2026-2027 Student Handbook

STUDENT HANDBOOK

The Student Handbook is prepared by the Division of Student Affairs to help students become more aware of and involved in campus life at Lake Erie College. It is a ready reference to policies and the many services, personnel, and resources available. Lake Erie College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The handbook does not contain all the standards or regulations of the College. Students should also be familiar with information provided by other offices on campus and included in the College Catalog; contact the Registrar. Although the information provided in the Student Handbook is accurate and current at press time, the College reserves the right to make changes in regulations, policies, procedures, and other matters as necessary. Students will receive information on any such changes from the appropriate College office. Students enrolled at the College agree to comply with the College’s rules and regulations.

Mission

Lake Erie College prepares students for meaningful careers through academic excellence and real world engagement

Residence Hall Openings and Closings 2026-2027

FALL SEMESTER

MOVE-IN

• Fall Athletes - Women’s Soccer, Men’s Soccer, Volleyball Move-In  10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Friday, August 7, 2026

• Fall Athletes - Football and Cheer Move-In 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday, August 10, 2026

• Fall Athletes - Cross Country Move-In 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Friday, August 14, 2026

• EQ Students Move-In 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Monday, August 17, 2026

• New Student  Move-In 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Thursday, August 20, 2026

• Returner Student Move-In 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Saturday, August 22, 2026

WELCOME WEEKEND

• Welcome Weekend Thursday, August 20-Sunday, August 23, 2026

• Classes Begin Monday, August 24, 2026

BREAKS

• Thanksgiving Break - Halls Close* 5 pm Friday, November 20, 2026

• Thanksgiving Break - Halls Open 12 pm Sunday, November 29, 2026

• Final Exams December 14-17, 2026

• Winter Break - Residence Halls Close* 12 pm Sunday, December 20, 2025

SPRING SEMESTER 

BREAKS

• Winter Break-Residence Halls Open 9 am Wednesday, January 6, 2027

• Classes Begin Monday, January 11, 2027

• Final Exams May 3-6, 2027

• Residence Halls Close** 12 pm Sunday, May 9, 2027

• Commencement: Saturday, May 8, 2027

*Please note: Unless required by the College to stay, all students must vacate the residence halls during break. Students wishing to remain on campus during break must apply to the Residence Life Office at least two weeks before Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks begin. Students approved to live on-campus over any break will be charged a one-time fee of $50, plus $15.00 per day of occupancy. This one-time fee (not the daily occupancy fee) may be waived at the discretion of the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement. Contact Student Affairs with questions. 

**Please note: Unless required by the College to stay, all students must vacate the residence halls during summer break. Students should leave by the time and date of all closings. Students who wish to remain on campus during summer break must apply to the Tower for off-campus housing during the summer. Food service is not available over summer. Contact the Residence Life Office with questions.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR FOOD SERVICE 2026-2027

Food Service is unavailable during breaks, as students are encouraged to return home or travel during times that the College closes. These dates are subject to change with appropriate notice. The following holidays are observed.

• Dining Hall Opens

• Labor Day

• Fall Break

• Thanksgiving Break

• Winter Break

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Spring Break

• Spring Holiday

• Summer Break

EMERGENCIES

Campus emergencies may be weather-related (tornado, winter storm, flood, etc.), health-related (pandemic or other contagious diseases), or involve serious accidents or other attacks (campus systems failure, active shooter, etc.). In an emergency, campus community members who have signed up for emergency notifications will receive a text message and/or email (See Storm Alert Notifications section).
Residence Life staff reserves the right to enter any resident’s room without notice during emergency situations.
 

FIRE SAFETY

Engaging in arson or the irresponsible use of fire or fire safety equipment is prohibited. All persons must leave the building during fire alarms as required by law and may not reenter until instructed to do so by a college official or a firefighter. Students who fail to vacate during a fire alarm or who return to the building before they are permitted to do so are in violation of this policy.
Any students who activate a false alarm or tamper with or misuse fire or safety equipment (such as fire extinguishers and door alarms) are in violation of this policy. Both of these violations carry a fine of $500.

 

MISSING PERSON POLICY

It is the policy of Lake Erie College to thoroughly investigate all reports of missing persons. Additionally, the College holds that every person reported missing will be considered at risk until significant information to the contrary is confirmed. All reports of missing persons must immediately be directed to Student Affairs. Reports of missing students received by other College departments are to be promptly forwarded to Student Affairs.
The Painesville Police Department may be called to assist. A person may be declared “missing” by a parent, friend, roommate, classmate, or anyone who may be concerned about a person’s location, particularly when their whereabouts are unknown and unexplainable for a length of time. The reporting individual should regard this absence as highly unusual or suspicious in consideration of the subject’s typical behavior patterns, plans, or routines. There is no required waiting period for reporting a missing person.

If a report is made, Student Affairs staff will follow the steps listed below:

• The person receiving the complaint will immediately dispatch a staff member to the subject’s residence. If needed, the Painesville Police Department may be called to assist.

• The responding staff member or officer will gather all essential information about the person (description, clothes last worn, where subject might be, with whom they might be, vehicle description, etc.)

• Every effort will be made to make contact directly with the student or their designated confidential contact(s).

• An up-to-date photograph may also be obtained to aid in the search.

• The responding staff member or officer will also gather information about the physical and mental well- being of the individual.

• Appropriate campus staff will be notified to aid in the search for the individual. A quick but thorough search will be conducted in all campus buildings, grounds, and parking lots.

• Class schedules will be obtained, and a search of appropriate classrooms will be conducted.

• Card access swipes will be reviewed to determine the last possible location.

• The Dean of Academic and Student Engagement (or designee) will be responsible for communicating with the family or relatives of the missing person.

• If the above actions are unsuccessful in locating the person or it is apparent from the beginning that the person is actually missing

• (example: call from parents, guardians), the investigation will be turned over to the appropriate local law enforcement agency. This will take place as soon as practical but never later than 24 hours from the initial report.

• At this time, the local law enforcement agency becomes the authority in charge and Lake Erie College staff will assist them in any way necessary.
   

In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 2008, all students may register a confidential contact person with the College. Access to this information is restricted to authorized campus officials and law enforcement officers actively involved in the furtherance of a missing person investigation. The confidential contact does not have to be a parent of a student.
This is the individual(s) who will be contacted by the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement (or designee) or a law enforcement agency within 24 hours of the determination that the student is reported missing.
This individual will also be updated on the investigation’s progress. In the event a student is under 18 years of age, and has not been legally emancipated, the student’s parents or guardian will also be contacted within 24 hours of the determination that the student is reported missing.

Please note that the local police department will be notified even if a student has not registered a confidential contact.

 

STORM EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS

Lake Erie College uses a warning system called the “Storm Alert System.”
In an emergency that threatens the campus community, students and faculty can be warned via text and/or email. Students are encouraged to enroll in this free program by signing up for alerts. Students should contact the Division of Student Affairs or Campus Security for more information.

 

TORNADOES

Two types of tornado alerts are issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). A tornado watch indicates that conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop.
A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted by trained storm spotters or radar. If a Tornado Warning is issued by the NWS, the Painesville area emergency siren will sound. When a warning is issued, everyone must proceed to the nearest designated storm shelter. If time does not permit, go to a small interior room on the lowest floor of the building you are in. Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
The following shelter areas have been designated for each of the campus buildings:

GENERAL SERVICES
 

ACADEMIC ADVISING

Advising at Lake Erie College is an intentional relationship between advisor and student as they plan and reach the student’s educational, career, and personal goals. Focal points of the advisement program at Lake Erie College include:

advising the student about his or her academic concerns, co-curricular activities, and postgraduate plans; assisting each student to assess educational/academic objectives, serving as an interpreter of regulations and academic requirements, acting as a referral service for any personal or academic problems which may arise.

First-time freshmen are initially assigned a faculty advisor from their academic major or from a discipline of interest. Students may ask to change advisors at any time. Change of advisor request forms are available from the registrar’s office. The Academic Advising Office is located in the registrar’s office.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

Lake Erie College offers academic support services to help students succeed in the classroom. Our services are free and include tutoring and individual academic support and counseling. Academic support services offices are located on the second floor of the Learning Commons.
The Coordinator of Academic Success oversees subject-area tutoring, test proctoring, and accessibility services. Accessibility Services provides confidential support services and accommodations for students with disabilities that allow them to gain equal access to education. Students can book appointments with a subject-area tutor through LEO. Subject-area tutors are professional tutors with expertise in the subject. Students are urged (and sometimes required) to make use of these services.

 

ANIMALS ON CAMPUS

Lake Erie College supports the use of service animals and emotional support animals by students who follow the policies.

Pets on Campus

An approved animal may be allowed on campus in the company of the owner in outdoor public access areas. Indoor campus buildings are not considered “pet friendly.” Animals should never be left unattended by the owner and are to be always under the control of their owners. Pets should be leashed at all times, and should be healthy and pose no reasonable risk to humans or other animals. Excessive noise, barking or other disruptive behavior is not permitted, and may result in the animal not being permitted on campus until able to meet acceptable standards of behavior.

Pets in Residence Halls:

Residents are allowed fish in nothing larger than a 5-gallon fish tank. The tank may only contain fish (no reptiles, amphibians, rodents, insects, and Arachnida). Lab specimens are prohibited. If you are unsure of the pet that you are trying to bring, contact the office of Residence Life. Unapproved animals found in College buildings must be removed immediately, or the resident will be in violation of the housing contract and assessed damage and cleaning fees, as well as a $100 daily fine until the removal of the animal. The College is not responsible for the animal while present on College property, or in the event it is removed from campus for violations.

With approval from the Division of Student Affairs, small dogs and cats are permitted as emotional support animals. Students wishing to bring a pet to reside on campus should request approval at least one month before their residency starts to allow adequate review time. A non-refundable $200 pet deposit will be charged to all residents with an approved pet in the Residence Halls. The student will pay the College for any damage to College property caused by the pet. The pet deposit is not applied to these charges.

• Size Restrictions: (based on area, room size, and amount of people sharing the space)

Breed Restrictions: (non-aggressive dog breeds) (cat breeds)

Service Animals

Service Animals are defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or tasks performed must be directly related to the individual’s disability. Examples of work or tasks that service animals perform include, but are not limited to:

• assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks,

• alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds,

• pulling a wheelchair, assisting an individual during a seizure.
   

​Policy Details

Students with disabilities who wish to bring a service animal (defined as a service dog) to the Lake Erie College campus and plan to live in residential facilities - including classrooms, should inform the Office of Residence Life in advance to allow more flexibility to meet the student’s needs.

• Contact Accessibility the office of Residence Life

• Provide proof of vaccinations required by the state of Ohio and the city of Painesville

Federal Law does not require the individual using the service animal to provide documentation that the animal has been trained as a service animal. No specific certification or identification is required. The service animal must be housebroken and not pose a direct threat to others. In instances in which the disability is not observable, a staff member may ask two questions:

• Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?

• What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

Responsibilities of the handler

Handler must maintain control of their service animal at all times.

Service animals should be leashed or harnessed unless it interferes with their work.
 

Emotional Support Animal (ESA)

An Emotional Support Animal is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefits, such as alleviating or mitigating symptoms of a person’s disability. Emotional support animals do not qualify as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, emotional support animals will be permitted in residential facilities with prior approval from the Division of Student Affairs following the policies outlined below.

Policy Details

An emotional support animal will not be allowed until formal approval has been received. Students who wish to bring an emotional support animal into residential facilities must go through the reasonable accommodation process with the Division of Student Affairs. Accommodation requests will be accepted up to two weeks after the start of each semester.

Upon receipt of a request for an emotional support animal, the Division of Student Affairs will communicate with the student to determine if the use of the animal is a reasonable accommodation. This is an individualized assessment, and determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis. To apply, students should:

• Contact the office of Residence Life

• Provide medical documentation stating the need for an ESA

• Provide proof of vaccination

• Once approved, request and complete the ESA Documentation Form in the Office of Residential Life
   

ESA Document Form is to be completed by a healthcare professional and should provide:

• current diagnostic statement that identifies the disability, including date of initial and most current diagnosis,

• any evaluations/testing that support the diagnosis

• Information regarding the relationship between disability and the relief the animal provides; and

• Information that demonstrates the animal is necessary for the student to use and enjoy his/her living arrangement.
   

In addition, an owner with an approved emotional support animal must keep the animal within the owner’s residence. Students are not permitted to bring emotional support animals into classrooms, meetings, or other College facilities and events.

Approval of Animals:

Owners of Emotional Support Animals must complete the following before the animal arrives. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of approval.
 

• Submit request and receive approval

• Review and agree to owner responsibilities. A copy must be submitted to the Division of Student Affairs.

• Schedule a meeting with their Resident Director, Resident Assistant and roommate to complete a Roommate Agreement. A copy of this must be submitted to the Division of Student Affairs.

• Submit proof of animal age

• Submit proof of current vaccinations

• Submit proof of registration
   

Failure to complete these tasks prior to bringing the approved ESA or pet to campus will result in revocation of this approval. Annually, owners will need to submit updated vaccination information, prove persistent medical necessity, and complete a new Roommate Agreement. These must be submitted before the start of the semester.
 

REMOVAL OF ANIMALS

Decisions to remove a service animal or disapprove/remove an emotional support animal or pet will be made on a case-by-case basis, considering all surrounding circumstances. The following general standards reflect reasons why an animal may be removed, or approval revoked:

• The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others. For example, the animal displays vicious behavior towards others or has a serious illness.

• The animal disrupts the community or ability of students to sleep and study by making excessive noise.

• The animal causes substantial physical damage to the property of the College and other community members, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The animal poses an undue financial and administrative burden to the College.

• The animal would fundamentally alter the nature of the College’s housing and/or general operations.

• The animal is out of control and the handler/owner does not take effective action to control it. If the out-of-control behavior happens repeatedly, the handler/owner may be prohibited from bringing the animal into college facilities until the handler/owner can demonstrate that he/she has taken significant steps to mitigate the behavior.

• The animal is not housebroken.

• The handler/owner does not abide by his/her responsibilities as outlined in this policy.

When an animal has been removed pursuant to this policy, Lake Erie College will work with the handler/owner to determine reasonable alternative opportunities to participate in the College’s services, programs, and activities without having the animal on the premises.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF HANDLERS AND/OR OWNERS

Laws, Ordinances, and Policies:

Handlers/owners are responsible for complying with all state laws and local animal ordinances and are subject to all College policies and guidelines regarding housing and residence life.

Proper Identification:

All animals are subject to local licensing and registration requirements.

Health and Vaccination:

Animals must be immunized against diseases common to that type of animal. All vaccinations must be current. These animals must wear a rabies vaccination tag, and vaccination documentation must be provided to the appropriate office prior to the animal being allowed into any classroom or residence hall.

Caring for the Animal:

The cost of care, arrangements, and responsibilities for the well-being of the animal are always the sole responsibility of the handler/owner. Lake Erie College will accept no responsibility for the care of any animal covered by this policy.

