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    Apr 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Student Handbook 
    
2023-2024 Student Handbook

Student Resources



Laboratories

Baker College makes labs available to enable students to complete course projects and to gain proficiency on equipment. Open labs may include computer, technical and health science rooms, as well as the Academic Resource Center. The schedule of open lab times can be obtained from the course syllabus, the instructor, the Academic Resource Center or the academic/administrative offices. These labs may be limited to students registered in courses requiring lab times. Student IDs may be checked periodically during open lab periods. Lab schedules may vary from semester to semester.

Campus Safety

The mission of the Campus Safety department is to preserve, protect and defend people and property, while respecting the rights of all people on the Baker College campuses.

At every Baker College campus, it is both policy and practice to attempt to maintain a safe and secure environment for students, employees and guests. Campus officials maintain a close working relationship with local law enforcement agencies. The College encourages and enforces adherence to all College, local, state and federal laws and rules of conduct. This includes the prohibition of drugs and other controlled substances; firearms and other weapons and personal displays of violence, threatening behavior, vandalism or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Campus Annual Security Reports (ASR)

The Campus Safety Department prepares an Annual Security Report for Baker College, which is available here or on our Campus Safety Web page or in the links in the Disclosure section of this Handbook.

Alcohol and Drug Prevention

The Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (34 CFR Part 86) of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) require institutions of higher education (IHE) to certify they have implemented programs to prevent the abuse of alcohol and the use and/or distribution, of illicit drugs, both by students and employees, either on their premises or as a part of any of their activities. Information regarding compliance with the DFSCA is available at: www.higheredcompliance.org/resources/resources/dfscr-hec-2006manual.pdf

The purpose of this policy is to educate the Baker College community regarding the harmful effects associated with the use of alcohol and drugs, while identifying education and prevention programs offered to students, faculty and staff regarding these matters.

Standards of Conduct

Baker College is a drug-free and alcohol-restricted institution. It does not consider the use of drugs or alcoholic beverages as necessary or conducive to the process of higher education. Baker College students and employees are expected to abide by all federal, state and local laws. The unauthorized use of alcohol on any Baker College-owned or leased property or during a College-sponsored activity is strictly prohibited (unless approved by the campus president or his/her designee). Violations will result in immediate disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

In all cases, investigations that results in a finding of “more likely than not” (preponderance of the evidence standard) that a violation of the policy occurred will lead to the disciplinary procedures against the accused individual. Residence Hall students who are of legal drinking age should refer to the Residence Hall Student Handbook to ensure compliance with Residence Hall alcohol policies.

Health Risks

Alcohol and drug use present numerous health, behavioral and social problems. These include acute health problems related to intoxication or overdose, physical and psychological dependence, interference with memory sensation and perception, potential permanent brain damage or death, additional long-term health problems, contraction of diseases, pregnancy problems, psychological problems, diminished behavior, risk taking, violent behavior, accidents, negative side effects on academic or work performance and conduct problems.

Legal Sanctions

The following laws are strictly enforced by Baker College Campus Safety departments and local law enforcement agencies.

Federal Law

Federal law provides criminal and civil penalties for unlawful possession or distribution of a controlled substance. Under the Controlled Substance Act, Student Resources as well as other related federal laws, the penalties for controlled substance violations include, but are not limited to, incarceration; fines; potential for the forfeiture of property used in possession or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance (which may include homes, vehicles, boats, aircraft and any other personal or real property); ineligibility to possess a firearm; and potential ineligibility to receive federal educational benefits (such as student loans and grants).

State Law

The State of Michigan has numerous laws regulating the possession and use of controlled substances and alcohol. As an example, under current Michigan state law, “a person shall not knowingly or intentionally possess or distribute a controlled substance.” If an individual is found guilty of a violation of the state law, he or she may be subject to large fines and imprisonment. A minor (defined as a person under the age of 21) may not “purchase or attempt to purchase alcoholic liquor, consume or attempt to consume alcoholic liquor, possess or attempt to possess alcoholic liquor or have any bodily alcohol content.” Violations of the law may subject the individual to fines, participation in a substance abuse program, imprisonment, community service hours and/or out-of-pocket expenses related to required substance abuse screenings.

