Nov 14, 2024  
2022-2023 Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Rights, Responsibilities & Safety



Drug and Alcohol Awareness and Prevention

As a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, an institution of higher education must certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. Southeast Community College has programs and policies in place to support a drug-free environment.

Standards of Conduct for Students Regarding Alcohol and Drugs

In satisfaction of this mandate and to fulfill its obligations under the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, 41 U.S.C. § 701 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, 20 U.S.C. § 1145g, the College absolutely prohibits employees and students of the College from unlawfully manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, possessing, using, or being under the influence of a controlled substance, including illegal drugs and alcohol, on College premises, in College-owned property, at any College-sponsored or sanctioned activities (both on and off-campus) where alcohol is not permitted/is prohibited, and in all places where its employees and students work and learn. This campus prohibition includes campus student housing and applies to any person on College grounds, whether they are a member of the College community or not.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

It is the policy of Southeast Community College to control and monitor the use/abuse of drugs, alcohol and other chemicals and controlled substances on College premises and College-sanctioned events, and to educate students and employees about the use, abuse, and effects of drugs, alcohol and illegal/controlled substances. The College implements procedures that ensure compliance with laws relating to drugs, alcohol, and other chemicals and controlled substances, including the Drug-Free Workplace Act and the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, and all related regulations and rules.

Exception: The use of alcoholic beverages may be permitted on College premises or at College-sanctioned activities in accordance with all College policies and procedures, as well as local, state and federal laws as follows:

  • In limited circumstances approved by the President or designee, and/or
  • Pursuant to the Class C liquor license currently held by Southeast Community College’s Great Plains Culinary Institute.

NOTE: SCC guests and visitors suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance may be asked to leave College property or any officially recognized activity. Failure to comply may result in law enforcement intervention.

Drug and Alcohol Use Testing

Pursuant to the Drug-Free Workplace Act and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, Southeast Community College will require drug and alcohol tests for employees and students in circumstances where reasonable suspicion exists.

College Sanctions for Violations of Policy

Student and employee violations of the policy and Standards of Conduct will be subject to disciplinary procedures consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, College policy, and collective bargaining agreements. If a student’s behavior or action constitutes a significant disruption, safety concern, and/or potential harm to themselves or others, the College will apply restrictions and/or disciplinary action appropriate to the behavior, setting, and program of study. Disciplinary action will be specific to the situation, class, course, or program. See the SCC Student Code of Conduct for further information regarding the conduct process. Actions that may be taken include but are not limited to one or a combination of the following disciplinary sanctions:

  • Verbal Warning/Written Disciplinary Warning
  • Disciplinary Probation or Suspension
  • Expulsion or Eviction from on-campus facilities/programs
  • Referral to an appropriate drug/alcohol treatment program
  • College Service or Behavioral Requirements
  • Loss of Privileges
  • Confiscation of Prohibited Property
  • Educational Program
  • Restitution
  • Fines
  • Housing Reassignment
  • Housing Suspension or Expulsion
  • Eligibility Restriction
  • Other Sanctions

The Campus Dean of Students/Designee should be notified of any violations by students. When cause exists as evidenced by disruptive behavior and/or transitory physical or mental impairment, a student suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance, including illegal drugs and alcohol, may be requested to submit to a drug/alcohol test. Refusal to submit to the test is a violation of the Drug and Alcohol policy.

Students accused of violating the Drug and Alcohol policy as established shall have the right to respond through the appeals process outlined in the SCC Student Code of Conduct.

Information regarding the following federal penalties and sanctions may be found at www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/drug_of_abuse.pdf#page=30. Relevant Nebraska laws pertaining to drugs and alcohol may be found at https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-416.

Federal and State Penalties and Sanctions

Federal Penalties and Sanctions for Illegal Possession of Controlled Substances:

Making students and employees aware of all federal and state penalties and sanctions assists in ensuring a safe learning environment.

Federal Trafficking Penalties

DRUG/SCHEDULE QUANTITY PENALTIES QUANTITY PENALTIES
Cocaine (Schedule II) 500 - 4999 gms mixture

First Offense: Not less than 5 yrs., and not more than 40 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $5 million if an individual, $25 million if not an individual.

Second Offense: Not less than 10 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $8 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual.

5 kgs or more mixture

First Offense: Not less than 10 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $10 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual.

Second Offense: Not less than 20 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if not an individual.

2 or More Prior Offenses: Life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if not an individual

Cocaine Base (Schedule II) 28-279 gms mixture 280 gms or more mixture
Fentanyl (Schedule II) 40 - 399 gms mixture 400 gms or more mixture
Fentanyl Analogue (Schedule I) 10 - 99 gms mixture 100 gms or more mixture
Heroin (Schedule I) 100 - 999 gms mixture 1 kg or more mixture
LSD (Schedule I) 1 - 9 gms mixture 10 gms or more mixture
Methamphetamine (Schedule II) 5 - 49 gms pure or 50 - 499 gms mixture 50 gms or more pure or 500 gms or more mixture
PCP (Schedule II) 10 - 99 gms pure or 100 - 999 gms mixture 100 gm or more pure or 1 kg or more mixture

Federal Trafficking Penalties - Marijuana

DRUG QUANTITY 1st OFFENSE 2nd OFFENSE
Marijuana 1,000 kg or more mixture; or 1,000 or more plants Not less than 10 years, not more than life. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, not more than life. Fine not more than $10 million if an individual, $50 million if other than an individual. Not less than 20 years, not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if other than an individual.
Marijuana 100 kg to 999 kg mixture; or 100 to 999 plants Not less than 5 years, not more than 40 years. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, not more than life. Fine not more than $5 million if an individual, $25 million if other than an individual. Not less than 10 years, not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine not more than $8 million if an individual, $50 million if other than an individual.
Marijuana 50 to 99 kilograms marijuana mixture,0 to 99 marijuana plants Not more than 20 yrs. If death or serious bodily injury, not less than 20 yrs. or more than life. Fine $1 million if an individual, $5 million if other than an individual. Not more than 30 yrs. If death or serious bodily injury, life imprisonment. Fine $2 million if an individual, $10 million if other than an individual.
Hashish More than 10 kg
Hashish Oil More than 1 kg
Marijuana 1 to 49 plants; less than 50 kg mixture (but does not include 50 or more marijuana plants regardless of eight Not more than 5 years. Fine not more than $250,000, $1 million other than individual. Not more than 10 years. Fine $500,000 if an individual, $2 million if other than individual.
Hashish 10 kg or less
Hashish Oil 1 Kg or less

Note: These are only federal penalties and sanctions. Additional state penalties and sanctions may apply. The charts were taken from the United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Drugs of Abuse. Retrieved January 2017. These charts summarize trafficking penalties under federal law for various types of drugs.

State Penalties and Sanctions for Illegal Possession of Controlled Substances

The framework for the regulation of most drugs, also called controlled substances, is set out in the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. Also, other Nebraska State laws establish penalties for various drug-related offenses summarized below.

Crimes Involving Minors and Restricted Locations:

Except as authorized by the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, any person eighteen years of age or older who knowingly or intentionally manufactures, distributes, delivers, dispenses, or possesses with intent to manufacture, distribute, deliver, or dispense a controlled substance or a counterfeit controlled substance (i) to a person under the age of eighteen years, (ii) in, on, or within one thousand feet of the real property comprising a public or private elementary, vocational, or secondary school, a community college, a public or private college, junior college, or university, or a playground, or (iii) within one hundred feet of a public or private youth center, public swimming pool, or video arcade facility shall be punished by the next higher penalty classification than the penalty prescribed in subsection (2), (7), (8), (9), or (10) of this section, depending upon the controlled substance involved, for the first violation and a second or subsequent violation shall be punished by the next higher penalty classification than that prescribed for a first violation of this subsection, but in no event shall such person be punished by a penalty greater than a Class IB felony. Except as authorized by the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, it shall be unlawful for any person eighteen years of age or older to knowingly and intentionally employ, hire, use, cause, persuade, coax, induce, entice, seduce, or coerce any person under the age of eighteen years to manufacture, transport, distribute, carry, deliver, dispense, prepare for delivery, offer for delivery, or possess with intent to do the same a controlled substance or a counterfeit controlled substance. Any person who violates subdivision (a) or (b) of this subsection shall be punished by the next higher penalty classification than the penalty prescribed in subsection (2), (7), (8), (9), or (10) of this section, depending upon the controlled substance involved for the first violation and for a second or subsequent violation shall be punished by the next higher penalty classification than that prescribed for a first violation of this subsection, but in no event shall such person be punished by a penalty greater than a Class IB felony.. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-416(4) and (5) (Supp. 1999).

