2006/2008
Catalog

Disclosures

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
College Financial Condition
Disclosure of Graduation Rates
EEO/Affirmative Action
Equity in Athletics
Facilities
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act
Notification of Occupational Opportunities
Policy for Repayment of Title IV Federal Student Aid
Program to Prevent Illicit Drugs & Abuse of Alcohol
Residency & Student Status
Security & Safety
Sexual Harassment
Social Security Number Use
Veterans Information
Voter Registration Forms

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities

Eastern Arizona College will provide students with disabilities, who meet eligibility requirements, reasonable and appropriate accommodations to participate in the educational experiences offered by the College.  Services may include tutorial assistance, readers, signers, note taking assistance, Braille or taped text, electronic formatted materials, accessibility provisions, modifications to classrooms and other facilities, modifications to testing procedures, and other accommodations determined to be appropriate.

Students seeking an accommodation should contact Mr. Dick Spining, Assistant Dean of Counseling, Eastern Arizona College, 615 North Stadium Avenue, Thatcher, Arizona 85552, telephone (928) 428-8425, to specify the nature of the accommodation requested.  The college will respond to specific student requests for accommodation or auxiliary aids and services in a prompt and reasonable fashion.  It is the responsibility of the student to inform the College at the address or by telephone specified above of his/her acceptance of an accommodation plan and to schedule a meeting with staff to begin implementation of a plan.

Reasonable accommodation shall not be construed as a guarantee of student success. Rather, reasonable accommodation provides the opportunity to participate. Reasonable accommodation is not in any way intended to devalue the end educational product.

Academic Adjustments and Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Cognitive Development Disorders

Students requesting an accommodation to address cognitive development disorders must:

1. Have been admitted to Eastern Arizona College,
    
2. Provide Eastern Arizona College with psycho-educational, psychological, psychiatric, or other appropriate diagnostic evaluation(s), as requested, to document the nature and extent of the disability. This documentation must:
    
   1. Include a psychoeducational evaluation that has been accomplished within the parameters of the diagnostic criteria established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV, hereinafter referred to as the DSM-IV, and
   2. Include evidence that the evaluator has the appropriate qualifications and credentials for her/him to offer a diagnostic determination within the parameters of the diagnostic criteria for Cognitive Development Disorders established by the DSM-IV, and
   3. Be on file in the student’s permanent record before the student receives accommodation services.

Academic Adjustments and Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Other Disabilities

Students requesting an accommodation to provide an academic adjustment or barrier free access must:

1. Have been admitted to Eastern Arizona College,
    
2. Provide Eastern Arizona College with an evaluation or medical information certifying the disability, and
    
3. Include evidence that the evaluator has the professional credentials and or specialized training, which qualifies her/him to offer a diagnostic determination.

College Financial Condition

Students desiring information concerning Eastern Arizona College’s financial condition may obtain this information from the Fiscal Control Office.

Disclosure of Graduation Rates

Students desiring information concerning Eastern Arizona College’s graduation rates and transfer-out rates under the Student Right to Know Act, Public Law 101-542, may obtain this information from the Institutional Research Office.

EEO/Affirmative Action

Graham County Community College District does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, creed, color or national origin, sex, disability or age. You may contact the District EEO/ADA Coordinator at (928) 428-8915, fax (928) 428-8462, mail – Eastern Arizona College, 615 North Stadium Avenue, Thatcher, Arizona 85552-0769; or at the Student Services Building, Office 221.

Equity in Athletics

Students desiring information concerning Eastern Arizona College’s intercollegiate athletic programs under the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act of 1994, Section 360B of Publication L. 103-382, may obtain this information from the Institutional Research Office.

Facilities

Eastern Arizona College takes pride in having clean, safe, and up-to-date classrooms, laboratories, and performance areas. Specific inquiries about facilities should be addressed to the Admissions Office.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords you certain rights with respect to your education records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review your education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic division or department, or other appropriate official, a written request that identifies the record(s) you wish to inspect. The College official will make arrangements for access and notify you of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the College official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise you of the correct official to whom your request should be addressed.
    
