Safety, Legal & Consumer Notices
Safety Issues & Notices
Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT)
Morgan Community College cares about the safety, health, and well-being of its students, faculty, staff, and community. The Morgan Community College Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) was established to promote and maintain the safety and well-being of the campus community through positive, proactive, and practical risk assessment and intervention. You are encouraged to read all the information provided to know when and how to submit an incident report. For more information go to http://www.morgancc.edu/about-mcc/bit/
REASONS FOR REPORTING AN INCIDENT
You should refer individuals who are exhibiting behaviors that pose a threat to safety or that cause a significant disruption to the MCC community.
Signs to look for include:
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Self-injurious behavior
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Suicide ideation or attempt
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Danger or threat to others (violence, threats, or implied threats of violence and intimidation)
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Possession of a weapon
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Inability of an individual to take care of themselves (serious mental health concerns or substance abuse)
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Erratic behavior that is disruptive to the normal proceedings of the college community.
If you believe your referral requires more immediate attention, please call Kent Bauer, Vice President of Student Success, at (970) 542-3111 or Julie Beydler, Human Resource Director at (970) 542-3129.
In case of an emergency call 911.
Campus Law Enforcement
Campus law enforcement is the responsibility of the City of Fort Morgan Police Department.
Campus Security Report
The campus security report is required by the Department of Education and is available along with the campus security policy information to all students and employees, as well as for all requests from potential employees and students. A Campus Security Report is to be completed each year and left on file with the President’s Office of Morgan Community College and posted on the MCC website at:
http://www.morgancc.edu/about-mcc/legal-notices
Communicable Diseases
Based on current information from the American College Health Association, the National Centers for Disease Control, and the Colorado Department of Health, there are numerous reportable communicable diseases which can represent a public health threat to the campus community. When cases of reportable communicable diseases are known to exist on the MCC campus, the President of the college will appoint a committee to review matters on a case-by-case basis.
The committee will include the following:
- Attending physician of infected individual
- Representative from Student Services
- Representative from Faculty
- Representative from Administration
The committee will review the issues, consider the guidelines from the above-listed agencies, and provide recommendations to the college President for resolution.
Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990
In compliance with the Campus Security Act: Title II of Public Law 101-542, MCC has adopted the following policy for reporting criminal activities:
MCC policy is that all criminal actions or other emergencies are to be reported to the Vice President for Administration and Finance, or his/her designee, whether in person or by telephone.
- The Vice President for Administration and Finance will respond to all calls; medical assistance will be administered by the Morgan County Ambulance Services.
- Law enforcement assistance will be provided upon request by the City of Fort Morgan Police Department.
- Motor vehicle accident, investigation assistance will be requested from the same.
Crime Categories to Be Reported
Murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and arrests for liquor law violations (not including drunkenness or driving under the influence of alcohol), drug abuse violations, and weapons violations.
Crime Records
The college will provide a record of violent crimes committed on the MCC campus and make those records available each September to the students and employees of MCC and available on request to those seeking employment or enrollment.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program
- Morgan Community College ("College") is a state system community college governed by the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education ("Board").
Board policy requires the college to comply with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Amendments of 1989 (PL 101-226 in Federal Law). In compliance, MCC has adopted and implemented a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program that includes:
- Student Code of Conduct
- Legal sanctions for unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol
- Health risks associated with the abuse of alcohol and the use of illicit drugs
- Referral Resource - Available counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation program
See State Board Drug Free Schools (BP 19-30) at https://www.cccs.edu/bp-19-30-drug-free-schools/
See System President's Procedure Drug Free Schools (SP 19-30) at https://www.cccs.edu/sp-19-30-drug-free-schools/
Student Code of Conduct
Students shall not engage in the unauthorized or unlawful manufacture, distribution, purchase, dispensation, possession, use/abuse of alcohol and/or illicit drugs on college property or as a part of any college activity. This includes the use, distribution, purchase or possession of "medical marijuana" which remains a violation in Federal law.
