Student Life Opportunities, Services, and Policies

Student Life

Advising and Counseling

The Lee College Advising & Transfer Programs department employs a team of professionals to assist students in understanding college requirements and expectations. Through assessment and academic counseling and advising, advisors evaluate student skill levels, help them become familiar with programs and services, and teach them how to utilize degree plans, catalogs, and schedules to select appropriate courses. Using the information provided, students will be able to:

1. Plan an educational course of action towards achieving career and/or life goals.
2. Select classes for a certificate, associate degree, and/or transfer programs.
3. Better understand the terminology associated with college programs.
4. Discuss options and consequences when considering dropping a course or courses.

Please check the website at www.lee.edu for operating hours and holiday closures.

If you would like to make an appointment with your pathway academic advisor, please visit https://www.lee.edu/advising/contact-advisor/. Pathway academic advisors are listed with the programs they serve and contact information.

Advisors are also available across campus to provide day-to-day assistance to students within specific majors. Students may also drop by the Student Success and Advising Center in Rundell Hall for advising assistance.

Students with Disabilities/Access Center

The Access Center at Lee College is available to assist individuals with a disability with accommodations and services that will improve their access and integration into college and college related activities. The Counselor for Students with Disabilities works with faculty, staff, and students to ensure equal access to all programs.

Individuals needing services should meet with the Counselor for Students with Disabilities in Rundell Hall, Office 101, to request any assistance or accommodations. For more information or to set up a meeting, students can call 281.425.6217.

Military Veterans and Dependents

The Veterans Center is available to assist veterans and veteran dependents with their educational benefits. The Veterans Center provides a one-stop shop for services such as advising and counseling assistance in applying for VA educational benefits, registration assistance, certification, Hazelwood exemption, and much more.  Students can e-mail the center at va@lee.edu or find information online at www.gibill.va.gov. Questions or comments regarding VA benefits can be directed to va@lee.edu.

Students must observe the following college policies:

1. Notify the Veterans Center of all enrollment transactions (registration, add/drop, resignation).
2. Enroll in courses listed on their degree plan outlined in this catalog.
3. Complete the “Request for Certification” form each semester and submit the completed form to the Veterans Center in person.
4. Submit transcripts from colleges or universities previously attended.
5. Submit military transcripts (SMART or ART) Found at jst.doded.mil/JST/.

Lee College does not determine students’ eligibility to receive VA benefits. The College’s role in the VA benefit process is to certify the enrollment status of students who have served in the U.S. military forces.

Transfer of Courses to Senior Colleges

The credits earned at Lee College in academic courses are generally accepted by other accredited colleges and universities to satisfy specific course requirements or count as electives. Students are responsible for knowing the requirements associated with the degrees they seek for enrolling in courses that fit into degree programs and for taking courses in proper sequence to ensure orderly progression of work.

Students planning to transfer to four year schools should be aware that each senior college determines its own list of courses required for each degree it offers, and different colleges require different courses for the same degree. Therefore, students who plan to transfer to other institutions should use the degree plan requirements at that institution to guide their choice of courses at Lee College. The best source of information regarding degree plan requirements is the official catalog of the institution. Catalogs are available on the institution’s website.

Student Identification

Students should keep a form of identification with them when they are on campus. Students should request a Lee College ID card, which may be obtained from the Student Success and Advising Center. IDs are required for library services, testing services and to use the game room.

Parking Permits and Incidents

Students who plan to park a vehicle (or vehicles) on campus must obtain a parking permit. These permits are available during regular on-campus registration and may be obtained at the Security Services Office. There is no charge for the first permit; a dollar charge is made for subsequent permits. A valid driver’s license and Lee College ID are required

Students who park motorcycles on campus need not obtain permits but should contact the security office for a list of approved parking areas. Motorcycles parked on grass or sidewalks will be ticketed.

Traffic accidents, thefts, or damage to vehicles should be reported to the Campus Security Office.

Student Engagement

Student Participation in Decision Making at Lee College

Students are encouraged to participat in decision making at Lee College, both in college governance and in student organizations.  The College recognizes the Student Government Association as the principal voice of the student body in matters related to college policy.  Student Government Association representatives meet with the President, Provost, Vice Presidents, and other campus leaders to discuss and share student concerns and issues.  

The Student Government Association also plays a major role in the allocation of funds generated by the student services fee.  These funds are used to support the activities of student organizations recognized by the College, student-oriented cultural activities, and other non-instructional activities.

Student Congress and Student Clubs

The Lee College Student Government Association is comprised of elected representatives from recognized clubs, organizations, and members-at-large. Student Congress meetings are open and all students are encouraged to attend. However, the right to cast votes at Student Congress meetings or in the election of Student Congress Officers is limited to representatives of recognized organizations and members-at-large. The voting conventions used by Student Congress are summarized below; however, students with an interest in Student Congress are encouraged to obtain a copy of its bylaws.

Recognized campus clubs/organizations may designate a voting representative and that representative may cast votes at Student Congress meetings regardless of his/her attendance at previous meetings.

Lee College students, including members and officers of recognized clubs, may become members-at-large by attending Student Congress meetings. The number of meetings required to become a member-at-large is set by the Student Congress. Students need not be club representatives or members-at-large to qualify as candidates for Student Congress offices.

How to Join a Club or Form a New Club

A list of clubs recognized by the College, their officers, and their sponsors is available from the Student Activities Coordinator whose office is located in the Student Center. Students interested in joining clubs should obtain this list. Notices regarding club meetings and activities are posted on the bulletin boards of most college buildings, including the Student Center and Moler Hall.

Any group of seven or more students may form a club or organization, provided they meet the stipulations set forth in the Lee College Handbook for Clubs and Organizations. Copies of this handbook are available from the Student Activities Coordinator or online at www.lee.edu.

Art Association

The Lee College Art Association provides support to visual arts activities such as the student/faculty art show and sale each long semester and to individuals participating in gallery shows on campus and entering competitive shows in the area. Officers are elected from the group. Students who want to sell work in the campus exhibitions contribute a percentage of sales to the Visual Arts Scholarship Fund.

Debate

The Lee College Debate Team is open to all Lee College students, regardless of major or area of concentration, who have an interest in competitive public speaking, argumentation, logic, and other applied academic areas. This extracurricular activity allows students to compete in a structured environment against students from colleges and universities from around the nation. Membership in intercollegiate debate programs is a desirable activity on applications for transfer to competitive institutions, as well as those who have an interest pursing graduate education in Speech, Business, Political Science, or law school. The Lee College Debate Team is a national competitive member of the International Public Debate Association (IPDA), providing opportunities for both individual and team debate.

No debate experience is necessary to join and newcomers will be prepared to compete against students of similar readiness in Novice competition, while those who may possess a debate background at the high school level may compete against more seasoned competition in the Varsity division. Membership in the Debate Team is also open to those students who do not wish to compete but to simply refine their delivery and argumentation skills. Students will receive hands-on training in both debate and public speaking and are able to attend 8-10 tournaments throughout the academic year, culminating in the IPDA National Championship Tournament in the late Spring semester.

Scholarships are available by application. Lee College Debate also offers assistance in applying for debate transfer scholarships to a network of four-year institutions throughout the nation. For more information, please contact the Director of Forensics at 281.425.6502.

Drama

Lee College theatre students participate in all phases of theatre production: set design, set construction, lighting, make-up, acting, sound, publicity, and box office. Students are exposed to a wide variety of theatrical experiences through field trips to see productions by local theatres, both amateur and professional. Lee College maintains a chapter of Delta Psi Omega, the national theatre honor society for community colleges.

Students present major productions each year. Plays may be entered into competition at the Annual Texas Junior College Play Festival and the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

The Lee College Theatre Arts Program encourages the participation of all Lee College students and the Baytown community. Auditions are open to anyone interested in performing or working on a crew. Community involvement by students includes support of Baytown Little Theater and other area little theatres.

A number of drama scholarships are available through the Drama Department.

Gulf Coast Intercollegiate Conference (GCIC)

The Gulf Coast Intercollegiate Council is a consortium of regional community colleges and includes several divisions, including the arts, sports, and honors.  As a member of the Gulf Coast Intercollegiate Conference, Lee College can offer its music students opportunities to perform in the Fall and Spring GCIC student recitals, to participate in voice, piano, and instrumental master classes, and to take part in the GCIC Choral Festival and the GCIC Jazz Festival. The GCIC holds student art shows every other year and provides speakers, programs, and demonstrations for visual arts students. GCIC offers Fall and Spring sports days with a variety of sports activities.  GCIC also coordinates student honors conferences and retreats each year.

Campus Activities Board

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) brings programs to the campus that are informative, interesting, entertaining, and intellectually stimulating for students. See their bulletin board in the Student Center for upcoming CAB-sponsored activities. Contact the Student Engagement Manager in the Student Center or at 832.556.4579.

Music Activities

Numerous solo and ensemble performance opportunities are available to Lee College students.  The Lee College Concert Choir, Lee College Jazz Ensemble and Baytown Symphony Orchestra fulfill instructional goals with concerts on campus and in the community, and offer travel and social enrichment though participation in festivals and tours.  Solo opportunities for students enrolled in private lessons (available on all band and orchestral instruments, piano, guitar and voice) are provided through departmental recitals, by competition in various auditions, and by being featured with one of the Lee College ensembles.  Interested students should view the Lee College Music website page at:  http://www.lee.edu/vpa/music/ and/or contact the Office of Visual and Performing Arts Division at 281-425-6821 for additional information.  Financial assistance is available to qualified Lee College students.

