Regulations & Standards

HCC recognizes that we life in dynamic and changing times, which require an institutional response, including changes to learning modalities and curriculum. HCC encourages students and community members seeking up-to-date information about changes related to current events, including the COVID-19 pandemic emergency, to seek information at www.hccs.edu, including www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/communicable-diseases/.

Guidelines for Fall 2020 Learning Options

In response to health and safety guidelines regarding the Coronavirus, HCC is implementing new procedures in each of its learning options during fall 2020. Learning modalities and procedures will be updated for the remainder of the school year, including Spring 2021 and information may be obtained at www.hccs.edu/campaigns/college-your-way/.

All students, regardless of their selected learning options, will still have access to the support available to help with their success, including tutoring, student life, basic needs support, career and employment services, counseling and ability services, and supplemental instruction. HCC also provides financial aid options.

Lab Based courses will be held in person so HCC students can obtain the critical hands-on, skills-based learning experiences needed for success. However, attendance in labs will be restricted in size so proper social distancing standards can be maintained. Consequently, students will find more lab sections available at a variety of times. To keep the students, faculty, and staff protected when on campus, HCC has implemented new safety protocols on all campuses, including the use of face coverings.

Flex Campus gives students the choice to participate in class in person or online. Because of health and safety concerns, on campus participation will be similar to the Online on a Schedule option, with only a small portion of students in Flex Campus in class each time the class meets.

For example, following health and safety guidelines, a class that has 27 students enrolled will allow nine students to participate in the class in person each time the class meets. The remaining 18 students will participate online (at the scheduled class time) using a video conferencing platform. Exact numbers and plans will be communicated to enrolling students.

HCC is developing and implementing technology to enable both in-person and online participation for each class session.

Here is what students can expect with Flex Campus classes:

• Faculty will teach at the scheduled class time and students will participate online and in person at the same time.
• Students participating in person (in the actual classroom) will be limited based on social distancing guidelines at the time (it is expected that these limits will be similar to no more than ten people in the room).
• Each time the class meets, students will have the opportunity to sign up to attend in person.
• Once in-person slots are filled, all other students in the class session will participate online through a video conferencing platform.
• Everyone in the class will be required to participate online at times. This way all students have a chance to come to class in person should they desire.
• Access to a computer and WIFI is necessary to complete the class successfully.
• Classrooms will be cleaned before use each time, and students who attend in person will be required to follow all safety protocols established by HCC, including social distancing and the use of face coverings.

Online Anytime gives students the flexibility to complete coursework throughout the semester at times that works best for them. When a student enrolls in Online Anytime at the beginning of a semester, the course instructor will share pre-determined deadlines and requirements, along with the syllabus and full details of all assignments that must be completed to successfully finish the course. This option-most like a traditional online course -gives students the flexibility of completing coursework without visiting the campus. Access to a computer and WIFI is necessary to complete this class successfully.

Online on a Schedule allows students to take classes online, but at scheduled dates and times. Instead of visiting the campus for class, students log into the class online at the specified time they selected during registration. This gives students a safe and flexible learning option that allows for more interaction with professors and classmates without coming to campus. Access to a computer and WIFI are necessary to complete this class successfully.

Course and Program Definitions

The following definitions are in alignment with state regulation - Definitions:

• Online Course - A course in which the majority of the instruction takes place in an online forum. An online course may include mandatory face-to-face sessions totaling no more than fifteen percent of the total instructional time. Examples of face-to-face sessions include orientation, laboratory, exam review, or in-person tests.
• Online Programs - A program in which the majority of the curriculum is delivered in an online forum. An online program may include mandatory face-to-face courses totaling no more than fifteen percent of the total curriculum.
• Hybrid Course - A course in which a majority (more than 50 percent but less than 85 percent) of the instruction takes place in an online forum. Hybrid courses should have regularly designated face-to-face and online sessions throughout the academic term.
• Hybrid Programs - A program in which a majority of the curriculum (more than 50 percent but less than 85 percent) takes place in an online forum. The remainder of the curriculum is delivered traditionally via face-to-face instruction.
• Traditional Course - A course in which the majority of instruction occurs during regularly-scheduled, face-to-face sessions in a conventional classroom environment. A traditional course may incorporate online mechanisms to deliver portions of the course; however, the majority of instruction should occur during the regularly scheduled, face-to-face sessions.
• Traditional Programs - A program in which the majority of curriculum is delivered via face-to-face instruction. A traditional program may deliver some of the curriculum via an online forum; however, the majority of curriculum would be delivered via face-to-face instruction.

