Violation of these rules may subject the student to disciplinary action and/or referral to appropriate law enforcement agencies. The College shall have the discretion to refer complaints of misconduct not covered by the Rules and Regulations below to any other appropriate office for handling under any applicable College policy or code.
Animals - Under certain restrictions, animals may be allowed on property but they are not allowed in any building at Oakland Community College. For exceptions visit the ACCESS (Disability Services) - Service Animals webpage. No dangerous animals are allowed whatsoever.
Assault and Battery- No student shall threaten or commit a physical or verbal attack on faculty, staff, or another student.
Assembly - No person or persons shall assemble in a manner which obstructs the free movement of persons about the campus or the free and normal use of college buildings and facilities, or prevents or obstructs the normal operation of the college. Students who desire to assemble shall apply for permission to the Dean of Student Services.
Disciplinary action may consist of verbal reprimand, restitution for damages, restriction of privileges, suspension, dismissal, or other action appropriate to the case.
Cheating – Practicing fraud or deceit.
Examples of Cheating – Cheating can take on many forms. The following examples are illustrative of cheating,
but not necessarily all inclusive:
Fabrication – Falsifying, misrepresenting or inventing information, data, research, or citations
in an academic exercise.
Examples of Fabrication: The following examples are illustrative of fabrication, but not necessarily all
inclusive:
Plagiarism – Using the thoughts, ideas, or writings of another individual and passing them off
as your own work. Plagiarism can involve taking credit for ideas that are not your
own or using the words of others without properly crediting the source.
Examples of Plagiarism: The following examples are illustrative of plagiarism, but not necessarily all inclusive:
Unauthorized Collaboration – Working with or attempting to help others on assignments, tests and examinations,
or other projects that will be submitted for a grade, without specific permission
from the instructor. Students are not permitted to collaborate with other students
without instructor authorization.
Examples of Unauthorized Collaboration: The following examples are illustrative of unauthorized collaboration, but not necessarily
all inclusive:
Electronic Media Devices - Students who use electronic media devices, e.g., smart phones, cameras, computers,
calculators, or other devices, to engage in any form of academic dishonesty, are in
violation of this Academic Honesty policy.
Individual instructors may have exceptions to this policy, based on the educational
needs of the class. It is up to the student to seek clarification.
Consequences for Academic Dishonesty
Students have the right of appeal for academic dishonesty.
Academic Grade Appeals – The separate process for Academic Grade Appeals other than those involving Academic Dishonesty can be found at academic-appeals-policy.aspx
Non-Enrolled Children/Minors 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, or studios whether the children are supervised or not. The only exceptions are prearranged tours, field trips, enrolled minors or college-coordinated programs for children.
Students, staff and visitors are not permitted to leave unenrolled minors, unattended on college property or in campus buildings. Children who are not enrolled at Oakland Community College must be supervised by an adult.
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.
For more information on the Administrative Policy for Minors on Campus.
Minors Involved in College-Sponsored Programs – Examples of College-Sponsored programs include without limitation summer camps, outreach activities, workshops, conferences, tutoring, educational programs, licensed child care facilities, and sponsored student organization activities.
Counterfeiting and Altering - No student shall reproduce, copy, tamper with or alter in any way, manner, shape, or form, any writing, record, or document, or any form or dataset used or maintained by the college with a real or apparent intent to represent such writing, record, or document as an official college writing, record, document, form or dataset.
Contracts - No student shall enter into a contract using the name of the college with an outside agency without specific written authorization from appropriate college officials. Contracts entered into in violation of this rule shall be the personal responsibility of the student.
Disruptive Behavior - No student shall behave in a manner which is unacceptable in a learning environment or which endangers the rights and/or safety of him/herself or other students or staff.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Free College Policy - The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of, or being impaired by, a controlled substance is prohibited while on all College owned, leased, controlled or operated property, or in the course of any College related activity, program or job performance. For the purpose of this policy, a "controlled substance" is as listed in Schedules I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812) and as further defined in the associated Federal Regulation, 21CFRR 1308.11 - 1308.5.
In addition, the illegal possession, use or sale of alcoholic beverages, or conduct which is otherwise prescribed by state law, as well as being impaired by alcohol while on College owned, leased, controlled or operated property, or in the course of any College related activity, program or job performance, is also prohibited. To view the College's Drug and Alcohol Abuse Free College Procedure visit the Public Safety website.