Tax Provisions:

  1. No dealer may possess marijuana or controlled substances upon which a tax is imposed by section 77-4303 unless the tax has been paid on the marijuana or controlled substance as evidenced by an official stamp, label, or other indicia. A tax is hereby imposed on marijuana and controlled substances at the following rates:
    • On each ounce of marijuana or each portion of an ounce, $100;
    • On each gram or portion of a gram of a controlled substance that is customarily sold by weight or volume, $150; or
    • On each 50 dosage units or portion thereof of a controlled substance that is not customarily sold by weight, $500.
  2. For purposes of calculating the tax under this section, marijuana or any controlled substance that is customarily sold by weight or volume shall be measured by the weight of the substance in the dealer’s possession. The weight shall be the actual weight, if known, or the estimated weight as determined by the Nebraska State Patrol or other law enforcement agency. Such determination shall be presumed to be the weight of such marijuana or controlled substances for purposes of sections 77-4301 to 77-4316.
  3. The tax shall not be imposed upon a person registered or otherwise lawfully in possession of marijuana or a controlled substance pursuant to Chapter 28, article 4.Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 77-4301 to 77-4316 (Reissue 1996).

Property Forfeiture:

Property used to manufacture, sell or deliver controlled substances can be seized and forfeited to the state. Property subject to forfeiture may include cash, cars, boats, and airplanes. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-431 (Cum. Supp. 1998).

Being Under the Influence of Any Controlled Substance for Unauthorized Purpose:

It is a violation of Nebraska law to be under the influence of any controlled substance for a purpose other than the treatment of a sickness or injury as prescribed or administered by a practitioner. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-417(1) (g) (Reissue 1995).

Drug Paraphernalia Offenses:

It is a violation of Nebraska law to use or to possess with intent to use, drug paraphernalia to manufacture, inject, ingest, inhale or otherwise introduce into the human body a controlled substance. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-441(1) (Reissue 1995). Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a Class II misdemeanor. “Drug paraphernalia” is defined to include such things as hypodermic syringes, needles, pipes and bongs, and other items used, intended for use or designed for use with controlled substances. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-439 (Reissue 1995). It is unlawful to deliver or manufacture drug paraphernalia. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-442 (Reissue 1995). Any person 18 years of age or older who violates section 28-442 by delivering drug paraphernalia to a person under 18 years of age who is at least three years his or her junior shall be guilty of a Class I misdemeanor. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-443 (Reissue 1995).

Imitation Controlled Substances:

It is a violation of Nebraska law to knowingly, intentionally manufacture, distribute, deliver, or possess with intent to distribute or deliver an imitation controlled substance. “Imitation controlled substance” is a substance that is not a controlled substance but which is represented to be an illicit controlled substance. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-445 (Reissue 1995). A violation is punishable of a Class III misdemeanor for the first offense, and a Class II misdemeanor for the second and all subsequent offenses. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-445 (Reissue 1995) and § 28-106 (1) (Cum. Supp. 1998).

Controlled Substance Analogue:

For purposes of Nebraska’s Uniform Controlled Substance Act, analogue controlled substances (often called “designer drugs”) are treated as controlled substances. Controlled substance analogue means a substance (i) the chemical structure of which is substantially similar to the chemical structure of a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance as provided in section 28-405 or (ii) which has a stimulant, depressant, analgesic, or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system that is substantially similar to or greater than the stimulant, depressant, analgesic, or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system of a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance as provided in section 28-405. A controlled substance analogue shall, to the extent intended for human consumption, be treated as a controlled substance under Schedule I of section 28-405 for purposes of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act; Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-401 (36) (Supp. 1999).

Selected Nebraska Alcohol Offenses

Minor In Possession:
It is against the law for a person under the age of 21 years to possess alcohol. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 53-180.02 (Reissue 1998). Violation of this law is a Class I misdemeanor. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 53-180.05 (1) (Reissue 1998) and § 28-106 (1) (Cum. Supp. 1998).

Procuring Alcohol:
It is a violation of Nebraska law to sell, give away, dispose of, exchange, or deliver, or permit the sale, gift, or procuring of any alcoholic liquors to or for any minor or to any mentally incompetent person. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 53-180 (Reissue 1998). Any person who knowingly and intentionally violates section 53-180 shall be guilty of a Class IIIA felony and serve a mandatory minimum of at least thirty days’ imprisonment as part of any sentence they receive if serious bodily injury or death to any person resulted and was proximately caused by a minor’s (a) consumption of the alcoholic liquor provided or (b) impaired condition which, in whole or in part, can be attributed to the alcoholic liquor provided. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 53-180.05 (1) (Reissue 1998) and § 28-106 (1) (Cum. Supp. 1998).

Consumption on Public Property:
It is a violation of Nebraska law for any person to consume alcoholic liquors in the public streets, alleys, parking areas, roads or highways, or inside vehicles while upon the public streets, alleys, parking areas, roads, or highways; or upon property owned by the state or any governmental subdivision thereof, unless authorized by the governing bodies having jurisdiction over such properties. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 53-186 (Supp. 1999). Any person violating subsection (2) of this section shall be guilty of a Class III misdemeanor. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 53-186 (5) (Supp. 1999).

Driving While Intoxicated:
Driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquors or drugs is a violation of Nebraska law. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,196 (Supp. 1999). Violation of this law is punishable on the first offense by not more than 60 days, not less than 7 days’ imprisonment and not more than $500 fine but not less than $400 fine. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-106 (1) (Cum. Supp. 1998). Information regarding the variety of penalties issued is located at nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=60-6,197.01. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,197.01 (Supp. 1999).

Local laws may also make it a crime to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or to commit certain acts involving the consumption or possession of alcohol, “open container” laws.

Health Risks Associated With All Substances

Information may be found at www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/commonly-abused-drugs-charts.

Drug Type Common/Street Name Health Risks
Alcohol Booze, beer, wine, coolers, liquor High blood pressure, higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases & unplanned pregnancy, depression, lowered resistance to disease, insomnia
Marijuana Grass, reefer, pot, weed Slowed reaction time; problems with learning and memory; hallucinations; anxiety; panic attacks; psychosis; problems with balance and coordination; mental health problems, chronic cough, frequent respiratory infections
Over-the-counter Cough/Cold Medicines (Dextromethorphan or DMX) Robotripping, Robo, Triple C Increased heart rate, blood pressure, temperature; numbness; dizziness; nausea; vomiting; confusion; paranoia; altered visual perceptions; problems with movement; buildup of excess acid in body fluids
Steroids Anabolic/Andreno-genic (roids, juice) High blood pressure, liver damage; kidney damage or failure, enlarged heart; oily skin, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, acne, shrunken testes, lowered sperm count, breast development in men, breast reduction in women, facial hair and deepening of voice in women, aggressiveness, extreme mood swings, extreme irritability, delusions, and impaired judgment
Solvents-Inhalants Acetone, freons, nitrous oxide, whippets, laughing gas, spray paint, canned air Confusion; nausea; slurred speech; lack of coordination; euphoria; dizziness; drowsiness; disinhibition, lightheadedness, hallucinations/delusions; headaches; sudden sniffing death due to heart failure (from butane, propane, and other chemicals in aerosols); death from asphyxiation, suffocation, convulsions or seizures, coma, or choking; heart failure, respiratory arrest, liver and brain damage
Depressants Alcohol, ludes, barbiturates Liver damage, poor concentration, confusion, dizziness, problems with movement and memory, lowered blood pressure, slowed breathing convulsions, depression, disorientation and insomnia
Hallucinogens PCP, LSD, angel dust, mushrooms Agitation, extreme hyperactivity, reduced eating, flashbacks, persistent psychosis
Stimulants Cocaine, methamphetamine, crank, crack, amphetamines, diet pills Headaches, depression; malnutrition, anorexia, strokes, seizures, infection and death of bowel tissue from decreased blood flow; poor nutrition and weight loss from decreased appetite, abdominal pain and nausea; erratic and violent behavior, panic attacks, paranoia, psychosis; heart rhythm problems, heart attack; stroke, seizure, coma
Narcotics/Opioids Smack, codeine, heroin, lords Respiratory arrest, sleepiness, organ and lung damage, nausea; collapsed veins; abscesses (swollen tissue with pus); infection of the lining and valves in the heart; constipation and stomach cramps; liver or kidney disease; pneumonia; severe dental problems (“meth mouth”), intense itching leading to skin sores from scratching
Tobacco Cigarettes, cigars, bidis, hookahs, smokeless tobacco (snuff, spit tobacco, chew) Lung cancer, emphysema, chronic bronchitis; heart disease; leukemia; cataracts; oral cancer
Synthetic Cathinone (Bath Salts) Cloud Nine, Cosmic Blast, Flakka, Ivory Wave, Lunar Wave, Scarface, White Lightning Increased heart rate and blood pressure; paranoia, agitation, and hallucinations; psychotic and violent behavior; nosebleeds; sweating; nausea, vomiting; insomnia; irritability; dizziness; depression; suicidal thoughts; panic attacks; reduced motor control; cloudy thinking; breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue; kidney failure; death
Synthetic Cannabinoids K2, Spice, Black Mamba, Bliss, Bombay Blue, Fake Weed, Fire, Genie, Moon Rocks, Skunk, Smacked, Yucatan, Zohai Increased heart rate; vomiting; agitation; confusion; hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, increased blood pressure