2. The right to request the amendment of your education records that you believe are inaccurate or misleading. You may ask the College to amend a record that you believe is inaccurate or misleading. You should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identifying the part of the record you want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the College decides not to amend the record as you request, the College will notify you of the decision and advise you of your right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to you when you are notified of the right to a hearing.
    
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in your education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel; a person or company with whom the College has contracted such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Governing Board; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
    
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

   Family Policy Compliance Office
   U.S. Department of Education
   400 Maryland Avenue, SW
   Washington, DC, 20202-4605

The College hereby designates the following categories of student information as public or "Directory Information." Such information may be disclosed by the institution for any purpose, at its discretion.

• Category I: Name, address, telephone number, email address, dates of attendance, class, and picture.
• Category II: Previous institutions attended, major fields of study, awards, honors (includes Dean's List), degrees conferred (including dates).
• Category III: Past and present participation in officially recognized sports and activities, physical factors (height, weight of athletes), date and place of birth.

You may withhold disclosure of any category of information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. To withhold disclosure, written notification must be received in the Records and Registration Office prior to the last day of registration as stated in the College Catalog. Forms requesting the withholding of Directory Information are available in the Records and Registration Office. The College assumes that the failure of any student to specifically request the withholding of categories of "Directory Information" indicates individual approval for disclosure.

Parents or guardians may have access to the education records of a dependent student defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, Section 152, as evidenced by a notarized affidavit stating that the student is a dependent for income tax purposes, or other documentation as may be separately approved by the registrar, on a case-by-case basis.

A Directory of Records which lists all education records maintained on students by the College is available at the Records and Registration Office. Questions concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be referred to that office.

Notification of Occupational Opportunities

Graham County Community College District informs students, parents, employees and the general public that we provide an equal opportunity occupational education program. All courses, services and activities are offered without regard to race, creed, color or national origin, sex, disability, or age.

Limited English speaking skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation in occupational educational programs. Admissions to Graham County Community College District must meet the criteria as published in the College catalog.

Policy for Repayment of Title IV Federal Student Aid

Federal Regulations regarding repayment of federal financial aid have changed the formula for calculating the amount of aid a student and school may retain when a student withdraws.  Students who withdraw from ALL classes prior to completing more than 60% of an enrollment term will have their eligibility for federal aid recalculated based on the percentage of the term completed, which shall be calculated as follows:

                Number of Days Completed by Student
                       Total Number of Days in Term

The total number of calendar days in a term excludes any scheduled breaks of more than five (5) days.

Unearned federal aid (the amount that must be returned to the appropriate program) will be returned in the following order:  Federal Pell Grant, then Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and then Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant.  Any wages earned under the Federal Work Study Program are exempt from this policy.

Please note that students are responsible for any balance owed to Eastern Arizona College as a result of the repayment of federal aid funds.

The student must repay or make satisfactory arrangements, with the Department of Education, to repay within 45 days of Eastern Arizona College’s notification of overpayment of federal funds (or lose Title IV eligibility).

We recommend that you try to complete at least one class, if possible, to avoid any financial hardship imposed by this new regulation.  However, if you do withdraw, it is important that you understand your obligations

Program to Prevent Illicit Use of Drugs and Abuse of Alcohol by Employees and Students

I. Introduction and Purpose

The adoption by Congress of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) requires federal contractors and grantees to certify that they will provide a drug-free school. As a recipient of federal grants, the District must adopt a program toward accomplishing this goal. While federal legislation has been the impetus for creation of the program, the District recognizes that substance abuse is a problem of national proportions that also affects Eastern Arizona College. Based upon that concern, it is intended that this program for prevention of alcohol and drug abuse on our campuses will go beyond the strict dictates of the law and will serve as a comprehensive educational and resource tool. To this end the Graham County Community College District Governing Board has developed policies to:

• Ensure that the Eastern Arizona College working and learning environment for students, employees and the public is safe, orderly and free of illegal activity.
• Comply with the Drug Free School and Communities Act of 1989 (PL 101-26), the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 (PL 100-690, Title IV, Subtitle D) and other relevant substance abuse laws.
• Provide students with access to appropriate treatment and rehabilitation assistance for problems associated with substance use or abuse.

