Student Handbook
Student Handbook
Affirmative Action Policy
Under Executive Order 11246, as amended, an educational institution must have a written Affirmative Action Plan, documenting good faith efforts to end discriminatory practices in employment. Copies of Louisiana Delta Community College’s Affirmative Action Plan are available by request from Human Resources at (318) 345-9187 or hr@ladelta.edu. Several other types of federal legislation that prohibit discrimination also cover the College. Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended. Title VI prohibits discrimination against students or others on the grounds of race, color, or national origin. Title VII is the most comprehensive federal employment law and was extended in 1972 to cover educational institutions, both public and private. Title VII prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, or national origin. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. This includes many areas, for example, admissions, recruitment, financial aid, housing, athletics, student organizations, and employment of faculty, staff, and students. Sexual harassment is prohibited under Title IX. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. These laws, which prohibit discrimination against qualified disabled individuals, apply to admissions policies and hiring practices, and require removal of barriers, program accessibility, and reasonable accommodations to allow equal opportunity to disabled students, faculty, and staff. Those seeking academic or program accommodations because of a disability should contact the Office of Counseling and Disability Services at (318) 345-9152.
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 as amended. This Act prohibits discrimination in salaries (including almost all fringe benefits) on the basis of gender. Inquiries concerning the applications of all federal laws and regulations regarding discrimination, including sexual harassment, should be directed to the Dean of Student Success Services/Title IX Coordinator located in the Louisiana Purchase Building, Monroe Campus, Suite 144, by phone at 318-345-9145 or athomas@ladelta.edu.
Alcohol and Drug Statement
The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) requires the College to certify to the Department of Education that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees.
This program must include the following:
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
Description of legal sanctions
Clear statement of the College’s sanctions for violations
Description of any drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation services; 5. Description of the health risks associated with use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol.
The information below follows the requirements of the Act.
It is unlawful to possess, use, or distribute illicit drugs on LDCC property or at any College-sponsored event. 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 which lead to self-destruction.
The College abides by all state, federal, and local laws pertaining to alcohol and will enforce underage drinking laws. LDCC policy prohibits the consumption, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages or other drugs in or on any College property or while participating in any College-sponsored trip or activity. All state, local, and federal laws are enforced and may result in disciplinary action by the College as well as criminal prosecution. Violation of the underage drinking laws will be enforced.
The College provides drug awareness seminars throughout the year as well as referral services to students, faculty, and staff who seek help with substance abuse problems.
LDCC is a drug and alcohol-free campus and recognizes that drug and alcohol abuse is a major societal concern and problem. Such abuse leads to health problems, decreased productivity, crime and general weakening of our nation’s social fabric. Alcohol and drug abuse is especially destructive to education and learning, inhibiting educational, social and interpersonal development. It is the purpose of this policy to establish a comprehensive program to address the abuse of alcohol and drugs.
The following conduct is prohibited:
The use, consumption, possession, manufacture, furnishing, sale and/or distribution of illicit drugs, narcotics or other controlled substances, including marijuana.
The use, possession, manufacture, purchase, sale, furnishing and/or distribution of drug paraphernalia.
The use, consumption, possession, manufacture, purchase, sale, furnishing, and/or distribution of alcoholic beverages on College property, or at any of its activities, except as expressly permitted by College regulations and the law.
The use, consumption, possession and/or purchase of alcoholic beverages by persons under 21 years of age.
Operating or attempting to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
Public intoxication on College property.
Furnishing, serving and/or otherwise providing alcoholic beverages to persons under 21 years of age. College Sanctions
Students who violate the provision violates the College’s Code of Student Conduct and will be subject to sanctions, which could include criminal prosecution, suspension and/or expulsion.
Drug and Alcohol Prevention:
Area programs available for drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, or support services can be located by contacting the Office of Student Counseling and Disability Services, located in Office 155 on the Monroe campus or by calling 318-345-9152. Additionally, informational literature is available as well as various educational activities are provided annually to increase student’s awareness of alcohol and other drug related problems.