Sports

Collegiate Athletics

As a member of Region XIV of the National Junior College Athletic Association, Lee College conducts its program within the guidelines of these organizations.

Club Sports

Club Sports offers competitive league play with other colleges in the Baytown and Houston area, including flag football, soccer, basketball, tennis, and baseball. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of six SCH and maintain a 2.0 GPA. Men’s and women’s teams are available. For season play and requirements, see the Recreation Coordinator, located in the Student Center.

Intramural Competitions

Intramural competitions are offered each semester at Lee College. Information regarding participation in table tennis, 8-ball, chess, basketball, racquetball, flag football, softball, and volleyball is available from the Recreation Coordinator, located in the Student Center.

Student Ambassador Program

Lee College Student Ambassadors represent Lee College both on and off campus. Through their diversity and passion, Ambassadors promote the benefits of education. The Ambassadors provide high schools and the surrounding community with resources and information about Lee College Programs and Recruitment and Outreach Activities. The organization is always looking for people from diverse backgrounds and programs who demonstrate excellent communication skills, and leadership potential. A scholarship of $500 is awarded to each Ambassador who completes 50 hours of service per semester.

For more information on this program or to apply, contact the Recruitment and Outreach office at 281.425.6260.

Campus Services

Campus Security

Lee College provides a Campus Security Office as a service to students. Security officers are on duty twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They are available to escort persons to and from parking lots, to assist in starting stalled vehicles, and to open vehicles which were inadvertently locked. Incidents involving crime, theft, vandalism, automobile accidents, or damage to vehicles should be reported to the Campus Security Office. The office may be contacted by dialing 281.425.6888 (off-campus), by using campus extension 6888, or by picking up one of the red emergency telephones that are located around campus.

First-Year Experience Program

The First Year Experience (FYE) program is designed to support all first-year students by creating innovative and engaging ways to connect students to resources (such as New Student Orientation) and develop their sense of belonging to create the ideal student experience.  Connect with FEY by stopping by the Student Center, emailing orientation@lee.edu or 832-556-4579.

Food Services

Cafe ‘34 (snack bar) is located in Moler Hall in front of the Gazebo.

Business hours are:

Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m.

Summer Hours are Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.   Closed on Fridays.

Cafe ‘34 offers a full menu of choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  In addition to the regular menu, we also offer a steam table with Taqueria available from 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and Home Cooked Meals available from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.  Food service meal cards are available for purchase.  Students that receive Financial Aid can buy meal cards with Financial Aid (limited time).  Catering services are also available.  For more information, please call Cafe ‘34 at 281-425-6402.

Books and Beans is a student operated snack bar, located in the Student Center. It features coffee, ice cream, and fast food lunches from off-campus vendors. Operating hours are posted each semester.

Learning Hub

The Learning Hub is located in the Student Center building and is open to all enrolled Lee College students with services designed to help students succeed in courses such as free Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction for a diverse range of courses along with: computers, study spaces with tables and couches, whiteboards, and FREE printing (10 pages/day).  For more information contact Hugo Gonzalez at hgonzalez@lee.edu or 832-556-5130.

Student Employment and Career Services

The Student Employment and Career Services office functions as an equal opportunity employer referral service for Lee College students and alumni. The objective of the office is to assist students and graduates in obtaining part-time and full-time employment on and off campus.

Students can schedule an appointment with the Employment Specialist to receive assistance writing and/or updating their résumés, as well as preparing for upcoming job interviews. In addition, students can register with the Student Employment and Career Services Office to receive access to the Lee College joinhandshake.com Job Link, a computerized job data base listing current employment opportunities available to students and alumni.

The office also hosts annual job fairs which bring employers on campus. Job fairs are an excellent opportunity for students to fill out applications for hire, present their résumé to interested employers, and research employment opportunities. For more information contact the Student Employment and Career Services Office at 281.425.6572.

Student Center

The Student Center is the heart of the Lee College campus.  Students can study in the Learning HUB, access support services in the Student Resource & Advocacy Center or TRIO Student Support Services, play games with friends or just unwind in the Student Center and so much more.  Stop by and visit your Navigator home away from home today!

Student Engagement and Game Room

Interested in getting involved?  Student Engagement houses student organizations, club sports, Student Government Association, and hosts a variety of fun recreational and education events for Lee College students.

In the Game Room, students searching for a way to relax between classes can choose between classes can choose between billiards, table-tennis, darts, foosball, and video games.

For more information, contact Michael Pounds at mpounds@lee.edu or 832-556-4579.

Student Health

Lee College cares about your health and wellbeing and offers a variety of services to assist students in their success at Lee College.  Students can reach the Lee College Security office located at 317 S. Whiting on the Main Campus by phone at 281.425.6888.

• The College provides emergency red telephones and instructions in the hallways of each campus building. Blue light phones are located outdoors adjacent to parking lots on the Main Campus and found in the parking lots. Both are means to immediately call security.
• Campus security officers carry first aid kits, are equipped with radios, and have an established procedure for contacting an emergency medical service in the event of a serious injury, accident, or illness.
• First aid boxes are located in laboratories where there are chemicals, tools, or equipment that increase the risk of injury to students and faculty.
• Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are available for use by the general public and can be found in most buildings on the Main Campus as well as at the McNair Campus, and the Liberty Center. 

Mental Health Information and Education

Being a student is often complicated and can impact your mental health.

Seventy-five percent of all mental health conditions begin by age 24, making the college years critical for understanding and talking about mental health. For the nontraditional student, there are additional stressors, which may include work and family demands. Depression, anxiety, and eating disorders are the most common among college students and suicide is the second leading cause of death for this population.

Whether you are feeling overwhelmed yourself or you are seeing signs in a friend, there are resources and support. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in partnership with the Jed Foundation has created a guide Starting the Conversation: College and your Mental Health and this short video to help students navigate through college in regards to mental health.

Mental Health Services

Lee College provides free Mental Health support to current students 18 years of age or older.  Through our full time Mental Health Therapist, students can find support and strategies to help with areas to include anxiety, depression, and stress. To set up your first appointment, complete this online form: www.lee.edu/go/mental-health-referral.  For more information, contact Linda Torrez-Mann at ltorrezmann@lee.edu.  All sessions are confidential.  Additional resources can be found online at https://www.lee.edu/cares-team/mental-health-resources/

TimelyCare Virtual Services

Lee College students have free 24/7 access to virtual care services with TimelyCare, the virtual health and well being platform from Timely MD, designed for college students.  Students have access to TimelyCare services 365 days a year which includes breaks, after-hours and any time support is needed. Students are encouraged to download the app at www.timelycare.com/lee  to get started.

As part of Lee College’s partnership with TimelyCare, students have access to services including:

• MedicalNow: On-demand support for common health issues, including cold, flu, and

allergies.

• TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand emotional support to talk about anything, including anxiety,

relationships, depression, and school-related stressors.

• Scheduled Medical: Choose the day, time, and medical provider that best works for you.
• Scheduled Counseling: Choose the day, time, and mental health provider that best works

for you. (12 visits per year)

• Health Coaching: Develop healthy lifestyle behaviors, including nutrition, sleep habits, time

management, and mindfulness.

• Psychiatry: Appointments are available through referrals.
• Self-Care Content: Visit the “Explore” page within TimelyCare for guided self-care content,

including yoga and meditation sessions, as well as group conversations with our providers

on a variety of health and well-being topics.

For more information on TimelyCare or if you are having problems accessing the services, contact Dr. Rosemary Coffman at rcoffman@lee.edu.

Student Housing

Lee College does not provide on-campus student housing. 

Student Resource and Advocacy Center

The Student Resource & Advocacy Center (SRAC) focuses on providing basic needs to Lee College students.  THe SRAC offers: childcare assistance, clothing closets, emergency aid, transportation assistance, and the new SRAC market where students can get groceries, hygiene items and more!

TRIO Student Support Services

Lee College TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) provides tutoring, student success workshops, transfer college visits and more to help motivate students not only to earn a certificate or associate’s degree, but to help students graduate on time and transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree.  Currently enrolled students who are first-generation, income-eligible (based upon federal guidelines) or have a documented disability are eligible to apply.  Space is limited!  The TRIO SSS Office is located in the Student Center building.  For more information, contact 281.425.6500 or sss@lee.edu

Library

The Lee College Library extends its facilities and resources to students, faculty, staff, and community members. Located on the first floor of the Advanced Technology Center (ATC), the library continually updates its print and electronic materials, giving patrons a variety of resources that can be accessed in the library or remotely. It holds over 70,000 print books and more than 115,000 electronic and print periodical titles. In addition, it provides over 109,000 electronic books and government documents, and access to over 100 article, art, and video databases. The library also provides access to approximately 1,800 DVDs tapes, and over 23,000 streaming video titles.

Research assistance is available whenever the library is open. Patrons can come to the Reference Desk, use the Ask a Librarian email service, chat, or phone. Library computer workstations are intended for academic pursuits and are available to all patrons. The library’s Acceptable Use Policy can be found at http://www.lee.edu/library/about/policies/laup/ and applies to all users. Study rooms may be used by individuals or small groups. Some are available on a first come, first served basis; others have time and group size limitations.