Alcohol and College Students

Resources: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics

Prevalence of Alcohol Use:

  • Prevalence of Drinking: According to the 2019 NSDUH, 52.5% of full-time college students ages 18-22 drank alcohol in the past month compared with 44.0% of other persons of the same age.18
  • Prevalence of Binge Drinking: According to the 2019 NSDUH, 33% of college students ages 18-22 reported binge drinking in the past month compared with 27.7% of other persons of the same age.18
  • Prevalence of Heavy Alcohol Use: According to the 2019 NSDUH, 8.2% of college students ages 18-22 reported heavy alcohol use in the past month compared with 6.4% of other persons of the same age.18

Consequences-Researchers estimate that each year:

  • Deaths: 1,519 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor-vehicle crashes.1
  • Assaults: 696,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking.2
  • Sexual Assaults: Although estimating the number of alcohol-related sexual assaults is exceptionally challenging-since sexual assault is typically underreported-researchers have confirmed a long-standing finding that 1 in 5 college women experience sexual assault during their time in college.3 A majority of sexual assaults in college involve alcohol or other substances.4,5 Research continues in order to better understand the relationships between alcohol and sexual assault among college students. Additional national survey data are needed to better estimate the number of alcohol-related assaults.
  • Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): 9 percent of college students meet the criteria for  AUD.6
  • Academic Consequences: About 1 in 4 college students report academic consequences from drinking, including missing class, falling behind in class, doing poorly on exams or papers, and receiving lower grades overall.7

For more information: https://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/Statistics/consequences.aspx 

Alcohol’s Effects on the Human Body
www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body

Drinking too much, on a single occasion or over time, can take a serious toll on your health. Here’s how alcohol can affect your body:

Brain:
Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways, and can affect the way the brain looks and works. These disruptions can change mood and behavior, and make it harder to think clearly and move with coordination.

Heart:
Drinking a lot over a long time or too much on a single occasion can damage the heart, causing problems that include cardiomyopathy (stretching and drooping of heart muscle); arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat); stroke; and high blood pressure.

Liver:
Heavy drinking takes a toll on the liver and can lead to a variety of problems and liver inflammations including steatosis, or fatty liver; alcoholic hepatitis; fibrosis; and cirrhosis.

Pancreas:
Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can eventually lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels in the pancreas that prevents proper digestion.

Cancer:
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of developing certain cancers, including cancers of the mouth, colorectal, esophagus, throat, liver and breast.

Immune System:
Drinking too much can weaken your immune system, making your body a much easier target for disease. Chronic drinkers are more liable to contract diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis than people who do not drink too much. Drinking a lot on a single occasion slows your body’s ability to ward off infections, even up to 24 hours after getting drunk.

Learn more about alcohol’s effects on the body at pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/Hangovers/beyondHangovers.pdf.

Treatment Options

A variety of treatment centers and agency options are available upon request from the CAPS Office or at Nebraska 211 (Dial 2-1-1 or 402-444-6666) or www.ne211.org.

The SCC Counseling Assistance Program for Students (CAPS) provides students with access to counseling and referrals free of charge through a partnership with masters-level counseling students from area universities. Additional information is available at each campus’s Dean of Students Office (www.southeast.edu/caps).

The Year One College Behavioral Profile (Y1CBP) is an online program that uses the principles of brief motivational interviewing to provide first-year students with individual-level data on their drinking and tips for change. Y1CBP helps students identify personalized alcohol and cannabis use, bystander intervention practices, risky behavior, brief interventions, or referring students for professional help. Information about how to access Y1CBP is available from the Dean of Students, Student Life or Residence Life offices.

SCC is committed to ensuring the safety and security of students, employees and visitors on its campuses, in College facilities, and at College-sponsored activities and events. The College provides a variety of services and programs designed to promote and support safety and security.

The College continuously monitors potential safety and security risks and maintains and reports crime information as required by the Crime and Campus Security Act of 1990. Anyone interested in accessing crime log information should contact the campus Dean of Student Affairs or visit the College’s Safety and Security website at www.southeast.edu/campussafety.

Safety and Security at SCC

Safety/Security/Law Enforcement on Campus

The College recognizes that laws and rules are necessary for society to function and supports the enforcement of laws by governmental agencies and rules established by College officials. Southeast Community College has developed administrative guidelines and accompanying procedures intended to establish a deliberative process to determine whether a student or situation poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others within the College community. All persons at an SCC location are subject to these laws and rules at all times. As part of a multi-campus system that includes Learning Centers throughout a 15-county service area, safety and security is the responsibility of everyone and the management of it falls to several individuals, including identified campus safety authorities, who have, as a portion of their assigned responsibilities, safety and security duties. SCC has assigned lead administrative responsibility for 1) enforcing institutional rules of conduct related to safety/security, and 2) referring potential or alleged violations of law to government authorities to the Assistant Campus Directors (or designee) at each location.

Beatrice Campus; Learning Centers at Falls City and Nebraska City

All Lincoln Campuses; Learning Centers at Plattsmouth and Wahoo

Milford Campus; Learning Centers at Hebron and York

Students, employees, visitors, potential students, and others interested in SCC safety and security programs and services are encouraged to review the College’s Annual Safety, Security and Crime/Fire Statistics Report found on the Safety and Security website.

Emergency Response and Notifications

SCC provides emergency notification information related to crime or other potentially threatening situations in an accurate and timely fashion as a “Campus Timely Warning Notice” or an “Emergency Notification.” SCC partners with Regroup® to offer this emergency notification system. Regroup® is available to all staff, faculty and enrolled students. SCC’s Campus Notification system will disseminate timely emergency notifications and weather announcements via text message, email and voice messages. Please visit southeast.regroup.com/signup to register and personalize your notifications.

Standard Response Protocol

Campus Safety Personnel utilizes the Standard Response Protocol to coordinate emergency response procedures. Posted throughout the campuses are SRP posters that outline what to do in case of a variety of emergencies. SCC posts this information on the safety and security website www.southeast.edu/campussafety/. Safety officials test the emergency response and evacuation procedures annually and publicize the emergency response and evacuation procedures throughout the campus communities. Annual testing may be either announced or unannounced. The College also maintains a Campus Safety & Security website www.southeast.edu/campussafety/ which contains “best practices” and information about emergency response guidelines for the campus community to follow.

Reporting Incidents or Concerns

Any student or employee can request an escort to their vehicle or SCC residence hall by contacting the campus switchboard or custodial supervisor.

If you feel a reasonable threat to your safety and security, please contact law enforcement immediately by dialing 911 to report crimes or emergencies. SCC students, visitors and employees should report any suspicious behavior, suspected criminal activity or other emergencies at any SCC location to local law enforcement.

Any student who is involved in an incident concerning safety and security should immediately report the incident to campus administration or the campus safety specialist and complete a CCR Incident
Report online (a reporting system on The Hub or SCC website). To report any incidents, you may contact the Campus Safety & Security Coordinator or the Assistant Campus Director/Dean of Students. You can also submit a CCR report. CCR is not a 911 or emergency reporting site. CCR expands the methods by which any member of the campus community can share matters they feel need to be elevated or addressed. It is not the College’s intent to replace direct contact with campus officials, but instead to provide an avenue for reporting campus incidents or positive acts of kindness to share. Access CCR via the SCC website www.southeast.edu or The Hub.