• Animals must be well groomed (residential facilities such as showers, tubs, sinks, and the like may not be used for this purpose).

• Animals cannot be left unattended overnight at any time. If the handler/owner must be away, they must either take the animal with them or arrange for the animal to be cared for elsewhere off campus.

• Animals cannot be confined to a vehicle, tethered, or abandoned at any time.

• Regular and routine cleaning of floors, kennels, cages, etc. must occur.

• Regular health and safety checks will be conducted by college staff.

• The odor of an animal emanating from a residence hall room is not acceptable and may result in disciplinary action.

Keeping the Animal Under Control:

The animal should always respond to voice and/or hand commands and be fully controlled by the handler/owner.

• Being Responsible for Damage Caused by the Animal - Handlers/owners are personally responsible for any damage caused by their animals and must take appropriate precautions to prevent property damage. The handler/owner will be required to pay for any damage caused by the animal.

An individual with an animal covered by this policy in a residence hall has an obligation to make sure that his/her residence is as clean and damage-free as the original standard, excepting normal wear and tear.
When the individual moves out of residential housing or no longer owns the animal, the residence will be assessed to determine if damage to College property or extraordinary cleaning costs are attributable to the animal. If so, the owner will be financially responsible for associated costs.
The College maintains the right to conduct facility inspections to assess damage caused by the animal or determine the owner’s compliance with this policy.

Being Responsible for Waste:

Cleaning up after the animal is the sole responsibility of the handler/owner, and it must be done so immediately. If the handler/owner is not physically able to clean up after the animal, it is then the responsibility of the handler/owner

to hire someone capable of cleaning up after the animal.

Leash Requirements:

Service animals should always be on a leash when leaving their home space, unless the owner cannot use a leash due to a disability or the leash would interfere with the animal’s ability to perform its duties. Emotional support animals and pets must be on a leash or in a crate when leaving a residence hall to go to an off-campus location.

Observing Good Animal Etiquette:

To the greatest extent possible, the handler/owner should ensure that the animal does not display behaviors or make noises that are disruptive or frightening to others, unless it is part of the service being provided to the

handler (e.g., barking to alert the handler of danger). The animal must possess friendly and sociable characteristics.

INFORMATION SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO SERVICE ANIMALS

Permitted Inquiries

In general, members of the Lake Erie College community should not ask about the nature or extent of a person’s disability. However, as permitted by the ADA, if it is not obvious that the animal is required because of a disability, the handler may be asked:

• If the animal is required because of a disability, and

• What work or task the animal has been trained to perform.

The handler should not be asked for documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal. Generally, the Lake Erie College community members should not make inquiries about a service animal when it is readily apparent that an animal is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability (e.g., if the dog is observed guiding an individual who is blind or has low vision, pulling a person’s wheelchair, or providing assistance with stability or balance to an individual with an observable mobility disability).

Areas Off Limits to Service Animals

While service animals are generally allowed to go anywhere on campus that the handler is allowed to go, there are certain areas where the presence of a service animal fundamentally alters the nature of a program or activity or is disruptive.

Examples of the areas that are off limits to service animals include:

• Research Laboratories: The natural organisms carried by service animals may negatively affect the outcome of the research. At the same time, the chemicals and/or organisms used in the research may be harmful to service animals.

• Mechanical Rooms/Custodial Closets: Mechanical rooms, such as boiler rooms, facility equipment rooms, electric closets, elevator control rooms and custodial closets, are off-limits to service animals. The machinery and/or chemicals in these rooms may be harmful to animals.

• Food Preparation Areas: Food preparation areas are off limits to service animals per health codes.

• Areas Where Protective Clothing is Necessary: Any room where protective clothing is worn is off-limits to service animals. Examples impacting students include kiln areas, chemistry laboratories, wood shops and metal/machine shops.

Areas Where There is a Danger to the Service Animal:

Any room, including classroom, where there are sharp metal cuttings or other sharp objects on the floor or protruding from a surface; where there is hot material on the floor (e.g., molten metal or glass); where there is a high level of dust; or where there is moving machinery is off-limits to service animals. Questions about areas off-limits to service animals should be directed to the Vice President of Operations or, in the laboratory setting, the instructor. Exceptions may be granted in some circumstances.

Additional Matters
Roommates:

Upon approval of an emotional support animal, or if a student intends to have a service animal in residential housing, the student’s roommate(s) will be notified (if applicable) and solicited for their acknowledgement of such. All roommates must sign an agreement allowing the approved animal to be in residence with them. If one or more roommates do not approve, the Division of Student Affairs will consult with all the individuals involved and determine the appropriate course of action, including a possible change in housing assignments. If later, there is a conflict between roommates regarding the animal that cannot be resolved, the Division of Student Affairs should be contacted. Appropriate parties will be consulted to reach a solution.

Animal No Longer Necessary:

The Division of Student Affairs should be notified when an animal covered by this policy will no longer be in residence or, in the case of emotional support animals, is no longer needed as accommodation.

Conflicting Disabilities:

Some people may have respiratory conditions or allergic reactions to animals that are substantial enough to qualify as disabilities. Lake Erie College will consider the needs of both people in meeting its obligations to reasonably accommodate all disabilities to resolve the problem as efficiently and expeditiously as possible. Students requesting allergy accommodation should contact the Division of Student Affairs.

Concerns:

Concerns regarding an animal covered by this policy may be brought to the attention of the Division of Student Affairs. Individuals with animals covered by this policy in residential housing should understand that issues may arise with other residents. The individual with the animal should be receptive to these concerns and, if necessary, contact the Division of Student Affairs for assistance in resolving the situation. Other residents with minor concerns about an animal in their residence hall may discuss the matter with the owner/handler or talk with a representative of the Residence Life Staff. Major concerns should immediately be brought to the attention of the Division of Student Affairs.

COUNSELING SERVICES

On campus counseling services are provided through Family Pride, located in Garfield. Referrals can be directed through the office of residential life.

DINING SERVICES

At Lake Erie College, we know that your dining experience is more than just great food. Storm Dining Services by AVI aims to build stronger and healthier communities, while improving student performance, well-being, and participation. We offer variety, convenience, and nutritional transparency throughout our dining program. The main dining hall is located on the main floor of the Holden Center. Storm Cafe and Lincoln Lounge provide additional eating locations.. Our friendly, service-oriented staff aim to please and provide an excellent experience.

Dining Hall Hours

Monday-Friday:

Breakfast 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Lunch 11:00 AM - 2    :00 PM

Dinner 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Weekends:

Saturday & Sunday

Brunch 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Dinner 4:00 - 7:00 PM

Storm Cafe:

Monday-Friday 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Residential Meal Plans

Storm Dining Services provides the following residential, athlete, and commuter meal plans:

• Commuter Meal Plan: 25 meal swipes per semester and $75 Storm Dollars

• Tower Meal Plan: 100 meal swipes per semester and $100 Storm Dollars

• Athlete Meal Plan (Required Minimum): 100 meal swipes per semester and $100 Storm Dollars

• Residential Meal Plan: 250 meal swipes per semester and $150 Storm Dollars

• Unlimited Meal Plan (Required for Freshmen): 345 meal swipes per semester and $200 Storm Dollars

Students have different meal plans depending on their status as a student and the location in which they live. All resident students and off-campus student-athletes must be on a meal plan. Student athletes are considered athlete status and maintain their meal plan for the academic year. All students are billed for the semester’s meal plan at the time of enrollment.

Meal Plan Appeal

All students at Lake Erie College are required to have a meal plan. Meal plan appeals are considered on a case-by-case basis for documented medical needs that cannot be accommodated. Appeals regarding preference or financial reasons will not be considered. To appeal your meal plan, please contact the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement. Meal plan appeals may be submitted up to seven (7) calendar days after the first day of fall and spring classes. If submitted after that deadline in the fall, the appeal will be considered for the spring semester, not the current semester. Spring appeals submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Medical documentation is required for an appeal submission. Once an appeal has been submitted, the student and Dean of Academic and Student Engagement will be required to meet with AVI to determine if the medical accommodation can be met. 

Special Diets

We take pride in sourcing wholesome ingredients, preparing recipes accurately and providing nutritional information and ingredient statements in our dining hall and through our online menus. From our general manager to our front-line servers, we work diligently to address food allergies, celiac diets, or other special dietary needs. Storm Dining Services will accommodate physician ordered diets, food allergies, food tolerances and dietary choices including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. A team approach led by you, our educated consumer, is the best preparation for a safe school year. We want to meet one-on-one with customers who have special dietary needs to ensure that your dining experience is safe, delicious, and social. If you have a food allergy/special diet concern, please contact the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement to arrange a meeting.

HEALTH AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Lake Erie College encourages all students to have active health insurance while enrolled. Only students from outside the United States and student athletes are required to provide proof of health insurance while attending Lake Erie College. For student athletes who do not currently have health insurance (including international students) but wish to obtain it, the College Athletics department has a plan available for purchase. Please contact the Athletic Department for details.

MAIL SERVICE

Mailboxes for U.S. and internal mail are on the lower level of College Hall. Mail from USPS is delivered daily, Monday-Friday. Mail can also be sent from campus at this location. An email message will be sent once mail/packages are received into the mailroom with pick-up instructions. Your on-campus address is: YOUR NAME, 391 W. Washington St., Painesville, OH, 44077. If a package is deemed suspicious, law enforcement and Student Affairs administration will be notified to take appropriate action.

LINCOLN LEARNING COMMONS

The Lake Erie College Learning Commons is the heart of campus for student support, services, and spaces designed to meet a wide variety of needs. Whether students are looking for academic assistance, research help, tutoring, or a comfortable place to study, collaborate, or recharge between classes, the Learning Commons offers a welcoming and dynamic environment. With integrated student services, flexible study spaces, learning communities, and access to both in-person and online academic support, the Learning Commons is a central hub where students can connect, learn, and succeed. The Lincoln Learning Commons provides library and media services to the students, faculty, and staff of Lake Erie College in support of their classroom activities, independent research, and personal interests. The library maintains a well-balanced collection of materials, available on LEO (Lake Erie Online) for students. A copier and color printer are also available in the Learning Commons for students. The Learning Commons offers Textbook Reserves, where faculty members may provide copies of the textbook for their classes in the library for students to access. These textbooks can be borrowed for two hours and must be used in the library. Library services also allow students to schedule a one-on-one appointment with the librarian for assistance with research, databases, technology, and more. A link to scheduling research appointments can be found in LEO. Learning closures will be shared via email as deemed necessary.

The Learning Commons is open during the following hours during academic semesters:

• Monday- 8:00 a.m.-12 a.m.

• Tuesday- 8:00 a.m.-12 a.m.

• Wednesday- 8:00 a.m.-12 a.m.

• Thursday- 8:00 a.m.-12 a.m.

• Friday- 8:00 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Saturday-11 a.m.- 7 p.m.

• Sunday- 2 p.m.- 10 p.m.

RESIDENCE LIFE TEAM & ON CALL STAFF

Residence Life at Lake Erie College is a comprehensive living experience that strives to build a strong and involved community. Our goal is that the residence halls are more than just a place to sleep. They are places to explore personal ideologies through the experience of living away from home. To do this, our Residence Life Team will host events, facilitate community agreements, floor meetings, and roommate mediations; create opportunities for themed housing; and provide emotional support for all residents. The Residence Life Team consists of the Dean of Academic and Student Resident Life, Resident Directors (RDs), and Resident Assistants (RAs). This team is trained in basic emergency response, mental health support, programming, conflict resolution, and much more. Resident Assistants live in each residential property and serve as the first point of contact for most residential concerns, including lockouts, noise, guest/visitation, roommate mediation, room changes, etc. They are available as needed and a Resident Assistant and Resident Director is on call daily. RAs conduct nightly rounds, are asked to get to know all residents, submit nightly duty logs, and incident reports as needed. Resident Directors (RDs) are full-time employees on campus who also conduct nightly rounds throughout these residence halls. These individuals aid RAs and residents in events of alcohol or drug misuse, campus threats, fire alarms, doors not locking or closing, major leaks, significant maintenance issues, or other Tier 2 violations/concerns. Administration level responders are full-time Student Affairs employees, Director level or higher, who support residents and the Residence Life Team in case of issues that result in harm to self or others. These can include hospitalization or police/emergency medical staff presence, mental health issues, fire, and campus threats.

STUDENT AFFAIRS

The Division of Students Affairs’ mission is to support the college’s mission by developing and graduating whole persons through exploration, experience, and engagement. Student Affairs consists of several areas with a common purpose to help you thrive during your time on campus, including housing and residence life, student life, student organizations and clubs, wellness programming, Title IX, student conduct, and others. The Division of Student Affairs’ main offices are in the Learning Commons.

STUDENT LIFE

The purpose of Student Life is to support student engagement, belonging, leadership, and campus connection at Lake Erie College. Student Life provides opportunities for students to get involved, build relationships, develop leadership skills, and participate in meaningful campus traditions and events. Student Life oversees and supports campus events, programming, student organizations, leadership development, commuter and residential student engagement, and campus-wide activities designed to enhance the overall student experience. Both Student Government and The Campus Activities Board (CAB) are an important part of student life.

Student Life works closely with student leaders, organizations, and campus partners to create events and initiatives that promote community, school spirit, inclusion, wellness, and student success. Through programs such as Welcome Weekend, Campus Activities Board events, student organization activities, leadership opportunities, and campus traditions, Student Life helps students connect to Lake Erie College beyond the classroom.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

The purpose of the Student Government Association (SGA) shall be to serve the needs of the Student Body. The Student Government Association, acting as representative and on behalf of the Student Body, shall be the official Student Body Representative to other colleges and Lake Erie College administration. SGA oversees campus events such as Welcome Weekend, Senior Week events, club events, and a campus beautification project. SGA also oversees student organization recognition and allocation processes and provides additional funding to student clubs, organizations, and campus entities.

STUDENT IDS

All students should carry a Student ID provided by the college upon arrival. These IDs allow access to meal plans, Storm Dollars, and control access to residence halls. To obtain your ID, visit Student Affairs in the Learning Commons. There is a $10 fee billed to your student account for a replacement ID. 

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES/CHRONIC ILLNESSES

Current or incoming students, who have either a temporary or permanent disability, are welcome at Lake Erie College under the regular admissions requirements. These students are urged to inform the College of their disability and needs before their arrival on campus to allow them time to determine necessary resources and accommodations. Additionally, accommodation requests, though, can be made at any time during the academic year.

VOLUNTARY ASSESSMENT, INVOLUNTARY ASSESSMENT

 In cases in which a student’s actions may be a disruption or danger to others, the College may request a voluntary or involuntary assessment. Such an assessment may be requested in the following circumstances:

1. Instances where a student engages, or threatens to engage, in behavior which poses a danger of causing physical harm to others; or

2. Instances which could cause significant property damage, or would directly and substantially impede the lawful activities of others; or

3. Instances where a student’s behavior is sufficiently disruptive to normal College operations, consumes an inordinate amount of College staff time and/or resources, or may interfere with the educational process of the College.

