Part II: Administrative Regulations

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Table of Contents

I. Student Policy on Parental/Guardian Notification

The College may notify the parents of students who are under the age of 21 on the date of adjudication of any violations of College policies involving the use, possession or distribution of alcohol or drugs.

II. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Policy

Introduction

Chattahoochee Valley Community College complies with initiatives described by the DrugFree Schools and Campuses Regulations. The College is strongly committed to providing a drug-free learning and working environment. It is the policy of CVCC that information related to compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations shall be distributed electronically to each student at CVCC on an annual basis, is included in the Catalog and Student Handbook, is included on the College website and is included in required new student Orientation and Student Success course.

Standards of Conduct, Enforcement, and Sanctions

Chattahoochee Valley Community College is a public educational institution of the State of Alabama and, as such, shall not permit on its premises or at any activity which it sponsors the possession, use or distribution of any alcoholic beverage or any illicit drug by any student, employee or visitor. In the event of the confirmation of such prohibited possession, use or distribution by a student, Chattahoochee Valley Community College shall take such administrative or disciplinary action as is appropriate. The disciplinary action may include but shall not be limited to suspension or expulsion. If any student shall engage in any behavior prohibited by this policy which is also a violation of federal, state or local law or ordinance, that student shall be subject to referral to law enforcement officials for arrest and prosecution.

State Offenses

Activities which violate Alabama laws concerning illicit possession, use and distribution of alcoholic beverages or drugs include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Public intoxication is punishable by up to 30 days in jail. (Code of Alabama [1975], sec. 13A-11-10).
  2. Possession, consumption, or transportation of an alcoholic beverage by a person of less than 21 years of age is punishable by fine of $25-$100 or a 30-day jail term. (Code, sec. 28-1-5).
  3. Possession or distribution of an alcoholic beverage in a dry county is punishable by a fine of $50-$500 and, at the discretion of a judge, a jail sentence of up to six months. (Code, sec. 28-4-20, et seq).
  4. Possession of an alcoholic beverage illegally manufactured or illegally brought into the State of Alabama is punishable by a fine of $100-$1,000, plus, at the discretion of a judge, a jail sentence of up to six (6) months (Code, sec. 28-1-1).
  5. Driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is punishable, upon first conviction, by a fine of $250-$1,000 and/ or one year in jail plus suspension of drivers’ license for 90 days. (Code, sec. 32-5A-191).
  6. Possession of marijuana for personal use is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and/or a jail sentence of up to one year (Code, sec. 13A-12-214).
  7. Possession of marijuana for other than personal use is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and a prison sentence of not more than ten years (Code, sec. 13A-12213).
  8. The selling, furnishing, giving away, manufacturing, delivery or distribution of a controlled substance listed in Schedules I-V of the Alabama Controlled Substance Act is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and/or a prison term of not less than two years and not more than 20 years (Code, sec. 13A-12-211).
  9. The selling, furnishing or giving by a person 18 years or older to a person under 18 years of age any controlled substance listed in Schedules I-V of the Alabama Controlled Substance Act is punishable by a fine of up to $20,000 and/or a prison term of not less than ten years and up to life (Code, sec. 13A-12-215).
  10. Possession of a controlled substance enumerated in Schedule I through V is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 and/or prison term of not more than ten years (Code, sec. 13A-12-212).
  11. Conviction for an unlawful sale of a controlled substance within a three-mile radius of an educational institution brings with it an additional penalty of five years of imprisonment with no provision for parole (Code, sec. 13A-12-250).
  12. The use or possession with intent to use of drug paraphernalia is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000 (Code, sec. 13A-12-260).
  13. The sale or delivery of or possession with the intent to sell or deliver, drug paraphernalia is punishable by not more than one year in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000. If the delivery or sale is to a person under 18 years of age, it is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000 (Code, sec.13A-12-260). Penalties for subsequent violations of the above described provisions are progressively more severe than the initial convictions.

