Student Life

Student Records

It is the student’s responsibility to keep his/her personal information up-to-date. Students can update personal information, except names, using the Student Information System (SIS) self-service component. Names can be updated in the Admissions and Records Office with official documentation of the name change. Students can also submit address and phone number changes to either campus’s Admissions and Records Office. Updating your name, mailing address, and phone number will assist the college in communicating with you and ensure that you receive important notices and announcements.

Transcripts

A transcript is a copy of the student’s permanent academic record and provides documentation for all courses that students have attempted at the college. An official transcript carries the college seal. Students may request a copy of their official transcript be forwarded to other educational institutions, employers, or any person(s) designated by the student. Students must authorize the release of their transcript by either submitting a signed written request or using the transcript link located through myRCC in the Student Information System. There is no fee for transcripts that are issued as a hard copy. There is a $3 to have transcripts issued electronically through the Parchment system. Generally, transcript requests will be processed within 48 hours. Students may view and print an unofficial transcript via the SIS.

Due to the limitations on access to student information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), telephone, e-mail, and third-party requests for transcripts cannot be honored. This includes transcript requests from parents of students. RCC will not release a transcript for any student who has unresolved financial obligations with the College.

Note: The College does not provide copies of transcripts from other institutions. Such copies must be obtained from the originating source. An exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school 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 (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agency); 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. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

FERPA permits institutions to identify certain items of student information as “directory information.” RCC identifies directory information as:

• Student’s Name
• Degrees, honors, and awards received
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Grade Level
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended
• Number of credit hours enrolled
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Photos

RCC may disclose any of these items without prior consent unless the student notifies the Admissions and Records Office, either in writing or through the SIS, during the first 10 days of the semester. Upon notification, this information will remain confidential except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

According to FERPA, RCC may release information without the student’s written consent to the following:

• School officials, as identified by RCC, determined to have a legitimate educational interest
• Officials of other institutions in which the student seeks to enroll
• In connection with financial aid that the student has applied for or in determining financial aid decisions
• Accrediting organizations carrying out their accrediting functions
• Parents, as defined in FERPA §99.3, of a student who have established the student’s status as a dependent according to IRS Code of 1986, Section 152
• To comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena
• Persons in an emergency, if the knowledge of information, in fact, is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons

Questions on this policy can be directed to the College Registrar. RCC reserves the right to deny transcripts or copies of records not required to be made available by the FERPA in any of the following situations:

• If a student lives within commuting distance of RCC, the student may be asked to come and view the file at the office rather than receiving a full set of copies of all file contents.
• If the student has an unpaid financial obligation to the College.
• If there is an unresolved disciplinary action against the student.

RCC notifies students annually of their Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) rights through the Catalog and Student Handbook and the RCC website.

Retention of Student Records

RCC permanently retains an electronic record of the student’s academic transcript (student permanent record). Other records will be maintained in digital form for periods ranging from one to five years from the date of a student’s separation from the College. The College retains student records according to the regulations set forth by the Virginia Public Records Act of the Code of Virginia.

Facsimile Documents (Fax)

The College does not fax copies of transcripts or other academic documents. RCC reserves the right to decline to send and/or receive records via fax transmission if the College considers the use of fax documents inconsistent with college policies.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:

• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days from the day the College receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Admissions and Records Office a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Admissions and Records Office 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 Admissions and Records Office, the student shall be advised of the correct college official to whom the request should be addressed.
• The right to request an amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. A student must send a written request to the College Registrar, clearly identifying the part of the record they want changed and specifying why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his/her 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.
• The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
• 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. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
  Family Policy Compliance Office
  U. S. Department of Education
  600 Independence Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC
  20202-4605

Domicile Appeal Process

A student who disagrees with an initial tuition classification based on his/her place of residence may make a written appeal to the College Registrar within ten business days of the initial notification. The student may be asked to provide additional domicile information to supplement the Domicile Determination form. The College Registrar will respond to the appeal within 15 business days.

