Notre Dame College Student Handbook 2007-2008

STUDENT HANDBOOK 2007–2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• History of Notre Dame College
• Where Do I Go?
• Directory
• Code of Conduct
• College Policies
• Residence Life
• Students Rights and Responsibilities
• Judicial Procedure
• Student Clubs and Organizations
• Adult and Graduate Students
• Index

Notre Dame College does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age or disability in the administration of its academic and admission policies, scholarship and financial aid programs, and other College services.

The provisions of this handbook are not to be regarded as a contract between the College and the student. The College reserves the right to make necessary changes in the information contained in this handbook, which supersedes all previous handbooks.

Published September, 2007

HISTORY OF NOTRE DAME COLLEGE

Notre Dame College was born 84 years ago when a determined group of teachers, all Sisters of Notre Dame, opened the door on “a wing and a prayer.” Sister Mary Agnes Bosche, a woman of uncommon vision, and her Superior, Mother Mary Cecilia, with only their dream and invincible trust in God’s providence, obtained the permission of Bishop Joseph Schrembs to open a college. On May 6, 1923, Notre Dame College was incorporated as a degree granting Catholic liberal arts college for women. Through all the changes during these 83 years, “The two-fold guiding purposes of the College: loyalty to the Church of Christ and its teachings, and the development of the human potential through education,” remain the founding principles of Notre Dame today.

Within five years, the College moved to spacious and beautiful acreage in South Euclid, Ohio. Financial support for the move was provided through the untiring efforts of Sister Evarista Harks, who inspired all the Sisters of the Cleveland Province to contribute from their resources so that Notre Dame came to be known by them as “our College.” South Euclid, a quiet suburb within the academic environment of Northeast Ohio, was a happy choice.

The growth of the College can be traced through each decade. If the 1920s saw the FOUNDING with all the excitement new beginnings imply, the ’30s became the decade of GROWING. Beginning in 1942, the age of ADAPTING set in. The faculty and students were caught up in the efforts of the Second World War. The fourth decade, the 1950s, was a time of EXPANSION, beginning with the completion of Harks Hall, named in memory of Sr. Evarista Harks, and the moving of residents from the Administration Building to their new quarters. The establishment of an Advisory Board and the appointment of an on-campus president, instead of having the Provincial in charge, were important steps forward. In the fifth decade, BUILDING continued the thread with the completion of the West Wing and the additions of Providence Hall, Connelly Center and Alumnae Hall.

The 50th anniversary of Notre Dame College, characterized as a period of FUNDING AND FUTURING, saw the dedication of a new library. Responding as always to the needs of the times, the College opened a Lifelong Learning Center, a Weekend College and a childcare center.

The 1980s, or the seventh decade, was one of POSITIONING AND PLANNING. Cooperative education and career preparation were linked more closely with the liberal arts. Catholic identity and women’s education were reaffirmed and strengthened. The Keller Center, the athletic complex, was built debt free. The Fidelia award was inaugurated. The College administration building was declared a historical site.

An important step in the history of the College was the appointment of a 42- member Board of Trustees and the appointment of the first laywoman as president of the College. A graduate program in education and the establishment of a Center for Excellence in Education were also added to the curriculum.

The time of REVISIONING, the eighth decade, saw the computerization of the campus and the development of a “state of the art” Learning Center. Notre Dame College will continue to revise as she answers the challenge of providing quality education to her students.

Now, we are in another period of EXPANDING. Notre Dame is proud and pleased to expand and extend her diversity to include new groups of students: internationals, home-schooled and men.

We look forward to the expansion with confidence and pride as we continue to create and enhance programs and the physical environment to meet the needs of the college community.

TRADITION

Founded in 1922 by the Sisters of Notre Dame of Cleveland, Ohio, Notre Dame College is a Catholic, liberal arts college, dedicated to educating students of all ages, races and religions.

The College provides a foundation of gospel values, a progressive, challenging curriculum and an overall educational experience that gives students the best possible preparation for their futures.

The education offered at the College is rooted in the spiritual and pedagogical tradition the Sisters and their foundress, Sister Maria Aloysia Wolbring, brought with them from Coesfeld, Germany in 1874. Their intent

was to let God’s goodness and provident care work through them, helping people come to the full human life God wants for each one. They believed that God has given us two eyes to see with, reason and faith, and wants us to use both. They realized that people learn and grow best when they are respected and loved.

At Notre Dame College, the spirit of those early Coesfeld sisters is still discernible in the warm, hospitable atmosphere of a supportive and challenging faith community. Today, more than ever, the College continues to meet the educational needs of students and assists in the development of their individual gifts and talents.

The multifaceted educational mission of those first Sisters of Notre Dame included a special emphasis on the formation of teachers. That mission, characterized by a commitment to excellence and thoroughness, continues today at Notre Dame College in all career fields, including science, business, art and communications.

MISSION STATEMENT

Notre Dame College, a Catholic institution in the tradition of the Sisters of Notre Dame, educates a diverse population of students in the liberal arts for personal, professional and global responsibility.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Notre Dame College engages students, staff and the wider community in the educational experience. Those who choose a Notre Dame education are encouraged to develop these values and skills:

Think logically, analytically and creatively.
Communicate effectively in speech and in writing.
Demonstrate mastery of an academic discipline.
Choose wisely for health and well being.
Appreciate the fine arts.
Integrate Judeo-Christian values into their lives.
Pursue their personal spiritual development.
Share talents and gifts in the spirit of friendship and compassion.
Engage in the lifelong search for truth, beauty and justice.

Core Objectives of the General Education Curriculum

Notre Dame College seeks to provide an academic program in which each student is challenged and encouraged to reach his/her full potential in:

INTELLECTUAL CONVICTION

1. Seek out various perspectives on issues and ideas in order to reach informed judgments.
2. Use informed judgments to make rational decisions.
3. Use rational decisions as the basis for action.

SPIRITUAL MATURITY

1. Participate in the life, worship and mission of his/her religious affiliation.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of God’s presence in the world.
3. Develop an awareness of the divine presence in other religious traditions.
4. Work to promote the genuine well being of the human community.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE

1. Use the major academic area to prepare for a successful career.
2. Demonstrate the skills of a chosen profession.
3. Interact with professionals to determine the demands, rewards and future of the chosen field.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

1. Appreciate cultural, group and minority differences in order to strive to overcome prejudice and eliminate unfair treatment.
2. Develop the ability to work with persons of various races, beliefs and cultural values.
3. Demonstrate respect for persons as individuals and members of groups by actively supporting human rights and social justice.
4. Participate in campus activities, religious and community services and exercise leadership at various levels.
5. Meet personal, family and career obligations in a responsible manner.

AESTHETIC AWARENESS

1. Develop a personal sense of taste and insight when addressing the many forms of beauty.
2. Experience a variety of art forms and styles.
3. Demonstrate appreciation of tradition, innovation, imagination and creativity as expressed in various art forms.

COMMITMENT TO HEALTHFUL LIVING

1. Value the multidimensional nature of healthful living, which integrates the physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual domains.
2. Modify one’s lifestyle to demonstrate principles of healthful living.

CATHOLIC IDENTITY STATEMENT

A Catholic college finds its identity not only in ethos, ministry and worship, but also in its presentation of the broad history and diverse areas of theology:

• The Gospel made appealing, interesting and intelligible within an educated Church.
• The traditions of centuries of reflection upon faith.
• The principles of the Catholic interpretation of Christianity.
• The Good News of Christ as beacon and bridge between the Church and the world.

Notre Dame College, fulfilling the ministry of the Catholic Church and the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame, realizes that true learning orients the human person:

• To the divine, that we may know what it is to be fully human, created in time and destined for eternity,
• To the wisdom of our ancestors, respecting the traditions of every people and every age, relying upon revelation and authority,
• To the self and the environment, preparing with concern and generosity for the future.

As a Catholic college, we therefore seek to develop:

• Minds through which Christ thinks,
• Hearts through which Christ loves,
• Voices through which Christ speaks, and
• Hands through which Christ serves.

TRADITIONS

All College Formal

This semi-formal dinner dance is held annually in the winter or spring at an off-campus location to bring the entire College community together before the end of the school year. This event is sponsored by the Office of Campus Activities and other campus organizations.

All College Honors/Closing Convocation

This event is held at the close of spring semester. During this ceremony, awards are presented to members of the student body who have achieved academic and non-academic distinctions.

Homecoming Weekend

Homecoming Weekend is an event sponsored by the Alumni Office and the Resident Association Board. The weekend was created to allow parents of NDC students and alumni to come on campus and experience campus life and activities. The weekend usually begins on a Friday night and ends on the following Sunday.

