Concordia College Corporation

Catalog Contents

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Student Life Policies

Academic, social and student activities policies and regulations not contained in this catalog are published in the campus Directory and College Handbook and various other publications made available to students. See the Academic Program section of this catalog for academic policies. College documents relating to the rights and responsibilities of individual students and student groups and the campus judicial process and structure are available from the Office of Student Affairs or the Student Association Office.

Records
Student Accessibility
General
Residential Life
Motor Vehicles
Sexual Harassment
An Explanation of the Policy
Response Options
Sexual Violence
A Statement on Addressing Bias-related Violence, Intimidation and Harassment
Chemical Use
Smoking
Gambling

Records

As stated in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Document (found in the College Handbook), the college has carefully considered what kinds of information should be part of a student's permanent educational record and the conditions for its disclosure. To minimize the risk of improper disclosure, academic and disciplinary or counseling records are kept separate and the conditions of access to each are set forth in a policy statement available in the Office of Student Affairs and the Office of the Registrar. Transcripts or academic records contain only information about academic status. However, this is to be understood as permitting the recording of any institutional action such as suspension and expulsion for academic or disciplinary reasons that affects a student's eligibility to be readmitted to the institution.

Information from disciplinary or counseling files is not available to unauthorized persons on or off campus without the express consent of the student involved, except under legal compulsion or in cases where the safety of persons or property is involved.

No records that reflect the political activities or beliefs of students are kept except those voluntarily provided by the student in his or her activity record.

Concordia College upholds the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, which regulates access to student files and their contents. Individual students are granted the right to examine their files, which are kept by the institution. To do so, or for further information, they should see the person in charge of the particular file in question. The institution maintains the following sets of files in separate locations:

Official "Record Keepers"

1. General files -- Student Affairs Office, Lorentzsen Hall
2. Discipline files -- Student Affairs Office, Lorentzsen Hall
3. Testing files --- Student Affairs Office, Lorentzsen Hall
4. Placement files -- Career Center, Academy Hall
5. Transcript files -- Office of the Registrar, Lorentzsen Hall
6. Academic dishonesty files -- Academic Affairs Office, Lorentzsen Hall
7. Business Offices files -- Business Office, Lorentzsen Hall
8. Financial aid files -- Financial Aid Office, Lorentzsen Hall
9. Nursing files -- Nursing, Ivers Science Building
10. Cooperative Education files -- Cooperative Education, Academy Hall
11. Social Work files -- Social Work, Old Main
12. Teacher Education files -- Education, Old Main

Students have the right to challenge information that is kept on file. If the "keeper"of the file chooses not to change or delete file information that is challenged, the student may file an appeal with the College Appeal Board.

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Student Accessibility

For the college to serve students most effectively, it must have the means of communicating with all students. Therefore students are required to provide a local address and college post office box number as part of the registration process. Students enrolled in off-campus programs must provide an address at which they can be reached. Final registration will not be considered complete until this information is made available. Similarly students are expected to check their post office box and collect their mail regularly. Any changes of local address should be reported to the Student Affairs Office. Changes of permanent address should be reported to the Office of the Registrar.

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General

Any of the following actions render any member of the college community subject to disciplinary action. This list is not all-inclusive for other policies. See the College Handbook or various other publications made available to students.

1. Dishonesty in academic pursuits such as cheating on exams, plagiarism, and knowingly and willfully giving false personal information to the college.
2. The altering of college documents, records or ID cards with fraudulent intent.
3. The obstruction or disruption of college activities including public functions on the campus; the obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings or other authorized activities on the college premises; physical abuse or mental harassment of any person on the college premises or at college-sponsored or college-supervised functions on or off campus that may endanger the health and well-being of any such person (including any orientation or initiation activities).
4. Theft or embezzlement of, destruction of, damage to, unauthorized possession of, or inappropriate use of property belonging to the college, a member of the college community or a campus guest.
5. Failure to comply with a proper order of a college agency or official acting within the scope of his/her job description authority; refusal to identify oneself or falsely identifying oneself to a college official upon the latter's request; knowingly making false or inaccurate statements or misrepresenting facts to a college agency or official.
6. Unauthorized entry or use of college facilities; intentional obstruction that unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement, both pedestrian and vehicular, on campus; possessing, making or causing to be made any key to operate locks or locking mechanisms on campus without proper authorization; or using or giving to another a key for which there has been no proper authorization.
7. Violation of published college regulations, including rules governing residence halls or rules governing off-campus housing facilities.
8. Violation of civil law on or off campus while in attendance at the college.
9. Possession or use of firearms, explosives, articles or substance calculated to intimidate, disturb or injure a member of the college community.
10. Perjury, concealing evidence or contempt of judicial board rulings.
11. Making false or inaccurate statements or misrepresenting facts to the college.

