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SECTION VIII - COLLEGE POLICIES

 

DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY

In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) our institution has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and abuse of alcohol by students and employees. Certification of the program was submitted to the U.S. Department of Education to preserve our campus' eligibility to continue receiving Federal financial assistance.
For entire policy information, please visit:
http://www.plattsburgh.edu/offices/admin/hr/drugpolicy.php

EQUAL EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY

 

Plattsburgh State University, in recognition of its educational mission, its social concern, its responsibility for the personal development of individuals, and its concern for the rights of individuals hereby establishes this college Policy of Equal Education and Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action.

It is the policy of this college to provide equal opportunity in education and employment for all qualified persons; to prohibit illegal discrimination based on age, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, marital or veteran status, or handicapping condition; and to promote the full realization of equal education and employment opportunity through a positive and continuing program of affirmative action for the college as a whole and for each constituent unit.  It is the intent of the college to comply with the spirit of Federal and State regulations relating to the affirmative action obligations toward all protected classes, i.e., ethnic and racial minorities, handicapped persons, veterans, and women, not only because the regulations are law, but also because they prescribe morally just actions.

This policy governs all college educational and employment policies, practices and actions, including but not limited to, recruitment employment, enrollment, rate of pay or other compensation, advancement, upgrading, promotion, financial aid, demotion, renewal, non-renewal, termination, dismissal, transfer, layoff, leave, training, employee's benefits, grading and program access.

It shall be a violation of this policy to dismiss, discharge, expel, penalize, discipline, harass, adversely alter academic grades or otherwise discriminate against any student, faculty or staff member because he/she has opposed any discriminatory practices, filed an internal or external complaint/grievance, testified, or assisted in any proceeding, in accordance with this Equal Education and Employment Opportunity Policy.

This policy requires each contractor, supplier, union, public agency, or other cooperative agent to support this policy by complying with all applicable State and Federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations.

Responsibility and authority for the dissemination and implementation of this policy lies ultimately with the President of the college with assistance from the Affirmative Action Officer and the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee which shall consist of representatives from the campus faculty, staff and students.  Practically, the responsibility and authority to act affirmatively to provide equality of opportunity in education and employment lies with all who are in decision making positions within the college.  It is the intent of the college to commit appropriate resources and create a supportive atmosphere for the practical responsibility and authority to be exercised.

In compliance with this Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy, the college shall:

1. Publicize and disseminate its policy both internally and externally through outreach programs to inform each member of the campus community.

2. Take a census of present protected class employees and students and make the results of such a survey accessible to all employees, students, and applicants.

3. Develop goals and timetables to improve utilization of and/or access to protected classes in each case where under-utilization or under-representation has been identified.

4. Develop techniques and procedures for locating qualified members within the protected classes.

5. Develop criteria for evaluating and monitoring performance in conducting the programs established as a result of this policy.


SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

Claim Your Rights

"You have the right to pursue your studies or your job in an atmosphere that is free from harassing behavior, whether it be based on sex, gender, race, sexual orientation or age.

The College takes seriously its responsibility to provide an environment free from harassment - in the classroom, at your workplace, or anywhere on campus - please contact the Human Resources Offices for more information..

With your participation, we can maintain an environment where an individual's rights are respected."
Dr. Horace A. Judson, President

Policy

Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of the law (Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the New York State Human Rights Law) and will not be tolerated at Plattsburgh State University.

The college will not condone actions and words which a reasonable person would regard as sexually harassing.  It is the responsibility of every administrator, supervisor and faculty/staff member to create and maintain an environment that is free of discrimination and allows full access and opportunity for participation to all members of the college community.

Definition

The State University College at Plattsburgh as an educational institution is responsible for providing a sex-fair environment for both employees and students in which acts of sexual harassment are not to be tolerated.  Such acts are defined as unwelcome comments, gestures, or physical conduct that are experienced by the recipient as unwanted or inappropriate behaviors of a sexual nature that set conditions for employment or learning opportunities or that have the effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for learning or working.

Sexual harassment can occur in any number of circumstances and might involve students and their professors, co-workers in offices and departments, and students in their interaction with each other.  Harassment behavior could include such things as the following:

In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment, all of the information available should be examined, including the nature of the conduct and the context in which the alleged incidents occurred.

Primary responsibility for the implementation of the University Policy on Sexual Harassment rests with the President and his designated representative, the Human Resources Office.  That office will:

a) Ensure that accurate information about the policy and program to eliminate sexual harassment is disseminated, in a timely manner, throughout the College

b) Monitor the inquiry and informal complaint process.

The Human Resources Office will provide individuals with information about sexual harassment and assist them in bringing their concerns to the appropriate level of a formal process.

ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION

Policy
Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of the law (Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the New York State Human Rights Law) and will not be tolerated at Plattsburgh State University.
The college will not condone actions and words that a reasonable person would regard as sexually harassing.  It is the responsibility of every administrator, supervisor and faculty/staff member to create and maintain an environment that is free of discrimination and allows full access and opportunity for participation to all members of the college community.The Complaint Procedure for Review of Allegations of Unlawful Discrimination/Harassment applies to sexual harassment. (See section above.)
The Affirmative Action Officer will provide individuals with information about sexual harassment and assist them in bringing their concerns to the appropriate level of a formal process. (See http://www.plattsburgh.edu/policies/affirmativeaction/shover.php )

ACADEMIC GRIEVANCES

If a campus academic grievance committee has been established to review student complaints concerning grades, it shall continue to hear such complaints.  If discrimination is alleged to be the basis for the grade, the campus Affirmative Action Officer may at the request of the Academic Grievance Committee sit with that committee in an advisory capacity during the review.

 

Further Provisions on Time Limits

1. All of the time limits contained above, with the exception of the 45 day limit on the initial filing of grievances, may be extended by mutual agreement of the grievant and the President or his designee.

2. If the University or designee thereof at any step fails to review and/or respond within the time limits provided, the grievant may proceed to the next step.

3. If grievant fails to respond within the time limits provided, the grievance shall be deemed to have been withdrawn.

4. In the event of a question of the timeliness of any grievance, grievance appeal or response, the dating and signing of the document shall be determinative.  Any notices or documents sent by mail must be sent as registered mail and date of receipt shall be determinative.


STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE - Academic

Introduction

If a student believes that he has been unjustly treated by a member(s) of the faculty, he may wish to complain in the form of a grievance.  A grievance consists of a complaint and a request for action that will remove the cause(s) of that complaint.  Unjust treatment will be understood to be treatment which results in the significant deprivation of the student's rights relative to an academic matter.  Student rights include (but are not necessarily limited to) those rights stated in the AAUP Bulletin (cf. Appendix A).  In no case should unjust treatment be confused with an instructor's right and obligation to evaluate a student's course work.

Grievance Procedure Steps

A. Informal Level

1. The student should contact the faculty member(s) involved either in writing or in person to attempt an informal resolution of the grievance.  Note: Every attempt should be made by both parties to resolve the grievance at this level.

2. If the above step does not resolve the issue, the student should meet with the departmental chairperson who engages in further informal discussion with both parties to attempt a reconciliation.  The chairperson's decision to accept or not to accept a grievance must be conveyed in writing with a copy to the appropriate Dean.  Note: (a) the purpose of this step is to solicit the assistance of a third party not directly involved in the grievance in hopes that a third viewpoint will help resolve the issue at the informal level; (b) after discussing the grievance with both parties, the departmental chairperson may take this opportunity to make either a written or oral recommendation to either or both parties concerned; (c) in the event that the departmental chairperson is the party grieved, the student should meet the appropriate Dean who will inform the student of the alternate serving the chairperson's function in this case.

B. Formal Level

1. Filing of the Grievance Statement - If neither of the above informal measures resolves the issue, the student should immediately prepare a written statement of his grievance and submit copies of it to the departmental chairperson (one copy each for the chairperson, grievance committee, and faculty member(s) grieved against).  This step must be completed within 45 days after the alleged unjust treatment took place.  However, if there are extenuating circumstances, the student may be allowed up to an additional 45 days in which to submit his written grievance statement provided he obtains the written permission of the departmental chairperson.  Note:  For the purposes of this procedure a day is defined as an academic calendar weekday falling during the spring or fall semesters.

Note:  The written grievance statement submitted by the student should include:

a) a description of the action(s) which led to the grievance including the name of the instructor(s) involved, the course number and title, and the time and place of the alleged grievance;
b) a list of those persons who can supply information concerning the grieved action(s);
c) a description of any written documents related to the grievance;
d) a statement of the relief requested by the student;
e) a statement establishing that a good faith attempt at informal resolution has been made;
f) the grievance should be dated and addressed to the departmental chairperson and include the student's signature, local telephone number and local address.

2. Acceptance of the Grievance Statement - If, in the opinion of the departmental chairperson, the grievance is not of a significant nature, or if the unjust treatment did not occur within an academic context, the grievance will not be accepted at this level and the process terminates.

3. Constitution of the Grievance Committee - Upon receipt and acceptance of the written grievance statement, the department chairperson shall have 10 days (after the date of receipt) to convene a meeting of the department's grievance committee.  This committee may be established during this time-frame or may be a standing committee already in existence.  Note:  (a) the departmental chairperson may or may not serve on this committee but both of the parties involved are disqualified from membership, (b) the departmental grievance committee should consist of three persons, it should have one and only one student serve on that committee.  If the committee consists of five persons, it should have two and only two students serve on that committee.  At the beginning of each academic year, the chairperson of the department will select the student representative(s) to serve on the departmental grievance committee, subject to approval by the Student Association Vice President for Academics.

4. Committee Meetings - The department grievance committee should attempt to discover the relevant facts concerning the grievance.  The following guidelines apply to the meetings of the committee:

a) Both the student and the faculty member should have the opportunity to meet with the committee.

b) The student or faculty member may be represented by another member of the college community (including students, faculty and administrators).

c) At any point in the process, the student or faculty member has the right to submit additional information to the committee.

d) The student or faculty member may present witnesses or written statements of others for consideration by the committee.

e) No attorneys are allowed to represent either party at any stage of the grievance process.

f) No tape recordings or verbatim written transcripts are allowed at any committee meetings.

g) The student's address as given in the written grievance statement shall be the official address for all written correspondence to the student.

h) A serious attempt should be made by all of the parties involved to arrive at a prompt resolution of the grievance, if possible before the end of the semester in which the alleged unjust treatment occurred.