REF: GCCCD Policy #4710 and Regulation #4710.01 which specify for employees the standards of conduct and consequences of violation, and Regulation #5800.01 which specifies for students the standards of conduct and consequences of violation in relation to drug and alcohol use.

II. Standards of Conduct

The above referenced policies spelled out in detail in the Eastern Arizona College General Catalog, state clearly that:

1. "The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance on District property or as part of any of the District’s activities is prohibited..."
    
2. "Controlled Substances" are defined as an illegal drug, a legal drug used in excess of recommended dosage, an alcoholic beverage and/or any mind altering substance.

III. Sanctions for Violation of Standards of Conduct

Disciplinary actions include, but are not limited to:

1. Termination of Enrollment/Employment within the District,
2. Requirement to participate satisfactorily in a substance abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, or
3. Other enrollment/ employment restrictions or stipulations.

IV. Legal Consequences of Alcohol Abuse & Illicit Drugs Use

1. Laws Governing Alcohol
    
   The State of Arizona sets twenty-one as the "legal drinking age." An underage person who buys, receives, possesses or consumes alcoholic beverages is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be subject to a fine and imprisonment for up to six months.
    
   The Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways prohibits driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs (DUI). Drivers charged with DUI who refuse to be tested face suspension of their licenses or permits to drive for 12 months. A driver whose test results show a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.10 or more will have his/her license or permit to drive suspended or denied for not less than 90 consecutive days. The punishment for DUI ranges from not less than 24 consecutive hours in jail and a fine of not less than $250 for a first offense to a minimum of six months in jail and revocation of the driver’s license for three years upon a third offense.
    
2. Laws Governing the Use of Drugs

   Federal Laws: The Federal Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act prohibits the possession, sale and trafficking of controlled substances. The Omnibus Drug Act of 1988 allows the following penalties for conviction of possession of illegal drugs: civil fines up to $10,000; forfeiture of cars, boats, or planes conveying the substance; loss of public housing; the loss of all federal benefits including student loans and grants.

   Arizona Laws: Title Thirteen, Chapter 34 of the Arizona Revised Statutes lists drug offenses and their penalties. Following is a list of drugs which are frequently misused with a description of the potential penalties attached to a conviction.

1. Marijuana: First offense for possession or use of marijuana in an amount of less than one pound constitutes a Class 6 felony and carries a possible prison term of one and one-half years and a fine of not less than $750. The sale of marijuana in an amount of less than one pound carries a prison sentence of four years and a fine of at least $750.
2. LSD: Possession, use and sale of LSD are felonies carrying sentences from four to five years and fines of not less than $1,000.
3. Heroin and Cocaine: Use and sale of heroin and cocaine are felonies carrying sentences from four to seven years and a fine of not less than $2,000.

V. Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and the Abuse of Alcohol

1. Illicit Drug Use: Controlled substances subject to illicit use are divided into several broad categories:
    
   • Narcotics (Morphine, Opium, Heroin) are highly addictive. The effects of their use generally leads to feelings of euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, and nausea. Overdose is characterized by slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, and possible death.
   • Depressants (Barbiturates, Chloral Hydrate, Quaalude) are moderately to highly addictive. Effects include slurred speech, disorientation, and drunken behavior without the odor of alcohol. Overdose results in shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma, and possible death.
   • Stimulants (Cocaine, Amphetamine) are not known to be physically addictive but create a high psychological dependence. Effects of use are increased alertness, excitation, euphoria, increased pulse rate and blood pressure, insomnia, and loss of appetite. An overdose can lead to agitation, increase in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, and possible death.
   • Hallucinogens (LSD, Mescaline and Peyote, TCP) are not known to be addictive. The effects of use include illusions and hallucinations, and poor perception of time and distance. Overdose causes longer, more intense "trip episodes," psychosis, and possible death.
   • Cannabis (Marijuana, Hashish) is moderately psychologically addictive. Effects include euphoria, relaxed inhibitions, increased appetite, and disoriented behavior. Overdose results in extreme fatigue, paranoia and possible psychosis.
      
2. Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.
    
   Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver.
    
   Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.

VI. Drug or Alcohol Counseling, Treatment, Rehabilitation or Re-entry Programs That are Available to Employees or Students

Eastern Arizona College does not provide direct drug or alcohol counseling, treatment or rehabilitation services. Students or employees with concerns related to the use/abuse of drugs or alcohol are encouraged to meet with a member of the Counseling staff on the Thatcher Campus for confidential consultation and referral. Counseling staff are located in the Student Services Building on Stadium Avenue on the Thatcher Campus. Appointments can be made by calling (928) 428-8253. Arizona State Prison inmates are encouraged to contact the Program Supervisor at their institutions. Inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution (Swift Trail) should contact the FCI Psychology Department.

Direct contact with organizations or individuals providing drug or alcohol counseling, treatment or rehabilitation services can be made by students or employees depending on location:

• Graham County, Graham-Greenlee Counseling Ctr., Safford: (928) 428-4550
• Greenlee County, Graham-Greenlee Counseling Ctr., Clifton: (928) 865-4531

Residency

For tuition purposes, your residence is determined according to statutory law (A.R.S. §15-1801 et.seq.) and regulations and precedents established previously by the State Community College Board (R7-1-304 and R7-1-305). These are subject to change by statute or State Board regulations.

Your residency status must be determined before you register and pay fees. It is your responsibility to register under the correct residency.  Your residency status will not change automatically.  Proper documentation must be filed with the Records and Registration Office for review and approval before your residency status will be changed.  Requests for change in residency status must be made before registration.  A change in residency classification will not take effect until the next registration following the change in status.  Residency changes are not retroactive.

In determining your residency classification, we may consider all evidence, written or oral, presented by you and any other relevant information received from any other source. We may request a written sworn statement from you.

In addition to documentation for in-state residency status, Arizona residents must also provide evidence of citizenship or legal immigration status in order to be charged in-state tuition as per Proposition 300 which was passed by Arizona voters in 2006. You can find a list of appropriate documentation here.

If we classify you as a non-resident for tuition purposes and you disagree, you may request a review by a Residency Review Committee. Your request must be written, signed by you, and accompanied by a sworn statement of all facts relative to the matter. You must file your request for review with the Chief Admissions Officer of the College within ten days of the time you receive notification from us of your classification as a non-resident. If you don't properly file a request within this ten-day period, you waive review for the current enrollment period.  You will receive written notice of the date, time and place of the Residency Review Committee meeting and you have the right to appear and be represented by the advisor of your choice and at your expense.  You or your advisor, but not both, may examine and cross-examine witnesses and summarize the evidence.  The decision of the Residency Review Committee is final.

In accordance with state regulation we have published below Arizona Revised Statute §15-1802 and the definitions provided in A.R.S. §15-1801.

Arizona Revised Statute §15-1801 - Definitions

Armed forces of the United States means the army, the navy, the air force, the marine corps, the coast guard, the commissioned corps of the United State public health services, the national oceanographic and atmospheric administration, the national guard and any military reserve unit of any branch of the armed forces of the United States.

Continuous attendance means enrollment at an educational institution in this state as a full-time student, as such term is defined by the governing body of the educational institution, for a normal academic year since the beginning of the period for which continuous attendance is claimed.  Such person need not attend summer sessions or any other intersession beyond the normal academic year in order to maintain continuous attendance.

Domicile means a person's true, fixed and permanent home and place of habitation.  It is the place where he intends to remain and to which he expects to return when he leaves without intending to establish a new domicile elsewhere.