Federal Offenses

Activities which violate Federal laws concerning illicit possession, use or distribution of alcoholic beverages and drugs include, but are not limited to, the following (21 U.S.C. 841) makes it a crime:

  1. to manufacture, distribute, dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense a controlled substance or
  2. to create, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to distribute or dispense or counterfeit a controlled substance. (The U.S. Code establishes, and authorizes the U.S. Attorney General to revise as needed classifications of controlled substances. The drugs are each classified in one or more of five “schedules,” Schedule I being comprised essentially of “street drugs” and Schedule V being comprised of drugs with a “low potential for abuse” as compared with drugs in Schedules I-IV). Examples of Schedule I drugs are heroin and marijuana. PCP, for example, is a Class I drug. Amphetamine is a Schedule II drug, while Barbital is a Schedule IV drug. An example of a Schedule V drug would be a prescription medication with not more than 200 mg. of codeine per 100 grams. Penalties for a first offense conviction of violating the laws described in items (1) and (2) above are:
    1. In the case of a Schedule I or II drug which is a narcotic drug, not more than fifteen years in prison, a fine of not more than $25,000 or both.
    2. In the case of a Schedule I or II drug which is not a narcotic drug or in the case of a Schedule III drug, not more than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $15,000 or both.
    3. In the case of a Schedule IV drug, not more than three years in prison, a fine of not more than $10,000 or both.
    4. In the case of a Schedule V drug, not more than one year in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000 or both.
    5. Notwithstanding sub-paragraphs (1) through (4) above, the distribution of a small amount of marijuana for no remuneration is punishable by imprisonment of not more than one year and/or a fine of not more than $5,000.
    6. Notwithstanding subparagraph (1) through (4) above, the manufacture, possession, distribution or intent to manufacture, possess, or distribute phencyclidine (PCP, “angel dust”) is punishable by up to ten years in prison and/or a fine of not more than $25,000. Penalties for subsequent violations of these provisions are progressively more severe than for initial convictions.

Local Ordinances

The State of Alabama Code has been adopted locally. Any other provisions as are applicable to the City of Phenix City and Russell County have also been adopted.

Health Risks of Drug and Alcohol Use and Abuse

The following is a list of some of the health risks and symptoms associated with the following categories or substances. This list is not intended to be the final word on such health risks since the scientific and medical communities will continue their research into and discoveries concerning the abusive use of drugs and alcohol.

Cannabis

  1. Includes marijuana, hashish, hashish oil, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
  2. Regularly observed physical effects of cannabis are a substantial increase in heart rate, bloodshot eyes, a dry mouth and throat, and increased appetite. Use of cannabis may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time and reduce ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination such as driving a car. Research also shows that students do not retain knowledge when they are “high.” Motivation and cognition may be altered, making the acquisition of new information difficult. Marijuana can also produce paranoia and psychosis. Because users often inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply and then hold it in their lungs as long as possible, marijuana damages the lungs and pulmonary system. Marijuana smoke contains more cancer causing agents than tobacco. Long-term users of cannabis may develop psychological dependence and require more of the drug to get the same effect.

Cocaine

  1. Includes cocaine in powder form and “crack” in crystalline or pellet forms. Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system. Its immediate effects include dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature. Occasional use can cause a stuffy or runny nose while chronic use can ulcerate the mucous membrane of the nose. Injecting cocaine with unsterile equipment may transmit AIDS, hepatitis and other diseases. Preparation of free base, which involves the use of volatile solvents, can result in death or injury from fire or explosion. Cocaine can produce psychological and physical dependency, a feeling that the user cannot function without the drug. In addition, tolerance develops rapidly. Crack or freebase rock is extremely addictive and its effects are felt within 10 seconds. The physical effects include dilated pupils, increased pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, tactile hallucinations, paranoia and seizures. The use of cocaine can cause death by disrupting the brain’s control of the heart and respiration.