Direct Threat

In determining whether an individual poses an imminent danger or a direct threat to the health or safety of others, the College’s Student Affairs team will initially evaluate the threat and make a recommendation as to whether additional assessments should be made. Student Affairs Staff will make a recommendation to the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement (or designee) as to the need for the student to have an individualized assessment. This assessment would be based on reasonable judgment that relies on current medical knowledge or on the best available objective evidence to ascertain the following:

• the nature, duration, and severity of the risk;
• the probability that the potential injury will occur;
• and whether reasonable modifications of policies, practices or procedures will mitigate the risk.

Referral for Voluntary Assessment

When a student is referred to the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement (or designee) based on behaviors listed previously, the student is required to meet with the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement (or designee) as requested. The Dean of Academic and Student Engagement (or designee) may include in this meeting staff from the College Counseling services or other units as appropriate. If, based on the content of the discussion, the student agrees to have an assessment, the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee shall designate/refer the student to qualified professionals (licensed psychologist, counselor, psychiatrist, and/or physician) for an assessment. The licensed professional is empowered by these regulations to share general information and the outcome of the assessment with the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement. The minimum necessary information will be disclosed and will be held by the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement in confidence and will be shared only with those College employees with a legitimate need to know. The licensed psychologist, counselor, psychiatrist and/or physician shall evaluate the student to determine if there are serious concerns associated with the student’s behavior. The licensed psychologist, counselor, psychiatrist and/or physician shall advise the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement of the outcome of their evaluation because of the assessment. The Dean of Academic and Student Engagement may consult with other internal/external advisors. If an immediate temporary suspension is not recommended, the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee will determine what, if any, follow up steps the student will be required to complete in order to remain at Lake Erie College.

Referral for an Involuntary Assessment

The Dean of Academic and Student Engagement shall be empowered to make referrals for an involuntary assessment when students engage in behaviors listed previously. Students referred for an involuntary assessment shall be informed in writing and given a copy of these procedures. Any assessment cost is the student’s responsibility. The Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee shall designate/refer the student to qualified licensed professionals (licensed psychologist, counselor, psychiatrist and/or physician). The licensed psychologist, counselor, psychiatrist and/or physician is empowered by these regulations to share general information and the outcome of the assessment with the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement. The minimum necessary information will be disclosed and will be held by the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement in confidence and will be shared only with those College employees with a legitimate need to know. The assessment of the student must be initiated according to the deadline stipulated in the letter and completed within three working business days unless an extension is granted by the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee.

Return Requirements

Following a determination that a student poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, Lake Erie College may require as a precondition to a student’s return that the student provide documentation that the student has taken steps to mitigate the previous behavior (e.g., followed a treatment plan, submitted periodic reports, granted permission for the institution to talk to the treating professional).

MEDICAL WITHDRAWAL

College officials may become aware of a student who may be experiencing serious circumstances because of a physical, emotional, or psychological health condition. In communication and partnership with the student, this matter may be handled as a potential medical withdrawal according to the institution’s withdrawal policy. Documentation from a medical provider is required for a medical withdrawal. Contact the Academic Affairs Office for specific information about this policy.

Involuntary Medical Leave

In unusual circumstances, the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or their designee, in consultation with the Chief Academic Officer and local mental health professionals, may determine that a student needs to be placed on an involuntary medical leave. The Dean of Academic and Student Engagement will first seek to obtain a voluntary leave of absence from the student. The medical leave will require the student to leave campus and not have access to his/her/their residence hall/apartment room, dining hall, class, or any co-curricular events on campus. Any such determination of an involuntary medical leave shall be made only after an individualized assessment of the student’s circumstances and will be promptly conveyed in writing to the student.

Any student whose situation falls within the following categories may be subject to involuntary leave of absence:

• Presents a substantial risk of harm to self or others or is failing to carry out substantial self-care obligations;

• or Significantly disrupts the educational or other activities of the Lake Erie College community;

• or Is unable to participate meaningfully in educational activities;

• or Requires a level of care from the Lake Erie College community that exceeds the resources and staffing that the College can reasonably be expected to provide for the student’s wellbeing.

A licensed mental health provider will need to determine that the student’s health and safety or the health and safety of other students is best served if the identified student is removed from the College.
The licensed mental health provider will work closely with the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or their designee to determine if an involuntary medical leave is necessary. The licensed mental health provider’s decision will reflect consideration of a number of factors, including the student’s ability to safely participate in the College’s programs, inclusive of the student’s ability to carry out substantial self-care obligations, and will examine whether the student is otherwise qualified, with or without reasonable accommodation, to effectively participate in college programs and activities as a member of the College community.
Whenever possible, the student’s external healthcare provider will also be consulted. For the purposes of this assessment, the student’s external healthcare provider may not be a family member of the student. Unless otherwise stated in the notice of involuntary medical leave, the student shall remain off campus until the end of the academic term in which the notice is delivered. Before students are permitted back on campus, they must provide written support from their primary care provider that the student can safely participate in the College’s on-campus programs.
If a student believes that the College’s decision to place them on an involuntary medical leave is unreasonable or that the procedures and/or information relied upon in making the decision were wrong or unfair, the student may appeal the decision. Once notified of the involuntary medical leave, the student has five (5) business days to submit their appeal. The student may not remain on campus during the appeal period. The appeal must be made in writing to the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement and should clearly state the specific grounds for appeal and should present relevant information to support the statements, including medical/clinical evidence in support of their position. In such situations, the student may be required to sign a limited release to enable the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or their designee to consult with the student’s health care provider about the student’s condition, the involuntary leave decision, and/or conditions placed upon the student’s return.

The Dean of Academic and Student Engagement will also consult the licensed mental health provider to determine conditions of the student’s return to campus. The Dean of Academic and Student Engagement will respond to the student’s written appeal within 5 business days. The response will be a final determination and will be based on a thorough review of the information provided. The Dean of Academic and Student Engagement also reserves the right to obtain an assessment from an outside medical or mental health provider if needed. If no timely appeal is submitted to the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement, the decision about the involuntary medical leave and any conditions imposed are final.

HOUSING

The Division of Student Affairs coordinates all areas of residence hall management, staffing, and enforcement of campus policies. Student Affairs administration serves as the administrator and conducts officers for all matters for Housing and Residence Life. All campus-wide community standards must be followed within the residence halls.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

The residential campus encourages active involvement in and offers close proximity to campus resources. The residential nature of the College fosters student development in interpersonal communication skills and knowledge of self in relationship to others. Student assignments are based on occupancy availability.

All full-time undergraduate students must meet the College’s four-year residency requirement and must live in College housing unless they apply for and receive an exemption, in writing, from Student Affairs administration to living off campus. Student exemption requests must meet the off-campus living exemption requirements and must provide sufficient reasoning for the request. Exemption requests must be received by deadlines to be considered. All exemption requests must be renewed each academic year. Students who move off-campus without permission are still responsible for a full year of room and board charges. Commuters are exempt from the campus residency policy and do not require permission. Commuters are defined as all full-time students who live with their parents within the commuter range or are not expected to live on the Lake Erie College campus.

Important Reminders

Applying for off campus housing does not guarantee approval. Do not sign a lease before receiving written approval from Student Affairs. Students who move off-campus without permission are still responsible for a full year of room and board charges. Students misrepresenting their living situation (e.g., falsely claiming to live with parents) will be charged for College housing. If approved, students must submit a copy of their lease to Student Affairs. If approved, students must still have a meal plan or apply for appeal. Students currently living off campus must reapply and be reapproved each year.

Financial Responsibility

The College is not obligated to approve off-campus housing appeals for students who sign a lease to live in non-College housing or who have purchased property prior to receiving approval to move out of College housing. Students are solely responsible for fulfilling the obligations of their non-College lease or mortgage agreement and will likely be responsible for the financial obligations of said lease or mortgage in addition to room and board at the College if they do so.

TERMS OF CONTRACT

Students are urged to read carefully the content of the Housing Contract when completing the Housing and Off-Campus Application. When the official Housing Contract form is signed and submitted to Lake Erie College, or when the student occupies a space in a residence, the contract becomes a legally binding agreement-a contract between the student and the College. The terms and conditions of this contract are outlined below. In this document the space leased by a student, whether a residence hall room, apartment, or house, will be referred to as “room”.

CONTRACT PERIOD

This contract is binding for the entire academic year, with the following exceptions: when the student completes graduation requirements midyear, when the student withdraws or is withdrawn from the college, when the student enters the contract at the beginning of the second semester. The College’s nonperformance of any obligation or duty under this Agreement will be excused to the extent that the performance is prevented by any act of God or circumstance beyond the College’s control, including, without limitation, fire, war, riots, flood, earthquake, weather, health emergency, labor dispute, civil disturbance, governmental acts or orders or restrictions, or power or communications failure (each a “Force Majeure Event”). Room and board fees are non-refundable, and students will not receive a refund or a credit for room and board fees during a Force Majeure Event.

CONTRACT SUSPENSION

Any student whose physical or mental health might jeopardize the safety or well-being of that individual or that of any other resident may be required to have an examination by a physician or a consultation with a College counselor to continue enrollment and residency at the College. Should the physician or counselor determine that a health or safety concern to self or others exists, the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee may amend or suspend the student’s housing contract as appropriate.

ROOM ASSIGNMENTS

The College will not discriminate room assignment based on gender, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical ability, or sexual orientation. Room assignments will be made according to departmental procedures and, when possible, in accordance with student preferences. No specific assignment based on the resident’s request is guaranteed. For individual requests, please contact the Division of Student Affairs. Failure to honor housing preferences will not void the contract.

The College reserves the right to:

(a) assign the remaining space(s) of a room whenever a vacancy in occupancy occurs;

(b) increase the number of occupants per room in the event of emergency need; (c) assign students to temporary accommodations, in the event of emergency need;

(d) reassign rooms for occupancy during vacation periods;

(e) consolidate roommates, for space management purposes, when vacancies occur;

(f) change room assignments for health, safety or repair services, for disciplinary reasons caused by the resident, or for irresolvable incompatibility of roommates; and

(g) designate the occupancy level for each room.

TERMINATION OF CONTRACT

The College may terminate a contract and take possession of a room at any time for:

(a) violation of any Residence Hall policies or procedures;

(b) violation of any College regulation, including repeated conduct violations in the residence halls, disorderly conduct, interference with the rights and privileges of other residents, or destruction of property; and/or

(c) whenever the room is vacated or the relationship between the student with the College as a student is terminated.

If the College terminates a contract for any of the reasons noted above, the room and board charges will not be refunded.

VACATION OCCUPANCY

The contract does not cover regularly scheduled vacation periods. A special living area may be established for students unable to leave campus during these periods. To arrange for permission to occupy a room during a scheduled vacation period, complete an application through the Division of Student Affairs by the advertised deadline. An additional charge of $50 plus $15 per day will be assessed for housing during vacation periods. This one-time fee (not the daily occupancy fee) may be waived at the discretion of the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement. This fee will be added to the student’s account. Students who violate College policies during vacation periods will be subject to sanctions.

EARLY CHECK-IN OR LATE CHECK-OUT

Students who wish to check-in early or check-out late must receive written permission from the Division of Student Affairs. Students who come early or stay late must pay a fee of $50.00 per day during the period in which they arrive early or stay late. This fee may be waived at the discretion of the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement.

SUMMER RESIDENCY

Students who wish to remain on campus during summer break must apply to the Tower for summer housing. Food service is not available over summer. Contact the Residence Life Office with questions at housing@lec.edu.

Summer storage-students will not be allowed to store their personal belongings on campus during the summer.

ROOM CHANGES

No student will be allowed to change their room, move off-campus, or substitute one occupant for another without permission from the Division of Student Affairs. Students who misrepresent the truth, intimidate assigned occupants, or otherwise attempt to manipulate the housing assignment or lottery process will be subject to disciplinary action that may include fines, reassignment, and/or contract termination. Room change requests are rarely granted without proof of extenuating circumstances and may only be made after the listed add/drop date of each semester. Students who request a room change due to conflict with their current roommate will not be considered until they have gone through the Roommate Mediation process, and Residence Life staff have determined that no reconciliation is reasonably possible. Proof of Roommate Mediation may be required as part of the room change request process. Requests should be submitted to the office of Residence Life at housing@lec.edu.

ROOM CONSOLIDATION

Many College Residence Halls and other Residential Properties are considered shared spaces by default, unless single occupancy is specifically permitted by the Director of Residence Life (special accommodations include provisions for ADA compliance, medical necessity, etc.). No student in shared College housing is entitled to a single space unless specified per their residence. However, situations often arise when students may find themselves in a space designed for multi-student occupancy that is no longer filled when a roommate vacates their assigned housing. When a space in a shared room is vacated, this does not mean the remaining students automatically are able to occupy that space. They are subject to a process known as Room Consolidation.

Students undergoing roommate consolidation have the option to:

A) leave the space available for renewed occupancy by another student assigned by the college at any time for the remainder of the current semester

B) choose to consolidate rooms with another student with available space

C) pay a $1,500 fee to reserve the room for permanent single occupancy for the remainder of the current semester (note: this option will only be available if the office of       Residence Life determines there is enough space available in the housing pool to do so).

Once informed of a room consolidation, students will have no more than 7 days to inform Residence Life staff of their decision and complete their move (if they choose to consolidate with another student). Room Consolidation will be initiated by Residence Life after the Add/Drop Day of each semester. After this initial Room Consolidation, the office of Residence Life retains the right to initiate individual Room Consolidations should the need arise whenever a student vacates a shared residence. Students who select the option to leave the space available for renewed occupancy by another student will be expected to keep the unoccupied space clear, unused, and clean, as the space could be filled at any time. If the unoccupied space is not ready for new residents at the time of their check-in, additional cleaning fees of up to $150 could be applied.

At the discretion of the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement, an exception may be made to this policy due to gender identity considerations, safety, Title IX interim measures, No Contact Orders, Student Conduct concerns, and issues of similar sentiment. Housing assignments may change between semesters. Placement in a single room for one semester does not guarantee it for subsequent semesters.

RESIDENCE CHECK-IN/OUT PROCEDURES

Check-In:

When checking into a new room at any time, students will check in with their Resident Assistant or other Residence Life staff for the necessary forms and to receive a room key.

Check-Out:

When checking out of a room, residents should complete official College check-out procedures. Professional staff will assess the room after the resident has moved out. Room damage and cleanliness will be assessed, and this may result in additional charges. Failure to complete the checkout procedure will result in a $50 improper checkout fee.

BREAK STORAGE

Students are not permitted to store personal belongings, including large furniture and appliances in unfurnished rooms like refrigerators and beds, in the residence halls or on campus during summer break.