Career Day

For the last 25 years, Career Day has provided students with an opportunity to talk with employers who come on campus regarding full-time and parttime jobs and co-ops/internships. It is also extremely beneficial for graduating seniors who are looking for that first job out of college. Held in late February, this event also helps students identify career directions. The Career Services Center sponsors this event.

Christmas Celebration

Near the close of fall semester, the Campus Activities Office sponsors the annual Christmas program. The event may consist of entertainment (such as caroling in the foyer or a Masquers production), a worship service and refreshments. This event is open to the families and friends of the College.

Earth Day

NDC Earth Day is one day of the year where we really focus on giving back to NDC and doing a little to save our planet. Students, faculty and staff gather for a day’s worth of tasks around campus such as pulling weeds and planting new bulbs. The day is commemorated with an Earth Day t-shirt and a small reception.

Sibs and Kids Weekend

Sibs and Kids Weekend is an opportunity for NDC students to bring younger family members on campus for a weekend. The weekend, usually held during the spring, is sponsored by the Resident Association Board.

Senior Farewell

As a tribute to all graduating seniors, a celebration is held in the spring to recognize them for their achievements at Notre Dame College.

Stressbusters

At the end of each semester, the Student Development unit sponsors a week of activities designed to assist students through their week of finals. A combination of stress relievers, health, fitness and recreational activities are offered throughout the week. The “Midnight Breakfast” is a popular activity in which students are served a late night breakfast by faculty and staff.

Who’s Who

Students selected to Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges, as well as other students, are honored for their contributions and success at Notre Dame College.

Thanksgiving and Easter Dinners

NDC faculty and staff get together to eat family style dinners with students for both Thanksgiving and Easter. These dinners allow the students to interact with the faculty and staff on a social level.

All Campus Cookout

The Campus Activities Office sponsors an All Campus Picnic each fall and spring semester. All students, staff and faculty are invited to attend. Goofy games between faculty, staff and students are played.

Alma Mater

Sons and daughters of Our Lady,
’Neath your banner, Notre Dame,
We will pledge devout allegiance
To the College of your name.
We will strive for what you stand for,
We will prove our filial love,
Alma Mater, hear our voices,
Which we raise to you above,
Alma Mater, hear our voices,
Which we raise to you above!

Music by: Jane Gorman Flynn, ’41
Words by: Felicia Cetkowski Messuri, ’43

THE COLLEGE SEAL

The seal incorporates the tradition, ideals and the spirit of Notre Dame College as follows:

The SHIELD, adopted from the Coat of Arms of the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame, represents the staunch faith upon which rests the indestructible edifice of Catholic education.

The FLEUR-de-LIS surmounting the shield, a symbol for supreme grace and splendor, honors Mary Immaculate, patroness of the United States and of the Sisters of Notre Dame. Its three petals represent the Trinity virtues essential to a fruitful apostolate: piety, justice and charity.

The STAR, with its rays, symbolizes Mary, Mother of the Mystical Body, guiding, protecting and enlightening her children.

The LATIN INSCRIPTION Respice Stella, Voca Mariam—“Look to the Star, call on Mary”—expresses the cherished ideal of Notre Dame College.

The EARLY CHRISTIAN LAMP, with its flame leaping upward, is a symbol of wisdom illuminated by faith. The Chi Rho motif represents dedicated service to Christ, the Divine Teacher, through the apostolate of Catholic higher education.

The CIRCULAR FORM of the seal signifies the oneness of purpose and unified strength of faculty, administrators and students.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AT NOTRE DAME COLLEGE

The educational philosophy of Notre Dame College dates back to 1849 when two young teachers, Aldegonda Wolbring and Lisette Kuhling, in their love for the poor, took orphaned and neglected children into their home in Coesfeld, Westphalia, and began to educate and care for them. In the same spirit which animated St. Julie Billiart, the Sisters of Notre Dame today seek out the poor and oppressed, help them to recognize their dignity and give them hope and courage in their struggles. Each Sister is encouraged to provide a thorough education that integrates Christian values with all areas of knowledge and culture so that people may develop as responsible members of society who will exercise their influence for the Christian transformation of the world (Constitution of the Sisters of Notre Dame).

The Student Development Unit of Notre Dame College is built upon this rich heritage of the spirit of the Sisters of Notre Dame. The staff carries out the mission of education and care with a special emphasis on serving the student. The focus is holistic. The staff recognizes each student as an individual with social, emotional, spiritual, physical, intellectual and psychological needs. The purpose of the unit is to facilitate the growth of each student in an atmosphere of support, encouragement and mutual respect. Each seeks to enhance and protect both the rights and the responsibilities of each student and of the community. Each of the following offices within the unit works together to carry out this challenge:

WHERE DO I GO?

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

NOTRE DAME COLLEGE (main number) (216) 381-1680 Area code is 216 and prefix is 373 for all numbers if dialing from off campus.

WHAT’S OPEN, WHEN.

Admissions and Adult & Graduate Admissions

Advising Center

Bookstore

Chapel**

Computer Center

Dining Hall

Keller Center (Recreation Complex)

Keller Center facilities, including the swimming pool, gymnasium and fitness center, are available daily with certain restrictions based on rentals, events, etc. Information can be obtained from the Keller Center desk attendant. Hours are subject to change.

Learning Center (Tutorial Services)

Library

Student Services Center

WECO Office

CODE OF CONDUCT

Notre Dame College is a private, Catholic, liberal arts college, which holds basic traditions and Christian principles including levels of ethical and moral expectations. The College therefore, reserves the right to establish and enforce regulations governing student behavior in areas affecting the well being of the College and members of its community.

All students, full and part time, who enroll in Notre Dame College, are assumed to be adults who understand the necessity to conduct themselves in a manner that is compatible with the College’s mission as an educational institution. Each student is expected to become familiar with all published policies, rules and regulations of the College and will be held responsible for following them.

The provisions of this handbook are not to be regarded as a contract between the College and the student. The College reserves the right to make necessary changes in the information. After students have been duly notified, such changes will then be considered as part of the regulations, policies and procedures of the College.

Each student is free to exercise his/her rights as an individual and his/her responsibilities as a citizen. The College also has certain rights; therefore, the College may take appropriate action if the student’s behavior adversely affects the name of the College and its constituencies. If such action is necessary, procedural rules shall be afforded to all parties.

Notre Dame College has instilled a level system on which the discipline procedures are based. The policies are divided into four levels according to severity with Level I being the least severe and Level IV being the most severe.

Most regulations are listed in this section. However, others may be published in other official College publications such as the catalog and course offering booklet. Therefore, this listing is not all-inclusive.

COLLEGE POLICIES

ABSENCES

Students who miss class because of illness, death in the family, etc., are to notify their professors directly. If this is not possible, they should contact the faculty secretary at extension 5318 and give her the names of professors and classes, day(s) of absence and reason for absence. If the secretary is not available, the student is to contact the Associate Dean for Student Affairs or the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

WECO STUDENTS

Missing one WECO class is like missing two weeks of a regular semester course. Individual instructors, however, set up the specific attendance policies for each course. The policy should be on the course syllabus distributed at the first class. Absences may result in a lowered grade or even failure of the course. If absent, the student must arrange to make up the work missed. The instructor should always be informed of any absence. If the instructor cannot be reached, call the WECO office. Personnel will leave a note for the instructor.

In the case of unsatisfactory work due to excessive absence from class, the instructor will determine any consequence(s). If a statement regarding absence is not included in the course syllabus, the students should ask the instructor for it.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Academic dishonesty includes any attempt by a student to complete academic work by any means other than what is permitted by the instructor. Some examples of academic dishonesty are: bringing information to a test, getting answers from another person, plagiarism or obtaining any questions on a quiz or examination prior to its administration. A person is also guilty of academic dishonesty if he/she aids another with academic work when it is not permitted by the instructor. Severe penalties can occur as a result such as a zero on the piece of work, or a possible “F” for the course.

ACADEMIC PROBATION

A grade report of scholarship is given to the student at the close of the semester. If a student’s cumulative grade point average is below 2.00, the student is placed on academic probation. Unless the student makes progress and raises the cumulative grade point average to 2.00 or above, the student may be declared academically ineligible to continue at Notre Dame College.

WECO Students

A student whose grade point average is below a 2.00 is placed on academic probation. Weekend College students have three terms in which to raise the cumulative grade point average to a 2.00. While on probation, it is expected there will be scholastic improvement each term. That is, the cumulative grade point average will be slightly higher than the previous term. If the student is not off probation by the end of three terms, the student may be declared academically ineligible to return to Notre Dame College.