Other Stimulants

  1. Include amphetamines and methamphetamines (“speed”); phenmetrazine (Preludin); methylphenidate (Ritalin)  and “anorectic” (appetite suppressant) drugs such as Didrex, Pre-Sate, Fastin, Profast, etc.
  2. Stimulants can cause increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils and decreased appetite. In addition, users may experience sweating, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, sleeplessness and anxiety. Extremely high doses can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination and physical collapse.
  3. An amphetamine injection creates a sudden increase in blood pressure that can result in stroke, very high fever or heart failure. In addition to the physical effects, users report feeling restless, anxious, and moody. Higher doses intensify the effects. Persons who use large amount of amphetamines over a long period of time can develop an amphetamine psychosis that includes hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. These symptoms usually disappear when drug uses ceases.

Depressants

  1. Include such drugs as barbiturates; methaqualone (Quaaludes) and tranquilizers such as Valium, Librium, Equanil, Meprobamate, Xanax, etc.
  2. The effects of depressants are in many ways similar to the effects of alcohol. Small amounts can produce calmness and relaxed muscles but somewhat larger doses can cause slurred speech, staggering gait and altered perception. Very large doses can cause respiratory depression, coma and death. The combination of depressants and alcohol can multiply the effects of the drugs thereby multiplying the risks. The use of depressants can cause both physical and psychological dependence. Regular use over time may result in a tolerance to the drug, leading the user to increase the quantity consumed. When regular users suddenly stop taking large doses, they may develop withdrawal symptoms ranging from restlessness, insomnia and anxiety to convulsions and death. Babies born to mothers who abuse depressants during pregnancy may be physically dependent on the drugs and show withdrawal symptoms shortly after they are born. Birth defects and behavioral problems also may result.

Narcotics

  1. Include such substances as heroin, morphine, opium and codeine as well as methadone, meperidine (Demerol), hydromorphine (Dilaudin) and such drugs as Percocet, Percodan, Darvon, Talwin, Lortab, Lorcet, Anexia, etc.
  2. Narcotics initially produce a feeling of euphoria that often is followed by drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. Users also may experience constricted pupils, watery eyes and itching. An overdose may produce slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma and possibly death.
  3. Tolerance to narcotics develops rapidly and dependence is likely. The use of contaminated syringes may result in disease such as AIDS, endocarditis and hepatitis. Addiction in pregnant women can lead to premature, stillborn or addicted infants who experience severe withdrawal symptoms.

Hallucinogens

  1. Include phencyclidine (“PCP”), lysergic acid diethylamide (“LSD”), mescaline peyote and psilocybin (mushrooms).
  2. Phencyclidine (PCP) interrupts the functions of the neocortex, the section of the brain that controls the intellect and keeps instincts in check. Because the drug blocks pain receptors, violent PCP episodes may result in self-inflicted injuries.
  3. The effects of PCP vary but users frequently report a sense of distance and estrangement. Time and body movement are slowed down. Muscular coordination worsens and senses are dulled. Speech is blocked and incoherent. Chronic users of PCP report persistent memory problems and speech difficulties. Some of these effects may last six months to a year following prolonged daily use. Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety and violent behavior also occur. In later stages of chronic use, users often exhibit paranoid and violent behavior, and experience hallucinations. Large doses may produce convulsions and coma and heart, lung and brain damage.
  4. Lysergic acid (LSD) mescaline and psilocybin cause illusions and hallucinations. The   physical effects may include dilated pupils, elevated body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, and tremors. Sensations and feelings may change rapidly. It is common to have a bad psychological reaction to LSD, mescaline or psilocybin. The user may experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety and loss of control. Delayed effects, or flashbacks, can occur even after use has ceased.

