General Policy Statements

Policy Statement

Limitations to this Catalog

The course offerings and requirements of Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) are continually under examination and revision. This catalog presents the offerings and requirements in effect at the time of publication but is no guarantee that they will not be changed or revoked. However, adequate and reasonable notice will be given to students affected by any changes. This catalog is not intended to state contractual terms and does not constitute a contract between the student and the institution.

DSCC reserves the right to make changes as required in course offerings, curricula, academic policies and other rules and regulations affecting students to be effective whenever determined by the institution. These changes will govern current and formerly enrolled students. Enrollment of all students is subject to these conditions.

Current information may be obtained from the following sources:

Admission Requirements - Office of Admissions
Course Offerings - Division Offering Course
Degree Requirements - Office of Records
Fees and Tuition - Business Office

DSCC provides the opportunity for students to increase their knowledge by providing programs of instruction in the various disciplines and programs through faculty who, in the opinion of DSCC, are qualified for teaching at the college level. The acquisition and retention of knowledge by any student is, however, contingent upon the student’s desire and ability to learn and his or her application of appropriate study techniques to any course or program. Thus, DSCC must necessarily limit representation of student preparedness in any field of study to that competency demonstrated at that specific point in time at which appropriate academic measurements were taken to certify course or program completion.

Confidentiality of Student Records

The policy of the Tennessee Board of Regents and DSCC is to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and, in so doing, to protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable educational records of students and former students. The student has the following rights: the right to inspect and review his/her education records within 45 days of the day DSCC receives a request for access; the right to request an amendment of his/her education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading; the right to consent to disclosures of personal identifiable information contained in his/her education records except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent; and the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by DSCC to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Under the provisions of FERPA, DSCC may disclose directory information to any person requesting it without the consent of the student. Directory information includes the student’s name, address, telephone number, email address, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, enrollment status, degrees and awards received, and the most previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. DSCC provides each student the opportunity to refuse to allow disclosure of any designated directory information. Students wishing to refuse disclosure should contact the Office of Records at the beginning of each academic term. FERPA also allows the College to disclose educational records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

Annually, students are informed of their rights under FERPA through this announcement and through the DSCC Catalog and Student Handbook section of the catalog.

Student Right to Know

Crime statistics and current campus policies regarding procedures for students and others to report criminal actions and other emergencies can be accessed online at www.dscc.edu/security. A paper copy of this report may be obtained by calling the DSCC Office of Physical Plant at 731-288-7746.

DSCC also maintains records on graduation rates. For more information, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 731-286-3290.

Policy Statement of Nondiscrimination

All educational activities at DSCC are equally accessible to everyone regardless of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation/gender identity/expression, disability, age (as applicable), status as a covered veteran, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal and state civil rights law. The Equity Officer has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunity policies and can be reached in the Eller Building, Room 231, 1510 Lake Road, Dyersburg, TN 38024, 731-286-3316 - gillahan@dscc.edu.

Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998 and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989

DSCC prohibits the unlawful possession, use, distribution, or manufacture of illicit drugs and alcohol on the campus property or on institutionally owned, leased or otherwise controlled property or as part of any activity of DSCC. All employees and students are subject to applicable federal, state and local laws related to illegal use and possession of controlled substances and alcohol. Additionally, students found in violation of Drug-Free Schools and the Communities Act Amendments of 1989 will be subject to the disciplinary actions set forth in the Student Handbook section of this catalog.

Guidelines on Discrimination and Harassment

Based on the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Guideline P-080, it is the intent of DSCC to fully comply with the applicable provisions of federal and state civil rights laws including, but not limited to, Executive Order 11246, as amended; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974, as amended; the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972, as amended; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Pregnancy Discrimination Act; the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008; and regulations promulgated pursuant hereto.

Dyersburg State Community College does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation/gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs, and activities sponsored by Dyersburg State Community College. No student shall be discriminatorily excluded from participation nor denied the benefits of any educational program on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation/gender identity/expression, disability, age (as applicable), status as a covered veteran, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal and state civil rights law.

Any student wishing to discuss a complaint related to these guidelines should contact the following staff for inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies:

Title IX/Title VI Coordinator
gillahan@dscc.edu
Eller Administration Building
Room 231
1510 Lake Road
Dyersburg, TN  38024
731-286-3316

Dean of Student Services
fultz@dscc.edu
Student Center
Room 123
1510 Lake Road
Dyersburg, TN  38024
731-286-3234

The complete text of TBR Guideline P-080 is available in the Human Resources Office or on the TBR website at www.tbr.edu.