Career Services
LDCC Office of Career Services is committed to providing free career counseling services and offers a holistic approach to serving students by involving Campus Directors, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinators, and support services offices in planning and administering services to students. Career Services resources assist students in exploring and defining their career options. Career Coach, a website for career development, is available for students to complete career assessments and identify career goals. Handshake is a Career Services Platform that students, alumni, and employers can utilize when they sign up for the service. Once registered, students receive valuable career-centered advice, career podcasts, access to building a career portfolio and resume, and access to employer placement by applying for open job postings online. Employers have access to student resumes and the ability to post their organization’s employment positions on the Handshake site. This may further give students chances of securing employment.
In addition, students and alumni can find help with the job search process through workshops, job placement support, LDCC Career Services webpage, and annual Career Fairs. Students on all campuses have consistent access to the Office of Career Services processes through direct and online support.
Cell Phones
Cell phones must be set on vibrate or turned off while students are in the classrooms. In an emergency situation, the instructor may give a student permission to use a cell phone.
Clery Act
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC § 1092(f)) is the landmark federal law originally known as the Campus Security Act. This act requires colleges and universities across the United States to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. The LDCC Police Department provides the Annual Security Report/Fire Safety Report, and the report is furnished to both current and prospective students/employees as part of the College’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the LDCC community. The Annual Security Report/Fire Safety Report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings, on property owned/controlled by the Louisiana Delta Community College, and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies addressing sexual assault, and other matters. The Annual Security Report/Fire Safety Report is updated each year.
Communication Procedures for Students
LDCC student e-mails shall be the College’s official means of communication with all students. The College also retains the right to send official correspondence via traditional methods.
All enrolled students will be assigned an official Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) e-mail account. Official college communications shall be sent to their individual e-mail account, including, but not limited to, announcements of college-related activities, and student services notifications (student activities, student workshops, financial aid notifications, etc.) and actions (notification of probation, suspension, disciplinary actions, etc.)
Student Obligations:
This method of communication places certain obligations on each student.
Students understand they have a college e-mail account by attending LDCC.
Students shall responsibly manage their e-mail account in a frequent and consistent basis (i.e. archiving attachments, deleting old messages, and reviewing new messages, etc.)
Students understand that the College may supplement electronic communication with traditional mail.
Students are expressly forbidden from soliciting and receiving e-mails containing pornography or any other illicit materials. Violations will result in violation of the Code of Student Conduct and will be subject to disciplinary actions, including possible suspension or expulsion from the College.
College Obligations:
This method of communication places certain obligations on the College and employees.
The College will never lease or sell a student e-mail address to any advertisers and will take a pro-active approach to blocking unsolicited-bulk e-mail messages that could clutter a student’s e-mail account.
The College will provide access to computers with Internet capabilities on campus (e.g. open computer labs)
Forwarding of e-mail
The college will not automatically send or forward e-mail messages to non-college accounts. However, students can merge their LDCC emails with their personal emails. Students can go to Student Success Services on each campus for assistance.
Management of Student Accounts
The Information Technology Department is responsible for the establishment of the student e-mail accounts. Accounts will be provided with 30mg of storage space per students. Accounts will be active if a student is enrolled at LDCC. When students are within 90% of their mailbox quota, they will receive a message notifying then that their mailbox is almost full.
Examples of Appropriate Student Wide Distribution
Communicating student information from the Student Success Services Offices;
Notification concerning students’ change of course schedules (drop/adds) general petitions and withdrawals;
Notification of cancellation of registration;
Academic Department information such as class changes, registration issues, new courses and events;
New student information about academic support services and academic policies and procedures;
Payment deadlines and other business office/cashier information;
Surveys
Privacy of e-mail
LDCC uses various methods to protect the security of its computers and network resources and its users’ accounts.
Complaints
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. “Education records” are “those records, files, documents, and other materials which 1) contain information directly related to a student; and 2) are maintained by an educational institution” as per 20 U.S.C. §1232g(a)(4)(A); 34 CFR § 99.3. FERPA applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA allows the college to disclose education records or personally identifiable information with the written consent of the student.
