Contents
Catalog Links
Share

Student Policies

Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy

This policy outlines the responsible and acceptable use of Northampton Community College’s information technology resources. The College’s technology resources and facilities are intended for legitimate instructional, operational, student support, and service delivery purposes; technology facilities and network access cannot be used for commercial purposes without proper written authorization.

Access to technology resources is a privilege granted to faculty, staff, students and guests; as such, the College reserves the right to limit, restrict, or extend access to College technology resources. Users assume personal responsibility for appropriate use of the College’s technology resources, and agree to comply with this policy and other applicable College policies, as well as city, state, and federal laws and regulations. Prompt notification to Information Technology Services (ITS) is expected in the event of loss, compromise, or theft of College technology assets, including but not limited to hardware, software, data, password, account information or other technology resources.

Acceptable use of technology resources includes, but is not limited to:

  • Using resources only for purposes as outlined in this policy;
  • Protecting your user ID, password, and systems from unauthorized use;
  • Protecting the integrity and confidentiality of College information;
  • Practicing good stewardship of College technology resources;
  • Accessing only information that is your own, that is publicly available, or to which you have been given authorized access;
  • Using shared resources in a considerate way, for example, refraining from excessive printing and bandwidth usage;
  • Adhering to copyright, software licensing, and file sharing laws

Examples of unacceptable use of resources include, but are not limited to:

  • Using another person’s system access, user ID, password, files, or data without appropriate authorization, and/or providing unauthorized access to one’s system, user ID, password, files, or data;
  • Using unauthorized computer programs to decode passwords or access control information;
  • Transmitting and/or storing personally identifiable information (PII) without secure and appropriate authorization
  • Attempting to disguise the identity of the account or computer you are using;
  • Attempting to gain unauthorized access to resources and data, including other’s passwords;
  • Attempting to circumvent, subvert, undermine or disable system operations or network security measures;
  • Engaging in any activity that might be purposefully harmful to systems or to any information stored thereon, such as creating or propagating viruses, disrupting services;
  • Damaging files or making unauthorized modifications to College data;
  • Making or using illegal copies of copyrighted materials, software, or music; storing such copies on College resources, or transmitting them over
    College networks;
  • Creating or using online materials which are in violation of existing law, Student Code of Conduct and/or College policy;
  • Utilizing the College’s technology resources to store or connect to information which
  • Infringes upon the rights of another person
  • Violates the privacy of another person
  • Is abusive or sexually offensive to the average person
  • May injure someone else and/or lead to a lawsuit or criminal charges. Examples include libelous statements, pirated software, destructive software, pornographic materials, or copyrighted images and information without permission
  • Consists of any advertisements for commercial enterprises
  • Using College resources for any illegal activity;
  • Removing, relocating, installing or disconnecting technology equipment, software, and data without authorization
  • Installing or copying unauthorized hardware or software onto any College owned computer/network
  • Monopolizing systems, overloading networks with excessive data, degrading services, or wasting computer time, disk space, printer paper, printer toner or other resources;
  • Using the College’s resources or networks for personal profit;

Incidental Personal Use

Personal use is an accepted and appropriate benefit of being associated with the College’s technology environment. Incidental personal use must adhere to all College acceptable use policies and procedures. Personal use is permitted as long as it adheres to these guidelines and doesn’t interfere with instructional processes and College operations. Personal use may be restricted in the event it impacts College operations.

Monitoring, Privacy and Use of Information

Employees are expected to be knowledgeable of, and to perform their duties in compliance with, federal, state, and local laws and College policies, including the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. These Acts are designed to protect the confidentiality of data and the privacy of individuals. Confidential or demographic data that pertains to students, employees, or college operations, must be used in a manner that protects rights of privacy and limits personal and institutional liability. Northampton Community College reserves the right to review and/or monitor any transmissions, including but not limited to web, text, and email traffic, sent or received through the NCC Network, at its sole discretion.