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Residential Life

Housing: Concordia is primarily a residential college with approximately 60 percent of the student body living on campus. There are five residence halls for women, three for men and two apartment buildings for upper-class men and women, and an 18-unit efficiency apartment building for upper-class women. There is also a complex of language apartments available to selected upper-class students. Each hall is administered by a professional staff person and trained upper-class student assistants who are committed to making the on-campus living environment an important part of the educational experience of the college. Professional residence hall staff are available for assistance with any problem that might arise and to refer students to other campus offices whenever appropriate.

Because the college places a high value on the positive personal and educational outcomes of a residential community experience, all first- and second-year students who have not reached the age of 21 and are not living at home are required to reside in college residence halls and to participate in the board plan. Special requests for any exception to this residence requirement must be made in writing to the associate dean of students and director of residential life. Requests for exception to the board plan requirement must be made in writing to the director of auxiliary services. Students entering Concordia as transfers or with post-secondary educational option credits should consult the associate dean of students and director of residential life about meeting the intent of the four-semester residence requirement.

Visitation: Visitors of the opposite sex will be permitted in the lounge of the residence halls at specific periods and in student rooms during established visitation hours. Maximum visitation hours for men's and women's residence halls are from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday, noon to 1 a.m. on Saturday and noon-11 p.m. on Sunday. Hours of visitation in Bogstad Manor, Bogstad East and the International Center are as follows: Monday-Thursday, 4-11 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m.-1 a.m.; Saturday, noon-1 a.m.; Sunday, noon-11 p.m.

Closing hours: For security reasons most residence halls are locked at 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. A student worker is on duty until the doors are reopened in the morning, thereby permitting access after closing.

Residence hall agreement: Students signing Residence Hall Agreements are required to reside on campus during the term of the agreement.Anyone who breaks the Residence Hall Accommodations and Dining Agreement for the following year after the cancellation deadline, will forfeit the amount paid down. Anyone who breaks his or her Residence Hall Agreement during the school year that it is in effect is subject to a monetary penalty specified in the agreement. In addition, charges for room and board will be prorated based upon the length of occupancy.

Off-campus living: An apartment-listing service is available to all junior and senior students interested in off-campus housing. Any request for special off-campus status by freshmen or sophomores should be directed to the Student Affairs Office. Freshman and sophomore students who live off campus without special permission will be required to move back on campus or be subject to disciplinary charges and/or cancellation of registration.

Open-ended rental contracts are available to all off-campus students. Any questions regarding rental concerns that arise for students and/or landlords may be directed to the Student Affairs Office. Before registration can be completed, all off-campus students are asked to identify the name of their landlord, apartment address and names of current roommates.

Concordia does not condone cohabitation by unmarried students and in instances where college officials are informed that students are cohabitating, the college reserves the right to take action against the student(s) involved, including canceling registrations or withholding permission to register.

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Motor Vehicles

Motor vehicles used by students must be registered with the college, and their use is subject to college parking and traffic regulations.

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Sexual Harassment

It is the goal of Concordia College to maintain an environment free of discrimination based on gender. This statement concerns one form of sex discrimination -- sexual harassment.

We expect all in this community to foster positive attitudes and behaviors toward members of each gender. We wish to make explicit our abhorrence toward language, behavior and attitudes which intimidate, offend and debilitate members of this community. Furthermore, we encourage those who experience or observe forms of harassment to bring such incidents to the attention of those who carry special responsibility for nurture in this community.

Definition: This policy shall apply to the behavior of all students, faculty and staff while in the "college environment."The "college environment"shall include actions occurring on all property owned by the college and actions occurring during activities specifically controlled and directed by the college whether on Concordia property or not.