Local Laws

Although local laws and ordinances may vary by county, they typically consider the following as violations: consumption in public places, possession and use of alcohol by minors, uncapped liquor in passenger compartments of vehicles and all substance abuse ordinances. Sanctions could range from a civil infraction with attached fines to probation, rehabilitation or even imprisonment.

Institutional Sanctions

  • The use of illegal drugs on any Baker College-owned or leased property or during a College-sponsored activity is strictly prohibited. Possession or use of alcohol is restricted to housing residents of legal drinking age within their housing unit (See Residence Life Policy Book Addendum.).
  • For students, a violation of either the drug or alcohol policy will result in immediate disciplinary action up to and including verbal warning, written warning, behavior contract, change in student housing, dismissal from student housing, changes to academic schedule or suspension/expulsion from the College.
  • Distributing, possessing, carrying, using or being under the influence of illegal drugs on Baker College premises will be cause for disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from all campuses.
  • Possessing, carrying, using or being under the influence of alcohol on Baker College premises will be cause for disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from all campuses. Residence Hall students of legal drinking age may possess and consume alcohol in their housing units.

The Student Chemical Impairment Policy can be found at baker.edu/safety.

For employees, a violation of either the drug or alcohol policy will result in immediate disciplinary action up to and including transportation changes/restrictions, changes in work assignment/location, suspension or termination of employment.

In all cases, investigations that results in a finding of “more likely than not” (preponderance of the evidence standard) that a violation of the policy occurred will lead to the disciplinary procedures against the accused individual.

Suspension of Financial Aid Eligibility for Drug-Related Offenses

A student who has been convicted of any offense under federal or state law involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance, while receiving Title IV funds, is no longer eligible to receive any federal grant, loan or work assistance from the point of conviction and ending after the following:

  • Possession offenses:
    First offense - ineligible for one year
    Second offense - ineligible for two years
    Third offense - ineligible indefinitely
  • Sale of controlled substance offenses:
    First offense - ineligible for two years
    Second offense - ineligible indefinitely

A student whose eligibility has been suspended may resume eligibility by completing an acceptable drug rehabilitation program, which must include at least two unannounced drug tests and be qualified to receive funds from federal, state or local governments; or from a federal or state-licensed insurance company; or be administered or recognized by a federal, state or local government agency or court; or a federal or state, licensed hospital, health clinic or medical doctor.

Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program

On an annual basis during the academic year, the Baker College System will provide programming regarding problems associated with drug and alcohol abuse. Individual campus locations may provide additional information regarding problems associated with drug and alcohol abuse. Any individual or group who desires additional information can make a request through the Campus Safety department.

Additionally, Baker College Campus Safety and Residence Life Departments provide residence hall students an educational session on the dangers of drugs and alcohol during orientation.

Baker College uses an external vendor’s resource for a drug and alcohol prevention training program for all students, faculty and staff. This web-based training will be distributed by the Human Resources Department via email every semester to all currently enrolled students and employees. Additionally, full-time employees have employment benefits that address counseling needs. Referrals will be kept confidential.

Local assistance resources are available at each campus to assist individuals with alcohol and drug problems. 

A copy of the complete Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program is available at baker.edu/safety.

Biennial Review

A biennial review of the Baker College Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP) will be conducted prior to March 30 during even calendar years by the Baker College System Vice President for Human Resources and the System Coordinator for Campus Safety. This review and any recommendations will be approved by the System President and implemented for the fall semester. The biennial review will include a description of the research methods and data analyses used to determine the effectiveness of the program and the consistency of its enforcement strategy. The purpose of the evaluation component is to ensure the successful achievement of the policy/program objectives. The evaluation process will consist of two steps: process evaluation and outcome evaluation.

The purpose of the process evaluation is to monitor the progress of the policy and program implementation to indicate whether revisions are necessary in either the policy or program to meet stated objectives.

Process evaluation data will include the following:

  1. Review of Annual Security Report (ASR) data elements,
  2. Review of programs administered at each campus,
  3. Review of policies and procedures,
  4. The number and type of disciplinary sanctions levied on students and campus employees and
  5. Notifications sent to students and staff to ensure adherence to the notification policy.