Online Courses

HCC’s online courses are one to four credit hours and are equivalent to on-campus courses in terms of transferability (no distinction is made on the transcript). Students are encouraged to visit the Online College’s homepage at www.hccs.edu/online to see availability of online classes, certificates, and degree offerings.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend all lecture classes and labs regularly. Students are also responsible for materials covered during their absences. Instructors may be willing to consult with students for make-up assignments, but it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor. Class attendance is monitored daily. Although it is the student’s responsibility to drop a course for nonattendance, the instructor has the authority to drop a student for excessive absences. A student may be dropped from a course after accumulating absences in excess of 12.5 percent of the total hours of instruction (lecture and lab). For example:

• For a three credit-hour lecture class meeting three hours per week (48 hours of instruction), a student can be dropped after six hours of absence.
• For a four credit-hour lecture/lab course meeting six hours per week (96 hours of instruction), a student can be dropped after twelve hours of absence.

Departments and programs governed by accreditation or certification standards may have different attendance policies. Administrative drops are at the discretion of the instructor. Failure to withdraw officially can result in a grade of “F” in the course.

For medical issues or other problems affecting attendance, students should speak with their instructors and may also seek support from HCC Counselors and Ability Services Counselors.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw officially from a course.

Religious Holy Day Absence

In accordance with state law, the College shall allow a student who is absent from class for the observance of a religious holy day to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence. A student who is excused under this section cannot be penalized for the absence, but the instructor may appropriately respond if the student fails to satisfactorily complete the assignment or examination with a reasonable amount of time. Faculty should encourage students to inform them at the beginning of the semester to prepare for absence in case of an assessments, assignments, etc. A student needing more information about this process may contact their instructor and may seek support from the Office of Institutional Equity, if needed.

Grading System

HCC uses the following standard grading system:

All grade points listed in the table above are per semester hour.

Note that some Health Sciences programs use a different grading scale, and that some variations in grading policy were made during the COVID-19 emergency.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Grade points earned for each course are determined by multiplying the number of points for each grade by the number of semester hours the course carries.

To compute a student’s grade point average, divide the total grade points by the total number of semester hours attempted. The grades “IP,” “W,” “AUD,” “COM,” “Pass,” “Fail,” and “I” do not affect the student’s GPA.

Incompletes

The grade of “I” (Incomplete) is conditional. A student receiving an “I” must arrange with the instructor to complete the course work within six months of the end of the incomplete term. After the deadline, the “I” becomes an “F.” Upon completion of the course work, the grade will be entered as an “I” grade on the student transcript. All non-completes must be changed to grades prior to graduation.

Repetition of Courses

After the close of each semester, a student’s enrollment history is reviewed, and courses taken more than once are marked as a repeat. If a student repeats a course in which a grade (A-F) has been received, the highest grade received is the permanent grade for the course and will be used in computing the grade point average. All grades earned in a given course will be entered on the transcript. Other colleges may compute the GPA differently than HCC and students are encouraged to consult their advisor or the institution of their choice with questions.

No Late Registration

It is the official policy of HCC that there is no late registration.

A student may register for a class if it has not met for the first time. A student may not register for a course if it has already met once. If it is believed that an extenuating circumstance exists, the student should refer to the Dean of Student Success or designee.

An example of an extenuating circumstance is a cancelled class. A cancelled class is beyond the control of a student, and is an issue created by the College. In the event of a cancelled class, it may be appropriate to make an exception to the late registration procedure.

Academic Progress Requirements

A student’s academic progress will be evaluated for the first time after a minimum of nine attempted semester hours. A student’s academic standing is determined at the end of the fall semester (December), spring semester (May) and summer semester (August).

To maintain satisfactory academic progress, a student is expected to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 based upon the aggregate number of hours attempted at Houston Community College.

Students who maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above are considered to be in good academic standing.

Students who do not maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 will be placed on academic probation, continued academic probation or academic suspension as defined below. These three academic status levels alert students that action is required. Students are expected to establish contact with their counselor and/or college advising center for support and assistance with improving their academic standing.

Each academic status level is defined below with the required action by the student:

Additionally, students placed on academic probation or academic suspension should note the following:

• Students on Academic Probation can enroll in the semester immediately following their probation but are required to attend a SLIP session during the semester and have at least two individual follow-up sessions with their counselor.
• Students on academic suspension are required to attend a Successful Learning Intervention Program (SLIP) session at the college they attend prior to re-enrollment, and prior to meeting with their designated counselor.
• The student’s counselor will stipulate conditions of enrollment including, but not limited to, maximum hours and/or specific courses.
• Students on Academic Suspension may be unable to enroll in classes for one semester.
• A student may appeal an Academic Suspension by completing the necessary paperwork obtained at the college’s counseling center. For more information on appealing a suspension, students may contact their college’s counseling center. See Counseling Contact Information at www.hccs.edu/support-services/counseling.