If the student still disagrees with the tuition classification, the student may file a final written appeal with the Dean of Student Development for consideration by the Student Affairs Committee. No person who serves at one level of this appeal process shall be eligible to serve at any other level of this review. This written appeal must be made within five calendar days of the student’s notification of the first appeal. The Student Affairs Committee will review the domicile determination to ensure that the decision is in compliance with relevant state legislation and guidelines.

A student who is not satisfied with the outcome of the review by the Student Affairs Committee may appeal to the appropriate circuit court. The student must file a petition for review with the court within 30 business days of receipt of the decision by the Domicile Appeal Committee.

Note: Throughout the domicile appeal process, RCC will follow the Guidelines for Determining Domicile and Eligibility for In-State Tuition Charges set forth in Section 23.1- 502, Chapter 5 of the Code of Virginia.

Domicile and Immigration Status

As specified by HB1547/SB935, Students who meet specific criteria shall be eligible for in-state tuition regardless of their citizenship or immigration status (exception: students with currently valid F, M, J, or H-3 Visas).
This law requires the review of two years of Virginia Income Taxes of the student (if Independent) or the Parent/Legal Guardian/In loco parent is (if Dependent). Federal taxes and other documents may be requested.  Students with currently valid F, M, J, or H-3 Visas.
Students may request the application to be considered for evaluation for in-state tuition rates based on this provision in the code of VA from the Admissions and Records Office.

Bookstore

The College bookstore, operated by Follett’s Bookstores, Inc., has locations on both campuses. Bookstore hours are available online and are posted at each campus location.

Required textbooks (new, used and rentals) and supplies may be purchased at the bookstore, as well as gift items, clothing, etc. Online ordering is available. Follett’s offers price matching on books and has a textbook buy-back service throughout the school year. It is recommended that students purchase their books online and either note on their order they would like to pick the books up on campus or have them shipped directly to the student.  Financial aid may be used to both purchase books and materials and to pay the shipping costs. 

A student’s printed class schedule and a photo ID are required when purchasing textbooks on campus.

Follett’s Refund Policy:

• The last day for a full refund is noted on the return policy supplied to each student. After that date, students will have two days after the purchase date.
• A receipt is required for a full refund.
• No refunds are allowed on purchases made within two days before or during exams.
• All textbooks must be in their original condition or in the shrink-wrap.

Expressive Activity

The purpose of this policy is to promote an orderly learning environment while establishing guidelines for student meetings and demonstrations on campus. This policy applies to all buildings, grounds, and other spaces owned or controlled by Rappahannock Community College.

Definition: The term “expressive activity” includes:

• Meetings and other group activities of students and student organizations
• Speeches, performances, demonstrations, rallies, vigils, and other events by students, student organizations, and outside groups invited by student organizations
• Distributions of literature, such as leaflets and pamphlets
• Any other expression protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Policy Statement

College property is primarily dedicated to academic, student life, and administrative functions. However, it also represents the “marketplace of ideas,” and especially for students, many areas of campus represent a public forum for speech and other expressive activities. Colleges may place restrictions on expressive activities occurring indoors, but especially for students and student organizations, the outdoor areas of campus remain venues for free expression, including speeches, demonstrations, and the distribution of literature.

Indoors or outdoors, colleges shall not interfere with the rights of individuals and groups to the free expression of their views or impermissibly regulate their speech based on its content or viewpoint. RCC reserves the right to establish reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on expressive activity. Such restrictions must be content-neutral, narrowly tailored to serve a significant governmental interest and allow ample alternative channels for communication of the information.

No event or expressive activity shall be permitted to violate or hinder the rights of others within the campus community or substantially disrupt normal college operations.