For students taking online learning courses, the library is here for you as well. In addition to thousands of e-books and e-journals, we also offer online tutorials as well as phone, email, and chat services. Take a look in your course list in WebCT or Blackboard and you will see a Library Resources “course” built with you in mind. For more information, go to the “Online Learners” webpage at http://www.lee.edu/library/services/dist-ed/

Library hours are posted on the front door and on the library’s website www.lee.edu/library/. For more information call the library at 281.425.6584.

Instructional Labs

Nursing Lab

In addition to the Nursing materials contained in the Library, other study materials are available for Nursing students’ use in the Nursing Lab. This Lab is located in the east wing of the McNulty Haddick Complex. A full-time lab manager and student assistants are available to assist nursing students with available resources.  Lab hours are posted according to semester class schedules.

Mathematics Lab

The Mathematics Lab, located in Bonner Hall 113, is open to all students whether they need a math question answered, access to a personal computer, or are completing assignments for computer assisted math courses. Staffed by math professionals and peer tutors, the lab also provides audio/ videotapes, players, and a mathematics library. Hours are posted each term.

Gil & Maudene Chambers Writing and Communication Center

The Writing Center is located on the first floor of the ATC building, at the back of the library.  Tutors are available to assist students with any writing assignment they may have, regardless of subject.  Our adjacent computer lab is open for all students to use as needed as well.

Open Computer Labs

The Lee College Open Lab, located in the Advanced Technology Center, Room 208, is available to all students. A full-time lab manager and student assistants are available during open hours. Hours are posted each semester.

The Student Success Center (SSC) offers a casual place to study with computers and small conference tables available to all students. The SSC also provides assistance with advising, online, registration and other services via students’ myLC account. Limited tutoring, financial aid, and Higher One reimbursement site.

Lee College Simulation Center

The Lee College Simulation Center is located in the McNulty-Haddick Complex. The Simulation Center replicates a clinical setting much like a hospital in which students in health career programs such as nursing can engage in high fidelity simulation scenarios as an adjunct to hands on patient care. The simulated experience offers a safe environment for students to practice clinical skills, therapeutic communication, patient interventions, team collaboration and clinical reasoning. All simulations involve a period of debriefing for the students and faculty participating in the scenarios to have an opportunity to reflect on the scenario. Students participate in the activities in the Simulation Center when assigned by the program faculty and additional Simulation Center times are available by appointment.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights

Students are responsible for:

• Knowing the requirements for the degree they seek.
• Enrolling in courses that fit into degree programs.
• Taking courses in proper sequence to ensure orderly progression of work.
• Knowing and abiding by college regulations regarding the standard of work required to continue in the College, as well as those dealing with scholastic probation, academic integrity, and enforced withdrawal.

In addition to the rights enjoyed by all citizens and residents, the rights accorded students by Lee College include the following:

• The right to privacy for their college records;
• The right to see their records and, if necessary, challenge their accuracy;
• The right to know the graduation rates for full-time certificate and degree seeking students;
• The right to know the rates of students on athletic scholarships;
• The right to know the number of criminal offenses (if any) that occurred on Lee College campus and were reported to campus officials or a police agency in the past year;
• The right to know the number of arrests, if any, for liquor law violations, drug abuse violations, and weapons violations committed on campus during the past year;
• The right to pursue grievances against instructors, administrators, or fellow students;
• The right to place letters in their files regarding disciplinary action or grievances. The College policies pertaining to these rights follow.

Note that students may also file grievances and appeal decisions made by instructors and administrators. The student appeals process is outlined at the end of this chapter.

Student Records and Right to Privacy

Students’ right to privacy is assured in part by federal law. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and its amendments specify the types of student information that can be released to the public without the student’s expressed consent and specifies the persons and agencies who may receive other information regarding students.

According to FERPA the students’ information a college may release to the public without students’ permission is referred to as “directory information.” The information included in the FERPA definition of directory information is listed below.

Confidential educational records (not Directory Information) are provided to college officials who need such records to fulfill their professional responsibilities.

Lee College designates employee as college officials including but not limited to instructors, advisors/counselors, admissions staff, the registrar, staff in the business office, staff in academic affairs, staff in student affairs, staff in the athletics program, staff in institutional research, staff in information technology, staff in human resources, and the president.

Lee College designates members of the Board of Regents as college officials.

Lee College designates third parties as college officials including but not limited to employees of commercial vendors and employees of local school districts, when:

• They are performing a service or function for which Lee College would otherwise use employees;
• They are under the direct control of Lee College with respect to the use and maintenance of confidential educational records; and
• They comply with Lee College’s requirements governing the use of re-disclosure of personally identifying information from education records.

Student Records and Transcripts

The offices in which student records are maintained are listed below:

Academic Records

• Office of Admissions and Records

Student Affairs Records

• Associate Vice President, Student Services
• Counseling Office 
• Executive Director, Student Success and Well-Being

Financial Records

• Business Office - Vice President of Financial Services
• Office of Financial Aid - Financial Aid Director

Applications to nursing programs

• Nursing Division Office

Community Education programs

• Community Education Office - Director of Community Education

Offices and Individuals with Access to Student Records

Federal law allows the following individuals and agencies access to student records without the prior consent of students.

1. Officials, faculty, and staff of Lee College who have a legitimate educational interest in the student’s record.
2. Officials of other schools in which the student seeks admission or intends to enroll. Students may have copies of their records forwarded to other institutions by filing a request with the Admissions and Records Office.
3. Individuals who need the information in connection with a student’s application or receipt of financial aid.
4. State or local officials to which educational data must be reported.
5. Legitimate organizations (ACT, CEEB, ETS) developing, validating, or administering predictive test or student aid programs. Such data is not to be released in any identifiable form and will be destroyed by the organization after the research has been completed.
6. Accrediting agencies.
7. Parents of a dependent student as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
8. In compliance with judicial order or pursuant to any lawfully issued subpoena (Lee College will attempt to inform students in this instance).
9. Representatives of the Comptroller General of the United States, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Administrative Heads of Educational Agencies, or State Education Authorities.

Students’ Right to Know: Graduation Rates and Crime Statistics

Federal law also requires colleges to publish graduation and/or persistence rates for all full-time students pursuing certificates and degrees, the same information for students on athletic scholarship, statistics regarding the incidence of crime on the campus, and the number of arrests for certain crimes committed on the campus. This information is compiled each year and is available online.

Information Regarding Classes

Times and Frequency

A copy of the schedule of classes offered during each semester or term will be available in advance of the opening day of registration at www.lee.edu.

Size of Classes

The College Administration reserves the right to discontinue any class for which the enrollment is too small to justify its continuation during a particular semester. Class cancellations will be posted in buildings and/or at www.lee.edu.

Students’ Right to Review Their Records

Students who wish to review their college records may do so by filing a request with the office responsible for the records in question. These offices are listed in a subsequent section. Students who wish to review their records may be required to complete a “Request for Review of Student Record” form.

Under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students may be denied access to some college records. These include the following records.

1. Financial information submitted by the students’ parents.
2. Confidential letters and recommendations associated with admissions, employment, job placement, or honors to which they have waived their right of inspection and review.
3. Educational records containing the information above for more than one student, in which case the institution will permit access only to that part of the record which pertains to the inquiring student.
4. Confidential letters and recommendations placed in their files prior to January 1, 1975, provided those letters were collected under established policies of confidentiality and were used only for the purposes for which they were collected.

Challenging the Accuracy of College Records

Students who desire to challenge the accuracy of the information in their records may do so by following the procedures outlined below.

Informal Review

The custodian of the record will summarize action taken on “Request for Review of Student Record” form and will sign and date the form.

Formal Review

If the informal review does not clarify the question of accuracy or record keeping, the student may request a formal review. The Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs will appoint and chair committees to hear challenges concerning academic records. The Associate Vice President of Student Affairs will appoint and chair committees that hear the challenges concerning non-academic records.

Directory Information

1. Name
2. Address both Physical and Electronic
3. Telephone
4. Date and place of birth
5. Credentials earned and date as well as honors and awards
6. Major and field of study
7. Academic classification
8. Dates of attendance/Enrollment status
9. Number of semester hours in progress and attained to date
10. Previous high schools and colleges attended
11. Weight, height and participation of members of NJCAA athletic teams

Students may request that the College withhold their directory information from the general public. To do so, students must file a request with the Office of Admissions and Records during the first twelve class days of long semesters or the first four class days of a summer session.

Graduate Guarantee Program

Transfer Credit

Lee College guarantees to its Associate of Arts and Associate of Science graduates that course credits will transfer to other public supported Texas colleges or universities provided the following conditions are met:

1. Transferability means acceptance of credit toward a specific major and degree at a specific institution. These three components must be identified by the student during the application for admission process prior to the first semester of enrollment at Lee College.
2. As stated in the general undergraduate catalog of the receiving institution, limitations apply to the total number of credits accepted in transfer, grades required, relevant grade point average, and duration of transferability.
3. Transferability refers to courses in a written transfer degree plan filed in a student’s file at Lee College.
4. Only college-level courses with Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual approved numbers are included in this guarantee.

If all the above conditions are met, and a course or courses are not accepted by a receiving institution in transfer, the student must notify the Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs at Lee College within 10 days of notice of transfer credit denial so the “Transfer Dispute Resolution” process can be initiated.

