Policies and regulations

SUNY Adirondack's policies are enforced to maintain a safe, healthy community for all.

 

Student Bill of Rights

The State University of New York and SUNY Adirondack are committed to providing options, support and assistance to victims/survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking to ensure that they can continue to participate in College-wide and campus programs, activities, and employment. All victims/survivors of these crimes and violations—regardless of the victim/survivor’s race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction—have the following rights, regardless of whether the crime or violation occurs on campus, off campus, or while studying abroad:

All students have the right to:

  • Make a report to law enforcement and/or state police;
  • Have disclosures of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault treated seriously;
  • Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the campus conduct process and/or the criminal justice process free from pressure from the College;
  • Participate in a process that is fair, impartial and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
  • Be treated with dignity and to receive from the College courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services where available;
  • Be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual (including but not limited to the victim) is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes or violations;
  • Describe the incident to as few College officials as practicable and not to be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident;
  • Be free from retaliation by the College, the accused and/or the respondent, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the College;
  • Access at least one level of appeal of a determination;
  • Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise a reporting individual, accused, or respondent throughout the judicial or conduct process, including all meetings and hearings related to such process;
  • Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice or judicial or conduct process of the College.

Academic Affairs

Policy 2000: Recording in Classrooms

This policy establishes the prohibition of the audio recording of any classroom lectures, discussions or presentations, unless the audio recording is part of an accommodation coordinated through the Accessibility Services Office, a marketing and/or promotional piece coordinated through the Marketing and Communications Office, or unless the instructor chooses to allow such audio recordings and explicitly states so in the syllabus.

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Policy 2001: Compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, also known as "FERPA" or "The Buckley Amendment" is a federal law (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) that protects student education records by governing disclosure of student records and affording students specific rights to their records, including access.

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Business and Finance

Policy 3403: Student Financial Responsibility

As per the guidance from the New York State Office of the Attorney General, all SUNY schools are advised to require students to affirm enrollment and accept financial responsibility.

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Policy 3404: Collection of Unpaid Student Accounts

Certain state laws have granted additional enforcement powers to New York state agencies for collection of nontax debts including authorization to assess interest or late payment penalty charges on overdue debts, and collection fees to cover the estimated costs of processing, handling and collecting delinquent debts.

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Legal and Compliance

Title IX on campus

Policy 3008: Annual Notification of Non-Discrimination Notice

SUNY Adirondack, in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations, prohibits discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

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Policy 3012: FOIL Requests

The Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law §§ 84–90) requires that the State University of New York (University) make certain records available to the public. The law requires each campus and the system administration to designate records access officers.

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Policy 3018: Housing Accommodations in Residence Hall

This policy establishes guidance regarding the legal requirements surrounding the application process and acceptance of a housing/dining accommodation for a residential student of the Residence Hall.

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Policy 3001: Assistance Emotional Support Animals in Residence Hall

This policy establishes guidance regarding the legal requirements surrounding the application process and acceptance of an assistance/emotional support animal for a residential student of the Residence Hall.

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Policy 3003: Grievance Policy for Addressing Formal Complaints of Sexual Harassment

Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 prohibits any person in the United States from being discriminated against on the basis of sex in seeking access to any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

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Policy 3006: Student Records Retention and Disposition

This policy ensures that each unit [department or division] that maintains student records at SUNY Adirondack follows the Retention and Disposition Schedule for New York Local Government Records (LGS-1) which is a single, comprehensive retention schedule covering records of all types of local governments .

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Facilities Use

Policy 3604: Possession/Use of Fireworks, Explosives and/or Pyrotechnics

The purpose of this policy is to regulate the possession and use of fireworks, explosives and/or pyrotechnics in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of individuals as well as property and the environment.

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Policy 3605: Facilities Safety Concerns and Complaints

The college provides an environment that is safe and reasonably comfortable. Safety concerns and complaints will be responded to in an efficient manner consistent with applicable regulations and laws.

