Policy 2.1.1 —
Visitors and Minors on CampusPolicy 2.1.2 —
Campus Safety and Emergency PlanningProcedure 2.1.2.1 —
Emergency Action PlanProcedure 2.1.2.2 —
Business Continuity PlanPolicy 2.1.3 —
Weapons on CampusPolicy 2.1.4 —
Alcohol and Drugs on CampusPolicy 2.1.5 —
Campus Security Reporting - Clery Act (cross reference Policy 5.4.2)Policy 2.1.6 —
Reporting Crimes and Emergencies on CampusPolicy 2.1.7 —
Communicable Diseases and Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens (cross reference Policy 3.4.5)Policy 2.1.8 —
Adverse Weather/Emergency Closings (cross reference Policy 3.2.11)Policy 2.1.9 —
Sex Offender InformationPolicy 2.1.10 —
Firing RangePolicy 2.1.11 —
Accident/Injury ReportingThe College welcomes visitors to campus. All visitors must comply with the College’s policies and procedures. Additionally, in the interest of safety, and to minimize disruption to classes and operations, all visitors shall adhere to the following rules:
I. Visitors
A. Visitors are always welcome at Montgomery Community College and should register at the Information Desk in Blair Hall upon their arrival on campus. However, persons who do not have legitimate reasons for being on the campus are not allowed to use the campus facilities. Loitering is strictly prohibited.
B. Under no circumstances will visitors be allowed in classrooms, laboratories, or off-campus sites without appropriate approval. Faculty members are not to be interrupted during class by sales representatives and visitors. Sales representatives and visitors must obtain clearance from the appropriate Vice President prior to visiting instructors. The faculty member in charge of a shop, lab, or class is responsible for keeping unauthorized persons out of his/her department during class hours.
C. Individuals who are loitering or who have not registered at the Information Desk will be asked to leave the campus. Should a visitor refuse to leave, law enforcement will be called.
II. Minor Children
To guard against the disruption of Montgomery Community College’s educational environment:
A. Minor Children are defined as children under the age of eighteen (18).
B. Children of students should not be brought to campus while the student is attending classes, labs, seminars, workshops, testing/orientation sessions, and computer or library labs/sessions.
C. Children of employees should not be brought to campus during the employee’s regular working hours.
D. Children of visitors must be supervised by the parent or guardian while on the campus of Montgomery Community College or at any approved off-campus class site.
The college assumes no responsibility for children, or for any accidents or injury incurred by children in an unsupervised situation not approved by the college administration.
III. Removal from Campus
To ensure a safe and secure campus environment, the President, his/her designees and senior administrators (Vice Presidents) have the authority to dismiss a person from campus. Legal action for trespassing may be taken if the person does not comply.
Adopted: March 11, 2020
The safety of the College’s employees, students and visitors is of the upmost importance. To that end, the President is authorized to develop campus safety and emergency plans to deal with safety and/or other emergency situations that could arise at the College.
Adopted: March 11, 2020
The College shall maintain a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan (“Plan”) in order to ensure that critical business practices can continue in the event of any level of disaster. The Plan shall be administered by the Assistant to the President, and each unit of the College is responsible for its individual plan.
The Plan shall be reviewed annually to ensure that it can be implemented in emergency situations so that the management and staff understand how it is to be executed.
Staff shall be made aware of the Plan and their own roles within.
Adopted: March 11, 2020
The College shall maintain a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan (“Plan”) in order to ensure that critical business practices can continue in the event of any level of disaster. The Plan shall be administered by the Assistant to the President, and each unit of the College is responsible for its individual plan.
The Plan shall be reviewed annually to ensure that it can be implemented in emergency situations so that the management and staff understand how it is to be executed.
Staff shall be made aware of the Plan and their own roles within.
Adopted: March 11, 2020
Students, staff, faculty and visitors are legally prohibited from carrying a weapon onto campus unless a legal exception applies. For purposes of this policy, a “weapon” includes firearms, explosives, BB guns, stun guns, air rifles or pistols, and certain types of knives or other sharp instruments (see N.C.G.S. § 14-269.2).
