The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. They are:
• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Director of Records written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Director of Records will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the College official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
• The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify 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 or 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. One exception which 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 security personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; 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.
FOR FINANCIALLY DEPENDENT STUDENTS ONLY
Parental Notification On Student Records And College Matters
Parental rights of access to educational records depend on the student’s financial status, either dependent or independent. If the adult student is financially independent, parents have no right of access without the student’s consent. If, however, the student is a financial dependent, a parent/ guardian’s request for educational records is honored by York College. It is the student’s responsibility to clarify and document his/her financial status and acknowledge acceptance of the College's disclosure policy upon admission and to update such information via the Records Office.
Parents or legal guardians of financially dependent students will be notified by the Academic Affairs office/college officials when their son or daughter has been issued two or more warning grades at midterm. Professors are not required to issue warning grades, and some do not. A copy of the final grades will be sent to the designated parent(s)/guardian(s) in addition to the report sent to the student.
Parents or legal guardians of financially dependent students will be notified by the Student Affairs Office/college officials when their son or daughter has been responsible for a violation of the college’s student code of conduct. Students and parents are encouraged to discuss these disciplinary matters to assist in the attainment of behavioral improvement. Directory information is distributed without prior consent of the student. Directory information is defined as a student’s name, address, telephone number, date of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, class year, and degree and awards received. However, students who do not wish such information to be released or made public may inform the Admissions Office, if a new student, or the Records Office, if a returning student, in writing by September 1 for the fall semester or January 15 for the spring semester. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by York College of Pennsylvania 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
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202-4605
Antidiscrimination/Ethnic Intimidation Policy
All students are encouraged to participate in College activities without regard to sex, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, handicap, social affiliation, or age. York College does not tolerate and takes a firm position against all forms of discrimination as noted. Any student who feels he or she is a victim of discrimination or ethnic intimidation, or such harassment, may initiate a complaint through the student grievance procedure and legal channels. Contact: Student Affairs, Administration Building, (717) 815-1460.
Disclosure Of Campus Security Policy And Crime Statistics
All institutions of postsecondary education, both public and private, that participate in federal student aid programs must publish and disseminate an annual campus security report as well as make timely warnings. In compliance federal law, York College of Pennsylvania makes this information available online at www.ycp.edu/security/844.htm or in a printed document available at the Campus Safety and Security Office.
Sexual Harrassment Policy
York College is an equal opportunity employer and institution of higher education. We support legislation that protects College personnel against unlawful discrimination of any kind, including sexual harassment, and affirm the commitment of York College to ensure an environment for all employees and students which is fair, human, and respectful. Sexual harassment is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and is illegal, sex-based discrimination under Title IX of the Education Amendments act of 1972. It is against the policies of York College of Pennsylvania for any person (faculty, administrator, staff member, or student), male or female, to engage in sexual harassment of another person (faculty, administrator, staff member, or student). Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
This conduct constitutes sexual harassment in the following circumstances:
1. When it is made either explicitly or implicitly a condition of an employee’s employment, or a student’s academic assessment, or progress or participation in college activities.
2. When submission to or a rejection of such conduct is made the basis for employment decisions or decisions affecting academic assessment, progress or status, or participation in other college activities.
3. When such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment. Sexual harassment does not refer to behavior of a socially acceptable nature. It refers to behavior that is not welcome, that is personally offensive, that fails to respect the rights of others, that lowers morale and, therefore, interferes with our institutional effectiveness. Sexual harassment may take different forms. One specific form is the demand for sexual favors. Other forms of harassment include the following:
• Verbal – Sexual innuendoes, suggestive comments, jokes of a sexual nature, sexual propositions, threats.
• Nonverbal – Sexually suggestive objects or pictures, graphic commentaries, suggestive or insulting sounds, leering, whistling, obscene gestures.
• Physical – Unwanted physical contact, including touching, pinching, brushing the body, coerced sexual intercourse, assault. The determination of whether conduct constitutes sexual harassment depends on the totality of the circumstances, the nature of the conduct or advances, and the context in which they occur. The policy of the College is not intended to regulate or interfere with normal personal relationships, but to remedy serious or persistent sexual conduct which is unwelcome.