The following requirements also apply to the determination of academic progress:

• Students enrolled in multiple summer sessions will have their entire summer’s work evaluated for determination of their academic status.
• Students in certain Health Sciences programs are required to maintain a grade of “C” in all courses in order to continue in the program. Students not meeting these standards may continue to enroll at HCC in other programs as long as they maintain minimum HCC requirements. Health Sciences students should check their program’s requirements by visiting www.hccs.edu/programs/areas-of-study/health-sciences.
• Students are responsible for knowing whether they have passed the minimum standards for continuation in college. Ineligible students who register will be subject to dismissal with forfeiture of all tuition and fees.

If a student has any questions, please contact an academic advisor on campus. For information on how to meet with an academic advisor, see www.hccs.edu/support-services/advising.

Dropping Courses

Students should make sure they are aware of penalties regarding financial aid, additional tuition costs, etc., before withdrawing from a course.

It is the responsibility of the student to officially drop or withdraw from a course. Failure to officially withdraw may result in the student receiving a grade of “F” in the course. A student may officially withdraw in any of the following ways:

• Drop online from the student’s account. Login to a Student Account by visiting www.myeagle.hccs.edu and selecting “Student Sign-In.”
• Send a letter requesting withdrawal to:

Registrar
Houston Community College
P. O. Box 667517
Houston, TX 77266-7517

The withdrawal will be effective the date of postmark.

• Fax a letter of withdrawal to 713-718-2111.

A student who officially withdraws from a course before the Official Date of Record will not receive a grade and the course will not appear on the student’s permanent record. A student withdrawing from a course after this period and prior to the deadline designated in the HCC calendar will receive a grade of “W.”

Limitation/Costs of Course Withdrawals

Under Texas Education Code Section 51.907, an institution of higher education may not permit a student to drop more than six courses, including any course a transfer student has dropped at another institution of higher education. This statute applies to students who enroll in a public institution of higher education as a first-time freshman in fall 2007 or later. Any course a student drops is counted toward the six-course limit if: 1) the student was able to drop the course without receiving a grade or incurring an academic penalty; 2) the student’s transcript indicates or will indicate that the student was enrolled in the course; and 3) the student is not dropping the course in order to withdraw from the institution. High school students enrolled in HCC Dual Credit and Early College are waived from this requirement until they graduate from high school. All college-level courses dropped after the Official Day of Record are included in the six-course limit, unless the student demonstrates to an appropriate College Official that one of the following events occurred to the student during the semester or summer session:

• A severe illness or other debilitating condition that affects the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete the course (see Medical Withdrawal/Compassionate Withdrawal Application Process below).
• The student’s responsibility for the care of a sick, injured, or needy person, if the provision of that care affects the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete the course.
• The death of a person who is considered to be a member of the student’s family or who is otherwise considered to have a sufficiently close relationship to the student that the person’s death is considered to be a showing of good cause.
• The active duty service as a member of the Texas National Guard or the armed forces of the United States of either the student or a person who is considered to be a member of the student’s family, and such active duty interferes with the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete the course.
• The change of the student’s work schedule that is beyond the control of the student and that affects the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete the course.
• Other personal or family reason that is considered catastrophic or beyond the control of the student and interferes with the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete the course (as determined by the College official; see also Medical Withdrawal/Compassionate Withdrawal Application Process below).

For questions regarding the six-drop course limit, students should contact the Office of Enrollment Services at their college.

HCC students affected by this statute that have attended or plan to attend another institution of higher education should become familiar with that institution’s policies on dropping courses.

Other laws affecting course drops are as follows:

Senate Bill 1782 (effective June 15, 2017)

• Allows students who have accrued at least fifty semester credit hours and stopped-out for 24 months, a one-time exemption from the six-drop and three-peat rules. For more information regarding these rules, see the “Course Withdrawals (6-drop rule)” and “Repeating Course (Three-Peat rule)” sections of www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/procedures/student-rights-policies–procedures.
• A Senate Bill 1782 qualifying student may drop one additional course, for a total of seven drops. If a student once again drops out for a 24-month period, the student is not granted an additional drop.
• Senate Bill 1782 qualifying students should contact the Enrollment Services Office at their college to provide documentation and obtain a waiver form.

Medical Withdrawal/Compassionate Withdrawal Application Process

The College will consider late withdrawal requests based on exceptional adverse life events - for medical or compassionate reasons - described and applying the definitions listed below.

“Medical Withdrawal Request” means a request to withdraw from college/courses because of an exceptional adverse life event related to physical or mental health of the student or someone for whom the student is the primary caretaker (i.e., power of attorney or medical power of attorney).

