Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Authorization Form to Release or Withhold Information

Wallace State Community College maintains information about students, which facilitates educational development of students and effective administration of the College. In order to guarantee the rights of privacy and access as provided by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (as amended by 61 Federal Regulation 59291, November 21, 1996), Wallace State Community College has formulated the following policies and procedures:

General Policy

No information from records, files, or other data directly related to a student (other than "directory" information as defined below) shall be disclosed to persons or agencies outside the College without the written consent of the student; except pursuant to a court subpoena or court order, or except in a case where educational or governmental officials have a lawful need for the information. However, information contained in such records may be disclosed within the College to College officials and staff members with a need for the particular information. Students shall be afforded the opportunity to have access to all such information on themselves with the exceptions set out below, in accordance with procedures outlined within this policy statement. For the purposes of this policy, a "student" is defined as "any individual currently or previously enrolled in any course offered by Wallace State Community College." For the purpose of this policy, a student's educational records are defined as those records, files, documents or other materials that contain information directly related to a student and are maintained by the College or a person acting on behalf of the College. Specifically excluded from the definition of "educational records" and not open to inspection by students are the following materials:

• Records of instructional, supervisory, and administrative personnel which are in the sole possession of the maker;
• Records of campus security, except in those instances where they have been transmitted within the College for administrative purposes; and
• Records which are created or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional or para-professional acting in a professional or paraprofessional capacity or assisting in that capacity and which are created, maintained or used only in connection with the provision of diagnosis or treatment to the student and are not available to anyone other than the persons providing such treatment to the student or to such other persons as may be authorized in writing by the student to receive such information from such records.

Directory Information

The following is a list of student information that may be made available by the College without prior consent of the student:

• Student's name;
• Student's address (local and permanent);
• Student's telephone number;
• Student's place of birth;
• Student's major field of study;
• Student's participation in officially recognized activities, clubs, organizations, and athletics
• Degree and awards received by the student;
• The previous institution most recently attended by the student; and
• The height and weight of varsity athletes.

Much of the information listed above is routinely published in College publications. However, if any student desires for any of the above listed information to not be published on the respective student, the College will refrain from making public such information on that student, provided that the student makes a request for the information to be withheld, and the request is made prior to the end of the late registration for the given academic term. A request for non-disclosure of directory information may be completed at Lion Central. Students may also complete a request for non-disclosure of photographs that may be used for college marketing or information.

Disclosure of Student Records to the Student

Each student is afforded the right to inspect, in the presence of the appropriate records official, such records, files, and data primarily related to the respective student. In order to inspect one's file, the student should go to the records official (Registrar, Director of Financial Aid, or Business Manager) and initiate a written request. If the student cannot personally appear, the student must submit a notarized request to the appropriate records official. The request for inspection shall be granted within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed forty-five (45) days from the time of the receipt of the request by the College. If, in the opinion of the appropriate records official, inspection can reasonably be accomplished only by providing copies of documents, such copies shall be made and provided to the student. The right of inspection does not include financial statements of parents, confidential recommendations placed in the file prior to January 1, 1975, and other confidential recommendations, to which access has been waived by the student.

Challenging the Contents of the Record

Wallace State Community College will respond to any reasonable request for an explanation or interpretation of any item in a student's file. Requests for such explanation or interpretation should be addressed in writing to the Vice President for Students. If, after inspecting a record, a student wishes to challenge any part of the file's content, a written request for a hearing should be addressed to the Vice President for Students, who will set a date and time for a hearing within forty-five (45) days of receiving the written request. The request for such a hearing should identify the item or items in the file that are to be challenged and state the grounds for the challenge, i.e. inaccuracy, misleading nature, or inappropriateness. The Vice President for Students, with the appropriate records official, shall examine the contested item or items in the file, shall hear the person(s) responsible for placing the item(s) in the file, and shall examine any documents or hear any testimony that the student wishes to present in support of making a requested change to the file. The Vice President for Students and the appropriate records official shall issue a written decision within ten days of the conclusion of the hearing as to whether or not the item should be retained, deleted or revised. In the event that there is a determination that the item should remain in the file, the student shall be given the option of placing into his/her file, along with the challenged item, a brief written commentary or explanation of his or her challenge.