5. Withdrawal of the Grievance Statement - The student may withdraw his written grievance statement at any time by notifying the departmental chairperson of his/her desire to do so.  In the event that this is done, the chairperson shall notify the grievance committee and the faculty member(s) grieved against of the student's decision and the grievance procedure shall stop.

6. Committee Recommendations - The department grievance committee should arrive at a recommendation with regard to the relief requested by the student in the grievance statement.  This recommendation should be transmitted in writing to both parties and the Dean of the faculty within 10 (but not to exceed 20) days after the committee has been convened to consider the grievance.  Copies of the student's written grievance statement along with the written recommendation of the committee are to be kept in departmental files.

Appeals

Should the recommendation of the department chairperson (cf. II, B, 2.) or the recommendation of the department grievance committee (cf. II, B, 6.) be unacceptable to either party involved, each has the right of further appeal to the Dean of the faculty.  This appeal should be made within 10 days of the recommendation of the committee.

Approved by the Faculty Senate 3/7/78
Signed by PLATTSBURGH State University of New York President 3/21/78

This procedure supersedes all previous grievance procedures.


APPENDIX A OF THE STUDENT'S GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE EXCERPT FROM THE JOINT STATEMENT ON RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS OF STUDENTS, AAUP BULLETIN, SUMMER I.68.

The professor in the classroom and in conference should encourage free discussion, inquiry and expression.  Student performance should be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matter unrelated to academic standards.

a. Protection of Freedom of Expression

Students should be free to take reasoned exception to the date or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled.

b. Protection Against Improper Academic Evaluation

Students should have protection through orderly procedures against prejudiced or capricious academic evaluation.  At the same time, they are responsible for maintaining standards of academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled.

c. Protection Against Improper Disclosure

Information about student views, beliefs and political associations which professors acquire in the course of their work as instructors, advisors, or counselors should be considered confidential.  Protection against improper
disclosure is a serious professional obligation.  Judgments of ability and character may be provided under appropriate circumstances, normally with the knowledge or consent of the student.


STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

When a student feels that an unsatisfactory solution has been offered for a problem, all administrative procedures should be exhausted.  For example, if it is felt that an unfair evaluation in regard to a grade has been made, the instructor involved should be consulted first, next the department chair, and then the Academic Dean.  In the event all administrative procedures for resolving a grievance fail, the student should follow the prescribed grievance procedure.  This procedure is on file in the offices of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean and Chair of the department.


HANDICAPPED EMPLOYEE SELF-IDENTIFICATION

As a government contractor subject to Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, SUNY Plattsburgh is taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified Handicapped Workers. Handicapped Workers should inform the Affirmative Action Office of such condition. This information is voluntary. Failure to provide it will not subject Handicapped Workers to any penalty. However, in order to assure proper placement of all employees, it is requested that Handicapped Workers submit an answer to the following to the Affirmative Action Officer:


Information obtained concerning Handicapped Workers shall be kept confidential except that supervisors and administrators may be informed of the restrictions on the work or duties of Handicapped Workers and of the necessary accommodations.

SUNY Plattsburgh has developed a program to continue its efforts to employ and offer advancement opportunities to qualified Handicapped Workers. In implementing this program, SUNY Plattsburgh will adhere to its policy of not discriminating against qualified Handicapped Workers in any personnel actions including employment, upgrading, demotions, transfers, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoffs, terminations, rates of pay or other terms of compensation and selection for training.

Any Handicapped Worker who believes that he or she is being discriminated against in any personnel action because of a physical or mental handicap should discuss this matter with his or her immediate supervisor or appropriate administrator. Further, such complaint may be put in writing and forwarded to the Human Resource Office, Kehoe Building, Room 916.


VETERAN EMPLOYEE SELF-IDENTIFICATION

As a recipient of federal funds, Plattsburgh State University is subject to Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974.  Plattsburgh State University is taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified disabled and Vietnam Era veterans.  Disabled veterans or veterans of the Vietnam Era, should furnish the Human Resource Office with a copy of their military record, discharge papers or other relevant documentation.  Furnishing this information is voluntary; failure to provide it will not subject veterans to any penalty.

Information obtained concerning disabled and Vietnam Era veterans shall be kept confidential except that supervisors and administrators may be informed of the restrictions on the work or duties of disabled or Vietnam Era veterans and of the necessary accommodations.

Plattsburgh State University has developed a program to continue its efforts to employ and offer advancement opportunities to qualified disabled and Vietnam Era veterans.  In implementing this Program, Plattsburgh State University will adhere to its policy of not discriminating against qualified disabled and Vietnam Era veterans in all personnel actions including appointments, upgrading, demotions, transfers, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoffs, terminations, rates of pay or other terms of compensation and selection for training.

Any disabled or Vietnam Era veteran who believes that he or she is being discriminated against in any personnel action because of his or her status should discuss the matter with his or her immediate supervisor or appropriate administrative representative.  Further, such complaint may be put in writing and forwarded to the Director of Human Resources, Kehoe Building, Room 916.


INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE EXCERPTS FROM THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The use of animal subjects in scientific and educational activities is governed by professional standards of ethical conduct as well as by Federal and State regulations which reflect the general concerns of society.

New York State Law mandated the establishment of an institutional animal care committee which shall be responsible for evaluating the care of all animals held for research, teaching, or other activities by the State University of New York or by other resources under college auspices.  An animal care committee is required also by National Institute of Health policy and recommended by the Animal Welfare Act and the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care.  The National Institute of Health requires review of research protocols by the institutional animal care committee prior to submission of a grant application.

Plattsburgh State University is committed to humane care of laboratory animals in carrying out its research and training activities.  To insure that its concern be implemented and, further, to insure its compliance with professional, State and Federal regulations and requirements for animal use, it has established an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to be responsible for development and implementation of policies and procedures which will allow the college to fulfill these responsibilities and commitments.

Charge to the Committee

The IACUC shall serve as the advocate for the welfare of the animal subjects under study at this institution while representing and protecting the interests of the respective investigators and educators who use animals at this college.

The charge to this committee is to develop policies and procedures for the college faculty and staff for:

a. The review and approval of the use of animals in scientific and educational activities, the advisement of investigators on the humane treatment and proper care of laboratory animals.

b. The assurance of compliance with established policies, procedures and regulations and the review over time of experiments in progress.

c. The review of qualifications of research personnel and the provision of educational and training programs.

d. The review of the availability and conditions of physical facilities and the implementation of a program of periodic laboratory inspections.

e. The review of justifications of anticipated animal suffering and the provision of recommendations pursuant to such review.

f. Promulgation of current rules and regulations and changes thereof.

g. The development of a communication system to respond to concerns and activities of animal welfare groups.


h. Consultation and advice on animal care and use in the laboratory as requested by investigators.

i. Maintenance of required records as established NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts.

j. Submission of required reports as established by NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts.

Structure of the Committee

The committee will meet at least once each quarter of the calendar year to fulfill its responsibilities.  Specific functions will be carried out by one of four subcommittees to be appointed by the chairperson of the IACUC.  These subcommittees are:

a. Policy and Procedure Subcommittee
b. Animal Room Care Supervisory Subcommittee
c. Public Relations Subcommittee

Authority of the Committee

The Full IACUC Committee - evaluate applications for use of animal in research and teaching under categories D and E of Biomedical Experiments and review annual updating of animal use applications submitted by investigators for humane care and treatment according to procedures listed below and the ethical guidelines listed above.

The committee is empowered to make on-site inspections and recommend suspension of any project using animals operating within the institution.  In addition, the IACUC, through its chairperson, has the authority to take action during emergency situations in order to promptly rectify unacceptable conditions.

The committee has the authority to review and approve or disapprove all projects involving the use of animals in research or education.  The chairperson has the responsibility to assign and make recommendations on matters of committee business to the appropriate subcommittees.  The chairperson also has the authority to act as spokesperson for the IACUC.

Faculty Procedures

In order to expedite the appropriate review and approval for animal use, each individual contemplating initiation of a project involving animals must adhere to the following:

1. The principal investigator should contact the animal room supervisor to discuss plans for the physical requirements of the project as early as possible in the planning stage of the project and prior to the use of any animals in research or training.

2. The principal investigator will complete and sign the form "Application for Use of Laboratory Animals in Research and Training" and will have the opportunity to meet with the committee and to nominate additionally two people to act as ad hoc consultants.  (Applications are available through Sponsored Research Program.)

3. The principal investigator will also provide a description of personnel training or experience relative to animal experimentation along with the background of the responsible investigator in animal experimentation.  Documents listed in 2 and 3 above are to be submitted to the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs.

4. The principal investigator must submit a brief update of the research or teaching protocol to the IACUC on a semi-annual basis.  This report shall describe any major changes in the protocol such as change of species, change of anesthetic, or new surgical procedures.  If there are no major protocol changes, a statement shall be made to that effect.  This report must be submitted in accordance with the IACUC deadline for continuing use application.

5. The principal investigator, educator or course leader will provide instruction to his technical staff and/or students regarding specific techniques for the animal project and the aspects of humane care and treatment pertaining to that project, and insure that all technical personnel are familiar with those sections of the NIH Guide that pertain to techniques being employed.  (The project director can obtain assistance in these matters from the Animal Room Care Subcommittee.)

6. The principal investigator has the option to appeal any decision by the IACUC regarding animal use to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.  It is recommended that decisions regarding an appeal be made promptly, e.g. within thirty (30) days of submission of an appeal.  Individuals with expertise on the subject or an outside consultant may be called to aid in the appeal decision.  For example, the proposal might be sent to an animal care committee at another University for review.

For a complete copy of the Policies and Procedures of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee contact the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs, Kehoe 815.