Legal Sanctions for Drug and Alcohol Use
There are legal sanctions for violation of the Student Code of Conduct. The possession, sale, and use of any illegal drug are strictly prohibited. The sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited except in designated areas, at times and dates approved by MCC Administrators and licensed by the Colorado State Department of Revenue. Any violations will be immediately referred to local law enforcement agencies and are subject to criminal penalties under local, state or federal law. The penalty assessed depends upon the nature and severity of the individual offense.
MCC Sanctions
Students and/or employees who violate the above standards of conduct will be subject to disciplinary action under employee and student policies. The sanctions include, but are not limited to, a requirement to complete an appropriate rehabilitation or re-entry program; expulsion from college or termination of employment; and/or referral to authorities for prosecution.
Health Risks
There are many health risks associated with the use of alcohol and illegal drugs/substances. Health risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse include, but are not limited to, malnutrition, brain damage, heart disease, pancreatic disease, cirrhosis of the liver, mental illness, death, low birth rate babies, and babies with drug addictions.
Referrals for counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation programs are available through the community. Consult your local yellow pages for a listing of private and community-based programs.
Emergency Notification System/MCC Alert
Morgan Community College has implemented an emergency notification system. The system, called, "MCC Alert", is capable of notifying students, faculty and staff in the case of an emergency on the Fort Morgan campus or at any one of the four centers in Bennett, Burlington, Limon, or Wray.
Messages are sent via telephone, e-mail, cell phone, and/or text messaging if it is enabled by the owner.
Students activate and update their MCC Alert notification numbers/emails on MyMCC.
MCC Alert will send a test message each semester. The message will clearly state that it is only a test and will be sent to currently enrolled semester students, faculty, and staff.
Recipients of the messages are not to reply to them; just recognize how they are received. The caller ID number of an MCC Alert call is (970) 542-3110; a text message is identified by MorganCC Alert 23177; and an e-mail will identify the sender’s e-mail address as MorganCC_Alert@morgancc.edu. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. JavaScript must be enabled to view it.
The MCC Alert system will be used to transmit brief, urgent messages related to emergencies or weather related closures to the college’s population as quickly as possible. MCC Alert is not used for general or miscellaneous announcements. Emergency notifications may include but are not limited to:
- Fire alarms
- Bomb threats or other imminent violent threats
- Building evacuations and lock downs
- Biological or pandemic emergency notifications
- Natural disasters
- Power outages and utility failures resulting in an imminent threat
- Closure due to declared civil emergency
- Severe weather related closures
When on campus follow procedures as detailed in the Emergency Response Guide located in each classroom and office.
Emergency Response Team (ERT)
MCC has formed an Emergency Response Team (ERT) made up of faculty and staff members to ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
The ERT has developed the Emergency Response Guide (ERG) and updates and makes changes to it as needed. The guides are located throughout campus and in each classroom.
Reporting of Criminal Activities
In the event of a crime of murder, rape (or attempted rape), robbery, aggravated assault, burglary (or attempted burglary), or motor vehicle theft (or attempted theft) occurring on the Morgan Community College campus, witnesses or victims are advised to contact one of the following people immediately:
- Vice President for Administration & Finance Ext. 3127
- Vice President of Student Success Ext. 3111
- Local Law Enforcement/Emergency Services 911
If the law enforcement is contacted directly, the information should also be reported to the Vice President for Administration and Finance. The above college personnel will work directly with the individual(s) reporting the incident and in conjunction with the appropriate personnel outside of the college as necessary.
Safety Warnings
Students are encouraged to travel in pairs or groups when walking to and from the parking lot, particularly in the evenings and at night. As the college becomes aware of potential threats to the college community, students and other members of the college community will be given timely notice regarding violent crimes reported on campus.
Security for Campus Buildings
Doors
The campus buildings will be open:
Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.*
Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.*
Sundays Closed*
(*Unless special arrangements have been made.)
Anyone who is within the building at closing hours is able to exit the building at various locations due to the type of exterior door latching system in use. Once you have exited, please check that the doors locked behind you.