Waiver of Access

Wallace State Community College may request that a student waive the right to inspect confidential recommendations regarding his/her application for admission, application for employment, or the receipt of an honor or other recognition. If a student receives a request for waiver, the student may sign and return the waiver, may request a list of the names of persons who will be asked for recommendations before signing, or may refuse to waive the right to access. Such a waiver shall not be a condition for admission to the College, for financial aid assistance, or for any other benefits received by Wallace State Community College students.

Providing Records to Third Parties

The general policy of Wallace State Community College is to refuse to grant to third parties access to student records without the written consent of the individual student. In the event that a student should wish to have such records released or reviewed by a third party, the student must submit a written request to the proper records official, and in such consent, specify the records to be released or reviewed, and, if desired, a request for copies of the respective records to be made available to the student. Upon the receipt of such written consent, WSCC will then grant the appropriate access to the party or parties designated by the student. There shall be a service fee for producing photocopies of any records that are requested to be copied by the student or by the person to whom the student gives permission to request photocopies. Notwithstanding the above requirements, student records may be made available to the following persons without written consent of the student: appropriate college officials, official representatives of federal departments or agencies or state education authorities, by legal subpoena, financial aid officers, recognized educational accrediting organizations, organizations conducting studies for administrative evaluations, etc., and other appropriate persons in an emergency situation where such disclosure is necessary, or reasonably presumed to be necessary, to protect the health or safety of the student or any other person employed by or attending the College. Photographs and/or video taken by the institution, or on behalf of the institution, remain college property and may be distributed for publications, newspapers, commercials, student newspapers or yearbooks, or other appropriate sources unless the student signs a request for non-disclosure form in the Admissions Office. Records officials shall retain a record of requests for access to the file by entities outside the college. However, there shall be no such record necessarily kept for a request made by WSCC officials who have a need for access to the respective file. The appropriate record official will supervise inspection of individual student records.

Changes in the Policy

This policy statement is subject to change where such change is necessitated by any federal or state statute regulation, guideline, or court order. Any change in policy will be included in subsequent appropriate College publications.

Facilities and Services for Students with Disabilities

WSCC strives to make available to all students the opportunity for an excellent and rewarding education. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 provide federal guidelines which help the College ensure equal access to all students with qualifying, documented disabilities. WSCC is committed to making physical facilities and instructional programs accessible to all students. Most College facilities are wheelchair accessible. Applicants who need assistance are encouraged to communicate their needs to us as soon as possible by contacting the ADA Office at (256)352-8052.

Establishing Services with the ADA Office

1. All students must provide proper documentation to the ADA Office. It cannot be just an IEP. It should include diagnostic information used to create the IEP. See “Documentation Guidelines.”
2. Students need to complete an ADA application. Go to http://kea.accessiblelearning.com/WallaceState/ *Click on “New Student” to begin the application.
3. Students must make an appointment with the Director, Lisa Smith, to discuss accommodations that may be utilized. Students will sign the paperwork needed to complete the initial process.
4. Student must complete an “Accommodation Request Form” that gives the Director permission to send accommodation letters. This must be done every semester.
5. Students notify their instructors that they will need to use their accommodations. Students may contact the instructor in person or via email, but students are required to make the first step at the higher education level.

Students who are seeking accommodations and services on the basis of a disability are required to submit documentation to verify their eligibility for services. All students must provide proper documentation to the ADA Office. It cannot be just an IEP. It should include diagnostic information used to create the IEP. Typically, a licensed psychologist, physician, or other appropriate professional provides the evaluation, diagnosis, and recommended accommodations in a detailed report. The Director of Special Populations is responsible for determining the nature of an individual’s disability. The Director of Special Populations maintains the right to reject documentation that does not verify a student’s disability or delineate reasonable accommodations.

Documentation accepted by the Director of Special Populations is valid as long as a student is continuously enrolled at the College. However, if there is a break in the student’s enrollment, he/she may need to present updated documentation to receive services. Disability-related information received to support requests for accommodations are treated as confidential and shared only on a need-to-know-basis. The information may not be released to an outside third party without the written consent of the individual.

Accommodation Process Information

The Director of Special Populations meets individually with a student to discuss accommodations and assist the student in completing required forms. The Director determines reasonable academic accommodations for a student, taking into consideration recommendations from the physician, psychologist or other professional who diagnosed the student’s disability.

Accommodations previously used in educational settings with the student will be taken into consideration. Although some students may have similar diagnoses, each student is treated as an individual because accommodations must be tailored to individual needs.