Consequences

Employees of the College who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of their employment. Students who violate this policy are governed by the Student Code of Conduct. The College also reserves the right to withdraw access to its system to any user. The College, additionally, reserves the right to notify appropriate legal authorities in the event that its system is used in a manner that constitutes a violation of any local, state, or federal law.

Information Disclaimer

The College is not responsible for the loss of information or interruption of electronic communications. The College reserves the right to discard incoming mass mailings (“spam”) without notifying the sender or intended recipient and to block all Internet communications from sites that are involved in extensive spamming or other disruptive practices.

While the College takes reasonable measures to protect the security of its computing resources, the College cannot guarantee absolute security and privacy.

In cases of administrative or judicial proceedings, information stored electronically may be released to outside parties. Users should recognize that although access to their files and data is normally avoided, situations may arise where employees with legitimate business purposes may have the need to view information or email or monitor user activity on the network. Causes for access may include, but are not limited to the health or safety of individuals or property; violations of College policies, or local, state or federal laws; termination of an employee; and the need to locate information required for College business. Information Technology resources licensed to the College through external contractual agreements may include additional disclosure stipulations. 

Involuntary Leave Policy

Northampton Community College (NCC) is committed to preserving the integrity of its learning environment and protecting its community members from the risk of physical harm. Separation of a student from NCC and its facilities may be necessary if there is evidence that the student poses a significant risk to the health and safety of others.

This policy and these procedures do not take the place of disciplinary actions that are in response to violations of the Student Code of Conduct, nor do they preclude the removal or dismissal of students from the College or college-owned facilities as a result of violations of other college regulations.

Policy Regarding Children on Campus

Children of students and staff are discouraged from being on campus for extended periods of time unless officially registered in a college program. Children under the age of 16 may not be left unattended on campus.

Children are not permitted in class. The classroom instructor has the authority to make an exception to this policy for an emergency circumstance, using the following criteria: if at all possible, students must contact the instructor prior to the class to seek permission; students may not request this special exception more than twice in one semester; children may not be disruptive (i.e.-noisy, moving around, interfering with the teaching-learning process) or they will be asked to leave immediately with their parent/ guardian.

Children accompanying parents to learning environments such as the Library or Learning Center may not be disruptive or they will be asked to leave immediately with their parent/guardian.

Residence Life Policies

Please refer to the residence life handbook for specific policies related to living on campus.

Student Complaint Procedure

Scope of Complaint Procedure

This complaint procedure is for NCC students who have complaints about NCC policies, buildings and grounds, faculty and staff, fellow students, or guests. It does not encompass complaints already covered by other NCC policies and procedure. Please note that other, separate procedures exist for harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, disability complaints or accommodation requests, and academic matters, including grades and grade appeals.

Complaint Procedure

1. Complaints about College Policies or Buildings and Grounds. These complaints should be reported to studentcomplaints@northampton.edu OR www.northampton.edu/studentcomplaints OR the Office of Student Affairs (for Bethlehem sites) 610-332-6337 OR the Associate Dean of Student Services Office (Monroe) 570-369-1842.
Student Affairs will forward the complaint to the administrator(s) best able to address it. The student will be contacted within 10 working days of filing the complaint, either to ask for additional information or to be informed of the resolution of the complaint.
If the student accepts the resolution, the matter will be considered closed. If the complaint has not been resolved to the student’s satisfaction, he or she has the right to appeal, using the procedure described below.