ASSAULT, BATTERY AND/OR THREAT TO SELF

Assault is defined as a willful threat to do harm without the actual doing of the harm threatened. Battery is defined as the use of contact without consent on another person. Threat to self is a student who threatens to, intentionally attempts to harm or succeeds in harming him or herself. Students who commit assault, battery and/or pose a threat to self will be held accountable for their actions. This accountability will occur through the college judicial process and/or through state and/or federal legal system.

ATHLETES AND CLASS ATTENDANCE

Athletes, as well as all other students, are expected to attend classes regularly. However, because athletic contests are often scheduled during class hours, athletes will be excused from classes for all games at home or away. They are not excused for practices.

Athletes are expected to make-up the work they miss and should not be penalized for the absence. As part of the agreement, the Athletic Department should inform faculty of the game schedule at the beginning of the semester. For most indoor sports, changes are seldom made in this original schedule. This is not always true for outdoor sports where weather can require cancellations and re-scheduling for make-up games. It is up to the student to inform faculty of any changes in the original schedule as soon as he/she is aware of changes.

Athletes and advisors should consider the sports schedule when they register for courses to avoid class conflicts as much as possible. In addition, athletes must maintain a 1.75 cumulative GPA after their freshmen year and a 2.0 during their sophomore, junior and senior year to participate in sports at NDC.

ATTENDANCE AT CLASS

Attendance regulations reflect the effort of Notre Dame College to admit students who can be responsible for their educational progress. It is expected that the student attend each meeting of a course. The instructor however, sets attendance policies and the student must adapt to the demands of each course. In case of unsatisfactory work because of excessive absence from class, the instructor may give ample warning to the student and then recommend that the student drop the course up to the deadline established for withdrawal.

CAMPUS SECURITY ACT

Notre Dame College is in compliance with Title II of the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990. As of August 1, 1991, Notre Dame College collects statistics concerning the occurrence on campus, during the most recent calendar year, of the following criminal offenses reported to campus security authorities or local police agencies—murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and motor vehicle theft. This report is available to current and prospective students through the Office of Admissions/ Campus Police/or the college web site, www.notredamecollege.edu.

In addition, Section 103 of Title I of this Act requires institutions to produce and have readily available to current students and to each prospective student enrolling or entering into any financial obligation, the completion or graduation rate of certificate or degree seeking, full-time undergraduate students entering the College.

CELLULAR PHONE/PAGER USE DURING CLASS

If a student’s cellular phone or pager rings during class and/or the student decides to text message during class, it is the right of the faculty member to confiscate the cell phone or pager for the remainder of class. Additionally, it is the right of the faculty member to ask the student to be excused for the remainder of the class.

COMPUTERS–ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

The purpose of Information Systems on campus is to further the mission of the College. All use of these systems must be in accordance with that goal. The policy set forth here codifies what is considered appropriate use of the College’s computers and networks with respect to the rights of others. NDC prohibits any installation or use of software on its computer systems that either violates the licensing agreement of the specific software or that violates the software licensing agreement of the College. Absolutely no software may be installed. This includes all Internet services, chat programs, etc., and any third party software not approved by the IT Department. The IT Department will remove any of the above software. Users are responsible for safeguarding their accounts with a confidential password known only to them. All passwords should be changed frequently. Users may not attempt to log into accounts other than their own, access files of other users without their expressed written consent or attempt to breach the electronic security of the system.

Sending mass e-mail, known as S.P.A.M., will be considered a second level offense in the student disciplinary code. The IT staff will determine what is considered to be S.P.A.M. All administration of the NDC computer system is centralized and handled by the employees of the IT Department. Any problems logging onto the system, should be reported immediately to the IS Department: Mike Kiec, extension 5227 or Bill McNutt, extension 5337. The IT Department reserves the right to have access to any data present on the system, remove users, stop processes, delete files, bring the system down etc., without prior warning as necessary.

COMPUTER LAB USE

The computer labs, multimedia lab and art studio in the Administration Building have the following policies in effect:

• If a student is in one of the labs or the art studio by midnight (12:00 am), they can stay as long as needed to complete his/her work.

• After midnight (12:00 am), no additional students will be allowed in the Administration Building. There are no exceptions to this policy.

• After midnight, a student can use the computer labs, multimedia lab, art studio and restrooms on the second floor only.

• After midnight (12:00 am), if a student is found on any floor other than the second floor, he/she will be escorted from the building and the name of the student(s) will be forwarded to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

• All lab polices stay in effect (i.e. no food or drink).

• There will be no IT support after 10:00 pm.

The computer labs, multimedia lab and art studio are limited to academic use only. Groups will not be permitted to utilize the rooms for game playing.

The College reserves the right to change these hours of access if needed. Our currently employed faculty, staff and registered students are permitted to use the computer labs on campus, this includes printing information.

CONTRACTS

All contracts made by student organizations for securing services of outside business must be submitted to the VP for Finance and Administration of the College.

These contracts by student organizations must also be submitted to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs or designee PRIOR to the organization’s making even a verbal commitment. This policy supports requests by contracting groups to have all contracts received and signed by a College official.

CROSS REGISTRATION

Full-time students can broaden the scope of their educational opportunities through a system of cross registration. Each term or semester, students in good academic standing may enroll in one undergraduate course, elective or required, at any of the participating colleges and universities in Greater Cleveland. There is no additional tuition charge, but cross registrants are responsible for transportation costs and any laboratory or special course fees required for the host institution’s course. First-year students are not encouraged to cross-register. For further information, students should contact the Registrar’s Office.

DRESS

At Notre Dame College, emphasis is placed on cleanliness, neatness, appropriate attire, respectable appearance and appropriate personal hygiene. Casual attire is permitted in the classrooms and the dining hall. Faculty members teaching courses requiring a specialized form of dress may designate other dress for their classes and/or for special class projects.

EATING AND DRINKING

Policies regarding eating and drinking any beverages in the classrooms and any consequence(s) for not adhering to them will be established and enforced by the faculty member responsible for each class. At all times, conscious efforts should be made by all to maintain a clean environment, which displays a respect for the rights of others and the conditions of College facilities.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

Notre Dame College is dedicated to the creation of a Christian environment, which fosters the intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical development of its students and employees. This development is the essence of personal wellness.

The College community takes its responsibility seriously, and through education, counseling and modeling, assists students and employees in making responsible, ethical and informed behavioral choices.

In accordance with the 1989 Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, the College reaffirms standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on the college property or as part of any of its activities. Notre Dame College will comply with state law and local ordinances regarding the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101–226; Final Regulations published on August 16, 1990) requires the College to certify to the United States Department of Education that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by its students and employees.

The Higher Education Act Amendments of 1986 require those institutions receiving federal financial student aid to certify that they have drug prevention programs accessible to institutional officers, employees and students. This program must include the annual distribution of the following to each student and employee:

1. Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use or distribution of drugs and alcohol by students and employees on the institution’s property or as part of the institution’s activities;

2. A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state and federal law for unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol;

3. A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol;

4. A description of any drug and alcohol counseling, treatment or rehabilitation programs that are available to students and employees; and

5. A clear statement that the institution will impose sanctions on students and employees (consistent with local, state and federal law) and a description of these sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution for violations of the standards of conduct.

The law further requires that the College conduct a biennial review of its program to (a) determine its effectiveness and implement changes as they are needed; and (b) ensure that the sanctions developed are consistently enforced. The following document is Notre Dame College’s response to Section 22 of the law, entitled “Drug-Free Schools and Campuses” and the Higher Education Act Amendments of 1986 which require those institutions receiving federal financial student aid to certify that they have drug prevention programs accessible to institutional officers, employees and students.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

The Notre Dame College Policy on Alcohol Abuse

Notre Dame College continues to affirm the value of individual autonomy in making decisions about one’s life, and will continue to make education and counseling its chief strategies for meeting its responsibilities. In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, the College reaffirms standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and of alcohol by students and employees, on the College property or as part of any of its activities. College appropriated funds may not be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages. No alcohol beverage marketing programs will be permitted on the Notre Dame College Campus.