Law Enforcement Contacts

In situations deemed as non-emergency or not requiring special considerations (e.g., safety and security), please follow these procedures for routine law enforcement contacts at any SCC facility:

  • Initial Point of Contact - The initial point of contact for all law enforcement representatives will be the Campus Director (or designee) in the Campus Office. The Campus Director (or designee) will assume responsibility for assessing the law enforcement request, determining appropriate next steps, and documenting relevant details of the law enforcement contact.
  • Student Contact Request - If a duly authorized law enforcement representative on official business requests interaction with an SCC student, the Campus Director (or designee) will contact and involve the Assistant Campus Director/Dean of Students. The Dean of Students coordinates and assists the law enforcement contact with the student at a place, time and in a manner that is deemed to be prudent and appropriate.
  • Privacy/Confidentiality - Law enforcement contacts of the nature described above do not remove the College’s responsibility to safeguard information and files that students or employees reasonably expect to be private/confidential (e.g., student records protected under FERPA, or employee personnel files).

Firearms, Weapons, Dangerous Instruments

Nebraska State Statute 28-1204.04 makes it unlawful to possess a firearm at a school. Any person who possesses a firearm in a school, on school grounds, in a school-owned vehicle, or at a school-sponsored activity or athletic event is guilty of the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm at a school. Unlawful possession of a firearm at a school is a Class IV felony. Any firearm possessed in violation of subsection (1) of this section shall be confiscated without a warrant by a peace officer or may be confiscated without a warrant by school administrative or teaching personnel. Any firearm confiscated by school administrative or teaching personnel shall be delivered to a peace officer as soon as practicable.

These prohibitions apply to EVERYONE (employees, students, invitees, and visitors) and are enforceable EVERYWHERE (all College property including personal vehicles parked on college property, and all College-related events.) The possession, concealment, or use of firearms, weapons, fireworks and explosive materials, or any item used or intended to cause damage to property or harm to persons is prohibited in College-owned buildings, grounds or the vehicles, or at any location where a meeting, activity or athletic event is conducted, sponsored or sanctioned by the College (see examples of prohibited items below). Violations of these prohibitions will result in disciplinary and/or law enforcement action.

The authority to develop, implement and interpret administrative guidance for this policy lies with the Vice President for Student Affairs. Responsibility for monitoring and enforcing established administrative guidelines will be assigned to the appropriate College staff at SCC locations.

Definitions/Examples of Prohibited Items

  • Firearms - Any weapons designed or readily converted to expel any projectile by the action of an explosive. Examples include a pistol, revolver, starter gun, rifle, shotgun, short rifle, and short shotgun.
  • Weapons - Any knife with a blade over two and one-half inches in length. Examples include daggers, dirks, knives, and stilettos, or other dangerous instruments capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing wounds. Personal knives (other than kitchen knives) must be folded, cannot have an automatic opening mechanism (such as by clicking a button), and the blade cannot have more than one sharp edge or be more than 2.5 inches long. Switchblade knives are not allowed. Kitchen knives are exempt from the blade length rule when used in a dorm room only, but must be stored in the kitchen, used appropriately and never be stored on a person. Knives concealed in other objects are prohibited.
  • Fireworks and Explosive Materials - Any composition or device designed for producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, deflagration, or detonation. Examples include common fireworks (firecrackers, bottle rockets, sparklers, ground/aerial/whistling devices); ammunition; black powder; gun powder, other explosive or combustible articles.
  • Dangerous Instruments - Any air- or gas-powered pistol or rifle, including paintball/ BB/pellet or tranquilizer guns/rifles; knuckles and brass or iron knuckles; bow and arrow, or any other projectile weapon or device; atomic, radiological, chemical, bacteriological, or biological materials.

These prohibitions apply to everyone (i.e., employees, students, invitees, and visitors) except:

  • Law Enforcement Officials carrying or using weapons in conjunction with their official duties; and
  • An approved part of the regular course of instruction or College-approved activity.

Illness or Accident on SCC Owned or Controlled Property

Every effort is made to prevent accidents, and the College reserves the right to call 911 in case of student illness or injury and to call for ambulance services to transport a student to the hospital. The judgment of the College staff present at the scene shall determine what immediate action needs to be taken.

The College maintains general liability insurance to cover accidents that occur resulting from faulty equipment or College negligence. However, SCC is not responsible for accidents that occur on campus because of student negligence. We urge students to maintain private health insurance to assure coverage. We highly recommend that any student living either on campus or renting off campus invest in renter’s insurance or verify that his/her family’s homeowner’s insurance covers his/her rental unit.

SCC cooperates with county and state health departments in developing procedures for the control of communicable diseases and procedures conform to the regulations for communicable disease control established by the State Health Department.

Smoke-Free/Tobacco-Free Statement

Smoking/Chewing Tobacco/E-cigarettes

The College subscribes to the Nebraska Clean Indoor Air Act of 2008, which requires indoor workplaces in Nebraska to be smoke-free. In addition to banning smoking in all College facilities and vehicles, chewing or spitting tobacco products or the use of e-cigarettes also are prohibited.

This policy applies to students and guests in SCC apartment complexes and residence halls (buildings, halls, or stairwells, patios, or balconies). The areas on campus where these activities are allowed are clearly marked.

Harassment, Discrimination and Adherence to Title IX

Sexual Misconduct and Intimate Partner Violence Policy

SCC is committed to maintaining a positive and safe learning and working environment. SCC students and employees are responsible for assuring that SCC maintains an environment for study and work free from sexual assault or misconduct as well as intimate partner violence. All members of the SCC community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that ensures a safe environment.

Title IX, Campus SaVE Act

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 www.justice.gov/crt/about/cor/coord/titleix.php protects individuals from discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity operated by recipients of federal financial assistance. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Although Title IX is perhaps best known for its mission to achieve gender equity in athletic programming, Title IX’s protections are much broader in scope. It applies to all forms of sexual discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual abuse, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking, collectively referred to as sexual misconduct by the college. It also applies to all forms of gender-based harassment*. Title IX applies equally to students, college employees, and non-employee third parties.

*The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights enforces Title IX’s prohibition on discrimination on the basis of sex to also include discrimination based on gender identity.

Gender and Sex-based Discrimination Not Tolerated

Members of the SCC community, guests and visitors have the right to be free from all forms of gender and sex-based discrimination, examples of which can include acts of sexual violence, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. All members of the campus community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others. SCC does not tolerate gender-based misconduct. When an allegation of misconduct is brought to an appropriate administrator’s attention, and a respondent is found to have violated this policy, serious sanctions will be used to reasonably ensure that such actions are not repeated.

Definitions of Sex Related and Civil Rights Offenses

The following are definitions of sexual misconduct (a broad term encompassing any behavior of a sexual nature that is non-consensual, committed by force or intimidation or that is otherwise unwelcome) offenses that are prohibited by Southeast Community College.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome behavior (verbal, written, or physical) that is directed at someone because of the person’s sex, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity and that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it unreasonably interferes with, denies, or limits someone’s ability to participate in or benefit from the College’s programs and/or activities by creating a hostile, humiliating, demeaning, or sexually offensive academic, residential, working, or social environment; and/or is based on real or reasonable perceived power differentials and submission to or rejection of such conduct is believed to carry consequences for the student’s education or employment. Sexual harassment can be either explicit or implicit.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is defined in Nebraska’s statutes. It includes both sexual contact and penetration. Sexual assault occurs if either sexual contact or penetration happen without consent. Nebraska law defines sexual contact, penetration, and without consent at Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-318. Nebraska law also recognizes that a sexual assault occurred in certain circumstances even though consent was given.

Nebraska law defines the term “without consent.” It includes instances when an individual victimized by sexual contact or penetration is compelled to submit because of the use of force or the threat of force or coercion. It also includes instances when an individual expresses a lack of consent by word or by conduct. Finally, “without consent” includes instances when consent is obtained through deception on the part of the individual causing the sexual contact or penetration to occur. This could include instances of stealthing, which includes acts to remove or sabotage a condom when the consensual sexual activity was based on the use of a condom.

Consent is not valid in Nebraska when it is given by someone lacking the mental or physical ability to resist or appraise the nature of the conduct and the person causing the sexual contact or penetration to occur knew or should have known of the impairment. This can include consent given by an individual who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Consent is also not valid when it is given by an individual under certain ages when the person requesting the consent is over certain ages.

The following laws are some of the laws in Nebraska that relate to sexual assault:

Stalking

In Nebraska, stalking, for purposes of prosecution, is defined as any person who willfully harasses another person or a family or household member of such person with the intent to injure, terrify, threaten, or intimidate commits the offense of stalking. Stalking can be carried out in person or by electronic mechanisms (cell phone, internet, fax, cameras). Examples may include, but not be limited to, monitoring of physical or visual proximity to the victim; repeated following, approaching or confronting the victim; entering property occupied by the victim; photographing or videotaping the victim without permission; or unwelcome or unsolicited written or electronic communication with the victim.

