Public Notice and Compliance Statements

EEOC Statement

Alvin Community College is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender equity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service or veteran status.

Civil Rights

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (P.L. 92- 318), and the Age Discrimination Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-256), Alvin Community College does not discriminate against or exclude from participation in any of its programs or activities, either in the student body or the staff, any person on the grounds of sex, race, color, religion, age, handicap, national origin, or veteran status.

Rights of Individuals with Disabilities

Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112) and with the Americans with Disabilities Act (P.L. 101-336), and does not discriminate on the basis of a disability in the areas of admission, accessibility, treatment and employment. Individuals with disabilities, as defined under the law, who are otherwise qualified to meet the institution’s academic and employment requirements will be provided with a variety of academic services and resources. ACC supports efforts in making the campus more accessible and encourages students with disabilities to participate in all activities. Students seeking assistance should contact the Student Accessibility Services Office. Information concerning college practices as they relate to Section 504 and ADA should be directed to the Coordinator of Student Accessibility Services.

FERPA (Notification of Rights under FERPA for Postsecondary Institutions)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. (An “eligible student” under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a postsecondary institution at any age.) These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day the or “Institution”) receives a request for access. A student should submit to the registrar, a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The school official will arrange for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.

A student who wishes to ask Alvin Community College to amend a record should write the Registrar, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.

If Alvin Community College decides not to amend the record as requested, Alvin Community College will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to provide written consent before Alvin College discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

Alvin Community College discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official typically includes a person employed by Alvin Community College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person serving on the Board of Regents; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of Alvin Community College who performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees, (such as the National Student Clearinghouse) and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent or a student volunteering to assist another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for Alvin Community College.

Upon request, the school also discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the Alvin Community College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Student Privacy Policy Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202

The following items of directory information may be released without the written consent of the student: name, address, telephone numbers, date of birth, major, awards and degrees, participation in sports and activities, weight and height of athletic team members, dates of attendance, most recent educational institution attended and enrollment status. The student is responsible for notifying the Registrar’s Office if any of the information listed above is not to be released.

FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in § 99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the student, § 99.32 of FERPA regulations requires the institution to record the disclosure. Eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A postsecondary institution may disclose PII from the education records without obtaining prior written consent of the student -

• To other school officials, including teachers, within Alvin Community College whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in
  § 99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) - (a)(1)(i)(B)(3) are met. (§ 99.31(a)(1)). This includes, but is not limited to organizations such as the National Student Clearinghouse.
• To officials of another school where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of § 99.34. (§ 99.31(a)(2))
• To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as a State postsecondary authority that is responsible for supervising the College’s State-supported education programs. Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State- supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf. (§§ 99.31(a)(3) and 99.35)
• In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. (§ 99.31(a)(4))
• To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction. (§ 99.31(a)(6))
• To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions. (§ 99.31(a)(7))
• To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes. (§ 99.31(a)(8))
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. (§ 99.31(a)(9))
• To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to § 99.36. (§ 99.31(a)(10))
• Information the school has designated as “directory information” under § 99.37. (§ 99.31(a)(11))
• To a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, subject to the requirements of § 99.39. The disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that alleged crime or offense, regardless of the finding. (§ 99.31(a)(13))
• To the general public, the final results of a disciplinary proceeding, subject to the requirements of § 99.39, if the school determines the student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense and the student has committed a violation of the school’s rules or policies with respect to the allegation made against him or her. (§ 99.31(a)(14))
• To parents of a student regarding the student’s violation of any Federal, State, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the school, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the school determines the student committed a disciplinary violation and the student is under the age of 21. (§99.31(a)(15))

Release of Directory Information

The following items of directory information may be released without the written consent of the student: name, address, telephone numbers, date of birth, major, awards and degrees, email address, participation in sports and activities, weight and height of athletic team members, dates of attendance, most recent educational institution attended and enrollment status. The student is responsible for notifying the Registrar’s Office if any of the information listed above is not to be released.

A student must complete the FERPA Non-Release Form located on the POD and send to the Registrar’s Office via their ACC email address. Sending it from the official ACC email address proves verification of identity. The student, on this form, gives designated individuals access to certain information as depicted on the form. The individual(s) who the student releases non-directory information to may request the information in person or via email as long as they have the necessary Access Code.

Students have the right under FERPA to inspect and review their education records within 45 days of the day the institution receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Registrar, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. Records not maintained by the registrar will also be made available.

Students may ask the college to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should contact the Registrar, identify the part of the record to be changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the college decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the college will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of the right to a hearing regarding the request of the amendment. Upon request the college may disclose education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

Students have the right to file a complaint with the United States Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Alvin Community College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605
Phone: (202) 260-3887

Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act

Alvin Community College is committed to providing a safe learning and working environment through compliance with the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act, or Campus SaVE Act which is a 2013 amendment to the Federal Jeanne Clery Act. SaVE was designed by advocates, victims, survivors, and a bi-partisan coalition in Congress as a companion to Title IX to help bolster the response to and prevention of sexual violence in higher education. Campus crime statistics are reported on the campus police webpage - http://www.alvincollege.edu/campus-police/college-crime-report.html.