“Compassionate Withdrawal Request” means a request to withdraw from college/courses because of an exceptional adverse event not covered under a medical withdrawal (e.g., death of a family member, incarceration, crime victim, act of nature, legal issues).

“Late Withdrawal” means a withdrawal from class(es) after the withdrawal deadline for the current semester.

“Exceptional Adverse Life Events” means an unexpected and extraordinary event/circumstance that substantially impacts one’s life and/or ability to remain enrolled in school, as documented and determined by the applicable Dean of Student Success.

“Effective Date of Onset” means the date when the exceptional adverse life event began to impact academic work, as determined by the applicable Dean of Student Success when reviewing the documentation and timeline. Date of event must not exceed prior two years.

“Decision” means to approve or not approve the request to withdraw/refund from courses due to medical or compassionate reasons.

Procedures

Students must complete and submit a Medical or Compassionate Withdrawal Request form provided by the College (online or in-person), with supporting documentation (e.g., medical or legal documentation), to an HCC Ability Services Counselor in order to request to withdraw from course(s) due to an exceptional adverse life event. Compassionate and late withdrawal requests should be submitted to the Office of the Dean of Student Success. These requests will be considered and determined by the appropriate authority using standards that are fair and generous to the student.

Students can obtain information on the process and the form from the Office of Enrollment Services at their college and / or from their Ability Services Counselor.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirement for Veteran and Military Affiliated Students

The Department of Veterans Affairs requires that any student utilizing VA education benefits make satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible for such benefits.

Respective students on academic probation and suspension will be reported to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Please see the Requirements for Academic Progress section of this Handbook for more information.

Time Frame Component

A student receiving the Hazlewood Act exemption will be expected to complete his/her educational attainment objective or course of study within their first ninety semester hours.

Grades of “F,” “FX,” “I,” “NG,” or “W” repeated courses are counted in the aggregate total number of hours attempted. Students will not receive the exemption if the course has previously been passed, unless the program of study requires students to take the course more than twice in order to achieve a required grade.

Please see the Grading System section of this Handbook for grade definitions.

Repeating Courses for Veteran and Military-Affiliated Students

Students using VA educational or Hazlewood Act benefits may not retake a course in which a passing grade or a temporary grade of “I” is awarded.

It is ultimately the responsibility of the student to know which course(s) has/have been completed. Students may check their progress by logging into their student account and viewing their advisement report (iAAR).

The HCC VMASS District office is required to notify the VA of any course duplications, and appropriate changes will be made when a student has taken a class that has been deemed successfully completed.

Activated Reservists

An HCC student who is attending classes and is called to active duty during a semester may elect to do one of the following:

• Receive a refund for the tuition and fees paid for the semester from which the student withdraws;
• Receive an incomplete grade in all courses by designating “withdrawn” on the transcript; or
• Request the instructor to assign an appropriate final grade or credit if the student has satisfactorily completed a substantial amount of course work and demonstrated sufficient mastery of the course material.

The amount of the refund is contingent upon the course drop date in accordance with the Drop and Withdrawal Refund Schedule found at the Refunds and Credit Balances section of this Handbook. To drop/withdraw from courses for this reason, submit a VMASS Certification Request at www.hccs.edu/support-services/veteran-affairs/vmass-certification-request.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements for Financial Aid Students

Financial aid students must meet the following Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements set by the federal government:

• Must maintain a term GPA of 2.0 or higher;
• Must complete at least 67 percent of attempted courses for the academic year; and
• Must enroll in courses leading to an HCC degree or certificate.

Students who do not maintain the standards listed above will be ineligible to receive financial aid. Students should note that SAP Requirements to maintain financial aid are not the same as academic progress requirements (see Academic Progress Requirements section of this Handbook). A student may appeal a suspension of financial aid by submitting a written request to the college Financial Aid Office, online or in-person. For more information regarding the financial aid SAP requirement and appeal of suspension options is available in the college Financial Aid Offices and online at www.hccs.edu/applying-and-paying/financial-aid/satisfactory-academic-progress.

Progress Records

A student can check his/her grades at any point by logging into his/her Student Account. Login to a Student Account by visiting www.myeagle.hccs.edu and selecting “Student Sign-In.”

Grade Reports

Grades generally post one week after the last final exam for that particular session or semester.

Graduation

Prior to graduation, students must submit all official transcripts of credits transferred from other institutions to the Office of Admissions and Records. A candidate for any degree or certificate must meet the graduation requirements in the catalog for the year of initial enrollment, unless the student elects to graduate under the requirements of a more recent catalog. The candidate must indicate the catalog choice when applying for graduation. A student who does not maintain enrollment at HCC and has a gap in enrollment for a period of more than one calendar year is required to graduate under the catalog requirements set by the student’s year of readmission. Current and archived catalogs can be found at www.hccs.edu/programs/catalog.