Sexual Exploitation

Sexual exploitation involves taking or attempting to take sexual advantage of another person. Sexual exploitation can include observing another person’s nudity or sexual activity without consent; distribution of images, photos, videos, or audio recordings of sexual activity or nudity without the knowledge and consent of all parties involved; prostituting another person; engaging in sexual activity with another person while knowingly infected with a sexually transmitted disease or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), without informing the other person; or exposing one’s genitals in non-consensual circumstances.

Domestic Abuse/Violence

Domestic abuse occurs when one individual in a relationship chooses to use threats, behaviors, and acts of violence to control their partner. It includes acts and threats of physical or sexual violence which is a crime in Nebraska. It can also include behaviors that appear as intimidation, isolation, and economic control. Behaviors by someone choosing to abuse an intimate partner may be aimed at negatively impacting employment and educational choices.

Domestic abuse is a choice to use these and other behaviors to control the behavior of an intimate partner. Intimate partners in Nebraska include people who are or have been married to each other; people who had a child together regardless of whether or not they were married; and people in a dating relationship. Nebraska’s Protection from Domestic Abuse Act expands this to include people who have lived together at some point and people who are related by blood or by law (in-laws or adoption).

Dating Violence

Dating violence includes an act of violence that is committed by a person against someone they have had a dating relationship with. Nebraska defines a dating relationship in the Protection from Domestic Abuse Act.

See Neb. Rev. Stat. 42-903.

Retaliation

Retaliation against a grievant or witness for filing or participating in the investigation is prohibited. Retaliation is any overt or covert act of reprisal, interference, restraint, penalty, discrimination, intimidation, or harassment against one or more individuals for exercising their rights (or supporting others for exercising their rights) under this policy. Retaliation can be committed by the person under investigation or by someone else to influence a grievant or witness. The College will follow up on any reports of retaliation and take appropriate action as necessary.

Consent

Consent is an important concept when it comes to sexual assault and healthy relationships. Consent must be a willingness or agreement to engage in sexual activity that is freely given with full information of the facts and circumstances. A person cannot give valid consent in Nebraska if they are:

  • Overcome by force or fear;
  • Unconscious or powerless;
  • Mentally incapacitated, whether due to a mental disease or alcohol/drug intoxication; or
  • Providing apparent consent due to fraud or misrepresentation.

Confidentiality and Mandatory Reporting

The privacy of all parties will be respected and safeguarded as much as possible, but there are certain mandatory reporting requirements that the College and staff must follow in certain instances. Information shared with any employee of the College, except counselors within the CAPS office, or through the College’s online reporting form (Maxient) related to a report of misconduct will be shared with only those College employees who have a “need to know” in order to assist in an investigation and/or the resolution of a complaint. 

Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed but will be maintained to the greatest extent possible. Personally identifying information (information likely to disclose the location of a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking) will not be included in any publicly available recordkeeping.

Trained responders to allegations of sexual misconduct will keep reports private unless mandated by law to report the misconduct to others. These trained professionals can provide written notification to students and employees about existing counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid and other services available for victims, both within the institution and in the community. Information about services and resources both on and off campuses can be found on our website at www.southeast.edu/rights-and-reporting-options/.

Information related to sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking that is shared with any College employee, except a counselor within the CAPS office, must be shared with the Title IX Coordinator. If anyone has reason to believe that child abuse has occurred, Nebraska law requires that a report of the abuse be made to either local law enforcement or the Nebraska Child Abuse Hotline. The Title IX Coordinator may file a formal complaint that leads to an investigation and adjudication of the complaint by College staff. Details related to this process and the sharing of related information is explained below.

In instances where the College would be unable to take disciplinary action in response to an alleged violation of this policy because a complainant insists on confidentiality, the College must weigh a request for confidentiality against the College’s obligation to provide a reasonably safe, non-discriminatory environment for all parties.

In all cases, the College will pursue other steps to limit the effects of the conduct that violates this policy and prevent its recurrence. However, a request for confidentiality will impede the College’s ability to investigate the incident and pursue disciplinary action against the alleged perpetrator. The Title IX Coordinator or designee will determine what information about a victim should be disclosed and to whom and will inform victims of such disclosures for consent prior to sharing of information.

Reporting

Reporting an Incident of Sexual Misconduct

Southeast Community College prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual misconduct as defined above, in all of its education programs and activities, and applies to all students, employees and applicants for admissions or employment.

Reporting incidents of misconduct that occur both on and off-campus and involves an SCC student or employee and/or when the conduct negatively affects the victim’s school experience or overall school environment is investigated by trained staff. Any behavior which causes the sexual abuse/assault of another person will not be tolerated and is a violation of the College’s Code of Conduct and may result in sanctions, including warnings, disciplinary probation, suspension or termination, of student/employee status, or expulsion.

For complaints against a third party, the matter will be referred to local law enforcement for investigation, and the victim will be referred and assisted as needed to ensure their safety. SCC will take any necessary action in the best interest of the victim during the pendency of the investigation. While all sexual discrimination and sexual misconduct complaints will be filed with the Title IX Coordinator, student-involved complaints will use the Student Code of Conduct process for disciplinary measures, as applicable. Employee-involved complaints will use Human Resources processes to determine the appropriate disciplinary action, or recommendation for disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and/or applicable Southeast Community College policies.

SCC strongly encourages any person subjected to sexual misconduct to report the conduct to law enforcement and to the College’s Title IX Office. A complaint may be filed using any one or more of the following methods:

  1. File a Title IX Report with the College
    Robert A. Sanford, JD
    Administrative Director of Title IX and Institutional Compliance
    Jack J. Huck Continuing Education Center
    301 S. 68th St. Place, Lincoln NE 68510
    (402) 323-3418 Office
    rsanford@southeast.edu
     
  2. File a Report Using the College’s Incident Reporting System
    You may share a concern or file a complaint using the Complaints and Concerns/Reporting page. The Complaints and Concerns Reporting page link may be found on The Hub and the College’s website: www.southeast.edu. The Complaints and Concerns Reporting page provides an online method for you to share your concerns with SCC leadership. Concerns expressed through the Complaints and Concerns Reporting page which contain potential sexual misconduct allegations will be investigated by the Title IX Coordinator or designee.

    Do not use this site to report events presenting an immediate threat to life or property. Call 911 to report emergencies. You may choose to file a report with the College and request that your name not be used in the investigation process. However, it is often difficult to investigate allegations when an individual requests that their name not be disclosed during an investigation. Reporting anonymously may limit the College’s ability to conduct a full investigation and take action. Regardless, you may report anonymously through the College’s Complaints and Concerns Reporting system.
     
  3. Contact a Responsible Employee
    Every employee of the College, including but not limited to faculty, staff, and student employees are considered Responsible Employees and are mandated to report sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator. The only individuals who are not mandated to report this information to the Title IX Coordinator are counselors with the CAPS office.

    Responsible Employees cannot keep your concerns confidential. If you talk to these individuals, your concerns will be reported and the College will follow up on your concerns. To the extent you want Southeast Community College to take action, you need to report to a Responsible Employee, campus Safety & Security Specialist, Campus Security Authority, or the Title IX Coordinator.

    Each campus has identified individuals to assist you as needed. For specific names and email addresses, please visit our website at 
    www.southeast.edu/rights-and-reporting-options/.

Beatrice Campus, Learning Centers at Nebraska City & Falls City:

  • Assistant Campus Director/Dean of Students, 402-228-8286
  • Safety & Security Specialist, 402-228-8279

Lincoln Campus, Including Education Square, Continuing Education Center, Entrepreneurship Center, Learning Centers at Plattsmouth & Wahoo:

  • Assistant Campus Director/Dean of Students, 402-437-2559
  •  Safety & Security Specialist, 402-437-2408

Milford Campus, Learning Centers at York & Hebron:

  • Assistant Campus Director/Dean of Students, 402-761-8270
  • Safety & Security Specialist, 402-761-8270

More information is available on the SCC additional resources page. www.southeast.edu/are-there-additional-resources/

Crime reports may also be made to the following SCC personnel who are designated Campus Security Authorities (CSAs). For Clery Act Reporting purposes, CSAs are SCC officials who have significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including, but not limited to, student activities, student athletics, and student judicial and disciplinary proceedings.