During periods of inactivity, school closings, and on all major holidays, the buildings will remain locked. Only staff with approved exterior door access and codes may enter the building. MCC utilizes a 24-hour security monitoring system to prevent unauthorized entry. If an unauthorized person gains entry, the security monitoring company automatically notifies the Fort Morgan Police Department to respond and take appropriate action.
Identification
The administrative staff can ask for proof of identification from campus occupants unknown to them.
Notification of Suspicious Activities
The administrative staff solicits your involvement as to reporting all suspicious or criminal activities which occur on campus.
Sex Offender Registry Information
Information concerning persons who are required by Colorado law to register as sex offenders, including registered sex offenders who are enrolled, employed or volunteering at Morgan Community College, may be obtained from the local police department or county sheriff’s department. The Colorado Convicted Sex Offender website is http://sor.state.co.us
Violence/Firearms on Campus
To view the complete System President's Procedure (SP 19-10) Violence Firearms on Campus go to: https://www.cccs.edu/sp-19-10-violence-firearms-on-campus/
To view the complete State Board Policy (BP 19-10) Violence/Firearms on Campus go to: https://www.cccs.edu/bp-19-10-violencefirearms-on-campus/
Violent Behavior
Violent behavior or the threat of violence toward employees, students, the general public, college property or college operated facilities will not be tolerated. Violent behavior is defined as any act or threat of physical, verbal, or psychological aggression or the destruction or abuse of property by any individual.
Firearms
No person may have on his or her person any unauthorized firearm, ammunition, explosive device, or illegal weapon on campus or any facility used by Morgan Community College. "Weapon" means any of the following which in the manner it is used or intended to be used is capable of producing death or serious bodily injury:
- A firearm, whether loaded or unloaded;
- A knife;
- A bludgeon;
- Or any other weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance, whether animate or inanimate.
Persons authorized to carry firearms and other equipment defined in the policy are:
- Those persons conducting and participating in an approved program of instruction in the college’s curriculum which requires access to such equipment as an integral part of the instructional program;
- Those persons authorized by law to carry firearms; and those persons granted permission at the discretion of the college president for specific purposes from time to time
Any person(s) in violation of this regulation shall be subject to College disciplinary action, as well as being charged with violation of existing criminal statutes.
In the event of a violent behavior or firearm occurrence, notify the Vice President of Student Success (ext. 3111). If that Vice President is unavailable, notify the office of the President (ext. 3105), Vice President for Administration and Finance (ext. 3127), or the Vice President of Instruction (ext. 3208) who will then initiate the call to 911.
ADA Statement
Morgan Community College complies with and fully supports Section 504 of the vocational rehabilitation act of 1973 with amendments of 1974 as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. “No qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be subjected to discrimination.”
Students have the responsibility to self-identify to the institution as a person with a disability or special need. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the ADA coordinator. Students of special populations may be eligible for "reasonable accommodations" so long as they meet and follow MCC policy and procedure.
See
http://www.morgancc.edu/students/future-students/disability-services/
Those wishing to seek accommodations must contact the ADA Coordinator, Dan Marler, at (970) 542-3157.
Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act
The Clery Act report is available on the MCC website or from MCC Student Services. A list of sexual offenders in the area can be obtained through local Police/Sheriff's Departments. Additional information can be found at http://ope.ed.gov/security/ and http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/.
Disclosure of Student Records
Records at Morgan Community College help staff and faculty plan educational opportunities to meet the needs of individual students, better understand students, counsel more effectively with them and assist in employment after graduation. MCC student records are regarded as confidential. These records will be released to faculty and professional staff for authorized college-related purposes. Academic records are released only with the written consent of the student or under specific guidelines set out in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended. Transcripts may be withheld because of outstanding financial obligations to Morgan Community College or any CCCS college. Certain items of student information have been designated by Morgan Community College as public or directory information. Currently enrolled students may withhold disclosure of directory information by notifying the Registrar in writing each academic year that he or she does not want the directory information released for that period of time. Academic year is defined as summer through spring terms within one 12-month period. Morgan Community College assumes that unless students specifically request that directory information be withheld, they are approving this information for disclosure.