To be considered as a candidate for an AA, AS, AAT, AAS degree or Certificate of Completion, students must meet with their advisor and get approval and then complete the application online in the MyEagle student center at www.myeagle.hccs.edu. This should be done at the time of registration for the student’s final semester, or during registration for the spring semester if the student wants to participate in the May ceremony.

Students who are unable to complete their degree plan on file at HCC may transfer back up to 45 semester hours of equivalent courses from an accredited institution. These courses must be completed within three years of their last semester of enrollment at HCC. All other graduation requirements must be satisfied, including the requirement that 25 percent of a student’s degree must be completed at HCC.

Students who want a printed diploma must check the diploma box on the application and provide a diploma mailing address. There is no charge for the diploma. Students may request their records be reviewed at the conclusion of their course work so the appropriate degree or certificate will be recorded on the student’s transcript. Students can meet with their advisor to review their records.

If a student did not elect to receive a copy of his/her diploma, a copy may be requested from the Registrar. Students may email graduation@hccs.edu regarding their diploma or graduation status.

Graduation Honors

Graduation honors will be awarded to students pursuing an associate degree with superior cumulative GPAs. The following classifications of honors will be recognized on the student’s transcript and diploma:

• Highest Honors - GPA 3.80 or above
• High Honors - GPA 3.60 to 3.79
• Honors - GPA 3.35 to 3.59

HCC will use the following guidelines to compute honors eligibility:

• The student must complete at least 25 percent of the degree at HCC; and
• The student must complete requirements for an AA, AS, AAT, or AAS degree (certificate graduates do not receive honors).

The grades in all HCC courses, including Developmental work, will be calculated and counted in the cumulative GPA. Developmental course grades are excluded from the degree GPA.

Courses taken through the preceding summer semester will be used in computing the GPA for the purposes of determining graduation honors for the fall ceremony and through the fall semester for the spring ceremony. The student must have completed 75 percent of the course work for the degree at that time.

Please see the Grading System section of this Handbook for more information on computing the student’s GPA.

Participation in the Graduation Exercises

HCC holds two student graduation ceremonies each year, one in December for summer and fall graduates, and one in May for spring graduates. Candidates for degrees and certificates are encouraged to attend the graduation ceremonies. Students who complete course requirements in summer 2020 may participate in the fall 2020 ceremony.

Records and Transcripts

A transcript of college credits is an official copy of the student’s permanent record bearing the HCC seal and the signature of the Registrar. Students may request an official transcript online, by phone, or by ordering and picking up in person at a specific campus location (see website for more information).

It is highly recommended that transcripts be sent electronically to colleges and universities to expedite processing. There is a charge for transcript processing. All admissions information must be on file and all holds cleared before a student’s record will be released. A student should allow a week for delivery following the transcript request. Additional time should be allowed at the close of a semester. Students needing a transcript should allow one week after the end of a semester to ensure all grades have been entered for the term.

Students should request transcripts of work completed at another institution from that institution.

For more information on ordering official transcripts from HCC, including fees and campus pick up locations, please visit www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/transcripts. Certain notations required by law are included on transcripts when applicable, such as student discipline information, in addition to grades.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 was established to protect the privacy rights of all students and applies to any educational facility receiving federal funds. FERPA prevents the release of certain information held within student records. HCC complies with the FERPA when collecting, maintaining, and releasing student records.

Release of Student Records/Information

FERPA affords students in “attendance” at Houston Community College (HCC) certain rights with respect to their education records. “Attendance” is defined by HCC as beginning on the first day of the term in which a student is enrolled. These student rights, which are described on the Board policies site at FJ(Local) and (Legal), include:

• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the College 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 College Official will make arrangements 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 College Official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
• The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. A student who wishes to ask the College to amend a record should write the College Official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed and specify why it should be changed. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested, the 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. See policy FJ(LOCAL) and (LEGAL) available at www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/policies/hcc-board-policy-manual-section-f.

FERPA also designates certain information related to a student as “Directory Information.” FERPA gives the College the right to disclose such information to anyone inquiring without having to ask a student for permission, unless the student specifically requests in writing that all such information not be made public without written consent (see location of HCC Confidentiality Form below), except by the National Student Clearinghouse, to loan guarantors.

Houston Community College has designated the following as “Student Directory Information:”

• Student’s name;
• Address and telephone number;
• Date of birth;
• Major field of study;
• Enrollment status (full/part-time);
• Classification;
• Dates of attendance at HCC;
• Number of semester hours completed and in progress;
• Student classification;
• Degrees earned and dates awarded; and
• Most recent previous educational institution attended.

