Nov 02, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Catalog

Security and Miscellaneous Regulations



Alcohol and/or Substance Abuse

In accordance with the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989, Public Law 101-226 Sec. 1213, and to provide a safe and healthful environment, Kishwaukee College has adopted the following alcohol and/or substance abuse policy:

Kishwaukee College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of drugs and unauthorized distribution, possession, or use of alcohol in college buildings, on college grounds, or any other place designated for college activities. For purposes of this policy, drugs, including alcohol, are defined as any drug which is not legally obtainable and/or any drug which is legally obtainable but which is not legally obtained, is not being used for prescribed purposes, and/or is not being taken according to prescribed dosages.

Disciplinary sanctions for alcohol or substance abuse are contained in the Kishwaukee College Code of Student Conduct and Discipline, a full copy of which appears elsewhere in this catalog.

Sanctions imposed by this code may include up to and including termination or expulsion and referral for prosecution to civil authorities. Sanctions may also include required participation in and completion of a drug or alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

Students receiving financial aid may also lose their aid. Students as citizens are also subject to Federal, State, and local laws.

Students with alcohol and/or substance abuse problems or those wanting information about alcoholism or substance abuse should contact their academic advisor or at of the off-campus agencies providing counseling and rehabilitation services.

A listing of off-campus agencies is available from their academic advisor.

A more complete statement of the above information, including health risks associated with alcohol and substance abuse, is available in the Director of Student Success Office.

Campus Security

In order to maintain a safe campus environment and to be in compliance with the Federal 1998 amendments to the Higher Education Act, Sec. 485, known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Act, and the State of Illinois Campus Security Act (Public Act 88-629), Kishwaukee College publishes the following information concerning campus security policies, procedures and the availability of campus crime statistics.

Kishwaukee College as a public community college of the State of Illinois endeavors to provide safe and open access to its facilities by students, staff, and visitors during its posted regular hours of operation. However, access to some facilities during regular hours of operation may be restricted for the safety and protection of individuals, equipment, or facilities. Access to facilities or equipment after normal hours of operation must be authorized by college administrative staff.

Students, staff, and visitors are expected to conduct themselves in a civil manner that does not violate any Federal, State, or local criminal statutes nor exhibit any illegal or prohibited behaviors as specified in the Kishwaukee College Policy On Alcohol and Substance Abuse and the Code of Student Conduct and Discipline Policy. To assist in maintaining a safe environment, the College has contracted with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department to provide campus security services. As such, the Campus Security Officers have full police authority including that of arrest. While the Campus Security Office and other college staff endeavor to provide safe facilities and grounds, individuals should adopt safe practices to help prevent criminal actions against themselves or their property.

On-campus emergencies requiring immediate police assistance should be reported from the nearest phone by calling 911. Red Emergency phones are also located in all campus wings for calling 911. Emergencies reported first to local law enforcement officials should also be reported, as soon as possible, to the Campus Security Office located in C2177 or by calling 815-825-9529. For response to emergencies at off-campus locations, call 911.

Reports of any suspicion of, or actual occurrence of, criminal activities that do not require immediate police emergency assistance should also be reported to the Campus Security Office, C2177, 815-825-9529, in order for an appropriate investigation to be conducted.

Kishwaukee College has a comprehensive policy relating to gender-based or sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. A person who believes he or she has been subjected to, witnessed, or has knowledge of an alleged violation of the Comprehensive Code of Student Conduct policy that occurs on campus or at an off-campus location where authorized instructional or co-curricular activities are being conducted may file a complaint alleging violation(s) of this policy. Please see the complete Comprehensive Code of Student Conduct policy in this catalog or online to determine the preferred method of reporting. A person who believes he or she has been subjected to, witnessed, or has knowledge of an alleged violation of the comprehensive policy by a College employee (faculty or staff) may file a report by a preferred method in the comprehensive policy or through the Human Resources Office.

If concerned to keep details of the incident confidential, an individual who wishes to report allegations of gender-based sexual misconduct may speak with on-campus mental health counselors or off-campus rape crisis resources who are legally entitled to maintain the confidentiality of your communications with them in almost all situations. Another alternative is to contact members of the clergy and chaplains off campus, who will also keep reports made to them confidential. The Comprehensive Code of Student Conduct policy included in this catalog lists confidential and non-confidential reporting options and resources. The College will also make every reasonable effort within its control to change students’ academic situations and to protect them on campus after the occurrence of an alleged offense.

Please be aware that even confidential resources have obligations to report, such as in situations of imminent danger and/or sexual abuse of a minor.

College disciplinary procedures for students accused of gender-based sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking are contained in the Comprehensive Code of Student Conduct section of this catalog.