  • Safety and Security Coordinator
  • Vice President Human Resources
  • Vice President Instruction
  • Vice President Access, Equity & Diversity
  • Vice President Student Affairs
  • Beatrice Campus Dean of Students
  • Milford Campus Dean of Students
  • Milford Campus Assistant Resident Hall Manager
  • Lincoln Campus Dean of Students
  • Lincoln Campus Associate Dean of Students
  • Beatrice Campus Director
  • Milford Campus Director
  • Lincoln Campus Assistant Campus Director
  • Beatrice Campus Assistant Campus Director
  • Beatrice Campus Residence Hall Manager
  • Milford Campus Residence Hall Manager
  • Beatrice Campus Assistant Residence Hall Manager
  • Beatrice Campus Athletic Director
  • Beatrice Campus Athletic Department Coaches
  • Beatrice Campus Athletic Department Assistant Coaches
  • Advisors of Clubs or Organizations (all campuses)
  • Beatrice Campus Student Life Coordinator
  • Lincoln Campus Student Life Coordinator
  • Milford Campus Student Life Coordinator
  • Director of Student Development

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: The Title IX Coordinator or Responsible Employee/Campus Security Authority can assist you with the reporting process, getting help, explaining your rights as a student/employee, investigation processes, and protection options. If you decline to pursue a formal criminal action through a local law enforcement agency, you can pursue institutional actions consistent with the SCC Student Code of Conduct, Title IX and Clery Act*.

Alternatively, you can choose not to pursue any institution action, but pursue criminal action or make a report to law enforcement. Complaints against a third party who are not students or employees of the College can be reported to the Title IX Administrator or any Responsible Employee.

  1. Contact Local Law Enforcement

Students are strongly encouraged to report all sex offenses (e.g.,rape, acquaintance rape, forcible/non-forcible sex) to local enforcement officials.

  • Beatrice Police Department 402-223-4080
  • Lincoln Police Department 402-441-6000
  • Milford Police Department 402-761-2772
  1. File a Title IX Complaint with the Office of Civil Rights The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the U.S. Department of Education enforces Title IX. For more information, see www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintprocess.html.

* The Cleary Act is a federal law that requires educational institutions to provide information about specific crimes that are committed on or near the institution’s campus or buildings it owns or leases for educational purposes.

Sexual Assault Education and Prevention

The College provides information and orientation to promote the awareness of sex offenses and has awareness and prevention programs designed to provide education regarding safety and security, including prevention of sexual assault. These programs are organized through the campus Dean of Students, Student Life and Residence Life staff, along with the Office of Professional Development and include a program designed around Preventing Discrimination and Sexual Violence: Title IX, VAWA and Clery Act for employees and students. This program consists of a series of online and face-to-face courses that cover the College’s policies and expectations related to Title IX, Clery Act and VAWA. Completion of the course is required for all employees of the College, including active student employees. The class is offered, but not required, for all other students. Additional opportunities to attend ongoing programming sessions related to personal safety issues such as sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, hate crimes, stalking, active bystander, and drug & alcohol issues.

For more information about our official notices, policies and procedures, services, safety tips, resources, education and prevention programs visit the Title IX website at www.southeast.edu/rights-and-reporting-options/.

Sex Offender Registry

The Nebraska Sex Offender Registration Act (Neb. Rev. Statute 29-4001 to 29-4115) requires sex offenders to register with local law enforcement officials. This Act states that individuals who are required to register as a sex offender and who are either employed by or are a student of an educational institution follow the registration requirements of the law. Registry information is available to the public on the Nebraska State Patrol’s website: sor.nebraska.gov/.

Southeast Community College is an open-enrollment institution. Per College Policy E-2j: SCC places certain restrictions on registered sex offenders and requires they report to the Campus Dean of Students each term they are enrolled in classes. Registered sex offenders are not prohibited from admission, enrollment, or attendance at SCC. This policy is intended to guide such persons and for SCC to deal fairly and appropriately with such persons and to protect our campus communities.

Obligation to Self-Report

Any person who is required by law to register as a sex offender and who, as a condition of community control (or any similar program in any jurisdiction other than Nebraska, such as probation or parole) that includes restrictions that prohibit contact with juveniles, must self-report their status to the Campus Dean of Students within three (3) days of enrollment in any SCC course, whether on campus, at a remote location, or online. For purposes of this Policy, enrollment means registering for any class, course, or program (regardless of payment status and whether the class has started) at any SCC location and any other sites where SCC offers such class, course, or program.

Any person who is required to self-report under this Policy must provide documentation of convictions, conviction dates and, if applicable, contact information for community control, probation, or parole. All information collected will be maintained with the Campus Dean of Students.

Failure to Self-Report

A person’s failure to self-report as required may result in disciplinary and/or legal action against a student, including but not necessarily limited to, suspension, expulsion, criminal trespass, or reporting to a community control supervisor (probation or parole officer). See the SCC Student Code of Conduct.

Specific Campus Location and/or Enrollment Restrictions

Any person who is required to self-report under this policy may be prohibited from:

  • Entering the Lincoln Campus C Section and its playground which houses the campus Child Development Center.
  • Entering the Lincoln Campus Career Academy, which provides dual-credit educational programming for students commonly under the age of 18.
  • Entering any other area of the College in which services to children or minors are being provided.
  • Residing, working or volunteering in residence halls.
  • Enrolling and/or attending any class, course, or program with other persons who are under age 18. Additional specific restrictions on-campus location and/or enrollment may be imposed based on legal requirements associated with sex crime convictions as well as the conditions of community control (probation or parole). Restrictions on enrollment may include, but are not limited to:
    • Restricted or prohibited access to certain classrooms or areas of campus;
    • Restricted or prohibited internet access; and,
    • Enrollment in online course sections only.

Decisions about specific restrictions will be made by the Campus Dean of Students, in collaboration with the Campus Safety & Security Specialist. Any person subject to such restrictions will be informed in writing of any decisions related to any restrictions. All decisions are final. However, a student may petition to have the restrictions reviewed if changes are made to his or her status as a sex offender or conditions of community control (probation or parole).

Video Monitoring

SCC has installed video surveillance equipment at strategic locations at all College campuses and locations. Specific buildings have cameras focused on areas of higher risk, such as facility entrances, elevators, and secure areas. Designated college administrators, school officials, or designees manage the recording, storage and potential sharing of video monitoring conducted at SCC locations. The Campus Directors work in association with Campus Safety & Security Specialists at each location to determine the appropriate circumstances for disclosure of recorded images to outside third parties.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Code of Conduct Overview

Examples of behavioral expectations that are included in the Standards of Conduct, Formal Conduct Hearing Procedures, definitions, and other applicable Student Code of Conduct procedures can be found in the comprehensive SCC Student Code of Conduct located with the campus Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs or online at www.southeast.edu/philosophyofstudentconduct/.

SCC Philosophy of Student Conduct

The mission of Student Affairs and SCC’s Student Code of Conduct is to provide students with detailed expectations of conduct; consistent processes when expectations are not met; and interventions and programming that promotes the development of moral and social growth as well as ethical decision-making skills.

A community exists based on shared values and principles. At SCC, we expect all students to conduct themselves as respectable citizens of an educational community. We expect students to obey the laws of the local and state jurisdiction and the College’s rules and regulations. We embody these standards within a set of core values that include demonstrating accountability, integrity and respect for others; pursuing excellence in fulfilling responsibilities; being honest, kind and compassionate; and adhering to the principles of diversity.

SCC students are diligent and consistently adhere to a high level of conduct, and each member of the SCC community bears responsibility for their conduct and assumes reasonable responsibility for the behavior of others. There are times when violations occur. In these situations, students responsible for the violation will receive instruction that is fair and consistent. Due process allows all students the right to be heard and for appeal.

The student conduct process at SCC is not intended to punish students; but rather to protect the interests of the community and to challenge those whose behavior is not in accordance with our policies. Sanctions are intended to challenge students’ moral and ethical decision-making and to help them bring their behavior into accord with our community’s expectations. When a student is unable to conform their behavior to community expectations, the student conduct process may determine that the student should no longer share in the privilege of participating in this community.

The student conduct process is quite different from criminal and civil court proceedings. Student conduct procedures are conducted with fairness to all but do not include the same protections of due process afforded by the courts. No student will be found in violation of College policy without indication that it is more likely than not that a policy violation occurred and any response or sanctions will be proportionate to the severity of the violation and to the cumulative conduct history of the student.

Jurisdiction

The Student Code of Conduct and the student conduct process apply to the conduct of individual students at all College-owned or controlled property and all College-affiliated student organizations, events and activities on or off campus. The SCC Student Code of Conduct applies to any individual enrolled in any credit or non-credit course and thereafter as long as the student has a continuing educational interest in the College.