The Director of Special Populations recommends reasonable accommodations by preparing a letter addressed to the instructor of each class for which the student requests accommodations.

An instructor is not obliged to provide accommodations to a student with a disability until he/she receives the Director of Special Populations’ accommodation letter concerning a student. In addition, it is the student’s responsibility to discuss scheduling and details of the requested accommodations with his/her instructor(s). If a student requests an accommodation letter to be sent within a few days of an assignment or exam, the instructor may not be able to provide the optimal accommodation requested. It is highly suggested that students have accommodation letters sent by the first day of class each semester.

Responsibility of the Student Each Semester

Once students have completed the process to establish accommodations, they will need to complete the following each semester:

1. Students must complete an “Accommodation Request Form” from the ADA Office each semester. Students may come by the ADA Office to complete form or email the completed request form to lisa.smith@hrfjk.com.
2. Letters will be emailed to each instructor the student has listed on the “Accommodation Request Form.” Letters include only accommodations that were approved by the student and the Director in the initial meeting.
3. Students notify their instructors that they will need to use their accommodations. You may contact the instructor in person or via email, but students are required to make the first initial step at the higher education level. Any accommodations needed for testing needs to be decided at that point. Students who wish to take exams in the ADA Office need to read the “Guidelines for Proctored Test in the ADA Office.” A testing form must be completed so the student can be placed on the testing calendar.
4. Students report any concerns about accommodation to the Director of Special Populations as soon as possible.

Students with disabilities must maintain the same responsibility for their education as students who do not have disabilities. This includes maintaining the same academic levels, maintaining appropriate behavior, and giving timely notification of any special needs

Student Code of Conduct

Wallace State Community College is dedicated to the total development of students. Therefore, the College has the responsibility for protecting individual rights, both academic and personal, including the rights of students and employees.

The College assumes that its students are mature adults who have developed mature behavior patterns, positive attitudes, and conduct above reproach; the College believes in treating students as adults. Therefore, the College reserves the right to discipline any student whose conduct and behavior is undesirable or harmful to the College. In addition to the WSCC Code of Conduct and procedures, criminal behavior is subject to criminal charges.

Generally, College disciplinary action will be limited to conduct which adversely affects educational pursuits. It is the student's responsibility to become familiar with the rules and regulations of both the College and the department in which the student chooses to enroll. Failure to do so does not excuse the student from any policy as set forth by the College or the department in which the student is enrolled. The following misconduct subjects students to disciplinary review:

Disciplinary Action Items

A student is subject to disciplinary action by the College, up to and including permanent expulsion, for misconduct on any property owned or controlled by the College, or off campus at any function which is authorized, sponsored, or conducted by the College or in parking lots adjacent to areas or buildings where College functions are being conducted. Such misconduct shall include the commission of, or the attempt to commit, any of the following offenses:

1. Any form of dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, or furnishing incomplete or false information to the College.
2. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of College documents, exams, records, vehicle registration, verification, or identification.
3. Disorderly or disruptive conduct, including rioting, inciting to riot, assembling to riot, reckless endangerment, raiding, inciting to raid, harassment, bullying, cyberbullying and assembling to raid College properties. This offense also includes in-class behavior that unduly disrupts the order of a class.
4. Lewd, indecent, obscene, or unduly offensive behavior or expression. This offense includes but is not limited to, the usage of verbal or symbolic expressions that would tend to be reasonably interpreted as insulting to ones’ race, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability.
5. Improper use of products for purposes of altering mood or state of being. This includes the misuse of legal products such as inhalants.
6. Participation in any form of gambling.
7. Unauthorized entry to College facilities, including dorm visitation violations.
8. Unauthorized possession or reproduction of a key to College facilities.
9. Unauthorized interference with the use of or access to a College facility.
10. Any form of littering, including, but not limited to, tobacco products such as cigarette butts.
11. Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on College premises or College sponsored functions.
12. Being present during any violation of College policy or the Student Code of Conduct in such a way as to condone or encourage that violation. Students who anticipate or observe a violation are expected, if possible, to report any potential violation before it occurs orto report details of the violation after it occurs.
13. Violation of any College policy or regulation as published or referred to in the College Catalog/Student Handbook or by campus signage, including, but not limited to, those governing the time, place, and manner of public expression; the registration of student organizations; the use of computers; copyright laws; dorm regulations; and use or parking of motor vehicles on the campus.
14. Acts of animal cruelty or abuse, as well as failure to report such acts that occur on the College Campus.
15. Violation of any federal, state, or local law or ordinance.