Sexual harassment may be overt or subtle, but whatever form it takes, sexual harassment is insulting and demeaning and cannot be tolerated at York College. All personnel (faculty, administrators, staff members, or students) will be expected to comply with this policy and take appropriate measures to ensure that sexual harassment does not occur. Appropriate disciplinary action (up to and including termination or expulsion, as relevant) will be taken against anyone who violates this policy against sexual harassment, in accord with relevant York College disciplinary procedures for that person’s cohort group (faculty, administrators, staff members, or students).
Anyone subjected to acts of sexual harassment should immediately complain to his or her supervisor or at the individual’s option to the following officers:
Primary Alternate
Faculty Dean of Academic Affairs President
Administrators President Director of Personnel
Staff Director of Personnel President
Students Dean of Student Affairs Coordinator of Counseling Services
Complaints will be fairly and promptly investigated and discipline, if appropriate, will be pursued through normal channels that apply to each cohort group.
Student Conduct and Procedural Standards
The College reserves the right to impose sanctions, up to and including expulsion from the College, if the student has engaged in activity in violation of the institutional regulations and objectives of the College. York College of Pennsylvania stands against the violation of the law and is responsible to cooperate and communicate as appropriate with law enforcement agencies in their duties. Students are expected to be aware of local, state, and federal laws, and understand their responsibilities as members of this educational community. Student victims will be assisted through proper advising on legal rights/options, counseling, and access/referral to existing victim support services. For assistance and consultation, students can contact the appropriate office, Safety and Security Department, Counseling Services, Housing Services, or Student Affairs.
Parking and Traffic Enforcement
The Department of Public Safety at York College of Pennsylvania is responsible for enforcing parking and traffic regulations on all College property. These regulations were established to provide York College with a safe and organized community in which to live and learn and are in effect at all times throughout the year. In addition to College policies, all traffic and parking regulations regulated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania apply and are enforced on campus. The Department of Public Safety maintains office hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Vehicles
All students are permitted to have motor vehicles on campus with certain restrictions for resident freshmen and sophomores as well as West Campus residents. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors who operate a vehicle on campus are required to register with the Department of Public Safety within two business days of the vehicle's arrival on campus. It is not permissible for one person to obtain a permit for another. Vehicles must display a valid parking permit to park on campus. Parking permits are valid from August to August and are renewed at the beginning of each academic year in September.
When parking on campus, vehicles must be parked between white-lined spaces. Areas on campus without white lines, which include lawn areas, roadways, painted curbs, sidewalks and walkways, are not legal parking areas. Vehicles parked illegally will be issued a parking citation.
• RESIDENT UNDERCLASS AND WEST CAMPUS RESIDENTS - Resident underclass (freshmen and sophomores) and students who reside on the West Campus are permitted to have a vehicle at York College and will be issued a parking permit for a fee of $40 per vehicle for the academic year. Underclass and West Campus residents are restricted to West Campus parking areas and are not permitted to park vehicles on the Main Campus, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Resident underclass is defined as those students residing in campus housing or dormitories who have 59 or fewer credits.
• RESIDENT UPPERCLASS - Resident upperclass (juniors and seniors) of the Main Campus will be issued a parking permit for a fee of $40 per vehicle for the academic year, which entitles them to park in resident parking lots on the Main Campus. Resident parking is located south of the Pershing House and to the west of Penn and Beard Halls. Resident parking is also located below the Grounds Building or in the spaces in front or to the rear of Tyler Run complex. Resident upperclass is defined as those students residing in campus housing or dormitories who have 60 or more credits.
• COMMUTER - Commuter students will be issued a parking permit and can utilize the commuter parking areas on the main campus. Please note, overnight parking in the commuter parking areas of the main campus is not permitted by anyone between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. This regulation will be strictly enforced. Commuter students will be permitted to register a vehicle for a fee of $20 per vehicle, per academic year, which entitles them to park in any commuter lot (refer to map).
• FACULTY/STAFF lots are controlled 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students are not permitted to park in faculty/staff parking spaces at any time. Students are not considered visitors.