MAINTENANCE OF ORDER ON CAMPUS FACULTY STATEMENT

American colleges and universities have long cherished the tradition of institutional autonomy.  Disruptive actions of militant students and faculty can profoundly threaten that autonomy because those actions may provoke distrust and hostility and lead to counter-measures on the part of other students, government, and public.  Disruptive acts can only be compounded by vengeful reprisals, repressive legislation, punitive reduction of public or private financing of higher education that will penalize all students alike or the withdrawal of outside initiative, of grants from students alleged to have taken part in riots.  In fact, it is just this situation that has led to the enactment of Article 129-A by the New York State Legislature.  This article mandates a "Regulation by colleges of conduct on campuses and other college property used for educational purpose".

The procedures and policy set forth here constitute a statement which is intended to comply with that portion of the law which apply to faculty, staff, visitors, licensees and invitees.  The faculty of this college believes that existing, regular academic procedures provide for adequate sanctions against faculty who engage in disruptive practices.  The faculty of this college also believes that it would be both unjust and destructive of institutional autonomy for additional punitive measures or external regulatory procedures to be imposed by outside

authority as a consequence of institutional discipline.  Consequently, it is the attempt here to provide for adequate self-regulation while thoroughly safeguarding the cherished academic
freedom and self-government which are the necessary conditions to academic greatness and to the freedom of the nation.

We recognize that demonstrations and confrontations on campuses across the nation are frequently a manifestation of deep and sometime profoundly moral discontent arising out of social injustice, public policy and, in some cases, out of inefficiency, irresponsibility and irresponsiveness within the institutions themselves.  It is necessary for all members of the academic community to seek appropriate remedies, encourage necessary change and discourage disruptive action.

Plattsburgh State University, like other colleges and universities, is committed to encourage and preserve the free search for truth and its free exposition throughout the academic community.  All members of the college are free within the law to engage in protest and dissent or support and assent in a peaceful orderly manner that does not attempt to restrain the freedom of expression, inquiry or movement of others.  All members of the college have the right of free access to the activities of the institution without physical interference, harassment, intimidation or coercion.  Each faculty member is obligated to conduct himself lawfully, maturely and responsibly and shares the responsibility of maintaining standards of behavior essential to the orderly conduct and safety of the college's function as an educational institution.  Those faculty who disrupt the institution's orderly conduct of its affairs and who obstruct or physically interfere with the personal or property rights or safety of others will be subject to charges and possible sanctions determined through orderly procedures of due process.  The situation may conceivably arise that the maintenance or academic order becomes a task beyond the powers of regularly constituted institutional agencies.  In such a situation, responsible administrative officers, after consultation with the executive committees of the Faculty Senate and the Student Association, may be required to call upon assistance from civil authorities.  The decision to call upon assistance from civil authorities must be made in the spirit of maintaining public order, and not out of political expediency.  Thereafter, every effort should be made to restore ordinary academic processes as quickly as possible.

The foregoing statement is consonant with the personnel policies of the college and with the policy statements of the American Association of University Professors.  It is based, in part, on the college "Guidelines" and on the "Resolution on Campus Disruption" of the AAUP approved at the fifty-fifth Annual Meeting May 2 through 3, 1969.

Definitions

1. Faculty - Any person employed by the Plattsburgh State University who falls within the definition contained in Article 1, Section 1.1 of the Faculty Bylaws.

2. Other Staff - Any person employed full or part time by the Plattsburgh State University not included in the above definition of Faculty.

3. Licensee and Invitee - Any person who is under contract or other kind of arrangement with the Plattsburgh State University to supply goods and/or services to the college or it related agencies or any person who comes to the campus of the Plattsburgh State University as a result of an invitation of any student or student group recognized by the college or of any faculty or staff member or official faculty or staff group, or any individual or organization which utilizes the facilities of the college.

4. Visitors - Any person, excluding all of the above, who enters the buildings and/or grounds of the Plattsburgh State University.

Any faculty member who disrupts the institution's orderly conduct of its affairs or who obstructs or physically interferes with the personal or property rights and/or the safety of others may be ejected from the institution by the security officer of that institution and may be charged with misconduct thereby subjecting himself to the kind and method of disciplinary action may, once due process has been followed, result in censure, suspension or termination of the appointment.  Misconduct is a serious charge.  Indeed, Article XIV of the Policies of the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York includes it as one of three causes whereby the services of members of the academic staff may be terminated at any time, continuing appointment notwithstanding.  Title D of this article is most specific and detailed.  It notes the due process accorded the faculty member so charged.  Faculty whose consciences demand that they express dissent through law violation must be prepared to accept the due processes and the penalties of the law.  They should not expect amnesty either from the efforts of the law or from academic discipline of their colleagues.  Acceptance of the due process and the penalties of the law in no way should be construed to relieve the faculty member so charged of charges of misconduct which might be properly brought against him/her.

The Faculty Bylaws of the State University College of Arts and Science at Plattsburgh has delegated to its Standing Committee on Faculty Affairs the responsibility for receiving and considering charges of misconduct.  This is contained in Section 2.9.2.1 of the Bylaws.  The Bylaws make no such delegation of responsibility or authority to academic unit faculty affairs committees of any responsibility for receiving and considering charges of misconduct.  Clearly, then, this is the province of the Standing Committee on Faculty Affairs.  Due process shall be accorded the faculty member charged with misconduct on this campus of State University of New York as follows:

1. Notice - When the Standing Committee on Faculty Affairs of this college receives a signed complaint against a member of the faculty containing allegations which, if true, either might serve as grounds for dismissal for cause OR some lesser academic sanction such as reprimand or censure, the Committee shall then cause an investigation of the complaint to be conducted.

2. If the Committee believes that charges should be brought against such person, the complaint together with such information as has been developed shall be transmitted to the chief administration officer of the college for action by him as outlined in Title D of Article XIV of the Policies of the Board of Trustees.  If he believes that charges should not be brought against such person, he may return the complaint and information to the Standing Committee on Faculty Affairs for further consideration.

3. If the Committee believes that charges should not be brought against such person but does believe that the complaint together with information available contain allegations which, if true, might serve as grounds for some lesser academic sanction, then the Committee shall cause a hearing to be conducted.

4. Conduct of Hearing - Such hearings will be conducted in accordance with rules established for grievance proceedings conducted by the Standing Committee on Faculty Affairs.

Other staff members of the Plattsburgh State University, visitors, licensees and invitees of the college are subject to all civil laws and Civil Service regulations, and any of the above who interfere with or attempt to interfere with the orderly operation of the college by harassment, intimidation, disorderly conduct, loitering, criminal trespass or other illegal acts shall be ejected by the institution's security officers and shall be reported  to appropriate civil authorities.


MAINTENANCE OF ORDER - REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING DISRUPTIVE ACTIVITIES OF STUDENTS ON CAMPUS

The college is committed to encourage and preserve freedom of inquiry and freedom of expression throughout the academic community.  All students of the college have the right of free access to the activities of the institution without physical interference, harassment or intimidation.  The college provides means for students who participate in policy making decisions and to discuss their problems directly with faculty and administration with the expectation that appropriate and expeditious actions in academic and non-academic matters may be anticipated through established democratic channels.  Each student of the college is obligated to conduct himself lawfully, maturely and shares the responsibility for maintaining standards of behavior essential to the orderly conduct and continuity of the college's function as an educational institution.  Students, similar to other members of the college, are free within the law to manifest protest and dissent or support and assent in a peaceful, orderly manner that does not restrain or attempt to restrain the freedom of expression, inquiry or movement of others.   A student who disrupts the operation of the college or obstructs or physically interferes with the personal or property rights and/or safety of others on the campus may be ejected from the campus by the security officers of this college and charged with misconduct by the college in accordance with established due process as set forth in the handbook of college regulations.  The college has an obligation to assure the continuity of the educational process by providing for the safety of individuals, the protection of property and the maintenance of public order.  In the event this continuity is threatened, however, the following procedures will be initiated:

1. College security officers will be called to maintain order and protect property.

2. The student government president will request those persons causing disruption to cease and to work through established student government channels to achieve their goals.

3. The President may convene an advisory body consisting insofar as possible of the following:  Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate, Director of University Police, members of the College Council Executive Council of the Student Association, President of the Alumni Association, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Vice President for Business Affairs, and Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

4. Students participating in the disruptive activity will be asked to cease and desist and to meet promptly with college officials to discuss specifically the problems which caused the disruption.  If there is non-compliance, the students will be informed that the college will proceed through legal channels as follows:

4.1  A restraining order will be obtained from an appropriate court and served promptly.

4.2  If students fail to comply with the restraining order, a contempt order will be obtained and all other appropriate aid from civil authorities will be sought.

5. In the event civil action has been taken, the college will cooperate fully with civil authorities.  Furthermore, after civil action has been completed, the college reviews the activities of the students to determine whether or not college regulations have been violated and in accordance with due process, take appropriate action.  Students should not expect amnesty either from the effects of civil law or college disciplinary action.

6. The President may suspend students immediately, require their ejection, and prepare charges for a hearing in accordance with due process.

7. College officials will not discuss student demands under conditions of harassment, coercion, intimidation or during any disruptive activities.

College Discipline and Civil Law

Students are expected to abide by local, State and Federal laws.  This institution will provide no sanctuary for those who violate such laws.  A student tried and convicted by a civil or criminal court may also thereby be considered in breach of college discipline, but the college must prove, by means of a hearing and due process safeguards, that the student has acted in a way that adversely affects or seriously interferes with the normal educational function of the college, or that injures or endangers the welfare of any other members of the college community.

Regulations

Violations of the following regulations will subject the violator to disciplinary action by the college:

1. A student aiding and abetting another person in violation of a College regulation will be subject to disciplinary action.

2. The Alcohol Policy of the College is in compliance with New York State Law,   which prohibits the sale or giving of any alcoholic beverage to any person under the age of 21 and which prohibits the purchase of any alcoholic beverage or possession of, with intent to consume, any alcoholic beverage by any person under the age of 21.

a. The sale, serving and consumption of alcohol on the Plattsburgh campus, outside the provision for legal personal consumption in residence halls, is allowed by the College exclusively through the Marriott Corporation.

b. Alcohol events or parties are not permitted in residence halls.  Only legal and personal consumption of alcohol, as defined in the Residence Hall Manual, is permitted in college residence halls.

c. Persons under 21 years of age may not possess alcohol on the college campus or be present in residence hall areas where there is an open container of alcohol.