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

1.submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual's employment or academic advancement, or
2. submission to such conduct is used as a basis for employment or academic decisions, or
3. the behavior has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with work or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment, or
4. the conduct is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it affects a student's ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program, interferes with academic performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive college environment.

Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to behaviors such as:

1. sexually oriented verbal "kidding"or abuse, sexual innuendo or suggestive comments;
2. nonverbal behaviors such as whistling or obscene gestures;
3. subtle pressure for sexual activity;
4. physical contact such as inappropriate touch, pinching or deliberate repeated brushing against another's body; and
5. demands for sexual favors, accompanied by implied or overt promises of preferential treatment or threats.

Sexual harassment can occur anywhere, anytime between and among students, faculty, staff and co-workers, in consensual and nonconsensual relationships; it occurs in situations where one person abuses the power he or she has over another person, violating the boundaries and trust implicit in that relationship. It can occur between peers where no power differential exists. It can occur between members of the opposite or same sex. In a work setting harassment can also occur between equals.

Procedures: Whenever possible, sexual harassment should be confronted directly by the affected person(s). If an informal objection is not appropriate or does not otherwise bring resolution, formal reports may be filed or complaints may be pursued under the various grievance procedures available to students, faculty and staff as published in the student, faculty, support staff and administrative handbooks. Formal complaints should be filed with the proper college officials:

1. A student grievance involving a faculty member shall be brought to the academic dean.
2. A student grievance involving another student or staff member shall be filed with the dean of students.
3. Student employees and support staff members shall submit grievances to the director of human resources.
4. Administrative staff members shall submit grievances to the director of human resources.
5. A faculty grievance shall be filed with the academic dean.

All complaints are subject to review and appeal according to established college policy.

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An Explanation of the Policy

Sexual harassment may occur:

1. In consensual relationships. Consensual relations between individuals with unequal status in the community does not constitute a defense against charges of sexual harassment. A relationship between a faculty or staff member and a student should be considered that of the professional and client in which sexual relationships are inappropriate. The power differential inherent in such relationships, as well as those between a supervisor and an employee, compromises the ability of the person in the position of less authority to freely decide or act. Such behavior is also unacceptable in terms of the values, standards and expectations of the college.

2. In off-campus placements and study programs. The sexual harassment policy covers students assigned to or participating in off-campus placements and study programs under the control of non-Concordia personnel, such as teacher education clinicals and student teaching placements, cooperative education placements, service-learning placements, practicums, and other off-campus study programs. The Concordia representatives supervising such placements need to prepare students for recognizing and dealing with sexual harassment and to assist and support them should it ever occur. Program heads are responsible for informing potential placement sites of the college policy and can decertify and cease utilizing such sites where problems are encountered. Although the college cannot impose sanctions against non-employees, the college supervisor can remove the student from the placement or program without penalty to the student. If a student is removed, the college supervisor should arrange for a new placement for the student as soon as possible.

3. In May Seminars and other off-campus study programs sponsored and directed by Concordia. The policy on sexual harassment also covers students, faculty and staff involved in May Seminars and other off-campus study programs sponsored and directed by the college.

4. Between students. Students should recognize that sexual harassment can occur whether or not a power differential exists. Sexual harassment can occur, for example, in student organizations, student employment, residence halls, laboratories, classrooms, societies and athletic teams.

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Response Options

The policy provides four options in response to sexual harassment. When appropriate, the college encourages informal resolution of sexual harassment situations by the individuals involved at the level appropriate for the situation.

Informal Options

1. Direct response. If appropriate, the offended person should make his/her objections directly known to the person involved. When sexual harassment occurs, the offender should be confronted immediately and informed orally or in writing of the inappropriateness of the behavior.

2. Consultation. Any person who experiences or observes forms of sexual harassment is advised of the additional option to discuss that experience with a counselor, pastor or another member of the college's counseling staff. These staff members can listen, provide support, answer questions about sexual harassment policy and discuss optional responses. Concerns regarding possible sexual harassment may be discussed with a staff member without filing a formal complaint. It is also possible for a person who experiences or observes a form of sexual harassment to consult with the supervisor of the person exhibiting the behavior or another person in authority without having to file a formal complaint.