The privacy and confidentiality of all student records shall be preserved and access guaranteed in accordance with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and The Privacy Act of 1974 (as amended, 1976) and pursuant regulations. The College will not permit access to, or the release of student records, or personally identifiable information contained therein, other than public information, without the written consent of the student, or in accordance with existing State or Federal statutes.
Also see Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)
Also see Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA)
Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking
PROHIBITION STATEMENT
Morgan Community College prohibits the offenses of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; as defined by C.R.S. 18-6/800.3, C.R.S. 18-3-402, and C.R.S. 18-3-602. The College also prohibits the offense of dating violence as defined as the physical, sexual, or psychological/emotional violence within a dating relationship, as well as stalking. It can occur in person or electronically and may occur between a current or former dating partner. You may have heard several different words used to describe teen dating violence including: relationship abuse, intimate partner violence, relationship violence, dating abuse, domestic abuse, and domestic violence. The definition of "consent" in reference to sexual activity is defined per state statute C.R.S. 18-3-401(1.5) under "unlawful Sexual Behavior."
For further information please contact one of the following:
Kent Bauer, Vice President of Student Success
(970) 542-3111
Kent.Bauer@morgancc.edu
Susan Clough, Vice President Administration & Finance/
Title IX Coordinator/Director of Human Resources
(970) 542-3127
Susan.Clough@morgancc.edu
To report an incident please contact one of the people listed above or electronically at:
http://www.morgancc.edu/about-mcc/bit/
In case of an emergency call 911.
Drug and Alcohol Prevention Information
Drug and Alcohol Prevention Information and policies are available on the website at http://www.morgancc.edu/about-mcc/legal-notices/ and in the MCC Student Services Office. MCC supports the efforts of local, state and federal governments in promoting a drug free America pursuant to Public Law 101.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Morgan Community College complies fully with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974.
This act was designated to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their educational records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Students also have the right to file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Office concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the Act. If you have questions concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), contact the Student Services staff. Copies of the Morgan Community College policy relating to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended, are available in the Student Services office.
- Students have the right to access their own scholastic, personal, and college records. All students have the right to examine, in the presence of a professional staff member, their own college records.
- Other than for collection of such data for statistical reporting purposes as required by proper State or Federal authorities, no record shall be made in relation to any of the following matters except upon express written consent of the student or in accordance with existing State or Federal Statutes:
- Race
- Religion
- Political or social views
- Disability status
- Records that document student disabilities or special population classification for the purpose of qualifying them to receive academic accommodations will be held by the ADA Coordinator. The ADA Coordinator will only share relevant records with other College authorities if it is deemed necessary to do so in order to further student disability or special population-related support. Information will only be shared with off-campus entities according to College policy or if the students themselves initiate such actions through a signed written request.
- The following items will be designated as "directory information." Colleges may disclose any of this information without prior written consent, unless notified by the student in writing to the contrary by the first official class meeting date of each semester. Directory information is limited to the current academic year only.
- Student Name
- Major field of study
- Dates of attendance
- Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- Degrees and awards received
- Most recent educational institution attended
- Enrollment status (i.e. full-time, three-quarter-time, half-time, less than half-time, withdrawn, graduated or deceased)
MCC discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. The following individuals have access to student records because of their official functions: MCC officials, officials at other schools and colleges to which the student applies, state or federal education authorities, officials evaluating the application for financial aid, state and local officials requesting reporting data, organizations conducting studies for educational institutions or agencies, BOCES, accrediting organizations, parents of dependent students (proof of dependency is required – MCC will attempt to notify the student before releasing information), and the Veterans Administration.
In addition, MCC may also provide information without consent to comply with Judicial orders, in emergencies where the information in the student file is needed to protect the health, safety, or welfare of the student or that of other persons, to institutions with whom MCC has transfer agreements and students have declared an intent to transfer to that institution, and in response to requests made by military recruiters who are granted access to students in higher education by the Solomon Amendment.