2. Complaints about a faculty or staff member. It is generally recommended that the student discuss the complaint directly with the faculty or staff member. This will allow the staff or faculty member to have an opportunity to hear the concern(s) and work with the student to resolve the issue. The student should call or email the individual to schedule an appointment. In the meeting, the student should be specific about what the complaint is and how he or she would like it resolved.
If the student accepts the faculty or staff member’s resolution, the matter shall be considered closed. If the complaint has not been resolved to the student’s satisfaction, he or she has the right to appeal, using the procedure described below.
If there are circumstances that make the student uncomfortable about speaking directly to the faculty or staff member about the complaint, he or she may report it via studentcomplaints@northampton.edu or www.northampton.edu/studentcomplaints or the Office of Student Affairs (for Bethlehem sites) 610-332-6337 or the Associate Dean of Students Office (in Monroe) 570-369-1842. The student will be contacted within 10 working days of filing the complaint regarding next steps in the process.

3. Complaints about fellow students or campus guests should be reported through Northampton’s See It! Report It! Stop It! Campaign, using the procedures described at www.northampton.edu/reportit.

Appeals

If a student’s complaint is not addressed to his or her satisfaction, he or she has the right to appeal.

Appeals must be submitted in writing to studentcomplaints@northampton.edu.

Appeals must include the following information:

  • Brief outline of steps the student has taken towards resolving the issue
  • Decision given by the person handling the complaint
  • Reason for the appeal
  • Possible solution(s) to the complaint that would satisfy the student
  • Student contact information (phone, email, etc.)

After an appeal has been submitted, the student who submitted the appeal will be provided with information regarding next steps in the process and may be asked for additional information, if necessary, within 10 working days.

Appeals will be sent to the appropriate vice president whose decision will be considered final.

Follow-Up

The Office of Student Affairs will track student complaints through the College’s Maxient software. Data will be kept for seven years and will be reviewed no less than once a year to determine if the number and/or pattern of complaints require further institutional attention. Modifications and improvements made as a result of complaints will be documented in the Office of Student Affairs.

Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy

Northampton Community College is committed to providing a learning, working and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility and mutual respect in a place free of discrimination on the basis of sex; which includes all forms of sexual misconduct. Sex discrimination violates an individual’s fundamental rights and personal dignity.

View Full Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy

Supporting Our Students

At NCC we recognize that students will experiment and be influenced by their friends and society. This experimentation is an important part of becoming self-sufficient and the result of this experimentation can help students to develop lifelong values.
Nevertheless, we also recognize that some experimentation may result in negative consequences. To minimize these consequences we offer guidance and support on a number of issues.

Gambling

Gambling can become a serious concern and addiction for some students making it difficult for them to be academically focused and financially stable. There is support available at the Bethlehem campus in the Counseling Center (CC341/610-861-5342) and at the Monroe campus in Student Services (Keystone 130 / 570-369-1842).

Social Networking

Being active in social media can help you meet and communicate with other students, but it is important to use good judgment. Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the sites or services you use, and be careful not to post anything that would jeopardize your safety or future job prospects.

Be very careful not to use social media to harass or threaten others or to damage their reputation. It is O.K. to disagree with someone, but differences of opinion should be expressed respectfully. Behavior that is not acceptable on campus is not acceptable online. Infringing on the rights of others or seriously disrupting the educational functions of the College may be in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and may result in disciplinary action. If you have questions about this, please contact the Associate Dean of Student Life at 610-332-6337.

Smoking/Tobacco Policy

As part of the College’s commitment to the health and well-being of the College community, smoking (e.g., cigarettes, hookahs, e-cigarettes, etc.) and the use of any tobacco products (e.g., chewing tobacco) are prohibited on campus except in your vehicle and where designated by signage. A fine of $100 may be assessed for violating the smoking/ tobacco policy.

Smoking Cessation/Education

Most students recognize the negative effect of smoking on their health. Smoking cessation support is provided through the Health and Wellness Center in CC120 or at 610-861-5365. Education materials and counseling are available.

Drug and Alcohol Use

Most NCC students make responsible choices around the use of alcohol and other drugs.