Procedures

1. Reserving Campus Facilities:
   1. If students, student organizations, or college employees desire to reserve campus facilities, they can submit their requests to the office of the Dean of Student Development.
      Twenty-four hours advance notice is required for reservation requests. However, events that require set-up, technical, or facilities support are required to submit requests at least two weeks in advance due to campus space limitations and support, as well as to ensure the safety and security of the campus.
   2. If individuals or organizations who are not members of the college community (i.e., not students, student organizations, or college employees) desire to reserve campus facilities, they must be sponsored by a recognized student organization or the college to conduct expressive activities or events on campus.
   3. RCC reserves the right to designate certain indoor facilities as not available for expressive activity, such as administration offices, libraries, and (during instructional hours) classrooms. When such circumstances apply, RCC will make the campus community aware of these designations. Any other restrictions on expressive activities occurring in indoor facilities (a) apply equally to all individuals and organizations and (b) are not dependent upon the content or viewpoint of the expression or the possible reaction to that expression.
   4. Students, student organizations, and college employees may request to reserve campus facilities on a first-come, first-served basis. These requests may be denied for the following reasons only:
      1. The requested venue is an indoor facility that the college has designated as not available for expressive activity as noted in item 3 above
      2. The requested venue is an indoor facility and the request conflicts with restrictions as noted in item 3 above
      3. The venue is already reserved for another event¹
      4. The activity will attract a crowd larger than the venue can safely contain
      5. The activity will substantially disrupt another event being held at a neighboring venue
      6. The activity will substantially disrupt college operations (including classes)
      7. The activity is a clear and present threat to public safety, according to the college’s police or security department
      8. The activity will occur during college examination periods
      9. The activity is unlawful.
   5. During an event, the student, student organization, or college employee requesting the reservation is responsible for preserving and maintaining the facility it reserved. If it causes any damage to those facilities, the person(s) or organization (and its officers, if applicable) shall assume responsibility.
   6. When assessing a request to reserve campus facilities, the college and its administrators must not consider the content or viewpoint of the expression or the possible reaction to that expression. The college and its administrators cannot impose restrictions on students, student organizations, or college employees due to the content or viewpoint of their expression or the possible reaction to that expression. In the event that other persons react negatively to a student’s, student organizations, or college employee’s expression, college officials (including college police or security) shall take all necessary steps to ensure public safety while allowing the expressive activity to continue.
2. Spontaneous Expressive Activity:
   1. RCC has no requirement to designate any indoor area as available for spontaneous expressive activities. Should RCC elect to so designate an indoor area as available for spontaneous expressive activities, college officials shall prominently post the areas in which students, student organizations, and their sponsored guests may engage in spontaneous expressive activities. Any areas so designated must (a) apply equally to all students and student organizations and (b) not depend upon the content or viewpoint of the expression or the possible reaction to that expression.
   2. For outdoor campus facilities and areas, students, student organizations, and their sponsored guests may freely engage in spontaneous expressive activities as long as they do not (a) block access to campus buildings, (b) obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic, (c) substantially disrupt previously scheduled campus events², (d) substantially disrupt college operations, (e) constitute unlawful activity; or (f) create a clear and present threat to public safety, according to the RC C’s security department and or chief safety officer.
   3. No college personnel may impose restrictions on students, student organizations, or their sponsored guests who are engaging in spontaneous expressive activities due to the content or viewpoint of their expression or the possible reaction to that expression. In the event that other persons react negatively to these activities, college officials (including college security) shall take all necessary steps to ensure public safety while allowing the expressive activity to continue.
   4. Any student who is found responsible for participation in an unauthorized campus demonstration is subject to suspension or dismissal (see Student Conduct Policy ).

¹ In the event that multiple individuals or organizations submit conflicting reservation requests, the following order of precedence shall govern (1) official college-sponsored activities and events; (2) recognized student organization activities and events; (3) student activities and events; and (4) all other activities and events.

² The expression of competing viewpoints or multiple speakers in proximity to each other does not, without more, constitute a substantial disruption.

Participation in College Governance

Student participation in College decision-making and policy development is strongly encouraged at RCC. Students are nominated by the faculty and staff to serve on governance committees and ad-hoc committees.

Children Brought to RCC Facilities

Children should not be brought to campuses or sites in lieu of appropriate childcare. Children should not be brought into classrooms, laboratories, or the Testing Center, because of disruption of instruction or study, exposure to material unsuitable for children, and possible danger to the children.

The College will not accommodate the care of children while parents are working or attending class, and children should not be left unattended in any college location. Since the College and its staff cannot be responsible for the safety and welfare of children, parents or guardians should make arrangements for them off-campus. Children on campuses and sites must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times, and the parent or guardian is responsible for seeing that the children are mindful of others using College facilities.