Reports of criminal activities on or at off-campus locations will be investigated by the Campus Security Office in cooperation with appropriate Federal, State, and/or local authorities. All incidents of criminal activities will require the timely filing of an incident report to be shared with police authorities and in compiling an annual report on campus crime. All students, staff, and visitors reporting criminal activity or witnessing crimes are expected to cooperate with college officials and law enforcement officers in the filing of campus incident reports. The daily crime log of campus criminal incidents is maintained by the Campus Security Office and is available for public review. In accordance with the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, Sec. 1601 of 2000 and Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, information identifying registered sex offenders who are enrolled or employed at the college may be obtained from the Campus Security Office.

Concealed Carry

To ensure a safe environment for employees, students, visitors and those conducting business on campus, Kishwaukee College is a weapons and firearms free campus. The complete Firearms and Weapons Policy can be found on the College website, www.kish.edu.

Kishwaukee College Annual Security Report

An Annual Campus Security Report that contains this current catalog section on campus security policies and procedures and also reports criminal offenses occurring on campus and at authorized off-campus activities is emailed to all students and a hard copy is available from the Director of Student Success Office, C2100. This annual report can also be accessed on the College’s website. The Annual Security Report filed with the Federal government in compliance with the Campus Crime Act (Clery Act) that contains the College’s yearly crime statistics is available at: http://ope.ed.gov/security/GetOneInstitutionData.aspx.

Campus Security Authorities (CSA)

On campus there are positions identified and defined as Campus Security Authorities (CSA). This is a term used in the Jeanne Clery Act to describe individuals who have significant responsibility for student and campus activities. These individuals include groups of law enforcement/security and non-law enforcement personnel. The intent of including non-law enforcement personnel in the role of CSA is to acknowledge that some individuals maybe more comfortable reporting incidents to other campus-affiliated individuals. A CSA’s responsibilities include:

  • If victim reports a crime that falls under the Jeanne Clery Act, the victim can remain anonymous if they choose to, however if there is a serious or continuing threat to the safety of the campus community a timely warning or emergency notification maybe required. This warning/notification can be done without disclosing personal identifying information.
  • The report does have to be included in the annual statistics that occur on the College’s campus, however personal information can remain anonymous.
  • CSA’s only have to document the incident they do not investigate.
  • CSA’s should provide the victim with options and resources for support and assistance.
Security Programs for Students

Various programs and methods exist for informing students and staff about campus security procedures, being responsible for one’s own security and the security of others, and crime prevention strategies.

Students have access to the Annual Security Report and crime statistics (see next section) to assist them in crime prevention and reporting. At New Student Orientations campus security is discussed, and international students are warned about potential crime and given suggestions for how to avoid being a crime victim. Campus security alerts via texts and emails to students and staff are used to apprise the campus of security risks to their person or property.

Emergency phones have been located in all campus wings. Additional lighting has been installed and remains on during evening hours, and custodial/ maintenance employees wear uniforms to identify themselves. Additional security cameras have been installed around campus. In the evening, a police officer, Kish Cadet or custodian is available to escort students or staff to their cars by dialing extension 9431 to contact the Cadets or 9529 to contact the on-campus Sheriff’s Department. Emergency drills are periodically conducted to familiarize students and staff with the appropriate steps to take due to weather, fire, or other types of emergencies on campus. An interior PA system has been installed in hallways, classrooms, and common areas to assist with safety communications during emergencies. An exterior PA system has also been added to enhance communications during an emergencies. Additionally, speaker phones have been installed in all classrooms to assist with safety communications during emergencies.

State of Illinois Campus Security Act

In order to create a safe and secure work area and learning environment, and in accordance with the Public Act 88-629 (110 ILCS 12/1-12/99), Kishwaukee College will conduct a criminal background investigations prior to employing individuals in all full or part-time positions, and in security sensitive positions for student workers and volunteers. (See Policy Manual, Appendix K, Criminal Background Checks for Security Sensitive Positions).

Tuition Hardship Appeal

Tuition Hardship Appeals are for students who are requesting a refund of their tuition/fee charges due to extenuating circumstances (ie., death of an immediate family member, military activation, or serious medical condition) that occurred during the semester in which the student was enrolled in. A student may submit a Tuition Hardship Appeal Form with supporting documentation to the Student Services Office, C2100. A submission of a Tuition Hardship Appeal does not automatically result in a refund. Tuition Hardship Appeal will be considered for up to one year past the last day of the semester requested.

There is no appeal process for students who received financial aid and owe funds back. The U.S. Department of Education mandates a specific refund calculation if a student receives Pell, Direct Loans, and FSEOG financial aid and has withdrawn from and/or failed from all coursework. Depending on the financial aid received, the student may be responsible for repaying some or all of the aid back to the College if s/he elects to withdraw, regardless of circumstances.

Students do not qualify for a Tuition Hardship Appeal if they have overcommitted, cannot pay their tuition, misunderstood deadlines or policies, are having difficulty in classes, or have changed their mind about a course.

The appeal process does not reinstate any Financial Aid you may have been awarded. Please see the Financial Aid section on Standard of Academic Progress  for a Financial Aid Appeal.