College Policies
In order to maintain a safe and productive learning environment and to comply with necessary legal mandates, Oakland Community College has formulated the policies listed below.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 was established to protect the privacy of student educational records.
Only certain employees of Oakland Community College, acting individually or collectively in the educational interest of the student, are allowed access to educational records.
When the collection of personally identifiable information is specifically authorized by federal law, any data collected by such officials shall be protected in a manner which will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents by other than those officials, and such personally identifiable data shall be destroyed when no longer needed.
Except as allowed and required by law, no personally identifiable information from a student’s educational record will be disclosed to any third party (including parent, spouse or other students) by an official or employee of the College without prior written consent of the student.
To review the college's FERPA policy.
Release of Directory Information
The College has designated certain student information to be “public” or “directory” information and, at its discretion, may release directory information without prior written consent of the student. Directory information is defined as: name, home address, telephone number, place of birth, curriculum, dates of attendance, degrees, certificates and awards received, last educational institution attended, high school attended, participation in recognized activities and sports, and weight and height of members of athletic teams.
The Office of the Registrar is the only authorized agent for releasing student information. Occasionally Enrollment Services staff members at various College sites may be authorized to respond to queries about students.
Current and former students may request that all items identified as directory information be withheld and considered restricted information. To withhold public or directory information, written notification must be received in any campus Enrollment Services Office or the Office of the Registrar. Once students have requested the withholding of directory information, the request will be honored until they file a request to reinstate the permission to release directory information.
Right of Review
Under FERPA, students have the right to review and inspect the education records maintained by Oakland Community College. The College follows a procedure which provides the student the opportunity to challenge information deemed inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of that student’s privacy or other rights and request an amendment to the offending record.
Students may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning an alleged failure of OCC to comply with the requirements of FERPA. A copy of the College's policy is available at the Records Office of the Auburn Hills, Highland Lakes, Orchard Ridge and Royal Oak campuses. The College policy may also be obtained at:
Oakland Community College
Office of the Registrar
Auburn Hills Campus
Building K
2900 Featherstone Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2845
phone (248) 341-2280
fax (248) 232-4689
Students wishing to review records under the auspices of FERPA must initiate the process at this same address.
Appropriate Use of Information Technology
Information technology resources (computers, voice and data networks, electronic data and information) are provided by Oakland Community College to its faculty, administration, and students in support of the college mission. This document outlines the appropriate use of college information technology resources. More detail may be found in the Technology Appropriate Use Regulations. For more information review the OCC's Technology Appropriate Use Regulations (TAUR).
Internet Disclaimer
Oakland Community College will not accept responsibility for information published on, or accessible through, personal websites created by students and/ or employees.
Public Safety
Oakland Community College's Department of Public Safety is made up of sworn police officers with the authority equivalent to that of any law enforcement agency. They are trained to the same standards of any municipal police force with specialized training in basic first aid and CPR, criminal law, investigative techniques, human relations, firearm skills and defensive tactics. OCC’s Public Safety department works closely with local, county, state, and federal agencies and regularly uses state and national law enforcement networks to check records and enter information on stolen property.
Annual Campus Security Report
Visit Annual Security Report to review the Department of Public Safety's policy statements, reporting procedures, crime statistics, and other student-centered services. OCC will also provide a written copy of this report upon request. For further information call: (248)232-4660.
Student Concerns
Students who have a concern or suggestion are encouraged to submit the appropriate form located on the Complaints / Suggestions webpage. An OCC representative will review your concern and determine the action to be taken. You will be contacted with information regarding how your Complaints / Suggestions has been addressed.
Title IX
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any program or activity including, but not limited to: Educational programs or activities, e.g., student services, academic counseling, discipline, classroom assignment, grading, athletics, admissions, recruitment, financial aid, etc.
Members of the college community who believe that a Title IX violation may have occurred, should discuss their concerns and/or file a complaint with the college’s Title IX coordinator. Visit Title IX for the coordinator's contact information and information on the Title IX training for students.
Incident/Medical Assistance
The College will offer any assistance necessary in response to incidents or injuries that occur on College property; however, the College will bear no responsibility for the cost of such services, which must be billed directly to the recipient.
Policy About Children on Campus
In order not to disrupt the teaching and learning activities, students, staff and visitors are not permitted to have children accompany them into College classrooms, laboratories, studios or libraries whether the children be supervised or not. The only exceptions are prearranged tours, field trips or College-coordinated programs for children.
Students, staff and visitors are not permitted to leave minor children unattended on College property or in campus buildings. Children are welcome to visit a campus, but they must be supervised by adults at all times. The College does not assume responsibility for the safety of children left unattended.
Smoking on College Premises
Smoking is strictly prohibited on all College-owned or leased properties (including but not limited to campus grounds, parking areas, athletic fields, offices, classrooms, hallways, waiting rooms, restrooms, lunchrooms, elevators, meeting rooms and all community areas). This policy applies to all employees, vendors, contractors, students and the public and encompasses smoking and other use of tobacco products including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, snuff and electronic cigarettes. All employees and students share in the responsibility for adhering to and supporting this policy. Employees or students who violate this policy will be subject to the disciplinary actions associated with infraction of College rules.
College Right to Change
The College reserves the right to change policies, procedures, programs, and fees without notice.
Instructor Changes
The College reserves the right to make changes in the Schedule of Classes as circumstances require. Enrollment levels may require that instructors teach different sections than originally scheduled.