Counseling and Disability Services
Counseling Services
Personal counseling services are offered to LDCC students to realize, develop, and fulfill their personal potential which will allow for maximum benefit of their college experience. Confidential and individual counseling appointments are available for students to help manage the challenges of college life, including balancing personal and academic responsibilities. Students may present for counseling to address concerns such as, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug use, stress, self-esteem, eating and body image, grief and loss, issues about sexuality, and relationship issues. The goal of counseling services at LDCC is to promote the overall educational programs by helping students strengthen communication skills, establish goals, and adjust to their academic and social environment. Students are asked to make an appointment by calling 318-345-9152 or sending an email to counseling@ladelta.edu to schedule an in-person counseling session or a virtual counseling session.
Classroom visits, workshops, and seminars are offered annually including topics such as stress management, sexual assault awareness, alcohol and substance abuse prevention, breast cancer awareness, and healthy relationships.
Disability Services
Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) strives to serve students with disabilities through compliance with Sections 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. These laws mandate that postsecondary institutions provide equal access to programs and services for students with disabilities without creating changes to the essential elements of the curriculum. While students with disabilities are expected to meet our institution’s academic standards, they are given the opportunity to fulfill learner outcomes in alternative ways. Examples of accommodations may include, but are not limited to, testing accommodations (i.e., tests read aloud, extended time), sign-language interpreters, relocation of inaccessible classrooms, permission to record lectures and note-taking assistance.
LDCC students requesting reasonable accommodations must self-identify with the Office of Student Counseling and Disability Services, a department located within the Department of Student Success Services. Students can call 318-345-9152 or send an email to counseling@ladelta.edu to schedule an appointment or for additional information. LDCC provides reasonable accommodations and services to ensure access to qualified students with disabilities who self-identify for services. The requested academic adjustments and auxiliary aids must relate directly to the disability and the relationship must be documented in the student’s medical or psychological reports.
Students must complete an Application for Services Form, which is located on the College’s website, and provide documentation of the disability to initiate disability services. Each student’s request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that individual needs are met. Also, students requesting accommodations must complete a Semester Accommodation Request Form, located on the College’s website, to renew academic adjustments and auxiliary aids each semester. Campus Directors or their designated representative at each of the community campuses will notify the Director of Disability Services, who will travel to the campus to meet with the student seeking assistance through Disability Services. Faculty and staff are also welcome to make referrals for students.
Free Expression Statement
Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) deems the free and open inquiry into all matters fundamental to the mission of higher education and is committed to the preservation of the lawful, free expression of ideas at all of its campuses, subject only to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. LDCC’s Campus Free Expression Policy can be found on the LDCC Website in the Department of Student Success Services tab.
Hazing Policy
In accordance with LDCC Policy SS_007.0 and Louisiana Revised Statute 17.1801, hazing is prohibited in any form on the Louisiana Delta Community College campuses.
For a definition of hazing and what activities it may include, please refer to LDCC Policy SS_007.0. Additionally, this policy advises any violation of this policy, including knowledge of and failure to report, may result in expulsion in the case of students and termination in the case of employees, and a suspension of activities for a minimum of one academic year of any student organization that participates in hazing.
If you believe hazing has occurred or is ongoing, file a report online on the LDCC website or contact the Dean of Student Success Services/Title IX Coordinator, the Campus Director, or Campus Police to make a report.
Identification Cards
All LDCC students are required to obtain College identification cards. The card allows students to access to College services such as library services.
Cards must be shown when requested by College staff. Identification cards are non-transferable and students who misuse these cards are subject to disciplinary action. There is no cost to students to receive the card. If an identification card is lost, it must be reported and replaced.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Louisiana Delta Community College is committed to providing educational opportunities to all students and employment opportunities to all persons, regardless of their economic or social status, and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or national origin, disability, age or any legally protected class. The Office of Counseling and Disability has been designated to coordinate efforts to comply with all laws and regulations applicable to qualified disabled individuals as required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Inquiries concerning the application of all federal laws and regulations regarding discrimination should be directed to Human Resources at (318) 345-9187 or hr@ladelta.edu.
