Southeast Technical Policies and Procedures
Section 100 - Student Affairs
ENROLLMENT:
101 - Application Requirements
All students seeking to enroll at the College must submit approved application materials including: (1) an approved MnSCU application form, (2) an approved MnSCU application fee, and (3) documentation to validate college degrees, high school graduation or attainment of a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Some programs may require additional documentation. A student that has neither a high school diploma nor GED may be admitted, if at the discretion of the college that person demonstrates potential for being a successful college student. In order to receive financial aid, those students that do not have a high diploma or GED must take an approved assessment test and pass the ability to benefit requirements.
Approved: April 10, 1997
Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008
102 - Accuplacer Placement Testing
The College requires that all students document a level of competence, which demonstrates ability levels in mathematics, and reading comprehension. Methods to Demonstrate Ability Levels: The College will recommend and offer a test to meet the MnSCU Policy. The test used by the College will be Accuplacer. Accuplacer test scores are valid for three years from the date of testing. The following are some acceptable alternatives to the Accuplacer test:
A. Transcripts from other accredited colleges showing a grade of “D” or better in comparable college level courses in mathematics and English.
B. Transcripts from an accredited college documenting a B.S., A.A.S., A.A., A.S. degree or higher.
Approved: June 17, 1997
Revised: February 15, 2000; February 13, 2003; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008
103 - Immunization Requirements
Legal References: Minnesota law (MS 135.A.14)
Per law, all students enrolled in more than one credit-based course in a semester and born after December 31, 1956 must provide evidence of immunization for measles, rubella, mumps, diphtheria and tetanus. Students who graduated from a Minnesota high school in 1997 or later are exempt and transfer students from another Minnesota college. Some majors may have additional health requirements.
Approved: July 6, 1993
Revised: April 15, 1997; February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; October 8, 2008
104 - Returning Students
A College student who has not attended the College for one term or more (summer excluded) will be classified as a returning student. In order to be re-admitted, a returning student must complete the Intent to Return form available online or in the Student Affairs office. A returning student must comply with the program major completion requirements and College policies in effect when returning to the Campus.
Approved: March 26, 1997
Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008
APPEALS, COMPLAINTS, GRIEVANCES
111 - Admission Denied: Appeal
Prospective students who are denied admission to the College may submit an appeal, in writing, to the Vice-President of Student Affairs. The appeal will be reviewed and processed in accord with established criteria as described under Admission Denied: Appeal Procedures.
Approved: June 17, 1997
Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008
112 - Complaints and Grievances
Legal Reference: MnSCU Board Policy 3.8
Students having a problem or dispute with another student, college employee, or college policy should first attempt to resolve the issue through a discussion with his/her instructor or advisor. If the issue cannot be resolved with the instructor or advisor, the student should contact the Campus Counselor. If the issue cannot be resolved with the Campus Counselor, the student should be advised that s/he may appeal to the Vice-President of Student Affairs in accordance with the Complaints and Grievances Procedures supporting this policy.
Employees having a problem or dispute are advised to refer to his/her specific bargaining unit agreement for guidance.
Approved: June 17, 1997
Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008
113 - Student Code of Conduct
The college offers each student the freedom to learn and the freedom to enjoy college life in an orderly and lawful manner. In return, the college expects every student to assume the obligation and responsibilities that accompany those freedoms. By enrollment at Southeast Technical, students assume the obligation and responsibility of conducting themselves in accordance with reasonable and lawful requirements. Violations of these responsibilities may result in sanctions that can include warning, probation, suspension or expulsion from the college.
Students have the right to establish their own personal lives and behavior so long as they do not violate college regulations or interfere with the rights of others or the educational process. The college has both the right and responsibility to protect members of its community from physical harm and property damage.
Students, by their associations with the college, will abide by college conduct policies. The code of student conduct does not replace nor does it reduce any requirements of civil or criminal law imposed upon citizens as members of the larger community. Therefore, students who violate civil or criminal law may be subject to both legal and college sanctions for the same conduct when the conduct occurs off campus but is related to the college community.
Students may be held accountable for violations of the behaviors committed off campus when the violation is committed while participating in a college sanctioned or sponsored activity; or the victim of the violation is a member of the college community; or the violation adversely impacts the educational, research, or service functions of the college.
Examples of violations and a description of investigation processes; hearings, sanctions/disciplinary actions and appeals are described under the Student Code of Conduct Procedures.
Approved: April 28, 2006
Revised: September 29, 2008
GENERAL:
121 - Attire
The College generally relies upon the good judgment of each student in determining the type of clothing that is appropriate while on Campus. However, the President or his/her Designee may prohibit any clothing that, in his/her judgment, is regarded as extreme, distasteful, and/or disrespectful of others or that may disrupt the educational process. A decision to prohibit particular clothing items may be appealed by following the procedures outlined under the Student Code of Conduct Policy.
Approved: April 10, 1997
Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008
122 - Attendance
Education at the College is conducted in accordance with employer standards of attendance and punctuality. In case of absence from class, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor in accordance with department or instructor policy.