Dumping and Littering - No student shall deposit, dump, litter or otherwise dispose of any refuse on college property, except in duly designated refuse depositories.
Gambling - No student shall engage in any form of gambling on college-owned or operated property or at college-sponsored events either on, or off campus.
Harassment - No student shall engage in harassment of another student or staff member of the college.
This shall include, but not limited to, sexual and racial harassment, and may include
verbal and/or physical actions. Policies pertaining to harassment may be found here:
Umbrella Policy Prohibiting Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct, Harassment and Discrimination
Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment
See Title IX for more information about sexual harassment and a training module to increase awareness.
Parking and Motor Vehicles - No student shall park a vehicle except in appropriately designated areas. No student
shall operate a vehicle in an unsafe manner. Violators of parking regulations may
be subject to impounding of vehicles or traffic tickets under the provisions of the
individual campus traffic regulations. The college assumes no responsibility for loss,
theft, or damage to cars parked in the college parking areas.
Recording of Class Sessions and Distribution of Course Material - No student is permitted to copy, record, distribute or publish any educational course related materials without the express written consent from the faculty member utilizing the course materials. Educational materials include, but are not limited to, lectures, syllabi, lecture notes, exams, problem sets and presentations. Policy may be found here: Recording of Class Sessions and Distribution of Course Materials policy
Safety - No student shall engage in behavior which violates any safety rules of any classroom, laboratory or other college premises. This shall include, but not limited to, the wearing of any required personal protective equipment, and the following of prescribed methods and procedures for handling and disposing of certain materials which may be hazardous, unstable, contagious, etc.
Social Distancing - Students are expected to comply with all policies, protocols, plans, and rules regarding COVID-19 and other illnesses. Students are expected to make themselves aware of the current policies and rules which can be found at Coronavirus (COVID-19) and to check them frequently as they may change.
Signs - No student shall erect or display signs or posters on college property unless authorized through the campus Office of Campus Facilities. No student shall deface, alter, tamper with; destroy or remove any sign or inscription on college-owned or operated property.
Soliciting - No student or student organization may use campus facilities, solicit funds or schedule activities unless such action has been approved through the campus Office of Campus Facilities.
Smoking - Is strictly prohibited within college-owned or leased buildings (including but not limited to offices, classrooms, hallways, waiting rooms, rest rooms, lunch rooms, elevators, meeting rooms and all community areas). Beginning September 1, 2012, this smoking ban expanded to incorporate all OCC properties which include, but are not limited to, campus grounds, parking areas and athletic fields.
This policy applies to all employees, vendors, contractors, students and the public and encompasses tobacco products including, but not limited to, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (vaping), cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff. 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 infractions of college rules.
Theft/Vandalism - No person or persons shall engage in the theft of or damage to property belonging
to another person, organization or institution. This includes tampering with coin
operated machines.
Use of College Facilities - No student shall be on campus except during times established in the Academic Calendar as instructional periods and/or during normal college hours of operation. Students wishing to utilize college facilities other than at those times, must acquire permission from the campus administration through the Office of Campus Facilities.
Weapons - No person, other than law enforcement personnel or a person authorized by the Chief of Public Safety or their designee, shall possess a weapon on property owned, leased or otherwise in the possession of the College.
Students attending Oakland Community College are expected to respect and abide by the laws governing the community in which the college is located as well as the rules, regulations and policies of the college. Students are expected to be familiar with all of the rules and regulations.
1. Procedural Due Process
Procedural due process appropriate to the specific case must be followed prior to the imposition of discipline for violation of rules and regulations. Some elements of due process, such as timely and specific notice of charges, are almost always appropriate regardless of the gravity of the violation alleged. Other elements of due process may be appropriate to the hearing of an appeal. Prior to the hearing, the student shall receive timely and specific notice of the charges. During the hearing, the student shall have the opportunity to rebut the adverse testimony. Other procedural safeguards may be followed as required by the circumstances.
2. Burden and Standard of Proof
The burden shall be on the college to show by a preponderance of the evidence that the student violated the rules and regulations.
3. Status of Student Pending Hearing and Appeal
A student’s status shall not be changed prior to hearing an appeal unless there is reasonable cause to believe that the student’s status (for example, their continued presence in the classroom) poses a danger to others or will disrupt the educational process. The decision to alter a student’s status pending hearing and appeal will be made by the responsible dean.