3. Animals are not permitted in campus buildings.

a. Students who allow their pets to run loose on campus or allow them to create disturbances subject them to impoundment and subject themselves to disciplinary action.

4. Willful or careless destruction, defacement of or tampering with College property or property of others is prohibited.

5. Any offensive or disorderly act or display which interferes with the rights of others on the College campus is prohibited.

a. Harassment, threats, or verbal or physical abuse are prohibited.

b. Use of physical force to resolve conflicts is prohibited.


6. Illegal possession of, or using, dangerous drugs, as defined in the New York State Penal Law, or hallucinatory chemicals is prohibited.

a. Attendance at a party where illegal drugs have been used constitutes a violation.

7. Reckless or intentional acts which endanger the welfare of oneself or others is prohibited.

8. Failure to comply with the directions of College officials acting in the performance of their official duties is prohibited.

9. Giving false alarm of fire is prohibited.

a. Tampering with fire alarm devices or fire equipment is prohibited.

b. Failure to adhere to fire evacuation procedures is prohibited.

10. Willful falsification of information on College records or to College officials is prohibited.

a. Willfully providing false information for purposes of obtaining services is prohibited.

b. Use of another person's I.D. card or an invalid I.D. is prohibited.

11. It is prohibited to carry or contain guns of any kind on campus without the express written approval of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

a. Possession or use of fireworks on the College campus is prohibited.
b. Possession or use of dangerous chemicals, explosive materials, except as authorized in supervised academic programs, or weapons is strictly prohibited on the College campus.

12. Students are responsible for informing their guests of College regulations and will be held accountable for the behavior of their guests.

13. Hazing in every form is prohibited.  Hazing is considered to be interference with the personal liberty of others and includes any act of domination by some students over others which may lead to injury, emotional disturbance, physical discomfort or humiliation.

a. Harassment by banter, ridicule or criticism or playing abusive and humiliating tricks or pranks is prohibited.
b. Hazing which involves the forced consumption of alcohol or drugs is prohibited.

14. Students using college library facilities are expected to know and abide by the regulations governing the library as set forth in the library brochure available in the library.  Failure to abide by these regulations may result in judicial procedures.

 


15. Obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures or other College activities, including public service functions or other authorized activities on campus, is prohibited.

16. Students living in College residence halls are expected to know and abide by the regulations governing residence life as set forth in the Residence Hall Manual, furnished to each student along with a housing contract.  Failure to abide by these regulations may result in judicial procedures.

17. Sexual exploitation of others is prohibited.  This includes sexual activity forced on another person against his or her will, either by physical or psychological force.  Sexual exploitation also includes obscene phone calls, sexual harassment, indecent exposure, courtship violence, and sexual assault.

18. Theft of property on the College campus is prohibited.

a. Theft of services on the College campus is prohibited.
b. Removal of College property from common use areas is not permitted.
c. Removal of books or other items from College facilities without following prescribed procedures is prohibited.
d. Possession of property illegally procured is prohibited.

19. Entering any College facility except in accordance with established regulations is prohibited.

20. Use of the name of the College is prohibited unless specifically authorized in writing by the President of the College or his delegated representative.

21. Students who violate the conditions of their probation are thereby in violation of College regulations.

22. Students who violate local, state, and federal laws are thereby in violation of College Regulations.

Disciplinary Actions

Official disciplinary action is of four types: reprimand, social probation, suspension and dismissal.  A reprimand is a written statement by the Vice President for Student Affairs censuring the student for violation of college regulations and warning him that further violation will result in more severe disciplinary action. 

Social probation is a status given a student for a specified period of time during which his social activities may be restricted by one or more specific directives.  During the period of social probation, further violation of college regulations, after a hearing with due process safeguards, may result in immediate dismissal from the college.  Suspension is an involuntary separation of the student from the college for a specified period of time or until specified conditions are met.  At the termination of the suspension period, or when the specified conditions are met, readmission, through the Admissions Office, is automatic.  Dismissal is an involuntary separation from the college without condition. 

A student who has been dismissed will not be considered for readmission until at least six months have elapsed.


A written statement announcing and describing disciplinary action will be transmitted to the student, a copy sent to the parent, or guardian and a copy inserted in the student's personal file.


MAINTENANCE OF ORDER ON CAMPUS - BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Rules and regulations for maintenance of public order on premises of State operated institutions of the State University of New York adopted by the Board of Trustees of the State University on June 18, 1969, and amended by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees on July 10, 1969, as amended by the Board of Trustees of State University of New York at a special meeting April 9, 1970.

1. Statement of Purpose - The following rules are adopted in compliance with Section 6450 of the Education Law and shall be filed with the Commissioner of Education and the Board of Regents on or before July 20, 1969, as required by that section.  Said rules shall be subject to amendment or revision and any amendments or revisions thereof shall be filed with the Commissioner of Education and Board of Regents within ten days after adoption. 

Nothing herein in intended, nor shall it be construed, to limit or restrict the freedom of speech nor peaceful assembly.  Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the objectives of a higher educational institution.  Similarly, experience has demonstrated that the traditional autonomy of the educational institution (and the accompanying institutional responsibility for the maintenance of order) is best suited to achieve these objectives.  These rules shall not be construed to prevent or limit communication between and among faculty, students and administration, or to relieve the institution of its special responsibility for self regulation in the preservation of public order.  Their purpose is not to prevent or restrain controversy and dissent but to prevent abuse of the rights of others and to maintain that public order appropriate to a college or university campus without which there can be no intellectual freedom and they shall be interpreted and applied to that end.

2. Application of Rule - The rules shall apply to all State-operated institutions of the State University.  These rules may be supplemented by additional rules for the maintenance of public order heretofore or hereafter adopted for any individual institution, approved and adopted by the State University Trustees and filed with the Commission of Education and Board of Regents, but only to the extent that such additional rules are not inconsistent herewith.  The rules hereby adopted shall govern the conduct of student, faculty and other staff, licensees, invitees and all other persons, whether or not their presence is authorized, upon the campus of any institution to which such rules are applicable and also upon or with respect to any other premises or property, under the control of such institution, used in its teaching, research, administrative, service, cultural, recreational, athletic and other programs and activities, provided, however, that charges against any student for violation of these rules upon the premises of any such institution other than the one at which he is in attendance shall be heard and determined at the institution in which he is enrolled as a student.

3. Prohibited Conduct - No person, either singly or in concert with others shall:

a. Willfully cause physical injury to any other person, nor threaten to do so for the purpose of compelling or inducing such other person to refrain from any act which he has a lawful right to do or to do any act which he has a lawful right not to do.

b. Physically restrain or detain any other person, nor remove such person from any place where he is authorized to remain.

c. Willfully damage or destroy property of the institution or under its jurisdiction, nor remove or use such property without authorization.

d. Without permission, expressed or implied, enter into any private office of an administrative officer, member of the faculty or staff member.

e. Enter upon and remain in any building or facility for any purpose other than its authorized uses in such manner as to obstruct its authorized uses or in such manner as to obstruct its authorized use by others.

f. Without authorization, remain in any building or facility after it is normally closed.

g. Refuse to leave any building or facility after being  required to do so by any authorized administrative officer.

h. Obstruct the free movement of persons and vehicles in any place to which these rules apply.

i. Deliberately disrupt or prevent the peaceful and orderly conduct of classes, lectures and meetings or deliberately interfere with the freedom of any person to express his views, including invited speakers.

j. Knowingly have in his possession upon any premises to which these rules apply, any rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver or other firearm or weapon without the written authorization of the chief administrative officer whether or not a license to possess the same has been issued to such person.

k. Willfully incite others to commit any of the acts herein prohibited with specific intent to procure them to do so.

4. Freedom of Speech and Assembly, Picketing and Demonstrations

a. No student, faculty or other staff member or authorized visitor shall be subject to any limitation or penalty solely for the expression of his views nor for having assembled with others for such purpose.  Peaceful picketing and other orderly demonstrations in public areas of ground and building will not be interfered with.  Those involved in picketing and demonstrations may not, however, engage in specific conduct in violation of the provisions of the preceding section.

b. In order to afford maximum protection to the participants and to the institutional community, each State-operated institution of the State University shall promptly adopt and promulgate, and thereafter continue in effect as revised from time to time, procedures appropriate to such institution for the giving of reasonable advance notice to such institution of any planned assembly, picketing or demonstration upon the grounds of such institution, its purposed locale and intended purpose, provided, however, that the giving of such notice shall not be made a condition precedent to any such assembly, picketing or demonstration and provided, further that this provision shall not supersede nor preclude procedures in effect at such institution for obtaining permission to use the facilities thereof.

5. Penalties - A person who shall violate any of the provisions of these rules (or of the rules of any individual institution supplementing or implementing these rules) shall:

a. If he is a licensee or invitee, have his authorization to remain upon the campus or other property withdrawn and shall be directed to leave the premises.  In the event of his failure or refusal to do so, he shall be subject to ejection.

b. If he is a trespasser or visitor without specific license or invitation, be subject to ejection.

c. If he is a student, be subject to expulsion or such lesser disciplinary action as the facts of the case may warrant, including suspension, probation, loss of privileges, reprimand or warning.

d. If he is a faculty member having a term or continuing appointment be guilty of misconduct and be subject to dismissal or termination of his employment or such less disciplinary actions the facts may warrant including suspension without pay or censure.

e. If he is a staff member in the Classified Service of the Civil Service, described in Section 75 of the Civil Service Law, be guilty of misconduct and be subject to the penalties prescribed in said section.

f. If he is a staff member other than one described in subdivision (d) and (e), be subject to dismissal, suspension without pay or censure.