Notre Dame College observes all laws governing the use of alcoholic beverages within the state of Ohio and does not condone violation of these laws by any student at any time. Students, employees and guests are held personally responsible for complying with all aspects of Ohio laws. The prohibitions of the Ohio law and the policy of Notre Dame include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. The sale of alcoholic beverages on campus is prohibited, except by vendors who possess the appropriate licenses and have received permissions from the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and/or designee;

2. Consumption or purchase of alcoholic beverages by any person who has not attained the age of 21 years;

3. Transportation by automobile within the State of Ohio of alcoholic beverages by any person who has not attained the age of 21 years;

4. The presentation of any written or oral evidence of age is false, fraudulent or not a person’s own for the purpose of ordering, purchasing or attempting to procure alcohol by a person who has not attained the age of 21 years;

5. Any person bringing guests to campus will be responsible for making college regulations known;

6. Any violations by guests will be attributed to the host student;

7. Granting access to or serving alcoholic beverages to those under 21 years of age or who are intoxicated;

8. Destruction of College property at approved off-campus functions, resulting from the use of alcohol;

9. Inappropriate behavior, noise or conduct which infringes on the rights of others and is the result of alcohol consumption;

10. Carrying alcoholic beverages outside of approved or registered areas;

11. Public intoxication, including but not limited to, the Notre Dame College campus.

Violations of Ohio law occur at the risk of the individuals involved and are not the responsibility of the College.

Any person or group of persons selling alcoholic beverages, holding a party or social event and charging an admission fee to that party or social event, any portion of which fee will defray the expense of alcoholic beverages served at the party, is conducting an illegal sale of alcoholic beverages, unless they have been licensed by the State of Ohio to conduct the sale. Such unlicensed sales of alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the Notre Dame campus by law.

All social events at which alcoholic beverages are offered must have an appropriate and conspicuously displayed non-alcoholic alternative. No social events are permitted for the sole purpose of the consumption of alcohol. Non-members of the Notre Dame community are not permitted at social events unless they are invited guests of a member of the community.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus is expressly forbidden except by permission of the Office of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Such permission will normally be granted at the time of the planning of the event on condition that all policies of the College are followed.

All Notre Dame employees, students and guests are reminded that they are under restriction of the Ohio law when they choose to entertain or have social events off campus and when people under 21 years of age are present. Violations of these policies will be subject to disciplinary action. Notre Dame College will not protect any member of the College community from the enforcement of these laws. College officials will assist local and state law police departments in such enforcement.

Any approved event, on or off-campus, involving the serving of alcoholic beverages, shall be conducted in accordance with the following guidelines:

1. Individuals sponsoring the event will implement precautionary measures to ensure that alcoholic beverages are not accessible or served to persons under legal drinking age, to persons who appear intoxicated or to persons whose behavior is inappropriate. The sponsoring group/individuals are responsible for insuring that identification is checked at the entrance of the location where the registered event is being held and for checking that all participants are members of the Notre Dame College community, i.e., students, faculty, staff or their guests. Upon entering the area where the registered event is being held, all participants will be identified by a hand stamp or wristband as to whether or not they are of legal age (21) to consume the alcoholic beverages. A second ID check is required at the bar area with the student showing the proper wristband or stamp and having his/her birthday checked.

2. The consumption of alcoholic beverages shall be limited to the approved designated area.

3. Non-alcoholic beverages shall be readily available in sufficient quantities.

4. Food or snack items shall be readily available in sufficient quantities.

5. No approved events may include any type of “drinking contests” or games involving alcoholic beverages.

6. The “bringing of your own” alcoholic beverages to an approved on or off-campus event shall be strictly forbidden.

7. Event promotion can not include the advertisement of alcoholic beverages.

8. Any beverages containing alcohol must be clearly identified. The sponsoring group/individuals will notify security personnel and an appropriate representative of the College of any problems that may arise.

9. The sponsoring group/individuals will designate at least one college official who will oversee the event while abstaining from alcoholic beverages.

10. The sponsoring group/individuals will designate at least one college official to be present at the event.

11. The bar where beer or wine is dispensed should be set aside in a separate area. Students may receive one glass of the alcoholic beverage being served per trip to the bar.

12. A campus police officer may be required to be hired and present at the event.

13. Parties must be concluded by 2:00 am or the specified hour; the serving of alcoholic beverages must be discontinued one hour prior to the end of the event.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS

Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in any area within the residence halls.

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES (DRUGS)

Notre Dame College is committed to cooperate with Chapter 3719 of the Ohio Revised Code. The illegal possession, consumption, provision or sale of drug paraphernalia and controlled substances, including but not limited to, marijuana, barbiturates, hallucinogens, narcotics and legal drugs which are illegally obtained, used or distributed, or misconduct resulting from them, is a serious offense which is subject to disciplinary action by the College and civil authorities. Notre Dame College’s obligation under the duty of care has the responsibility to prohibit the experimentation and improper use of non-controlled substances.

Notre Dame College cannot and will not protect students who use drugs from prosecution under federal, state or local laws. However, the College will promote, encourage and make available within the limits of its resources, on-campus programs and medical and counseling services designed to educate students in the area of drug abuse.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Resources and Information for Students

Notre Dame College students are welcome to consult the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Counseling, Residence Life and Campus Activities personnel as a resource. Medical leaves of absence for students who participate in inpatient rehabilitation programs can be arranged. Information concerning the following resources can be found in the Campus Police Office.

1. Controlled Substances–Uses and Effects

2. Federal Trafficking Penalties

3. State of Ohio Laws

4. Support in Seeking Assistance

5. Effects of Alcohol

FAILURE TO COMPLY

All students must comply with any directions or requests of a College official (e.g. administration, staff, faculty, NDCPD, maintenance, RA’s, etc.) or law enforcement officers performing their duties. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.

Failure to complete assigned judicial sanctions will result in further disciplinary action.

FAILURE TO PROVIDE ID

All students are required to carry their Notre Dame College ID at all times. A student is to produce the ID upon request of a College official.

FALSIFYING ID/DECEPTION

Falsifying ID/Deception is prohibited and defined as supplying false information to the College, including, but not limited to, representing oneself as another in writing or in person, knowingly supplying false or misleading information to College officials, unauthorized possession of an ID or falsifying, tampering, alerting, forging or misusing any College record or official document.

FINANCIAL AID

The Student Financial Assistance Office at Notre Dame College believes that all qualified students should have an opportunity to attend Notre Dame College. The financial aid program is designed to help bridge the gap between the College’s cost and the student’s ability to pay. Notre Dame College participates in all federal and state financial aid programs in addition to offering its own institutional awards. The application procedures for applying for financial aid are listed below.

Financial Aid Application Procedures:
PRIORITY DEADLINE IS APRIL 1

Step 1: Complete the renewal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and mail it to the address on the envelope included in the packet. In about three weeks, a Student Aid Report (SAR) will be returned. If Notre Dame is listed as a school on the form, then the College will receive the SAR electronically. If not, the student must mail a copy to the Financial Aid Office.

Step 2: Some applicants will be required to submit tax returns and other information to the office. The College will notify students in writing if such information is required.

Step 3: An award letter will be mailed to the address on file with the Student Records Office. Acceptable means of communication from the Financial Aid Office are the US mail, email and student mailboxes in the Administration Building and the residence halls. Students should check these on a regular basis for messages from the Financial Aid Office.

Step 4: When the Financial Aid Office receives all needed information, a financial aid package for the student will be developed and an award letter detailing the information will be mailed.

NOTRE DAME COLLEGE
STANDARDS OF SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS
FOR FINANCIAL AID
Revised: 1/1994

Federal Regulations require that Notre Dame College review the academic progress of students who apply for and/or receive federal financial assistance. The regulation applies to each financial aid applicant, whether a previous recipient or not. These standards are in addition to the academic policies set forth in the college catalog.

A. Programs Affected

1. Federal Programs
   1. Federal Pell Grant
   2. Federal Perkins Loan
   3. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
   4. Federal Work-Study Program
   5. Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
   6. Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
2. Other Programs Affected
   Although these are not Federal Title IV financial aid programs, applicants are subject to Notre Dame College’s standards of academic progress:
   1. All Institutional (Notre Dame) funds
   2. Veteran’s benefits
   3. All State Programs

B. Academic Enrollment Status
Federal Student Aid will be awarded based on the following enrollment criteria for undergraduate students:

• 12 or more credit hours = full-time

• 9–11 credit hours = three quarter time

• 6–8 credit hours = half time

C. Academic Requirements

1. First year undergraduate students (0–27 hours completed) must successfully complete a minimum of 60% of the number of credit hours attempted in each awarding year (or part thereof) at Notre Dame College. All other undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 75% of the total number of hours attempted each academic year (or part thereof) at Notre Dame College (i.e. summer, fall, spring, WECO terms 1, 2, 3, 4). Students attending only one semester or one WECO term will be evaluated on that term’s work. Students who leave the institution for an awarding year (or years) will be evaluated on their performance during the most recent academic year of attendance at Notre Dame College. These students are exempt from the percentage requirements.