Stolen, lost, or damaged permits can be replaced for $20 per semester for all residents and $10 for commuters. If original decal is presented for replacement, there is no charge. There are no partial refunds for parking permits. It is the responsibility of the registrant to report lost or stolen permits.
Motorcycles must adhere to the same College regulations as any other motor vehicle.
Temporary Parking Permits
Those students, faculty, or staff members who have their cars on campus for a brief period of time may receive a temporary permit from the Public Safety Office at no charge. Temporary handicapped parking permits are available in the Public Safety Office for students with temporary medical needs. A valid doctor's note on physician script must be presented to the Public Safety Office and must specify medical conditions and duration of illness. All temporary parking permits must be displayed in the rear window of the vehicle and are only valid for York College properties.
Handicapped Parking
Use of a handicapped parking space is restricted by law to vehicles occupied by persons who are handicapped and which display an authorized handicapped plate, placard, or a temporary permit issued by the Department of Public Safety. Persons issued a state plate or placard must have a state-issued placard ID card on their possession. It is not legal for any person to use parking reserved for the handicapped when the person for whom the handicapped plate, placard, or permit is not on the vehicle. Vehicles not displaying a handicapped plate, placard, or permit are subject to a $30 fine and/or towing. Handicapped parking spaces are not temporary parking spaces.
Guest Vehicles
Any resident student having an overnight guest must register the guest's vehicle with the Department of Public Safety no later than 24 hours prior to their arrival. Vehicles of guests arriving over a weekend or holiday must be registered no later than 5 p.m. Friday or the last business day before a holiday. Guests will be issued a temporary parking permit which must be displayed on the rearview mirror with the permit information facing the windshield. Students are not authorized to obtain and display a guest permit for their own vehicle(s).
All guest vehicles must park overnight in resident parking lots and are subject to the same traffic and parking policies as students. It is the responsibility of the student to inform his or her guests of the parking policies. Day time guests and visitors to the College must obtain a temporary permit from the Public Safety Office and are subject to the same traffic and parking policies as students. Students may be held accountable for fines imposed upon their guests for any parking offenses incurred. Visitors may park in the visitor parking lots with a valid temporary permit. Students are not considered visitors.
Commuter Lots
Vehicles are not permitted to park in commuter lots between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Monday through Friday without prior approval from the Director of Public Safety. These parking areas are used to accommodate commuter students. Commuter lots are available to all persons during the weekend, beginning on Friday at 5 p.m. and ending on Monday at 2 a.m. Vehicles parked in commuter lots during the prohibited times will be issued a parking citation.
General Information
• The speed limit on campus is 15 mph. All students, faculty, staff, and visitors are to drive with caution and adhere to this speed limit. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times.
• Vehicles violating traffic and parking regulations will receive a fine that is payable at the Business Office in person or by mail - do not mail cash. Unpaid fines will be forwarded to the Business Office and treated as a delinquent bill. Students will have transcripts withheld and will not be able to register for classes if they have outstanding violations. Additionally, the College reserves the right to tow vehicles or utilize a special locking device, at the owner's expense, on the vehicle of repeat offenders or those parked in a manner that obstructs traffic.
• Any parking violation, regardless of who was operating the vehicle, shall be the responsibility of the registrant.
• Any traffic violation will be the responsibility of the operator.
• When parking parallel to curb side parking, the passenger side wheels shall be against the curb.
• Vehicles shall not be parked on campus during breaks without the prior approval from the Director of Public Safety. If this becomes necessary, vehicles will be registered with the Public Safety Office and parked in the lower level of the parking garage. Vehicles found parked on campus during breaks that are not registered or in lots other than the lower level of the parking garage will be issued a parking citation and may be towed to another location on campus at the owner's expense.
• Disabled vehicles must be reported to Public Safety immediately. Disabled and/or abandoned vehicles will be removed from the campus property at the owner's expense. Removal of license plates does not absolve the owner of the responsibility for proper removal of a vehicle. Having a disabled vehicle does not absolve the owner of the responsibility for paying a parking citation if the vehicle is illegally parked.
• The College is not responsible for any damage that might occur as a result of having a vehicle removed from campus. Any vehicle requiring a "wheel lock" will receive a fine of $25.