Additionally, student names may be released for graduation listings and lists of special awards, honors and events released to the news media. All other information contained in your records is considered private and not open to the public without your written consent.
- Students have the right to provide written consent before MCC discloses personally identifiable information from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to College officials with legitimate educational interests.
A College official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using college employees or officials (such as an attorney, book vendor, electronic transcript services, verification services, auditor, or collection agent);a person serving on the College Board; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. MCC has designated the National Student Clearinghouse as a College official. A College official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the College. Upon request, the College discloses education records, without a student’s consent, to officials of another school, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or after enrollment.
Also see Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA)
Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA)
In accordance with the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) of 2003, Morgan Community College adheres to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Red Flag Rule (A Red Flag is any pattern, practice, or specific activity that indicates the possible existence of identity theft.), which implements Section 114 of the FACTA and to the Colorado Community College System’s Identity Theft Prevention and Detection Program, which is intended to prevent, detect and mitigate identity theft in connection with establishing new covered accounts or an existing covered account held by the Colorado Community College System (System or CCCS) or one of its thirteen (13) community colleges, and to provide for continued administration of the Program.
If a transaction is deemed fraudulent, appropriate action will occur. Action may include, but is not limited to, cancelling of the transaction, notifying and cooperating with law enforcement, reporting to the Office of the Vice President of Student Success, and notifying the affected parties. For more information on FACTA, Red Flag Rules, and Identity Theft Consumer Information, please see the links provided below or you may contact Student Records.
Federal Trade Commission Statute
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/pdf-0111-fair-credit-reporting-act.pdf
Red Flag Rules
http://business.ftc.gov/privacy-and-security/red-flags-rule
Identity Theft Consumer Information
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft
Also see Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)
Gainful Employment Information
To prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation, the US Department of Education requires colleges to disclose certain financial information. Details can be found at www.morgancc.edu/gainfulemployment.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
Morgan Community College prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment including those that violate federal and state law, or the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education Board Policies 3-120 or 4-120. The College does not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender, race, color, age, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, religion, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation in its employment practices or educational programs and activities. Morgan Community College will take appropriate steps to ensure that the lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in vocational education programs.
The College has designated Susan Clough as its Affirmative Action Officer/Equal Opportunity Coordinator/Title IX Coordinator with the responsibility to coordinate its civil rights compliance activities and grievance procedures.
For information, contact:
Susan Clough,
Vice President for Administration and Finance
920 Barlow Rd.
Fort Morgan, CO 80701,
970-542-3127
You may also contact:
The Office for Civil Rights,
U.S. Department of Education,
Region VIII,
Federal Office Building,
1244 North Speer Boulevard, Suite 310,
Denver, CO 80204,
Telephone (303) 844-3417
Rights Reserved
Document Provision
This document contains pertinent information affecting students, current through the date of its issuance. To the extent that any provision of this Handbook is inconsistent with State or Federal law, State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education Policies (BPs) or Colorado Community College System President’s Procedures (SP’s), the law, BPs and SPs shall supersede and control. BPs and SPs are subject to change throughout the year and are effective immediately upon adoption by the Board or System President, respectively. Students are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the BPs, SPs as well as College directives, including but not limited to the contents of this document.
To access BPs and SPs, see https://www.cccs.edu/about-cccs/state-board/policies-procedures/
Nothing in this document is intended to create (nor shall be construed as creating) an express or implied contract or to guarantee for any term or to promise that any specific process, procedures or practice will be followed or benefit provided by the College. The College reserves the right to modify, change, delete or add to the information in this document as it deems appropriate.
Rev. 04/16
Student Right-to-Know
In accordance with Title I of Public Law 101-542, information about graduation rates is available on the MCC website www.morgancc.edu or from the Office of Institutional Research; additional graduation data is also available at the Colorado Department of Higher Education website: http://highered.colorado.gov/.