If course denial is not resolved, Lee College will allow the student to take tuition free alternate courses, semester hour for semester hour, that are acceptable to the receiving institution within a one year period from granting of a degree at Lee College. The graduate is responsible for payment of any fees, books, or other course-related expenses associated with the alternate course or courses.

Transfer Limitation Notice

Texas public universities may limit the transfer of lower- division credit hours earned by a student. All coursework at Lee College is considered lower division coursework, with the exception of developmental courses (see Developmental Coursework).

A Texas public university may elect to limit lower division transfer credit to 66 hours maximum. However, exceptions are sometimes made at some institutions. All students intending to transfer should work carefully with Lee College advisors and advisors at each desired transfer institution to assist them in making wise enrollment choices.

Further, courses designed for workforce education may have limited transfer value toward a bachelor’s degree. These courses are taken from the Workforce Education Course Manual published by the state and are used in certificate and AAS plans; WECM courses are not required in degree plans intended for transfer (all AA, AS, and AAT plans). Degree programs designed to streamline the acquisition of a bachelor’s degree for earners of AAS degrees have been initiated at some Texas universities.

Students should contact the Counseling Center for more information about any issue related to transfer.

Transfer Dispute Resolution

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board provides a formal procedure for resolution of transfer disputes for lower-division courses offered by Texas public colleges and universities. Students have the right to appeal denial of credit under this policy. The policy can be viewed at the Coordinating Board’s website.

Students who would like to question transcript evaluations done by Lee College should first contact the Registrar. If still dissatisfied, the student should see the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs.

Guarantee of Job Competency

If a recipient of an associate of applied science degree or certificate of completion is judged by his/her employer to be lacking in technical job skills identified as exit competencies for his/her specific degree program, the graduate will be provided up to 12 tuition-free credit hours of additional skill training by Lee College under the condition of the guarantee policy. Special conditions which apply to the guarantee include the following:

1. The graduate must have earned the associate of applied science degree or certificate of completion beginning May, 1993 or thereafter in a technical, vocational, or occupational program identified in the College’s general catalog as of Fall 1992 or later.
2. The graduate must have completed requirements of the associate of applied science degree or certificate of completion with Lee College, with a minimum of 80 percent of credits earned at Lee College and must have completed the degree or certificate within a five-year time span.
3. Graduates must be employed full-time in an occupation directly related to the area of program concentration as certified by the Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs.
4. Employment must commence within 12 months of graduation.
5. The employer must certify in writing that the employee is lacking entry-level skills identified by Lee College as program exit competencies and must specify the areas of deficiency within 90 days of the graduate’s initial employment.
6. The employer, graduate, Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs, Director Counseling and Advising, and appropriate faculty member will develop a written educational plan for retraining.
7. Retraining will be limited to 12 credit hours related to the identified skill deficiency and to those classes regularly scheduled during the periods covered by the retraining plan.
8. All retraining must be completed within a calendar year from the time the educational plan is agreed upon.
9. The graduate and/or employer is responsible for the cost of books, insurance, uniforms, fees, and other course-related expenses.
10. The guarantee does not imply that the graduate will pass any licensing or qualifying examination for a particular career.

A student’s sole remedy against Lee College and its employees for skill deficiencies shall be limited to 12 credit hours of tuition fee education under the conditions described. Activation of the “Graduate Guarantee Program” may be initiated by the graduate by contacting the Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs within 90 days of the graduate’s initial employment.

CARES Team (Concern, Assess, Refer, & Educate for Success)

The Lee College CARES Team (previously known as the Behavioral Intervention Team) serves as a resource to the campus community by providing guidance and assistance to students with behaviors that can be concerning, disruptive, or threatening-behaviors that potentially impede the student’s success to function successfully or safely. Examples of referrals may include issues related to mental health, family concerns, support with basic needs, or behaviors that are considered threatening or unusual (not related to conduct).  Through regular meetings, the Core Team reviews referrals, gathers data, conducts assessments, and provides support and referrals.  

Once a referral is made and a case is created.  The student will be contacted by the assigned case manager to set up the initial appointment.  More information is gathered regarding the situation in order to determine appropriate interventions or support. Each week, the case is reviewed and discussed with the CARES Team to report progress and to determine additional options for support.  While not conduct related, students may be reported based on behaviors that are threatening or concerning with the purpose to address the behaviors before they become a conduct issue.  Regardless of the type of issue, the case will remain open to ensure that the student has information for the support.

More information can be found online at www.lee.edu/cares-team/ or by contacting Dr. Rosemary Coffman (rcoffman@lee.edu).

Student Conduct

Student Behavior

Per Lee College Board Policy - FLB (LOCAL): Student Rights and Responsibilities - Student Conduct, attendance at Lee College is based on students meeting certain academic requirements and conforming to college regulations concerning student behavior on campus and at off-campus activities sponsored by the College or student organizations.

In addition, student organizations are expected to take reasonable precautions to prevent violations of College regulations and to assist the College in preventing them.

When information is received that a student has allegedly violated a College policy or administrative rule, per Lee College Board Policy FMA (LOCAL): Discipline and Penalties - Discipline Procedures, the alleged violations are investigated and may result in dismissal or adjudication of the allegation, resulting in a sanction as listed per Lee College Board Policy - FM (LOCAL): Discipline and Penalties.

Following Lee College Board Policy FLB (LOCAL): Student Rights and Responsibilities-Student Conduct, the section below defines prohibited conduct that may lead to a student conduct referral:

Scholastic Dishonesty

“Scholastic dishonesty” includes, but not be limited to, cheating, plagiarism, and collusion.

“Cheating” includes, but not be limited to:

1. Copying from another student’s test or class work;
2. Using test materials not authorized by the person administering the test;
3. Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test without permission from the test administrator;
4. Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of an unadministered test, paper, or another assignment;
5. The unauthorized transporting or removal, in whole or in part, of the contents of the unadministered test;
6. Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for oneself, to take a test;
7. Bribing another person to obtain an unadministered test or information about an unadministered test; or
8. Manipulating a test, assignment, or final course grades.

“Plagiarism” is defined as the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work.

“Collusion” is defined as the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of course requirements. 

Disorderly Conduct

“Disorderly conduct” includes any of the following activities occurring on premises owned or controlled by the College District:

1. Behavior of a boisterous and tumultuous character such that there is a clear and present danger of alarming persons where no legitimate reason for alarm exists.
2. Interference with the peaceful and lawful conduct of persons when there is reason to believe that such conduct will cause or provoke a disturbance.
3. Violent and forceful behavior at any time such that there is a clear and present danger that free movement of other persons will be impaired.
4. Behavior involving personal abuse or assault when such behavior creates a clear and present danger of causing assaults or fights.
5. Violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud, or otherwise disorderly conduct when there is reason to believe that such conduct will cause or provoke a disturbance.
6. Willful and malicious behavior that interrupts the speaker of any lawful assembly or impairs the lawful right of others to participate effectively in such assembly or meeting when there is reason to believe that such conduct will cause or provoke a disturbance.
7. Willful and malicious behavior that obstructs or causes the obstruction of any doorway, hall, or any other passageway in a College District building to such an extent that the employees, officers, and other persons, including visitors, having business with the College District are denied entrance into, exit from, or free passage in such building.

Discipline

A student is subject to disciplinary action if the student violates this policy:

1. While on College District premises;
2. While attending a College District activity; or
3. While elsewhere if the student’s behavior adversely impacts the educational environment or otherwise interferes with the College District’s operations, objectives, or other policies.

Responsibility

Each student is charged with notice and knowledge of, and shall be required to comply with, the contents and provisions of the College District’s rules and regulations concerning student conduct.

All students must obey the law, show respect for properly constituted authority, and observe correct standards of conduct. Each student is expected to:

1. Demonstrate courtesy, even when others do not;
2. Behave in a responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline;
3. Attend all classes, regularly and on time;
4. Prepare for each class and take appropriate materials and assignments to class;
5. Obey all classroom rules;
6. Respect the rights and privileges of students, faculty, and other College District staff and volunteers;
7. Respect the property of others, including College District property and facilities; and
8. Cooperate with and assist the College District staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline.

Prohibited Conduct

Federal, State, and Local Law

Violations of federal, state, or local law or College District policies, procedures, or rules, including the College catalog is prohibited.

Prohibited Weapons and Devices

Possession, distribution, sale, or use of firearms, location-restricted knives with a blade over 5.5”, knuckles, clubs, firearm silencers, or other prohibited weapons or devices in violation of law or College District policies and procedures is prohibited. [See CHF]

Drugs and Alcohol

Behaviors regarding drugs and alcohol and associated paraphernalia, as described in policy FLBE, is prohibited as described in policy FLBE.

Debts

Owing a monetary debt to the College District that is considered delinquent or writing an “insufficient funds” check to the College District is prohibited.

Disruptions

“Disorderly conduct,” as defined above, or disruptive behavior is prohibited.

Behavior Targeting Others

The following behavior targeting others is prohibited:

1. Threatening another person, including a student or employee;
2. Intentionally, knowingly, or negligently causing physical harm to any person;
3. Engaging in conduct that constitutes harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, or bullying directed toward another person, including a student or employee; [See DIA series, FFD series, and FFE as appropriate]
4. Hazing with or without the consent of a student;
5. Initiations by organizations that include features that are dangerous, harmful, or degrading to the student, a violation of which also renders the organization subject to appropriate discipline; and
6. Endangering the health or safety of members of the College District community or visitors to the premises.