Inhalants

  1. Include such substances as nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate (found in asthma inhalants), chlorohydrocarbons (used in aerosol sprays) and hydrocarbons (found in gasoline, glue and paint thinner).
  2. Immediate negative effects of inhalants include nausea, sneezing, coughing, nosebleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination and loss of appetite. Solvents and aerosol sprays decrease heart and respiratory rates and impair judgment. Amyl and butyl nitrite (asthma inhalant) cause rapid pulse and feces. Long-term use may result in hepatitis or brain hemorrhage.
  3. Deeply inhaling the vapors or using large amounts over a short period of time may result in disorientation, violent behavior, unconsciousness, or death. High concentration of inhalants can cause suffocation by displacing oxygen in the lungs or by depressing the central nervous system to the point that breathing stops. Long-term use can cause weight loss, fatigue, electrolyte imbalance, and muscle fatigue. Repeated sniffing of concentrated vapors over time can permanently damage the nervous system.

Designer Drugs

  1. Designer drugs include analogs of fentanyl and analogs of meperidine (synthetic heroin), analogs of amphetamines and methamphetamines (such as “Ecstasy”) and analogs of phencyclidine.
  2. Illegal drugs are defined in terms of their chemical formulas. Underground chemists modify the molecular structure of certain designer drugs. These drugs can be several hundred times stronger than the drugs they are designed to imitate.
  3. The narcotic analogs can cause symptoms such as those seen in Parkinson’s disease—uncontrollable tremors, drooling, impaired speech, paralysis, and irreversible brain damage. Analogs of amphetamines and methamphetamines cause nausea, blurred vision, chills or sweating and faintness. Psychological effects include anxiety, depression, and paranoia. As little as one dose can cause brain damage. The analogs of phencyclidine cause illusions, hallucinations, and impaired perceptions.

Alcohol

  1.  Ethyl alcohol, a natural substance formed by the fermentation that occurs when sugar reacts with yeast, is the major active ingredient in wine, beer and distilled spirits.
  2. Ethyl alcohol can produce feelings of well-being, sedation, and  intoxication and can cause unconsciousness or  death depending on how much is consumed and how fast it is consumed.
  3. Alcohol is a “psychoactive,” or mind-altering drug, as are narcotics and tranquilizers. It can alter moods, cause changes in the body and become habit forming. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and too much can cause slowed reactions, slurred speech and unconsciousness. Chronic use of alcohol has been associated with such diseases as alcoholism and cancers of the liver, stomach, colon, larynx, esophagus, and breast. Alcohol abuse can also lead to damage to the brain, pancreas and kidneys; high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes; hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver; stomach and duodenal ulcers; colitis; impotence and infertility, and premature aging. Abuse of alcohol has also been linked to birth defects and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Where to Get Assistance

Help is available for persons who are in need of counseling or other treatment for substance abuse. Listed below are agencies and organizations which can assist persons in need of such services.

National Toll-free Hotlines & Websites

Treatment Facility Locator
1-800-662-HELP
http://findtreatment.samsha.gov

Drug Help
http://www.drughelp.org

Cocaine Anonymous
http://www.ca.org

Marijuana Anonymous
http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Narcotics Anonymous
http://www.na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
http://aa.org

Local Treatment Facilities

The treatment facilities listed below provide either alcohol (A), drug (D) or alcohol and drug (A/D) treatment on an outpatient, residential or inpatient basis. Outpatient care generally consists of counseling and other therapy on a periodic basis, such as twice a week. Inpatient services include such treatment as detoxification and short-term hospital care. Residential services include residing (generally from one to six months) at a treatment facility and participating in such therapeutic activities as lectures, group counseling, individual counseling and self-analysis. Some of the listed facilities are private and some are public. In most instances, the care offered at a public facility is less expensive than similar services offered at private facilities. However, many health and hospitalization insurance policies include coverage for substance abuse treatment. There are also situations in which private facilities are provided public funding to offer services to eligible clients who would not otherwise be able to afford such services.

