Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Standards of Conduct

Guarantee for Associate of Arts/Associate of Science Degree

North Central Michigan College will refund the cost of a course’s tuition to an associate of arts or associate of science graduate for any specific North Central course that was part of the graduate’s AA or AS degree program at North Central and the course fails to transfer to an accredited four-year institution if all of the following conditions have been met:

1. The course has been defined by North Central as a liberal arts and science course (excluding mathematics below the College Algebra level);
2. The course has been determined by the regionally accredited senior institution to be transferable; and
3. The course has a final grade of “C” or higher.

To qualify, the student must:

1. Have earned an associate of arts or science degree after January 1, 2006.
2. Meet the admission criteria of the baccalaureate degree institution;
3. Transfer the course to a baccalaureate degree institution within four years of completing the course; and
4. Attempt to transfer no more than the maximum number of credits acceptable to the university from a two-year institution.

Students must recognize that “transfer of a course” does not necessarily equate with that course meeting a particular institution’s specific program or degree requirements.

Transferability comes in many forms: course-for-course equivalency, departmental credit and university credit. Audited courses are excluded from this guarantee.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Drug Free School Policy

1. Any student, full-time or part-time, of North Central Michigan College who engages in the unlawful or unauthorized sale, possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs, hallucinogens, controlled substances, or alcohol on College property or designated College property or, as any part of the College’s activities, is in violation of school policy regarding standards of student conduct.
2. Any such violation by a student as described above will result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate expulsion from the College and referral to appropriate authorities for prosecution.
3. Local law enforcement agencies will be notified if State underage drinking laws are violated.
4. All students are advised that conviction for illegal possession, misuse, sale, manufacture, distribution, and related actions with respect to illicit drugs and alcohol under local, state and federal statutes can result in extensive fines, forfeitures of property, and imprisonment.
5. Students interested in seeking alcohol or substance abuse counseling should contact one of the following agencies/ sources, or check their local telephone directory for other counseling services in their area.

North Country Community Mental Health Services:
231-347-6701

Bay Area Substance Abuse Services (B.A.S.E.S.):
231-547-1144

Harbor Hall:
231-347-5511

Northern Michigan Substance Abuse Services:
989-732-1791

Northern Michigan Substance Abuse Services Access Line:
800-686-0749

Sexual Harassment Policy

It is the policy of North Central Michigan College to maintain a place of employment and education that is free of harassment in general and especially harassment that is sexual in nature. Sexual harassment, as summarized from E.E.O.C. guidelines, includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct or communications of a sexual nature when:

1. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or grade; or
2. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment. The purpose of this policy is to communicate to all employees and students what constitutes sexual harassment in accordance with E.E.O.C. guidelines, to reassure employees and students that sexual harassment will not be tolerated and to provide a procedure to investigate and resolve sexual harassment complaints. This policy applies to all employees and students and will be administered by the Dean of Finance and Facilities.

Procedure:

1. An employee or student who feels he or she has been sexually harassed, as described above, by a superior, subordinate, or peer should contact the Dean of Finance and Facilities, North Central Michigan College, 1515 Howard Street, Petoskey, MI 49770, 231-348-6603.
2. The Dean of Finance and Facilities, or designated representative, will conduct a full, fair and impartial investigation of the allegation.
3. If the investigation reveals that the allegation of sexual harassment is established by substantial evidence, the individual who has engaged in the misconduct will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. If the allegation of sexual harassment is not established by substantial evidence, no disciplinary action will be taken against the individual accused. Personnel will be protected against reprisals for exercising the right to invoke this policy and also from false and/or unsubstantiated accusations.

Student Right to Due Process

Due process rights extend to the procedures for “Non-Academic Violation” and “Academic Dishonesty.” Due process at North Central means that a student has the following rights:

1. To be informed in writing of the specific charges and the grounds for such charges.
2. To have a chosen advisor or counselor or lawyer (at the student’s own expense) present for advice before, during and/or after any judicial hearing. The role of this individual is limited to an advisory capacity with no right of cross-examination.
3. To be present at such hearing, if desired.
4. To exercise a privilege against self-incrimination.
5. To hear or examine evidence presented to the committee reviewing the case and to present evidence by witnesses or affidavit of any defense the student desires. Further, the student shall be given the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses.
6. To be informed in writing of the Dean or the Committee’s final decision.
7. To waive the right of a formal hearing before the Committee and to have the case heard by the appropriate Dean.
8. To appeal the decision of the Dean or Judicial Committee to the President for review of disciplinary due process.