If a student does not want directory information released, the student must complete a confidentiality request form and submit to the Enrollment Services Office.

The Confidentiality Form is located at:
www.hccs.edu/media/houston-community-college/district/pdf/confidentiality-form.pdf.

Release of any additional information pertaining to student records must be authorized by the student (i.e., grades, transcripts). If a student wishes to authorize HCC to release information to another person, the student must complete an Authorization to Release Information form and submit with proper identification to the Enrollment Services Office at the College. The form will specify duration and information allowed to be released.

The Authorization to Release information form is located at:
www.hccs.edu/media/houston-community-college/district/pdf/ferpa/FERPA-Release-Form.pdf.

If a student is not able to sign the Authorization to Release Information form in person at the Enrollment Services Office, the student are asked to complete the FERPA Notary Form. The FERPA Notary Form must be notarized and is located at:
www.hccs.edu/media/houston-community-college/district/pdf/ferpa/FERPA-Notary-Form.pdf.

A student has the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. For more information, visit www.studentprivacy.ed.gov or write to the office that administers FERPA at the following address:

U.S. Department of Education
Student Privacy Policy Office
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-8520
FERPA.Complaints@ed.gov

Health Services

HCC does not operate a Student Health Center; however, HCC is concerned about the health and welfare of its students and provides important health information to students. For information about student health insurance programs, visit www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/student-health-insurance. Other health information can be found at the following:

• Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination
  www.hccs.edu/applying-and-paying/meningitis
   
• Counseling, Mental Health, and Suicide Prevention
  www.hccs.edu/support-services/counseling

Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention

www.hccs.edu/support-services/drug–alcohol-abuse-prevention

Alcohol and Controlled Substances Policy and Procedures

Alcohol shall be defined as use, consumption, possession, furnishing, manufacturing, or distributing of alcoholic or intoxicating beverages (except as expressly permitted by College regulations. A student shall be prohibited from using or being under the influence of intoxicating beverages at HCC. Both open containers and/or public intoxication are prohibited. Additionally, alcoholic beverages may not, in any circumstance, be used by, possessed by, or distributed to any person under age 21.

Controlled substances are those defined in the Texas Controlled Substances Act, as codified at Texas Health and Safety Code Section 481.001 et seq., including, but not limited to, such substances as marijuana, hashish, heroin, cocaine, LSD, PCP, methamphetamine, anabolic steroids, human-growth hormones, and fentanyl.

1. Purpose:
   
   Houston Community College is committed to providing its students and employees a drug- and alcohol-free workplace and learning environment to promote the reputation of HCC and its employees as responsible citizens of public trust, and to provide a consistent model of substance-free behavior for students. All employees and students are informed of the program and policy regarding the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances by means of the website, Student Handbook, and email.
    
2. Policy:
   
   Houston Community College standards of conduct for all employees and students clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on the campus, at College sponsored events, on any HCC premises, or as part of any of the school’s activities. Students and employees who violate this policy will be subject to arrest and disciplinary action by the College imposed through established due process procedures as set forth in applicable law, applicable HCC Board Policy (referenced at the end of this section), and the Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures.
   
   Students
   
   As a condition of enrollment, all students are required to follow HCC policy and regulations concerning alcohol and other drugs. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, sale, offer to sell, purchase, or use of a controlled substance or alcohol on campuses, at teaching sites, in vehicles, and on other property owned, leased, or under control of HCC, and at all on-campus and off-campus College-sponsored activities is prohibited. Students who violate the applicable HCC Board Policies and/or the Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures regarding drugs and alcohol on campus will be subject to disciplinary action including but not limited to: referral to drug and alcohol counseling or rehabilitation programs, student assistance programs, suspension, expulsion, and/or referral to appropriate law enforcement officials for prosecution.
   
   College Employees
   
   While at work, each College employee has a responsibility to deliver service in a safe, efficient, and conscientious manner. Therefore, the use, sale, distribution, manufacturing, or possession of alcohol, or any drugs, including prescription medication used in an unauthorized manner, is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action up to, and including, termination.
   
   Each employee has access to HCC employee rules and regulations governing employee conduct in the HCC General New Employee Orientation Booklet (GNEO). These rules and regulations are in effect when on campus in any capacity and participating in any HCC (or College) sponsored activity, either on campus or at an off-campus event.
   
   College employees are subject to disciplinary actions as outlined in the HCC/TE policies and regulations, found in Board Policies at DH(LOCAL), DH(LEGAL) and DI(EXHIBIT) at www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/policies/hcc-board-policy-manual-section-d.
    