The prohibition does not apply if the weapon is on campus pursuant to one of the reasons listed in N.C.G.S. § 14-269.2(g). It is the individual’s responsibility to know and understand the law prior to bringing any weapon onto campus. Failure to follow the law, regardless of the person’s intent, will result in appropriate disciplinary action and a referral to local law enforcement.
It is permissible for an individual to bring a handgun onto campus under the following limited circumstances:
A. The firearm is a handgun; AND
B. The individual has a valid concealed handgun permit (or is exempt from the law requiring a permit); AND
C. The handgun remains in either: a closed compartment or container within the locked vehicle of the permit holder; or a locked container securely affixed to the locked vehicle of the permit holder; AND
D. The vehicle is unlocked only when the permit holder is entering or exiting the vehicle; AND
E. The handgun remains in the closed compartment or container at all times except for a reasonable amount of time for the person to transfer the handgun from the closed compartment or container to his person or from his person to the closed compartment or container.
F. Students may be allowed to bring weapons on campus as part of an approved class project if they have obtained and can provide prior permission from the class instructor. In such events, all Montgomery Community College policies and determined procedures must be followed by the student.
Firearms (and other weapons prohibited on campus) may not be stored or transported in College-owned or rented vehicles.
Adopted: March 11, 2020
Legal Reference: N.C. Session Law 2013-369; N.C.G.S. 14-269.
The illegal use of controlled substances, substances that cause impairment and abuse of alcohol are harmful to the health, well-being and safety of the College’s employees and students. The College is committed to maintaining a safe workplace and an educational environment free from the influence of illegal controlled substances, substances that cause impairment and alcohol.
I. Visitors and Guests
All visitors and guests are prohibited from unlawfully possessing, using, being under the influence of, manufacturing, dispensing, selling or distributing alcohol, illegal or unauthorized controlled substances or drug paraphernalia. Using or being under the influence of substances that cause impairment is also prohibited. Violation of this prohibition could lead to the visitor or guest being asked to leave campus and/or campus authorities contacting campus security or law enforcement. For more specific definitions of “controlled substance”, “alcohol” and “impairing substance”, consult Policy 3.4.4 – Alcohol and Drugs on Campus.
II. Employees and Students
All College employees and students are prohibited from unlawfully possessing, using, being under the influence of, manufacturing, dispensing, selling or distributing alcohol, illegal or unauthorized controlled substances or drug paraphernalia. Using, or being under the influence of substances that cause impairment is prohibited for all employees and students. Violation of this prohibition could lead to disciplinary action under the Employee and Student Codes of Conduct.
For more information regarding employees, including student employees, consult Policy 3.4.4 – Alcohol and Drugs on Campus. For more information regarding students, consult Policy 5.3.5 – Alcohol and Drugs on Campus.
Adopted: March 11, 2020
I. POLICY OVERVIEW
The College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all members of the College’s community and visitors. The College shall comply with the Crime Awareness and Security Act of 1990, as amended by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.
II. DEFINITIONS
A. Campus Security Authority (“CSA”) is a Clery-specific term that encompasses four groups of individuals and organizations associated with an educational institution:
1. A member of the educational institution’s police department or campus security department;
2. Any individual(s) who has responsibility for campus security but who does not constitute a campus police department or a campus security department (e.g., an individual who is responsible for monitoring the entrance into the College’s property);
3. Any individual or organization specified in an institution’s statement of campus security policy as an individual or organization to which students and employees should report criminal offenses. For purposes of this College, this individual is the Dean of Student Services; and
4. An official or someone who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including, but not limited to: student housing, student discipline and campus judicial proceedings. An official is defined as any person who has the authority and the duty to take action or respond to particular issues on the College’s behalf.