6. Procedure

a. The chief administrative officer or his designee shall inform any licensee or invitee who shall violate any provisions of these rules (or if the rules of any individual institution supplementing or implementing these rules) that his license or invitation is withdrawn and shall direct him to leave the campus or other property of the institution.  In the event of his failure or refusal to do so such officer shall cause his ejection from such campus property.

b. In the case of any other violator, who is neither a student nor faculty or other staff member, the chief administrative office or his designee shall inform him that he is not authorized to remain on the campus or other property of the institution and direct him to leave such premises.  In the event of his failure or refusal to do so such officer shall cause his ejection from such campus or property.  Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to authorize the presence of any such person at any time prior to such violation nor to affect his liability to prosecution for trespass or loitering as prescribed in the Penal Law.

c. In the case of a student, charges for violation of any of these rules (or of the rules of any individual institution supplementing or implementing these rules) shall be presented and shall be heard and determined in the manner hereinafter provided in Section 535.9 of this part.

d. In the case of a faculty member having a continuing or term appointment, charges of misconduct in violation of these rules (or of the rules of any individual institution supplementing or implementing these rules) shall be made, heard and determined in accordance with Title D of Part 338 of the Policies of the Board of Trustees.

e. In the case of any staff member who holds a position in the Classified Civil Service, described in Section 75 of the Civil Service Law, charges of misconduct in violation of these rules (or of the rules of any individual institution supplementing or implementing these rules) shall be made, heard and determined as prescribed in that section.

f. Any other faculty or staff member who shall violate any provision of these rules (or of the rules of any individual institution supplementing or implementing these rules) shall be dismissed, suspended or censured by the appointing authority prescribed in the Policies of the Board of Trustees.

7. Enforcement Program

a. The chief administrative officer shall be responsible for the enforcement of these rules (or of the rules of any individual institution supplementing or implementing these rules) and he shall designate the other administrative officers who are authorized to take action in accordance with such rules when required or appropriate to carry them into effect.

b. It is not intended by any provision herein to curtail the right of students, faculty or staff to be heard upon any matter affecting them in their relations with the institution.  In the case of any apparent violation of these rules (or of the rules of any individual institution supplementing or implementing these rules) by such persons, which, in the judgment of the chief administrative officer or his designee, does not pose any immediate threat of injury to person or property, such officer may make reasonable effort to learn the cause of the conduct in question and to persuade those engaged herein to desist and to resort to permissible methods for the resolution of any issues which may be presented.  In doing so, such officer shall warn such persons of the consequences of persistence in the prohibited conduct, including their ejection from any premises of the institution where their continued presence and conduct is in violation of these rules (or of the rules of any individual institution supplementing or implementing these rule).

c. In any case where violation of these rules (or of the rules of any individual institution supplementing or implementing these rules) does not cease after such warning and in other cases of willful violation of such rules, the chief administrative officer or his designee shall cause the ejection of the violator from any premises which he occupies in such violation and shall initiate disciplinary action as herein before provided.

d. The chief administrative officer or his designee may apply to the public authorities for any aid which he deems necessary in causing the ejection of any violator of these rules (or of the rules of any individual institution supplementing or implementing these rules) and he may request the State University counsel to apply to any court of appropriate jurisdiction for an injunction to restrain the violation or threatened violation of such rules.

Section 7.1 - Said Part is hereby amended by adding a new section, to be Section 535.9, reading as follows:

a. The term "chief administrative officer" as used in these rules shall be deemed to mean and include any person authorized to exercise the powers of that office during a vacancy therein or during the absence or disability of the incumbent.

b. Whenever a complaint is made to the chief administrative officer of any State-operated institution of the University of a violation by a student of the rules prescribed in this Part (or any rules adopted by an individual institution supplementing or implementing such rules) or whenever he has knowledge that such a violation may have occurred, he shall cause an investigation to be made and the statements of the complainants, if any, and of other persons having knowledge of the facts reduced to writing.  If he is satisfied from such investigation and statement that there is reasonable ground to believe that there has been such a
violation he shall prepare or cause to be prepared charges against the student or students alleged to have committed such violation which shall state the provision prescribing the offense and shall specify the ultimate facts alleged to constitute such offense.

c. Such charges shall be in writing and shall be served on the student or students named therein by delivering the same to him or them personally, if possible, or, if not, by mailing a copy of such charges by registered mail to such student or students at his or their usual place or places of abode while attending college and also to his or their home address or addresses, if different.

d. The notice of charges so served shall fix a date for hearing thereon not less than ten nor more than fifteen days from the date of service which shall be the date of mailing where necessary to effect service by mail.  Failure to appear in response to the charges on the date fixed for hearing, unless there has been a continuance for good cause shown, shall be deemed to be an admission of the facts stated in such charges and shall warrant such action as may then be appropriate thereon.  Before taking such action, the hearing committee, hereinafter referred to, shall give notice to any student who has failed to appear, in the manner prescribed in paragraph (c) of its proposed findings and recommendations to be submitted to the chief administrative officer and shall so submit such findings and recommendations ten days thereafter unless the student has meanwhile shown good cause for his failure to appear, in which case a date for hearing shall be fixed.

e. Upon demand at any time before or at the hearing the student charged or his representative, duly designated, shall be furnished a copy of the statements taken by the chief administrative officer in relation to such charges and with the names of any other witnesses who will be produced at the hearing in support of the charges, provided, however, that this shall not preclude the testimony of witnesses who were unknown at the time of such demand.

f. The chief administrative officer may, upon the service of charges, suspend the student named therein, pending the hearing and determination thereof, whenever, in his judgment, the continued presence of such student would constitute a clear danger to himself or to the safety of persons or property on the premises of the institution or would pose an immediate threat of disruptive interference with the normal conduct of the institution's activities and functions, provided, however, that the chief administrative officer shall grant an immediate hearing on request of any student so suspended with respect to the basis for such suspension.

g. There shall be constituted at each State-operated institution a hearing committee to hear charges against students of violation of the rules for maintenance of public order prescribed by or referred to in this Part.  Such committee shall consist of three members of the administrative staff and three members of the faculty, designated by the chief administrative officer, and three students who shall be designated by the members names by the chief administrative officer.  Each such member shall serve until his successor or replacement has been designated.  No member of the committee shall serve in any case where he is a witness or is or has been directly involved in the events upon which the charges are based.  In order to provide for cases where there may be such a disqualification and for cases of absence or disability, the chief administrative officer shall designate an alternate member of the administrative staff and an alternate member of the faculty and his principal designees shall designate an alternate student member to serve in such cases.  Any five members of the committee may conduct hearings and make findings and recommendations as hereinafter provided.

h. The hearing committee shall not be bound by the technical rules of evidence but may hear or receive any testimony or evidence which is relevant and material to the issues presented by the charges and which will contribute to a full and fair consideration thereof and determination thereon.  A student against whom the charges are made may appear by and with representatives of his choice.  He may confront and examine witnesses against him and may produce witnesses and documentary evidence in his own behalf.  There may be present at the hearings: the student charged and his representatives and witnesses; other witnesses; representatives of the institutional administration; and, unless the student shall request a closed hearing, such other members of the institutional community or other persons, or both, as may be admitted to the hearing committee.  A transcript of the proceedings shall be made.

i. Within twenty days after the close of a hearing, the hearing committee shall submit a report of its findings of fact and recommendations for disposition of the charges to the chief administrative officer, together with a transcript of the proceedings, and shall at the same time transmit a copy of its report to the student concerned or his representative.  Within ten days thereafter the chief administrative officer shall make his determination thereon.  Final authority to dismiss the charges or to determine the guilt of those against whom they are made and to expel, suspend or otherwise discipline them shall be vested in the chief administrative officer.  If he shall reject the findings of the hearing committee in whole or in part, he shall make new findings which must be based on substantial evidence in the record and shall include them in the notice of his final determination which shall be served upon the student or students with respect to whom it is made.

Further resolved that amendments and additions made by this resolution shall take effect immediately, and that Section 535.9 as added to Part 535 by this resolution shall apply to charges for violation of the rules prescribed by or referred to in this Part heretofore served which have been finally determined within sixty days after the adoption hereof, which charges shall be referred to the committee constituted pursuant to said Section 535.9 for determination in accordance therewith, and said section shall apply to all charges for violation of such rules hereafter made, whether for violations heretofore or hereafter committed, and

Further resolved that the amendments or additions made by this resolution shall be forthwith filed with the Commissioner of Education and the Board of Regents in compliance with Section 6450 of the Education Law.


CAMPUS POLICY ON THE USE OF HUMAN SUBJECTS

The Committee on the Protection of Human Subjects (COPHS) was established in 1972, pursuant to requirements by the This federal agency specified that all institutions of higher learning must create such a committee and further specified strict guidelines for the committee's operation.  Under federal regulation, the committee is to be the final authority regarding research involving human subjects on the campus.  Failure of a university or college to establish a committee on the protection of human subjects and to provide it with the appropriate authority results in the loss by that institution of all federal funding. 

Since the committee was established, members of the committee have worked to write and revise institutional policies and practices that would provide true protection for human subjects with minimal interference in academic or research activities.  The institutional policies and procedures specified in this
document have been approved by the Committee on the Protection of Human Subjects (COPHS) and are operational at this time.

Preamble

All research, experimentation, teaching, and other activities involving the use of human subjects conducted under the aegis of Plattsburgh State University of New York are under the jurisdiction of the COPHS.  Consequently, all such activities are subject to review and approval by the committee.  In deciding whether or not approval will be granted for a particular study or project, the committee will consider:

a. the rights and welfare of the individuals involved,
b. the appropriateness of the methods proposed to be used in obtaining the "informed consent" of the individual involved,
c. the risks of the human subjects and the potential benefits involved.

Mindful of the profound implications of its charge, the committee is yet concerned that its activities and jurisdiction not obstruct in any way the vigorous implementation of legitimate academic research and teaching programs in which proper attention has been given to the rights and welfare of human subjects who may be involved as participants.  It is clear that there will be occasions when these two goals (the committee's responsible discharge of its duty and the freedom of an investigator to organize and conduct a project in the way he/she chooses) come into conflict.  Indeed, it is not difficult to conceive of circumstances in which the goals may be mutually exclusive.  The committee, in such cases, will make every attempt, with the investigator/s, to ameliorate or to resolve the problem/s.  In so committing itself, however, the committee emphasizes that it does have final campus jurisdiction in regard to studies in which human subjects are involved.