Automatic Suspension or Expulsion Disciplinary Action Items

The following offenses will merit automatic disciplinary suspension or expulsion from the College.

1. Intoxication from, or the use, display or possession of alcoholic beverages on any area of the WSCC campus or school activity. (This includes the presence of empty or full alcoholic beverage containers.)
2. Failure to promptly comply with directions of College officials or law enforcement officers acting in the performance of their duties as such officials and officers while on the WSCC campus.
3. Theft of, receiving stolen property of, or intentional damage to property of the College or to the property of any member of the College community or visitor to the College campus.
4. Intentional misuse of any College fire alarm, fire-fighting or emergency equipment.
5. Actual or threatened physical abuse of any person, including hazing, or any other act which endangers the health or safety of any such person.
6. Use, possession, influence, sale, or distribution of any controlled substance (drug), or drug paraphernalia, as outlined by the statutes of the State of Alabama, except as expressly prescribed by a physician.
7. Use, possession, or distribution of firearms, knives weapons, ammunition, fireworks, or any type of explosive or incendiary device or material. Items perceived as weapons are also prohibited. Only duly constituted law enforcement officers on duty may possess firearms on campus.

Student Diversity

Enrollment by Ethnicity

Non Discrimination Policy

Wallace State Community College is committed to equal employment and educational opportunities.  No person is discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, gender, age, and other protected class as defined by federal and state law, handicap unrelated to program performance requirements, Vietnam era, or disabled veteran status.  No person will be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, any educational program and activity, including admission to the College.  Wallace State Community College does not discriminate in employment on the basis of any impermissible criterion or characteristic including, without limitation, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sex, age or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law.  Wallace State Community College complies with Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended with the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Act of 1974, with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amended Act of 2008.  The Commitment to equal opportunity applies to all aspects of recruitment, employment, and education of individuals at all levels throughout the College.

The College will not retaliate against any person because they have engaged in a protected activity opposing the College or because they have made a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding or hearing alleging discrimination on a basis specified above.

The policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of sex is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 USC paragraph 1681, et. seq.) and Title 45, Part 86 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Any inquiries or complaints concerning the application of other legislation and its implementing regulations as they relate to Wallace State Community College should be directed to:

Kristen Holmes
Title IX Coordinator
Wallace State Community College
Telephone (256) 352-8233

Complaint Process

Student Complaints

Wallace State promotes the open exchange of ideas among all members of the WSCC community, including students, faculty, staff, and administration. An environment conducive to the open exchange of ideas is essential to intellectual growth and positive change. However, WSCC recognizes that, at times, people may have differences which they are unable or unwilling to resolve themselves. The procedures described below shall be available to a WSCC student only after the student has made every reasonable attempt to resolve his/her problem with the appropriate College official or representative. In the case of a student who has made a good faith effort to resolve a problem and who has been unable to resolve the matter informally, WSCC offers the following grievance procedure as the appropriate course of action for settling disputes and resolving problems. The name and institutional address and phone number of any College officials referred to herein may be obtained from the Vice President for Students.

This grievance procedure is not intended to be used by a student with a complaint about a strictly academic matter such as grades, work assignments, quality of instruction, fairness of examinations, etc. Any student of WSCC who wishes to make a complaint about a strictly academic matter shall do so by virtue of the grade appeal procedure. A complaint by a student relating to a disability shall be reported to the College Special Populations Coordinator. Other types of complaints shall be reported to the Vice President for Students. If the complaint is about a specific occurrence, the complaint must be made within ten business days after the occurrence or after the student becomes aware of the occurrence.

A student with a complaint shall begin his/her attempt to resolve the situation by bringing it to the attention of the appropriate College official or representative as stated above. If, after a discussion between the student and the respective College official or representative, it is determined that the complaint is valid and can be resolved immediately, the College official or representative will take appropriate action to resolve the complaint. If the matter at issue involves an allegation of physical abuse or racial, sexual, or other discrimination or harassment, or if the complaint relates to a disability, or if the complaint relates to a matter involving theft or any other act of dishonesty, the respective College official shall submit a written report within ten working days of the filing of the complaint to the College Grievance Officer, the Vice President for Students, describing both the complaint and how it was resolved, or how it will be resolved through a "plan of resolution."