• Tampering, removing, or altering a "wheel lock" device may result in the cost of the device being assessed to the violator's college account.
• A vehicle may be cited again for the same violation after a five hour period.
• Vehicle owners/operators who receive five or more parking citations during a semester will receive a letter to their last known address, banning them from parking a vehicle on campus. It is the owners/operators responsibility to inform the Department of Public Safety of any address changes. These vehicles are prohibited from parking on the Main Campus. Vehicles found on campus after being barred will be towed at the owners/operators expense to Darrah's Towing, 535 Prospect Street, York, PA.
• Vehicle owners/operators who receive three traffic citations during a semester may be barred from parking their vehicle(s) on campus. It is the owner's/operator's responsibility to inform the Department of Public Safety of any address changes. These vehicles are prohibited from parking on the Main Campus. Vehicles found on campus after being barred will be towed at the owner's/operator's expense to Darrah's Towing, 535 Prospect Street, York, PA.
• Vehicles not registered and/or parked in an unauthorized area will be identified through State Motor Vehicle Departments or a private service. The fine for unregistered vehicles is $30 plus a $20 fee to identify vehicles through the State Motor Vehicles Department or private service.
• All parking permits must be hung on the rearview mirror with the permit number facing the windshield and in a manner in which the permit can be easily read. Motorcycles must affix the permit decal securely. It is the responsibility of the owner/operator of the vehicle to ensure the decal is displayed properly and is void of any obstruction.
• A 15-minute maximum is permitted for loading/unloading. The vehicle hazard lights must be on and flashing and the vehicle must be parked in a valid parking space, not in a turn lane, a fire lane, or in a roadway.
• All York College students and their visitors are discouraged from parking on streets adjacent to the College. Side streets have restricted parking. These areas are enforced by the local police jurisdiction.
• Parking, standing, or stopping is prohibited in any space or zone designated NO PARKING or RESERVED by a sign, painted surface, traffic control device, or College policy. These areas include:
• Loading docks, crosswalks, sidewalks, or lawns
• Fire lanes
• Roadways, parking lot driveways, or aisles.
• Traffic control devices:
• Stop signs, yield signs, no parking signs
• Orange traffic cones, and traffic barricades
• Double-parking, parking, standing or stopping on roadways or parking so that the vehicle occupies multiple spaces is not permitted.
• Vehicles parked in front of dumpsters will be issued a citation and billed for the current fine imposed on the College by the refuse company for the missed pickup.
• A parking permit is valid only for the vehicle to which it is registered.
• Fraudulently registering a vehicle may result in judicial punishment. This includes:
• Purchasing a permit in another person's name
• Registering a vehicle which will be used by a person not authorized for campus parking
• Use of a Visitor or Guest Permit by a student
• Alteration to or counterfeit of a permit
• Misrepresenting eligibility (including local address) to obtain a parking permit
Moving Violations
The York College campus has roadways designated for travel to reduce traffic congestion and prevent collisions. All vehicles driven on the YCP campus are subject to the rules and regulations of the campus as well as PA state traffic laws and are to obey all traffic control devices. The speed limit on campus is 15 mph. No person shall operate a vehicle at a greater speed than is reasonable and practical under existing conditions. All students are to drive with caution and adhere to this speed limit.
Drivers are required to obey all traffic signs, signals, devices, and instructions from authorized persons directing traffic. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times. Anyone operating a motor vehicle contrary to these designations or in a negligent manner will be issued a traffic citation from the Department of Public Safety. Any offense can result in a judicial hearing if the circumstances of the case warrant. The Department of Public Safety has the discretion to revoke the privilege of operating a motor vehicle on campus.
Appeals
An appeal of a citation may be made after an amount equal to the fine has been deposited with the Business Office. The appeal should set forth reasons for appealing the citation(s) and must be submitted to the Department of Public Safety within five (5) business days from the date that the citation was issued. Any appeal received after the five working day limit will NOT be considered. Appeal forms may be obtained from the Department of Public Safety.
Fire Lanes
To ensure unobstructed access for all emergency vehicles, roadways and areas in front of ALL campus facilities must remain clear of all vehicles. Fire lanes are clearly marked with yellow paint. Vehicles found parked in fire lanes are subject to receiving a citation and/or removal from campus at the owner's expense. Fire lanes are not temporary parking spaces.