LEAVES OF ABSENCE AND STUDY ABROAD

When returning to the College from abroad or from a leave of absence, the student must tell the Division of Student Affairs their housing requests before their return. The Division will attempt to accommodate students’ hall and room preferences; however, preferred assignments cannot be guaranteed. Students returning in spring semester will be assigned to residence hall space based on class seniority and the date their request for housing is received. Students who are abroad during the spring semester must notify the Division of Student Affairs, in writing, of their arrangements for a fellow student to serve as proxy and select a room for them during the housing room reservation process. Students taking a leave of absence during the spring semester will be assigned fall housing through the summer waitlist process.

FAILURE TO VACATE

Residents are always responsible for their personal property. When residents have not vacated their College residence as expected while changing residences or at the end of a contract period, or if they have not removed personal property, Student Affairs staff will make a reasonable attempt to contact the residents. If after 48 hours (about 2 days), the resident has not vacated, personal property will be removed and stored at the resident’s expense. After appropriate notifications, within 2-4 weeks, the items will be considered abandoned and donated to charity or discarded. Lake Erie College is not liable for damage to, or loss of, property that might occur during removal or disposal. Residents will be billed for all costs incurred in restoration of the unit to usable space.

RESIDENTIAL CAMPUS POLICIES

The following regulations were instituted by the College to ensure that all students’ rights and welfare will be protected. All campus wide community standards must be followed within the residence halls.

ASSESSMENT FOR DAMAGE

Residents will be held responsible for any damage in their rooms, or in any part of the residence hall, and/or to College equipment. When damage occurs in a public area, the cost of repair may be split and billed to the residents of that area. Students are responsible for reporting to the Division of Student Affairs any damages done to the outside of their room door; otherwise, they will be billed for such damage.

ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT

In-line skates, scooters, skateboards, Frisbees, basketballs, footballs, tennis balls, etc. may not be used in the Residence Halls or any other building on campus except the athletic center or other designated recreational spaces (appropriate equipment only). Inline skates and skateboards are not to be used on any steps, seating areas or ramps on campus.

BICYCLES, SCOOTERS, AND OTHER PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION DEVICES

Bicycles, e-bikes, and large e-scooters are not permitted to be stored inside the residence halls or brought inside other indoor campus spaces. Whenever possible, they should be parked at one of the numerous designated bike racks located around campus. They should not be chained to light poles, railings, or other infrastructure. Bikes that are abandoned or improperly stored can be removed without notice.

Students are encouraged to purchase and use sturdy locks and chains for their bicycles. The College cannot be responsible for damaged or stolen bicycles. All personal transportation devices must be used at a reasonable speed while on campus (no more than 15 mph) for the safety of both operators and other pedestrians. Violations of this regulation can be referred to Student Conduct as disruptive behavior. Skateboards, roller-skates, roller blades, unicycles, and self-propelled implements are allowed, so long as they are used in a responsible manner that does not endanger their operators, pedestrians, or campus property.

Hoverboards and other compact motorized devices are also allowed. Larger motorized vehicles, such as golf carts, go-karts, mini bikes, motorcycles, four-wheelers, lawn mowers, and tractors are banned on all campus sidewalks and grass spaces and should therefore not be stored on campus. The lithium-ion batteries commonly used to power e-bikes and e-scooters pose a potential fire risk and are not to be charged inside campus buildings.

BLOCKING, PROPPING, OR JAMMING DOORS

Due to the potential danger associated with blocking, propping, or jamming interior or exterior doors, students involved in this action are subject to disciplinary action and have legal liability for the safety of the occupants in the residence hall. Residence hall interior room doors may be propped open by the resident if they are inside the room.

CABLE AND TELEVISION

Exterior satellite dishes and receivers are not permitted. Students are not permitted to split the television cable; this practice is illegal and constitutes theft of that service. Televisions cannot be mounted in rooms; violators of this policy will be subject to judicial action and will be assessed fees for repair of walls with a minimum fee of $250.00.

CANDLES, OPEN FLAMES, AND FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES

Candles, oil lamps, potpourri burners, incense, kerosene lamps, and other items that have flames or maybe ignited with a flame are not allowed in campus buildings, including the residence halls, because of their potential fire danger. Lamps may not use a halogen bulb and grow lights are not permitted. The storage or use of gasoline, kerosene, and other flammable liquids is strictly prohibited.

CIRCUITS

Electrical equipment should be used in moderation in rooms to avoid overloading circuits. To increase the number of outlets available in a room, the College recommends surge protector electrical strips. These strips offer multiple outlets and feature a self-activating circuit breaker, which shuts off power when power overloading and/or short circuits occur. This may help protect your electrical equipment. Extension cords are against fire code and not allowed.

COOKING OF MEALS

Each floor of each residence hall has a kitchenette, complete with a toaster, microwave, and refrigerator/freezer. Students are expected to monitor food as it is being cooked and to turn off all kitchen appliances when not in use. Any food stored in the fridge/freezer must be labeled with the students’ name and date. Cooking of meals is not permitted in student rooms. This practice is a fire hazard and a health hazard. When meals are cooked in common areas, dishes should be cleaned right away to keep the area as clean, sanitary, and inviting as possible. Any dishes left in common areas that are unattended may be disposed of by Residence Life staff.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

No appliances containing open heating elements may be used in student rooms as they pose distinct fire hazards and overload existing electrical circuits. Prohibited appliances include hot plates, heaters, toaster ovens, and air fryers. Compact, personal-sized refrigerators (no larger than 4 cubic feet in capacity) are permitted. They must be emptied, defrosted, cleaned, and unplugged before breaks. If a personal-sized refrigerator or other item needs to be removed from the room and cleaned during any break due to smell or other disturbance, the fee for cleaning and removal will be $100. The use of extension cords is also permitted for long-term use in Lake Erie College residences, with the exception of surge protectors, which should be limited to one per outlet. Please do not “piggy back” surge protectors, or plug multiple in to each other, as this creates a fire hazard.

FIRE DRILLS, EQUIPMENT, AND SAFETY

Multiple fire drills are scheduled for the residence halls during the year. Each student is responsible for cooperating and following evacuation plans.

Students must evacuate the building whenever an alarm goes off, even if they are confident there is no danger. Lack of cooperation during fire drills or alarms will result in disciplinary action. There is a $500.00 fine for not evacuating.

Residence Life staff will train students where to go while waiting for the fire department, emergency medical services, and/or police to arrive. Fire equipment is to be used only as necessary in case of fire; its use or misuse must be reported to Residence Life staff immediately so that it may be restored to useful condition without delay. Anyone identified as responsible for tampering with or theft of any College-owned Fire Extinguisher or other fire apparatus in any College-owned residence will be subject to a $500 fine and severe disciplinary action.

If a person or persons responsible for tampering with fire equipment are not apprehended, the students living on the floor, wing, or section of the residence hall may be billed $500. The fine may be split among the residents living in that space. Students who dismantle or improperly manipulate their fire alarm will be subject to sanctions. Decorations or furniture must never hinder exit from a room. No items may be affixed to, installed in, or suspended from the ceiling in any student room. Students must not decorate their rooms with combustible materials (paneling, combustible fabrics, etc.).

Fabric decorations may only cover a maximum of 50% of one wall in any student room. Posters may only cover a maximum of 50% of the wall space in any student room. Candles, open flames, or open burners are not allowed in the residence halls.

FOOD STORAGE

Food in student rooms must be stored in sealed containers. Food and drinks may not be stored on exterior windowsills. No dishes or silverware may be taken from the dining facilities to student rooms.

FURNITURE

Each room comes equipped with a twin-size bed, a dresser or closet (depending on the residence hall), and a desk for each resident. All College-supplied furniture must remain in student rooms. Waterbeds are not permitted. Furniture lofts, partitions, cabinetry, and other décor are welcome, but may not be built or screwed into the walls or floor. Common area furniture is for use by all residents and may not be removed or relocated to a private residence within the hall or elsewhere. Unauthorized removal of furniture will be considered theft of College property, and students may be disciplined for such behavior.

TRASH

All residents are expected to have trash cans and trash bags in their rooms and are responsible for removing personal trash from their rooms and placing all trash bags in the outside dumpster. Personal trash should not be placed in the bathrooms or common areas. Floor or building fines for inappropriate trash disposal will begin at $50 for all residents. Individual residents may also be fined. Students should dispose of all personal trash in the dumpsters located outside of each residence hall. Trashcans located in the hallways and outside doors are not to be used to place bags of personal trash. Continued use of these trash cans for bags of personal trash will result in student conduct and fines.

GUESTS/VISITATION HOURS

A guest is defined as anyone not assigned to the residents’ room, including other Lake Erie College students. A student’s right to host a guest is, in all cases, superseded by the roommate’s right to the uninterrupted use of the room and the resident’s rights to the uninterrupted use of the common space. If students wish to have an overnight guest, they must first receive approval from their roommate. Guests are permitted to stay no more than 72 hours and appropriate fines and sanctions will apply if this guest remains longer, including removal of the guest from the residence hall. Guests must be at least 18 years of age and may be asked for their identification by Residence Life staff. Underage guests must be approved by the office of Residence Life and their host must complete a form in the office of Residence Life. Guests should be aware of expected conduct and the College and Residence Hall policies. The host is ultimately responsible for the behavior and actions of his/her guests and may be held accountable under the College judicial system. Lake Erie College is private property. Underage and/or nonstudents may be asked to leave the campus.

• Overnight guests are permitted on Friday and Saturday nights only if they have been registered in the Student Life Office in addition to completion of an Overnight Guest form with their roommate(s) signature.

• Overnight guests must register with the Residence Life Coordinator by 12 p.m. on Friday of the intended visit.

• Overnight guests not registered properly will be asked to leave immediately.

• The vehicle of any overnight guest must be registered with Security immediately upon arrival. The application for the guest registration tag is obtained from the director of community living.

• Students and guests must use appropriately designated rest rooms.

• Overnight guests must abide by all rules and regulations of LEC. The host student is responsible for all policy violations of his or her guest (s) and will be subject to appropriate sanctions.

KEYS

Each resident is provided with a key that allows access to his/her room and residence hall. Residence Hall exit doors remain locked 24 hours a day. Residents may enter the locked entrances of their building with a key or keycard. It is imperative that students always carry their keys and refuse to loan them to others. Students must ensure that exit doors close securely after they enter or exit a building.

Students should report malfunctions in door locks immediately to the Residence Director or Resident Assistants. All keys are property of the College and must be returned when the student checks out of the Residence Hall. If a key is lost, it should be reported to the Director of Office of Residence Life or Resident Assistant immediately. When a key is lost, the core will be replaced, and new keys will be cut at the expense of the student who lost the key. The replacement fee is $150.00. Students employed by the College often are given keys to College buildings.

Keys are to be used only by the student to whom they are issued for the purposes for which they are issued. Any person possessing unauthorized keys or who misuses College keys will be subject to campus judiciary action. The duplication of any College key is prohibited. This charge will be refunded after the student checks out and returns the mail key.

LAUNDRY FACILITIES

Washers and dryers are available in the Residence Halls. Laundry is free for Lake Erie College residents only. If the machines malfunction, residents should contact their Resident Assistant or Resident Director to contact the company for maintenance. Residents should be careful not to overload washers and dryers. Residents are responsible for supervising their laundry.

LOSS OR DAMAGE/ RENTER’S INSURANCE

The College does not assume responsibility for damage or loss of personal property of residents due to fire, theft, or other causes. Students are encouraged to report all instances of loss or damage to both security and Student Affairs administration. Students are encouraged to contact their insurance agency to purchase renter’s insurance.

MAINTENANCE

Sometimes, an item in a Residence Hall room may need repair. All repairs should be reported promptly using the maintenance request form. Repair work in the Residence Halls is completed by the College maintenance staff or people contracted to make the repairs; do not attempt to repair items on your own. The housekeeping staff provides a neat and clean environment in the Hall. However, they are not responsible for cleaning unnecessary messes made by the residents in public areas, nor are they responsible for disposing of personal trash left by the residents. All personal trash must be disposed of by the resident in dumpsters located outside each hall.

NOISE VIOLATIONS/QUIET HOURS

The right to study or sleep takes precedence over all other activities in the residence hall. The responsibility for quiet hours is a shared one. It is the student’s right and obligation to let offenders know their noise level is too high, and the offenders’ responsibility to comply with requests to lower their volume. Noise should not be immediately detectable from the hallway or adjacent room at any point in the day. This includes noise from music, TV, and other activities. This courtesy extends to ALL hours of the day, which includes time when quiet hours are not in effect. Quiet hours are a time when noise levels from public spaces to rooms and from one room to another should not be detectable by others. Noise levels at any time which are disturbing to students in the community may be addressed.

Quiet Hours:

• Sunday through Thursday 10PM - 10AM

• Friday and Saturday 1 AM - 10 AM

ESTIMATED REPLACEMENT FEES

Item Needing Replaced Cost

• ID Card $10

• Curtain Rods $15

• Keys $150

• Mattress $100

• Lights - $70

• Window $100

• Door Signs $50

• Window Screen $50

• New Door $800

ROOM RESPONSIBILITY

Students are responsible for all activities within their residence, including policy violations, damages, and other restrictions stated in the contract. It is expected that rooms will be in the same condition at the end of the occupancy period as when first occupied. All personal belongings must be removed from rooms. Trash must be removed and placed in containers provided by the College. All College-owned furniture and furnishings must be present in the room, properly assembled and arranged. Any personal items left in a room at the time of checkout may be discarded. The room should be properly cleaned. Should a room require more than the normal amount of cleaning by the College when occupants move out, a fine may be imposed, and a bill for the additional time will be charged to the student or students involved. Any damage not claimed by individual residents will be divided equally among all residents of the room.

ROOM DECORATIONS

The College welcomes you to make your room your own by hanging posters, decals, pictures, posters, tapestries, or more. However, these items must be able to be fastened to walls, doors, woodwork, and/or ceilings without damage to paint or finished surfaces of the room. The use of nails, tacks, or screws is forbidden. No holes may be placed in the walls. Writing instruments must not be used on any building surface. A form of “poster putty” or 3M removable products may be used to secure decorations to walls but must be removed before the room is vacated. Command Strips are recommended, though be sure they are properly removed so as to not damage the paint. Students may not paint or stain the walls, wood, or ceiling. No permanent changes may be made to the room.

ROOM INSPECTIONS

Upon move-in and move-out, each resident will be provided with a Room Condition Report. Students should fill in this form completely and accurately to ensure they will not be charged for damage that was already present in the room.

These cards will be used to assess damage billing to the appropriate resident. Members of the Residence Life or Facility Management staff may enter a residence at any time, with or without prior notice, to ascertain health and safety conditions; check the physical condition of the room; aid in emergency situations; check for compliance with residence hall policies; inspect the room; maintain and repair; and/or check for policy compliance. Residence Life staff will also check for storage of contraband, which may include refrigerators and other storage areas in the room.