3. Informal resolution. The victim/counselor/other staff member may bring the matter to the attention of the perpetrator's supervisor or to the appropriate vice president or his/her associate, who will then attempt to resolve the matter informally by confronting the person exhibiting the behavior. In resolving the matter informally, it will be made clear that this type of behavior is unacceptable and that formal action will be taken should it occur in the future. Attempts at informal resolution should be reported immediately to the academic dean if it involves a faculty member, to the dean of students if it involves a student and to the director of human resources if it involves a member of the staff.

Formal Option

4. Formal resolution. If informal options are inappropriate or unsuccessful in changing behavior, the college encourages formal action to be taken. Ordinarily, the formal complaint process will be undertaken only when a formal report or written and signed complaint is filed. However, in cases that appear to be criminal in nature, violate college policy, pose a serious physical or emotional threat, or involve repeated behavior by the same individual, the college may initiate an investigation of the allegations and take appropriate action even in the absence of a formal report or complaint. The decision to initiate the procedures for hearing a formal complaint will be made by the academic dean if a faculty member is involved, the dean of students if a student is involved and the director of human resources if a staff member is involved. In making this decision, the person(s) bringing the complaint will be consulted as to their feelings about formal action being initiated and, if formal action is initiated, the person(s) bringing the complaint will have a college counselor available for advice and support throughout the process.

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Sexual Violence

Concordia condemns sexual violence, be it stranger rape, date rape, acquaintance rape or sexual assault. It is the goal of Concordia College to be a community free of sexual assault. Accordingly, this policy which covers all members of the Concordia College community will be distributed annually. This policy statement should also be considered in relation to the college's Policy on Sexual Harassment.

Whenever sexual violence occurs, be it on or off campus, it is strongly recommended that the victim report the incident to the police and to a dean in the Student Affairs Office. Victims are advised that the college will assist and support them in reporting the incident to the police. At the direction of the police, the college will assist in obtaining, securing and maintaining evidence. The victim can report an incident to the police even if she/he does not wish to have charges filed. Whether or not criminal charges are filed depends, first and foremost, upon the wishes of the victim and secondly upon the decision by the county attorney on whether or not there are sufficient grounds to prosecute. If the accused is a member of the campus community, the college will investigate the complaint and, with the consent of the complainant, initiate appropriate disciplinary action against the accused, even in cases also being handled by civil authorities. The college will also, at the victim's request, shield him/her from unwanted contact with the alleged assailant by providing, if available and feasible, alternative college-owned housing and alternative classes.

The college's decision to initiate disciplinary action will be influenced by the wishes of the victim and the results of an investigation. The disciplinary process will be explained and possible outcomes of the proceedings discussed with the victim(s) prior to proceeding. Victims can participate in the disciplinary hearing and be accompanied by a support person. Consistent with the laws relating to data practices, under Minnesota law victims now have a right to be informed of the final outcome of any disciplinary proceedings.

The college will support and assist any victim throughout the process and preserve for the complainant or victim, materials relevant to a campus disciplinary proceeding. The college will continue its efforts to deal with the issue of sexual violence through education, counseling and appropriate disciplinary and/or legal action. All members of our campus community should take responsibility for preventing sexual violence, and, if it does occur, take appropriate action to report it to appropriate civil and college authorities.

The college offices of the dean of students, counseling, health service and human resources have informational brochures available from the Minnesota Crime Victims Reparation Board and the Minnesota Office of Crime Victims Ombudsman.

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A Statement on Addressing Bias-related Violence, Intimidation and Harassment

Preamble: It is the goal of Concordia College as an academic and Christian community to maintain an environment free of violence, intimidation and harassment. Bias-related behavior based on race, religion, gender, age, ethnicity, national origin, physical appearance, disability or sexual orientation assaults the dignity and worth of the individual and will not be tolerated. Indeed, victimization will be actively opposed.

We expect that all members of this community will treat each other with dignity and respect, and that all members of the community will assume the responsibility of appropriately confronting acts of bias-related violence, intimidation and harassment which may occur. This policy statement identifies a non-exhaustive list of examples of behavior that are unacceptable and outlines the procedures for handling violations.