Snow Emergencies & Storm Alert
When a snow emergency is declared at York College, all parallel and perpendicular roadway parking is prohibited. Persons with vehicles parked on campus should tune in to the College Cable TV Channel 7, College Radio Stations AM640 and FM 99.7, or observe the signs that will be placed in building lobbies. During a snow emergency, overnight parking is only permitted in the lower level of the parking garage by residents with a Main Campus permit. Certain parking areas will also be closed at different times to allow proper snow removal. Vehicle owners will be informed as to the specific location.
Vehicles that violate this policy will receive a $20 fine and be towed to another area of campus. The vehicle owner is responsible for all towing charges. York College of Pennsylvania is not responsible for any damage that might occur as a result of having a vehicle towed. In the event of a severe or lingering rainstorm, all vehicles parked in Commuter bays 1, 2, 3, and the parking lot between the tennis courts and the creek must be moved to prevent flooding to vehicles.
Emergency Call Boxes
Emergency call boxes are located in various locations on campus. Emergency call boxes are easily identifiable by a blue light located at the top of the call box pole. These call boxes can be utilized 24 hours a day to call the Department of Public Safety cellular phone.
Campus Escorts
On-campus escorts are available through the Department of Public Safety. Escorts are available 24 hours a day by calling Ext. 1314 from a campus phone or 577-1314 from an off-campus phone. On-campus escorts take the form of an officer walking a person to their vehicle or building. Escorts to West Campus parking may utilize the patrol van. Van escorts are only available from dusk to dawn, to and from Main Campus, West Campus parking, Country Club Manor, Spring Garden Apartments, and Brockie Commons. Changes/additions in the parking regulations will be published in the Daily Bulletin and the Spartan. On campus: Ext. 1314 - Off Campus: 815-1314 - OR use any of the campus yellow call boxes.
Park at Your Own Risk
The College is not responsible for vehicles or personal possessions left in vehicles while parked on campus; however, any theft that does take place should be reported to the Department of Public Safety immediately
Facilities Use
York College welcomes visitors to campus. For the safety and respect of others we ask that visitors abide by the following guidelines:
• York College athletic and intramural fields are for exclusive use by YCP students, faculty, staff, and alumni; trespassers will be asked to leave.
• The College gymnasiums are for exclusive use by York College students, faculty, staff, spouses, and alumni. A College ID card must be presented for participation.
• The walking path near Tyler Run Creek and the College's quarter-mile track are available for fitness enthusiasts.
• Pets must be leashed, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
• Prolonged loitering by groups is prohibited.
• Motorized vehicles, such as mopeds and motorcycles, are prohibited on fields and walkways.
• Visitors are prohibited from skateboarding, inline skating, and similar activities anywhere on campus.
STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARDS
Bar-coded ID photo cards are required of all full-time and part-time students. Each student receives their first ID card for free during their first semester at the College. It is a four-year card and is necessary for use of the library, computer center, admission to student activities, athletic events, dining hall, identification purposes, etc. Carry it with you when on campus. Student ID cards are to be presented or given to any College faculty, staff, or administrator upon request. In order to receive your ID card, or a replacement card, a student must present another form of picture ID and a printed College document with their College ID number on it. To replace a lost, stolen, or laundered card, students must pay a $30 replacement fee in the Business Office. A receipt will be provided which should be taken to Public Safety for a new ID. Photo IDs are taken weekly during the academic year. Please see the Department of Public Safety for weekly schedule.
WITHDRAWLS AND REFUND POLICY
Failure to attend class, merely giving notice to instructors, or telephoning, will not be considered as an official withdrawal and will result in receiving a failing grade for the course. Students who do not officially withdraw are still responsible for payment of tuition and fees. A Change of Student Record Form must be obtained and returned to the Registrar’s Office or the Campbell Hall Adult Learner Center. Refunds of tuition and fees will be pro-rated on a daily basis according to the number of days in the semester. Refunds will not be processed past 60% completion of the semester. NOTE: The calculation will be based on the total number of calendar days in the semester regardless of the actual class start date.