Emancipated person means a person who is neither under a legal duty of service to his parent nor entitled to the support of such parent under the laws of this state.

Parent means a person's father or mother, or if one parent has custody, that parent, or if there is no surviving parent or the whereabouts of the parents are unknown, then a guardian of an unemancipated person if there are not circumstances indicating that such guardianship was created primarily for the purpose of conferring the status of an in-state student on such unemancipated person.

Arizona Revised Statute §15-1802 - In-State Student Status

1. Except as otherwise provided in this article no person having a domicile elsewhere than in this state is eligible for classification as an in-state student for tuition purposes.
    
2. A person is not entitled to classification as an in-state student until he is domiciled in this state for one year, except that a person whose domicile is in this state is entitled to classification as an in-state student if the person meets one of the following requirements:
    
   1. The person's parent's domicile is in this state and the parent is entitled to claim the person as an exemption for state and federal tax purposes.
   2. The person is an employee of an employer that transferred the person to this state for employment purposes or the person is the spouse of such an employee.
   3. The person is an employee of a school district in this state and is under contract to teach on a full-time basis, or is employed as a full-time noncertified classroom aide at a school within that school district. For purposes of this paragraph, the person is eligible for classification as an in-state student only for courses necessary to complete the requirements for certification by the state board of education to teach in a school district in this state. No member of the person's family is eligible for classification as an in-state student if the person is eligible for classification as an in-state student pursuant to this paragraph, unless the family member is otherwise eligible for classification as an in-state student pursuant to this section.
   4. The person's spouse has established domicile in this state for at least one year and has demonstrated intent and financial independence and is entitled to claim the student as an exemption for state and federal tax purposes or the person's spouse was temporarily out of state for educational purposes, but maintained a domicile in this state. If the person is a noncitizen, the person must be in an eligible visa status pursuant to federal law to classify as an in-state student for tuition purposes.
       
3. The domicile of an unemancipated person is that of the person's parent.
    
4. Any unemancipated person who remains in this state when such person's parent, who had been domiciled in this state, removes from this state is entitled to classification as an in-state student until attainment of the degree for which currently enrolled, as long as such person maintains continuous attendance.
    
5. A person who is a member of the armed forces of the United States and who is stationed in this state pursuant to military orders or who is the spouse or a dependent child as defined in section 43-1001 of a person who is a member of the armed forces of the United States and who is stationed in this state pursuant to military orders is entitled to classification as an in-state student. The student, while in continuous attendance toward the degree for which currently enrolled, does not lose in-state student classification.
    
6. A person who is a member of the armed forces of the United States or the spouse or a dependent as defined in section 43-1001 of a member of the armed forces of the United States is entitled to classification as an in-state student if the member of the armed forces has claimed this state as the person's state of legal residence for at least twelve consecutive months before the member of the armed forces, spouse or dependent enrolls in a university under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Board of Regents or a community college under the jurisdiction of a community college district governing board. For purposes of this subsection, the requirement that a person be domiciled in this state for one year before enrollment to qualify for in-state student classification does not apply.
    
7. A person who is honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States shall be granted immediate classification as an in-state student on honorable discharge from the armed forces and, while in continuous attendance toward the degree for which currently enrolled, does not lose in-state student classification if the person has met all of the following requirements:
    
   1. Declared Arizona as the person's legal residence with the person's branch of service at least one year prior to discharge from the armed forces.
   2. Demonstrated objective evidence of intent to be a resident of Arizona which, for the purposes of this section, includes at least one of the following:
       
      • An Arizona driver license.
      • Arizona motor vehicle registration.
      • Employment history in Arizona.
      • Arizona voter registration.
      • Transfer of major banking services to Arizona.
      • Change of permanent address on all pertinent records.
      • Other materials of whatever kind or source relevant to domicile or residency status.
         