VAWA (Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act)

This landmark federal legislation’s comprehensive approach to violence against women combined tough new provisions to hold offenders accountable with programs to provide services for the victims of such violence.

Title IX

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance…” 20 U.S.C. § 1681.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681) is an all-encompassing federal law that prohibits discrimination based on the gender of students and employees of educational institutions which receive Federal financial assistance.

Title IX Coordinators Responsible for Implementation and Enforcement

Students may receive information about rights and grievance procedures by visiting https://www.alvincollege.edu/student-information/Title-IX.html or by contacting the office of the Vice President of Student Services at 281-757-3517. Employees and others may contact the Executive Director of Human Resources for more information on sexual harassment.

Filing a Title IX Complaint

The Title IX Coordinator and the Executive Director of Human Resources have been given the primary responsibility for responding to questions about and receiving complaints of sexual harassment or violation of civil rights of students. Please see ACC’s Title IX webpage.

Investigation of a specific complaint of sexual harassment will be initiated upon submission of a Title IX Discrimination Complaint. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent permitted under the law, and the rights of the individuals involved will be protected. Disagreement with the resolution of the complaint will be handled according to the usual procedures for grievances as outlined in ACC Policy.

Sexual Misconduct

It is the policy of Alvin Community College to maintain an educational environment free from sexual harassment and intimidation. Sexual harassment is expressly prohibited, and offenders are subject to disciplinary action. “Sexual harassment” is defined as either unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, by an employee of the college, when:

• Submission by a student to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a condition for academic opportunity or advancement;
• Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting that student; or
• The intended effects are to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for the student.

More information can be found on the college website at: http://www.alvincollege.edu/student-information/Title-IX.html.

Sexual Assault, Consent, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking Defined

Sexual assault refers to any sexual act directed against another person against the person’s will; or when the survivor is incapable of giving consent and includes incest or statutory rape.

Consent must be informed, voluntary, and mutual, and can be withdrawn at any time. There is no consent when there is force, expressed or implied, or when coercion, intimidation, threats, or duress is used. Whether a person has taken advantage of a position of influence over another person may be a factor in determining consent.

Domestic Violence includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by:

• A current or former spouse or intimate partner of the survivor;
• A person with whom the survivor shares a child in common;
• A person who is or was residing in the same household as the survivor; or
• Any person against someone who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.

Dating violence refers to violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the survivor.

Stalking occurs when an individual engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others, or suffer substantial emotional distress.

Reporting Incidents

ACC encourages anyone who has experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, or knows of another member of the community who has experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking to report the incident immediately to Alvin Community College Campus Police Department at 281-756-3700. In case of an emergency or ongoing threat, a survivor should get to a safe location and call 911.

Students who have experienced a sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking may also report an incident to the Title IX Coordinator. Please see ACC’s Title IX webpage. College employees who have experienced a sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking may also report an incident to the Office of Human Resources at 281-756-3639. These offices will provide survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking with information about available support services and resources, and also assist any survivor in notifying law enforcement, including the local police, if the survivor elects to do so.

Sex Offender Information

The College complies with the Campus Sex Crime Prevention Act (section 1601 of Public Law 106-386), which is a Federal Law enacted on October 28, 2000, that provides for the tracking of convicted registered sex offenders enrolled as students at institutions of higher education, or working on college campuses. Access the State of Texas Sex Offender database at https://publicsite.dps.texas.gov/SexOffenderRegistry. 

Child Protection and Sexual Abuse Training

Alvin Community College, in compliance with SB 1414 and Texas Education Code 51.976 mandates Sexual Abuse Awareness Training for college employees involved in any campus programs for minors’ such as camps for various activities including athletics, cheerleading, debate, theater, dance, and music.

The legislation defines a “campus program for minors” as any program that is (1) operated by or on the campus of an institution for higher learning; (2) for the purpose of recreation, athletics, religion or education; (3) for at least 20 campers; (4) who attend or temporarily reside at the camp for all or part of at least four days. The college will provide information and documentation to the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) demonstrating that each employee of the campus program for minors has completed a state-approved Sexual Abuse Awareness Training Program.

Racial Harassment or Discrimination

It is the policy of Alvin Community College to maintain an academic and working environment free from all forms of harassment or discrimination and to insist that all students and employees be treated with dignity, respect, and courtesy. Comments or conduct relating to a person’s race or ethnic background, which fails to respect the dignity and feelings of the individual, are unacceptable. Any behavior toward a student or employee by an employee, supervisor, or student that constitutes racial harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated. Students believing that they have been victims of racial harassment or discrimination should report such incident to the Vice President of Student Services by submitting a formal complaint. The complaint information page link is located at the bottom of each ACC webpage.