4. Forms of Discipline
Disciplinary action must be proportionate to the violation and, depending on the nature of the violation, may take the form of a reprimand; restrictions on activities or privileges; restitution; denial of honors, certificate or degree; probation; temporary or permanent suspension from a class or program; dismissal from the college; or other measures appropriate under the circumstances of the case.
5. Procedures for Violation of Student Conduct
The following procedures shall govern cases where a violation of any rule or regulation regarding class-room conduct is alleged. If misconduct warrants an immediate suspension from the class for the remainder of the class period, the instructor may do so without a prior hearing. Under certain circumstances, Public Safety Officers may be called upon to help stabilize a scene. The instructor shall provide written notice to the dean responsible for Student Services as soon as practical.
Violations of any rule or regulation should be reported to any Oakland Community College staff, public safety officer, faculty member or administrator. If appropriate, the Behavioral Assessment Response Team (BART) will investigate and make a determination of actions to be taken. BART, minimally comprised of an OCC counselor, public safety officer and dean, will decide the action warranted. The Team may choose to meet with the student if deemed appropriate.
The student may appeal the decision to the Vice Chancellor for Student Services (see Appeal Process, subparagraph 6).
6. Appeal Process
Appeals must be filed in writing to the Vice Chancellor for Student Services within 20 calendar days of the date the notice of action by BART was issued. The appeal shall state the reason(s) the decision should not stand. As soon as reasonably possible, the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Services shall notify the student in writing of the hearing date for the appeal. The Vice Chancellor for Student Services shall then conduct a hearing (unless waived by the student) and shall affirm, modify or reverse the decision. The decision of the Vice Chancellor for Student Services shall be final.
When a student’s behavior is unacceptable in a learning environment and the rights and/or safety of other students or staff are violated, the student may be administratively withdrawn.
The Behavioral Assessment Review Team (BART) will review all claims of inappropriate behavior with the student prior to administrative withdrawal. Students subject to this withdrawal may initiate an appeal in accordance with the appeals process.
Oakland Community College, as a public institution, does not observe religious holidays. However, it is College policy to permit students to be absent from classes or examinations for reasons of observing religious holidays. Students are allowed to make up course requirements when they are unable to avoid a conflict between their academic and their religious obligations.
Absences from classes or examinations caused by observing religious holidays does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of absence. It is the obligation of students to provide faculty with written notice of the religious holiday they will be observing and the date on which they will be absent at least two weeks prior to the date of the religious holiday. Religious Accomodation Request form
Students who miss classes or are absent on days of examinations or class assignments shall be offered an opportunity to make up the work, without penalty, unless it can be demonstrated that a make-up opportunity would interfere unreasonably with the delivery of the course. Should disagreement arise over any aspect of this policy, the parties involved should contact the Department Chair or Academic Dean. Final appeals will be resolved by the Provost. Accommodation of Religious Observances Administrative Policy
Oakland Community College encourages students to fulfill their civic responsibilities when called to jury duty. Students must submit a copy of the jury duty summons to their instructor as soon as possible so that the instructor may make arrangements to accommodate their absence.
No student will be penalized for absence due to jury duty if they give reasonable advance notice to the instructor. The student and instructor will find alternative means to satisfy the academic requirements involved. If they cannot find a suitable arrangement, the student and instructor should consult the appropriate department chair first. If this does not achieve satisfactory results, a student may appeal to the appropriate academic dean. Students who miss class time for jury duty must still do the work assigned by the instructor to all students for that class time. Instructors will provide a reasonable amount of time to make up the material or activities covered during the absence.
Oakland Community College supports students who are called to active military service. Students must submit evidence that they have been called to active duty to their instructor as soon as possible so that the instructor may make arrangements to accommodate their absence.
No student will be penalized for absence due to active military service if they give reasonable advance notice to the instructor. The student and instructor will find alternative means to satisfy the academic requirements involved. If they cannot find a suitable arrangement, the student and instructor should consult the appropriate department chair first. If this does not achieve satisfactory results, a student may appeal to the appropriate academic dean. Students who miss class time for active military service must still do the work assigned by the instructor to all students for that class time. Instructors will provide a reasonable amount of time to make up the material or activities covered during the absence.
Academic Senate: The Academic Senate is vitally concerned with the effective participation
of students, faculty and administration in policy formation. Its interest is in making
Oakland Community College a more responsive and responsible educational institution.