These procedures apply to on-campus students as well as those completing coursework via distance education.

Grievance Process

If a student's complaint cannot be resolved in the manner described above, such an unresolved complaint shall be termed a "grievance". A student who submits a complaint to the appropriate college official or representative in the manner described above and who is not informed of a satisfactory resolution or plan of resolution of the complaint within ten business days after the complaint's submission shall have the right to file, within the following ten business days, with the College Grievance Officer (Vice President for Students) a written statement detailing the grievance. The written grievance statement shall be filed using Grievance Form A, which will be provided by the Grievance Officer and shall include the following information:

1. Date the original complaint was reported;
2. Name of person to whom the original complaint was reported;
3. Facts of the complaint; and,
4. Action taken, if any, by the receiving official to resolve the complaint.

The grievance statement shall also contain any other information relevant to the grievance that the Grievant wants to be considered by the Grievance Officer. If the grievance involves a claim of discrimination based on sex, race, national origin, religion, age, handicap, or disability, the complaining party should state with particularity the nature of the discrimination and reference any statute, regulation, or policy that the Grievant believes to have been violated. The Grievant shall file any grievance involving alleged discrimination within forty-five calendar days of the occurrence of the alleged discriminatory act or the date on which the Grievant became aware that the alleged discriminatory act took place. This deadline shall be in addition to all other applicable reporting deadlines. The College shall have thirty (30) calendar days from the date of receipt by the College Grievance Officer of the grievance to conduct an investigation of the allegation(s), hold a hearing (if requested) on the grievance, and submit a written report to the Grievant of the findings arising from the hearing. Grievance Form A shall be used to report both the grievance and the hearing findings.

Investigation Procedure

The Grievance Officer, either personally or with the assistance of such other person(s) as the President may designate, shall conduct a factual investigation of the grievance allegations and shall research each applicable statute, regulation, and/or policy, if any. The College Grievance Officer shall determine, after completion of the investigation, whether or not there is substantial evidence to support the grievance. The factual findings in the investigation and the conclusion of the grievance officer shall be stated in the written report which shall be submitted to the Grievant and to the party or parties against whom the complaint was made (the "Respondent or Respondents") and shall be made a part of the hearing record, if a hearing is requested by the Grievant. Each of the parties shall have the opportunity to file written objections to any of the factual findings, and, if there is a hearing, to make their objections part of the hearing records. Publications or verified photocopies containing relevant statutes, regulations, and policies shall also be prepared by the Grievance Officer for the grievance record. If the Grievance Officer finds the grievance is supported by substantial evidence, he or she shall make a recommendation in the report as to how the grievance should be resolved. Upon the receipt by the Grievant of the Grievance Officer's report, the Grievant and Respondent(s) shall have three business days to notify the Grievance Officer whether or not the Grievant or Respondent(s) demand(s) a hearing on the grievance. The failure by the Grievant or Respondent(s), respectively, to request a hearing by the end of the third business day shall constitute a waiver of the opportunity for a hearing. However, the College Grievance Officer may, nevertheless, at his or her discretion, schedule a hearing on the grievance if to do so would appear to be in the best interest of the College. In the event that no hearing is to be conducted, the Grievance Officer's report shall be filed with the President, with a copy to be provided to the Grievant and each Respondent.

Hearing Procedure

In the event that the College Grievance Officer schedules a hearing, the President shall designate a qualified, three person committee to conduct the grievance hearing. The hearing committee members will generally be employees of WSCC. However, the President shall have the discretion to select persons other than WSCC employees to serve as committee members. The committee shall notify the Grievant and each Respondent of the time, place, and subject matter of the hearing at least seventy-two hours prior to the scheduled beginning of the hearing. The hearing shall be conducted in a fair and impartial manner and shall not be open to the public unless both parties agree in writing for the hearing to be public. At the hearing, the Grievant and the Respondent(s) shall be read the grievance statement. After the grievance is read into the record, the Grievant shall have the opportunity to present such oral testimony and offer such other supporting evidence as he/she shall deem appropriate to his/her claim. Each Respondent shall then be given the opportunity to present such oral testimony and offer such other evidence as he/she deems appropriate to the Respondent's defense against the charges. In the event that the College, or the administration of the College at large, is the party against whom the grievance is filed, the President shall designate a representative to appear at the hearing on behalf of the College. Any party to a grievance hearing shall have the right to retain, at the respective party's own cost, the assistance of legal counsel or other personal representative. However, the respective attorney or personal representative, if any, shall act in an advisory role only, and shall not be allowed to address the hearing body or question any witness. In the event that the College or its administration at large is the Respondent, the College representative shall not be an attorney or use an attorney unless the Grievant is also assisted by an attorney or other personal representative. The hearing shall be recorded by either a court reporter or on audio or videotape or by other electronic recording medium. In addition, all items offered into evidence by the parties, whether admitted into evidence or not, shall be marked and preserved as part of the hearing record.