A. Discrimination

Discrimination may occur by:

1. Treating individuals less favorably because of their race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation/gender identity/expression, disability, age (as applicable), status as a covered veteran, genetic information, or any other category protected by federal or state civil rights law; or

2. Having a policy or practice that has a disproportionately adverse impact on protected class members.

B. Harassment - Based on a Protected Class

Harassment is conduct that is based on a person’s race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation/gender identity/expression, disability, age (as applicable), status as a covered veteran, genetic information, or any other category protected by federal or state civil rights law that:

1. Adversely affects a term or condition of an individual’s employment, education, participation in an institution’s activities or living environment;
2. Has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s employment or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, offensive or abusive environment for that individual; or
3. Is used as a basis for or a factor in decisions that tangibly affect that individual’s employment, education, participation in an institution’s activities or living environment.

Examples of such conduct include, but are not limited to, verbal or physical conduct relating to an employee’s national origin, race, surname, skin color or accent; offensive or derogatory jokes based on a protected category; racial or ethnic slurs; pressure for dates or sexual favors; unwelcome comments about a person’s religion or religious garments; offensive graffiti, cartoons or pictures; or offensive remarks about a person’s age.

Not every act that might be offensive to an individual or a group will be considered harassment. Whether the alleged conduct constitutes harassment depends upon the record as a whole and the totality of the circumstances, such as the nature of the conduct in the context within which the alleged incident occurs. Harassment does not include verbal expressions or written material that is relevant and appropriately related to course subject matter or curriculum.

C.  Sexual harassment - Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Refusing to hire, promote, or grant or deny certain privileges because of acceptance or rejection of sexual advances;
2. Promising a work-related benefit or a grade in return for sexual favors;
3. Suggestive or inappropriate communications, email, notes, letters, or other written materials displaying objects or pictures which are sexual in nature that would create hostile or offensive work or living environments;
4. Sexual innuendoes, comments, and remarks about a person’s clothing, body or activities;
5. Suggestive or insulting sounds;
6. Whistling in a suggestive manner;
7. Humor and jokes about sex that denigrate men or women;
8. Sexual propositions, invitations, or pressure for sexual activity;
9. Use in the classroom of sexual jokes, stories, remarks or images in no way or only marginally relevant to the subject matter of the class;
10. Implied or overt sexual threats;
11. Suggestive or obscene gestures;
12. Patting, pinching, and other inappropriate touching;
13. Unnecessary touching or brushing against the body;
14. Attempted or actual kissing or fondling;
15. Sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual coercion;
16. Suggestive or inappropriate acts, such as comments, innuendoes, or physical contact based on one’s actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity/expression.

The examples listed above are not exclusive but simply represent types of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment.

D. Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Dyersburg State is committed to eliminating any and all acts of sexual misconduct and discrimination at its campus locations. As set forth in this policy, sexual misconduct includes dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault. Dyersburg State strictly prohibits these offenses. Any allegation of sexual misconduct as defined herein will be investigated and adjudicated according to this policy. The following individuals are included under this policy:

• any employee or student who has been a victim of sexual misconduct, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression;
• former employees or  students if the conduct took place during the time of employment or enrollment at Dyersburg State and the conduct has a reasonable connection to the institution; and
• all third parties with whom Dyersburg State has an educational or business relationship and the conduct has a reasonable connection to the institution.

The College encourages victims of sexual violence to talk to someone about what happened so they can get the support they need and so the College can respond appropriately. Though reports will be kept as confidential as possible, the College cannot guarantee the confidentiality of every report or complaint. The following provisions detail the confidentiality options available to individuals.

If a victim choses to report an incident of sexual misconduct in a confidential manner, the victim can report the incident to the following Counselors who are required by Tennessee State Law to maintain the confidentiality of a victim:

Ms. Sherry Baker - Counselor/ADA Coordinator
1510 Lake Road
Dyersburg, TN  38024
731-286-3242
sdbaker@dscc.edu
counselor@dscc.edu
Mathematics Building, Dyersburg Campus - Room 156
Gibson County Center Office - Gibson County Center

Ms. Carmen Pfeifer- Counselor/Career Services Coordinator
3149 Highway 51 South
Covington, TN  38019
901-475-3137
pfeifer@dscc.edu
counselor@dscc.edu
Jimmy Naifeh Building, Jimmy Naifeh Center at Tipton County - Room 166
Gibson County Office - Gibson County Center

Reports of acts of sexual misconduct to any other employee of the College must be reported to the Title IX Coordinator, and the College will take immediate and appropriate steps to investigate what happened and to resolve the matter promptly and equitably.