Local Treatment Facilities

Phenix City Area Court Referral Program
1517 5th Avenue, Phenix City, AL
(334)448-4466

Agape Center
214 8th Street, Columbus, GA
(706)327-0156

Alcohol and Drug Counseling of Columbus
2901 University Avenue # 41, Columbus, GA
(706)507-9010

Substance Abuse Day Services
4411 Rosemont Drive, Columbus, GA
(706)571-8936

Russell County - East Alabama Mental Health Center
3170 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway South
Phenix City, AL 36869
(334)448-1555

The Bradley Center
2000 16th Ave.
Columbus, GA 31901
(706)320-3700

Pastoral Institute
2022 15th Ave.
Columbus, GA 31901
(706)649-6500

  

III. Campus Policies

1. Children on Campus      

Minor children of students are not permitted in classrooms or laboratories at any time. If children accompany students during registration or other business on campus, the children must be properly supervised at all times. Children age 15 and under are not allowed in the Learning Resource Center unless accompanied by an adult (age 18 or older) who is conducting business there. Children must remain with the adult and be properly supervised at all times. College employees are responsible for enforcing this policy. Students violating this policy will be required to take immediate measures to comply with this policy.

2. Dress and Appearance 

CVCC students are expected to dress appropriately at all times including complying with attire standards for special functions. CVCC reserves the right to require students to adjust their attire when it is deemed to be disruptive to the learning process or the order of the College.

3. Protection of Personal Property                

CVCC is not responsible for the protection of students’ personal property. Students should always keep purses, book bags, etc. in their possession in a locked vehicle or other secure place. Lost and found items should be reported to and found items should be taken to the Security Kiosk.

4. Telephone Use and Emergency Messages 

Students are permitted to use faculty and staff telephones only in emergency situations. College employees will not accept messages for or deliver messages to any student except in emergency situations, such as, but not limited to: illness in the student’s family, death, or accident.

5. Use of Computer Resources        

CVCC makes on-campus computer resources available to its students. The College encourages use of the Internet and e-mail to make communication more efficient and effective. Internet service and e-mail are College property. Their purpose is to facilitate College programs, services and activities with resources that provide laboratory experience for approved courses, support for academic programs and support for authorized research.

Acceptable uses of the Internet and E-mail

The CVCC Acceptable Use Policy is established to maximize availability and fair access to the College Internet and e-mail resources. The College-provided Internet and e-mail access is intended to support education; research; local, state or national government affairs; economic development and public service related to College supported activities.

Alabama Research and Education Network

The Alabama Research and Education Network (AREN) is a statewide network administered by the Alabama Supercomputer Authority (ASA). Access to the Internet at CVCC is provided through an Alabama Supercomputer Authority (ASA) statewide contract with a regional network provider. Use of Internet access at the College must be consistent with ASA’s primary goals and its acceptable use policy. In those cases when information is transmitted across regional networks or the Internet, AREN users are advised that acceptable use policies of those networks apply and may limit access.

Software

To prevent computer viruses from being transmitted through the College’s e-mail/ Internet system, downloading of any software should be only from sites sponsored or recommended by legitimate and reputable companies or individuals.

Security

All messages created, sent, or retrieved over the College email/Internet system are the property of the College and should be considered public information.The College reserves the right to access and monitor all messages and files on its email/Internet system. Employees should not assume electronic communications are totally private and should transmit highly confidential data in other ways.

The Alabama Supercomputer Authority (ASA) also reserves the right to monitor and review all traffic on AREN for potential violations of its policies.

Violations

Users who abuse the privilege of College-facilitated access to e-mail or the Internet will be subject to disciplinary action. The College also reserves the right to advise appropriate officials of any legal violations.

Violations of ASA policy that are not promptly remedied by individuals and member institutions may result in termination of access to AREN. Final authority for the determination of violation of the ASA Acceptable Use Policy and subsequent penalty rests with the ASA Board of Directors. It is the responsibility of member representatives to contact ASA, in writing, regarding questions of interpretation. Until such issues are resolved, questionable use should be considered “not acceptable.”