Notice of Application
The rules, policies, and information presented in this Student Handbook applies to all LDCC enrolled students enrolled in any educational program on any of the eight campuses of LDCC. All rules, policies and information presented in this Student Handbook remain in effect and are applicable during official or unofficial breaks, closings, modified calendars, or College holidays.
Notifications and Disclosures Student Handbook
The Student Handbook provides important information on institution policies, procedures, services, and program. Every effort has been made to provide current and accurate information in this publication; however, all information contained in this Student Handbook is subject to continuous review and evaluation. As such, the college reserves the right to alter any or all information contained in this Student Handbook at any time. Please be reminded, the rules, policies and information presented in this Student Handbook remain in effect, and are applicable during official or unofficial breaks, closings, modified calendars, or college holidays.
Office of Retention Services
LDCC Office of Retention Services is committed to provide support for students to help them persist to graduation. This is accomplished by providing students assistance in securing community resources, tutoring resources, degree planning and providing referrals to campus resources and support services. The Office of Retention also monitors students’ academic progress and coordinates activities with Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinators that will foster academic and technical student success. The Office of Retention is ready to serve students with general success strategies that lead to the completion of their educational goals.
Office of Student Activities
Welcome to the Office of Student Activities
The Office of Student Activities (OSA) supports students to navigate the college experience successfully. OSA provides an environment for student collaboration, leadership opportunities, and involvement through programmatic experiences, shared governance, and student organizations. The office’s goal is to advocate for students and empower students by promoting intercultural understanding and preparing students to impact their communities positively.
Search and Seizure
Lockers and desks are the property of LDCC campuses and are loaned to students for the purpose attaining an education. As the property of the College, they are subject to search for contraband at any time upon the reasonable belief of the Campus Security that said lockers and desks may contain material that is not allowed on the College campus. Having a toolbox and operating a motor vehicle on campus are privileges granted to students. The granting of these privileges is conditioned upon the agreement that these articles may be searched by Campus Security if the student is suspected of having contraband materials such as weapons, illegal substances or drugs, alcoholic beverages, or other similar material. Local law enforcement authorities may be included in this process if Campus Security determines a need for such involvement.
Student Concerns
Student Concern Procedure
Purpose
The purpose is to provide students with a fair and efficient process to present and resolve concerns arising out of their academic and non-academic interactions with faculty, staff and students.
Non-Academic
Students who wish to file a non-academic concern must direct the concern in writing to the Department of Student Success Services at their campus. Concerns can also be submitted by completing the incident report/student concern form that is located on LDCC’s website.
Procedures:
Dean of Student Success Services will investigate incidents/concerns that take place on the Monroe Campus, and Campus Directors will investigate incidents/concerns on their respective campuses. These representatives will determine a resolution and respond in writing within 10 working days.
If the student is not satisfied with the response he/she may appeal the decision within 10 working days to the Executive Director of Enrollment Management, who makes the final decision.
Academic
Concerns from students about faculty members should be handled by the department involved.
Procedures:
Students who wish to file an academic concern about faculty should first contact the faculty member involved in effort to reach an informal solution.
If the concern is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student is to make an appointment with the Program Coordinator/Director who may then:
Talk to the faculty involved
Arrange a joint meeting between faculty member and student
Appoint a departmental committee to investigate the situation
If there is no solution at the departmental level, the student may take the concern to Academic Division Chair
If no solution at the faculty, departmental and Division Chair levels, the student may appeal to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
All written concerns are kept at the Campus Student Services Office written format and electronic format through the online student conduct software.
Student Life
Monroe Campus
Amphitheater: Concerts, theatrical performances, Fall Welcome Week, SpringFest Activities, and other events are held at the Amphitheater
Clubs and Organizations: There are a number of chartered student organizations are available to students. All College policies and procedures and the Code of Student Conduct will be adhered to while participating in any student activity, club, or organization. Student clubs and organizations are open to all students without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, qualified disability, marital status, veteran’s status, or sexual orientation.
LDCC’s Children's Lab School: The Monroe campus houses a Children’s Lab School that is open to children ages 3 and 4 years old. Applications are available at the operator’s desk or contact Ms. Sandee Clawson: (318) 345-9159 sclawson@ladelta.edu
Student Commons Area: Each campus offers a designated student lounge area with wireless Internet access where students can relax, study, watch TV or just hang out with friends. Study tables, cell phone charging stations, snack machines, and microwaves are available.
