Regulatory Standards and Compliance

At Baker College, our commitment to excellence goes beyond the classroom. It is built into how we operate every single day. We are dedicated to maintaining the highest ethical, professional, and legal standards in all of our academic and administrative programs.
Compliance isn’t just about following rules or checking boxes; it is about protecting our community, ensuring academic integrity, and fostering a safe, equitable, and transparent environment for every student, faculty, and staff member.

Our Shared Responsibility

Compliance is a collective effort. Every member of the Baker College community-students, faculty, and staff alike-shares the responsibility to understand the policies that govern our roles, act with honesty, and report any compliance concerns through the appropriate institutional channels. By staying informed and accountable, we preserve the integrity of our institution and ensure that Baker College remains a trusted place to learn, work, and grow.

Inclusivity Statement

At Baker College, every building and classroom, whether on-ground or online, is a safe and respectful space for you and your fellow students, staff, and faculty. We celebrate diversity in all its forms:

• We welcome you, regardless of your age, background, beliefs, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, abilities, or any other visible or non-visible differences.

• We expect all members of our College community to uphold and demonstrate values of respect, inclusivity, and kindness.

• We encourage you to actively contribute to a culture of respect, acceptance, and inclusivity, ensuring that every person, including yourself, feels valued and supported.

At Baker College, we believe that celebrating our differences enriches our environment and enhances your educational experience.

Equal Opportunity Policy Statement

At Baker College, we’re committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Here’s how we uphold our policy of non-discrimination:

• We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics in providing and administering educational programs, services, activities, employment, or recruitment.

• We affirm our commitment to equal employment and educational opportunities for all individuals, ensuring that recruitment decisions are made without discrimination based on any protected characteristics.

• We support transgender students and employees by allowing access to gender-specific facilities, such as restrooms or locker rooms, consistent with their gender identities. Additionally, we offer individual user options for students and employees seeking additional privacy.

• If you have any questions or concerns about our non-discrimination policy, you can reach out to the Vice President of Human Resources at 1020 S. Washington, Owosso, MI, 48867, or by phone at (989) 729-3955.

At Baker College, we’re dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone can thrive and succeed.

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA)

At Baker College, we’re committed to ensuring equal access and opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities. Here’s how we comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA):

• We ensure that all new facilities are barrier-free and accessible to people with disabilities.

• Existing facilities are modified to make programs, classes, and activities accessible to individuals with disabilities.

• We make reasonable and appropriate adjustments and accommodations to provide a full educational opportunity for students with disabilities.

• When necessary, we provide auxiliary aids and services in a timely manner to ensure individuals with disabilities can effectively participate in and enjoy the benefits of our services, programs, courses, employment, or activities.

If you’re a postsecondary student with a disability and require auxiliary aids, it’s important to notify the College’s academic counseling/advising office. You’ll need to provide details about your disabling condition and assist the College in identifying appropriate auxiliary aids. This includes identifying your needs and giving adequate notice. When requesting auxiliary aids, you may be required to provide supporting diagnostic test results and professional prescriptions to the College.

Prohibited Harassment Policy

At Baker College, we’re committed to providing equal opportunities and fostering inclusive environments for all students and employees. Harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics is strictly prohibited.

One example of prohibited harassment is sexual harassment, which includes: 1) Making unwanted sexual advances or requests for sexual favors, or any other verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature, as a condition for employment or education; 2) Making employment or educational decisions based on whether someone accepts or rejects such behavior; and/or 3) Creating an intimidating, offensive, or hostile work or educational environment through such behavior.

If you believe you’ve experienced any form of prohibited harassment, it’s important to speak up. You can report the alleged conduct immediately to the campus Director of Student Affairs. Sexual harassment may also be covered by Baker College’s Title IX Nondiscrimination Policy.

Rest assured that any complaint will be taken seriously, and an investigation will begin promptly. Your privacy will be respected to the fullest extent possible throughout the process. If an employee or student is found to have engaged in prohibited harassment, they will face appropriate disciplinary actions, which could range from a warning in their file to termination or expulsion from the College.