However, some students will experiment with drugs and alcohol and will end up abusing them. Research has proven that drug and alcohol experimentation can have a negative effect on one’s health, relationships and academic work. Because we want our students to succeed, support for students, whose lives are negatively affected by drugs and alcohol, is available at the Bethlehem campus in the Counseling Center (CC250/610- 861-5342) and at the Monroe campus in Student Services (Keystone 130/570-369-1842).
There are counselors available to counsel students, to provide education, to make assessments, to make referrals or to refer students to local Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Introduction

The NCC community is committed to fostering an environment in which intellectual exchange and skill development take place within an atmosphere conducive to student learning. In order to maintain such an environment, community members must abide by NCC’s policy on alcohol and other drugs and the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that pertain to drugs and alcohol.The College considers misuse of alcohol or other drugs to be a serious condition which adversely affects the campus climate.

Policy Governing the Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Northampton Community College’s policy prohibits the use, possession, or distribution of controlled or dangerous drugs or other substances as defined by federal, state, and local laws, except as expressly permitted by law. Drinking or possessing alcoholic beverages on campus is prohibited. Members of the College community who are age 21 or older may consume alcohol when it is served, with College approval, at a College sponsored event. However, all individuals, regardless of age, must abide by applicable laws and may not at any time be intoxicated or under the influence of illegal substances on College property, at a College sponsored event or when representing the College. Alcohol containers and drug paraphernalia are banned from campus. Advertisement of prohibited substances cannot be posted on exterior doors or walls or in any public areas (including student residence halls).

Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Intervention

As part of its educational mission, Northampton Community College sponsors alcohol and drug education programs in the form of lectures, workshops and social norms initiatives.

Students who have been identified as having a substance abuse problem, or others who seek help voluntarily, will be assisted by counselors located in the Counseling Center, CC341. The College also promotes alcohol free programs. It is through these educational programs and services that the College hopes to empower students to make wise, informed decisions regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs.

Disciplinary Actions

Any use of alcohol or other drugs on campus is governed by the College’s policy as well as by applicable federal, state, and local laws. Students should understand and respect all guidelines regarding the possession, use, manufacture, consumption, furnishing and distribution of alcohol or other drugs. If suspected to be in violation of any policy and/or law, students should understand that they will be subject to disciplinary action by Northampton Community College as well as by the appropriate governing authorities. It is the responsibility of the student to understand and abide by these laws and policies. In reference to medical marijuana (cannabis), it is a controlled substance under federal law and its possession and use, even for medical reasons, is prohibited on property owned or operated by the College or at College-sponsored or affiliated programs and events.

As outlined in the Northampton Community College Student Code of Conduct, sanctions may be imposed upon students in violation of this policy. Any disciplinary action may include additional stipulations (e.g. fines, rehabilitative procedures such as counseling, and/or community service.) Please note that past history may be taken into consideration when sanctions are being determined.

When deemed necessary, local law enforcement will be involved. If illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia are found, the local authorities will be contacted immediately.

Legal Implications of Alcohol and Drug Use

Members of the campus community should be aware that there are serious consequences for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs, abuse of alcohol, or underage drinking. Check with your local law enforcement agency if you need more information about the laws governing alcohol and drugs.

Health Risks Associated with the Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol are varied and range from heart and liver damage, to intense psychological or physiological dependence, to death.

Members of the campus community are encouraged to consult information located in the Health and Wellness Center, the Counseling Center, or the US Department of Health and Human Services to review the effects of various drugs and alcohol in more detail.

These additional policies can be found in the current College Catalog:

  • Residency
  • Classification of Students
  • Advanced Placement
  • Repeat Course Policy
  • Waiver of graduation requirements
  • Audit Policy
  • Academic Restart

The Board of Trustees endorses the principle of equal educational and employment opportunities for all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or based on an individual’s actual or perceived disability, or on a person’s association with a person with a disability. Furthermore the Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or based on an individual’s actual or perceived disability, or on a person’s association with a person with a disability in the educational programs or activities it operates.