When appropriate, during room inspections, the Residence Life Staff reserves the right to confiscate items found to be in violation of campus policies. All room areas may be checked with appropriate authorization from the Division of Student Affairs. Student Affairs administration must grant permission to Residence Life staff to complete in-depth searches that will go through students’ personal storage areas.

Inspections may be conducted at the following times: beginning and end of each academic year to establish the basis for assessing damages monthly (or as appropriate) to ensure safety & policy compliance at least once per semester for the purpose of damage assessment prior to or during holiday breaks for closing and damage assessments between semesters to assess safety, damages, and policy compliance Staff reserve the right to enter without the resident(s) present. Also see ROOM SEARCH (FORMAL) and RANDOM SEARCHES ON CAMPUS.

SANITATION

Each resident is expected to maintain his/her room in an acceptably safe and sanitary condition. If the Facilities or Student Affairs deems that the area needs cleaning more than the residents are doing, the area will be cleaned, and the residents may be assessed the cleaning fee.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Students agree to abide by the safety rules and procedures of the College. Residents who leave the residence hall through locked doors are responsible for ensuring the doors close and are once again in a locked position. External doors should never be propped open. Residents are urged to lock windows and doors during periods of absence. During holiday periods, additional precautions should be taken to include removing small portable items and closing curtains or shades. Any losses should be reported to the Division of Student Affairs and to the Painesville Police Department.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

Except under emergency circumstances, College premises occupied by students and the personal possessions of students will not be searched unless permission is granted by the resident, authorization is obtained from the Division of Student Affairs, or probable cause grants the search. Authorization shall be made before a search is conducted. The authorization shall specify the reasons for the search and the objects sought. The student should be present, if possible, during the search. However, Residence Life staff reserves the right to enter any residence without notice in emergency situations or with probable cause of community code violation.

SOLICITING & SALES

Canvassing or solicitation of funds, sales, votes, membership, literature, or subscriptions by non-student groups is not permitted on campus. Student groups wishing to sell items in the residence halls must have prior approval from the office of Residence Life. Signs and posters regarding activities sponsored by recognized campus organizations are permitted on appropriate bulletin boards or other designated areas with permission from the office of Student Life. Non-student groups may post advertisements with prior approval from the Division for Student Affairs. All advertising requests must be made in person by someone representing the group wishing to advertise and receive a stamp of approval before being posted.

STORAGE

Storage of personal items is not permitted outside of assigned residence or during summer months.

SUBLET

Assigned rooms may not be sublet. The housing contract is made between the individual who signed the Contract and the College and may not be transferred to another person.

WINDOW SCREENS, ROOFS, AND LEDGES

Screens have been permanently fastened to the windows and should not be removed. There will be a charge to replace screens and/or repair damaged screens. Students are not permitted on window ledges or roofs of College buildings for any reason.

Lake Erie College COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS

GENERAL PROVISION

The College reserves the right to change these regulations or make rules, policies, and procedures as it deems necessary for the protection of property and/or the general welfare of the residents. Students are expected to abide by statements in the Student Handbook.

INCIVILITY, HATE SPEECH, AND BULLYING

Incivility, hate speech, and bullying are prohibited on campus. This can include verbally abusive or harassing behavior, the use of derogatory terms, and/or phrases or names for groups used in a way that is clearly intended to insult or defame individuals from that group and/or create a hostile environment. Incivility, hate speech, and bullying undermine a victim’s ability to engage in learning, participate in the activities of the College, or participate in his or her regular life activities.

Specific conduct prohibited includes but is not limited to:

• Deliberate or reckless use of uncivil or hate speech on campus or directed at other members of the storm community.

• Deliberate or reckless bullying of individuals or groups who are part of the College.

• Intentionally and substantially interfering with the freedom of expression of others.

• Deliberate constraint, detainment or incapacitation of another, without that person’s explicit knowledge or consent.

• Intentionally or recklessly stalking another person. Engaging in harassment.

• Engaging in hazing - intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that: Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation into an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury.

MOTORIZED VEHICLES AND PARKING

All students are allowed to have one licensed vehicle at a time on campus. Students are required to register their motorized vehicle with the College and display a parking permit. Parking permits must be located on the front windshield, driver’s side, at the bottom. Vehicles that do not correctly display their parking permit will be ticketed and/or towed. Parking is allowed in parking lots and angled parking spaces owned by the College. Any unlicensed vehicle (including vehicles with expired plates) will be brought to the attention of the appropriate officials.

Parking Rules and Regulations

Disabled vehicles left in the parking areas will be towed away at the owner’s expense. Any and all motorized vehicles are not to be parked or driven on the grass, sidewalks, curbs, or through the campus without specific written permission from security. Any vehicle that has missing parts, flat tires, or other concerns that make the vehicle appear abandoned or neglected may be towed away at the owner’s expense. Vehicle maintenance (including oil changes, engine work, car washing, etc.) should not be performed in campus parking lots. College parking lots should be treated with the same respect as other College property. Vehicles should NOT park in areas with red curbs. These areas are designated as fire lanes, and vehicles should not be parked in fire lanes. Vehicles parked there, even for a short while, may be ticketed by Lake Erie College. Students should not park in the upper Holden lot or the College Hall driveway from Austin Hall to Garfield. Students must park in marked spaces only.

Parking Violations:

• Block a fire hydrant, driveway, doors, or refuse containers.

• Park in a handicapped-marked parking space, for any period of time, without having appropriate vehicle identification on license plate, window sticker, etc.

• Park in areas that are not defined parking spaces.

• Park on a sidewalk, in an alley, or on a lawn.

• Park in a reserved space without appropriate permission. This includes college visitor spaces.

• Park in more than one space.

• Park into a conventional parking stall if the vehicle is too large to fit or whose length causes it to stick out and impede traffic.

All parking citations issued by the college carry a $10 fine. If a student incurs multiple parking violations in a semester, they will be referred to student conduct and could face additional sanctions. If the vehicle of a student who has been through student conduct is found in violation of parking regulations a third time, it will be towed from campus at the owner’s expense. Additionally, the student’s parking pass may be revoked.

No gas-powered motorized vehicles, motor bikes, motorcycles, or mopeds shall be operated on the grass, sidewalks, or pedestrian walkways on campus. Persons operating or parking a vehicle in a manner that violates the above policies are subject to disciplinary action imposed by the College. Inappropriate use of vehicles could result in a police citation, towing of vehicles at the owner’s expense, and/or other actions deemed appropriate by the College.

Snow Removal and Winter Weather Disclaimer

During winter weather events, the College makes reasonable efforts to clear roadways, walkways, and parking areas as promptly as conditions allow. Snow removal operations may result in snow being pushed or accumulated around parked vehicles.

Vehicle owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from around their vehicles and ensuring safe movement when exiting parking spaces. The College is not responsible for damage to vehicles caused by snow accumulation, ice, or conditions resulting from normal snow removal operations. The College will only assume responsibility in cases where there is verified evidence of direct contact between campus equipment and a vehicle.

RACIALLY DIVISIVE IMAGES

Racially or ethnically divisive messages, images, and symbols (including the Confederate flag) are not allowed on campus.

PUBLIC NUDITY

As a matter of consideration for other members of the community, public nudity is not allowed.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

The College has a duty to establish rules and policies that all students must follow for the community’s good. Students have a right to expect enforcement of these rules and policies. The College also has a right to expect students to abide by them as responsible members of the learning community. In addition to the Student Code of Conduct, Lake Erie College students are responsible for upholding all official College and Residential Life policies while a member of the Lake Erie College community. Engaging in the following prohibited behaviors is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct:

1) Academic Dishonesty:

Engaging in acts of academic dishonesty, which includes (but is not limited to) cheating and plagiarizing.

2) Alcohol:

Using or possessing alcoholic beverages, including the following:

a) If one is underage;

b) On campus or at College sanctioned activities where alcohol is not allowed;

c) Using or being in possession of alcohol paraphernalia (including, but not limited to, beer cans, bottles, bottle caps, and/or shot glass collections).

d) Hosting, participating in, or attending a party where alcohol is present in on- or off-campus college-owned or leased housing, including residence halls.

3) Assault:

Assaulting or threatening to assault any person; engaging in any unwelcome physical contact with any person, which includes (but is not limited to) physical harassment or unwanted touching, even between acquaintances; making unwelcome advances; or engaging in conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person. Such conduct includes the following (but is not limited to):

a) Assault;

b) Threats to the personal safety of oneself or others;

c) Unwelcome physical contact;

d) Hazing (defined as any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or that destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization).

4) Disruptive Behavior/Disorderly Conduct:

Conducting oneself in such a manner as to reflect unfavorably upon the individual student or the College community.

a) Disrupting research, recreation, study, meetings, assemblies, convocations, public events, disciplinary proceedings, or activities of the College;

b) Engaging in disorderly conduct or expression, a breach of the peace, or aiding or inciting another to a breach of the peace.

Such conduct includes (but is not limited to) throwing objects to create a danger, making excessive noise, rioting, creating a public disturbance, and any other type of      interference, obstruction, or disruption with the normal operations of the College or its activities or any type of conduct that interferes with the ability of those who              attend, visit, or work at the College to enjoy the benefits of the purposes for which the College exists.

5) Drugs:

The unlawful possession, use, or sale of any drug or controlled substance, including the following:

a) Manufacturing, growing, distributing, selling, possessing, using, or offering for sale narcotic drugs, depressants, stimulant substances, hallucinogens, cannabis, and/or           derivatives (including synthetic derivatives such as Delta 8);

b) Being in the presence of illegal drugs;

c) The use of prescription drugs without a prescription;

d) The presence of drug paraphernalia and/or

e) Evidence of drugs such as smell or items used to mask drug odors.

6) Emergencies, Fire, Alarms, and Fire Equipment:

 Failure to comply with the lawful orders of police, fire, or medical response or creating life and limb hazards, including the following:

a) Arson-Starting a fire that causes or may cause damage or injury on/to College property without College authorization.

b) Making or causing a false fire alarm or emergency report of any kind. Tampering with, damaging, disabling, and/or misusing fire safety equipment.

c) Failure to disperse (this policy will not be construed to deny any student the right of peaceful, non-disruptive assembly).

d) Resisting arrest

e) Failure to evacuate during a fire alarm.

7) Firearms and Weapons; Flammable Materials and Fireworks:

 Possessing, using, or participating in an activity involving firearms; fireworks; chemicals that are explosive; hazardous chemicals; other implements used as weapons, which include (but are not limited to) airsoft guns, BB guns, bows, crossbows, splat guns, and swords; and other types of arms classified as weapons or any items that resemble weapons (example: original/modified Nerf guns or gel blasters) on College property or at college-sanctioned activities. The use or display of any object or instrument in a dangerous and/or threatening manner is prohibited.

8) Fraud/Forgery/False Information:

 Forging documents, fraudulent misrepresentation, false reporting, including the following:

a) Forgery, fraudulent misrepresentation, altering, transferring, infringing on the copyright of, and/or misusing College documents. Providing false information in the application for admission, petitions, requests, disciplinary hearings, or other matters of record, and/or transactions with officials of the College;

b) Falsely reporting information of an emergency nature (i.e., false report of bomb, fire, or other emergency) in any building structure or facility;

c) Using fake identification, falsely identifying oneself, or using the identification of another person. This includes furnishing false identification or refusing to show identification to the College or to any College employee or agent, including campus law enforcement or security officers acting in good faith and in the performance of their duties.

9) Sexual Misconduct and Stalking:

To include sexual harassment, sexual assault, non-consensual sexual contact, non-consensual sexual intercourse, relationship violence, sexual exploitation, and/or stalking.

a) Stalking is defined as a pattern of conduct that is intended to cause, or does reasonably cause, a person to fear for their privacy or safety, and may include, but is not limited to, unwanted contact through social media, email, phone calls, and/or in person.

10) Indecent Behavior:

Engaging in lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct or expression.

11) Misuse of Technology:

Making or assisting in the making of unauthorized, obscene, or annoying phone calls, text messages, or computer messages or otherwise misusing or abusing phone and/or computer equipment. Engaging in computer abuse, which includes but is not limited to, plagiarism of programs, misuse of computer accounts, unauthorized destruction of files, creating illegal accounts, possessing or using passwords without proper authorization, viewing or distributing pornographic material, and/or disruptive or inappropriate behavior that affects the College’s computer system.

12) Failure to Comply with Policies, Laws, and Requests:

Failing to comply with the reasonable and lawful requests of College officials acting in the performance of their duties, and with College policies, local, state and federal laws including the following:

a) Failure to properly comply with or complete a sanction or obligation resulting from a disciplinary hearing or adjudication;

b) Committing any act which is a violation of criminal law of the United States, the State of Ohio or a municipal ordinance;

c) Failing to obey Residential Life rules and regulations, whether or not one is a resident;

d) Failing to obey any College policy.

13) Harassment:

Engaging in any of the following:

a) Harassing and/or intimidating actions which are found to create a hostile environment (which includes conduct causing alarm or recklessly creating a risk by threatening to commit crimes against specific individuals or their property; the face-to-face use of inflammatory words);

b) Harassing or intimidating College officials while they are discharging their official duties and responsibilities;

c) Engaging in any form of harassment over the Internet, commonly referred to as cyberbullying, such as threatening another person by sending or posting inappropriate and hurtful email messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images or website postings, including blogs and social network systems;

d) Tampering or attempting to influence witnesses in an investigation; engaging in retaliation against anyone participating in a College process.

14) Theft or Misappropriation:

 Stealing or attempting to steal College property or the property of any person and/or to be in possession of stolen property.

15) Unlawful Entry/Presence In and Use of College Facilities/Misuse of Keys:

Entering and/or using College facilities or property without authorization by the appropriate College officials. Using or possessing any College key without proper authorization and/or duplicating a college key.

16) Hazing:

Intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:

a) Committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and

b) Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation into an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury.

Any activity that is expected of someone to join or continue to be a member of a team/club/student organization that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, or that violates the dignity of another person, regardless of intention or willingness to participate. Hazing activities may include but not limited to forced consumption of any alcohol, food, drugs or any other substance, forced physical activity, deprivation of food or sleep, kidnapping, paddling, branding, or shaving, wearing or apparel that is conspicuous and not normally in good taste, singing on command in public places, and other activities that are not consistent with the policies outlined in the Lake Erie College Student Handbook.

Groups that have allegedly hazed may go through the student conduct process for student organizations through the Office of Student Life.

Lake Erie College prohibits hazing as defined in this policy. The College will investigate and respond to all reports of hazing as outlined in this policy. Hazing is defined as doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization or any act to continue or reinstate membership in or affiliation with any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental of physical harm to any person, including forcing another to consume alcohol or a drug of abuse as defined in Ohio Rev. Code Sec. 3719.011.