Definition: Bias-related violence, intimidation and harassment is defined as verbal, written or physical conduct which is based on race, religion, gender, age, ethnicity, national origin, physical appearance, disability or sexual orientation. In addition, such conduct inevitably has the effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's academic, co-curricular, social or work-related participation in the college community. Bias-related violence, intimidation and harassment exists, for example, when:

1. behavior is intended to intimidate, insult or stigmatize an individual or group.
2. use is made of provocative words or non-verbal symbols which, by virtue of their form, are commonly understood to convey direct and visceral hatred or contempt for human beings.
3. an act of violence is committed in connection with a bias.

Nothing in this definition should be construed as an abrogation of freedom of expression as established in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Document. However, protected freedom of expression ends when prohibited bias-related violence, intimidation or harassment begins.

Procedures: Persons experiencing bias-related violence, intimidation or harassment are strongly encouraged to seek assistance from one of the advisers especially selected and trained for the purpose of supporting them. Such persons include Multicultural Affairs staff, counseling staff, a Student Affairs dean, designated faculty and staff advisers, peer advocates and designated community volunteers. These advisers/counselors can provide a sympathetic listening ear, explain available options and assist the person throughout any formal or informal option pursued.

Informal options: Informal options include:
1. When appropriate, bias-related intimidation or harassment can be properly confronted by the affected person(s) and by other members of the community.
2. If conflicts or problems arise in which the person experiencing bias-related harassment or intimidation does not wish to file a formal complaint, the person can request mediation services in an effort to informally resolve the matter. An individual or a panel of one student, one faculty member and one staff member can be named to mediate the matter.

Formal options: Formal options include:
1. If informal resolutions fail or are inappropriate, formal complaints to college officials can be filed as follows:
  - A student complaint involving a faculty member shall be brought to the academic dean or assistant/associate dean.
  - A student complaint involving another student or a staff member shall be filed with the dean of students or an assistant/ associate dean.
  - Student employees and support staff members shall submit complaints to the director of human resources or the vice president for business affairs.
  - Administrative staff members shall submit complaints to the director of human resources or the vice president for business affairs.
  - A faculty complaint shall be filed with the academic dean or an assistant/associate dean.
2. Bias-related violence should be reported immediately to college and to civil authorities.

Established disciplinary procedures for handling complaints against students or faculty or staff will be followed in cases involving bias-related violence, intimidation or harassment. The appropriate college official named above will explain those procedures to the complainant and keep him/her informed as to the status of those proceedings.

(This policy statement does not stand alone, for it also needs to be considered in relation to other college policies such as The Student Rights and Responsibilities Document and other policy statements covering harassment and discrimination.)

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Chemical Use

Concordia College seeks to promote healthy living in community and individual life. The college recognizes that the misuse and abuse of alcohol and other chemicals is a serious health problem affecting every aspect of human life. Therefore, Concordia accepts the responsibility to provide education about alcohol and other drug use and to intervene in situations where individuals are losing control of their chemical use and/or where that use is harming them and others in any way. The college will intervene to help out of concern for both the individual and the college community.

Concordia sets aside its campus and college-owned housing with the intention of providing an alternative environment. The college is also committed to providing alternatives to chemical use through social and recreational opportunities. Therefore, the possession, use and/or sale of alcohol or illegal chemicals by any person or group using college facilities will not be permitted. Students possessing or using alcoholic beverages or illegal chemicals on campus or in college-owned housing, and students selling illegal chemicals or persuading others to use them will be subject to disciplinary action.

Similarly, Concordia College does not allow alcohol use off campus by registered campus organizations or at college-sponsored events off campus.

In instances where college officials are informed that Concordia students have caused a disturbance off campus in connection with the use of alcohol or that Concordia students have been found to be in possession, using or distributing illegal chemicals off campus, the college reserves the right to take disciplinary action.

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Smoking

The college strongly discourages all students from smoking because of the evidenced health hazard. No tobacco products are to be sold on campus. Smoking is permitted only in certain designated areas including: residence hall rooms designated for smokers, on the campus grounds and in college offices only after normal business hours.

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Gambling

Gambling is not permitted on campus. Neither is gambling permitted in connection with college-sponsored events off campus. This means that lotteries, raffles and similar games of chance are not to be conducted either on or off campus by Concordia organizations, departments or groups. While Concordia organizations, departments or groups are not allowed to sell chances to win a prize, this policy does not preclude auctions or giving away door prizes in connection with an event if the admission ticket is not sold as a chance to win something.

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