Property

The following behavior regarding property is prohibited:

1. Intentionally, knowingly, or negligently defacing, damaging, misusing, or destroying College District property or property owned by others;
2. Stealing from the College District or others; and
3. Theft, sabotage, destruction, distribution, or other use of the intellectual property of the College District or third parties without permission.

Directives

Failure to comply with directives given by College District personnel and failure to provide identification when requested to do so by College District personnel is prohibited. 

Tobacco and E-cigarettes

Possession or use of tobacco products or e-cigarettes on College District property without authorization is prohibited. [See FLBD]

Misuse of Technology

The following behavior regarding misuse of technology is prohibited:

1. Violating policies, rules, or agreements signed by the student regarding the use of technology resources;
2. Attempting to access or circumvent passwords or other security-related information of the College District, students, or employees or uploading or creating computer viruses;
3. Attempting to alter, destroy, disable, or restrict access to College District technology resources including but not limited to computers and related equipment, College District data, the data of others, or other networks connected to the College District’s system without permission;
4. Using the internet or other electronic communications to threaten College District students, employees, or volunteers;
5. Sending, posting, or possessing electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal;
6. Using email or websites to engage in or encourage illegal behavior or threaten the safety of the College District, students, employees, or visitors; and
7. Possessing published or electronic material designed to promote or encourage illegal behavior or that could threaten the safety of the College District, students, employees, or visitors.

Dishonesty

The following behavior regarding dishonesty is prohibited:

1. Scholastic dishonesty, as defined above;
2. Making false accusations or perpetrating hoaxes regarding the safety of the College District, students, employees, or visitors;
3. Intentionally or knowingly providing false information to the College District; and
4. Intentionally or knowingly falsifying records, passes, or other College District-related documents.

Gambling and Other Conduct

Gambling or engaging in any other conduct that College District officials might reasonably believe will substantially disrupt the College District program or incite violence is prohibited.

Prohibited conduct listed above is not an exhaustive list and may include behaviors not listed in FLB policy. Below are detailed examples of already mentioned violations and additional behaviors that violate policy.

Bullying

Bullying can foster a climate of fear and disrespect which seriously impairs the physical and psychological health of its victims and creates conditions that negatively affect any learning and working environment.  Bullying of any individual is prohibited and is subject to disciplinary action.  Such behaviors should be reported to a trusted Lee College employee or can be reported through our online incident reporting form (https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?LeeCollege&layout_id=0).

Bullying is defined as the aggressive and hostile acts of an individual or group of individuals who are intended to humiliate, mentally or physically injure or intimidate, and/or control another individual or group of individuals.  This includes behavior on campus, while attending a College activity, or elsewhere if the behavior adversely impacts the educational environment.  Such aggressive and hostile acts can occur as a single, severe incident or repeated incidents, and may manifest itself in the following forms:

1. Physical Bullying includes pushing, shoving, kicking, poking, and/or tripping another; assaulting or threatening a physical assault; damaging a person’s work area or personal property; and/or damaging or destroying a person’s work product.  
2. Verbal/Written Bullying includes ridiculing, insulting or maligning a person, either verbally or in writing; addressing abusive, threatening, derogatory or offensive remarks to a person; and/or attempting to exploit an individual’s known intellectual or physical vulnerabilities.
3. Nonverbal Bullying includes directing threatening gestures toward a person or invading person or invading personal space after being asked to move or step away.
4. “Cyber bullying” is defined as bullying an individual using electronic form, including, but not limited to, the Internet, interactive and digital technologies, or mobile phones.

Disruption of Operations or Events

The College bears the responsibility for ensuring the safety of individuals, the protection of property, and the continuity of the educational process. Disorderly conduct that is violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, or unreasonably loud is prohibited if there is reason to believe that such conduct will cause or provoke a disturbance. Students who pose a danger to persons or property or who constitute a threat of disrupting the academic process are subject to disciplinary action, including summary suspension from the College.

Dress and Grooming

Students’ dress or grooming may not materially and substantially interfere with normal school operations. Students with clothing that is considered lewd, offensive, or derogatory in the opinion of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs may be asked to change or leave the campus.

Handguns and Campus Carry

The College is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, employees, and visitors and to respecting the right of individuals licensed to carry a handgun in the state of Texas.  Individuals licensed to carry may do so on the College campuses, except where prohibited by law or this policy.

The Open Carry Law (SB 11) allows licensed holders to carry their handguns in an open manner throughout the state of Texas as long as the handgun is secured in a shoulder or belt holster.  They may not open carry on the premises of a community college or on a public or private driveway, street, sidewalk or walkway, or parking area of a community college.

In effect for Community Colleges since August 2017, the Campus Carry Law permits concealed handguns to be carried by valid Concealed Handgun License (CHL) holders on a community college campus, in areas of the campus approved for carry.

License holders who carry a handgun on campus must carry it always concealed and on or about their person at all times or secure their handgun in a locked, privately owned vehicle.  Lee College does not provide handgun storage areas on campus.

Weapon Free Zones

There are specific areas designated as weapon free zones.  This includes the following:

1. Any location or situation in which the personal belongings are not allowed on or about their person such as the Testing Center;
2. All commencement ceremonies;
3. Laboratory areas where dangerous materials and equipment or research animals are present;
4. Designated conference areas used for discussions of grievances or disciplinary hearings or meetings (these exclusions may be permanent or temporary based on usage of spaces.);
5. Any location where professional mental health services are provided;
6. Any premises on which a program activity, or camp is being conducted specifically for minors;
7. Additional locations as temporary (on a case-by-case basis) as approved by the College President.  This may include venues for public or large events; and/or
8. Other areas prohibited by regulation, state or federal law.

In September 2021, HB 1927 became effective.  Known as the Constitutional Carry, the open carry of firearms on campus remains prohibited and does not apply to Lee College property.  Any licensed gun owner may not enter areas where signs are posted prohibiting concealed carry.  The existing prohibited places (Texas Penal Code § 46.03) continue to be in place for those who can legally carry a handgun.

Prohibited Weapons and Fireworks

The College prohibits the use, possession, or display of any location-restricted knife, club, knuckles, or prohibited weapon, as defined by law, on College property or at a College-sponsored event unless permission is granted in advance by the College President or designee.  The following are specific prohibited weapons;

• Fireworks of any kind;
• Incendiary devices;
• Instruments designed to expel a projectile with the use of pressurized air (such as a BB gun);
• Razors;
• Chains; or
• Martial arts throwing stars.

If you see anyone carrying a firearm on campus, please call 911 or the Lee College security department at extension 6888 or 281-425-6888.

Gambling

Gambling in any form is prohibited on college property.

Gangs

Gang activity is prohibited on College property and at College events on and off campus. It is a first degree felony for people 17 years of age and older if they knowingly initiate, organize, plan, finance, direct, manage, or supervise a criminal street gang or members of a criminal street gang with the intent to benefit, promote, or further the interests of the street gang.

Hazing

Hazing is a crime punishable under state law and is prohibited by Lee College policy. Hazing includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are or include students of Lee College.

Hazing includes but is not limited to:

• Any type of physical brutality;
• Any type of physical activity, such as sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics;
• Any activity involving consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance which subjects the students to an unreasonable risk of harm or which adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
• Any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism, that subjects the student to extreme mental stress, shame, or humiliation;
• Any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task which involves a violation of the Penal Code.
• A person commits an offense if the person:
  • Engages in hazing;
  • Solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid another in engaging in hazing;
  • Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly permits hazing to occur; or
  • Has firsthand knowledge of the planning of a specific hazing incident involving a student, or firsthand knowledge that a specific hazing incident has occurred, and knowingly fails to report the incident to the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs.

Consent is not a defense against a charge of hazing. It makes no difference whether the person against whom the hazing was directed, consented to, or acquiesced in the hazing activity. Anyone associated with and/or involved in hazing activities will be subject to disciplinary action by the College and possible criminal charges.

Roller Skates, Roller Blades, and Skateboards

Lee College prohibits the use of roller skates, roller blades, and skate boards on its campus.

Vandalism

Students who deface or damage school property are subject to disciplinary action and shall be required to pay in full the cost of the damages

Student Complaints

Student Complaints/Grievances

Lee College is here to assist students with any issue or concern that impedes the learning environment within our campus community.

To assist students, the college has designated employees and resources to help maintain professional standards across campus and provide appropriate responses to students’ complaints and concerns.

Students are encouraged to report through an online form (https://www.lee.edu/online-reporting/). The three types of complaints are:

• General Complaints - These include both instructional and non-instructional issues (see below for more information).
• Title IX/Sexual Misconduct complaints - if you have been impacted by any type of sexual harassment or sexual violence, you are encouraged to report this to the Title IX Coordinator.  More information on this reporting process can be found at lee.edu/titleix.
• Bias/Discrimination Complaints - If you have been the target of a bias incident (or have witnessed a bias incident), you should complete the online report form so the college will be aware and can investigate.  You have the option to remain anonymous.  For more information, contact the Executive Director, Campus Engagement and Belonging, Darlyn “Jo” Greathouse at dgreathouse@lee.edu or 832-556-6501.