It is thus incumbent upon those proposing the use of human subjects in projects that may be viewed (by the committee) as compromising the rights and/or welfare of the subjects to persuade the committee that these rights and welfares will be protected under the protocol proposed for use.  The institutional practices outlined in this document are designed both to facilitate the development and processing of proposals from members of the faculty, staff and student body and to ensure that not only the letter but the spirit of the Federal regulations governing the use of human subjects in research or teaching projects are met. 

A.  WHEN TO SUBMIT A PROTOCOL TO THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROTECTION OF 
      HUMAN SUBJECTS

The protection of human subjects is paramount.  All research must employ procedures designed to minimize the risk of physical, psychological or social harm to subjects.  The ultimate responsibility for assuring such protection resides with the investigator.  Responsibility also resides with the investigator's department chairperson/supervisor and the Committee on the Protection of Human Subjects (COPHS).  A research project involving the use of human subjects including one that is conducted in conjunction with a college course may require review by the department chairperson and COPHS before it can be conducted.

The responsibility for submission of requests for review of a research project is the responsibility of the investigator.  Investigators should use the following three categories of research activities as a guideline for determining the extent of COPHS review required.  Questions concerning the classification of a particular study into one of these three categories should be directed to the chair of the COPHS. 


CATEGORY I - Exempt Research (Limited COPHS review required)

Investigators who feel their projects fall under this category must file a memorandum along with a copy of the instruments to be used to the Chair of COPHS which briefly describes the nature of the project and explains how anonymity will be guaranteed at least two weeks before commencing with the project for determination of exemption.

 1.  Projects involving collection of data through the use of opinion surveys, questionnaires or
      interviews (e.g., opinion surveys, marketing surveys, exit interviews) for which response is
      voluntary and completely anonymous.  When data gathered concerns issues of personal
      sensitivity (e.g., drug use, criminal behavior, sexual behavior, or employability, financial
           standing or reputation) careful attention is needed to assure complete anonymity with no
      linkable, individually identifiable data.

 2.  Projects limited to activities involving normal educational practices in commonly accepted
      educational settings (e.g., in-class demonstration studies, laboratory exercises, and studies of
      curriculum or teaching strategies).

 3.  Usually, any study, which requires that subjects be removed from their normal classroom
      situation for testing, and/or involves minor children, is not exempt.

 4.  Projects limited to the observation of public behavior for which anonymity of subjects is
      maintained.

 5.  Projects limited to the examination and analysis of existing data or specimens so long as these
are publicly available and individual subjects will not be identified in any report of the   research. 

CATEGORY II - Research Activities Subject to Expedited Review

The project does not meet the criteria for Category I and involves no more than minimal risk to the subject.  Minimal risk is defined as "the risks of harm, anticipated in the proposed research are not greater, considering probability and magnitude, than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during the performance of routine physical or psychological examinations or tests" (Code of Federal Regulations).  Projects that require expedited review include the following:

 1.  Most laboratory investigations of cognition, perception, social behavior and personality.
 
 2.  Any long term investigation of the same individuals where identifying information (including
      coding schemes) must be maintained with the subject's data.

 3.  Studies that require the examination of existing data or specimens that are not publicly
      available.

 4.  Studies involving the collection of voice or video recordings.

 5.  Studies of healthy individuals involved in moderate exercise.


CATEGORY III - Research Activities Subject to Full COPHS Review

 1.  Projects that do not meet the criteria for Category II because subjects will be exposed to
      more than minimal risk (e.g., use of invasive techniques or unusual therapeutic techniques
      such as hypnosis).

 2.  Projects involving the use of deception.

 3.  Projects requiring the use of subjects from populations in need of special protection (e.g.,
      prisoners, individuals with disabilities, victims of abuse, pregnant women, and children).


B.  THE COPHS REVIEW PROCESS

Many exempt projects (Category I) can be conducted without full COPHS review, but require the filing of a memorandum explaining the proposed research and attaching a complete copy of the instrument/s to be used with COPHS two weeks before data collection begins.  In these cases, the chair of COPHS and a designated member of the Committee will evaluate the effectiveness of procedures designed to maintain the anonymity of subjects.  If these procedures are not deemed adequate, then specific changes for improving the protection of anonymity will be requested or the investigator will be asked to submit a protocol for COPHS review. 

If the project requires expedited (Category II) of full review (Category III), then you must submit a protocol to the COPHS.

Ordinarily, it takes at least three weeks to complete an expedited (Category II) review.  The expedited review is done by mail ballot.  Each member of the COPHS receives a copy of the protocol for review.  Members are allowed three weeks to register any concerns or objections they might have to the manner in which human subjects will be used.  Concerns or objections can often be dealt with by having the investigator respond to the specific concerns.  If the concerns/objections warrant, a full COPHS review may be conducted.

Full COPHS review (Category III), includes a formal hearing during which the COPHS members may ask questions directly of the investigator/s about the need for the planned use of human subjects.  During the hearing, investigator/s may amend their proposal in response to concerns of COPHS members.  After the hearing, COPHS members vote to either approve or disapprove the proposed project. 

If an Application for the Use of Human Subjects is not approved by COPHS, the investigator may resubmit an application taking into account the recommendations made by COPHS.  No activity involving the use of human subjects may proceed without the approval of COPHS.  All work must immediately cease with all copies of all related materials surrendered to the Chair of COPHS for destruction.  Failure to comply with this policy may result in a recommendation for disciplinary action on accordance with the relevant collective bargaining agreement, Board of Trustees Policies, and institutional policies. 

C.  HOW TO PREPARE A PROTOCOL

In order for the COPHS to have adequate information on which to base their review of a proposed project, the investigator or instructor submitting a proposal must attach a written description of the project.  This description must at a minimum specify the following:

1.  The purpose and significance of the project including a statement of hypotheses to be tested and an indication of the theoretical, biomedical, and/or social significance of potential  findings.

 2.  A description of the population of human subjects that will be used and a description of the
procedures that will be used for recruiting subjects, for obtaining informed consent (a copy of the proposed informed consent form must be attached), for assuring the confidentiality of their data and for debriefing them. 
 
 3.  A description of the materials to which subjects will be exposed during the course of the
study, procedures for conducting the study, and a description of the independent and dependent variables under study. 
 
 4.  Complete the Application for the USE of Human Subjects and respond to al questions on the
      face page and page two.


D.  ADDITIONAL POLICIES
 
 1.  All communications with the COPHS should be submitted to the Office of Sponsored
      Research and Programs, 815 Kehoe Building.
 
 2.  Approved protocols are good for a period of one year.  If a project continues beyond one year
      and the investigator/instructor has not made any significant changes in the procedures
      outlined in the original protocol, a memorandum requesting re-approval is all that must be
      submitted.  Any significant change requires a new review by the COPHS.

 3.  Informed consent forms must be retained by the investigator/instructor for a period of not less
      than three years following the termination of the project.  Informed consent forms must
      always e securely stored separately from the research/study data and under the protection of
      the investigator. 

 4.  At any point during the project, problems arising from the use of human subjects must be
      reported to COPHS.

 5.  Within thirty (30) days of the conclusion of data collection on an approved project, a
      memorandum must be filed with COPHS indicating project termination and specifying any
      difficulties that occurred with the use of human subjects. 


E.  INFORMED CONSENT

"Informed consent" means the knowing consent of an individual, or his/her legally authorized representative, who is able to exercise free power of choice without undue inducement or any form of force, fraud, deceit, duress or other form of constraint or coercion.  An investigator shall seek consent under the following circumstances:

 1.  Sufficient opportunity is provided to the prospective subject, or his/her representative, to
      consider whether or not to participate;

 2.  The possibility of coercion or undue influence is minimized;

 3.  The information that is given to the prospective subject, or his/her representative, shall be in
      language understandable to the subject or representative; and

4.  The subject, or his/her representative, cannot be made to waive or appear to waive any of
      his/her legal rights, or release or appear to release the investigator, the sponsor, the institution
      or its agents from liability for negligence.

In projects where subjects are determined to be at risk, the actual procedure utilized in obtaining "legally effective informed consent" must be fully documented. This is accomplished by using a written consent form embodying all of the elements of information required for the project.  The consent form must be read by or to the subject or his/her legally authorized representative and signed by the person giving consent.  A copy of the consent form must be given to the person signing the form and the signed form must be maintained in the investigator's files for a period of three years following the completion of the study.  Special rules govern the giving consent of and/or child or mentally challenged individuals, and require parental or legal guardian consent.

Basic elements of information necessary to such consent are: 
 
 1.  A statement that the study involves research, an explanation of the purpose of the research and
      the expected duration of the subject's participation and a description of the procedures to be
      followed;
 
 2.  A description of any foreseeable risks or discomforts to the subject;

 3.  A statement describing the extent to which confidentiality of records identifying the subject
      will be maintained;

 4.  An explanation of whom to contact for answers to pertinent questions about the research and
      research subjects' rights;

 5.  A statement that participation is voluntary, refusal to participate will involve no penalty or
      loss of benefits to which the subject is otherwise entitled and the subject may discontinue
      participation at any time. 

COPHS has available sample forms which can be used as a guide in preparing the consent form that will actually be used in a research project or activity.  PLEASE NOTE that the final form that will be administered to subjects must first be approved by COPHS before it can be legally administered.

In some cases, COPHS may approve a consent procedure which does not include, or which alters some or all of the elements of informed consent or may entirely waive the requirement to obtain informed consent.  In rare cases, where these procedures will surely invalidate important objectives of a project, COPHS approval of modified procedures may be sought.  Some research projects may require more restrictive policies as determined by COPHS.

 

F.  STUDENT RESEARCH

All student investigators must have a College supervisor who is responsible for insuring that all procedures of the approval are complied with by the investigator.  The faculty supervisor must sign the proposal certifying that the project is under his/her supervision.