   3. Filed an Arizona income tax return with the department of revenue during the previous tax year.
       
8. A person who is a member of an Indian tribe recognized by the United States department of the interior whose reservation land lies in this state and extends into another state and who is a resident of the reservation is entitled to classification as an in-state student.

Presumptions Relating to Student Status

Unless the contrary appears to the satisfaction of the Chief Admissions Officer, it shall be presumed that:

1. No emancipated person has established a domicile in this state while attending any educational institution in this state as a full-time student, as such status is defined by the State Board of Directors for Community Colleges or the Arizona Board of Regents, in the absence of a clear demonstration to the contrary.
    
2. Once established, a domicile is not lost by mere absence unaccompanied by intention to establish a new domicile.
    
3. A person who has been domiciled in this state immediately prior to becoming a member of the armed forces of the United States shall not lose in-state status by reason of such person's presence in any other state or country while a member of the armed forces of the United States. 

Evidence of Domicile

1. An affidavit signed by the student must be filed with the person responsible for verifying domicile (the Residency Clerk in our Records and Registration Office).
    
2. Any of the following may be used in determining a student's domicile in Arizona:
    
   • Income tax return
   • Voter registration
   • Automobile registration
   • Driver's license
   • Place of graduation from high school
   • Source of financial support
   • Dependency as indicated on Federal income tax return
   • Ownership of real property
   • Notarized statement of landlord or employer
   • Bank accounts
   • Other relevant information

Alien In-State Student Status

An alien is entitled to classification as an in-state refugee student if such person has been granted refugee status in accordance with all applicable laws of the United States and has met all other requirements for domicile.

Evidence of County Residency

County Residency – Arizona residents from counties in which there is no established community college district (Apache, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz) may enroll in credit classes at Eastern Arizona College without payment of out-of-county charges, provided the student completes a properly executed Arizona Out-of-County Residence Affidavit at the time of registration. General tuition and fees are still payable. If you are registering for an EAC Course offered in your home county, a residence affidavit is not necessary.

1. An affidavit, signed by the student, must be filed with the person responsible for verifying domicile (the Residency Clerk in our Records and Registration Office) to prove continuous residency in a county for fifty (50) days.
    
2. Any of the following may be used to determine a student's county residency:

• Notarized statement of landlord or employer
• County voter registration
• Source of financial support
• Place of graduation from high school
• Ownership of real property
• Bank account
• Other relevant information

Security and Safety

The personal safety and well-being of the students, faculty and staff at Eastern Arizona College are always an important concern of ours. You are encouraged to be responsible for your own security and the security of others.

Many people are involved in keeping the campus safe and secure. A truly safe campus, however, can only be achieved through the cooperation of all students, faculty and staff.

Anyone at any campus location who becomes aware of a crime (or is the victim of a crime) or any emergency should make an accurate and prompt report of the occurrence.

Responsibility for Safety

Thatcher Campus Police and student security personnel are available from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. The Campus Security Building is located at 620 North College Avenue, Thatcher, Arizona and their number is (928) 428-8240 or 552-0157 (Pager).

Campus Police officers are certified by the Arizona Law Enforcement Officers Advisory Council and have full law enforcement authority anywhere in the state. EAC's Campus Police are responsible for a full range of public safety services including all crime reports, investigations, medical and fire emergencies and traffic accidents. They are also responsible for the enforcement of laws regulating drinking, the use of controlled substances, weapons, and all other incidents requiring police assistance. Campus police monitor criminal activity of students in off campus locations of student organizations recognized by the College.

Responsibility for Keeping Campus Buildings and Grounds Safe

Eastern's Physical Resources Department maintains the College buildings and grounds with a careful eye for safety and security. Physical Resources staff regularly inspects campus facilities and promptly makes repairs affecting safety and security. They respond to reports of potential safety and security hazards such as broken windows and locks.

Students and College staff members are encouraged to call the Physical Resources Department at (928) 428-8300 to report any actual or potential safety or security hazards. Individuals residing on campus are urged to keep their doors locked.