B. Clery Act Crimes are the following crimes that must be reported by Campus Security Authorities to law enforcement and crimes that are listed in the College’s Annual Security Report:
1. Murder/non-negligent manslaughter; negligent manslaughter; sex offenses (forcible and non-forcible); domestic and dating violence; stalking; robbery; aggravated assault; burglary; motor vehicle theft; and arson;
2. Hate Crimes: any of the above-mentioned offenses, and any incidents of larceny-theft; simple assault; intimidation; or destruction/damage/ vandalism of property that was motivated by bias towards race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability; and
3. Arrests and referrals for disciplinary action for weapons (carrying, possessing, etc.); drug abuse violations and liquor law violations.
C. College Property is all the following property:
1. Campus Grounds, Buildings and Structures – Any building or property owned by or controlled by the College within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the College in direct support of, or in a manner related to, the College’s educational purposes; and any building or property that is within or reasonably contiguous to such buildings, or property that is owned by the College but controlled by another person and is frequently used by students and supports College purposes.
2. Off-Campus and Affiliated Property – Any building or property owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the College; or any building or property owned or controlled by the College that is used in direct support of, or in relation to, the College’s educational purposes, is frequently used by students, and is not within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the College.
3. Public Property – All thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks, and parking facilities that are within the campus, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.
III. SAFETY AND REPORTING PROCEDURES
The College encourages all members of the College community to report suspicious or criminal activity to law enforcement as soon as possible. Crimes may be reported anonymously. In the event of a crime in progress or at any time there is a risk of harm to persons or property, call 911.
In addition, CSAs have a legal obligation to file a report of suspected criminal activity with law enforcement and with the Dean of Student Service’s Office to ensure statistical inclusion of all Clery Act Crimes in the College’s Annual Security Report, when those crimes occur on or near College Property. Any individual identified by the College as a CSA shall receive notification of that designation and the requirement that the
individual report information about Clery Act Crimes. Training will also be provided to all persons with this designation. While CSAs must report any Clery Act Crime that comes to their attention, at the request of the victim, the victim’s identity may remain anonymous.
To promote safety and security at the College, and in compliance with the Clery Act, the College shall:
A. Submit crime statistics to the United States Department of Education;
B. Maintain a daily crime log (open to public inspection);
C. Issue campus alerts to timely warn the College community when there is information that a Clery Act Crime has occurred that represents a serious or ongoing threat to campus safety;
D. Issue emergency notifications upon the confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees occurring on the campus. The College tests the emergency notification procedure bi-annually.
E. Publishes and maintains an Annual Security Report containing safety and security related policy statements and statistics of Clery Act Crimes occurring on College Property. To prepare the Annual Security Report, the College collects, classifies, and counts crime reports and crime statistics. The Annual Security Report is available on the College’s website and hard copies are available through the Office of Student Services for inspection.
Adopted: March 11, 2020
Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1092(f); 34 C.F.R. § 668.46; The Handbook for Campus Safety and Security Reporting (U.S. Department of Education, available at: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/handbook.pdf)
Cross Reference Policy 5.4.2
In the event of a crime or an emergency in progress or at any time there is a risk of harm to persons or property, employees, students and visitors should immediately call 9-1-1 and/or notify campus security personnel. Known and suspected violations of federal and state criminal laws should be reported to the immediate supervisor who will involve the appropriate law enforcement agency and file the required College documentation.
Criminal incidents occurring off-campus involving students participating in a College function should be immediately reported to law enforcement and to the Dean of Student Services as soon as possible if a student is involved.
For more information on dealing with campus emergencies, please see the Emergency Action Plan in Procedure 2.1.2.1
Adopted: March 11, 2020
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
Communicable diseases, those that have serious effects on human health, can pose a threat to the College community. The College will take all reasonable measures to ensure the safety of members of the College community during global and local infectious disease events. “Communicable disease” is defined as an illness due to a specific infectious agent or its toxic products that arises through transmission of that agent or its products from an infected person, animal, or reservoir to a susceptible host, either directly, or indirectly through an intermediate plant or animal host, vector, or the inanimate environment. Examples of communicable disease include, but are not limited to, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), chicken pox, hepatitis, measles, tuberculosis, meningitis, mononucleosis, whooping cough, coronavirus, and other viral diseases that reach a pandemic level, and for purposes of this Policy only, those communicable diseases which constitute a disability pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The College shall not exclude individuals diagnosed with communicable diseases from participation in College programs or activities unless a determination is made that the individual presents a health risk to himself/herself or others. The College shall consider the educational or employment status of those individuals diagnosed with a communicable disease on a case by case individual basis.