Rules of Evidence

The hearing committee shall make the participants aware that the rules relating to the admissibility of evidence for the hearing will be similar to, but less stringent than, those which apply to civil trials in the courts of Alabama. Generally speaking, irrelevant or immaterial evidence and privileged information (such as personal medical information or attorney-client communications) shall be excluded. However, hearsay evidence and unauthenticated documentary evidence may be admitted if the hearing chairperson determines that the evidence offered is of the type and nature commonly relied upon or taken into consideration by a responsible prudent person in conducting his/her affairs.

In the event of an objection by any party to any testimony or other evidence offered at the hearing, the hearing committee chairperson shall have the authority to rule on the admissibility of the evidence, and this ruling shall be final and binding on the parties.

Report of Findings and Conclusions

Within five working days following the hearing, there shall be a written report given to the College Grievance Officer (with a copy to the President, the Grievant, and each Respondent) of the findings of the Chairperson of the Hearing Committee, and the report shall contain at least the following:

1. Date and place of the hearing;
2. The name of each member of the Hearing Committee;
3. A list of all witnesses for all parties to the grievance;
4. Findings of facts relevant to the grievance;
5. Conclusions of law, regulations, or policy relevant to the grievance; and
6. Recommendation(s) arising from the grievance and the hearing thereon.

Resolution of Grievance

In the event of a finding by the hearing officer/committee that the grievance was unfounded or was not supported by the evidence presented, the College Grievance Officer shall notify the Grievant of any appeal that may be available to the Grievant. In the event of a finding that the grievance was supported, in whole or in part, by the evidence presented, the College Grievance Officer shall meet with the Grievant, the Respondent(s), and the appropriate College representative(s) and attempt to bring about a reasonable agreed-upon resolution of the grievance. If there is not a mutual resolution within a reasonable amount of time, the President shall impose a resolution of the grievance which shall be final and binding, except where the decision may be subject to an appeal to the Chancellor as discussed below.

Available Appeal

If the grievance does not involve a claim of illegal discrimination or a claim relating to a disability, the findings of the Hearing Committee shall be final and shall be non-appealable. If the grievance involves a claim of illegal discrimination or a claim relating to a disability, the Grievant and each Respondent shall have the right to appeal the decision of the Hearing Committee to the President of WSCC, provided that:

1. A notice of appeal is filed, using Grievance Form B, with the College Grievance Officer and the President within fifteen calendar days following the party's receipt of the hearing report; and
2. The notice of appeal contains clear and specific objection(s) to the finding(s), conclusion(s), or recommendation(s), of the hearing committee.

If the appeal is not filed by the close of business on the fifteenth day following the party's receipt of the report, the party's opportunity to appeal shall have been waived. If the appeal does not contain clear and specific objections to the hearing report, it shall be denied by the President.

President's Review

If an appeal is accepted by the President, the President shall have thirty calendar days from his/her receipt of the notice of appeal to review and investigate the allegations contained in the grievance, review the hearing record, to hold an appellant hearing (if deemed appropriate by the President), and to produce a report of the President's findings of fact and conclusions of law. The President shall have the authority to (1) affirm, (2) reverse, or (3) affirm in part or reverse in part the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the Hearing Committee. The President's report shall be served to the Hearing Committee members, Grievant, and the Respondent(s) by personal service or by certified mail, return receipt requested, at their respective home addresses.

ACCS Appeal

In 2015, the Alabama Legislature vested oversight of the state’s public two-year institutions of higher education (known as the Alabama Community College System (ACCS)) with the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees. The Alabama Legislature further directed the Board of Trustees to delegate to the System’s Chancellor the authority to act and make decisions concerning the management and operation of the community and technical colleges. The Chancellor is assisted in these duties by the staff of the System Office, formerly known as the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education. Consumer and student complaints that are not resolved at the institutional level are thus arbitrated at the state level by the ACCS System Office.