We strictly prohibit any form of retaliation or discrimination against individuals who report harassment or participate in an investigation. We understand that determining whether prohibited harassment has occurred requires careful consideration of all evidence. We also acknowledge the serious impact that false accusations can have on innocent individuals. We trust that everyone in our community will continue to uphold our values of respect and professionalism, creating environments that are free of discrimination and harassment.

Examples of Sexual Harassment To Be Aware Of

Verbal

This includes sexual innuendos, suggestive comments, insults, threats, jokes about gender-specific traits, or sexual propositions made verbally.

Nonverbal

Nonverbal sexual harassment involves making suggestive or insulting noises, leering, whistling, or making obscene gestures towards someone.

Physical

Physical sexual harassment consists of unwanted physical contact such as touching, pinching, brushing the body, coercing sexual intercourse, or assault.

It’s essential to recognize these behaviors as forms of sexual harassment and take appropriate action if you experience or witness them. Everyone has the right to feel safe and respected in their environment, free from any form of harassment.

Sexual Misconduct Policy Statement

At Baker College, we’re committed to ensuring that sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, has no place in our community. We want to make it clear that other acts, such as dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, are also forms of sex-based discrimination and are strictly prohibited.

To address these issues comprehensively, we have established a plan that includes educational programs and procedures for reporting, investigating, and adjudicating cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. This policy applies regardless of where the incidents occur, whether on or off campus, and when they are reported to a Campus Security Authority.

Baker College prohibits domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, reaffirming our commitment to maintaining campus environments that prioritize the dignity and worth of all members of our community.

If you’d like to review or obtain a copy of Baker College’s policy on sexual misconduct, you can find it here.

Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy

At Baker College, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We want to ensure that both you and your fellow students feel protected from any form of bullying or aggressive behavior. Bullying is defined as repeated, abusive conduct that causes intentional physical or emotional harm to the target and often involves an imbalance of power between the bully and the victim. This can take various forms, including written, verbal, social, graphic, or physical gestures.

We have a strict policy against all types of bullying or harassment, whether it’s written, physical, verbal, or psychological. This includes actions like hazing, gestures, comments, threats, or behaviors that cause or threaten bodily harm, instill fear for your personal safety, or lead to personal degradation. While teasing differs from bullying, it’s important to recognize that repeated and harmful teasing can also be considered bullying. For example, constant criticism, work sabotage, or glaring are all potential forms of bullying tactics.

Bullying creates environments filled with fear and disrespect, which can greatly affect your physical and psychological well-being. Additionally, it hinders your ability to achieve your full potential. At Baker College, we’re dedicated to creating environments where every student feels safe, respected, and empowered to thrive.

If you believe you’ve experienced bullying or harassment, it’s important to report it right away to the campus Director of Student Affairs. All complaints will be promptly investigated, and confidentiality will be maintained to the fullest extent possible.

Any employee or student found to have engaged in bullying or harassment may face disciplinary actions, which could range from a warning in their file to termination or expulsion from the College. Retaliation or discrimination against an individual for reporting such incidents or participating in an investigation is strictly prohibited.

We understand that determining whether bullying or harassment has occurred requires careful consideration of all evidence. We also acknowledge the serious impact that false accusations can have on innocent individuals. We trust that everyone in our community will continue to behave responsibly and professionally, ensuring a positive and inclusive environment free of discrimination.

If you need to file a complaint, please complete the Baker College Complaint/Grievance form.

Examples of Bullying or Harassment To Be Aware Of

Verbal Bullying

This includes repeated comments made to or about a person, which can involve name-calling, intimidation, or humiliation. Verbal bullying often occurs when there’s an imbalance of power between the bully and the victim. When verbal bullying is based on protected characteristics and creates a hostile environment, it may be considered unlawful harassment.

Physical Bullying

This involves repeated physically aggressive actions towards someone, which could constitute assault, battery, or false imprisonment. Even if nobody reports it, physical bullying may still be happening.

Social Bullying

Social bullying harms a person socially, often leading to their isolation. Examples include spreading rumors, staring, laughing, or shunning someone.