Students, faculty and administrators participate through committee study and action
by the Senate as a whole. A truly effective Senate needs students’ participation.
Students interested in serving as members of the Academic Senate should contact the
campus Academic Senate Chair.
Right to Petition: Any student or student group wishing to express a concern or lodge a grievance regarding campus or college policy or practice is requested to follow the appropriate steps:
A. Academic Senate (if appropriate)
B. Dean
C. Appropriate Vice Chancellor
D. Chancellor
E. Board of Trustees
It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to consider matters of individuals or groups in regular public meetings upon submission of a written petition which will enable the board to plan and conduct business in an orderly manner. Petitions should not be used in individual appeals involving specific academic issues or student discipline determinations.
Oakland Community College, pursuant to the requirements of applicable law and Board policies, does not discriminate against applicants, employees or students on the basis of age, race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, sex, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or handicap, nor will sexual harassment or harassment based on other classifications mentioned herein, be tolerated in its employment practices and/or educational programs or activities.
Concerns about the above should be communicated to:
Equal Opportunity Compliance Officer Oakland Community College 2900 Featherstone Road Auburn Hills, Ml 48326-2845 Phone: (248) 341-2027Students may use a first name other than their legal name to identify themselves. As long as the use of this chosen name is not for the purpose of misrepresentation, OCC acknowledges that a chosen first name can be used where possible in the course of OCC business and education. Chosen name may be used in all communications except where the use of a legal name is required by the College. More details, including these examples, the policy, and process for requesting the use of a Chosen Name may be found here.
Community colleges enroll a highly diverse population of students who bring a broad range of skill levels to their studies. This variety in student skill levels dictates a need for appropriate entry-level evaluation, educational counseling and course placement in order to increase the probability of student success. A comprehensive entry-level evaluation and placement program is one component in a total strategy to provide educational opportunities for the ultimate achievement of both student and institutional goals.
Entry-level evaluation and placement is a systematic process intended to identify student skills and needs. Data garnered through evaluation enables college staff to assist students in appropriate choices and determine which educational interventions are most likely to ensure student success.
Oakland Community College participates in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board and grants credit with scores of three or higher. Credit will also be granted for the CLEP General Examinations and Subject Exams when scores are at or above the 50th percentile.
A student may appeal an Academic Dismissal. A dean of the home campus of the academic program housing the student’s major or a dean of the campus where the majority of the student’s credits were earned may hear the appeal. The dean may consider the appeal alone or convene a committee for that purpose. An appeal should show cause, in the view of the student, why the Academic Dismissal should not be imposed. The decision provided by the dean will be final.
The goal of classroom assessment is to enhance student learning. Instructors use a variety of methods in the classroom to obtain feedback about student learning in terms of course objectives.
A common course outcome is a course-specific knowledge, skill or ability stated in measurable terms. Knowledge, skills and abilities are defined by, and are based on, consensus within the discipline; however, methods of teaching are unique.
Because OCC is an open-door institution, it sees the value and importance of developmental education. The goal of developmental education at OCC is to enable students to perform at the college level, develop holistically and realize their potential.
In the event you discover a hazardous materials release, notify public safety immediately (911) from a location away from the release.
Public safety will let you know if you will need to evacuate, or if you will be sheltered in place. If evacuation is necessary, follow the procedures found in the Evacuation Procedures section. Once outside, stay upwind to avoid inhaling airborne hazardous chemicals. Do not re-enter the building until you receive an “ALL CLEAR” from public safety or a building marshal.
If a significant hazardous chemical spill or leak occurs outdoors (including gas leaks), it may be necessary to shelter in place (see below).
Shelter in place for hazardous chemical spills or leaks:
Hazardous Chemical Spills - Your first lab class should include becoming familiar with the location of emergency eyewash and shower stations, and the location of the Safety Data Sheets SDSS) for the hazardous chemicals used in the lab.
If you accidentally spill a hazardous chemical, or find a pre-existing spill, immediately notify public safety and your instructor. They will instruct you on what to do next.
For spills covering small amounts of skin, immediately flush with flowing water for no less than 15 minutes, removing jewelry and contaminated clothing while under flowing water. Seek medical attention if irritation develops or if other adverse reactions are noticed.