Chattahoochee Valley Community College is not liable for injury, damage or expense arising from any sites or materials accessed through use of its Internet/e-mail system.

6. Email: Official Means of Communication

The College created official cv.edu email addresses for all employees and students and has adopted email as the official form of communication to these cv.edu mail accounts. The College considers other forms of campus communication as supplemental.

7. Student ID Cards

All students are required to have a CVCC ID made upon enrolling at the College. ID cards are made in the Learning Resource Center (LRC) at the beginning of each academic term. Hours will be posted by the LRC each semester. Students are required to produce this card at the request of any college official.

8. Expressive Activities by the Campus Community

Chattahoochee Valley Community College respects your need to engage in expressive activities on campus. For purposes of this policy, the “Campus Community” includes CVCC students, administrators, faculty, and staff as well as the invited guests of the College and the College’s recognized student organizations (including organizations seeking recognition), administrators, faculty and staff.

Members of the Campus Community shall be permitted to engage in expressive activities in outdoor areas of the CVCC campus which enjoy general access during regular hours of College operation, subject to the limitations described below. Expressive activities are defined as those activities protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article 1, Section 4 of the Alabama Constitution of 1901, including any lawful verbal, written or electronic communication of ideas; lawful forms of peaceful assembly, protests, and speeches; distributing literature; carrying signs; and circulating petitions.

Outdoor areas where expressive activities are not allowed include:

Areas within (12) circulating feet of classrooms, athletic facilities; outdoor classrooms and areas where access is restricted due to operational or safety protocols, such as energy or maintenance control areas.

This policy does not apply to expressive activities that take place in indoor areas on CVCC property including, but not limited to, classrooms or classroom buildings or offices; auditoriums; performing arts venues; event centers; and recreational facilities. Expressive activities in these areas are governed by CVCC policies as outlined in the College Catalog and Student Handbook and College Policies and Procedures Manual, subject to the requirement that CVCC must be open to any speaker whom CVCC student organizations or faculty have invited.

Members of the Campus Community who engage in expressive activities in permitted outdoor areas may do so freely, spontaneously, and contemporaneously as long as the conduct is lawful, in accordance with laws applicable to conduct and activities on CVCC property, and does not materially and substantially disrupt the functioning of the College or infringe upon the rights of others to engage in expressive activities.

Conduct that may materially and substantially disrupt the functioning of CVCC or infringe upon the rights of others to engage in expressive activities may include:

  1. Obstruction of vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, or other traffic;
  2. Obstruction of entrances or exits to buildings or driveways or impeding entry or exit from any building or parking lot or vehicular path;
  3. Violations of a state, federal or local law, regulation, or ordinance;
  4. Threats to passersby or the use of fighting words, which are words that by their mere utterance inflict violence or would tend to incite a reasonable person to violence or other breach of the peace;
  5. Following, badgering, or forcibly detaining individuals;
  6. Interference with scheduled College classes, ceremonies or events, including memorials, dedications or classroom activities, whether indoors or outdoors
  7. Damage to property, including buildings, benches, sidewalks, fixtures, grass, shrubs, trees, flowers, or other landscaping;
  8. Use of sound amplification, including bullhorns, except within reasonable limits that will not disrupt normal College operations;
  9. Use of placards, banners, or signs that are dangerous or cause obstruction;
  10. Engaging in expressive activities in prohibited or restricted areas;
  11. Any other interference with normal College operations beyond a minor, brief, or fleeting nonviolent disruption that is isolated or brief in duration; or
  12. Any other conduct or activity not protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 4 of the Alabama Constitution, or other state law.

CVCC will provide police and security officers and use other security measures to ensure the safety of all participants, the Campus Community, and the public. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit the College from charging a fee for security for events, provided that such fees may not be calculated or otherwise based on the content of the protected expressive activity or the anticipated reaction to the protected expressive activity.