Policy for Children in the Library

Children under twelve cannot be left in the library unsupervised by a parent or adult guardian. The guardian must be at least sixteen years old and must have a picture ID showing birth date.

Intellectual Property Policy

Rappahannock Community College adheres to the policies of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) relative to intellectual property, copyright issues, and revenue derived from the creation of intellectual property. RCC policy incorporates all aspects of the VCCS policy found in Section 12 of the VCCS Policy Manual and the Intellectual Property Guidelines established by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) as mandated by the Code of Virginia Sections 23-4.3 and 23-4.4.

The college expects all students, faculty, and staff to avail themselves of the comprehensive VCCS Intellectual Property Policy and to stay informed of updates to the policy. The following link provides this information. The Dean of Students is available by appointment to explain the policy to any student who desires addition clarification. The Coordinator of Library Resources & Learning Resources is available by appointment to explain the policy to any staff or faculty member who desires additional clarification.

In accordance with VCCS policy, the president, or his/her designee, is responsible for the administration of this policy at the college level. Disputes may be appealed to the Vice President of Instruction, and Deans and Directors will hear and adjudicate any disputes concerning the administration of the intellectual property policy. Should there be an appeal beyond the Vice President of Instruction, that appeal will go to the college president who will appoint and confer with an ad hoc council of members’ representative of the college community to render a decision on the appeal. The resulting decision from the president is final. The president may choose to refer the issue to the VCCS System Attorney.

Parking

Registered students and current RCC employees are required to display a parking permit. The following information is required in order to obtain a parking permit: full name, student ID number or RCC ID card, vehicle make, model, year, and license plate number. Students and employees are responsible for providing and maintaining correct information on their parking records. All changes, including license tag numbers, must be immediately reported to the Business Office. Permits are available at the Business Office window at either campus. One or two permits may be requested as necessary.

On cars and trucks, the permit must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle on the driver’s side, either on the vehicle window or on the rear bumper. Motorcycle permits must be displayed on the front fork of the cycle. Permits are designed with an adhesive backing to be stuck to the outside of the vehicle, either on the glass or on the bumper. When vehicle operators choose another method of attaching the permit to the vehicle and the permit is not clearly visible in the required location, the operator may be fined for improper display of the permit.

RCC ID Cards

Students enrolled in one or more credits should obtain an RCC ID Card. Staff and faculty members are eligible upon proof of status with the college. The first card is issued free of charge to all students, staff, and faculty. ID cards will identify the individual by name and will bear a photo and the academic year.

New students can have an ID card made during New Student Orientation, and returning students may have an ID card made during designated hours in the library at either the Warsaw or the Glenns campus.

ID cards are issued at the beginning of each semester and are valid during your entire period of enrollment at the college. There will be a $5 replacement fee for any lost or stolen cards. The fee should be paid to the Business Office, and the receipt should be brought to the library to show proof of payment before a replacement card will be issued. Damaged cards will be reissued at the discretion of the library staff.

The ID card is not transferable to another person. Students may be subject to disciplinary action for - lending a Student ID card to someone else, possessing more than one Student ID, and attempting to use a card of another individual.

Lost and Found

Report all lost and found articles to the Welcome Desk. 

Locked Out of Vehicle/Auto Problems

If keys are accidentally locked inside a vehicle or emergency repair/towing assistance is required, contact the college receptionist, the building and grounds staff, or campus security.

Student Activities, Clubs, and Organizations

Student activities at RCC are an important part of the total college experience, providing a variety of educational, cultural and social activities for the entire college community. Student attendance and participation is encouraged for workshops, speakers, concerts, plays, and other events.

The Office of Student Development assists students and faculty in the planning of events and in developing new student organizations. Every student organization is subject to the approval of the Dean of Student Development before it is recognized as an official College activity. Student activities funds may be requested for club events by making a written request to the Student Engagement Specialist that includes a written budget. Each organization’s membership is open to all members of the student body unless otherwise stated. 