2. Undergraduate students may be considered for financial assistance from any of the programs listed in Section A as long as they have not attempted (registered for) more than 160 undergraduate credit hours and/or have not completed more than 140 undergraduate credit hours. Transfer hours will be included in the number of hours completed. Additionally, remedial and/or repeated coursework will also be included in the maximum permissible number of hours attempted and completed.

D. Grade Point Average
All students who have completed two academic years at Notre Dame College must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

E. Transfer Students

1. Transfer Students will be awarded federal aid for one academic year before academic progress will be evaluated. At the end of the first academic year, transfer students must comply with Notre Dame College’s standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (see Sections A–C of this policy). After one academic year, transfer students must maintain a 2.0 GPA.

2. A student’s academic history from previous colleges may be considered when determining a student’s compliance with the Notre Dame College Satisfactory Academic Progress included in the number of hours completed.

F. Monitoring
In most cases, satisfactory academic progress will be measured at the end of each academic year. In some instances an evaluation will be conducted after each semester, or prior to disbursement of bank loan funds. After the grades for the academic year have been posted, the Financial Aid Office will request a copy of all current student transcripts. Students in violation will be cited and a hold will be placed on all financial processing (i.e. awarding and disbursing).

G. Grades
The following grades are used to measure a student’s academic progress toward a degree: A, B+, B, C+, C, D+, D and P. Grades of N, I, F and W are considered unsatisfactory and are unacceptable.

H. Appeals

1. Notre Dame College financial aid applicants who fail to meet the standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress will be notified by the Financial Aid Office. Each student is given the opportunity to appeal the denial of financial aid.

2. Financial Aid appeals must be based on an undue hardship caused by the death of a relative, personal injury, illness, absence from the College for an academic year or other special circumstances supported with appropriate documentation.

3. Appeals from students must be made in writing to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee within 10 working days after receipt of the denial notification. The Financial Aid Appeal Committee will respond in writing as to its decision.

FINANCIAL OBLIGATION

Financial arrangements for tuition and fees must be made with the Student Accounts Receivable Office by the date stipulated at the time of billing. There is a financial penalty for failure to meet this deadline.

If a student has any outstanding debts at the end of a semester, a transcript and grades will not be released until these debts are paid. A student is not permitted to register for a new semester if he/she owes any debts from the previous semester. In addition, degrees, certificates or diplomas will not be conferred until all obligations are fulfilled.

FIRE REGULATIONS

All students and College personnel must evacuate the building where and when the fire alarm has sounded. Faculty members in classrooms and administrators in all buildings are to enforce the following regulations when the fire alarm sounds:

1. Close all doors and windows.

2. Evacuate all areas.

3. Identify any disabled person needing assistance; arrange for necessary aid in evacuation.

4. Follow directional signs to fire exits; use stairs, do not use elevators.

5. Move away from the building and down the sidewalk or to a designated safety area.

Fire drills are mandatory and held during each semester.

FUNDRAISING PROJECTS

Any projects which entail selling or holding events for the purpose of raising money on campus must be conducted by the College or a Student Government recognized student organization or individual, and is to have the approval of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Final authorization rests with the Vice President for College Advancement.

To protect students from unreliable and illegal peddlers, any non–Notre Dame associated solicitors must have the permission of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Any solicitors without appropriate authorization from the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Director of Residence Life or Director of Campus Activities should be reported.

Under no circumstances is door-to-door solicitation permitted.

GRADE APPEAL POLICY

Students who have a clear and justifiable grievance with reference to a grade should first seek resolution with the instructor and subsequently, with the department chairperson. It is expected that the chairperson will consult with the faculty member in an effort to resolve the dispute. If a resolution is not reached, the student may appeal the dispute to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Vice President will consult with the appropriate department chairperson and will establish an appeal committee of three faculty members, one of whom may be recommended by the student bringing the appeal. A committee chairperson will be appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The committee chairperson will notify the faculty member of the appeal and the composition of the committee.

The appeal committee will hear the student’s complaint and interview the faculty member in its efforts to determine the facts. The committee will make a decision after the review is completed. In most cases, this will be a recommendation to uphold the grade that the student received. In some cases, the recommendation may be to present the student with other alternatives such as the completion of additional work before a final grade is determined.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs, after consultation with the president, will inform the faculty member and the student of the recommendations of the appeal committee and will take the steps that are necessary to implement the recommendations.

In fairness to the student and the instructor, it is expected that any process involving a grievance over the grade received on a paper or an examination must be commenced no later than two weeks subsequent to the receipt of the grade. Any process involving a grievance over the final grade for a course must be initiated prior to the end of the second week of classes in the subsequent semester or term.

GUESTS

Any student who brings guests to the campus is responsible for making College regulations known to them and is held responsible for their conduct/actions.

HARASSMENT

Harassment is physical conduct, verbal conduct (including telephone harassment) or other expressive behavior, including written or pictorial expression, which explicitly demeans, coerces, intimidates or seriously embarrasses any person. This includes demeaning one’s gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, color, creed, disability, national origin, veteran status, ancestry or age.

Disciplinary action will occur against those engaged in harassment or retaliation against anyone bringing forth an honestly perceived complaint of harassment.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

See page 98 of the Student Handbook.

INDEPENDENT STUDY AND LABORATORY RESEARCH

To foster independent learning, Notre Dame College encourages talented students to pursue independent study projects and laboratory research projects. A student with senior standing and a minimum grade point average of 3.00 both in his/her general studies and in the major field of study may qualify for these options.

For independent study, a student works with a faculty member who helps define the project and develop the learning objectives and the method of presentation for the project. A student who wishes to pursue a laboratory research project follows the same procedure and may chose to work with a faculty member who is carrying out a large research project.

The grade and credit earned for the project are included in the academic major and general requirements for graduation.

INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

Any act which jeopardizes the integrity of the College and any of its members is considered inappropriate behavior. As a representative of the College, inappropriate behavior violations can include activities that occur anywhere on or off campus.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE POLICY

Any semester student (full or part-time) in good standing who must temporarily leave the college for medical or psychological reasons may request a leave of absence. This leave of absence is not to exceed three weeks and only one leave of absence is granted in any 12-month period.

This leave of absence becomes official only when the proper forms are completed. A health care provider’s statement is required prior to the leave and at the conclusion of the leave. During this three-week period, there will be no adjustments in fees and no impact on financial aid. The faculty will meet with the student to determine how work can be made up.

If the student is unable to return after the three-week period, it is suggested that he/she withdraw from course or courses. Any fees or financial aid issues would be decided based on the last day of class attendance prior to the leave of absence.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Discuss your options/concerns with your advisor, counselor, doctor, etc.

2. If this policy meets your situation, fill out the form available from the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean for Student Affairs or Student Records Office and get a medical statement from your health care provider.

3. Submit completed form, including documentation, to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for signature.

4. If the process cannot be completed in person, please contact the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

MAJOR FIRE SAFETY

All people occupying the building(s) must evacuate immediately at the sound of the fire alarm.

Unauthorized use of fire extinguishers, intentionally pulling a fire alarm or tampering with any other designated fire safety equipment is subject to disciplinary action and/or possible criminal action. If the intentionally pulled fire alarm occurs in a residence hall, that floor/hall may be held responsible to pay for the cost involved with the response of the South Euclid Fire Department.

OFF-CAMPUS BEHAVIOR

The Associate Dean for Student Affairs or designee may take appropriate disciplinary action if a student’s off campus behavior adversely affects the good name of the College and its community members.

ONLINE RESOURCE

Notre Dame College has its own Intranet that can be accessed while on the NDC campus. For complete access to up-to-date information log onto http://Campus.NDC.

PARENTAL NOTIFICATION

The College reserves the right to notify parents or guardians, regardless of the student’s age, status, or conduct, in health or safety emergencies, hospitalizations, or when in our judgment, the health or well-being of the student or others may be at risk.

PARKING/MOVING VIOLATIONS

Parking is prohibited in fire lanes, designated disabled person spaces or 15-minute reserved parking spaces. Motor vehicles so parked will be ticketed and fined by the Notre Dame Campus Police Department and may be towed at the owner’s expense. College disciplinary action may be taken against violators as well. Motor vehicles remaining on campus for extended periods of time should be parked behind Providence Hall. Students may be required to move motor vehicles for snow plowing and/or other purposes at the direction of the Director of Physical Plant and/or other College personnel.