Student Standards of Conduct

Students are responsible for obeying municipal, state and federal laws which govern the community, as well as the rules and regulations of the College. If a student participates individually or as a member of a group in any violation of Conduct Standards (listed below), he or she can be subject to disciplinary action. Further, sanctions may be imposed upon student groups or organizations, including the sanction of deactivation which entails the loss of all the privileges and/or College recognition for a specified period of time. The Student Conduct Standards also apply to off-campus activities, such as field trips, off-campus classes and College-sponsored events. On a case-by-case basis, the Dean of Student Services or other appropriate Deans will determine if a hearing is necessary.

Enrollment carries with it obligations relative to conduct both within and outside the classroom. If a student is accused of less than acceptable behavior, College procedures provide for due process to insure that the student receives fair and equitable treatment. If you are seeking a degree at North Central and fail to disclose that you have attended other academic institutions prior to your enrollment at North Central, you are violating the Student Conduct Standards and are jeopardizing your continued enrollment at North Central.

Forms of misconduct:

The following forms of misconduct will not be tolerated by the College:

Dishonesty, including knowingly furnishing false information to the College or a College officer whether verbally, in writing or by completing required forms. If you are seeking a degree at North Central and fail to disclose that you have attended other academic institutions prior to your enrollment at North Central, you are violating the Student Conduct Standards and are jeopardizing your continued enrollment at North Central.

Academic dishonesty, misconduct, cheating or plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty including acquisition without permission of tests or other academic materials. Included are those students who aid and abet, as well as those who attempt such behavior. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the use whether by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear attribution. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.

Incidents of academic dishonesty shall be dealt with according to the procedures outlined in Academic Dishonesty Process.

Forgery, alteration or misuse of College documents, records or identification, or forging a College staff person’s name or initials.

Disruption or unauthorized interruption of college activities.

Harassment of any form toward an individual or group of individuals.

NOTE: The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act defines sexual harassment as “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature” when such “conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s …education… or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive…educational… environment.”

Verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that unreasonably interferes with another and creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

Conduct or expressions of a disorderly, obscene or sexually offensive nature contrary to generally recognized community standards of propriety or good taste.

Theft of, or damage to, property of the College or a member of the College community or campus visitor.

Unauthorized entry to and/or use of College facilities and equipment. Also, possession of keys or duplication of College keys without proper authorization.

Distribution, use, possession or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs or controlled substances on campus. Federal/State laws related to underage drinking/drug laws will be enforced with the assistance of appropriate authorities.

Disobedience toward College officials or designated agents acting in the performance of their duty.

Fire Fighting Equipment and Fire Drills. Pulling false fire alarms, tampering with or misusing fire alarm systems, interfering with firemen and tampering with or removing firefighting equipment are prohibited. All persons are expected to follow posted building evacuation procedures in the event of fires or fire drills.

Soliciting. Soliciting in campus buildings or on campus grounds is prohibited. Exceptions are made for ticket sales for campus functions only when approved by the Dean of Student Services. Students are not allowed to use their residence hall rooms for any commercial purpose.

Gambling. Gambling of any kind is not permitted on the campus or at College sponsored events.

Use and/or misuse of the College computer system, facilities, hardware, software and all computerized information is prohibited in the following circumstance, including but not to be limited to the following:

• Unauthorized entry into a file, whether to use, read, change or for any other purpose.
• Unauthorized transfer of a file.
• Unauthorized use of another individual’s identification and password.
• Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member or College official.
• Use of computing facilities to send obscene or abusive messages.
• Use of computing facilities to interfere with normal operation of the College’s computing system.
• Use of computing facilities in a manner which violates state or federal copyright laws, e.g., unauthorized duplication of copyrighted or licensed software.

Possession or use of explosives, weapons, firearms, knives or fireworks.