The College shall not share information with law enforcement without the victim’s consent or unless the victim has also reported the incident to law enforcement. An institutional complaint can be filed directly with either or both of the following:

Code for Information Technology Resource Use

Technology resources at Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) are available to authorized students, faculty, staff and off-campus constituents. Access to these resources is obtained from the Vice President for Technology and is granted with the understanding that the resources will be used as stated in the request and in keeping with the idea that one’s interest ceases when it invades the rights of personal and/or institutional privacy, results in the destruction of personal and/or institutional property, demonstrates a potential for loss, creates the possibility for the embarrassment of litigation to the individual and/or institution, or because of an otherwise irresponsible use of a limited resource. It is the institution’s policy to make these resources available to as many users as possible and, to the extent possible, keep the number of restraints and restrictions on the individuals to a minimum consistent with the ability to provide service to all who request use.

Faculty members who teach in computer laboratories or in classrooms with tablet/laptop carts may use remote control software at instructor stations to monitor and control the activity of the other devices in the classroom. If a student or community member is suspected of abuse of the technology resource in an open lab situation, staff or student workers who are paid to monitor open computer labs will be authorized to use remote control software to monitor the activity of that student or community member. Since computers located in DSCC laboratories and libraries are publicly supported resources established for instructional purposes, anyone using the resource does not have a legal right to privacy.

For the information technology resource policy to work, it is essential that users observe responsible and ethical behavior in the use of the resources. In an effort to assist the user community in the effective use of the limited information technology resources, it seems reasonable to highlight some specific responsibilities and types of behavior that represent abuse of a user’s privilege. The examples do not constitute a complete list but are intended to convey the intent of the code.

1. Users should not damage or attempt to damage equipment or to modify or attempt to modify equipment so that it does not function as originally intended. It is equally wrong to damage or modify or attempt to damage or modify software components including operating systems, application software, utility routines, etc.
2. Users should not use or attempt to use an account without authorization from the owner of that account. Users have the responsibility of protecting their accounts through the proper use of passwords, but the fact that an account is unprotected does not imply permission for an unauthorized person to use it. Further, accounts are to be used only for the purpose for which they have been established. Additionally, it is wrong to use a College-sponsored account for funded research, personal business, or consulting activities.
3. Users should not use private files without authorization. Owners of such files should take precautions and use the security mechanisms available. However, the fact that a file is not protected does not make it right for anyone to access it, unless it is specifically designated as a public access file. It is equally wrong for anyone without authorization to change or delete a file that belongs to anyone else. Violation of property rights and copyrights covering data, computer programs and documentation are also wrong. In the event of accidental access of private files, confidentiality of those files must be maintained.
4. Use of email at DSCC should be consistent with the goals, purposes, and mission of the institution. Since computers owned by DSCC are a publicly supported resource, anyone using the resource does not have a legal right to privacy. Refer to the DSCC email policy 11:01:04:00 for additional information. Unacceptable mail messages include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Any mail not related to DSCC business sent to users who have not indicated a desire to receive the mailing. For example, mail messages about controversial topics should not be sent to the general faculty/staff list.
2. A mail message violating existing DSCC and TBR policies.
3. The DSCC email system shall not be used for the creation or distribution of any disruptive, threatening, harassing, or offensive messages, including, but not limited to, offensive comments about race, gender, disabilities, age, sexual orientation, pornography, religious beliefs and practice, political beliefs, or national origin. Questions about the definitions of harassing, threatening, and inappropriate should be directed to the Vice President for Technology or the Dean of Student Services. Any form of harassment via email, telephone or paging, whether through language, frequency, or size of messages is prohibited. Similarly, users should not post inappropriate material to mailing lists, news groups or other DSCC-sponsored social media.
4. A mail message containing one or more graphic files that are not related to DSCC business.
5. A mail message used for commercial purposes or personal profit such as the advertisement of personal property for sale.
6. A mail message impersonating/representing someone else’s account or removing the sender account identification is unacceptable.