College classroom facilities are to remain locked when not in use. Individuals needing to use College facilities should submit a Facility Request form through the Student Life Office to obtain permission to use a particular room or College facility.

Changes in Safety and Security Procedures

Updated printed materials explaining changes in safety and security procedures (including timely reports regarding the occurrence of campus crimes) will be prepared and distributed to all students and employees.

Students in residence halls are further instructed in areas of crime prevention through meetings in which printed and video materials are reviewed and discussed. Future new students will be given the most current information.

In addition, EAC will release the latest crime statistics for the most recent year in our General Catalog and will provide full distribution to students and employees.

Illegal Drugs or Alcohol Not Permitted on Campus

Eastern Arizona College seeks to encourage and sustain an academic environment that both respects individual freedom and promotes the health, safety and welfare of all members of its community.

In keeping with these objectives, the College has established a policy and set up guidelines governing the possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages and illegal substances.

Alcohol is not permitted anywhere on the College campus at any time. Likewise, the College does not permit the use of marijuana, LSD, cocaine or any other illegal drug on the College campus. Individuals possessing, using or distributing such drugs are subject to disciplinary action (such as formal reprimands, community service, referral to counseling, suspension and expulsion) and possible arrest, imprisonment or fine, according to Arizona state law.

Who Can Help if I or a Friend Have a Problem with Substance Abuse

Eastern's Counseling Department provides professional and confidential counseling and referrals to help students with substance abuse problems.

The Counseling Department is located in the Student Services Building at 615 North Stadium Avenue, Thatcher, Arizona or may be contacted by calling (928) 428-8253.

All students and employees will receive a copy of regulations 4710.1 and 5800.1 regarding the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act.

Personal Safety and Protection against Sexual Assault or Violent Crime

Eastern Arizona College considers the personal physical safety of students, employees and visitors an essential element in the maintenance of a learning environment. Every member of the College community should be aware that the College is strongly opposed to sexual assault, violence and other threatening or endangering behavior. Such behavior is prohibited by law as well as the Student Code of Conduct.

Dissemination of Information Concerning Sexual Assault and Violent Crime

The College will annually provide information concerning sexual assault and violent crime including at least the following:

• The definition of sexual assault and violent crime
• A statement of the College’s policy prohibiting sexual assault and violent crime
• The most accurate data available about the reported incidence of sexual assault and violent crime occurring on campus property
• Precautions which students should take to avoid becoming victims of sexual assault and violent crime
• Procedures for reporting sexual assault and violent crime
• Services which are available to both complainants and those accused of sexual assault and violent crime
• Statements of the rights of sexual assault and violent crime complainants and those accused of such actions in the College judicial process

Definitions

For the purpose of this policy, sexual assault is any sexual behavior between two or more people to which one person does not or cannot consent. The abuse of alcohol or other substances does not relieve individuals of their responsibilities to themselves or others.

Violent crime is one or more persons intentionally inflicting bodily harm on another person or persons.

Reporting

The guiding principle in the report of a sexual assault or violent crime is to avoid re-victimizing the survivor by forcing the person into any plan of action. Assistance with the wellbeing of the survivor is the primary goal. Victims may contact any one of several College departments or community agencies for assistance. The following resources provide immediate aid or ongoing consultation:

In the event of a medical emergency, medical response personnel will be contacted. In the case of a sexual assault, emergency medical personnel are required to report the assault to the local law enforcement agency. However, the assault survivor who does not wish to see the police will be encouraged to seek a medical exam to treat physical problems and address the potential for injury, venereal disease, HIV, or pregnancy. The Rape Crisis Hotline can assist with these arrangements whether or not the survivor chooses to report the incident.

It is recognized that a sexual assault survivor may be undecided in reporting the assault to the police. A report to the police can empower the survivor in exercising legal rights and aid in the protection of others. If a report is to be made to the police, the survivor will be encouraged not to destroy evidence by cleaning up their person, clothing or bedding in any way. If the sexual assault survivor is undecided in reporting, the survivor will be encouraged to preserve evidence anyway in case it is decided to file a police report at a later date.