The following is a fee schedule for moving violations on the NDC campus (a level II policy violation):

PERSONAL PROPERTY

The College cannot assume responsibility for protecting personal property. While normal security precautions will be in effect, it is the responsibility of students to provide safeguards for their personal belongings. Therefore, each individual is strongly advised to carry personal property insurance.

PETS IN CAMPUS BUILDINGS

Pets are not permitted in any campus building. Moreover, Ohio State Law prohibits pets or animals of any type from being in an area where food is available, such as the dining hall. Violators of this regulation will be subject to disciplinary action.

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism, a serious academic offense, occurs when an individual presents the ideas, thoughts or words of another as his/her own. Some examples of plagiarism include:

• Using phrases, sentences or ideas from a published source without adding a footnote or bibliographic reference;

• Putting forward another person’s unpublished work as one’s own;

• Rewriting or paraphrasing the work of another person without giving credit to that person for thoughts, ideas or words through the use of a footnote or bibliographic reference;

• Submitting a paper copied from another source as one’s own work.

An assignment containing plagiarized material will receive a grade of “F,” seriously affecting the student’s final grade in the course. All incidents of plagiarism will be reported to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and a letter citing the incident will be included in the student’s official file. Should a second incident of plagiarism occur during the student’s pursuit of a degree, he/she will earn an “F” in that course and a letter regarding the incident will be entered into the student’s official file. Should a third incident of plagiarism occur, the student will be dismissed from the College; his/her readmission is unlikely.

Upon graduation, all materials referring to the incident of plagiarism will be removed from the student’s file and destroyed.

POSSESSION OFWEAPONS/FIREARMS/EXPLOSIVES

The possession of weapons, firearms, fireworks, explosives, open flame devices or combustible materials on College property is strictly prohibited. Unauthorized use of electrical detection and signaling equipment is subject to disciplinary action and/or referral to civil authorities.

POSTING MATERIALS

Students may post information with prior approval from the Associate Dean for Student Affairs on designated Administration Building sites and bulletin boards provided it is:

1. Not placed on glass or painted surfaces.

2. Not posted on bulletin boards clearly marked for other purposes.

3. Not covering posted material or placed on the outer glass of a covered bulletin board.

4. Posted on the surface with masking or scotch tape.

5. Not on any varnished wood.

6. Not in any elevators.

People wishing to have information posted must have it approved and initialed by the organization’s designated advisor and the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Any materials from off-campus must be approved and initialed by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

It is the responsibility of those who post information to remove it from all areas when the event is over.Any posted material in violation of these regulations will be removed immediately and the responsible organization may be subject to disciplinary action.

PROPPING DOORS

Propping doors is prohibited and defined as the use of any means to keep any locked doors from closing so that people have access to the building(s) via the propped door. Means by which to prop a door can include the following (this list is not inclusive): paper or other object in the lock, object placed in the door jam or at the base of the door to obstruct closure, etc. Exceptions to this policy are made during semester break and moving in/out.

RESIDENCY

All freshmen students are required to live in College residence halls (excluding summer, winter, Thanksgiving and spring breaks) unless they are:

1. 21 years or older

2. Married

3. Living with parent/guardian

4. Classified as WECO

5. International Student

6. On leave of absence as approved by the VP for Academic affairs.

Failure to comply with the above can result in disciplinary action. At the present time, the College does not offer housing for adult students or students with families.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT/NON-DISCRIMINATION AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Notre Dame College does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age or disability in the administration of its academic and admissions policies, scholarship and financial aid programs and other College services.

Notre Dame College is formally committed to the right of all students to an environment that is humane and respectful, and an environment that supports and regards student performance on the basis of relevant considerations such as ability, effort and accomplishment. Behaviors, which convey the image that sexuality is relevant to a student’s performance, are damaging to this environment.

Therefore, it is the policy of the College to maintain an environment free of any type of harassment of students, including sexual harassment. Harassment, as well as discriminatory acts, will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances or requests of sexual nature when:

1. Submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual’s academic advancement;

2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting such individual; and/or

3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or academic environment.

Grievance Procedure
If a student feels that he/she is a victim of sexual harassment or observes a student being sexually harassed, the individual should report it immediately to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. In addition, any student who believes he/she is the victim of or has witnessed what appears to be discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age or disability should report it immediately to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

The Associate Dean for Student Affairs and/or the Grievance Coordinator will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of any report of alleged sexual harassment or discrimination. Should sexual harassment or discrimination be found, it will be addressed in an expeditious manner and dealt with severely.

SMOKING

Smoking is prohibited throughout the College. Cigarettes will not be sold, advertised for promotion or given as free samples on campus.

SNOW DAYS/EMERGENCY CLOSINGS

The cancellation of classes because of weather conditions or emergencies will be announced on local TV and radio stations. If offices are also closed, this will be specifically stated. TV channels 3, 5, and 43 will report the closings, as will most local radio stations. Every effort will be made to announce closing by 7:00 am on weekdays and on WECO Saturdays. Cancellation of evening classes will be announced by 4:30 pm. The decision to cancel classes and/or close the College will be made by the president in consultation with the Special Assistant for the President for Academic Affairs and other appropriate College officials.

Notre Dame College will not cancel classes except when there are severe weather conditions in South Euclid. The College recognizes, however, that many students commute from a wide geographical area and the road conditions may vary greatly. Common sense and good judgment should guide students as to whether they can safely get to their classes. Students are strongly advised to inform the faculty secretary or WECO personnel of absence due to weather during the day or during the evening/weekend hours, respectively.

WECO–It should be noted that Weekend College classes are not cancelled unless it is absolutely necessary. Every attempt will be made to hold WECO classes. It is too difficult to reschedule class meetings due to the nature of the program.

STUDENT HONORS

Graduation with Honors
To be eligible for graduation with honors, “cum laude”, a student must earn a grade point average of 3.50. For graduation with great distinction, “magna cum laude”, a student must earn a GPA of 3.75. For graduation with highest honors, “summa cum laude”, a student must earn a GPA of 3.90. Furthermore, the student must have earned at least 128 semester credits, including 64 from Notre Dame College.

Dean’s List (Semester Students)
In recognition of academic excellence, a Dean’s List is compiled each academic semester. To qualify, a student must have a GPA of 3.50 or greater and must have completed 12 or more hours of graded course work by the end of that semester. An incomplete grade (I) precludes such recognition.

WECO Dean’s List
In recognition of academic excellence, a Dean’s List is compiled each WECO term. To qualify, a student must have an average GPA of 3.5 or greater and must have taken a graded course in each time slot of that term. An incomplete grade precludes such recognition.

President’s List (Semester Students)
In recognition of a superior level of academic achievement, a President’s List is compiled each academic semester. To qualify, a student must have a GPA of 4.00 and must have completed 15 or more hours of graded course work by the end of that semester.

WECO President’s List
In recognition of a superior level of academic achievement, a President’s List is compiled at the end of WECO Term III. To qualify, a student must have an average GPA of 4.00 for each of the first three (3) WECO terms in a given academic year and must have taken a graded course in each time slot in each of the three academic terms.

Kappa Gamma Pi
The national Catholic College graduate honor society admits 10 percent of the women of the graduating class to its membership. The faculty selects graduating seniors. Criteria for membership include qualifications for graduation with academic honors, demonstrated leadership and service during three undergraduate years and strong indications that the student will assume leadership in the future in their Church or larger civic or professional community.

Who’s Who
Each year the seniors elect a percentage of their class into membership of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Election is based on GPA, participation in campus life, activities, service and leadership.

STUDENT RECORDS

The Director of Student Records maintains records of all Notre Dame College students that include academic and demographic information. To protect our students’ privacy and to insure that their records are accessible to them, Notre Dame has designed a policy for maintaining and administering student records.

Notre Dame’s policy is in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). The complete College policy is on file in the Office of Student Records, but we include the general guidelines here.

Additional information on FERPA and the administration and the maintenance of student educational records is available in the Office of Student Records.

1. Educational records are defined as those records, files, documents and other material, which contain information directly related to the educational progress of the student and are maintained by Notre Dame College or by any person acting for the College. A student’s educational record includes the official academic transcript.

2. Students have certain rights of access to this information after presenting proper identification (current student identification card).

3. After reviewing a file, a student may challenge a perceived inaccuracy, misleading statement or other perceived violations of rights. See the complete policy on file in the Office of Student Records to check procedure for a hearing.

4. Notre Dame College has a responsibility to protect students from the release of information about them to others without student consent. An exception to this is public information or directory information, which may be released without the student’s consent. Directory information includes the student’s name, address, telephone number, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight, height, membership on an athletic team, confirmation of current registration, dates of attendance and degrees and awards received.