Some departments may use attendance in concert with grading as indicated by department policy, and/or as referenced in course syllabi.
Students in program majors with clock hour requirements necessary for graduation and/or licensure are able to purchase additional credit to make up lost instructional time incurred by their absence. Make-up time must be completed under the instructor’s supervision.
Primary enforcement of the College attendance policy is the instructor’s responsibility. Excessive absences are referred to Student Affairs and Financial Aid offices.
Approved: March 12, 1997
Revised: April 10, 1997; February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008
123 - Educational Records
Legal References:
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Ct (FERPA), 20 U.S.C.
MN Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) - MN Stat. Chapter 13
Whenever Southeast Technical College collects private student data, the College will be in compliance with FERPA and MGDPA requirements. It will inform the student of:
1. the purpose and intended use of the information;
2. whether the individual may refuse, or is legally required, to provide the information;
3. any known consequences from giving or refusing to supply the data; and,
4. the identity of individuals who will have access to the information.
The College will provide students with access to their records upon written request as outlined in the Procedures accompanying this policy. The College will not disclose or release to a third party identifiable information from education records without prior written consent except as authorized by law and/or as described in the Access to Student Records Procedure.
Student Directory information will be regarded as public data unless the student requests otherwise as described in the Directory Information Procedure.
Students may challenge the accuracy of their education records and grades through the process as outlined in the Challenge of Records Procedure.
Complaints regarding failure of the College to comply with the Family Educations Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) may be submitted in writing as outlined in the Complaints Procedure.
Student Discipline Records
Records maintained by the college relating to student disciplinary proceedings and results are generally classified by federal and state law as “private” information and may not be released to third parties without the student’s prior, written consent or as permitted by law which specifically authorizes the disclosure. Information that a named student has been charged and is the subject of disciplinary proceedings is also considered “private” information.
However, the 2008 Minnesota Legislature amended the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) to allow colleges and universities to disclose without student consent specific information pertaining to disciplinary proceedings on crimes of violence and nonforcible sex offenses as permitted and defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This information can be released only after the college or university has made a final determination that a student has committed a crime of violence or nonforcible sex offense. No criminal charge or proceeding need have been initiated; the criminal laws are only relevant in defining the conduct. The information that may be made public is limited to:
- Name of student
- The violation committed; and
- Any sanction imposed by the institution against the student.
Crime of violence includes the following offenses: arson; assault offenses; burglary; criminal homicide – negligent or non-negligent manslaughter, or murder; destruction, damage or vandalism of property; kidnapping or abduction; robbery; or forcible sex offenses. Nonforcible sex offense means statutory rape or incest. For further clarification of these offenses, consult the FERPA Regulations at 34 CFR Part 99, Appendix A.
Approved: June 7, 2004
Revised: October 8, 2008
125 - Veterans’ Responsibility: Training Credits
The College provides the necessary support services to veterans, National Guard members and reservists who seek veteran’s educational benefits. Persons requesting these educational benefits must meet with the College’s veteran’s representative and submit a completed copy of Form DD-214. The Veteran’s representative is located in the financial aid office on each campus.
The requirements attendant to Withdrawal Penalties, Benefit Reductions and Satisfactory Progress Requirements are outlined in the Procedures and Guidelines.
Approved: June 17, 1997
Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008
SERVICES:
131 - Clubs and Organizations
Students attending the College are encouraged to participate in a variety of clubs and organizations. Students must abide by the policies of the instructors and/or organization advisors regarding attendance, funding and conduct at all College sponsored/affiliated events. Specific policies for each event or organization may be obtained from the instructor or organization advisor. A description of student events and organizations can be obtained through the Student Affairs office.
Approved: July 10, 1997
Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008
132 - Guidance, Counseling, Career Assessment
The College offers full-time counseling services to students primarily in academic and career related areas/issues. Long-term personal counseling is referred to outside cooperating agencies.
Students who have a personal problem that interferes with their College performance should seek counseling assistance. Students who do not voluntarily seek help may be requested to secure adequate medical service, rehabilitative counseling or other services as may be necessary. If a student and his/her family fail to seek help, and should the student’s performance problem persist, the College may take appropriate action.
The services offered in terms of Career Counseling, Educational Counseling, Personal Counseling and Referral, Support Groups and Student Personal Assistance programs are outlined in Services.
Approved: July 10, 1997
Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008
133 - Placement Services
The College will provide students with job placement history and projected demands for careers in major programs or fields of study in conformance with Minnesota state law.
Students may contact the Career Services/Placement Office and review job postings. Information on college graduates will be collected, processed and reported based on guidelines set forth by MnSCU.
Approved: April 10, 1997
Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; October 8, 2008
134 - Housing
The College does not provide student housing (dormitories). Each Campus of the College provides a listing of private rental units available in its community. The listing of available units can be obtained from the Student Services office. The College does not assume any liability arising from the relationship between landlord and tenant.
Approved: July 10, 1997
Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008