Standards of Conduct

Honesty and Integrity
Students should act in a manner that demonstrates honesty and integrity.

Accountability and Respect for Others
Students should act in a manner that demonstrates accountability and respect for others.

Kindness and Compassion
Students should act in a manner that demonstrates kindness and compassion.

Adherence to Principles of Diversity
Southeast Community College is committed to maintaining learning and working environments that are free from all forms of illegal harassment and discrimination. The College will not tolerate harassment or retaliation in the workplace or educational environment whether committed by faculty, staff, or students, or by visitors to the College while they are on College-owned or controlled property or at events conducted, sponsored, or sanctioned by the College. Each member of the College community is responsible for fostering civility, for being familiar with this policy and for refraining from conduct that violates this policy.

Conduct Demonstrating Lack of Fulfillment to Personal and Academic Responsibilities
Students should act in a manner that fulfills their personal and academic responsibilities.

Overview of the Conduct Review Process

This overview gives a general idea of how SCC conduct proceedings work, but it should be noted that not all situations are of the same severity or complexity. Thus, these procedures are flexible and are not exactly the same in every situation, though consistency in similar situations is a priority. The Student Code of Conduct process and all applicable timelines commence with notice to an administrator of a potential violation of College conduct expectations.

NOTICE: Once notice is received from any source (victim, Resident Assistant, Third party, Responsible Authority, online, etc.), SCC will proceed with a preliminary inquiry and/or may schedule an initial educational conference with the responding student(s) to explain the conduct process and gather information.

Preliminary Inquiry and/or Educational Conference

SCC conducts a preliminary inquiry into the nature of the incident, complaint or notice, the evidence available, and the parties involved.

The preliminary inquiry may lead to:

  1. A determination that there is insufficient evidence to pursue the investigation, because the behavior alleged, even if proven, would not violate the Student Code of Conduct, (e.g.: for reasons such as mistaken identity or allegations of behavior that falls outside the code);
  2. A more comprehensive investigation, when it is clear more information must be gathered; or
  3. An educational conference facilitated by the Dean of Students or designee with the responding student.

When an initial educational conference is held, the possible outcomes include:

  1. A decision not to pursue the allegation based on a lack of or insufficient evidence. The matter should be closed and records should so indicate;
  2. An administrative resolution to an uncontested allegation (see immediately below);
  3. A decision to proceed with additional investigation and/or referral for a formal Conduct Committee Hearing for resolution.

If a decision on the allegation is made, and the finding is that the responding student is not responsible for violating the Code, the process will end. The party bringing the complaint may request that the Dean of Student Affairs and/or, if the allegation involves a Title IX violation, the Title IX Coordinator will reopen the investigation and/or grant a Conduct Committee Hearing. This decision shall be at the discretion of the Dean of Students or designee and/or the Title IX Coordinator, if applicable, in consultation with each other, and will only be granted for an extraordinary cause.

Finding Accepted; Sanction Accepted

If the College’s finding is that the responding student is in violation, and the responding student accepts this finding within five (5) days, the administrator conducting the initial educational conference will then determine the sanction(s) for the misconduct, which the responding student may accept or reject. If accepted, the process ends.

Finding Accepted; Sanction Rejected

If the student accepts the findings but rejects the sanction, SCC will conduct a sanction-only Conduct Committee Hearing to recommend a sanction to the Dean of Student Affairs and campus-specific Dean of Students or designee. The sanction is then reviewed and finalized by the campus-specific Dean of Students and Dean of Student Affairs and is subject to appeal by any party to the misconduct.

Finding Rejected

If the administrator conducting the educational conference determines that it is more likely than not that the responding student is in violation, and the responding student rejects that finding in whole or in part, the process moves to a formal hearing.

Formal Hearing

If the responding student contests the findings determined during the preliminary inquiry, additional investigation may then be commenced, and/or a hearing may be held, when there is reasonable cause to believe that one or more Student Codes of Conduct have been violated. A formal notice of the complaint will be issued, and a hearing will be held before a Conduct Committee. A finding will be determined and is final, except in cases that involve Title IX or other discrimination allegations. In those cases, the hearing results serve as a recommendation to the Dean of Students or designee and, where appropriate, the Title IX Coordinator, who reviews and finalizes the finding. If the finding is that the responding student is not responsible, the process ends.

Review and Finalize Sanction(s).

If the student is found in violation(s), sanctions will be recommended by the Conduct Committee to the campus-specific Dean of Students and Dean of Student Affairs or designee and Title IX Coordinator when applicable, who will review and finalize the sanctions.

Special Hearing Provisions for Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination and Other Complaints of a Sensitive Nature

All hearings under this sub-section will be conducted only by committee members trained on Title IX regulations, policies and protocol. For sexual misconduct, discrimination and other complaints of a sensitive nature, whether the alleged victim is serving as the party bringing the complaint or as a witness, alternative testimony options may be provided, such as placing a privacy screen in the hearing room or allowing the alleged victim to testify from another room via audio or audio/video technology. While these options are intended to help make the alleged victim more comfortable, they are not intended to work to the disadvantage of the responding student.

The past sexual history or sexual character of a party will not be admissible by the other parties in hearings unless such information is determined to be highly relevant by the Committee Hearing Chair. All such information sought to be admitted by a party or the College will be presumed irrelevant until a showing of relevance is made, in advance of the hearing, to the Chair. Demonstration of pattern, repeated, and/or predatory behavior by the responding student, in the form of previous findings in any legal or campus proceeding, or in the form of previous good-faith allegations, will always be relevant to the finding, not just the sanction. The parties will be notified in advance if any such information is deemed relevant and will be introduced in the hearing.

The party bringing any complaint alleging sexual misconduct, other behavior falling within the coverage of Title IX and/or a crime of violence will be notified in writing of the outcome of a hearing, any sanctions assigned and the rationale for the decision.

Conduct Sanctions

One or more of the following sanctions may be imposed upon any student for any single violation of the SCC Student Code of Conduct:

  • Verbal Warning
  • Written Disciplinary Warning
  • Disciplinary Probation
  • Disciplinary Suspension
  • Disciplinary Expulsion
  • Restitution
  • Fines
  • College Service or Behavioral Requirements
  • Loss of Privileges
  • Confiscation of Prohibited Property
  • Educational Program
  • Housing Probation
  • College Housing Reassignment
  • College Housing Suspension
  • College Housing Expulsion
  • Eligibility Restriction

Other Sanctions: Additional or alternate sanctions may be created and designed as deemed appropriate to the offense with the approval of the Dean of Student Affairs or designee.

Kudos, Concerns or Complaints

The Kudos initiative was conceptualized with and is in alignment with Southeast Community College’s Strategic Plan Goals 2.4 and 9.6.  It is a tool (web-based entry) intended to improve the way we celebrate student, faculty and staff success beyond their regular responsibilities.

It provides an efficient way to quickly offer kudos and recognition to those doing well in their academic environment, or to employees who make a positive contribution, either a gesture or action, that makes SCC a great place to work.

  • Kudos can be used to recognize students who have demonstrated academic excellence in a particular course. Or a kudos can help to provide encouragement for students who are making an impact in the classroom through their respect, accountability, compassion, and intervention skills. Students receive an email notification when this kudo is raised.
  • Kudos for faculty/staff can be used to recognize an SCC employee who is making a community contribution by demonstrating key components of organization goal 9.6 in the 2020-2024 Strategic Plan. Faculty/staff receive an email notification when this kudo is raised.

Procedure for Processing Student Concerns/Complaints

Southeast Community College strives to provide a positive learning environment for students, one that is conducive to innovative teaching and learning. In the spirit of maximizing a positive, supportive, and engaging environment, students, employees, and other stakeholders are encouraged to address issues and concerns directly with individuals or departments involved as much as the individual feels is safe to do so. (SCC Board Policy C-5)

Submitting a Complaint or Concern

If a concern or complaint cannot be resolved informally with the involved individuals or groups, or if the nature of the concern/complaint dictates otherwise, the student may submit a formal Concerns and Complaints report, or they may present the issue directly to any campus or college administrator.

College Response

Regardless of the subject matter, all submitted student concerns/complaints received through the Student Complaints & Concerns Reporting process will be reviewed and/or referred within five (5) business days by the Assistant Campus Director/Dean of Students (or designee) to the appropriate/responsible administrator who will oversee the complaint or concern review and resolution process.