Cyber Bullying

Using digital platforms like the Internet, social media, or cell phones to bully someone constitutes cyberbullying. It’s important to recognize and address cyberbullying as it can have serious effects on the victim’s mental health and well-being.

Other Forms

Bringing or threatening baseless legal actions against someone to control or punish them is another form of bullying or harassment that should not be tolerated.

By understanding these examples, you can identify instances of bullying or harassment and take appropriate action to address them. Remember, everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in their environment.

Student Complaints, Appeals, and Grievances

Baker College is dedicated to providing an exceptional, equitable, and transparent educational experience. We recognize that disagreements, misunderstandings, or concerns may occasionally arise. When they do, we want you to know that your voice matters, and we are committed to resolving issues promptly and fairly.

This section outlines the paths available to you for addressing different types of concerns, ensuring you always know where to turn and what to expect.

Student Complaint Process

Whenever possible, Baker College encourages students to resolve concerns informally and directly with the individual or department involved. This open communication often leads to the quickest and most satisfactory resolutions. However, if an informal discussion does not resolve the issue, or if you feel uncomfortable approaching the individual directly, you may initiate the formal student complaint process.

The Formal Resolution Path

1. Submission: Formal complaints must be submitted in writing using the official Student Complaint Form available on the Baker College student portal. You should include a clear description of the issue, any supporting documentation, and your desired outcome.

2. Review & Investigation: Once submitted, the complaint is routed to the appropriate supervisor, director, or dean. They will thoroughly review the details and, if necessary, interview the parties involved to gather all relevant context.

3. Resolution: You will receive a formal written response outlining the findings and any actions taken, typically within 10 to 15 business days of submission.

Student Appeals

If a formal complaint is investigated and you believe the decision was reached in error, or if new, compelling evidence has come to light that was not previously considered, you have the right to file an appeal.

An appeal is not simply a request for a second opinion; it must be grounded in specific criteria, such as a failure to follow established college procedures or the discovery of critical new information. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the designated higher administration official (as identified in your complaint resolution letter) within 5 business days of receiving the decision. The ruling on an appeal is considered final within the institution.

Academic vs. Non-Academic Complaints

To ensure your concern is handled by the right experts, Baker College categorizes grievances into two distinct tracks: Academic and Non-Academic.

Academic Complaints

Academic complaints involve anything related to your educational experience, classroom environment, or degree progression.

• Examples include: Disagreements over final grades, instructional quality, academic integrity charges, or program-specific clinical/practicum placements.

• Who handles it: These are managed strictly through the academic hierarchy. The progression moves from your Instructor $\rightarrow$ Program Director/Chair $\rightarrow$ Academic Dean.

Non-Academic Complaints

Non-Academic complaints involve institutional operations, student services, or behavior outside of classroom instruction.

• Examples include: Billing and financial aid disputes, housing issues, campus safety concerns, administrative service delays, or violations of the Student Code of Conduct (including harassment or discrimination).

• Who handles it: These are routed through operational and student affairs leadership, typically beginning with the department director and escalating to the Dean of Students or designated Vice President.

External Complaint Options

We are fully committed to resolving all student concerns internally. However, if a grievance cannot be resolved to your satisfaction after you have exhausted all of Baker College’s internal complaint and appeal procedures, you have the right to file a complaint with external regulatory agencies.

1. State of Michigan Approval Agency

Because Baker College operates in Michigan, students may contact the State of Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), which oversees postsecondary schools.

2. State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)

For online or distance education students residing outside of Michigan, complaints regarding consumer protection elements may be filed through the Michigan SARA Portal Agency. Note that SARA does not review complaints regarding grades or student conduct.

3. Institutional Accreditation

Baker College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Students may contact the HLC to file a complaint if they believe the college is significantly failing to meet its criteria for accreditation.

Important Reminder: External agencies almost universally require that a student attempt to resolve the issue through the college’s internal processes first before they will accept a formal complaint.

Grievance Procedure for Complaints

If you believe that Baker College has not properly followed the principles and regulations outlined in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), or the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), you have several options for filing a complaint.