Class projects may be reviewed as one proposal, at the discretion of the instructor.  If the entire class is not using the same procedure, each student or group of students using a different procedure must submit the required information, but the class project will still be considered one proposal. 

In general, it is advisable for students to select research projects which are exempt (Category I) or eligible for "expedited review" (Category II).  In this way, approval for the projects will take very little time.  Students are not, however, prohibited from conducting research in Category III, but additional
time may be required to obtain approval from the full COPHS.  in all cases, it is the responsibility of the instructor to ensure that students use only approved procedures.

To further expedite the approval of class projects, the instructor can obtain approval before the semester begins under two circumstances:  1) if all of the students are using the same procedure (e.g., a class survey) and the instructor has established the procedures before the class starts, or 2) the instructor submits a list of alternative procedures for approval and the students are to choose one from the list.

Projects conducted as instructional demonstrations where subjects are not solicited from outside the classroom generally do not need to be reviewed.  Care must be taken, however, to protect the rights and welfare of students who act as subjects. 


GUIDELINES FOR COLLEGE-SPONSORED EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION POLICY STATEMENT

Description

This proposal is designed to expand our internship opportunities to encompass a wider portion of the student body.

Realizing that some internship opportunities are included as part of specific major requirements, this proposal does not attempt to deal with or interfere with required programs already established within departments.  The intent is to broaden the scope of internship opportunities in an internship experience.
The word "internship" is used to designate any arrangement involving college-sponsored experimental learning including cooperative education arrangements.  An internship is not seen as an interruption of the student's academic obligations, but an opportunity for the integration of classroom learning with the learning experiences possible in a work setting.
 
Purpose of Objectives

The purpose of the program is to provide experiences for students which will complement their academic studies and introduce them to the world of work and the corresponding professional activities.


Two primary objectives may be stated:

1. The program is designed to promote the application of theoretical knowledge and research skills acquired in the classroom setting to a productive experimental setting.  Students are provided the opportunity to integrate academic theory with practice in an applied setting.

2. The program is designed to assist students in the career selection process by providing meaningful work experiences in areas that relate to their academic programs and to their career interests.

Requirements

1. A student receiving credit for an internship must have a faculty sponsor for the internship.  The campus coordinator for internships does not sponsor students wishing credit.

2. Interns are required to work in the internship placement for approximately three hours per week (15 weeks) for each academic credit hour in a semester.  Internships may be full or part-time, paid or unpaid depending upon the nature of the placement.

3. The specific field duties and responsibilities of the intern will be agreed to by the faculty sponsor, agency supervisor, and the intern, and will be outlined in the learning contract.  Interns must have a faculty sponsor and an agency supervisor.

4. Specific academic requirements which are appropriate to the placement, will be established by the faculty sponsor (as written into the learning contract).  Learning Contracts are available at the Registrar's Office.

Admissions Standards

1. Students wishing internship for credit must have junior, senior or graduate class standing.

2. The minimum GPA for participation in an internship shall be established by the sponsoring department.  Departments may establish prerequisite courses and minimum GPA in these courses prior to the commencement of an internship.

Internship Credit

1. Course credit - Interns will be enrolled under a department course - DEPT. 498 Internship - Title.  Students may take 598 internships for major, minor, concentration or elective credit.  Course credit range from 1 hour to a maximum of 15.  Departments/programs should establish policies on the number of internship credits to meet major, minor or concentration requirements.  Failure to complete all requirements of an internship will lead to an incomplete (policy pertaining to I grades will apply) or an unsatisfactory/failing grade will be given by the faculty sponsor.

2. Credit towards the Baccalaureate Degree - Usually, the total number of credits awarded for internships may not exceed 18 toward the fulfillment of the hours required for graduation.  The suggested limit of 18 hours does not include any credit taken by interns in related studies such as a seminar that may be taken in tandem with the internship (see below for credit).

Following the suggested model, only the 9 hours designated "internship" would be counted against the suggested 18 hour limit.

More than 18 hours may be earned if the hours beyond the limit are considered "add-on" credit beyond the hours required for graduation.

3. Credit Hours - It is recommended that credits be awarded for internships according to the following formula (assuming an internship of 13-16 weeks)

   3-4  hours per week ..........1 credit
   9-10 hours per week .........3 credits
   18-20 hours per week........6 credits
   27-30 hours per week........9 credits
   36-40 hours per week......12-15 credits

A suggested model for a full time internship, assuming to total number of credits to be awarded for the semester is 15, could be as follows:

9 credits - internship
  3 credits - research project tied to internship
3 credits - additional academic requirements reading, research, etc., or        seminar

The advantage of dividing the credits into units is that the person(s) evaluating the internship need not assign a single grade to the students performance, but can divide the grade according to each component.

4. Evaluation of the Internship for Credit - Students taking an internship for credit are required to prepare a learning contract (see sample contract) spelling out the specific learning objectives for the internship.  Essential to the granting of credit for the internship experience is that the credit is not for the work experience itself, but it is for the documented learning that takes place as a result of the experience.  Students are to provide satisfactory evidence during the course of or at the conclusion of the semester that the academic objectives of the internship were fulfilled.  The evidence may include: written projects, journals, research papers, annotated bibliographies, critical evaluations, etc. (see statement concerning credit).

5. Learning Contract - The learning contract is an essential ingredient in the determination of academic credit and viability of the internship placement.  Just as a student does not receive credit for "taking" a course, a student does not receive credit for merely performing various duties of an internship placement.  What is to be learned, what learning activities and resources are to be applied and how the accomplishment of learning is to be evaluated is set forth in the learning contract.

a. The content of the internship - nature of the tasks or assignments, job description of regular duties--day to day tasks-- as well as specific projects, reports, etc.

b. The student's educational goals and objectives -why is this internship being undertaken, what does the student intend to learn, how can this internship relate to the student's major field or other course work?

c. Method of evaluation of educational objectives and student performance - assessment and evaluation of what the student has learned in the internship experience.  The methods of evaluation may include several of the following:

 

Grading

The method of grading will be determined by the faculty sponsor.  Letter grades and/or pass/fail may be assigned.  The determination of the method for grading should be made at the start of the internship.

Agreement Between Sponsoring Faculty and Host Agency

The faculty sponsor must develop a written agreement with the agency sponsor.  This agreement must clarify what each expects of the other.  The agency must agree to provide supervision of the students' work as an intern and to evaluate the intern (form to be developed).

Determination of Academic Credit

For the survey made of internship programs, it was found that the solution of this problem ranged from a fairly rigid designation of the exact number of credit hours assignable for specific requirements to a rather broad statement that the allocation should be variable and would be determined by the participating academic department or its representative.

There appears to be an attempt to relate the clock hours involved in the mix of learning experiences and academic requirements in an internship.  Programs surveyed, that addressed this issue at all, seemed to have a formula similar to what would be required for an independent study.  The general formula used by most of the programs allowed for a credit for part time internships to be determined that for every 10 hours per week the student works (15 week semester) he or she could earn three semester hours of credit.

Full time internships, where a student works a five day, 40 hour week, could be granted from 12 to 15 hours of credit for a semester.

This kind of formula somewhat approximates that used for independent study.  On the assumption that each hour of academic credit would entail at least three clock hours of work (equivalent to one formal class/hour and two hours of study, preparation, review, etc.,  in a traditional course).  A fifteen week semester independent study would call for 150 clock hours.

Essential to the granting of credit for the internship experience is that the credit is not for the work experience itself, but it is for the documented learning that takes place as a result of the experience.

Factors which should be considered in the granting of credit should include as a minimum:

a. The nature of the placement - what will the student be required to do in the placement?  Will the student be an observer in the work situation or will the student be an active participant?  If an active participant, what kind of work will the student perform, what will be the level of responsibility, specific work assignments, production of written material, analysis, etc.

b. How much time is spent on the job?  Is the internship full time or part time?

c. How much time will be necessary for the student to document learning.  What will be required to do this?

Approved Faculty Senate, May 3, 1983


POLICY ON COMPUTER SOFTWARE COPYRIGHT OBSERVANCE

It is the policy of the Plattsburgh State University, that no person shall use or cause to be used on the college's computers (particularly microcomputers) any software which does not fall into one of the following categories:

1. It is in the public domain.

2. It is covered by a licensing agreement with the software author, vendor, or developer, whichever is applicable.

3. It has been donated to the college and a written record of a bona fide contribution exists.

4. It has been purchased by the college and a record of a bona fide purchase exists and can be produced by the user upon demand.

5. It is being reviewed or demonstrated by the users in order to reach a decision about possible future purchase or request for contribution or licensing.

6. It has been written or developed by a college employee or a student for the specific purpose of being used on a college-owned computer.

7. It has been written or developed by the user.

It is also the policy of the college that there be no copying of copyrighted or proprietary software which was acquired under the standard, single-use permit except for legitimate copying for archival backup purposes.  These copies shall not be used on another machine while the originals or a working copy are in use.

Software acquired under a site or universal license shall only be copied and distributed in accordance with the terms of the license when the licensee has issued local serial numbers for the copies, unless the license permits unlimited copies.  If there are any questions about campus rights to copy software under site or universal license, the licensee should be consulted.


POLICY ON VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINAL ERGONOMICS

Purpose and Scope

This policy is established to address ergonomic consideration associated with video display terminal operations, as they relate to operator comfort.  The policy addresses issues and concerns relating to operator vision, stress, and working conditions.  Specifically, this policy focuses on such workplace concerns as workstation design, operator chair, worktable, and other environmental aspects such as illumination and glare.

It is the purpose of the policy to establish environmental standards and assume that these standards are met for those involved in video display terminal activity as a preliminary function of their assigned tasks.  They will be adapted to work settings where VDT operations are not the exclusive function of the employee involved wherever practical.

Within the policy, the word "ergonomic" is used.  It is defined as the science that designs machines and environments to fit people at work.  It examines the interrelationships among people, machines, work environment, and job designs, Ergonomic factors include: machine design, workstation furnishings, lighting, ventilation, noise, temperature, and humidity.