3. State and Federal Statues:
   
   Houston Community College provides notice of the federal and state laws and regulations, including legal sanctions, which govern alcoholic beverages and controlled substances. The laws are listed and can be found at the following location: www.hccs.edu/support-services/drug–alcohol-abuse-prevention/standards-of-conduct-drugs-and-alcohol-abuse
    
4. Health Risks:
   
   Houston Community College recognizes that drug and alcohol use is a health problem with serious consequences that affect students and their ability to reach their goals.
   
   Health risks associated with drug and alcohol use can be found on the College Drinking, Change the Culture website and DEA-United States Drug Enforcement Administration websites: www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov and www.dea.gov/factsheets
    
5. Prevention Program:
   
   HCC has established a Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program to inform its faculty, staff, and students about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, penalties that may be imposed for drug and alcohol abuse violations, and available resources to combat drug and alcohol-related issues.
   
   The following approaches and program activities and services constitute HCC’s effort to prevent drug and alcohol abuse on the part of students. The Student Services division provides oversight for the content and timelines of the programs for students.
   1. Individual counseling services using Motivational/Feedback techniques
   2. Use of the Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) administered by trained counselors
   3. To provide students individualized feedback HCC uses the following web-based surveys:
      Alcohol eCheckUp To Go www.echeckuptogo.com/programs/alcohol and
      Marijuana eCheckUp To Go www.echeckuptogo.com/programs/marijuana
   4. Educational Awareness Programs - At least one workshop, seminar, or presentation at event per college during the academic year open to students, faculty, and staff.
   5. Informational Services - Counseling offices provides readily available brochures and information sheets on alcohol and drug use to students.
   6. Referral Services - A list of referral services specialized in providing services and assisting individuals with substance use related issues.
       
6. Biennial Review:
   
   On a biennial basis, a committee chaired by the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Success and comprised of representatives from the police department, human resources, counseling, financial aid, and student life will conduct a review of the program to assess the following:
   1. Determine the effectiveness of the program and implement necessary changes.
   2. Determine the number of drug and alcohol-related violations and fatalities that occur on HCC campuses.
   3. Determine the number and type of sanctions that are imposed.
   4. Ensure that sanctions are consistently enforced.

For more information, see Board Policies FLB(LOCAL), FLBE (LEGAL) and FLBE (LOCAL) at www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/policies/hcc-board-policy-manual-section-f.

Police Services and Campus Safety

The HCC Police Department (HCCPD) is comprised of sworn police officers, licensed by the State of Texas, and civilian security officers, all who are here to assist students and staff and provide a safe learning environment. HCCPD accepts all reports of criminal incidents occurring on campus, is responsible for campus law enforcement requirements, emergency response, and the investigation of any campus crime. The department has a working relationship with the Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff Department, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department, and the Stafford Police Department to provide assistance with incidents that require special resources. HCCPD may investigate violations of the law or College rules and regulations. Administrative violations may be adjudicated in the HCC discipline process via the Student Code of Conduct. Violations which rise to violations of the law will/may be adjudicated by the appropriate court system.

In the event of an Emergency on campus please call HCCPD at 713-718-8888 or dial 911.

HCCPD provides the following services:

• Parking Passes - Parking passes are available online annually after August 1 and are required to be displayed on all cars parked on campus. More information about parking passes can be found in a student’s myeagle account.
• Campus Escorts - HCCPD will provide a safety escort to all students, faculty, or staff upon request. Campus escorts may be scheduled by calling 713-718-8888.
• Vehicle Assists - Vehicle assistance is provided through a contractor for jump-starts, car unlocks, and other disabled vehicle situations on most college campuses. Officers will assist students in calling a service provider. PLEASE NOTE: All vehicle assist services must be paid for by the requester at the time the service is provided.
• Disabled Vehicles - Disabled vehicles may not remain on College property. To request assistance, call 713-718-8888.
• Lost and Found - HCCPD maintains the Lost and Found service. If a student finds an item on campus, it should be brought to 3821 Caroline Street or turned in to a police officer. HCCPD will hold found items for ninety days (with some exceptions of items being disposed of sooner). To recover lost items, call HCCPD at 713-718-8888 and an officer will be assigned to your inquiry.
• Crime Statistics - HCCPD also makes available information related to campus crime statistics. This information may be found by visiting www.hccs.edu/departments/police/crime-statistics–information.
• Safety Tips and Crime Prevention Information - Resources are available at www.hccs.edu/departments/police/crime-prevention–safety to include active shooter training, domestic violence information, general safety tips, and much more.

To report that you have witnessed or been the victim of a crime, call HCCPD at 713-718-8888.

Campus Carry

On June 13, 2015, Governor Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 11 which added Section 411.2031 to the Texas Government Code and authorized License to Carry (LTC) holders to carry a concealed handgun on the campus of a public or private university in Texas, subject to rules and regulations adopted by the institution.