Activity Planning Procedures

Student activity planning procedures and forms are available from the office of the Dean of Student Development. The dean must approve all RCC student activities. Groups wishing to host activities must submit an Activity Request Form to the Student Activities Specialist at least two weeks prior to the activity. The Student Activities Office can help with the planning and publicizing of the activity. The use of College facilities is granted to recognized organizations with the understanding that reasonable conditions may be imposed to regulate the time used and the appropriateness of the space and to ensure proper maintenance and security. RCC maintains alcohol-free and smoke-free campuses.

Student clubs may sponsor activities that take place off-campus, such as field trips, participation in conferences, etc. All participants in off-campus activities must complete the assumption of risk form prior to the trip and are reminded that all college policies and guidelines are in effect for the duration of the activity.

Student Activities Fund

A Student Activities Fund is established to support the program of student activities. This fund is supported through student activity fees that are assessed per credit hour of enrollment, as well as vending and bookstore revenue. The activity fee may be increased with the approval of the Virginia State Board for Community Colleges. The funds in this account are to be spent only for student activities that have been authorized by the College. The Rappahannock Community College Local Board is responsible for the operation and control of these funds under the specific methods and procedures established by the State Department of Community Colleges and approved by the State Auditor. The Dean of Student Development supervises and authorizes all expenditures from the Student Activities Fund. 

Fund-Raising by Students or Student Organizations

All fund-raising in the name of RCC or an approved College student organization must be used to support and advance the mission of the College. Fund-raising activities conducted by recognized College student clubs and organizations require the approval of the Vice President of Development and the College President. Any individual student, or a student group that is not affiliated with a formally recognized College club or organization, must obtain approval from the Vice President of Development for any fund-raising effort which uses the name of RCC in its promotion. Approval may be requested by submitting an Activities Request Form, available in the Student Activities office at either campus.

The proceeds of all fund-raising activities must be deposited with the College Business Office within two business days of receipt. All expenditures must be supported with original invoices or sales receipts. Requests for payment and/or reimbursement of expenses will follow College procurement guidelines that are available in the Business Office. Fund-raising activities that support the Rappahannock Community College Educational Foundation are governed by the bylaws of the College Board and the RCC Foundation Board.

Recognized Clubs and Organizations

The Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society recognizes and encourages scholarship among two-year college students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa provides opportunities for the development of leadership and service and fosters an intellectual climate for the exchange of ideas and ideals, lively fellowship for scholars, and stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.

The RCC Student Ambassadors are selected for their leadership qualities, campus involvement, and community engagement. They represent the student body at official college functions and serve as guides and mentors for new students.  To be selected, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 to continue in the ambassador role. 

Student Publications

A student, student group, or student organization shall not distribute or communicate material on campus without the prior approval of the Dean of Student Development. Approval shall be granted within five college business days unless, in the opinion of the Dean of Student Development, the material violates the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists. Libelous or obscene material does not conform to the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists.

All student communications shall explicitly state on the editorial page that the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the institution or its student body. Editors and managers shall not be arbitrarily suspended because of student, faculty, administration, or community disapproval of editorial policy or publication content.

This editorial freedom entails a corollary obligation under the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists. The Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists will be made available by the academic advisor of any student publications. Any breach in the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists perpetrated by a student publication will be referred to the Student Affairs Committee, which will judge publication content solely according to the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists. If a breach in the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists is judged significant, the Student Affairs Committee has the authority to sanction or dismiss the editor of the publication.

Student Lounge

Student lounges with vending machines and recreational equipment are located on both campuses for the use of currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff. Students are expected to be respectful of the rights of others at all times.

Recreation/Sports Equipment

Recreation activities include volleyball, card games, table games, ping pong, etc. Equipment is available for sign-out at the Welcome Desk at either campus. The college is not responsible for any injuries incurred by students during recreational activities. Students are responsible for providing their own health insurance.

Club Sports

Club sports provide opportunities for students to participate in a variety of sports and recreational activities. Each club is considered an organized club with an affiliation as a registered student organization on campus and a club sport. Club Sports are conducted under the direction of the college Student Activities Specialist. The college is not responsible for any injuries incurred by students during club or sports activities. Students are responsible for providing their own health insurance.