If the organizer of the event or the College determines that security is needed for an event, beyond what security is typically provided by the College during regular hours of operation, the organizers of the event will be charged a fee based on the number of expected attendees. The fee schedule for security will be provided by the College Business Office upon request.

The President may waive this security fee, but may not base the decision on the basis of the content of the expressive activity or the anticipated reaction to the protected expressive activity, except in emergency situations in which there is a clear and present danger to the campus community or to the public.

CVCC may also charge a fee for the use of campus facilities, such as for the use of IT resources or cleanup costs. These fees will not be based on the content of the expressive activity.

To promote a safe and effective event, individuals or groups from the Campus Community planning to engage in expressive activity that they anticipate will require the assistance of security are expected to provide sufficient notice to the Office of the Dean of Students and Campus Services at least one week, but no less than 48 hours in advance of the event. Such arrangements enable CVCC to ensure the event takes place in a safe and constructive manner.

Individuals and groups who engage in expressive activity in outdoor areas on CVCC property are subject to CVCC policies relating to the use and operation of campus facilities, including without limitation policies relating to firearms and weapons, alcohol, smoking, and trespass. CVCC prohibits the possession or use of clubs, bats, weapons, open flames, or other dangerous materials on campus property during these events.

CVCC shall not permit members of the Campus Community to engage in conduct that materially and substantially disrupts protected expressive activity or infringes on the right to engage in expressive activity. Any act of reprisal, interference, coercion, or restraint, by a student or employee, of protected expressive activity, violates this policy and will result in appropriate disciplinary action. Disciplinary sanctions for members of the Campus Community under the jurisdiction of CVCC who violate this shall be handled through the Student Code of Conduct, College Policy and Procedures Manual.

Nothing in this policy shall be construed to prevent CVCC from regulating and restricting expressive activity that is not protected by the United States Constitution, the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, or state law, including, but not limited to, any of the following:

  1. Violations of state or federal law, including, but not limited to, actions that damage institutional property.
  2. Expressions that a court has deemed unprotected defamation.
  3. Harassment.
  4. True threats, which are defined as statements meant by the speaker to communicate a serious expression of an intent to commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual or group of individuals.
  5. An unjustifiable invasion of privacy or confidentiality not involving a matter of          public concern.
  6. An action that unlawfully disrupts the function or security of the institution.
  7. Any constitutional time, place, and manner restrictions for outdoor areas of campus when they are narrowly tailored to serve a significant institutional interest and when the restrictions employ clear, published, content-neutral, and viewpoint-neutral criteria, and provide for ample alternative means of expression.

Complaints or questions regarding the application of this policy should be addressed with the Office of the Dean of Students and Campus Services and in accordance with the College Complaints and Grievances Policies as identified in the College Catalog and Student Handbook and College Policies and Procedures Manual.

Facilities of CVCC are available for meetings, seminars, workshops, and approved sporting or student events. All activities held on campus will comply with the laws of the State of Alabama, ACCS BOT policies, the rules and regulations of CVCC, and support the mission of the community college. Institutional use of any facilities takes precedence over, and has a higher priority than, any outside usage of these facilities. Within the institution, instructional needs take priority. The College reserves the right to limit or deny functions at any time and facilities cannot be committed to long-term agreements.

Note: To use College facilities please complete a Campus Event Request Form and submit the form to the Dean of Students and Campus Services or the President’s Office for approval.

Chattahoochee Valley Community College reserves the right to make changes in the offerings and regulations announced in this publication as circumstances may require. Every reasonable effort has been made to present information herein, at the time of publication, that accurately describes the curriculum and the regulations and requirements of the College; however, no responsibility is assumed for editorial or publication errors. Statements in the handbook do not establish contractual relationships and the College reserves the right to make changes as required in course offerings, curricula, academic policies, student services, and other rules and regulations affecting students, to be effective whenever determined by the College. These changes will govern currently and formerly enrolled students. The current and latest edition of the handbook may be found on the College website. Enrollment of all students is subject to these conditions.