Policy Guidelines

A. Illumination - Lighting levels will be maintained at levels that reduce eyestrain and glare.  Since this may be lower than is required for traditional office work, individual lamps will be made available.

B. Control of Glare and Reflection - Since reflection is a major problem and an ergonomic consideration, advice and assistance will be rendered to help eliminate it.  This could entail repositioning of VDT devices, providing glare screens, covering windows with proper shades, and other effectiveness measures.

C. Workstation Design - To control the potential for musculoskeletal problems, workstations will meet ergonomic standards.  Emphasis will be placed on tables and chairs which position VDT screens at a height and distance appropriate for the operator.  Both tables and chairs should have adjustment capability to allow for the same degree of comfort for more than one individual.

D. Office Environment/Design - Occupational stress-related complaints are common among office workers.  To combat this, effort will be made to reduce noise levels and to provide proper humidity and heating conditions.  Assistance will be provided, when necessary, in the relocation of workstations to environmentally sound areas when existing areas do not conform to standards.

E. Maintenance of Equipment - All VDT stations will be inspected periodically by the operator.  Equipment malfunctions will be reported to the Instructional Engineering and Maintenance Department for repair or replacement.  Proper cleaning of screens and keyboards will be an operator responsibility.

F. VDT Work Routine - Because of the tedium of constant stationary tasks, periodic work break schedules are encouraged.  This could entail alternate tasks away from the workstation or scheduled break periods.  Whenever possible, greater flexibility and task variety will be built into jobs involving extensive use of VDTs.

G. Equipment Not Acceptable in the Ergonomic Environment - The college will not approve the purchase of VDTs with attached keyboards nor non-adjustable tables and chairs.

Implementation

It is the intent of this policy that review and assessment be made of all VDT operations in which the use of VDTs is the exclusive function of the individuals employed.  Assessments will be made against the backdrop of guidelines contained herein.  Appropriate plans will be developed to make necessary modifications and/or replacements within a reasonable period of time.  The college will make every attempt to accommodate necessary VDT-related expenditures within a reasonable period of time.  The college will make every attempt to accommodate necessary VDT-related expenditures within fiscal guidelines, by establishing appropriate priorities, and will follow the guidelines when office renovation occurs.

Training

It is recognized that ergonomic problems related to VDTs can be significantly reduced through training of VDT operators.  Therefore, the college will periodically offer training sessions using trained instructors and materials provided by the Governor's Office of Employee Relations.  The sessions will deal with the mechanics of equipment, persistent musculoskeletal complaints, and visual problems.  Both supervisors and operators will be provided with information regarding the health concerns associated with VDT use.

Equipment Acquisition

The Purchasing Department will be provided with specifications for equipment which meets ergonomic standards.  Only approved workstation equipment and furnishing will be ordered when it has been determined that its use will be the exclusive function of an employee.  In all other cases, ergonomically sound equipment will be highly recommended.

Approved by Executive Staff, 1989


CAMPUS COMPUTER PURCHASE AND REPLACEMENT POLICIES

Computer Life Cycle Replacement

The College has adopted a computer life cycle replacement process.  This process identifies computers across the campus to be upgraded or replaced on a four-year cycle.  Computers assigned to academics, professionals, and classified professionals will be part of the life-cycle replacement.

New Positions (not replacement positions)

Academics:  Academic equipment replacement funds will be used each spring to fund computers for all new academic appointments for fall.
Professional and Classified staff positions:  The Dean or Vice President initiates the computer purchase process through Computing and Media Services.  The following information is required:

 1.  Title of new position
 2.  The starting date for the position
 3.  Location of the person
 4.  First day of employment

Computing and Media Services will generate the purchase order and forward it to the President's Office for approval and funding. 

Replacement Positions

When an incumbent leaves the College, the incumbent's computer is returned to Computing and Media Services for redistribution (even when the vacancy is temporary).  Once the vacant position is filled, another computer will be assigned.  Wherever possible, the person filling the replacement position should make use of the incumbent's office space in order to simplify machine assignments, reduce networking issues and reduce the overhead generated by special arrangement.

Temporary Appointments and Replacements (i.e. for adjuncts, visiting, etc.)

The nature of a temporary appointment or replacement will determine the computer assigned.  In order to respond appropriately to a computer request for a temporary appointment, the following information needs to be provided to Computing and Media Services.  Computer use forms for temporary appointments and replacements will be distributed to all Dean's offices.

 1.  Name of the individual
 2.  Term of appointment
 3.  Who the individual is replacing
 4.  Location of the individual (placing more than one person in an office may have networking
     implications)
5.  Term of appointment and indication if this appointment overlaps with the incumbent
6.  Indication if incumbent requires use of his/her computer during the replacement's term of
     appointment

If an incumbent requires the use of his/her computer during a sabbatical, grant, etc. (for either home or office use), the incumbent's Department Chair/Dean must approve that use and notify Computing and Media Services in writing.  Every attempt will be made to find a computer for temporary appointments, but there are no guarantees. 

Computers assigned to adjuncts or temporaries adhere to the same policy as vacant positions.  We encourage all departments to designate permanent space for adjunct use; this will significantly enhance the ability for LIS staff to respond to requests.

Computer Use Outside of Assigned Offices

Faculty or staff wishing to use the computer assigned to them at home or at a location other than their office space must have approval of their department chair/dean.  A copy of the "Use of Equipment Off-Campus" Form needs to be filed with Computing and Media Services for inventory and audit purposes.  Please call x2222 to obtain copies of this form. 


SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE OF APPROVED COMPUTER EQUIPMENT

Computing and Media Services (CMS) provides support in the forms of installation, problem diagnosis, repair, and on-going assistance for computes and related-peripherals.  This support is only available for such items that are purchased from approved manufacturers.  The support and maintenance of equipment purchased from other than approved manufacturers rests solely with the department that purchased said equipment.  A list of approved manufacturers is available from the CMS helpdesk. 


STATE AGENCY STATIONERY, USE OF

The use of State agency stationery, accompanied by the typed words "personal and unofficial", constitutes an unacceptable contradiction in the message transmitted.

As a matter of policy, State agency stationery should be utilized only for official governmental business.  If a communication is "personal and unofficial" it has no business being sent on agency stationery. 

Sending such communications on agency stationery could give the appearance of an inappropriate attempt to utilize the influence of an individual's office for a private purpose.

Executive Chamber Policy Memorandum 87:3 - Use of Agency Letterhead


GRADING SYSTEM - Undergraduate Students

The grading policy for undergraduates is as follows:
A......=......4.0......Quality Points
A-.....=......3.7......Quality Points
B+.....=.....3.3......Quality Points
B......=......3.0......Quality Points
B-.....=......2.7......Quality Points
C+.....=.....2.3......Quality Points
C......=......2.0......Quality Points
C-.....=......1.7......Quality Points
D+.....=.....1.3......Quality Points
D......=......1.0......Quality Points
E......=......0.0......Quality Points

Quality Point Averages are computed on the basis of this grade scale.


CHEATING

Policies and Procedures


THE BUCKLEY AMENDMENT

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (The Buckley Amendment) is "a Federal Law designed to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate and misleading data through informal and formal hearings."  Access to student educational records in whatever medium (hard copy, electronic) is protected by this law.  All faculty, administration, clerical and professional employees who have access to student educational records are considered Custodians under the Act.  One of the purposes of the Act is to require that colleges and universities conform to fair information practices that assure students that their educational records data are used only for intended purposes and that the Custodians are taking reasonable precautions to prevent misuse of the data.  Custodians must not disclose information about students nor permit inspection of their records without the student's permission.

A written Institutional Policy regarding SUNY Plattsburgh's practices and procedures for compliance with the Act is forthcoming.  In the interim, as Custodians of confidential student information, use reasonable precautions in safeguarding data:

*** Access to student records via computer terminal***

- Never disclose confidential information over the phone, especially grades or grade point averages.

- Do not share academic information with parents unless you know that their son/daughter is legally a dependent as defined by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, Section 152 or that the dependent son/daughter has not specifically requested (in writing) that their parents shall not be permitted access.

- Do not post grades with "personally identifiable" data or information which includes 1) the name of the student, the student's parent, or other family members; 2) the student's campus or home address; 3) a personal identifier, such as a social security number; and 4) a list of personal characteristics or other information which would make the student's identity easily traceable.


FREEDOM OF INFORMATION, TRADE SECRET DETERMINATION, AND RELEASE OF STUDENT/FACULTY/STAFF INFORMATION

Individuals and/or representatives from governmental agencies may appear on campus unannounced in an attempt to obtain information concerning their particular interests.

In order to adhere to contractual agreements and college policies and  to protect individual privacy rights, all requests for information regarding employees, wages, employment conditions/relationships, etc. from non-campus individuals should be referred to the Office of Personnel and Affirmative Action.  Investigators from the Department of Labor, Department of Human Rights, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other organizations or individuals who may be inquiring about specific incidents, events or general practices regarding employees and/or administrative personnel procedures, should also be referred to the Office of Personnel and Affirmative Action.

The Personnel staff will screen requests to avoid the possibility of the release of irrelevant, inaccurate or confidential information.

Questions regarding this procedure or the campus' obligations and rights under the Freedom of Information and Right to Privacy Acts may be directed to the College Relations Office.


CANCELLING OF CLASSES DUE TO EXTRAORDINARY WEATHER CONDITIONS OR OTHER NATURAL OR UNNATURAL PHENOMENA

The official College policy on extraordinary weather requires that normal operations be continued as much as possible.  Essential services (i.e. heating/plumbing, electrical, grounds, university police, and health services) must be maintained in spite of severe weather.  In the event of severe weather College employees working in these areas should remain on duty or report to work to avoid interruption of these essential services, unless directed or permitted to do otherwise by their supervisors.

Except in the most severe cases, all employees are expected to get to work.  Employees who cannot get to work on time or at all, are expected to telephone their department supervisor to advise them of the situation in a timely manner.  Should phone lines be tied up, employees should keep trying or leave a voicemail message.

A special telephone line has been established to advise employees of the latest conditions at and around the College.  Employees are encouraged to call this number to get official updates regarding the weather (or other) emergency.  The number for the weathe