The ACCS is committed to respecting and supporting the work of its member institutions and to providing a quality educational experience for all students. The objective of the student complaint process is to ensure that the concerns and complaints of students are addressed fairly and are resolved promptly. The Alabama Community College System requires each institution to establish its own procedures to address student grievances and complaints. A student must exhaust his/her rights under the institution’s official complaint/grievance policy before advancing any complaint to the System Office of Alabama Community College System. Students may file consumer/student complaints with the Alabama Community College System by following these procedures:

1. If, after exhausting all available institutional processes, a student’s complaint remains unresolved, the student may appeal to the Alabama Community College System using the System’s official Student Complaint Form, which is contained in this document and also available online at the ACCS website (www.accs.cc). Students may submit completed complaint forms by printing the form, signing it, and then either (1) scanning it and e-mailing it to complaints@accs.edu or (2) mailing it to:
   
   Alabama Community College System
   Attention: Division of Academic and Student Affairs
   P.O. Box 302130
   Montgomery, AL 36130-2130
2. The Division of Academic and Student Affairs will investigate the complaint within 30 days of receipt.
3. The institution which is the subject of complaint has 30 days to provide a written response to questions and/or concerns raised during the investigation. Such response may or may not contain a resolution.
4. The Division of Academic and Student Affairs will adjudicate the matter and write a report or letter to the institution and student detailing corrective action, if any is necessary, or stating that the school has no violation of policies.
5. If corrective action is needed the institution will have 30 days to comply or develop a plan to comply with the corrective action.
6. The System Office will monitor the institution’s compliance to ensure the completion of any required corrective action.

General Rule on Filing Deadlines

If the last date for filing a document under this procedure falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the date of the first business day following the respective Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday shall be considered the deadline date.

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Refund Policy and Requirements for Withdrawal and Return of Federal Financial Aid

TUITION REFUND PROCEDURES

WSCC does not give cash refunds. Refund checks are mailed from the Business Office or sent direct deposit to the student's bank account.

Partial Withdrawal

Students who do not completely withdraw from the College but drop a class during the regular drop/add period will be refunded the difference in the tuition paid and the tuition rate applicable to the reduced number of hours, including fees appropriate to the classes dropped. There is no refund due to a student who partially withdraws after the official drop/add period.

Complete Withdrawal

A student who officially or unofficially withdraws from all classes before the first official day of class will be refunded 100% of the total tuition and other institutional charges.

A student who officially withdraws completely on or after the first day of class but prior to the end of the third week of class will be refunded according to the withdrawal date, as follows:

• Withdrawal during first week - 75% of adjusted tuition and fees less 5% administrative fee
• Withdrawal during second week - 50% of adjusted tuition and fees less 5% administrative fee
• Withdrawal during third week - 25% of adjusted tuition and fees less 5% administrative fee
• Withdrawal after end of third week - No refund

For calculating refunds during the fall and spring sixteen-week terms, a “week” is defined as seven calendar days. Refunds of tuition for terms shorter than sixteen weeks, such as summer terms, mini-terms, split terms, and weekend terms, will reflect a prorated week based on the number of days in the term.

The Insurance fees are non-refundable unless the class is cancelled.

An administrative fee not to exceed 5% of tuition and other institutional charges shall be assessed for each withdrawal within the period beginning the first day of class and ending at the end of the third week of class.

Tuition refunds are computed according to the date the student notifies the college Admission’s Office of their official withdrawal, not his/her last date of class attendance.

Refund checks are mailed or sent direct deposit from the Business Office weekly.

Students have the responsibility of knowing the requirements of applying for and receiving financial aid.

The student must be familiar with the procedures relative to the guidelines affecting financial aid awards and the disbursements. They must also be knowledgeable of WSCC's refund and repayment policies.

If Wallace State Community College cannot document that a student has attended at least one day of class, any tuition credited to his/her account will be returned in full to the Pell Grant/Loan account. Any funds issued to purchase books, tools, or supplies will be billed to the student, with a request for immediate repayment.

Changes in Enrollment During the Drop/Add Period

If a student pre-registers, charges books/supplies to his/her account then changes his/her enrollment, causing an insufficient balance in the Federal Pell Awards account to cover all charges incurred for that semester, the student could be dropped without further notice and billed for charges.