A club sport is formed by individuals with a common interest in a sport or activity to promote and enhance involvement in that particular activity. The basic structure of club sports, in general, allows student-athletes numerous opportunities for leadership, decision-making, academic improvement, and retention. The actual success and strength of the club sport is dependent on effective leadership by the coaches and the degree of involvement of its club sports student-athletes.

Club sport participants must be recognized as currently enrolled students at RCC. Each student-athlete must be enrolled for at least a minimum of six credit hours during each semester of participation and must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0 in subsequent semesters to be eligible to play on a team or participate in any team activity.

A student’s GPA is a system-wide GPA, i.e., if a student has a 2.0 at one college, it is considered a 2.0 at any college in the System.

Students transferring from colleges outside of the VCCS enter with a “clean slate” since grades do not transfer with credits.

Weapons Policy

• Purpose
  The purpose of this policy is to promote a safe learning and working environment for all college locations by minimizing the risk of violence. This policy provides rules and procedures for the possession of weapons on campus grounds, in campus buildings, and at campus events. It is consistent with the Virginia Administrative Code: 95-10-10 adopted by the State Board for Community Colleges, Policy 3.14.6, Workplace Violence Prevention and Threat Assessment Policy Guidelines of the Virginia Community College System, and the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia. This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, contractors, and visitors entering campus buildings or attending college-sponsored events.
• Authority
  The State Board for Community Colleges is authorized by Virginia Code §§ 23-215 and 23-217(g) to promulgate regulations for carrying out its responsibilities. The Virginia Administrative Code: 95-10-10, adopted by the State Board for Community Colleges, sets out prohibitions for weapons possession on all college campuses within the VCCS. College boards may approve policies consistent with guidelines set by the State Board for Community Colleges.
• Application
  This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, contractors, and visitors entering campus buildings or attending college-sponsored events.
• Definitions:

“Police officer” means law-enforcement officials appointed pursuant to Article 3 (§ 15.2-1609 et seq.) of Chapter 16 and Chapter 17 (§ 15.2-1700 et seq.) of Title 15.2, Chapter 17 (§ 23-232 et seq.) of Title 23, Chapter 2 (§ 29.1-200 et seq.) of Title 29.1, or Chapter 1 (§ 52-1 et seq.) of Title 52 of the Code of Virginia or sworn federal law enforcement officers.

“College property” means any property owned, leased, or controlled by Rappahannock Community College.

“Weapon” means (i) any pistol, revolver, or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind by the action of an explosion of any combustible material; (ii) any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor, slingshot, spring stick, metal knucks, or blackjack; (iii) any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain; (iv) any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart; or (v) any weapon of like kind, to include but not limited to, tasers.

“Weapon” does not mean knives or razors used for domestic purposes, pen or folding knives with blades less than three inches in length, or knives of like-kind carried for use in accordance with the purpose intended by the original seller.

Possession of weapons prohibited
Current and potential students are hereby notified that they are agreeing with this policy as a condition of enrollment.

1. Possession or carrying of any weapon by any person, except a police officer, is prohibited on college property in academic buildings, administrative office buildings, outdoor facilities, and places of like-kind where people congregate or while attending any sporting, entertainment, or educational events. Entry onto college property in violation of this prohibition is expressly forbidden.
2. Any individual in violation of this prohibition will be asked to remove the weapon immediately.

A student failing to comply may result in a student conduct referral, suspension, expulsion from college, or arrest.

Employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination, using existing policies and procedures, including Section 3 of the VCCS Policy Manual or DHRM Policy 1.60, Standards of Conduct.

Visitors and contractors in violation of the prohibitions on the possession of weapons are subject to arrest and may be barred from the campus.

Persons lawfully in charge
Campus security officers, including Facilities staff and other police officers acting pursuant to a mutual aid agreement or by concurrent jurisdiction, are lawfully in charge for the purposes of forbidding entry upon or remaining upon college property while possessing or carrying weapons in violation of this policy.

Click here to return to the Student Handbook