The expressed or implied consent of the victim does not exempt those who violate this policy. Examples of hazing include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Forced or required consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug, or other substance.
2. Paddling in any form.
3. Creation of excessive fatigue.
4. Physical, emotional, or mental distress.
5. Wearing apparel that is conspicuous, inappropriate, or distasteful.
6. Engaging in public stunts.
7. Morally degrading or humiliating games and activities.
8. Failure to report any observed hazing incident, or improper activity believed to be in violation of the hazing policy.
9. Any other activities that are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual, or policy; the regulations and policies of the College; or the laws of the State of Ohio.
10. Any organization that does not comply with any mandatory hazing prevention training as required by the Division of Student Affairs.

This policy applies to behavior that occurs on or off campus or at a non-sanctioned event, between two or more people who are affiliated with the College, or any student or other organization associated with the College. Hazing is a serious offense of the Student Code of Conduct and is, therefore, subject to the full range of sanctions outlined in the Code of Conduct. In addition, other educational activities may be required as conditions of the sanction.

The organization involved with the hazing may be subject to other outcomes in accordance with the applicable outside constituents or groups in which the students are involved or their governing bodies. Dismissal, suspension, fines, or education could be required of that organization if found in violation of the hazing policy. In addition, hazing is a violation of Ohio law, and may lead to criminal charges and penalties.

Lake Erie College will enforce this policy by following the procedures outlined in the Lake Erie College Student Handbook. In the event a formal conduct charge is made against an organization, the national or oversight organization, if any, shall be notified. Criminal investigations resulting from a report to law enforcement will be handled by the appropriate law enforcement agency.

STUDENT JUDICIAL PROCESS

CAMPUS CONDUCT VS. CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

There are significant differences between the campus conduct process and criminal justice procedures. Students can:

• File a report with both the College and the criminal justice system at the same time;

• File a report with the College but not with the criminal justice system, or vice versa;

• OR File a report with the College or the criminal justice system, and later decide to file a report with the other system.

This means a case may be processed through both the College’s conduct process and the criminal justice system. If a case is going through the criminal justice system and a report has also been made to the College, the College may or may not wait until the criminal justice case is completed before conducting its own investigation and remedy/sanction process.

The following compares the typical similarities and differences in campus conduct and criminal justice systems:

COLLEGE DISCIPLINE AND VIOLATION OF LAW

The College may institute non-academic disciplinary proceedings against a student for offenses under the Code of Conduct, regardless of pending civil litigation or criminal arrest and prosecution arising out of the same alleged circumstances. College disciplinary proceedings, investigations, or actions may proceed prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings.

College disciplinary action is not subject to challenge because civil or criminal charges involving the same alleged circumstances have been dismissed or charges reduced in criminal proceedings. When a student is charged by federal, state, or local authorities, the College will not request or agree to special consideration for the student. The College will cooperate with civil authorities in a timely fashion and manner.

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS AND JURISDICTION

When students choose to accept admission to Lake Erie College, they accept the rights and responsibilities of the College’s academic and social community. As members of the College community, students are expected to uphold the College’s ideals of scholarship, participation, and service by maintaining a high standard of conduct. Faculty, administrators, staff, and students are responsible for the intellectual, social, emotional, psychological, and physical conditions of this community we share.

The Lake Erie College Student Code of Conduct shall apply to conduct that occurs on College premises, at College-sponsored activities, and off-campus conduct that adversely affects the College community and/or the pursuit of its objectives. Lake Erie College students are responsible for always adhering to the Code of Conduct, not just while on the Lake Erie College campus.

Violations that occur off-campus and are reported to Student Affairs may be adjudicated through the student conduct process. Each student shall be responsible for their conduct from the time of matriculation (application for admission to Lake Erie College) through the actual awarding of a degree, to include the academic year and periods between terms of actual enrollment. Discoveries of alleged code of conduct violations after a degree is awarded or the student has left Lake Erie College may still be considered. Pending student conduct processes will continue, even if the student withdraws from the College while a conduct matter is pending.

Also, Painesville Police Department reports or reports from other law enforcement agencies may be used to invoke discipline or sanctions for violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

DEFINITIONS

The following are brief definitions; complete processes can be found throughout the Code of Conduct.

FILING A COMPLAINT

Any member of the Lake Erie College Community may file a complaint against a student or student organization for alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Complaints are usually filed by submitting an incident report to Residential Life or Student Affairs. Criminal complaints may be reported to the Painesville Police Department. Once an incident report has been submitted, it will be the responsibility of the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee to determine which, if any, violations of the Student Code of Conduct have allegedly occurred and how the case will be adjudicated. Any report submitted 10 business days or more after discovery of the alleged incident will be reviewed at the discretion of the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee for action or dismissal. At semester end, the Student Conduct Officer may choose to have the hearing take place during the break period, be held virtually, or be held over to the next semester.

JUDICIAL PROCESS

Student Affairs administration is responsible for handling all disciplinary actions when there is reasonable cause to believe an offense under the Code of Conduct has occurred and disciplinary action is appropriate. Student non-academic disciplinary records are maintained by the Division for Student Affairs. These records include all written correspondence concerning violations of College policy and are only released with the written permission of the student or as required by law. When an alleged violation of the Code of Conduct has occurred, the Student Affairs administration has a responsibility to initiate an investigation, conduct a hearing and, when appropriate, administer sanctions as appropriate. Students have a right to expect enforcement of these rules and policies. The College also has a right to expect students to abide by them as responsible members of the learning community. In addition to the Student Code of Conduct, Lake Erie College students are responsible for upholding all official College and Residential Life policies while a member of the Lake Erie College community.

CONDUCT ROADMAP

Student Conduct Process Outline:

1. Conduct Occurs:

A student engages in behavior that may violate the Lake Erie College Student Code of Conduct.

2. Report Submitted:

A conduct report is submitted by a Resident Assistant, staff member, faculty member, or another Lake Erie College student. The report is sent to the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement for review.

3. Initial Review and Officer Assignment:

The Dean of Academic and Student Engagement reviews the report to determine whether the reported behavior may violate the Student Code of Conduct. If necessary, the Dean assigns Student Conduct Officer(s) to the case.

4. Investigation:

The Student Conduct Officer(s) may gather information related to the incident

This may include:

* Reviewing security camera footage

* Speaking with witnesses

* Consulting with faculty, staff, or other relevant individuals

* Collecting other available information related to the case

5. Initial Contact:

The Student Conduct Officer(s) contact the student(s) involved in the incident.

The communication will include:

* The alleged violation(s)

* Information about the conduct process

* A request to schedule either a formal or administrative hearing

Witnesses may also be contacted to schedule meetings as needed.

6. Hearing:

The student attends either a formal or administrative hearing.

During the hearing, the student will have the opportunity to:

* Answer questions from the Student Conduct Officer(s)

* Share their perspective regarding the incident

* Provide relevant information related to the case

7. Findings and Sanctions:

Within 5 business days, the student will receive written notification from the Student Conduct Officer(s).

The notification will include:

* The finding for each alleged violation

* Whether the student is responsible or not responsible

* Any assigned sanctions, if applicable

8. Appeal:

A student may submit an appeal within 5 days of receiving their findings and sanctions. Students are not required to appeal. Sanctions will not be implemented while an appeal is under consideration unless special circumstances apply.

9. Appeal Review:

The Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee reviews the appeal materials to determine whether there are grounds for an appeal.

This review may include:

* Reviewing submitted appeal materials

* Meeting with the student(s)

* Meeting with witnesses

* Reviewing other relevant information

10. Appeal Decision:

The Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee will notify the student of the appeal decision within 5 business days. If the appeal is granted, the case will move to the Appellate Board for further deliberation and decision.

Note: The timeline and process may vary depending on the nature of the case.

TYPES OF CONDUCT HEARINGS

Administrative Hearing:

A conduct hearing where there is an uncontested allegation and/or where the alleged violation if found to be true would typically result in a College or housing warning or probation.

Formal Hearing:

A conduct hearing that is recorded and follows a prescribed format. Formal hearings are typically conducted when a student is charged with alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct that are serious enough to possibly reach the level of College suspension or expulsion.

Mediation:

An agreed-upon meeting between two parties to informally resolve a situation. Both parties must agree to a mediation, conducted by a professional staff member, to avoid a conduct hearing. If both parties cannot agree to a resolution, an administrative or formal hearing may be scheduled. Procedures for these types of hearings are explained in the following pages. 

ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING PROCEDURES

1) The student will be notified via email of the date/time/location, alleged violation(s) and identification of the Student Conduct Officer with whom they will meet.

a) A student who cannot attend the Administrative hearing must notify the Student Conduct Officer stating the reasons for the conflict and requesting a new hearing date. This statement must be presented to the Student Conduct Officer at least one (1) day before the hearing begins. The hearing may be rescheduled, at the discretion of the Student Conduct Officer. Only one (1) change of hearing date and time may be granted.

b) If a student fails to attend a scheduled hearing, it may proceed in the respondent’s absence. Such an absence will not be considered grounds for an appeal.

2) The respondent may have one (1) advisor present at the hearing.

a) If the student wants to have an advisor present, the student must notify the Student Conduct Officer no later than one (1) day before the beginning of the hearing.

b) Advisors are normally members of the Lake Erie College community, such as current full-time students, faculty, and/or staff. This advisor serves as a support person and is intended to be of direct assistance to the student before and during the hearing. The advisor may not speak for the student nor address the Student Conduct Officer. If the advisor is an attorney, the case will be heard as a Formal hearing and the Student Conduct Officer may reschedule the time and/or date of the hearing so that Lake Erie College legal counsel may be present.

3) The student and the Student Conduct Officer will discuss the case. The student may present evidence and/or bring written witness statements.

4) The Student Conduct Officer will determine if there was a Code of Conduct violation based upon a preponderance of evidence.

5) The respondent will be informed by email within five (5) business days of the conclusion of the Administrative hearing of the outcome of the hearing, including any sanctions that may have been assigned.

6) A student has five (5) days after the letter date of the written notification of a disciplinary decision to file an appeal. Failure to appeal within the five (5) days period waives the right to appeal. Sanctions will not be implemented while an appeal is under consideration unless special circumstances apply.

FORMAL HEARING PROCEDURES

All Formal hearings will be closed, except to those specifically provided for in the conduct procedures or persons whose presence at the hearing is authorized by the Student Conduct Officer. The hearing will be conducted by at least two (2) Student Conduct Officers.

1) The student will be notified via email of the date/time/location, alleged violation(s) and identification of the Student Conduct Officer(s) with whom they will meet.

a) A student who cannot attend the Formal hearing must notify the Student Conduct Officer(s) stating the reasons for the conflict and requesting a new hearing date. This statement must be presented to the Student Conduct Officer(s) no less than one (1) business day before the scheduled hearing. At the discretion of the Student Conduct Officer the hearing may be rescheduled. Only one (1) change of hearing date and time may be granted.

b) If a student fails to attend a scheduled hearing, it may proceed in the respondent’s absence. Such an absence will not be considered grounds for an appeal.

2) The respondent may have one (1) advisor present at the hearing.

a) If the student wants to have an advisor present, the student must notify the Student Conduct Officer(s) no later than one (1) day before the scheduled hearing.

b) Advisors are normally members of the Lake Erie College community, such as current full-time students, faculty, and/or staff. This advisor serves as a support person and is intended to be of direct assistance to the student before and during the hearing. The Advisor may not speak for the student nor address the Student Conduct Officer(s), If the Advisor is an attorney, the Student Conduct Officer(s) may reschedule the time and/or date of the hearing so that Lake Erie College legal counsel may be present.

3) An electronic or other verbatim record will be made of the hearing and will be retained with the student’s conduct file. At the beginning of the hearing, the recorder will be turned on.

4) All those present will identify themselves for the record. The respondent will be informed of the Code of Conduct and will be advised of their rights.

5) The student(s) will be asked if they received notice of the hearing and the list of charges of the Student Code of Conduct violations. If the student did not receive the letter, the Student Conduct Officers will provide a copy. The list of student conduct violations will be read for the record.

a) The Student Conduct Officers will read the incident report(s) and ask the respondent to respond. In addition, any additional statements given in the report may be entered into the record, with the respondent having the opportunity to respond.

6) Complainant testimony may be held at a separate time/place arranged by the conduct officer. Any written testimony from the complainant will be presented to the respondent during their hearing, and the respondent can respond.

7) Witnesses will be asked to describe what happened in written statements, and the respondent will have a chance to respond. All communication between the respondent, complainant, and witnesses will be directed to the Student Conduct Officers. The Student Conduct Officers may reasonably limit the scope and time devoted to each matter or item of discussion during the hearing, as well as the number of people testifying. The Student Conduct Officers will decide the order of witnesses and when the complainant and witnesses will be in the hearing room.

a) The respondent is responsible for arranging for witnesses testifying on their behalf to appear at the hearing. Complainants and the Student Conduct Officers may also invite witnesses to present testimony, but the organization of this will be left to the discretion of the Student Conduct Officers. If a witness is unable to attend the hearing, the witness may write or record a statement and discuss the statement with the Student Conduct Officers before the scheduled hearing.

b) The Student Conduct Officer(s) is to be notified in writing by the respondent, victims, complainants, or witnesses no less than one (1) day before the hearing of those persons intending to provide testimony, whether in person or writing.

c) The Student Conduct Officers may reasonably limit the scope and time devoted to witness statements. Witnesses are typically asked to comment only on the event(s) pertinent to the charges, not the character of the respondent(s).

8) The Student Conduct Officers may ask questions of any respondent, complainant, or witness during the hearing.

a) Evidence will consist of oral and written testimony, incident reports and any other material directly related to the incident. The Student Conduct Officers may reasonably limit the scope of evidence considered in the hearing.

9) The Formal hearing will conclude with a review of the outcome notification and appeal processes. At the conclusion of the hearing, the respondent, advisors, and witnesses will be asked to leave the room. These individuals will not be present during the deliberations of the Student Conduct Officers.

10) The Student Conduct Officers will determine if there was a Code of Conduct violation based upon a preponderance of evidence.

11) The respondent will be informed in writing of the hearing’s outcome within five business days of the hearing’s conclusion, including any sanctions that may have been assigned.

12) A student has five (5) days after the letter date of the written notification of a disciplinary decision to file an appeal. Failure to appeal within the five (5) days period waives the right to appeal. Sanctions will not be implemented while an appeal is under consideration unless special circumstances apply.

RIGHTS OF THE STUDENT RESPONDENT*

1. The right to be presumed Not In Violation until a preponderance of evidence indicates otherwise.

2. The right to have their case heard by an appropriate Student Conduct Officer.

3. The right to have the case processed without prejudicial delay.

4. The right to written notice of the charges no less than three (3) business days before the hearing.

5. The right to written notice of the time, date, and place of the hearing.

6. The right to testify on their own behalf.

7. The right to be present at the hearing.

8. The right to rebut any witness statements or evidence presented against them, to produce eyewitnesses on their behalf, and to present evidence.

9. The right to have an advisor of their choosing present at the hearing. The advisor may not participate in the hearing but may only provide advice to the respondent.