Student Right-to-Know

Student Right-To-Know (SRTK) is a federally-mandated public disclosure requirement which provides data about Alvin Community College’s completion and transfer rates. The purpose of SRTK is to provide the public with standardized information that might be helpful in making a college determination. Information about this data may be obtained from the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research. STRK rates are reported annually on the IPEDS-GRS (Integrated Postsecondary Educational Data System-Graduation Rate Survey).

Photo and Video Recording Policy

ACC’s Marketing Department conducts photo and video shoots of students throughout the year. These photographs and videos often include students in classrooms, study areas, attending events, etc. ACC reserves the right to use these photos and videos as a part of its publicity and marketing efforts. Students who enroll at ACC do so with the understanding that these photos and videos might include their likeness and might be used in College publications, both printed and electronic, for recruiting and advertising purposes. Verbal permission will always be requested from the student prior to use.

Religious Holy Days

Alvin Community College recognizes and respects the diversity of its members, including the diversity of religious faiths and observances. Under Texas Education Code, §51.911, Alvin Community College shall excuse a student from attending classes, or other required activities, including examinations, for the observance of a religious holy day, including travel for that purpose. A student whose absence is excused under this subsection may not be penalized for that absence and shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment from which the student is excused within a reasonable time after the absence. Students should inform the instructor at least two weeks in advance of the absence and establish a time by which all assignments or examinations shall be completed. Any disagreement about the nature of the absence or if there is disagreement about being given a reasonable amount of time to complete any missed assignments or examinations, either the student or the instructor may request a ruling from the Vice President of Instruction. The student and instructor shall abide by the decision of the Vice President of Instruction.

Substance Abuse Policy

Alvin Community College is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and satisfying environment for its students, faculty, staff and guests. Drug and alcohol use, misuse, and abuse are complex behaviors with many negative outcomes at both cultural and individual levels. This substance policy stands in effect to minimize the potentially harmful outcomes related to student learning at Alvin Community College.

College policy prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal and prescription drugs. See Drug & Alcohol Prevention Program (Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act) in The POD/Campus Services/Student Support Services/Documents.

Social Media Statement

Social media has fundamentally changed the way communication occurs as individuals and as a college. Alvin Community College recognizes and embraces the power of social media, and the opportunity those tools provide to communicate with the college community which includes students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and other interested parties. Students using social media are governed by the same policies and rules of conduct that apply to all other activities at Alvin Community College. Even activities of a private nature conducted away from the College may subject a student to disciplinary action if they reflect poorly on the College, interfere with the conduct of College business, or are threatening to the safety of others. 

Standard of Conduct

The college student is considered a responsible adult. The student’s enrollment indicates acceptance of the standards of conduct published in the Student Handbook, Rights and Responsibilities in The POD/Campus Services/Student Support Services/Documents. This information is also available from the Student Rights and Responsibilities tab at the bottom of each ACC web page.

Tobacco Policy

Per FLB local ACC policy, possession or use of tobacco products or e-cigarettes on College District property without authorization shall be prohibited. “E-cigarette” means an electronic cigarette or any other device that simulates smoking by using a mechanical heating element, battery, or electronic circuit to deliver nicotine or other substances to the individual inhaling from the device. The term does not include a prescription medical device unrelated to the cessation of smoking.

The term includes:

1. A device described by this definition regardless of whether the device is manufactured, distributed, or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, or e-pipe or under another product name or description; and
2. A component, part, or accessory for the device, regardless of whether the component, part, or accessory is sold separately from the device.

Weapons Policy (CHF Local)

The College District prohibits the use, possession, or display of a firearm on College District property or at a College District sponsored or related activity in violation of law and College District regulations.

Concealed Carry

Refer to TASB CHF Legal Policy at https://pol.tasb.org/home/index/214

Other Weapons Prohibited

The College District prohibits the use, possession, or display of any location-restricted knives, clubs, knuckles, firearm silencers or prohibited weapons, as defined by law, on College District property or at a College District sponsored or related activity, unless written authorization is granted in advance by the College President or designee.

Additionally, the following weapons are prohibited on College District property or at any College District sponsored or related activity:

1. Fireworks of any kind, except when given prior approval by the College President for use in a display for a specific activity;
2. Incendiary devices;
3. Instruments designed to expel a projectile with the use of pressurized air, like a BB gun;
4. Razors;
5. Chains; or
6. Martial arts throwing stars.

The possession or use of articles not generally considered to be weapons may be prohibited when the College President or designee determines that a danger exists for any student, College District employee, or College District property by virtue of possession or use.

Violations

Employees and students found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action. See Policies DH, FM, and FMA.

*GI Bill®

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.