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Policy 3606: Camping and Use of Tents on Campus

The purpose of this policy is to regulate camping and the use of tents on campus to protect the health, safety and welfare of individuals as well as property and the environment.

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Board of Trustees Policy Manual, 8.02C: Tobacco and Cannabis/Marijuana Free Campus

SUNY Adirondack is a tobacco free campus as of Fall 2014 in accordance with the resolution contained in Appendix 8.2. Though New York state legalized adult-use, age 21 years and older, the possession of cannabis/marijuana-, as defined under the federal Controlled Substances Act [CSA], is illegal under federal law. As SUNY Adirondack receives federal funding, possession of cannabis/marijuana on any college campus, including Residence Hall, or at any college event/activity is strictly prohibited and will result in a Code of Conduct investigation.

Human Resources

Policy 3303: Sexual Harassment Response and Prevention

While all SUNY campuses have long maintained programs which apply evidence-based approaches to preventing and responding to sexual harassment and other forms of sex-based discrimination, such best practices should be uniformly applied at all SUNY campuses, allowing SUNY to leverage its power as the most comprehensive system of higher education in the country to speak with one voice in combating all forms of sexual harassment.

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Policy 3306: Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment

It is the policy of SUNY Adirondack that no discrimination against or harassment of individuals will occur on any of the campuses or in the programs or activities of the college. Discriminatory behavior undermines SUNY Adirondack’s values and violates the college’s Code of Mutual Respect and Cooperation. The purpose of this policy is to ensure the campus community is continually working to create a culture where discrimination or harassment is not tolerated, and to outline procedures to address incidents.

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Policy 3308: Student Pregnancy Non-Discrimination and Accommodations

SUNY Adirondack is committed to fostering a diverse community and we are equally committed to ensuring equal opportunity without regard to the protected characteristics of any individual, including but not limited to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. As such, this policy serves to outline student rights and the College’s responsibilities under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

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Policy 3309: Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Complaints

SUNY Adirondack is committed to maintaining its campuses and a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment. The college, in its continuing effort to seek equity in education and employment, and in support of federal and state anti-discrimination legislation, has adopted a complaint policy and procedure for the prompt and equitable investigation and resolution of allegations of unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, gender expression, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction. Harassment is one form of unlawful discrimination on the basis of the above protected categories. The college will take steps to prevent discrimination and harassment, to prevent the recurrence of discrimination or harassment, and to remedy its discriminatory effects on the complainant(s) and others, if appropriate.

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Marketing and Communications

Policy 4001: Use of College Name, Logo and Service Mark

This policy provides the consistent, approved name, logo and service marks to be used.

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Policy 4002: Promotional Materials

The SUNY Adirondack Marketing and Communications Department is charged with the leadership and oversight of the College’s public image and assuring the consistency and quality of that image in all college communications that reach external audiences. Marketing and Communications has developed standards, guidelines, procedures and templates [i.e. presentations and brochures] necessary for the effective management of the college’s communication efforts.

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Policy 4105: Campus Posting

SUNY Adirondack encourages expressions of free speech and permits the distribution of printed material for noncommercial purposes by student organizations, college programs, departments and divisions, in a manner which does not compete with the ongoing programs or regular business of the College and is in accordance with College policy and the Code of Conduct found in the Student Handbook.

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Policy 3703: Emergency Alerts and Notifications

During an emergency situation, receiving accurate, swift information is critical to protecting lives and minimizing campus disruption. SUNY Adirondack maintains a comprehensive system known as the “SUNY ADK Emergency Notification” system, which includes a variety of ways to communicate to students, employees and visitors during an impending emergency, including website notifications, text and email messages.