INSTRUCTIONAL, NON-INSTRUCTIONAL AND BIAS DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS

This section covers both instructional and non-instructional complaints as outlined in Board Policy (FLD Local) and complaints based on discrimination bias (FFDB Local).  For complaints about course grades, students must first seek resolution with the instructor who issued the grade for the course.  https://www.lee.edu/online-reporting

Informal Complaint Resolution

The informal resolution attempts to resolve issues regarding college policies, procedures, or personnel as they occur.  Within 10 working days of an incident, students should meet with instructors or staff with whom they have a concern or complaint to seek resolution.  If the concern is with another student, the student should meet with the Executive Director, Student Success and Wellbeing.  Throughout the informal process, students should record dates and times of meeting with individuals, keep a brief account of the meetings, and collect any written documents that they may receive.

For issues not resolved with an informal resolution, the student may submit a written statement to initiate the formal complaint by completing the online report form for general complaints (instructional or non-instructional) of the online bias report form for issues related to bias or discrimination.

All members of the public have a right to bring concerns to the Board of Regents.  Students desiring to address the Board at a regular Board meeting during the public comment section should complete the form located on the public comment registration table at the meeting and provide it to the recording secretary prior to the start of the meeting.  The Board will listen to concerns and hear petitions during public comments but will not negotiate or respond to complaints.

Written Statement

The written statement is defined as one submitted directly to the appropriate administrator or through the online report portal.  The report contains the student’s name, ID number, contact information, and a description of the complaint.  Students should also include dates of meetings with college personnel that were held during the informal resolution process.  Evidence and copies of supporting documentation should be submitted with the written statement which may include e-mails, letters, or the course syllabus.  In cases where absences are part of the consideration, documentation from medical personnel or others in authority may be included.  Students are encouraged to suggest a resolution or remedy.  Students should keep copies of all materials submitted for consideration.  

For complaints related to discrimination, the Executive Director, Campus Engagement and Belonging, will review the allegations and determine if the behavior (if substantiated) constitutes a violation of our bias policy.  If there is a possible violation, the issue will be investigated by either the Executive Director, Campus Engagement or Belonging or a designee.  If the allegations do not constitute a violation of the Bias Policy, the issue will be addressed through the appropriate policy (such as a general complaint or student conduct) or the issue may be resolved informally.

Formal Complaint Process

Level 1

With the submission of a formal complaint through the online portal, the appropriate college administrator will review the concern and will provide a resolution to the issue within 10 working days.  For instructional issues, a review will be conducted by the Division Chair.  For non-instructional issues, the issue will be forwarded to the supervisor of the department for which the complaint is made.

For complaints regarding bias or discrimination, an investigation will be conducted.  The College will provide interim action to protect the student while the investigation is being conducted if necessary.  If the results of the investigation indicate that the policy was violated, the College will respond promptly with corrective or disciplinary action.

Level 2

If the outcome of the review at Level 1 is not to the student’s satisfaction, the student may, within 10 working days request a review of the complaint with the appropriate college administrator.  With the use of the online portal, information from Level 1 will be documented.  If the student did not use the online system, he or she should present information including the written complaints and any evidence in its support, the solution sought, the date of the meeting with the administrator at Level 1 and any response to the administrator’s resolution.  A resolution to the issue will be provided to the student within 10 working days.

Level 3

If the student is not satisfied with the resolution of Level 2, the student may, within 10 working days, appeal that decision.

• For instructional complaints, the complaint will be heard by an academic appeals committee.  The committee shall consist of two full-time faculty members, one from the applied science faculty and one from the academic faculty; and two students appointed by the Student Engagement Manager.  Prior to the committee meeting and if needed, the student shall submit the written statement and the date of the conference with the AVP.  The Executive Director, Student Success and Wellbeing (or designee) will preside over all committee hearings but has no vote except in case of a tie.  The decision of the academic appeals committee will be made within 10 working days.
• For non-instructional or bias/discrimination complaints, the student may, within 10 working days appeal the decision made at Level 2 to the college president or designee.  Prior to the conference and if needed, the student will submit the written statement and other information gathered at previous levels.  The college president or designee will provide a resolution within 10 working days.  The decision made of the college president or designee is final.

Level 4

For instructional complaints, if the student is not satisfied with the resolution at Level 3, the student may, within 10 working days, appeal that decision.

• For instructional complaints, the student may, within 10 working days, appeal the decision made at Level 3 to the college president or designee.  Prior to the conference and if needed, the student will submit the written statement and other information gathered at previous levels.  The college president or designee will provide a resolution within 10 working days.  The decision made of the college president or designee is final.

Academic Appeals Committee

With the Academic Appeals Committee, students will have the opportunity to explain their position that was submitted in the written appeals statement that included supporting evidence and to respond to or ask questions.  Formal rules of evidence will not apply, and the committee may request additional information or evidence.

Advisor:  Students and Lee College employees may choose to have one advisor present who is not a witness.  Although advisors may not participate in the proceeding, students and employees may confer with their advisors during the proceedings.  If the student chooses an attorney for an advisor, both the employee and the college may elect to have an attorney present.  Five working days prior to the appeals meeting, students must notify the Appeals Committee chairperson in writing by the end of the business day if an attorney will serve as an advisor to the student.

If students or employees want to have the meeting recorded and transcribed, it is their responsibility to make arrangements for such documentation, notifying the chair no later than five working days prior to the appeals meeting.

Students may waive their right to be present at the appeals meeting by notifying the Appeals Committee chairperson in writing.  Without written notice, if students or relevant employees do not attend the appeals meeting, the appeal process will end and the last decision regarding the appeal will be in effect.

Meeting protocol:

• The appeal meeting is not an open public meeting.
• The appeal committee chairperson is responsible for establishing the purpose of the meeting and maintaining order.
• The committee chairperson may set time limits for presentations.
• Students will present their appeal and corresponding evidence (oral, written, tape) to support the written appeal statement.
• Members of the committee may ask questions or seek clarification from students and/or Lee College employees.
• Students may ask questions or seek clarification from Lee College employees.
• Students may present an oral summary to the committee.
• Members of the committee may request additional information, documents, or witnesses during the meeting.  They may request additional meetings with students and/or Lee College employees.

Response to the Appeal

Within 10 working days of the appeals committee’s decision, the chairperson of the Appeals Committee will respond in writing to the student and copy those named in the appeal.

Absences

Absences Due to School Functions

Occasionally, students may be absent from classes due to fulfilling commitments in another course or activity. It is the responsibility of the student to secure permission for any absence from individual course instructors. Some instructors may not agree that being absent is necessary.

Absences Due to Religious Holy Days

Students may be absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day and will be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time as established by the instructor.

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Lee College policy prohibits the use of intoxicating beverages on all property owned, leased, or controlled by the College. The policy expressly prohibits the use of such beverages in buildings and campus areas open to the public. The policy also applies to vehicles owned, operated, leased, or controlled by the College. Exceptions to this policy are determined by the Board of Regents.

The policy further prohibits individuals who are under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants from appearing on College premises or at College sponsored events, functions, or activities. By extension, the policy applies to off campus meeting rooms, convention facilities, hospitality suites, pavilions, hotel rooms, banquet facilities, etc., which are operated, leased, or controlled by College clubs or organizations.

Lee College does not permit or condone the use of alcoholic beverages and assumes no liability for such.

Lee College policy states that no student shall possess, use, transmit, or attempt to possess, use, or transmit or be under the influence of any of the following substances on school premises or at a College sponsored activity, functions, or event:

• Any controlled substance or dangerous drug as defined by law, including but not limited to marijuana, any narcotic drug, hallucinogen, stimulant, depressant, amphetamine, or barbiturate.
• Any alcoholic beverage.
• Any glue, aerosol paint, or chemical substance for inhalation.
• Any other intoxicant, or mood-changing, mind-altering, or behavior-altering drugs.

The transmittal, sale, or attempted sale of what is represented to be any of the above listed substances is also prohibited under this policy. Information regarding drug abuse and treatment options are available from the Lee College Counseling Center.

Drug-Free Campus Program

Lee College is committed to an environment that supports the academic success and health of our staff and students and has a Drug Free Campus Program that serves to provide the campus with activities and services designed to encourage a health and drug-free lifestyle.

In keeping with the requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations [EDGAR Part 86], Lee College has an Alcohol/Drug Abuse Prevention Statement that describes standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on College property or as part of any College sponsored activities.  The policy includes the following:

1. A description of legal sanctions under federal, state, or local law for the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol;
2. A clear legal sanctions under federal, state, or local law for the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol;
3. A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol;
4. A description of the drug and alcohol counseling and treatment resources available to students and employees.

As outlined in the “Complying with the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations” (EDGAR Part 86), the statement is distributed to all students and employees as part of our Drug Free Campus Program.  A required biennial review which determines the effectiveness of the AOD Prevention program and is available online at https://www.lee.edu/about/maintaining-a-drug-free campus/.

Tobacco and E-Cigarettes

Lee College is a tobacco free campus.  Tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and electronic cigarettes (every version and type of such device whether manufactured or marketed as electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, electronic cigars, e-cigars, electronic pipes, e-pipes or under any other product name or description).  Smoking, vaping, and the use of other tobacco products are effectively banned from any area of campus including the student’s personal vehicle.  Students violating the policy are subject to disciplinary measures, including fines.

