and nothing in this policy shall be construed to prohibit disclosure of health information consistent with mandatory and permissive disclosure laws and obligations.

Visitors on Campus

While visitors and guests are welcome on campus, the welfare and safety of the entire student body and the maintenance of its academic programs MUST be placed above all else. All visitors and guests should report directly to the main office to sign in and receive a visitor’s badge which is always to be worn while on campus. Tennessee College of Applied Technology faculty and staff are aware that many of its students are both students and parents and that there are often complicating factors that impact these two roles. However, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology - does not permit children who are minors to be on the campus without notice to, and permission from, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Administration. A child is anyone who is birth to 17 years of age. Any visitor, who brings or invites children to campus MUST maintain custody of the children while on campus and is responsible for the behavior and safety of the children while at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. All visitors will be provided safety glasses when visiting a shop area.

When a violation of this policy is observed, the Student Services Office should be contacted. It is the responsibility of this office to assess the situation and, with the assistance of security, take appropriate action, which may include escorting the student, employee or guest and children off campus.