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Student Affairs

File a formal complaint

Policy 4103: Formal Student Complaints

The United States Department of Education requires that each accredited institution of higher education maintain a record of student complaints received by the institution per federal regulation 34 CFR 602.16 (a)(1)(ix). The record will be reviewed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, SUNY Adirondack’s accreditor, as part of the institution’s Self Study and Periodic Review Report evaluations. SUNY Adirondack is committed to an environment where concerns can be identified and resolved in a professional manner, constructively, quickly and fairly. The college makes every effort to resolve student complaints internally, using policies and procedures outlined in the college Catalog and Student Handbook.

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Policy 4104: Student Identification Cards

SUNY Adirondack promotes a safe and secure campus environment and utilizes numerous resources in an effort to achieve that goal.

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Policy 4105: Campus Posting

SUNY Adirondack encourages expressions of free speech and permits the distribution of printed material for noncommercial purposes by student organizations, college programs, departments and divisions, in a manner which does not compete with the ongoing programs or regular business of the College and is in accordance with college policy and the Code of Conduct found in the Student Handbook. The college reserves the right to manage posting and advertising on its campuses to maintain an orderly and attractive venue, to make event information accessible to the campus community, and to ensure that events and programs that are advertised comply with institutional policies and procedures.

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Policy 4200: Satisfactory Academic Progress

To receive federal and state financial aid funds, students matriculated in degree and/or certificate programs must be in good academic standing at the end of each term; pursuit of program guidelines must also be met.

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Policy 4106: Hazing Response and Prevention

SUNY Adirondack is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus environment. Hazing undermines the integrity of organizations, threatens student well-being, and violates the principles of the Student Code of Conduct. In compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, New York State law, and college policies, this document establishes guidelines to prevent hazing, hold violators accountable, promote transparency and reinforce standards of respect, integrity and responsibility.

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Technology

Policy 6000: Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources

The college provides its Employees, Affiliated Entity Employees, Students and Authorized Guests (collectively, the “Users”) with access to information technology equipment, software and data. The college protects and preserves the privilege of use of College Information Technology Systems to ensure Users have access to reliable information technology that is safe from unauthorized or malicious use.

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Policy 6005: Student Email Accounts

SUNY Adirondack supports the use of technology to provide timely and relevant communication with students. In recognition of the prevalence of email as a means of communication, the SUNY Adirondack Board of Trustees has approved the use of College email (electronic mail) as an official means of communication for employees of the college. Email messages should be used for communications that serve legitimate college academic and business needs and must meet professional standards of conduct.

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National and federal policies

An institutional financial aid professional is expected to always maintain exemplary standards of professional conduct in all aspects of carrying out his or her responsibilities, specifically including all dealings with any entities involved in any manner in student financial aid, regardless of whether such entities are involved in a government sponsored, subsidized, or regulated activity. To this end, this Code provides the financial aid professional with a set of principles that serves as a common foundation for accepted standards of conduct.

The staff of the Financial Aid Office at SUNY Adirondack Community College follows this code of conduct outlined by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).

The financial aid professional shall:

  • Refrain from taking any action for his or her personal benefit.
  • Refrain from taking any action he or she believes is contrary to law, regulation, or the best interests of the students and parents he or she serves.
  • Ensure the information he or she provides is accurate, unbiased, and does not reflect any preference arising from actual or potential personal gain.
  • Be objective in making decisions and advising his or her institution regarding relationships with any entity involved in any aspect of student financial aid.
  • Refrain from soliciting or accepting anything of other than nominal value from any entity (other than an institution of higher education or a governmental entity such as the U.S. Department of Education) involved in the making, holding, consolidating or processing of any student loans, including anything of value (including reimbursement of expenses) for serving on an advisory body or as part of a training activity of or sponsored by any such entity.
  • Disclose to his or her institution, in such manner as his or her institution may prescribe, any involvement with or interest in any entity involved in any aspect of student financial aid.

The primary goal of the financial aid professional is to help students achieve their educational potential by providing appropriate financial resources.  To this end, this Statement provides the financial aid professional with a set of principles that serves as a common foundation for accepted standards of conduct.