If the survivor has decided not to report the assault, the report recipient will maintain confidentiality. Other alternatives include:

• Make an anonymous report to police
• Make a report at a later date with the understanding that a report made after 72 hours may limit prosecution efforts.

Sexual assault survivors may seek counseling at any time from College counseling services or the Rape Crisis Hotline.

Intervention

It is the intention of the College to take whatever action may be needed to prevent, correct, and if necessary, discipline acts of sexual assault or violence. Possible sanctions for students resulting from the College’s judicial process range from formal reprimands, community service, referral to counseling, suspension and expulsion. Possible sanctions for employees range from reprimands, referral to counseling, to termination of employment. Possible sanctions for visitors range from reprimands to being barred from College property and activities. Both the accuser and the accused of sexual assault shall be informed of the outcome of the campus disciplinary process.

Judicial Process

A charge of sexual assault against a College student will be handled under the same procedure as bringing a Complaint of Sexual Harassment by the Chief Student Officer of the Thatcher Campus or Chief Officer for Greenlee County Eastern Arizona College sites. When a complainant of sexual assault gives information to the Officer that a sexual assault has taken place and accuses a College student of the offense, the Officer will have the discretion to suspend the accused student pending a hearing. When any necessary investigation is complete, the Officer will formally notify the accused student of the charges and will set a hearing date within five (5) class days.

Rights of the Sexual Assault Complainants and Accused

1. The complainant and accused will have the right to be accompanied throughout the judicial process by an individual of their choice.
2. The sexual reputation of the complainant and accused will neither be used as evidence nor discussed in the judicial procedure.
3. The accused will have all the rights of due process, which are normally accorded to those under the College judicial process.
4. The victim will be notified in writing of any sanction imposed.
5. The victim will be notified of any appeals filed by the assailant and subsequent results.

Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990

Covering the Period of January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2007

Any of the crimes listed above which manifest evidence of prejudice based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity, as prescribed by the Hate Crimes Statistics Act (28 U.S.C. 534)—None
 
If you would like to make an inquiry referencing a registered sex offender in the Thatcher area or the State of Arizona, go to www.azsexoffender.com.

Sexual Harassment

Any employee or applicant for employment or student who believes that he or she has been discriminated against on the basis of sex, or has been sexually harassed, should report the matter to any Dean (Assistant, Associate, Executive, etc.) or Vice President of the College.

The College President or personnel designated by the College President shall investigate complaints of sexual harassment. Any College administrator who receives a report of alleged sexual harassment must report the allegations to the College President as soon as reasonably possible.

Social Security Number Use

EAC uses the Social Security Number of faculty, staff and students as that individual’s EAC Identification Number.  Faculty, staff and students have the option to obtain a different identification number by making written request to the Records and Registration Office.  There is no charge for this service.

Veterans Information

Every Veteran claiming Veteran's Educational Benefits is responsible for notifying the Veteran's representative at Eastern Arizona College of any change in his/her schedule which causes an increase or decrease in credit hour load as soon as the change occurs. For questions, please contact the Veteran's Representative in the Records and Registration Office on the Thatcher Campus of Eastern Arizona College or phone (928) 428-8273, or 1-800-678-3808, Ext. 8273.

Voter Registration Forms

Mail in voter registration forms for Graham and Greenlee Counties are available for all enrolled students and the public. Forms can be obtained at the Records and Registration Office and the Alumni Library on the Thatcher Campus. Voter registration forms may also be requested from the following:

Arizona Residents:
Call toll free 1-877-THE VOTE (1-877-843-8683) or Access the Vote Arizona web page at http://www.azsos.gov for election information, voter information, and registration form.
 
New Mexico Residents:
Call 1-800-477-3632 and ask for the Bureau of Elections
 
All Other States:
Access to the National Voter web page at www.eac.gov/register_vote.asp

Access to the Be A Voter web page at http://www.BeAVoter.org