A. Procedure
1. All information and records that identify a student or employee as having a communicable disease shall be strictly confidential and shall not be shared or disclosed to others without express permission from the student or employee.
2. Disclosure of medical information shall be made by the President, or his/her designee, only to those on a need-to-know basis in order to protect the welfare of persons infected with a communicable disease or the welfare of other members of the College community.
3. Unauthorized disclosure of confidential student or personnel information by an employee of the College is prohibited. Violation of this prohibition may result in the suspension from, or termination of an individual’s employment with the College.
4. A person who knows or has a reasonable basis for believing that s/he is infected with a communicable disease is expected to seek expert advice about his/her health circumstances and is obligated ethically and legally to conduct himself/herself responsibly toward other members of the College community.
5. Faculty and staff of the College and employees of contractors, or contracted services, who are infected with a communicable disease are urged to notify the appropriate Dean/Director so that the College can respond appropriately to his/her health needs. Students are urged to share information with the appropriate Dean/Director for the same reason.
6. A person infected with a communicable disease (including the AIDS virus whether active AIDS, AIDS-Related Complex, or undetectable viral load) will not be excluded from enrollment or employment or restricted in his/her access to the College’s services or facilities unless, in individual cases, the College administration determines that exclusion or other restrictions are necessary for the health and welfare of the College community.
7. Included in making decisions in individual cases which restrict access to employment or a student’s education, programs or activities shall be the College President, Legal Counsel for the College, the Deans/Directors, the individual’s personal physician, and if necessary, another physician with expertise in managing communicable disease cases.
8. The College shall provide information regarding communicable diseases, including AIDS.
9. Should influenza, or any other communicable disease, reach a pandemic level, the President shall regularly monitor the situation by communicating with federal, state and/or local health officials and by reviewing media sources.
Should any communicable disease reach a pandemic level within or near the College’s service area, the President, after consulting with local, state or federal health officials, may take the following actions if it is determined to be in the best interest of the College community to prevent the spread of the communicable disease:
1. Close the College or certain College buildings and/or programs temporarily;
2. Limit or prohibit employee travel and/or student field trips;
3. Prohibit those infected with a communicable disease from coming onto the College campus;
4. To the extent allowed by law, requiring or encouraging employees and students to receive immunizations (not already required by the College) that prevent the spread of a communicable disease before coming back onto the College campus; and
5. Other specific actions deemed necessary for the safety of the College community.
The President shall not quarantine any student or employee while on campus unless the quarantine is ordered by local, state or federal health officials. Persons who are infected with a communicable disease that has reached a pandemic level, or know of someone in the College community who is infected, should contact College officials immediately. Students should contact the Student Services Office and employees should contact the Human Resources Office for reporting under this policy.
Any actions undertaken pursuant to this policy will be in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, College policies, and in the best interest of all parties.
B. Immunizations
Prior to admission or employment, the College may require students and employees to be immunized from certain communicable diseases, including but not limited to measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, varicella, and meningitis. Students and employees are excused from providing proof of one or more of the required vaccinations if the student or employee has one of the following:
• physician’s written statement of immunity due to having had the infection;
• a statement of contraindication to a vaccine (accompanied by a physician’s statement);
• a lab blood test/titer documenting immunity; or
• a statement of religious exemption.
Religious and medical exemption letters will be accepted in lieu of immunization information. Medical exemption letters must be accompanied by a physician’s statement.