Disciplinary Actions:

Violations of the Student Conduct Standards are subject to disciplinary action. After considering information presented at a hearing, the Dean of Student Services or the Campus Judicial Committee will make a decision as to guilt or innocence. In the case of a “guilty” decision, the Dean of Student Services or the Campus Judicial Committee will determine the appropriate sanction. Appropriate action may include, but is not limited to:

1. Warning: An official reprimand which expresses College dissatisfaction with the student’s conduct and which clarifies expected behavior in the future.
2. Probation: Probation status indicates that any violation of Student Conduct Standards within the probationary period shall result in more severe disciplinary action against the student that could include suspension from the institution. Probation in itself does not carry with it any restrictions; but, in addition to probation, it is possible for a student to be required to complete a work assignment, make restitution or be prohibited from holding an office or representing the College in any activity.
3. Removal from a course: A student may continue to attend other classes, but may not resume attendance in the course from which he or she has been removed. In the event a student is removed from a course, he or she will be given either a withdrawal or a failure in accordance with the College’s course withdrawal policy.
4. Suspension: An action that separates the student from the institution for a definite period of time (days, weeks, semesters, for example). Such action will include the conditions required for readmission, as well as the date the student will be eligible to return.
5. Expulsion: An action that permanently separates the student from the institution.
6. Specific Orders: An action which may stand alone or be issued with another sanction. Specific orders may include, but are not limited to, performance or nonperformance of specific acts, loss of certain privileges, payment of fines and/or restitution.

A complete description of North Central’s due process procedures, disciplinary actions, forms of misconduct, and penalties appears on the North Central website, www.ncmich.edu.

Campus Life

Student Identification

North Central will issue to each student a unique student number, login identification and password. The password may be changed. The student will use the login and password to enter the North Central Student and Community Portal which will be the student’s gateway to registration, accessing grades, Blackboard, MyMail, the Library, wireless Internet access and other services. Student passwords will not be on file at North Central. It is important that each student remember and keep his or her login and password in a safe place. This information should not be shared with anyone other than College employees and other responsible parties. Students will be held responsible for any activity generated through the use of their identification numbers.

Campus Housing and Student Activities

The residence hall can house more than 100 students and is co-educational by suite. Each room has two beds, desks, chairs, closet space, cable TV and computer hookups. Private rooms are available for an additional fee and are dependent on availability. Residence hall living is designed to provide experiences in a community with conditions conducive to academic achievement. A hall council, elected by the residents, provides activities and opportunities for residents along with resident assistants and the Director of Campus Housing. The council, in cooperation with the hall administration, assumes responsibility for academic, social, cultural and recreational programs for residents.

Housing Application/Contracts

Residence hall applications and contracts are available on the North Central website through the Student and Community Portal. Students living in the residence hall are required to be registered for a minimum of 12 credit hours, purchase a meal plan, and maintain a 2.0 G.P.A.

Phi Theta Kappa

North Central Michigan College recognizes the success of its outstanding students by participating in Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of the two-year college. The Alpha Omicron Upsilon chapter is open to students who have completed at least 12 semester credit hours of coursework at North Central and who have attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or above.

Student Activities

The College encourages student activities to supplement the instructional program. Recreational, social and cultural activities add to students’ enjoyment of college life and encourage personal growth and social development. Activities include the Lecture Series, intramural sports, free movie nights, Winterpalooza and Summer Send-Off.

Student Activities Fund

Funding for student activities is derived primarily from the Student Activity Fee and is administered by the Dean of Student Services, assisted by the Director of Student Outreach and Engagement. The Student Senate represents student interests and assists in the implementation of the programs.

Student Clubs and Organizations

A number of special interest clubs and organizations offer opportunities for students to broaden the scope of their educational experiences. Students are encouraged to participate in the activities sponsored by the clubs and organizations or contact any member of the Student Senate or faculty members with suggestions for forming new organizations. Membership in all organizations is open to any registered student. New student organizations are always welcome. No student club or organization may be established, conduct business, solicit funds, use College facilities, or sponsor activities unless the organization has been approved by the Student Senate and has been authorized by the Director of Student Outreach and Engagement. Students who wish to form a student organization or want to know more about Student Senate should contact the Director of Student Outreach and Engagement.