5. Any deliberate wasteful use of resources is irresponsible; it encroaches on other people’s use of facilities and deprives them of resources. The printing of large unnecessary listings and use of the internet solely for entertainment are examples of such abuse. Users are expected to be aware of the resources they are using and to make reasonable efforts to use these resources efficiently. Employees are expected to power off equipment at the end of the day when feasible to minimize electrical power consumption.
6. Users should adhere to operating procedures and their intent as established by the Office of the Vice President for Technology.
7. Administrators, faculty, staff, the Office of the Vice President for Technology, and others in positions of trust within the DSCC community have a professional responsibility to insure that the equipment, software and services provide the most efficient levels of support and consider the needs of the total user community. Persons in positions of trust should not misuse computing resources or take advantage of their positions to access data not required in the performance of their duties.
8. Users should not load software that accesses the web on an ongoing or routine basis on an institutional computer. The only exception to this rule is if the data being obtained through the web are required by the individual to perform an assigned institutional function. This type of software wastes bandwidth and is a misuse of DSCC resources. Examples of this type of software include “Weather Bug,” screen savers that update the view during the day, views from web cameras, streaming radio stations, downloading music, chat room software, etc.

The unauthorized use or distribution or replication of computer software, music, videos, movies, or other copyrighted material violates federal laws and the State Computer Crimes Act. Violation of such laws may result in disciplinary sanctions, including dismissal, civil lawsuit and criminal prosecution.

Any use of the computing resources without authorization is prohibited.

Failure to comply with the code will subject the violator to appropriate disciplinary action.

It is the responsibility of all users to report to the Office of the Vice President for Technology any violation of the Code of Information Technology Resource Use. Whenever there is an indication of abuse of the user’s privilege which interferes with the intended functions of the system, or impinges on another user’s rights, or any other irresponsible or unauthorized use of the computer resource, the Office of the Vice President for Technology reserves the right to investigate and implement those actions deemed necessary to protect the system, data and/or other users. Such an investigation will require prior authorization from the appropriate DSCC offices - for students, the Vice President for the College; for others, the Vice President for Technology.

Reporting Fraud, Waste or Abuse

DSCC is committed to the responsible stewardship of our resources and maintaining an environment that promotes ethical behavior. State law requires all public institutions of higher education to provide a means by which students, employees, or others may report suspected or known improper or dishonest acts. Whether you are part of departmental management, a faculty or staff member, a student, or an interested citizen, we encourage you to report known or suspected fraud, waste, or abuse by employees, outside contractors, or vendors.

Activities such as the following, either known or suspected, should be reported:

• Theft or misappropriation of funds, supplies, property, or other DSCC resources
• Forgery or alteration of documents
• Unauthorized alteration or manipulation of data, computer files or networks
• Improper or wasteful activity
• Falsification of reports to management or external agencies
• Pursuit or acceptance of a benefit or advantage in violation of the Board’s and DSCC’s conflict of interest policy
• Authorization or receipt of compensation for hours not worked

Reporting Options: Several options are available to DSCC employees, students, and others for reporting known or suspected fraud, waste or abuse. You may report your concerns:

• To your supervisor or an Institution official
• To DSCC Office of Internal Audit by calling 731-286-3237 or emailing pruett@dscc.edu
• To the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Office of Systemwide Internal Audit:
  • by calling 615-366-4441
  • by submitting the information on their website at https://www.tbr.edu/audit/fraud-waste-or-abuse-reporting-form or
  • by email at ReportFraud@tbr.edu
• To the Tennessee Comptroller’s Hotline for Fraud, Waste or Abuse at 1-800-232-5454
  • By submitting the information on their website at http://www.comptroller.tn.gov/hotline

As Internal Audit investigates allegations of fraud, waste or abuse, the reporting individual’s confidentiality is protected under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 10, Chapter 7, unless subject to court action requiring disclosure.

Internal Audit has reporting responsibility to the Audit Committee of the Tennessee Board of Regents through the Chief Audit Executive of Systemwide Internal Auditing. This reporting relationship enables Internal Audit to independently and objectively review matters involving any level of administration at the College.

College management is responsible for establishing and implementing systems and procedures to prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse.

More Information

Information regarding the reporting of fraud, waste or abuse can also be found on our website: www.dscc.edu under the About section, then Locations tab. Additionally, brochures have been placed in information racks in all buildings on the Dyersburg Campus and at the DSCC Centers.

Complaint Resolution Policies and Procedures for Non-Tennessee Resident Students in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement States, commonly known as SARA

Student complaints relating to consumer protection laws that involve distance learning education offered under the terms and conditions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) must first be filed with the institution to seek resolution.

Complainants not satisfied with the outcome of the Institution’s internal process may appeal, within two years of the incident about which the complaint is made, to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

For purposes of this process, a complaint shall be defined as a formal assertion in writing that the terms of SARA or the laws, standards or regulations incorporated by the SARA Policies and Standards have been violated by the institution operating under the terms of SARA.

For a list of SARA member States, please visit the NC-SARA website. Students residing in non-SARA states should consult their respective state of residence for further instruction for filing a complaint.