If you require accommodations for College events, contact the Accessibility Resource Center, 610-861-5342 or TTY/TDD 1-800-654-5984, at least one week prior to your planned visit. Chief Diversity Officer and ADA coordinator: 610-861-5300 or TTY/TDD 1-800-654-5984.

Confidentiality Policy

As outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, a student has the right to have his/her educational records remain confidential. The act states that: (a) an institution must establish a written policy and (b) must notify students of adopted procedures covering their privacy rights.

Northampton Community College’s policy on the confidentiality of student educational records includes a detailed outline of both the rights and responsibilities of a student as provided under the law, and contains the operational procedures necessary for implementing the policy.
No one outside the institution will have access to, nor will the institution disclose any information from a student’s educational record without the written consent of the student, except as authorized by the act. In the event a written consent is requested, but no written consent is received within twenty (20) days of the request, the information will not be disclosed. No oral request for disclosure shall be granted.

Within the Northampton Community College community, only school officials with legitimate educational interests may have access to educational records. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and  health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, collection agent, insurance agent, or official of the National Student Clearinghouse); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the requested information is necessary for that official to: (a) perform tasks required by their duties; (b) perform a task related to the student’s education; (c) perform a task related to the discipline of a student (d) provide a service or benefit to the student. Disclosure to a school official having a legitimate educational interest does not constitute institutional permission to transmit, share or disclose any or all information received to a third party.

  • At its discretion, the institution may provide directory information in accordance with the provision of the act to include:
  • student name and address
  • major field of study and degree sought or completed
  • degrees and awards received
  • participation in officially recognized activities and sports
  • most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student
  • full or part time enrollment status and student classification (freshman or sophomore)
  • dates of attendance
  • expected date of completion of degree requirements and graduation

Northampton Community College will release only the following directory information to telephonic requests: student’s name, degree sought or completed, expected dates of completion of degree requirements or graduation, and enrollment status.

The College may disclose education records without consent in certain other circumstances:

  • to comply with a court order or certain types of subpoenas
  • to appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency
  • to officials of another school, upon written request, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll
  • in connection with a student’s request for or receipt of financial aid, as necessary to determine the eligibility, amount or conditions of the financial aid, or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid
  • to certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller general, to state and local educational authorities, in connection with certain state or federally supported education programs
  • to accrediting organizations to carry out their functions
  • to organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of the College
  • the results of an institutional disciplinary proceeding against the alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence may be released to the alleged victim of that crime with respect to that crime.

Students may restrict the release of directory information, except to school officials with legitimate educational interest and those listed immediately above. A student must make the request in writing to the Records Office. Requests are valid until the student notifies the Records Office, in writing, to cancel that restriction. Students must understand that withholding directory information prevents the College from verifying attendance or graduation and from publishing the student’s name in a graduation program or dean’s list.

A student who wants to review his/her education record must make a written request to the Records Office, listing the record(s) they want to inspect. Only records covered by the act will be made available within 45 days of the request. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place to inspect the record. If the Records Office does not maintain the records the student requested, the Registrar will advise the student of the correct official to contact.

The only exceptions are outlined by law and are listed below. A student may not inspect or review the following:

  1. Financial information submitted by his/her parents
  2. Confidential letters and recommendations associated with admissions, employment or job placement and honors to which he/she has waived his/ her rights of inspection and review
  3. Educational records containing information about more than one student, in which case the institution will permit access only to the part of the record which pertains to the inquiring student
  4. Health records which are created by a health professional and are used only in connection with treatment of the student. However, an appropriate health professional of the student’s choice may review the health records

The institution is not required to permit a student to inspect and review confidential letters and recommendations placed in his/her 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.

A student may have copies made of his/her records with the following exceptions:*

  • the student has an overdue financial obligation to the College with a financial hold
  • a transcript from an institution other than Northampton Community College

*Copies of any requested records are made at the student’s expense.