Student Senate

Student Senate is the student government organization at North Central. Senate members also assist in planning a variety of student activities held throughout the year. The officers and senators of the Student Senate are elected each year. Senate meetings are held regularly during the year and are open to all who are interested. For more information, contact the Director of Student Outreach and Engagement.

North Central and the Community

Corporate and Community Education Corporate and Community Education (CCE) is a division of North Central created to respond to the needs of area businesses. CCE offers noncredit job skills training tailored to meet individual needs. CCE provides:

• Skills to match high-demand fields
• Training on current technology and equipment
• Hands-on experience-based learning
• Convenient schedule and location
• Classrooms brought to the business
• Funding assistance. CCE helps secure state and federal funds to offset training costs for qualified businesses
• Portable computer lab for on-site training
• Certificate of Completion and CEUs recognized by industry

Examples of programs offered by CCE:

• Computers in Business
• Human Resource Skills (Communications, Team Building, Leadership)
• Manufacturing Technology (Lean Manufacturing, PLC, Blueprint Reading,CAD)
• Quality Control (ISO 9000, QS/TS)
• Workplace Safety
• Youth Career Development

Natural Area

The Natural Area is 195 acres of relatively wild land adjoining and south of the developed campus in Petoskey. The Natural Area can be accessed from the southeast corner of the parking lot near the Student and Community Resource Center (Lot #6 on campus maps). The Natural Area is bordered by the Bear River to the south (except for about 7.2 acres south of the river), farmland to the east and woodland to the west. The landscape itself gives a record of the environmental changes since the last Ice Age: mainly glacial deposits associated with retreating glaciers and remnants of floodplains abandoned by the Bear River as the water levels in Lake Michigan have dropped. A dozen different biotic communities, both upland and wetland, can be found within the boundaries of the Natural Area, making it an excellent place for environmental studies, photography, and wildlife observation. North Central Michigan College has dedicated this land as a natural area to be utilized by the following:

1. Area students-so that they are able to learn more about the natural history of northern Michigan ecosystems and organisms
2. Wildlife-so that wild creatures are able to seek a natural place in an increasingly unnatural world
3. The community-so that visitors are able to enjoy the beauty and solitude of its forest, fields, streams and wetlands.

More information can be found at the entrance to the Natural Area as well as the College website, including trail maps, interpretive materials, permitted activities, scheduled programs and community activities.

NCMC Foundation

Donations play a key role in the growth of the College. They provide an opportunity for individuals and businesses to help the College expand its services and be responsive to changing needs. The NCMC Foundation was established in 1990 to enhance opportunities for giving. Gifts may differ in size, purpose and designation, but they all have one thing in common: they make a positive difference in the quality of the College and in its ability to fulfill its mission. For additional information, call the Foundation office 231-348-6621.

Alumni Office

The North Central Michigan College Foundation coordinates alumni activities and has established a directory of College alumni. Since 1960, North Central has granted more than 7,500 degrees in a wide variety of academic disciplines. Students ranging in age from 18 to 80 have graduated from North Central. They are a diverse group of people who have their experience at North Central as a common denominator. The Alumni Office is always interested in hearing from and maintaining connections with graduates. For additional information call 231-348-6621.

Our History

North Central Michigan College was established in 1958. The first graduating class in 1960 was made up of six women: three from Petoskey, two from Charlevoix and one from Vanderbilt. Development of the current campus began in 1962 when the College bought 10 acres of land and later 120 adjacent acres on Howard Street.

By 1963, the first buildings were completed and some classes were held on the new campus at 1515 Howard Street.

Over the next few years, more land was purchased for additional facilities. The Library/Conference Center was added in 1984.

The 71,000 square foot Student and Community Resource Center was completed in 2001. The SCRC has physical education and recreation facilities, the College Store and Learning Support Services (LSS). LSS offers open computer labs, a tutoring center, assessment and testing facilities and study areas. The lower level of the Student Center houses all of the student services functions of the College.

The newest addition to the campus is the Jack and Dorothy Harris Health Education and Science Center. Ground was broken on the new facility in July 2011. The center greatly expands North Central’s ability to offer instruction in the sciences and health careers.

College Funding

North Central Michigan College is supported financially through millage revenues from Emmet County, tuition and fees paid by students, and funds from the State of Michigan.