Option I

If you believe you have a valid grievance, you should first talk about it informally and verbally with the campus Director of Student Affairs, who serves as the designated campus EEO/AA/ADA Officer. After discussing your grievance, the Director will investigate the complaint and provide you with a response. If necessary, formal procedures may be initiated, following these steps:

Step 1

If you have a grievance, you’ll need to submit a written statement, signed by you, to the campus Director of Student Affairs within five business days of getting a response to your informal complaint. The Director will then look into your grievance and respond to you in writing within five business days.

Step 2

If you’re not satisfied with the decision made by the campus Director of Student Affairs, you have the option to appeal it. You can do this by submitting a signed statement of appeal within five business days of receiving the response from the Director of Student Affairs. The Dean of Students will then meet with everyone involved, come to a conclusion, and provide a written response to you within 10 business days.

If you need more information about the College’s grievance procedure, just ask, and a copy will be provided to you.

Option II

If you have a grievance or inquiry, you can contact the Office for Civil Rights, Region V, Department of Education, at any time. They’re located at Room 700C, 7th Floor, 401 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60605-1202. They can help address any concerns you may have.

Title IX Nondiscrimination Policy

Baker College does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to Baker College Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both. 

Baker College Title IX Coordinator is Voula Erfourth, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Success & Engagement and they may be reached at: 1020 S Washington St, Owosso, MI, 48867; or by email at vpsse@baker.edu; or by phone at 989-729-3406.

Baker College nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located in the Baker College Title IX Policy

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to the  Baker College Title IX Policy

Code of Conduct

Philosophy

Baker College believes in providing a safe, respectful learning and working environment for all students and staff. At Baker College, the Code of Conduct is designed to help you learn and grow while also providing a framework for how things work here. When we interact with you, our goal is to help support the College’s educational mission, guiding principles, and the outcomes we want for all students. Our process for handling conduct issues gives you chances to talk and think about what happened, all while reminding you to stay committed to the Basic Principles of Student Responsibility and other rules laid out in the Student Handbook. These documents show you the standards we expect from every student as part of the Baker College community.

Code of Conduct

The Code of Student Conduct lays the groundwork for your behavior as a student, aiming to create a respectful and positive learning environment that values academic integrity. If you find yourself violating these rules, there’s a process in place to address it. Additionally, the College has detailed the Basic Principles of Student Responsibility, an IT Acceptable Use Policy, and an Academic Honor Code to give you further guidance on how to conduct yourself. These policies are here to ensure that you and everyone else at the College know what’s expected of you, promoting fairness and integrity across the board.

College of Health Science, College of Nursing, and College of Social Science

Programs in the College of Health Science, the College of Nursing, and the College of Social Science may have additional guidelines. Even though these programs still follow the general Code of Conduct, they might have their own specific expectations and consequences that are related to the industry or the program itself.

To find out more about what’s expected of you in your specific program, make sure to check your program handbook. It’ll have all the details you need to know about how you should behave and what might happen if you don’t follow the rules.

Basic Principles of Student Responsibility

At Baker College, we’re dedicated to ensuring that everyone can study, learn, and live without feeling afraid, embarrassed, or disrespected. We want our community to be a place where all differences are embraced and everyone feels respected, comfortable, and like they are treated fairly.

Our rules and policies are designed to reflect these values. Enrolling at Baker College is a privilege, and we expect students to behave in a way that aligns with the College’s mission, ideals, and educational goals.

Here’s how we expect students to conduct themselves:

• Respect others’ rights and property.

• Treat fellow students, faculty, and staff with kindness and respect.

• Help create a positive learning atmosphere.

• Provide honest and complete information on all required forms and documents.

• Refrain from the use of alcoholic beverages (except where allowed in student housing for students of legal drinking age).

• Follow all federal, state, and local laws.

• Refrain from any illegal possession, sale, or use of drugs, whether illegal or over-the-counter.

• Keep facilities and equipment clean and orderly.

• Adhere to all College policies and procedures.

If a student’s behavior doesn’t meet these expectations, the College will take disciplinary action.