5. Notre Dame College’s directory information is available for review in the Office of Student Records. Anyone desiring to review this information must sign a register in the Directory. Students may restrict access, publication or the release of directory information by filing a written request with the Office of Student Services during the first week of any semester, WECO term or summer session. This must be done each academic year.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 is a Federal law which states (a) that a written policy must be established and (b) that a statement of adopted procedures covering the privacy rights of students be made available. The law provides that the institution will maintain the confidentiality of student educational records.

Notre Dame College accords all the rights under the law to students who are officially declared independent. No one outside the institution will have access to, nor will the institution disclose any information from students’ educational records without written consent of students. Exceptions to this include information given to personnel within the institution, officials of other institutions in which students seek to enroll, persons or organizations providing students financial aid, accrediting agencies carrying out their accreditation function, persons in compliance with a judicial order and persons in an emergency in order to protect the health and safety of students or other persons. All these exceptions are permitted under the Act.

Within the Notre Dame community, only those members, individually or collectively, acting in the students’ educational interest are allowed access to student educational records. These members include personnel in the Office of Student Records, Business Office, Office of Financial Aid, Office of Admissions, Academic Advising Center, Associate Dean for Student Affairs and in the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Request for non-disclosure will be honored by the institution for only one academic year; therefore, authorization to withhold Directory Information must be filed annually in the Office of Student Records. The law provides students with the right to inspect and review information contained in their educational records, to have a hearing if the outcome of the challenge is unsatisfactory and to submit explanatory statements for inclusion in their files if they feel the decisions of the hearing panels to be unacceptable.

The Director of Student Records at Notre Dame College has been designated by the institution to coordinate the inspection and review procedures for student educational records. Students wishing to review their educational records must make written requests to the Director of Student Records listing the item or items of interest. Only records covered by the Act will be made available within 45 days of request. Students may have copies made of their records with certain exceptions, (e.g., a copy of the academic records for which a financial “hold” exists or a transcript of an original source document which exists elsewhere). The copies would be made at the students’ expense at prevailing rates established by the College. Educational records do not include records of instructional, administrative and educational personnel, which are the sole possession of the maker, and these are not accessible or revealed to any individual except temporary substitute. Records of the law enforcement unit, student health records, employment records and alumni records are not accessible. Health records, however, may be reviewed by physicians of the students’ choosing.

Students may not inspect and review the following as outlined by the Act: financial information submitted by their parents, confidential letters and recommendations associated with admissions, employment or job placement, honors to which they have waived their rights of inspection and review or educational records containing information about more than one student. The institutions are not required to permit students to inspect and review confidential letters and recommendations placed in their files prior to January 1, 1975, provided those letters were collected under established policies of confidentiality and were used only for the purpose for which they were collected.

Students who believe that their educational records contain information that is inaccurate or misleading, or is otherwise in violation of their privacy or other rights, may discuss their problems informally with the Office of Student Records.

If the decisions are in agreement with the students’ requests, the appropriate records will be amended. If not, the students will be notified within a reasonable period of time that the records will not be amended and that they will be informed by the Office of Student Records of their right to a formal hearing.

Students’ requests for a formal hearing must be made in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs who, within a reasonable period of time after receiving such requests, will inform students of the date, place and the time of the hearing. Students may present evidence relevant to the issues raised and may be assisted or represented at the hearing by one or more persons of their choice, including attorneys, at the students’ expense. Appointed hearing panels will then adjudicate such challenges.

Decisions of the hearing panels will be final, will be based solely on the evidence at the hearing, will consist of written statements summarizing the evidence and stating the reasons for the decisions and will be delivered to all parties concerned. The educational records will be corrected or amended in accordance with the decisions of the hearing panels if the decisions are in favor of the students. If the decisions are unsatisfactory to the students, the students may place within the educational records, statements commenting on the information in the records or statements setting forth any reasons for disagreeing with the decisions of the hearing panels. The statements will be placed in the educational records, maintained as part of the students’ records and released whenever the records in question are disclosed.

Students who believe that the adjudication of their challenges were unfair or not in keeping with provisions of the Act, may request in writing, assistance from the president of the institution. Furthermore, students who believe that their rights have been abridged, may file complaints with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office (FERPA), Department of Education, Washington, DC 20201, concerning the alleged failures of Notre Dame College to comply with the Act. Revisions and clarifications will be published as experience with the law and institution’s policy warrants.

THEFT

Theft is not permitted in the NDC community. This includes taking lounge furniture or other items from a common area and using those items in residence hall rooms or to private residences. This is a level IV violation.

THROWING ITEMS FROM WINDOWS

For security reasons, no one is permitted to enter or exit through a window or pass/throw anything, including liquids, through a window. Screens must remain in place on all windows. This is a level I violation.

TORNADO PROCEDURES

A “Tornado Watch” indicates a possible storm. A “Tornado Warning” means a tornado has been sighted in the area and residents should seek shelter.

If a Tornado Warning is issued by the Weather Bureau and you are inside, you should:

1. Remain calm.

2. Open a few windows on the northeast side of the building or house to equalize the pressure.

3. Make sure disabled persons receive assistance as needed.

4. Tornado shelters are located in:

   • Providence Hall—basement storage room or hallway

   • Petersen Hall—ground floor in hallway

   • Harks Hall—basement hallway or locker storage area

   • Administration Building—ground floor away from the east and west doors

   • Keller Center—hallway

   • Connelly Center—go into residence halls or hallway

   • Library—Lowest level of the building away from glass

If you are outside, travel at right angles to the path of the funnel, lie in a ditch and protect your head or take shelter in a steel-framed or reinforced concrete building. Avoid buildings with wide-span roofs. Do not stay in your car.

TRANSIENT STUDENT STATUS

Occasionally, a part-time degree-seeking student may need to or wish to take a course at another local institution. Permission to do so must be given by their academic advisor, Director of the Advising Center or the Dean of Weekend College prior to the student registering at the host institution. It is recommended the student speak to the academic advisor before making any decisions so that the course will be the correct one for the student’s purpose. If the course is appropriate, a TRANSIENT STUDENT FORM will be completed and given to the student to take to the host college. A copy is kept in the student’s NDC file. Without prior permission and the transient form, Notre Dame College is not required to accept those credits for transfer. A grade of a C or better must be earned to transfer course credit.

UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY

Unauthorized room or building entry by a person other than a College official is prohibited.

UNAUTHORIZED USE OR POSSESSION OF PROPERTY

No person(s) may use or possess the property belonging to the College, its community members or guests without expressed permission from the appropriate persons or resource.

VANDALISM

The defacing or destruction of College or private property is prohibited.

VIOLATION OF FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL LAWS

The Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Director of Residence Life and Director of Campus Activities may take disciplinary action against a student who violates any federal, state or local laws on College premises.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COLLEGE/HOUSING

Any student wishing to withdraw from the College needs to see the Associate Dean for Student Affairs to begin the proper procedure. Any student wanting to withdraw from residency needs to speak to the Director of Residence Life. Financial aid transcripts and/or academic transcripts will be held if proper withdrawal paperwork has not been completed and balances have not been paid.

WITHDRAWAL FROM COLLEGE–
ADULT & GRADUATE STUDENTS

Adult and graduate students needing to withdraw from a class or from the College must note that failure to attend the first class or subsequent class meetings does not constitute official withdrawal. To be official, notification of withdrawal must be made in writing. The withdrawal form can be obtained in the Student Records office or the WECO office. Students may choose to write a letter of withdrawal rather than complete the form. Any tuition refund is based on the date the office RECEIVES the official written notice of withdrawal. A student may withdraw without penalty prior to the first meeting of the course. Please refer to the college’s refund policies provided on-line or in the Office of Student Accounts. A letter of withdrawal must contain the student’s name, social security number, names of course(s) desiring to be dropped and signature.

RESIDENCE LIFE INTRODUCTION

Notre Dame College has three residence halls—Harks Hall, Petersen Hall and Providence Hall. The residence hall program is envisioned as an integral part of the education of a student. Residential life affords opportunities for growth and development outside the classroom. A student’s residence hall room is that place on campus he/she can call home while he/she is working or relaxing. Every opportunity is pursued to assist residents in having an environment conducive to study and compatible with the rights and responsibilities of the individual and of groups. Each resident shares the responsibility for making community living work. The following statement of student rights provides the basic elements of successful residence hall living:

1. The right to read and study free from undue interference in one’s room. Unreasonable noise and other distractions inhibit the exercise of this right.
2. The right to a clean environment in which to live.
3. The right to petition for redress or grievances.
4. The right to be free from fear or intimidation, physical and/or emotional harm.