C. Public Health Incidents
Should influenza, or any other communicable disease, reach a pandemic level, the President shall regularly monitor the situation by communicating with federal, state and/or local health officials and by reviewing media sources. Additionally, the President shall inform the Board of Trustees of the situation and actions taken to mitigate impacts at the College.
Should any communicable disease reach a pandemic or epidemic level within or near the College’s service area, the President, after consulting with local, state or federal health officials, may take the following actions if it is determined to be in the best interest of the College community to prevent the spread of the communicable disease:
The President shall not quarantine any student or employee while on campus unless the quarantine is ordered by local, state or federal health officials. Persons who are infected with a communicable disease that has reached a pandemic level, or know of someone in the College community who is infected, should contact College officials immediately. Students should contact the Dean of Student Services and employees should contact the Human Resources Office for reporting under this policy.
Any actions undertaken pursuant to this policy will be in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, College policies, and in the best interest of all parties.
II. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
The College shall comply with federal regulations and state statutes regarding bloodborne pathogens as set forth in the Federal Register, 29 CFR §1910.1030, and the North Carolina Administrative Code, 10A NCAC 41A, by attempting to limit/prevent occupational exposure of employees to blood or other potentially infectious bodily fluids and materials that may transmit blood borne pathogens and lead to disease or death.
A. Reasonably Anticipated Occupational Exposure
An employee who could “reasonably anticipate”, as a result of performing required job duties, to face contact with blood, bodily fluids or other potentially infectious materials is covered by the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, the North Carolina Administrative Code, and this Policy. “Occupational Exposure” includes any reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane or parenteral (brought into the body through some way other than the digestive tract) contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee’s duties. “Good Samaritan” acts, such as assisting a co-worker or student with a nosebleed would not be considered “reasonably anticipated occupational exposure.”
B. Universal Precautions
Universal precautions will be in force at all times. All blood, body fluid and other potentially infectious material will be handled as if infected. The program standards for the control of potential exposure to HIV and HBV as outlined in the OSHA Rule “Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 1910.1030, the NC Administrative Codes, or the most current standards available will be followed.
C. Testing
An employee who suspects that s/he has had exposure to blood or body fluid may
request to be tested, at the College’s expense, provided that the suspected exposure poses a significant risk of transmission, as defined in the rules of the Commission for Health Services. The HIV and HBV testing of a person who is the source of an exposure that poses a significant risk of transmission will be conducted in accordance with 10A NC Administrative Code 41A .0202 (4) (HIV) and 41A .0203(b)(3) (HBV). The College will strictly adhere to existing confidentiality rules and laws regarding employees with communicable diseases, including HIV or HIV-associated conditions.
D. Exposure Control Compliance
The College shall comply with OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.1030 and promote healthy and safe environment for both employees and students. The College proposes to do this through minimizing the risk of transmission of infectious diseases that are blood or body fluid borne. To achieve compliance with OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.1030, the College will maintain an Exposure Control Plan covering the following areas:
1. Procedures,
2. Protective equipment,
3. Hepatitis vaccinations,
4. Post-exposure and follow-up care, and
5. Training.
A copy of the Exposure Control Plan is available in the office of Administrative Services.
Adopted: March 11, 2020;
Amended: January 12, 2022
Legal Reference: 29 CFR §1910.1030; 10A NCAC 41A; 10A NC Administrative Code
41A .0202 (4) (HIV) and 41A .0203(b)(3) (HBV) 1C SBCCC 200.94
Cross Reference: Policy 3.4.5
During situations such as natural disasters, emergencies and/or inclement weather, the President has the discretion to alter the College’s operating schedule as needed. The President shall take steps necessary to deal with the situation and notify the Board of Trustees, College employees, students and the public.
For specific information relating to emergency closings, please refer to the Emergency Action Plan in Procedure 2.1.2.1
Adopted: March 11, 2020
In accordance with the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000 (“Act”), the College is providing to its campus community a link to the National Sex Offender Public Website and North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry (“Registry”). The Act requires the College to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement information provided by North Carolina concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. The Act also requires sex offenders already required to register in North Carolina to provide notice of each institution of higher education in North Carolina at which the person is employed, carries a vocation or is a
student.