More information on cessation can be found at https://www.lee.edu/about/maintaining-a-drug-free-campus/.

Academic Honesty Code

**Please note:  Recent changes to this policy, due to all AI Chatbots, can be found below under 1.g) Acquiring Information**

“Academic Honesty” means performing all academic work without plagiarism, cheating, lying, tampering, stealing, giving or receiving unauthorized assistance from any other person, or using any source of information that is not common knowledge without properly acknowledging the source.

Academic honesty is essential to the maintenance of an environment where teaching and learning take place.  It is also the foundation upon which students build personal integrity and establish standards of personal behavior.  Lee College expects and encourages all to contribute to such an environment by observing the principles of academic honesty outlined in the College’s Academic Honesty Code below and in the Lee College Academic Honesty Values. Anyone who witnesses an incident may also follow the Step-by-Step Academic Honesty Procedures below.

Academic Honesty Violations

Honesty Code Violations:  Any conduct or activity by a student intended to earn or improve a grade or receive any form of credit by fraudulent or dishonest means is considered an Honesty Code violation.  In addition, engaging in any conduct, including the following examples is considered a violation whether it be in a face-to-face, web enhanced, hybrid, teleconference, or completely online course.  Examples of violations of the Honesty Code may include, but are not limited to the following:

1.  Acquiring Information

  a)  Acquiring information for any assigned work or examination from any source not authorized by the instructor.

  b)  Working with another person or persons on any assignment or examination when asked for individual work.

  c)  Observing the work of other students during any examination.

  d)  Using, buying, selling, stealing, soliciting, copying, or possessing, in whole or part, the contents of an un-administered examination, paper or another assignment.

  e)  Using test materials not authorized by the person administering the test.

  f)  Agreeing with one or more persons to commit any act of academic dishonesty.

  g) Using any type of AI Chatbot results without prior permission from the instructor or unless part of the assignment.

2.  Providing Information

  a)  Providing answers for any assigned work or examination when not specifically authorized by the instructor to do so.

  b)  Informing any person or persons of the contents of any examination prior to the time the examination is given.

3.  Plagiarism shall be defined as the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work.  Examples of plagiarism may include, but are not limited to the following:

  a)  Attempting to receive credit for work performed by another person, including papers obtained in whole or part from individuals or other sources.

  b)  Copying computer programs or data files belonging to someone else.

  c)  Copying and pasting text and images from electronic sources into a paper without acknowledging the source of that work or idea.

  d)  Incorporating the work or idea of another person into one’s own work, whether paraphrased or quoted without acknowledging the source of that work or idea.

  e)  Self-Plagiarism:  Submitting an assignment that is the same as or substantially similar to one’s own previously submitted work(s) without asking permission from the instructor or submitting an assignment that is the same as          or substantially similar in two courses simultaneously without asking permission from both instructors.

4.  Fabrication of Information

  a)  Fabricating or falsifying a bibliography.

  b)  Changing answers or grades after an academic work has been returned to the student and claiming instructor error.

  c)  Fabricating or falsifying the results obtained from research or a laboratory experiment.

  d)  Substituting for another student to take an examination or to do any academic work for which academic credit will be received.

  e)  Submitting work for credit or taking an examination and employing a technique specifically prohibited by the instructor in that course, even if such technique would be acceptable in other courses.

  f)  Using false justification to obtain extension on an assignment or exam.

Student Responsibility:  Students at Lee College are expected to maintain honesty and integrity in the academic work they attempt while enrolled at the College.  Each student acknowledges by the act of turning in work for a grade that he or she is in compliance with the code.  Students who witness a violation of the Academic Honesty code should report such violations to the instructor of the course in which the violation occurred.

Faculty Responsibility:  Faculty members are responsible for helping students comply with the Academic Honesty Code by directing students’ attention to the policy in course outlines and/or by explaining its provisions in class.  Instructors should help minimize student temptation to violate the code by enacting adequate security precautions in the preparation, handling, and administering of graded work.  This is a learning process for the students and the enforcement of the Academic Honesty Code will empower students to be better employees in the workplace.

Step-by-Step Academic Honesty Violation Procedures

[Last updated: 11/08/2018]

Step 1: See the Academic Honesty Code for a list of possible violations. 

Step 2: Faculty members who suspect that a student may have violated a provision of the Academic Honesty Code are obligated to investigate the incident and meet with the student and discuss with them that an alleged Academic Honesty Violation might have taken place and the possible sanctions that could be in play.  Then conduct an investigation to see if your student has committed an Academic Honesty Violation.  Faculty members who conduct such investigations are encouraged to confer with their instructional and/or student affairs administration regarding procedures, valid proof, and due process. 

Step 3: Faculty members who determine that a student violated the Academic Honesty Code must take action, both to prevent future violations and to preserve the academic integrity of their courses and the College community.  Academic honesty violations will be reported to the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, the Division Chair, and the Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs by completing the Academic Honesty Incident Violation form.  Anyone who witnesses an incident can also fill out the Academic Honesty Incident Violation form.

The Instructor will be informed of the progress of their student’s academic honesty violation through an online system, which will track the student’s violations throughout their academic career at Lee College.  These records are not attached to nor do they become a part of the student’s permanent records or transcript unless repeated violations result in the student’s expulsion from the College.

The Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and the Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs will treat violations of the Academic Honesty Code in the manner described below:

Penalties for proven violations of the Academic Honesty code during a student’s entire career at Lee College are as follows:

Step 4: For Unintentional Violations:

• The student will complete a mandatory Academic Honesty instruction session.  The Writing Center or the Library will make an appointment with the academic honesty violator.  Once contacted, the student will have two weeks to complete the instruction session.  Failure to complete the instruction session will result in one of the following: 1) a course registration hold for subsequent semesters; 2) being dropped from all of their courses if a student is already registered; or 3) transcripts put on hold if the student is graduating.  The registration or transcript hold will be released once the student completes the training.  
• “Students will be given a verbal and a written warning about unacceptable behavior or activities, which may result in subsequent academic or disciplinary penalties based on department/program policies.  The student may also be advised that all future work will be closely monitored and subsequent unacceptable behavior may be subject to stronger disciplinary action.”  Taken from Saddleback College’s Academic Integrity Contract

Step 5: For Intentional First Offense Violators:

• The student will receive a zero on the assignment in question, which may result in subsequent academic or disciplinary penalties based on department/program policies. 
  • The student will also complete a mandatory Academic Honesty instruction session.  The Writing Center or the Library will make an appointment with the academic honesty violator.  Once contacted, the student will have two weeks to complete the training session.  Failure to complete the instruction session will result in one of the following: 1) a course registration hold for subsequent semesters; 2) being dropped from all of their courses if a student is already registered; or 3) transcripts put on hold if the student is graduating.  The registration or transcript hold will be released once the student completes the training.  

  Step 6: For Intentional Second Offense Violators:

• In any class where a second offense occurs, the student will receive an “F” for the course. 
  • The student will also complete a mandatory Academic Honesty instruction session.  The Writing Center or the Library will make an appointment with the academic honesty violator.  Once contacted, the student will have two weeks to complete the training session.  Failure to complete the instruction session will result in one of the following: 1) a course registration hold for subsequent semesters; 2) being dropped from all of their courses if a student is already registered; or 3) transcripts put on hold if the student is graduating.  The registration or transcript hold will be released once the student completes the training.  

• Additional Penalties:  Violations of the Academic Honesty Code in any subsequent courses that threaten the College’s learning environment may merit further penalties up to and including expulsion.  Any additional penalties will be determined by the faculty member in conjunction with the Associate Vice President, Student Affairs and the Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs.

Step 7: For Intentional Third Offense Violators:

• Violations of the Academic Honesty Code in any subsequent courses that threaten the College’s learning environment may merit further penalties up to and including expulsion. 
• Any additional penalties will be determined by the faculty member in conjunction with the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Step 8: Student Rights and Student Appeals

Students may appeal instructors’ determination that they violated the Academic Honesty Code by following the appeals procedures.

Title IX /Sexual Misconduct

Lee College is committed to maintaining an academic environment in which students can learn and work without fear of any form of sexual misconduct or discrimination.  Every member of the college community must recognize that sexual harassment compromises the integrity of the College, its tradition of academic freedom, and the trust placed in its members.  It is, therefore, the policy of the College to take all necessary actions to prevent, correct, and, when indicated, sanction those who are found to violate our sexual misconduct policy, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects.

What is Title IX?

Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funding.  White Title IX is a very short statute, Supreme Court decisions and guidance from the U.S. Department of Education have given it a broad scope covering sexual harassment and sexual violence.  Under Title IX, schools are legally required to respond and remedy hostile educational environments and failure to do so is a violation with heavy penalties.

Under Title IX, sex discrimination includes sexual harassment and gender-based harassment.  Sexual harassment comes in many forms, ranging from unwanted sexual comments or advances to cyberbullying to any non-consensual sexual contact.  Gender-based harassment is when an individual is harassed or bullied because they don’t conform to gender stereotypes.  Sexual misconduct can be committed by any sex or gender, strangers or acquaintances, and can occur between people of the same or opposite sex.  This policy applies to all regardless of the gender, gender orientation, or gender identity of the person reporting the misconduct or the person responding to the allegation.  The policy protects students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  The College will work to ensure that all persons are given appropriate support and fair treatment.  In addition, the policy protects any individual from retaliation for reporting or participating in a Title IX investigation.