Staff

The Director and Assistant Director of Residence Life and the Associate Dean for Student Affairs are responsible for policies regarding the residence halls and overseeing their operations. In addition, Graduate Assistants (GA’s) reside in the residence hall complex. Resident Assistants (RA’s) live in the halls as well. The staff is available to assist with any questions or concerns throughout the year.

Resident Association Board

The Resident Association Board is the governing body of the residence halls as well as a programming group. The Board is composed of four executive officers, four committee chairpersons and floor representatives. The executive officers are selected by all residents in the spring and take office the following fall. The chairperson and floor representatives are elected in the fall. The Director of Residence Life, or designee, serves as the Board’s nonvoting advisor. All residents are members of the Association and may attend any open meetings.

Housing Contract

The housing contract that is signed by each residence hall student is a legal binding document. An individual who signs a housing contract for the next school year will have until June 1 to cancel the up coming school year contract. If the contract is cancelled after June 1, the student will forfeit $200.00 from their housing deposit. If the student’s housing deposit balance with Notre Dame College is less than $200.00, the remaining balance will be billed to their student account. The cancellation must be in writing, addressed to Residence Life and be post-marked no later than June 1.

COMMUNITY STANDARDS (POLICIES AND GUIDELINES)

Appropriate Attire

Residents must employ modesty in dress while in public and community areas of the residence halls, including but not limited to: lounges, kitchenettes, laundry rooms and hallways. Any nudity or partial nudity is strictly prohibited in these areas. In Connelly Center, shoes or rubber-soled slippers must be worn at all times in the dining hall and hallway. Shirts must be worn at all times in the dining hall.

Baby-Sitting/Child Care

Baby-sitting is not permitted in the residence halls or the Administration Building for safety and liability reasons. Children of students are permitted on campus provided they are accompanied by their parent/legal guardian. Children under 16 are not permitted to stay overnight on campus at any time with the exception of Little Kids/Sibs or Parents and Family Weekends. Any time a minor is to stay on campus, he/she must present a letter from his/her parent/guardian giving permission and emergency contact information.

Bicycles

Bicycles may be brought to campus and should be securely locked wherever stored. They are not to be stored in rooms or any lounges. Residents must remove all bicycles at the close of the school year. The college does not provide summer storage and therefore cannot be held responsible for bicycles left behind.

Courtesy and Quiet Hours

Quiet hours for study are as follows: 10:00 pm–10:00 am Sunday through Thursday. All other hours are courtesy hours. Violation of this policy may occur when there is an excessive amount of noise that is disruptive to the community and/or a member of the community. If you and your guest(s) can be heard ‘two doors’ down from your residence hall room, you are in violation of the courtesy and quiet hours policy. Disruption of the community can include excessive noise that occurs anywhere on the Notre Dame campus. Twenty-four hour quiet hours are in effect on all floors during Finals Week. The quiet/courtesy hours policy can be revisited and/or revised by each residence hall floor. The Associate Dean for Student Affairs has the authority to revise this policy at any time. Floor members are primarily responsible for maintenance of a positive atmosphere. If residents do have concerns, they should contact their Resident Assistant for direction, but only after having spoken with the individual(s) involved in an attempt to work out the difficulty.

Damage Fee/Charges

Residents are required to pay a $100 damage/key deposit. This deposit will be returned at the end of the academic year unless there are damages and no return of the room key. Rooms will be inspected before students move in and students will be held responsible for keeping the room and its contents in at least the condition in which they found them. Rooms are inspected at each vacation period and after final closing for the year. Residents will then be assessed for any charges. When two students occupy a room and it cannot be determined who is responsible for the damage or loss, both students will be assessed equally. This also applies to common areas such as bathrooms, hallways and lounges. Thus, a floor community will be assessed equally for damage if the individuals responsible are not determined. All residents of a hall will be assessed equally for damage that may occur in common areas of the residence hall that cannot be accounted for (i.e., stairwells, lobby and lounges).

Dining Services

All students who live in a residence hall must have a meal plan. The following policies are in effect when a person is eating in the dining hall:

1. All china and silverware must stay in the dining hall.
2. No outside containers may be brought into the service area.
3. Shoes/shirts are required.

Removal of any non-disposable items (ex. glass cups, china dishes, metal silverware) from the dining hall will result in the individual receiving an automatic $25.00 fine per item. Please do not remove non-disposable items from the dining hall. Any student (or their guest) who brings an outside container into the dining hall and attempts to remove food or beverages will be automatically fined $25.00. Please use to go containers. Additionally, for the 2007–2008 academic year, meals may be purchased by commuters, faculty, staff and guests. The rates are as follows:

Breakfast–$2.50

Lunch–$3.95

Dinner–$5.25

Soup and Salad Bar–$3.00

Brunch (served Saturday/Sunday)–$3.75

Failure to Comply

All students must comply with any directions or requests of a College official (e.g. administration, staff, faculty, security, maintenance, RA’s, etc.) or law enforcement officers performing their duties. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.

Fire Alarms

Fire alarms should be considered a fire alert. All persons occupying the building(s) should evacuate immediately through the nearest exit. Failure to exit a building may result in disciplinary action and possible criminal action. Each Resident Assistant has specific duties during an alarm. If awakened by a staff member and asked to evacuate the building, the resident is asked to realize the staff member is following directions in an attempt to guard the safety of all.

Unauthorized use of fire extinguishers, the intentional pulling of a fire station or the setting off of an alarm will result in removal from the residence halls and possible criminal action.

Furnishings

Notre Dame College furnishes beds, desks, chairs, closet space and dresser/drawer space. Linens, towels, wash cloths, pillows, blankets, lamps and wastebaskets are not provided. Furniture cannot be moved out of rooms or lounges for any reason. Furniture cannot be moved into rooms unless approved by the Director of Residence Life.

Overnight Guests

An overnight guest is defined as a family member, friend or other NDC residence hall student who is staying in a resident’s room or an unoccupied room on a temporary basis, either overnight or for a weekend. Overnight guests who are under the age of 18 must have a permission letter from their parent or legal guardian. Guests may stay on campus for a maximum of three (3) days during the course of a seven (7) day period. All overnight guests must be registered in the Office of Residence Life or through Campus Police. Guests must complete a Guest Registration Form to be permitted to stay overnight. The overnight guest(s) must provide a federal or state issued picture ID (e. g. licenses, passport, state ID card) to stay in the halls. Overnight guests who wish to take advantage of the campus food service and are not on the meal plan must pay the cost determined by the food service for each meal. RESIDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDUCT OF GUESTS AT ALL TIMES. For special events and/or circumstances, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs may determine appropriate guidelines for guests.

It is imperative that both roommates communicate with each other. Recognizing the importance of communication, both roommates must agree to visitor(s)/guest(s) in their room. If one roommate does not agree to the visitor(s)/guest(s), then they are not permitted to be in the residence hall room.

Any guest who is under 18 years of age and staying overnight must provide a letter from a parent/guardian giving permission. The letter must include the night(s) the guest is permitted to stay and a contact phone number for the parent/guardian. This letter must be received by the Director of Residence Life before 4:30 pm on the evening the guest would like to stay.

Housekeeping

The College provides daily cleaning service to all public and semi-public areas of the residence halls. Each resident is responsible for the housekeeping of his/her own room and the suite bathroom. Each resident is responsible for disposing of trash in the appropriate areas. Failure to dispose of your trash may result in disciplinary action.

Housing and Board Contract

Each resident is expected to read the Housing and Board Contract prior to moving into the residence hall. This contract insures that residents understand their rights and restrictions prior to moving into the residence hall. The College may terminate or suspend a contract due to a student’s conduct regarding health, safety, rules and regulations or security endangering self and/or others.

ID's

Residents may not allow anyone to use their Notre Dame College ID. Anyone who permits another individual to use their ID may be held liable if the use of their ID is related to any violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

Keys

Replacement cost for a stolen or lost key is $75.00. Damaged keys (bent) will be replaced for $25.00 per key. All charges are at the discretion of the Director of Residence Life. 113 These keys are the property of the College and are loaned to individuals in residence. Residents may not duplicate or lend these keys to anyone or allow unauthorized persons to occupy their rooms. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action.

Kitchenettes

Refrigerators, microwave ovens and shelf space may be available on a floor. If you have a kitchenette on your floor, these areas must remain clean and be used in a safe manner. Any equipment found working improperly should be reported to a Residence Life staff member.

Laundry Rooms

Free washers and dryers are located on the first, second and third floors of Petersen Hall, as well as on the second floor and garden le