Registered sex offenders are prohibited from entering College buildings, or sections of buildings, intended primarily for the teaching, use, or supervision of minors. The President may designate which buildings, or sections of buildings, are intended for the teaching, use or supervision of minors (i.e. day cares, early college).
Adopted: March 11, 2020
Amended: January 9, 2022
Legal Reference: P.L. 106-386
Approved use of the firing range is limited to College instructional use, functions sponsored by the College or classes conducted through the College. The firing range shall not be used by outside schools, companies and individuals.
Use of the firing range will be conducted under the direct supervision of an authorized College instructor, a qualified College Range Instructor, a State Certified Fire Arms Instructor or an Armed Forces Fire Arms Instructor. The supervisor will be responsible for all safety rules, regulations, and maintenance of the firing range while on the range
.
All users will observe the following regulations:
1. Any firearm entering or exiting the range area must be fully unloaded and cased. Exception: Law enforcement officers may leave the range with a loaded and holstered duty weapon.
2. The use of steel reactive targets is restricted to straight-walled pistol or rimfire calibers.
3. Steel targets must be of quality, hardened steel designed for use as targets. The use of damaged or pock steel is prohibited.
4. No random shooting is permitted.
5. All targets must be made of cardboard, paper, steel or other material specifically designed for use as a target. No bottles, cans or other unapproved objects may be used as targets.
6. Targets must be positioned so that all bullets will strike the rear berm. No targets should be placed in the fairway of the range.
7. The rear berm is the only permissible impact area for bullets. No rounds should be fired in the direction of the side berms.
8. No firearms should be handled in any manner while persons are downrange. When bringing a firearm to the line of fire on the range, the firearm should be cased, holstered or have a visible chamber flag inserted into the chamber.
9. No vehicles will be permitted off pavement except for handicapped users or in-service law enforcement vehicles when used as a class requirement.
10. Range flag must be displayed when the range is in use.
11. Weapons may be displayed and transported only for the purpose of entering and leaving the firing range.
12. A “Firing Range Use Form and Waiver of Liability” must be completed and kept on file by the school administrative personnel.
13. The firing range is available for use from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm upon request.
14. Anyone found to be creating an unsafe condition or damaging College property through either intentional actions or negligence may be removed from the range and/or have future range use privileges revoked.
15. Intentionally shooting at posts, ropes or other College range equipment is
prohibited.
Requirements for certification as a qualified College Range Instructor will be the successful completion of the Range Instructor’s Certification Class offered through the Continuing Education Division at the College and proof of certification must be on file with the Continuing Education Division; Basic Law Enforcement Training Director; Director of Gunsmithing; and Office of the Evening Administrator. In addition, qualifications for authorized College instructors, State Certified Fire Arms Instructors or Armed Forces Fire Arms instructors must be on file before a “Firing Range Use Form and Waiver of Liability” is issued.
Scheduling of the range and the issuance of the “Firing Range Use Form and Waiver of Liability” will be the responsibility of the Continuing Education Division; Basic Law Enforcement Training Director; Director of Gunsmithing; and/or office of the Evening Administrator and must bear the issuer’s signature.
The Continuing Education Division; Basic Law Enforcement Training Director; Director of Gunsmithing; and/or Office of the Evening Administrator will investigate any complaints against approved users and disciplinary action will be taken as appropriate. Appeals to disciplinary action will be to the President of the College.
Adopted: March 11, 2020
All injuries incurred on campus shall be reported to the employee or student’s immediate supervisor. Employee accidents should be reported to the Director of Human Resources, curriculum student accidents should be reported to the Dean of Student Services and continuing education student accidents should be reported to the Dean of Continuing Education. It is the responsibility of these positions to report the accident to the Business Office within twenty-four (24) hours.
The Business Office will file all relevant claims with the College’s insurance company as needed.
Adopted: March 11, 2020