The staff of the Financial Aid Office at SUNY Adirondack Community College follows these principles outlined by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).

The financial aid professional shall:

  • Be committed to removing financial barriers for those who wish to pursue post-secondary learning.
  • Make every effort to assist students with financial need.
  • Be aware of the issues affecting students and advocate their interests at the institutional, state, and federal levels.
  • Support efforts to encourage students, as early as the elementary grades, to aspire to and plan for education beyond high school.
  • Educate students and families through quality consumer information.
  • Respect the dignity and protect the privacy of students, and ensure the confidentiality of student records and personal circumstances.
  • Ensure equity by applying all need analysis formulas consistently across the institution’s full population of student financial aid applicants.
  • Provide services that do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or economic status.
  • Award only those race-based scholarships that support the institution’s mission and do not place a burden on non-minority students.
  • Recognize the need for professional development and continuing education opportunities.
  • Promote the free expression of ideas and opinions, and foster respect for diverse viewpoints within the profession.
  • Commit to the highest level of ethical behavior and refrain from conflict of interest or the perception thereof.
  • Conduct periodic review of all institutional policies to ensure all ethical principles are being met.
  • Maintain the highest level of professionalism, reflecting a commitment to the goals of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

Students attending SUNY Adirondack who are receiving federal Title IV financial aid (i.e. federal Direct or PLUS loans; federal Pell and SEOG grant funds) are required to return the portion of unearned aid if they withdraw or otherwise fail to complete the period of enrollment for which the Title IV aid was provided. The return of funds does not apply to any student whose date of withdrawal is beyond the 60 percent enrollment period for which the student has been charged. The last date of attendance is determined by the date the student began the College’s withdrawal process or the student’s last date of recorded attendance (or other acceptable academic activity).

To determine the percentage of aid earned, divide the number of calendar days completed by the total number of calendar days in the enrollment period (excluding scheduled breaks of five days or more AND days that the student is on approved leave of absence).

Federal financial aid is returned to the program from which it was disbursed based on the percentage of unearned aid. To determine the percentage of unearned aid, subtract the percentage of aid earned from 100. The percentage of unearned aid is then multiplied by the amount of aid disbursed toward allowable institutional charges (e.g., tuition, room, and board).

Please note students who take a leave of absence or withdraw, and are also Title IV aid recipients should be aware of the following: The six-month grace period for federal loans (Direct Loan and Direct PLUS) begins from the student’s last date of attendance as determined by the College. A student who is on an approved leave of absence will be considered as in school for purposes of repayment of federal loans. Should the student not return from an approved leave of absence, the last date of attendance will be considered the date the approved leave of absence began. Federal regulations do not allow for the period of study to be interrupted for more than 180 days, excluding standard periods of non-enrollment.

Before being granted approval for withdrawal or leave of absence, all students who are federal loan recipients are required to be counseled by the Financial Aid Office to discuss the consequences of their changed status.

The Student Lending Accountability, Transparency and Enforcement Act (SLATE) became law May 29, 2007, with the approval of the New York governor. This act was passed to amend the education law, in relation to protecting students and parents from being steered by lenders and institutions of higher learning into student loans laden with conflicts of interest; and to amend the state finance law, in relation to establishing the student lending education account.  

In compliance with SLATE, SUNY Adirondack chooses not to recommend lenders to students. Students and families are encouraged to select the lender of their choice when pursuing private loans. Once you apply for a loan, the Financial Aid Office will certify your eligibility with your selected lender. Keep in mind private loans must be certified to disburse in two equal installments for each semester in which you borrow.

Contact us

Lottie Jameson

  • Director of Compliance and Risk Management
  • Deputy Title IX coordinator; FOIL officer; chair of the Compliance Committee; member of the Campus Safety Advisory Group and JED Team; Administrative support to the Board of Trustees Bylaws, Policy and ERM Committee