The purpose of the outcome evaluation is to determine the effectiveness of the campus alcohol and drug policy and prevention program components and to determine alcohol-related and drug-related trends to provide suggestions for enhancing the efficacy of the policy and programming.

Outcome evaluation data will include the following:

  1. Annual review of the survey data collected through the external vendor’s resource for the drug and alcohol prevention training program
  2. Semester Campus Safety reports of alcohol-related and drug related infractions on campus and
  3. Follow-up measures on sanctions levied against students

The biennial review will be conducted by the Baker College System Vice President for Human Resources and the System Campus Safety Coordinator. The review will be approved by the Baker College System President/CEO. A copy of the biennial review will be maintained by the System Vice President for Human Resources and the System Campus Safety Coordinator and will be available upon request.

Smoking

Baker College is a smoke-free/tobacco-free campus, including electronic tobacco/vaping devices and products that simulate the use of tobacco. This includes the entire campus grounds, all buildings and parking lots. Smoking will be allowed only in enclosed personal vehicles and off-campus property. Students who violate the policies will be held accountable with disciplinary sanctions. 

Children on Campus

Children may come into the building rather than be left unattended in a vehicle while a parent/guardian conducts College business, drops off an assignment, etc. Children may not accompany students who are on campus to attend class, to study, to conduct library research or to participate in other class-related activities. Children may not be left unattended anywhere on campus. Children are not allowed to use College resources including computers and printers.

Emergency Procedures

In case of fire, an alarm will sound. Students will be required to vacate the building promptly, proceeding to predetermined locations at least 100 feet from the building. Emergency evacuation information and routes for leaving the building are posted in each classroom. (See evacuation information in each room.) During a fire evacuation, students are reminded that elevators will not work. Students must use the stairs. Window exits should not be used unless doorway paths are inaccessible. Doors and windows should be closed when leaving the room.

In case of other emergencies, students will be given instructions that are appropriate to the situation. Students will be required to follow the instructions given during these emergency situations.

Fire Drill Policy

Purpose of the Fire Drill Policy

The purpose of the fire drill policy is to ready building occupants for the evacuation of a building during a fire or related building emergency.

Fire drills will be used as an avenue for the following:

  • To assess the occupants’ knowledge of drill procedures, location of fire exits and the sound of the fire alarm.
  • To identify problems with fire alarm components.
  • To monitor the evacuation of the building.
  • To provide information on the amount of time it takes to evacuate a building.

Responsibilities

Campus Safety Director or Facilities Director

The Campus Safety Director or Facilities Director shall ensure that preplanned drills are conducted at least once per academic year for each occupied building utilized by Baker College and shall ensure that each residence hall/ dormitory has three fire drills per academic year: one during the fall semester, within 21 days of the start of classes; one during the spring semester; and one during the summer semester. One of the drills must be conducted between sunset and sunrise. All drills must be conducted when school is in session.

The Fire Prevention Code, PA 207 of 1941, Section 29.19a requires that all instructional staff be trained in fire drill procedures before the beginning of each academic year. This training will be conducted by the Campus Safety Director or designee prior to the fall semester. This training will also be provided to all new faculty at new faculty orientations held throughout the year.

Faculty

Faculty will communicate this policy to students so they may follow the guidelines associated with fire drills and building evacuations.

Faculty will educate their students on the first day of class each semester (and include in their syllabi) about the following measures to take before a drill or emergency:

  • Faculty will identify the quickest escape routes from their classrooms along with a secondary route in case the primary routes are inaccessible. Evacuation routes are posted in each classroom near the door.
  • Faculty will identify locations outside and away from the buildings where classes can meet to ensure all students are accounted for. Reassembly areas are posted in each classroom near the door.
  • Faculty will ensure that emergency personnel are aware of people with disabilities that may need assistance. In multistory buildings, people with disabilities should be directed to fire-protected stairwells (areas of refuge) to await assistance from emergency personnel, if unable to otherwise evacuate the building.

Faculty will review this information with each class at the beginning of each semester.

In the event of a fire alarm, faculty will follow the fire alarm evacuation procedure:

  • Evacuate the building.
  • Assemble the students at the designated reassembly area.
  • Report student status (missing, injured, etc.) to Campus Safety or appropriate emergency personnel.

Building Occupants

Building occupants are defined as every person in a Baker College-owned or leased building.