10. The right to written notice of the decision.

11. The right to file an appeal for reasons outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

*Please note that special procedures apply to Sexual Misconduct Hearings. See the Sexual Misconduct policy for procedural standards and rights which apply in these cases.

RIGHTS OF THE COMPLAINANT*

1. The right to have their case heard by an appropriate Student Conduct Officer.

2. The right to have their case processed without prejudicial delay.

3. The right to written notice of the charges no less than three (3) business days before a hearing.

4. The right to written notice of the time, date, and place of a Formal hearing.

5. The right to provide testimony on their behalf.

6. The right to participate in the Formal hearing, if so desired.

7. The right to rebut any witness statements or evidence presented, or to produce eyewitnesses on their behalf.

8. The right to have an advisor of their choosing present at the hearing. The advisor may not participate in the hearing but may only provide advice to the complainant.

9. Complainants may obtain outcome information from the Student Conduct Officer on a need-to-know basis. The Student Conduct Officer retains the right to keep              outcome information confidential if there is insufficient reason for disclosure.

10. The right to file an appeal for reasons outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

*Please note that special procedures apply to Sexual Misconduct Hearings. See the Sexual Misconduct policy for procedural standards and rights which apply in these cases.

COMMUNICATION

The accused student will not receive any information other than the specific allegation against them until all investigative interviews with Student Affairs administration have been completed. Once the investigative interviews are completed, Student Affairs administration will provide, in writing, the charged student with the specific alleged violation(s), related documents (usually an Incident Report or complaint filed with Student Affairs administration), a statement of rights of the charged student, a list of witnesses expected to provide information, an outline of the hearing process, and the time/date/location of the hearing.

All notices related to hearings under this Student Code of Conduct shall be delivered in person or emailed at least 24 hours before the scheduled hearing date. The student is responsible for updating the College on his/her local and permanent mailing address, telephone number and any change of contact information. Absent extraordinary circumstances, failure to be present at any hearing after notice is given as described above will not excuse the student from their obligation to comply with any responsibility and timeline stated in the Code of Conduct and will not delay or postpone any scheduled hearing.

PRINCIPLES OF PROCEDURE (STUDENT RIGHTS)

Disciplinary investigations and hearings are not civil courts, and proceedings are not governed by technical rules of evidence and procedure. It is important, however, that the basic rights of campus community members be protected. The following Principles of Procedure set forth to protect the rights of individuals shall guide all judicial boards on campus, subject to

a) the specific procedural provisions of the Student Code of Contact and

b) the reasonable discretion of all such boards.

1. The individual accused shall be informed in a timely manner of the alleged violation so that they will have a reasonable opportunity to prepare a response.

2. The accused will have the right to select a non-attorney to accompany them at any formal hearing.

3. The accused shall know who lodged the complaint.

4. The accused will be given an opportunity to offer a defense. The type and scope of the defense the student may present will depend on circumstances, such         as the seriousness of the offense charged.

5. Records of hearings should be kept but need not be verbatim or formal.

6. Suspensions or dismissals take effect only when approved by the President of the College, or his or her designee, but such approval need not be in writing.

STUDENT APPEAL PROCESS

Any hearing outcome may be appealed by the respondent or the complainant if their reason for the appeal meets at least one of four criteria: 

1. The student was not given due process; the hearing was not conducted in conformity with prescribed procedures, and substantial prejudice to the complainant or the respondent resulted;

2. New or additional evidence became available; new information that could substantially affect the outcome of the previous lower hearing has been discovered since that hearing. The information must not have been available at the time of the original hearing. Failure to present information that was available is not grounds for an appeal under this provision;

3. The conduct sanction was inappropriate for the violation; a determined sanction is inherently inconsistent with College procedures or precedent. Simple dissatisfaction with a sanction is not grounds for overturning a sanction under this provision;

4. The decision was not based on competent and substantial evidence; or the information presented at the hearing does not support the finding.

An appeal is not a reevaluation of the credibility of the information but is a determination as to whether the information presented, if believed, is sufficient to support the findings.

A student has five (5) days after the letter date of the written notification of a disciplinary decision to file an appeal. Failure to do so waives the right to appeal. An appeal is a review of the record of the original hearing (except as necessary to gain insight into any new information), not a new hearing. It is the person who initiated the appeal’s responsibility to show that one or more of the listed appeal grounds has merit.

The appeal must be in writing and include:

1. The completed Disciplinary Action Appeal Request form, which can be obtained from Student Affairs, and is provided to the Respondent via the electronic mail hearing outcome letter.

2. A statement explaining in detail why the student is contesting the findings or the action(s).

3. Copies of any documents that will substantiate or clarify the appeal request.

The Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee will review the materials to determine if there are grounds to warrant an appeal. Those involved as Student Conduct Officers cannot be involved in this review. Within five (5) business days of the receipt of the appeal, the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee will notify the student of the decision to grant or deny the request for an appeal.

If the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee grants the appeal, the case will be referred to the Appellate Board. The decision by the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee to deny the appeal shall be final. Sanctions will not be implemented while an appeal is under consideration, unless special circumstances apply.

APPELLATE BOARD

Members of the Appellate Board are appointed by the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee and shall consist of three (3) members: one (1) faculty member, one (1) staff member, and one (1) student. The Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee shall designate the Appellate Board chairperson. The respondent will be notified of the date and time of the board meeting; however, the respondent does not attend.

The Appellate Board will review the record of the original hearing and related documents no later than five (5) business days after the appeal was granted. The respondent and complainant (in Title IX cases) will be notified by the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement of any delay and provide the student with an anticipated date the decision will be finalized.

The Appellate Board, upon review of the case, may:

1. Affirm the decision and sanctions imposed by the Student Conduct Officer;

2. Recommend reversing the decision;

3. Recommend altering the sanctions imposed by the Student Conduct Officer.

Recommendations from the Appellate Board shall be returned to the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee within two (2) business days. The Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee will review the Appellate Board’s recommendation and may consult with Appellate Board members in reaching a final decision. The decision of the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee will be final and will be communicated via email by the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee to the respondent and complainant (subject to FERPA protections). The decision will be communicated within five (5) business days of the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee receiving the written recommendation.

DEFINITIONS OF SANCTIONS AND FINES

A record of all disciplinary actions will be stored in the office of Student Affairs. A student’s prior violations are considered if a student again violates the Community Code. Students suspended or dismissed because of misconduct are not entitled to any refunds.

RESPONDENT FINDINGS AND SANCTIONING

At the conclusion of a hearing, the respondent will be found In Violation or Not In Violation. A student found In Violation of the Student Code of Conduct shall be subject to sanctions proportionate to the offense with the consideration given to any aggravating and extenuating circumstances, including but not limited to, the student’s conduct record. More than one sanction may be imposed for any single violation. If a student does not complete any assigned sanction to the satisfaction of the conduct officer, fines will be assessed. By way of example, if found In Violation, potential sanctions may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

IMMEDIATE TEMPORARY SUSPENSION (STUDENTS)

The dean of Academic and Student Engagement may immediately temporarily suspend a student from College facilities, including the residence halls, pending Formal procedures when it is believed that the presence of the student would be seriously disruptive or would constitute a danger to the health, safety, and welfare of the people present in said areas. The dismissal must be communicated in writing to the student and may only be determined by the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement. Because they are particularly disruptive to the mission of the College, the following actions and similar actions could result in immediate temporary suspension until review has occurred: Violating federal, state or local laws results in the student being charged with or found guilty of a felony crime. in Assaulting, striking, intimidating, threatening, or endangering, the well-being of another, or sexual contact or sexual intercourse with a person without consent or when that person is incapacitated. The brandishing or use of anything that can reasonably be construed as a weapon.

Efforts to intimidate individuals or groups of people. The abuse of property including grossly negligent or irresponsible use of property whether it belongs to other individuals or Lake Erie College. Being in possession of enough illegal substances such as drugs including so-called party drugs or alcohol to warrant suspicions of intent to distribute. The College assumes no responsibility for any of the potential ramifications resulting from temporary or permanent disciplinary sanctions, such as inability to participate in regularly scheduled academic activities including examinations; extracurricular activities such as athletic events; loss of financial aid or employment; how a student is perceived by peers or others on- and off-campus; or whether a student is able to continue his or her educational endeavors at other institutions of higher education. After temporarily suspending a student, the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement or designee will have up to three (3) business days to contact the student and arrange for a student conduct hearing.

FINES AND RESTITUTION

Student Affairs administration may add, remove, or alter consequences as appropriate. Fines are meant to be paid within three (3) months of being issued; campus service is not an adequate repayment. However, Student Affairs administration may add community service in coordination with the fines if they believe that will best help the student or campus community. If fines are not paid, a hold will be placed on the student’s account, which may prevent reentry into the College and/or graduation. Multiple sanctions can lead to disciplinary probation or dismissal from Lake Erie College.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND POSSESSION

GENERAL STANDARDS

Lake Erie College adheres to all federal laws regarding alcohol usage, controlled substances (including marijuana), and illegal substances. Lake Erie College is a drug-free campus, in line with federal regulations. Lake Erie College prohibits the possession or use, processing, distributing, manufacturing, selling, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs by any student, faculty, or staff person anywhere on campus or at College functions unless approved by the College (alcohol sales). The College believes that the use and abuse of these substances is counterproductive to the educational process and often contributes to behaviors that are disruptive to the entire campus community. In addition, health risks are associated with misuse and abuse of such substances and legal consequences for illegal drug use can be quite severe and greatly impact a person’s future.

In addition, anyone who directly or indirectly sells to, buys for, gives or furnishes intoxicating liquor or cereal malt beverages to a person under 21 years of age is guilty of a Class B Misdemeanor. Students participating in the PELL Grant Program are required by the federal government to sign the “Anti-Drug Abuse Act Certification.” Alcohol is prohibited for anyone under the age of 21 on Lake Erie College campus except in designated areas approved by the President of Lake Erie College. Alcohol containers and/or drug paraphernalia including beer cans, bottles, bottle caps, and/or shot glass collections displayed in a room are prohibited on campus. Containers being used for art class projects are exempt, but the resident must receive written permission from Student Affairs administration beforehand. The possession of kegs, beer-bongs, beer pong tables, or similar paraphernalia is not permitted on campus or at campus-sponsored events. The College may hold all students in the presence of alcohol to the same standard, and all students involved may face sanctions. As an example, all students at a “party” or “social gathering” where prohibited substances or behaviors are present will be subject to the same sanctions. Parent/legal guardians of students under 21 may be notified of community code violations involving alcohol use or possession, and/or illegal drug use or possession.

The unlawful possession or use of narcotics and any controlled substances is not permitted. Students who violate this condition will be subject to disciplinary action. Painesville Police will always be involved in matters involving illegal narcotics. Disregard for College alcohol and prohibited substance policies may result in disciplinary action, including loss of residential privileges, suspension, and expulsion.

DRUG POLICY

Lake Erie College defines the possession of controlled or illegal substances as the presence of such substances or associated paraphernalia on the student’s person, in his or her room, automobile, or among properties controlled, owned or used by the student. All parties present when illegal drug possession or consumption is established are subjected to the same sanctions as the individual(s) who brought the drug into the environment or were possessing or consuming it. Given reasonable cause, drug testing may be required if students are suspected of a drug related offense. Refusal to participate in testing may be used as grounds for disciplinary action. Student(s) who possess expired prescription drugs and/or unreasonable, large quantities of prescription drugs will be asked to provide independent, medical verification that the quantity and the prescription are valid. If medical verification is not obtained, he or she will be subject to the sanctions outlined in this policy. Any student found in violation of the Lake Erie College drug policy will be subject to disciplinary actions. When large quantities of illegal drugs are involved or there is evidence of drug distribution, the implicated student will be subject to criminal charges by law enforcement.

DRUG DOGS/LAW ENFORCEMENT SEARCHES

Lake Erie College Student Affairs Department, in conjunction with local authorities, will periodically utilize drug dogs in conducting sweeps for illegal drugs in all the parking lots, common areas, residence hall rooms and areas, and other buildings on campus. The Student Affairs administration will arrange supervision and coordinate all K-9 searches with law enforcement. All students are expected to comply with Student Affairs administration and any officers on scene with any lawful requests. These sweeps will be performed by handlers and canines trained and certified in the detection of illegal drugs/narcotics. Searches will be conducted of vehicles, rooms, and other areas once the canine alerts which will provide probable cause to believe that drugs are present in that area. Once the canine alerts of possible presents of illegal drugs/narcotics, the area will be searched. Upon discovery of suspected illegal drugs/narcotics, persons who are determined to be in violation of State or Federal law and/or College rules and regulations will face College disciplinary actions and possible arrest. In the event a search occurs, and no evidence of a violation is found, the incident will be documented and monitored.

COLLEGE RESPONSE FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE

INFORMATION/REFERRAL SERVICES FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Students in violation of the Lake Erie College Alcohol Policy will be subject to several possible conduct consequences, some of which may not be listed. In all cases involving fines, the entry will read as a “Fine” on the individual’s bill from the College. The student conduct officer will use the following tables as a guide. Ultimately, all sanctions are at the discretion of the student conduct officer. Unlike Lake Erie College policies regarding the release of grades and other academic information, the College may notify parents/guardians in case of alcohol violation. In all complaints involving suspension, readmission will be contingent upon successful completion of treatment.

CATEGORY 1 OFFENSE

Possession or consumption of alcohol or other prohibited substances or paraphernalia related to alcohol.

CATEGORY 2 OFFENSE

Student exhibits any of the following behavior while under or suspected to be under the influence of alcohol:

• Intoxication

• Disorderly conduct

• Verbally disruptive or abusive

• Fighting or provoking a fight

• Vomiting

If police or EMS are called, the offense is automatically a Category 2 Offense. This includes students involved at parties/social events, whether they have been consuming alcohol or not.

CATEGORY 3 OFFENSE

Student exhibits prohibited behavior while under or believed to be under the influence of prohibited substances and require either medical attention or law enforcement involvement. Please note that anytime drugs are believed to be involved, law enforcement will be involved. ALL incidents involving illegal drugs or drug-related paraphernalia are automatically a category 3 offense.

DISCLAIMER:

Because every situation has different circumstances, the Division of Student Affairs will handle each situation on a case-by-case basis and will make decisions in an attempt to best serve both the student(s) involved and the Campus Community as a whole.

TITLE IX: SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AND COMPLAINT RESOLUTION

In accordance with 1972 re-authorization of the Higher Education Act, Title IX stipulates that “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” Title IX requires all schools receiving federal financial assistance to take reasonable steps to create a safe, nondiscriminatory learning environment.  Lake Erie College is committed to providing a campus climate that promotes respect and concern for every individual who studies, works and/or lives on campus.