On campus, the following actions can lead to discipline, including expulsion:

• Having, using, or displaying weapons, explosives, or hazardous chemicals

• Assaulting or threatening others

• Tampering with safety or security equipment

• Theft or vandalism

• Distributing, possessing, or being under the influence of drugs

• Arson or any attempt of arson

• Possessing or being under the influence of alcohol (except where allowed in student housing for students of legal drinking age)

• Interfering with Campus Safety Officers

• Being unwilling or unable to show your Baker College ID when requested by an authorized College official

• Failing to comply with requests or disciplinary measures given by College staff or authorities

• Bullying, stalking, harassing, or intimidating others

• Causing disruptions on campus or violating the Basic Principles of Student Responsibility

• Identity theft or use of another person’s user ID and/or password

• Engaging in activities that create panic, disturb the peace, harm property, or put people in danger

• Obstructing or threatening to obstruct the free movement of people or vehicles, or the normal operations of the College

• Using abusive or offensive language, gestures, or electronic media

• Removing or tampering with College-owned equipment

• Running a business on College property or with the use of College equipment

• Using the College’s name for personal advertising

We believe that by respecting each other and following these guidelines, we can create a positive and inclusive community where everyone can thrive.

Disclosure of Criminal Arrest

If a student is arrested for a felony, whether it happens on or off campus, they may have to temporarily stop attending classes at the College. This suspension remains in place until the legal case is resolved. Once the legal process is over, the student can apply to return to the College if they wish.

Additionally, if a student is ever charged with or convicted of a felony while enrolled at Baker College, they are required to inform a College official about it. Failing to do so can result in immediate expulsion from the College.

The Conduct Process

When a student violates the Code of Conduct, the student will receive notification of an Administrative Meeting. This notice will include the date(s) of the alleged behavior and request the student’s presence to discuss the matter with Baker College personnel. During the Administrative Meeting, the College will present all available evidence and provide the student with the opportunity to either deny or accept responsibility for the alleged violation. College personnel will then make a determination regarding the student’s responsibility, and appropriate sanctions will be issued if deemed necessary. For certain violations of the Code of Conduct, an alternative dispute resolution process may be available. In cases involving residence hall dismissal or expulsion from the College, the student may have the right to appeal the decision.

Sanctions for Violating the Code of Conduct

The sanction for a violation of the Code of Conduct is at the discretion of the presiding College official. For each violation, one or more of the following sanctions may be imposed, and the student’s refusal to acknowledge these sanctions does not nullify them. All Code of Conduct violations are recorded in the student’s file and maintained by the Director of Student Affairs at the respective campus.

1. Conduct Contract: This document outlines the specific actions or behaviors that were inappropriate and the corresponding policy violations. It also delineates the consequences of any future violations, potentially including expulsion from the College.

2. Educational Sanctions: These measures aim to enhance the student’s knowledge, comprehension, and personal development concerning their violation.

3. Expulsion: Immediate termination of enrollment at Baker College, accompanied by a ban from all Baker College campuses.

4. Restorative Measures: These practices focus on rectifying wrongs and restoring relationships through dialogue. They may be utilized in resolving disputes between students or when a student breaches institutional policies, and can be combined with other sanctions.

5. Suspension: Specifies the duration during which a student is prohibited from accessing any campus. This sanction may also extend to College-provided housing where applicable.

6. Verbal Warning: A conversation between a College staff member and the student, detailing the inappropriate conduct and serving as a formal alert.

Interim Measures

The College reserves the right to implement interim measures as deemed necessary to maintain a conducive learning environment and ensure the safety of students, staff, and faculty until the student’s case is resolved. Interim measures may include, but are not limited to:

• Suspension from student housing

• Suspension from the College

• Change in course schedule

• A no contact order

These interim measures will remain in effect until the the investigation has been completed and a final decision has been issued. The student will be notified when the investigation is complete.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their educational records. An “eligible student” under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a postsecondary institution. More information about FERPA and student records can be found in Disclosures.

These Rights Include the Following:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s educational records within 45 days after the day the College receives a request for access.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s educational record(s) that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
3. The right to provide written consent before the College discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s educational records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.