HCC has designated certain areas as weapons-free zones, in which concealed carrying of handguns by licensed individuals is prohibited. Signage is posted to mark these areas as weapons-free zones, and conform to applicable law. These designated areas may change daily based on the current use of a facility. When on campus, students, faculty, staff, and visitors should look for Section 30.06 signs which indicate the areas that are designated as weapons-free zones.

Open carry of handguns (or other firearms) on a college campus continues to be prohibited.

For more information, please reference Texas Penal Code Sections 30.06 and 46.035(b)(2).

For detailed information, visit www.hccs.edu/departments/police/campus-carry.

Weapons on Campus

HCC prohibits the use, possession, distribution, sale, or display of any firearms, location-restricted knives, clubs, or other prohibited weapons, as defined by the College’s regulations and/or applicable state law, on College property or at a College-sponsored or -related activity, unless written authorization is granted in advance by the Chancellor or his designee. Students are encouraged to review the “Prohibited Weapons” definition in the Student Code of Conduct and Board Policies CHF(LOCAL), CHF(LEGAL), GFA(LEGAL), GFA(REGULATION) and FLB(LOCAL), and any other relevant Board Policies for more information.

Visible display of handguns on any HCC campus is prohibited, with the exception of licensed peace officers. License to Carry holders would be considered in violation of College regulations and state law if their handgun is plainly visible and they refuse to conceal it, or they are carrying a handgun in a designated weapons-free zone (as marked by Section 30.06 signage).

Students are encouraged to call HCCPD at 713-718-8888 if they see any individual intentionally displaying a weapon or they feel threatened.

Freedom of Inquiry and Expression

Educational institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and the general well-being of society. Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment of these goals. Students and student organizations will be free to examine and discuss all questions of interest to them and to express opinions publicly and privately. They will be free to support causes in a manner which complies with laws, policies, and regulations that relate to student activities and conduct. At the same time, it should be made clear to the educational and the larger community that in their public expressions or demonstrations, students or student organizations speak only for themselves. Recognized student organizations will be allowed to invite and to hear any person of their choosing when the purpose of such an invitation is consistent with the College’s policies, regulations, and the law. By law, the College does not advocate on behalf of particular political agendas or candidates. Hate messaging will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action.

Student Concerns

Houston Community College is committed to providing an educational climate that is conducive to the personal and professional development of each individual. In order to ensure that commitment, the College has developed procedures for students to address their concerns within the College community. A student who has an unresolved disagreement with a faculty or staff member, another student, or a student group, or is dissatisfied with the service he/she received, may initiate an attempt to address a concern without prejudicing his/her status with the College. It is the goal of HCC to assist all students in efficiently resolving their concerns.

Students should refer to the HCC policy or process for specific types of concerns:

• Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation (see Board Policies FFDA and FFDB):
  www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/policies/hcc-board-policy-manual-section-f
• Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals:
  www.hccs.edu/applying-and-paying/financial-aid
• Grade Appeals:
  www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/procedures/student-rights-policies–procedures
• Student Conduct (Board Policy FLB(LOCAL)):
  www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/policies/hcc-board-policy-manual-section-f
• Student Code of Conduct:
  www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/procedures/student-rights-policies–procedures/

Formal complaints not related to the issues noted above should follow the Non-Academic Student Complaint Policy (see Board Policy FLD(LOCAL)) at www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/policies/hcc-board-policy-manual-section-f.

Students who have not been able to resolve their concern informally, may file a formal written complaint. Refer to one of the processes listed above based on the type of concern a student has and then submit a formal complaint at: www.publicdocs.maxient.com/reportingform.php?HoustonCC&layout_id=5

For assistance in determining the correct procedure to follow, or to identify the appropriate Dean or supervisor for informal resolution, students can contact the Dean of Student Success at their campus for assistance at www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/procedures/student-rights-policies–procedures/student-complaints/speak-with-the-dean-of-students.

Per the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) rules codified under Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code, Sections 1.110 - 1.120, after exhausting the institution’s grievance/complaint process, current, former, and prospective students may initiate a complaint with THECB. Refer to THECB website for details on this process at: www.thecb.state.tx.us/index.cfm?objectid=989FE9A0-2213-11E8-BC500050560100A9

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) publishes a Policy Statement on Complaint Procedures Against SASCOC or Its Accredited Institutions. Students, employees, or others may initiate a complaint on alleged violations of SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation, the Core Requirements, and policies or procedures, as well as address possible violations of an institution’s own policies and procedures, if related to the Principles. Refer to the Policy Statement for details on this process at www.sacscoc.org/app/uploads/2020/01/ComplaintPolicy-1.pdf.