Withdrawal, Drop-Out Date

The date that the student officially withdraws or is expelled from school, or the date that the school determines that the student has unofficially withdrawn, will be used to determine if a refund should be calculated.

Refund Policy for Students Receiving Federal Title IV Aid (Higher Education Reauthorization Act of 2006)

The following refund policy is required by federal regulations for students with Title IV Aid who withdraw from all classes at Wallace State Community College. This should not be confused with the school's refund policy for changes in enrollment status.

PER NEW FEDERAL REGULATIONS-HIGHER EDUCATION AUTHORIZATION BILL OF 2006:

Official Withdrawal: A student who received Title IV Funds (Pell Grant, FSEOG, or Direct Loans) and withdraws from all classes prior to the 60% point of the semester will owe funds back to the U. S. Department of Education and to Wallace State Community College.

Unofficial Withdrawal: A student who received Title IV Funds (Pell Grant, FSEOG, or Direct Loans) and unofficially withdraws (stops attending) from all classes of the semester may owe funds back to the U.S. Department of Education and to Wallace State Community College. This amount is calculated at the 50% point of the term.

Failure to repay the funds immediately will result in an overpayment situation which will make the student ineligible to receive further Title IV aid at WSCC or any other college. The student's account will be placed on hold for registration and transcripts.

Withdrawal Policy/Procedure
Withdrawal from a Course During Registration and Drop/Add Period

A student may drop a course on their MyWallaceState account during registration until the drop/add period ends. The student can view the drop when processed on their MyWallaceState account. The class and the charges will be removed from the student's records if dropped before classes begin. Withdrawal from a Course After Registration and Drop/Add Period Ends Once the drop/add period is over the student may withdraw from a course and will receive the grade of W in the course. The W will be posted on the official transcript and will not be used in computing the GPA. (The W will be used in calculating attempted hours for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to receive Financial Aid.) The last date to withdraw from a course for the term is published in the current course schedule. Students can withdraw from a course via their MyWallaceState account or in person at Lion Central located in the Bailey Center Lobby. Students who receive financial aid are advised to contact the college financial aid department to determine impact on SAP

Withdrawal from the College

A student may withdraw from the institution up to the deadline published in the course schedule. Withdrawing from all classes constitutes a withdrawal from the college. Once the drop/add period is over the student may withdraw from a course or all course and will receive the grade of W in each course in which they withdraw. The W will be posted on the official transcript and will not be used in computing the overall GPA. The W will be used in the calculation for attempted hours on SAP. The last date to withdraw from a course (or all courses) is published in the current course schedule. Students can withdraw from the college via their MyWallaceState account or in person at Lion Central located in the Bailey Center Lobby. Students who receive financial aid are advised to meet with the Financial Aid Department to determine if withdrawing from all classes will impact their SAP.

Textbook Information

Textbook Price List

Bookstore Refund Policy

Textbooks
A full refund will be given in your original form of payment if textbooks are returned during the first week of classes with original receipt. With proof of a schedule change and original receipt, a full refund will be given in your original form of payment during the first 30 days of classes. No refunds on unwrapped loose-leaf books or shrink-wrapped titles which do not have the wrapping intact. No refunds on Digital Content once accessed. Textbooks must be in original condition. No refunds or exchanges without original receipt.

General Reading Books, Nook® Devices, Software, Audio, Video & Small Electronics
A full refund will be given in your original form of payment if merchandise is returned within 14 days of purchase with original receipt in original packaging. Opened software, audio books, DVDs, CDs, music, and small electronics may not be returned. They can be exchanged for the same item if defective. Merchandise must be in original condition. No refunds or exchanges without original receipt.

All Other Merchandise
A full refund will be given in your original form of payment with original receipt. Without a receipt, a store credit will be issued at the current selling price. Cash back on merchandise credits or gift cards will not exceed $1. No refunds on gift cards, prepaid cards, phone cards, newspapers, or magazines. Merchandise must be in original condition.

Fair Pricing Policy
Barnes & Noble College Booksellers comply with local weights and measures requirements. If the price on your receipt is above the advertised or posted price, please alert a bookseller and we will gladly refund the difference.

NOOK® is a registered trademark of barnesandnoble.com llc or its affiliates.

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