Educational records do not include records of institutional, administrative, and educational personnel, which are the sole possession of the maker. Also, educational records do not include law enforcement records, student health records, employment records, or alumni records. However, a Northampton Community College student may review his/her health records, employment records, or alumni records by contacting the respective offices.
Students have the right to request the amendment of education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. They should write to the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

FERPA is not intended to provide a process to question substantive judgments which are properly recorded. The rights of challenge do not apply, for example, to a student’s argument that they deserved a higher grade in a course, if the grade recorded is the grade submitted by the faculty member. See the College catalog for policies applying to grade appeals.

If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student in writing of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. The College will provide the student with specific information in writing regarding the hearing procedures at the time of notification.

Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures of the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Contact the office that administers FERPA at: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington DC, 20202-4605. For purposes of compliance with FERPA, the College considers all students independent.

Getting Advice

Academic advising is a necessary and important part of your education. Your academic advisor can help you coordinate your learning experience and assist you in your progress toward your educational goals. Your advisor can help you make the transition to college life, explore your life goals, develop realistic educational goals, choose an appropriate program, select courses and arrange your schedule, prior to registration each semester.

All students are assigned an advisor and are encouraged to meet with their advisor each semester.  All students with fewer than 18 earned cumulative credit hours or a cumulative GPA of under 2.0 must have approval from an advisor to register for classes.  In certain academic programs, students with 18 or more earned credit hours and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater may also need approval from an advisor to register for classes.

Questions about advising can be addressed by visiting https://www.northampton.edu/academics/academic-advising.htm or by calling 610-861-5346 at Bethlehem or 570-369-1871 at Monroe.   

Graduation Information

It is your responsibility to be sure you have met all of your graduation requirements. You should meet with your academic advisor, who will help you plan your program and registration. You may also review your degree audit on your Workday account.

If you do not attend NCC for two consecutive major semesters and your program’s requirements change, the program requirements in effect during the semester of re-entry will be your graduation requirements.

Students must complete an Application for Graduation at the Bethlehem Campus Records Office, the Monroe Campus Enrollment Office or on the web to receive their degree, certificate or diploma. See the College Calendar for the due date for each semester. Commencement exercises are held twice a year in Bethlehem following the Fall and Spring semesters; August and December graduates should attend the Winter ceremony in January.

Schedule Change and/or Withdrawal

  • A change of class from one class section to another is accomplished only with approval of the Records Office. Failure to seek official approval may result in the recording of an “F” grade.
  • No courses may be added to a class schedule after the first week of a semester or equivalent time in short-term classes.
  • Students may withdraw from classes in which they are enrolled through the 90% point of the semester (the end of the 14th week in a 15 week semester, or equivalent in courses that run on a non-standard schedule) and an instructor may issue a withdrawal for poor attendance through the same period. Any student who officially withdraws, or is withdrawn by the instructor during this period will receive a grade of W for the course.

When the Weather is Bad or the College Needs to Close for Emergencies

If the college needs to open late, close early or close for an entire day, the decision will be announced on the NCC website (www.northampton.edu), on radio and TV, on the College’s weather closing information lines 610-861-4595 for Bethlehem sites and 570-369-1800 (press 3) for Monroe and on the College’s Facebook page (facebook.com/northamptoncomm). You can also sign up to receive a text alert when the College closes at www.northampton.edu/alerts.

Emergencies can occur at any time, but in the case of inclement weather, decisions about day classes are usually made by 6 a.m. Decisions about classes starting at 5 p.m. or after are made by 3 p.m.

The College serves a large geographic area. Driving conditions may vary in different locations. If the College is open and you decide it is unsafe to travel, you must contact your instructor directly. If you will miss a test or major assignment, faculty may consider alternate arrangements if you have maintained consistent attendance and if you are up-to-date with your assignments. It is your responsibility to contact the faculty member.

If weather-related closings cause students to miss the equivalent of more than one week of class meetings, a make-up day may be scheduled. Faculty will notify students of any necessary make-up days.