  • Occupants shall evacuate buildings in an orderly manner and shall congregate at the designated reassembly sites.
  • Occupants shall not re-enter buildings until a verbal “all clear” is signaled by Campus Safety or appropriate emergency personnel.
  • People with disabilities shall, if unable to evacuate from the buildings, go to the designated area of refuge (fire-protected stairwell) for assistance in exiting the buildings.

Emergency Personnel

Emergency personnel are designated to be Campus Safety and facilities personnel, as well as any other first responder on the scene.

  • Emergency personnel will assist in building searches to ascertain that occupants have vacated the premises.
  • Emergency personnel will issue an “all clear” when it is appropriate for occupants to re-enter the buildings.

NOTE: In the event of an actual emergency, the on-scene fire commander will give an “all clear” so occupants may re-enter the building. This will be handled in a manner deemed appropriate by the fire officers and relayed by Campus Safety and/or facilities personnel at the scene.

Reporting Requirements

Fire alarm systems found to be nonfunctional shall be noted and reported to facilities for repair.

A record of all drills conducted will be maintained by the Campus Safety Director or designee.

Non-Compliance

According to the National Fire Protection Association Standard NFPA 1 Fire Prevention Code, Section 3.2.2, “Drills shall include suitable procedures to ensure all persons subject to the drill participate. “The fire drill plan covers all people in the buildings and everyone must leave the buildings during the drill period. Any person failing to comply with fire drill procedures is subject to being escorted out of the building by Campus Safety.

The Campus Safety Director or designee shall report incidents of employee non-compliance to the employee’s immediate supervisor for further review and corrective action.

The Campus Safety personnel or designee shall report incidents of student non-compliance to the Director of Student Affairs for consideration of corrective or disciplinary action.

Medical Emergencies

It is the desire of Baker College to provide safe, comfortable and orderly campus environments. As such, the College has established a policy to ensure the health and safety of students, visitors, staff and faculty by training Campus Safety and other appropriate staff in the application of first aid and automatic external defibrillators (AED). Bystanders who wish to apply first aid do so at their own risk. In cases of illnesses or accidents, whether or not emergency response is required, Baker College personnel will immediately notify Campus Safety.

If an accident or injury occurs on Baker College premises, the College will make every effort to assist the student in receiving immediate medical attention.

Baker College reserves the right to require students who contract contagious diseases to not attend classes until they present doctors’ statements that they are no longer infectious. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, all Baker College students should have up-to-date immunizations.

As required by regulation, all Category A employees are identified through an internal assessment process. Hepatitis B vaccinations are made available at no cost to Category A employees and are given under the supervision of licensed health care professionals. Employees may refuse immunization by signing a vaccination declination. If employees have not received the HBV vaccination, it can be administered within 24 hours of an exposure incident.

Substance Abuse Referrals

Assistance is available for students with drug and alcohol-related problems through referrals to outside agencies. Appointments can be made by contacting the OneStop Office. Referrals will be confidential.

Personal Concerns Referrals

Individual assistance and/or referrals to outside agencies are provided for students with personal concerns. Appointments can be made by contacting the OneStop Office. Referrals will be confidential.

Parking

Baker College provides an ample number of free, paved, lighted parking spaces. Some of these spaces are designated for particular groups of people (handicapped drivers, campus visitors, College employees, etc.) and are clearly marked as restricted areas. Handicapped parking is available on a first come, first served basis, Students who park illegally in restricted areas may receive parking tickets and be expected to pay fines. Baker College reserves the right to revoke parking privileges and/or to tow and impound the vehicles of flagrant or repeat offenders. Students are expected to obey posted campus speed limits.

The parking lots are open whenever the College is open for business or classes. Students who leave their cars in the College parking lots after 10:00 p.m. must report this to Campus Safety.

Parking permits are required for all residence hall students. If a student plans to live in a residence hall, a permit may be obtained free of charge from Campus Safety.

Student Identification Cards

An identification card or mobile credential will be issued to each new student. Check in the academic/administrative office for information about where to obtain the ID card. Students must carry their student ID cards when on campus. Campus Safety Officers have administrative authority to ask people for College identification and to determine whether individuals have lawful business at Baker College.