Student Government Association: The Student Government Association (SGA) is elected to represent and execute the student will and promote all students’ general welfare. Through the SGA, students are encouraged to provide input into the decision-making process of the College.
Campus Housing: LDCC does not offer on-campus housing at this time.
Community Campuses
LDCC’s community campuses offer students co-curricular learning opportunities through various activities and events that are held throughout the year such as Fall Welcome Week, Spring Fest, and SGA sponsored Black History Events and much more. Community Campuses have Student Government Association Senators that represent the interests of LDCC community campus students. Each community campus offers a designated student lounge, study tables, snack machines and microwaves.
Student Records Restricting/Releasing Education Records
A student has the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the college to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is as follows:
Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington DC 20202-4605
Title IX
Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education programs and activities that it operates including but not limited to admissions, financial aid, housing, facilities, scholastic, intercollegiate, club, and intramural athletics. Colleges and Universities are prohibited from doing so by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., and the U.S. Department of Education’s implementing regulations, 34 CFR Part 106. The College's nondiscrimination policy extends to admission, employment, and other programs and activities. Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and 34 C.F.R. Part 106 may be sent to the College’s Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, or both.
LDCC is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment and other benefits, programs, and activities free from gender-based discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The College prohibits all Gender-Based discrimination and Sexual Misconduct (including Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking). LDCC has adopted policies and procedures to be in compliance with the federal and state requirements related to the Title IX Act, the VAWA Act, and the SaVE Act. The College has also adopted a Sexual Misconduct Policy.
All campus community members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others. The College will take prompt and equitable action to eliminate Gender-Based or Sexual Misconduct, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects. The College will conduct ongoing prevention, awareness, and training programs for Employees and Students to facilitate and ensure sexual misconduct compliance. Complaints or reports of sexual misconduct should be submitted to the Dean of Student Success Services/Title IX Coordinator located in the Louisiana Purchase Building, Monroe Campus, Suite 144, by phone at 318-345-9145 or athomas@ladelta.edu. Sexual misconduct grievances can also be submitted to:
Ms. Meltida Wilson, Student Services Coordinator & Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Room 223, West Monroe Campus, 318-397-6102, meltidawilson@ladelta.edu. · Campuses: Jonesboro, Ruston, and West Monroe
Dr. Debra Jackson, Associate Professor & Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Winnsboro Campus, 318-367-6230, debrajackson8@ladelta.edu. Campuses: Lake Providence, Tallulah, and Winnsboro
Tobacco-Free Campus
All buildings of Louisiana Delta Community College are smoke-free and tobacco-free. Smoking, chewing, snorting and or any use of tobacco products or tobacco “like” products (such as e-cigarettes) by employees, students, and visitors are prohibited in buildings and on the college grounds. Students who violate the LDCC Tobacco Policy is subject to sanctions based on the College’s Code of Student Conduct.
Visitors in Classroom/Children of Students/Animals on Campus
To maintain an academic environment conducive to the well-being of all students, Louisiana Delta Community College prohibits visitors to the academic classroom without prior approval from the instructor or Academic Division Chair.
This protocol applies to the presence of children or pets of enrolled students. Children should not be left unattended in the parking lots, the student area, the buildings’ lobbies, or any of the service areas. Such a protocol protects the children and eliminates distractions student learning. All types of animals are prohibited on campus with the exceptions of those animals that assist students with disabilities and those animals that are used as part of teaching or instruction.
Weapons
Louisiana Delta Community College is a firearms-free campus. The possession of firearms, explosives, knives, weapons, or any item that may be construed as such is expressly prohibited on all College campuses. The possession of such weapons may result in disciplinary action based on the College’s Code of Student Conduct. These actions may include dismissal from the College and could also include criminal prosecution. There are some limited exceptions to this policy; for example, certified and licensed law enforcement personnel who are authorized to carry a firearm and select students attending law enforcement training classes and approved to carry a firearm by the administrators of those training sessions.