Any form of harassment, gender discrimination, assault, sexual violence (including sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, dating violence and stalking).  Upon receipt of a report of sexual violence or gender discrimination, Lake Erie College will conduct an investigation and, where appropriate, adjudicate alleged student violations through the Title IX Investigation Process, including taking immediate action to end the discrimination, remedy its effects, and prevent its future recurrence.  The Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Human Resources will jointly investigate reports involving both students and employees.  An action taken against students or employees, as a result of the investigation, is separate from any criminal or civil proceeding. 

Discrimination occurs when a behavior or policy has the same purpose or effect of restricting or denying an individual’s or group’s access to opportunities, programs, or resources, on the basis of sex, in a manner that interferes with an individual’s working, academic, residential, or social environment or athletic participation or performance. LEC will not, on the basis of sex:

• Treat one person differently from another in determining whether such person satisfies any requirement or condition for the provision of such aid, benefit, or service;

• Provide different aid, benefits, or services or provide aid, benefits, or services in a different manner;

• Deny any person any such aid, benefit, or service;

• Subject any person to separate or different rules of behavior, sanctions, or other treatment;

• Apply any rule concerning the domicile or residence of a student or applicant, including eligibility for in-state fees and tuition;

• Aid or perpetuate discrimination against any person by providing significant assistance to any agency, organization, or person which discriminates on the basis of sex in providing any aid, benefit or services to students or employees;

• Otherwise limit any person in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity.

Discrimination on the basis of sex in employment is permissible in situations where sex is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of LEC. Note that the federal regulations regarding Title IX include certain exceptions, such as single-sex housing, athletic participation, and chorus participation, that do not constitute discrimination on the basis of sex.

Retaliation Prohibited

Lake Erie College prohibits individuals from retaliating against a person who reports an act of gender discrimination or sexual misconduct (such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, dating violence, or stalking, etc.) The College further prohibits individuals from retaliating against anyone providing assistance with such a complaint or participating in any manner in an investigation or resolution of a complaint. Retaliation includes threats, intimidation, reprisals, and/or adverse actions related to employment or education.

Filing a Report

Any member of the College community (student, faculty, staff, volunteer, or contractor), guest, or visitor who believes that they have been the recipient of sexual harassment, interpersonal violence, or some other form of discrimination prohibited by Title IX and wishes to make a complaint should contact the Title IX Coordinator in person, by email, or by phone. 

Tim Neary or Erika Ruedin, Deputy Title IX Coordinators

tneary@lec.edu, eruedin@lec.edu

Lincoln Learning Commons

Duty to Report

Most College employees receiving reports of a potential violation of this policy are responsible employees with a mandatory duty to report and are therefore expected to promptly contact the Title IX Coordinator, within one (1) business day of becoming aware of a report or incident. Only employees acting in their professional role and with a legal obligation to maintain confidentiality, such as counselors, doctors, nurses acting at the direction of a doctor, and clergy acting in those roles, are expected to maintain confidentiality consistent with their professional and legal obligations; those individuals are exempt from the reporting requirement.

Confidentiality

All reports and complaints will be treated with the maximum possible privacy.  Subject to the College’s obligation to take action regarding violations, a reasonable effort will be made to maintain the privacy of those initiating a complaint or report of a possible violation. In all cases, Lake Erie College directs and expects all personnel involved in resolution to be discreet during proceedings. Information about a report is limited to those parties who have a legitimate need to know. Parties involved are advised to maintain discretion and not engage in public discussion of the case. The President’s Office will be kept apprised of the context and progress of all investigations unless a conflict exists. The Security Office has an obligation to report to the Painesville Police Department any reported felony crimes, sexual assaults, or any serious physical injury to people. The College will give consideration to the reporting party with respect to how a possible violation is pursued, but the College reserves the right, when necessary to protect the community and the College, to investigate and pursue a resolution when the reporting party chooses not to initiate or participate in a formal complaint.

No person shall make an allegation that one knows to be untrue or knowingly provide false information during the course of an investigation. Making a false complaint or giving false information is a violation of the Lake Erie College Code of Conduct and may be a basis for conduct sanctioning, including expulsion or termination. Evidence of false complaints or false information shall be referred by the Title IX Coordinator to the appropriate office for investigation.

COMMITMENT TO NON-DISCRIMINATION, NONHARASSMENT, AND NON-RETALIATION

The purpose of this policy is to uphold Lake Erie College’s mission in preserving the fundamental dignity and rights of all individuals involved in campus activities. Discrimination, harassment and retaliation on the basis of a protected category (see the Nondiscrimination/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement for an explanation of protected categories) are strictly prohibited. Persons who engage in such conduct are subject to discipline up to and including termination or dismissal. Preventing prohibited discrimination, harassment and retaliation is the responsibility of all members of the College Community. Faculty, staff, and third parties should report a potential violation of this policy as soon as possible to the Director of Human Resources. Students and prospective students should report a potential violation of this policy as soon as possible to the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement. Additionally, any member of the College’s administration may be contacted with questions or concerns. Lake Erie College will respond to reports of perceived prohibited conduct in a reasonable, thorough, and prompt manner, as set forth below. If the College determines that discrimination, harassment, or retaliation has occurred, appropriate corrective and remedial actions will be taken.

I. Scope This policy applies to reports of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected category, other than harassment and retaliation on the basis of sex, which are governed exclusively by the College’s Sexual Harassment Policy And Title IX Grievance Procedures. This policy governs reports of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all the College’s programs and activities and applies to all members of the College Community. It applies to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation that occurs on campus, during or at an official College program or activity (regardless of location), and to off campus conduct when the conduct could deny or limit a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the College’s programs and activities.

II. Prohibited Conduct

a. Discrimination

Discrimination is adverse treatment of an individual based on a protected category. It is a violation of this policy to discriminate on the basis of a protected status in any of the College’s programs and activities. A list of protected categories is located in the Nondiscrimination/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement.

b. Harassment

Harassment consists of unwelcome verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an employee, student, or other members of the College Community, including third-parties, because of a protected category. Harassment constitutes a form of prohibited discrimination if it denies or limits a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the College’s programs and activities (“discriminatory harassment”). Examples of conduct prohibited by this policy may include, but are not limited to, jokes or pranks that are hostile or demeaning with regard to a person’s protected status or have the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, abusive or offensive working or academic environment.

c. Retaliation

The College prohibits retaliation against anyone for reporting discrimination or harassment, assisting in making a report, cooperating in an investigation, or otherwise exercising their rights or responsibilities under this policy and applicable federal, state, and local laws. Retaliation prohibited by this policy consists of materially adverse action, such as disparaging comments, uncivil behavior, or other negative treatment of an employee, student, or other member of the College Community because a report has been made pursuant to this policy or because an individual otherwise cooperated with the College’s investigation.

d. Sexual Harassment

The College’s Sexual Harassment Policy and Title IX Grievance Procedures govern the reporting, investigation, and determination of reports of sexual harassment and related retaliation. All reports of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and related retaliation will be investigated and resolved pursuant to the College’s Sexual Harassment Policy And Title IX Grievance Procedures.

III. Investigation and Resolution Procedures

a. Reports Alleging Misconduct By A Student

If a report of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation alleging misconduct on the part of a student is received, the report will be referred to the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement for investigation and resolution pursuant to the process for handling other types of student misconduct as contained in the Campus Judicial Procedure,

b. Reports Alleging Misconduct By Any Other Person

When a report of discrimination, harassment or retaliation alleging misconduct on the part of any other person is received, a College official will be designated to investigate the report. During the investigation, both the complainant and respondent will have the opportunity to identify witnesses and evidence. Investigations will be handled discreetly, with information shared only with those persons who need to know the information in order for there to be a full and fair investigation. The investigator may impose interim measures during the pendency of the investigation to protect and separate the parties. The investigator will prepare a written report summarizing the results of the investigation and deliver it to the Director of Human Resources. The Director of Human Resources will review the report, consult with other College administrators and officials as the Director of Human Resources deems appropriate, and issue a determination as to whether or not the report of misconduct is substantiated and, if so, what remedial measures will be taken to address the misconduct, including discipline for the respondent or initiation of disciplinary proceedings pursuant to other applicable College policies. Substantiated incidents of conduct prohibited by this policy can lead to discipline up to and including termination or dismissal. The Director of Human Resource’s determination is not subject to appeal or further review. Policies may be updated at any time due to changes in personnel by the college. Please contact the Student Affairs office for any questions or concerns.

NONDISCRIMINATION, EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY, AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

In accordance with state and federal law, Lake Erie College does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sex, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic, in the hiring process, during employment, and in the operation of all College programs, activities, and services, including, but not limited to, academics, athletics, other extracurricular activities, the awarding of student financial aid, recruitment, admissions, and housing. Persons having inquiries concerning the College’s compliance with this policy or any laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination are directed to contact the following:

A current student or potential student with questions or concerns about any type of discrimination is encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Additionally, any member of the College’s administration may be contacted with questions or concerns. An employee with questions or concerns about any type of discrimination in the workplace or an applicant, who has applied for an open position at Lake Erie College, is encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of the Director of Human Resources. Additionally, employees should feel free to raise concerns of discrimination with their immediate supervisors at any time. Questions or concerns regarding the College’s compliance with Title IX and its prohibition of sex discrimination may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator. Lake Erie College has designated the Title IX officers and information can be found on the website.

No individual will be subject to any form of retaliation, discipline, or other adverse action for reporting conduct in violation of the College’s nondiscrimination/EEO policy, assisting/cooperating in making a complaint, or assisting with the investigation of a complaint. Any individual who believes they have experienced or witnessed retaliation should immediately notify the appropriate member(s) of the administration as identified above. Those found to be engaging in any type of discrimination in violation of the law or College policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment. Questions, concerns or complaints can be addressed through the above listed contacts prohibiting discrimination. Policies may be updated at any time due to changes in personnel by the college. Please contact the VP for Academic Affairs office or the Student Affairs office for any questions or concerns.

INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES

ACADEMIC RECORD

A transcript is a student’s official record of courses taken and grades earned. The records are kept and maintained by the registrar’s office. Student records are confidential, but are open for inspection by the student. Inspection of records must be made in writing, with the request being made to the registrar’s office for transcripts and to the appropriate dean for other records. The registrar will notify the student when the file is available for inspection within 20 days of the date of the request.

PRIVACY OF STUDENT RECORDS (FERPA)

Certain information is considered to be public or directory information while other information is private in nature. Directory information includes a student’s name, address, email address, telephone number(s), hometown, photograph and/or video content, enrollment status, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance at Lake Erie College, degrees and awards received and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.

Directory information can be disclosed without a student’s consent unless the student gives a signed notice to the college restricting such disclosure. A federal law known as the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, or FERPA, gives students and former students the right to inspect, review and copy education records related to them. Students have 10 days following the release of directory information to notify the college that any or all of the information designated should not be released without his/her prior consent. This notice must be given in writing to the office of the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement. Education records and personally identifiable information from those records will not be released without the written consent of the student involved, except to other college personnel, officials of other schools in which the student intends to enroll, authorized state and federal government representatives, or unless it is released in connection with the student’s application for financial aid, in response to a judicial order or subpoena, or in the case of a bona fide emergency.

The college maintains with education records of each student a record identifying all persons other than college officials who have requested or obtained access to the records and indicating the legitimate interest of those persons. This record of access is available upon request to the student in question. Finally, all personal information about a student released to a third party will be transferred on the condition that no one else shall have access to it except with the student’s consent. A complete list, with location and custodian of all records kept on college students, is obtainable from the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement. Upon request, a record covered by FERPA will be made available within a reasonable time, and in no event later than 45 days after the request.

The student should direct the request to the custodian of the records in question. Copies of the record will be made available to the student at the student’s expense (usually limited to cost of materials). A student may also request explanations and interpretations of the records from the official in charge. If the student believes that a particular file contains inaccurate or misleading information or is otherwise inappropriate, the college will afford an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of the record. Prior to any formal hearing, the official in charge of the record is authorized to attempt to settle the dispute through informal meetings and discussions with the student. If the student is not satisfied, he/she may request a hearing. Procedures for such a hearing will be those outlined in the student handbook for all cases coming before the Campus Hearing Board. The student will have the opportunity at the hearing to present any relevant evidence. The registrar will notify the student when the file is available for inspection within 20 days of the date of the request.

SMOKING

Smoking is not permitted in any college-owned building, including individual bedrooms, suite bedrooms and common rooms, lounges, bathrooms, and hallways. This includes e-cigarettes, vaping, hookah, and other similar products.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Lake Erie College recognizes the power and ability of social media to build community, relationships, and promote free expression. Students should also be aware of the consequences of the abuse of social media. They should always keep in mind that information posted on social networks is public, lasts forever, and is a direct representation of themselves, their families, teams and/or Lake Erie College. Uncivil behavior and harassment will not be tolerated. Please keep in mind the following guidelines as you participate in social networking: Before participating in an online community, be aware that any information you post becomes public knowledge. Whether it is a photo, video and/or text, that message becomes out of your control once posted online.

You should not post information that would cause embarrassment to yourself, family, team or Lake Erie College. Be aware that posting specific information such as your address, birthday, phone number, etc., puts you in a situation where you could be vulnerable to predators. Exercise caution with who you add as a “friend” or “follower” on social networking sites. There are people looking to take advantage of students.  Lake Erie College staff may monitor social media and must act if informed of illegal activity, harm to self or others, or information posted online that may demonstrate violations of the student Code of Conduct. The use of College copyrighted material is prohibited. Information posted online may be used as cause for disciplinary charges. Students could face sanctions if found in violation of stated policies.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT RECORDS

Student development records are maintained in the Division of Student Affairs for each enrolled and previously enrolled student (during the last five years) at Lake Erie College. It contains directory information for the student, emergency contact persons, copies of correspondence between the student and the Division of Student Affairs, a record of any disciplinary action which involved the student, and summary records of student involvements on campus such as work or internship experience and achievements through student organizations. Students who wish to review the contents of their student development file should make a written request to the Student Affairs administration who is responsible for maintaining the files. Student Affairs will notify the student when the file is available for inspection within 45 days (about 1 and a half months) of the date of request.

TIMELY WARNING POLICY

Lake Erie College will issue a timely warning when a Clery Act crime, occurring within the specified Clery Act geography, poses a serious or on-going threat to the campus community. The timely warning to the campus will be done on a case-by-case basis. Lake Erie College will weigh the needs of individuals versus the needs of the overall community when making decisions about how and when to issue such warnings. Clery crimes include: Sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, murder, non-negligent manslaughter, negligent manslaughter, hate crimes, and hazing. The executive director of facilities will issue a timely warning after a determination is made by the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Academic and Student Engagement.

The executive director of facilities will use the STORM ALERT mass notification system to notify the Lake Erie College community of the ongoing threat. Non Clery crimes and crimes not in the specified Clery geography may also be communicated by the executive director of facilities through the STORM Alert mass notification system. Again, the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Dean of Academic and Student Engagement will determine the need for such communication. Non-criminal communications to the community are decided upon at the Cabinet leve