Harassment is prohibited by Title IX when it creates a hostile environment for an individual such that he or she can no longer fully participate in or benefit from their education.  A hostile environment can be caused by a single incident or by repeated instances of harassment.  Schools must take action against harassment or discrimination regardless of where incidents occur.  Instances of harassment that occur off-campus may be sufficiently serious to create a hostile learning environment and, therefore, fall under the purview of Title IX.

How to Report Sexual Misconduct

It is the right of those who believe they have experienced sexual misconduct to choose whether or not to report the matter to the college and/or law enforcement.  The college, however, urges anyone who has experienced sexual assault, domestic, dating violence, or stalking to seek support as soon as possible to minimize and treat physical and emotional harm and to understand the options for reporting.

It is also important to obtain medical treatment following sexual assault or other acts of violence.  A hospital exam to collect evidence for potential criminal prosecution should be done as soon as possible after the incident.  The Campus Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights exists as part of the campus security reporting requirements, commonly known as the Jeanne Clery Act, and provides information on the rights of those who report sexual violence on a college campus.

Any person may report an incident of sexual assault, interpersonal violence (including domestic and dating violence, stalking, sexual harassment, and sex discrimination) to one of the Title IX Coordinators via the online reporting form; via email at TitleIXSupport@lee.edu; via mail at P.O. Box 818, Baytown, TX 77520-0818, or by calling on one of the Title IX coordinators directly (information below).  Reports can be made regardless of whether the person reporting is the person alleged to be subject to the complaint.  The online reporting form allows for anonymous reports.

Why Report?

• The incident has negatively affected your academics or employment.
• You have concerns about your safety or the safety of the community.
• You want the college to pursue disciplinary action against the respondent.
• Reporting an incident informs the college of the incident, which allows the institution to provide support, resources, and accommodations to all the parties impacted by the incident and does not necessarily result in the initiation of a grievance process.

File a Title IX Report:  Use this link to report allegations of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, interpersonal violence (including dating violence and domestic violence), and stalking.

Types of Reporting

Anonymous Reports:  A report can be made without sharing your name.   You may pick this option if you’d like to make the college aware of incidents or general trends, but you may not be seeing any further action.  Depending on the information provided, the college’s ability to respond may be limited.

College Reports: 

All parties who report incidents to the Title IX Coordinator will be offered individualized supportive measures.  A decision to remain anonymous may greatly limit the college’s ability to stop the alleged conduct, collect evidence, or take action against parties accused of violating this policy.  Prompt reporting is encouraged.

If you are seeking criminal penalties (such as incarceration or sex offender registration), you should file a report with the relevant law enforcement agency. Individuals have the option of notifying both on-campus officials and local law enforcement authorities to report sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking. Reports should be filed with the agency where the incident occurred.

• On Campus
  • Campus Security:
    • Ext. 6888 or 9.281.425.6888, 24 hours
    • Red phones in each building and emergency poles throughout parking lots. Pick up the receiver or push the button and wait for a security officer to answer.
  • Local Emergency: Dial 9.911 (for fire, police, ambulance)
• Off Campus
  • Campus Security: 281.425.6888 or 281.808.0079, 24 hours
  • Local Emergency: 911

• Baytown Police Department
  • 3200 N. Main Street Baytown, TX 77522
  • Phone: 281.422.8371

Any person subject to an alleged incident may file a formal complaint to initiate the appropriate grievance process.  The college recognizes the right of a victim of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking to report the incident and to receive a prompt and equitable resolution of the report or formal complaint.

The Title IX Coordinator may also file and sign a formal complaint based on any incident report received, which will initiate the appropriate grievance process track.

What Happens Next?

After a report or formal complaint is submitted, a Title IX Coordinator will review the report or formal complaint and will reach out to the reporter, complainant, and other appropriate parties to discuss next steps and provide information on specific resources and accommodations related to the report or formal complaint.

Understanding Confidentiality

All reports are treated with the greatest degree of confidentiality possible.  Confidentiality is maintained on a need-to-know basis with respect to the college’s obligations to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct and take the appropriate corrective action.  Anyone making a report should be aware that all Lee College employees are mandatory reporters and are required to report to a Title IX coordinator any information of sexual misconduct brought to their attention.

The college has designated specific individuals to serve as confidential employees.  These individuals may provide support in a secure environment in which questions can be asked, information provided, and guidance offered should the student wish to report the sexual misconduct to the Title IX coordinator without the student’s written permission unless there is concern the individual will likely cause serious physical harm to self or others; or the information concerns conduct involving suspected abuse or neglect of a minor or elder.  The following employees serve as Confidential Employees for the college:

• Linda Torrez-Mann | ltorrezmann@lee.edu
• Ofelia Ferman | oferman@lee.edu

Contact Information

More information on Title IX and other sexual misconduct policies and procedures can be found online at www.lee.edu/titieix, by email (TitleIXSupport@lee.edu), or by contacting the Title IX coordinator.

Jose Martinez, Title IX Coordinator

josmartinez@lee.edu

281-425-6546.

Definitions

Title IX - Key Definitions

The following are definitions set by state and federal regulations and used to determine violation of Title IX or other sexual misconduct behaviors.

Consent

Consent is voluntarily and knowingly expressing unambiguous participation in a mutually agreed upon sexual activities at any stage of sexual activity and does not include coerced submission or submission out of fear. In the absence of an individual’s inability to offer resistance, say “no” or provide clear, concise and positive verbal communications and physical actions indicating approval, agreement and permission to engage in sexual activities by all parties, one should not infer or presume consent.  A prior or current relationship, even if it is sexual activity is/was/involved, does not imply consent for future sexual activity.  More information about consent.

Dating Violence

Dating violence is violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim.  The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the reporting party’s statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.  For the purposes of this definition, dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse and does not include acts covered un the definition of domestic violence.  Any incident meeting this definition is considered a crime for the purposes of Clery Act reporting.

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence (or intimate partner violence) can be a felony or a misdemeanor crime of violence committed by:

• a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim;
• a person with whom the victim shares a child in common;
• a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner;
• a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred;
• any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred

Gender-Based Harassment

Gender-based harassment includes physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct based on the student’s gender, the student’s expression of characteristics perceived as stereotypical for the student’s gender, or the student’s failure to conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity or femininity.  For purposes of this policy, gender-based harassment is considered prohibited harassment if the conduct is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that the conduct limits or denies a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the College District’s educational program.

Examples of gender-based harassment directed against a student, regardless of the student’s or the harasser’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, may include offensive jokes, name-calling, slurs, or rumors; physical aggression or assault; threatening or intimidating conduct; or other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property.

Grievance Policy:  Other Sexual Misconduct Complaints (Process B)

Sexual Misconduct complaints may be investigated either as a Title IX complaint or an Other Sexual Misconduct complaint.  Process B procedures will be used for complaints that do not meet the definition required by Title IX federal regulations.  In general, this process is less formal than the Title IX (Process A) procedures as outlined in Board Policy FFDA.

Other Sexual Misconduct Complaints (Process B) involve sexual misconduct defined in policy as “Other Complaints” and may include sex discrimination and other inappropriate conduct or retaliation that does not meet the criteria as defined by the Title IX regulations.  This would include those complaints that fall within the definition of Title VII.

Grievance Policy:  Title IX (Process A)

For conduct that is determined to be a possible violation of Title IX, specific processes are followed based on federal regulations in order to provide for a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint.  This includes the investigation, a hearing, and an opportunity for an appeal.  (Board Policy FFDA) To be considered a Title IX Complaint, the behavior must meet the definition as outlined in federal regulations which include behavior that is severe, pervasive, AND objectively offensive so that it effectively denies the student’s ability to participate in their educational program.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes inappropriate conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:

• An employee of the recipient conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit or service of the recipient on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;
• Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the recipient’s education program or activity

Examples of sexual harassment of a student may include sexual advances; touching intimate body parts or coercing physical contact that is sexual in nature; jokes or conversations of a sexual nature; rape, sexual assault; sexual battery; sexual coercion; and other sexually motivated conduct, communications, or contact.  

Physical contact not reasonably construed as sexual in nature is not sexual harassment.

Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is a form of sexual harassment.  Sexual violence includes physical and sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent due to the victim’s use of drugs or alcohol or due to an intellectual or other disability.

Stalking

Stalking involves engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress or fear for his or her safety or the safety of others.  For the purposes of this definition:

• Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property.
• Reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim.
• Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.

Any incident meeting this definition is considered a crime for the purposes of Clery Act reporting.

Retaliation

The college prohibits retaliation by a student or College District employee against a student alleged to have experienced discrimination or harassment or another student who, in good faith, makes a report of harassment or discrimination, serves as a witness, or otherwise participates in an investigation.

Examples of retaliation may include threats, rumor spreading, ostracism, assault, destruction of property, unjustified punishments, or unwarranted grade reductions.  Unlawful retaliation does not include petty slights or annoyances.

kNOw More Campaign

Lee College’s kNOw More Campaign supports a campus environment free from any threat of sexual violence.  Our goal is to educate the campus community on primary prevention and how we all can help end the culture of violence on our campuses and in the community.

Students and employees are encouraged to report any incidence of sexual misconduct to Jose Martinez, Title IX Coordinator.