  • Initial Inquiry: The responsible administrator will conduct an initial inquiry, which may include (but not be limited to) gathering additional information, documents, interviews, observations, etc. to inform a resolution of the complaint or concern.
  • NOTE: There are some types of complaints or concerns for which there are formal complaint processes, including but not limited to harassment, discrimination, and disability. Title IX Resources
  • Extension of Time: Unless extensions of time are needed/requested to complete the review, the responsible administrator will have fifteen (15) business days to conduct an initial inquiry into the complaint or concern. Any necessary and reasonable deviations from these timelines will be communicated by the administrator conducting the review to all involved parties in a timely manner via SCC email.

Resolution of Complaints or Concerns

At the conclusion of the initial inquiry, the responsible administrator will respond to the parties involved in the complaint or concern via their SCC email address, describing the resolution (consisting of a summary of their findings, conclusions, and follow-up actions or sanctions). The resolution will provide an explanation of the outcome to all parties and provide options for any party involved to respond. All proceedings will be documented in writing for purposes of quality control and internal review.

Additional Review Request
The party submitting the complaint or concern may request a Formal Committee Review of the initial resolution (either the findings or the follow-up actions/sanctions). Requests for a formal review of the resolution must be submitted to the Assistant Campus Director/Dean of Students within five (5) business days after receiving notice of the resolution.

The Assistant Campus Director/Dean of Students (or designee) will schedule the Formal Review Committee within five (5) business days of receiving the request. The Formal Review Committee hearing will be held within ten (10) business days or as the academic calendar allows. The Committee may affirm or revise the initial findings or actions/sanctions, or make additional recommendations to all parties. NOTE: All resolutions made by the Formal Review Committee are final.

NOTE. Appeals related to the Americans with Disabilities Act or Title IX are provided in a separate process:

Appeal Process for Formal Complaint/Concern Resolution

Step 1: If the individual filing or responding to the formal complaint/concern discovers new or pertinent evidence or finds a relevant and substantive misapplication of a college policy or procedure, they may appeal the
Formal Review Committee’s resolution within five (5) days of receiving the resolution. (See Grounds for Appeal Request below).

Step 2: The Assistant Campus Director/Dean of Student Affairs will inform all parties in a timely manner of the status of requests for appeal, the status of the appeal consideration, and the results of the appeal decision when appropriate by procedure or law.

Step 3: The Assistant Campus Director/Dean of Student Affairs or designee will refer the request(s) within five (5) business days to the appropriate vice president or administrator who will determine if the appeal request meets the limited substantive grounds for appeal and is timely.

  • If the appeal is not timely or substantively eligible, the original resolution will stand, and the Formal Review Committee’s decision is deemed to be final.
  • If the appeal is timely and substantively eligible for an appeal, the appropriate vice president will remand the appeal to the original decision-maker(s), typically within five (5) business days.
  • Where the original decision-maker may be unduly biased by a procedural or substantive error, an Appeal Committee may be constituted to reconsider the matter. The appropriate vice president will have the final authority to approve all those serving on the panel.

Burden of Proof: In appeal, the Formal Review Committee’s findings and actions/sanctions are presumed to have been decided reasonably, fairly, and appropriately. The burden is on the appealing party(ies) to present evidence of clear error. The responsible vice president or Appeal Committee will limit its review to the new evidence or procedural challenges presented.

Extension of Time: All decisions of the responsible vice president or Appeal Committee are to be made within five (5) business days and are final. Any extension to this timeline will be communicated to all involved parties.

Implementation of Interim Actions: The presumptive stance of SCC is that all decisions made, and actions/sanctions imposed by the original decision-maker are to be implemented during the appeal process in a bias-free manner. At the discretion of the Assistant Campus Director/Dean of Students, and in consultation with the Title IX Coordinator when necessary, any or all interim actions may be implemented pending final review.

Grounds for Appeal Requests

Grounds for considering an appeal are limited to the following:

  1. A procedural or substantive error occurred that significantly impacted the outcome of the hearing (e.g. substantiated bias, material deviation from established procedures, etc.).
  2. New evidence proffered by the complainant that was unavailable during the original hearing or investigation that could substantially impact the original finding or sanction. A summary of this new evidence and its potential impact must be included.
    1. Failure to provide information during or to participate in an investigation or a hearing, even resulting from concern over pending criminal or civil proceedings, does not make evidence “unavailable” at the time of the hearing.
    2. The appropriate vice president or designee will consult with the chair of the original panel to inquire as to whether the new evidence would, in the opinion of the Chair, have substantially impacted the original finding(s) or sanction(s).
  3. The sanctions imposed are substantially outside the reasonable scope necessary to address the underlying complaint for this type of offense or are not supported by the appealing party(ie)’s historical record.

External resources - If the student believes that the College’s procedures have not adequately or fully addressed their concerns, they may file a complaint through Nebraska’s Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (Student Complaints Against Postsecondary Institutions | Nebraska’s Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education), or the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights ( How to File a Discrimination Complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (ed.gov)

Quality Control & Internal Reviews. During each summer term, the Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) will convene a committee to conduct an annual audit to assess whether aggregated data from complaints are received and resolved in accordance with administrative procedures and that they contain the necessary documentation. Each fall semester, aggregate data on complaints and resolutions will be shared with key campus personnel, (including, but not limited to Student Affairs and Instructional Deans, Associate Deans, and Safety & Security) for the purpose of assessing if any patterns exist and make recommendations as needed. These summary recommendations will be submitted to the Area Administrative Team for further review and implementation when determined by the team to be necessary and appropriate.

The Vice President for Student Affairs or their designee(s) is responsible for implementing, monitoring, and proposing revisions to these administrative procedures. Any proposed revisions to these procedures will be presented to the Area Administrative Team for consideration and approval.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 Appeals/Grievances

These procedures shall also apply to appeals/grievances arising from objection to, or dissatisfaction with, actions taken by Southeast Community College with regards to requests for reasonable accommodation.

An ADA/504 Appeal/Grievance is defined as an allegation by a student that at least one of the following has occurred. The student has:

  • Experienced disparate or unequal treatment;
  • Been discriminated against because of a disability; or
  • Has not been provided a requested accommodation.

Note: Remedies under this Appeals/Grievance Procedure are corrective steps, measures to provide a reasonable accommodation or to reverse the effects of any discrimination and to ensure proper ongoing treatment.

Academic and Non-Academic Grievance

Southeast Community College is dedicated to a policy that all grievances relating to students at the College will be handled fairly and equally without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors.

The Student Grievance Process is a way for a student to remedy the rare situation where a student feels they have been treated in ways that are unfair; arbitrary or adversely affect their status, rights and privileges; and have not been able to obtain justice in a less formal manner.

The purpose of a Student Grievance procedure is to secure, at the lowest level possible, equitable and timely solutions to problems that may arise. Grievances may be addressed through an informal or formal procedure and apply to academic and non-academic student grievances, including student complaints. All students have the right of due process and fairness in filing and resolving grievances concerning restriction of rights or misapplication of College policy, including, but not limited to:

  • The enrollment or orientation process
  • The quality of education provided
  • The handling of personal information and access to personal records
  • Academic issues related to student progress, assessment and curriculum
  • Individual treatment by a College employee

Actions that are not grievable under this procedure include:

  • Grade appeals/disputes (these are addressed through the SCC Grade Appeal procedure)
  • Financial aid (these are addressed through the SCC Financial Aid Appeal procedure)
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Reasonable Accommodations (these are addressed through the ADA and Section 504 Appeals/Grievance procedure)
  • Code of conduct sanctions/disciplinary action (these are addressed through the SCC Student Code of Conduct Formal Hearing and Appeal procedure)
  • Actions or practices which are the result of SCC system-wide requirements, i.e. student fees.
  • Debt to the College
  • Academic dishonesty allegations (these are addressed through the SCC Student Code of Conduct Formal Hearing and Appeal procedure)
  • Academic probation

A grievance may be withdrawn by the student at any time during the Grievance Process.

Informal Grievance

An attempt should be made by both parties to resolve the grievance in a timely fashion and at the lowest possible level of involvement. Students are encouraged to seek resolution of the grievance through the informal process.

The individual with the grievance must communicate with the involved participants, including, but not limited to, the instructor, the Program Director, Department Chair, the Division Dean, or the involved staff as a first attempt to resolve the grievance informally.

If the grievance is not resolved at this level, the Formal Grievance Procedure may be initiated.

Formal Grievance

The Formal Grievance Procedure is available to all currently enrolled students of the College in an attempt to provide equitable solutions to concerns and problems that may arise and is initiated if the Informal Grievance Process has not resulted in a satisfactory/acceptable resolution.

For additional information regarding the informal and formal grievance procedures, refer to the SCC Student Code of Conduct Web pages at www.southeast.edu/philosophyofstudentconduct/.