For spills on clothing, don’t attempt to wipe the clothing. Quickly remove all contaminated clothing, shoes, and jewelry while using the safety shower. Use caution when removing pullover shirts or sweaters to prevent contamination of the eyes. Immediately flood the affected body area with water for at least 15 minutes. Resume if irritation develops or returns. DO NOT use creams, lotions, or salves. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
For hazardous chemical splashes in your eyes, immediately flush the eye with water at an eyewash location for at least 15 minutes. Quick response is essential to minimizing eye damage. Hold the eyelids away from the eyeball, move the eye up, down, and sideways to wash thoroughly behind the eyelids. First- aid must be followed by prompt treatment by a medical doctor, preferably an ophthalmologist.
In general, for all hazardous chemical exposures, check the Safety Data Sheets SDSS) for information on the potential adverse health effects and treatment options. It is always advisable to be familiar with the SDSS information for a hazardous chemical prior to using the product. It is advisable to seek medical attention for even minor hazardous chemical burns, especially if irritation develops or persists, or if other adverse reactions are noted (effects from some hazardous chemicals may be delayed for hours).
Radioactive Material Releases - Radioactive material releases are handled much the same way as hazardous chemical releases. If your instructor informs you that you will be using radioactive materials in class, you should make sure that you are aware of the route to the nearest emergency eyewash and safety shower. If you spill a radioactive material, or if you discover a spill that you think might be radioactive, notify public safety and your instructor immediately.
Should significant amounts of radiological materials be released to the environment, it may be necessary to Shelter in Place. You will be notified by Public Safety or the Fire Department if you will need to evacuate or be sheltered in place.
Shelter in place for radioactive material releases means:
If the hazardous chemical or radioactive material release is thought to be malicious in nature, public safety will notify the appropriate authorities. In addition, individuals involved, whether perpetrators or victims, may be detained by Public Safety to protect the public health.
If you observe someone experiencing what appears to be a medical emergency, immediately contact public safety by dialing 911, or dial 5555 from any college phone for assistance and let your instructor know. From any other phone, you can reach public safety at (248) 858-4911.
For non-emergency medical situations in the classroom, such as minor illnesses or injuries, let your instructor know immediately. If not in a classroom, you can get assistance from public safety by dialing 5555 from any college phone, or (248) 858-4911 from any other phone.
There are 119 hallway phones with both 911 and 5555 capabilities. Also, all classrooms have phones in them.
POWER FAILURES - If the power fails on campus, remain calm and secure any cash or valuables you may have. Keep emergency exits clear and wait for instructions from public safety or a building marshal.
ELECTRICAL EMERGENCIES / DOWNED POWER LINES - If you observe a downed power line, avoid the area. Just because there are no sparks evident does not mean that there is not high voltage present. Notify public safety (911) immediately.
GAS LEAKS - If you suspect a gas leak in a classroom, let public safety (911) and your instructor know immediately from a safe location, away from the apparent odor of gas. Keep emergency exits clear and wait for instructions from public safety or a building marshal.
SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES - If you run across a package that seems out of place or otherwise suspicious, you should immediately contact public safety. Suspicious packages may appear to be normal items, but are often out of place, such as a backpack in a garbage bin. Do not touch or otherwise handle the package.
WEATHER EMERGENCIES / TORNADOES - Tornadoes and associated severe weather can occur in any month, but are most common from April through July. If you are outdoors and you hear the tornado warning siren (a single, steady, three-minute tone), seek shelter immediately. If you are outdoors and a tornado is approaching, find the lowest ground available, such as a ditch or culvert, and lay as low as possible. If you are indoors when the alarm sounds and you are informed it is a weather emergency, proceed immediately to the nearest tornado shelter area. These areas are clearly marked with the words “Tornado Shelter”.
EARTHQUAKES - If an earthquake occurs while you are in a building, seek shelter under sturdy furniture, against outside walls, or in doorways until the tremors pass. Stay away from windows.
FLOODS - If sudden, unexpected flooding occurs while at an OCC facility, proceed to higher ground if outdoors, or move to upper floors if indoors. Avoid walking through flood waters whenever possible as there may be hidden hazards present.
In support of our students who are nursing mothers, lactation rooms are available for use on each campus of Oakland Community College. The rooms offer a secure and private place for mothers to express milk for their nursing children.
CAMPUS LOCATIONS:
To obtain a supply bag and a key to the lactation room at the Highland Lakes Campus, go to the Dean of Student Services office in WH-370 and ask to speak with the administrative assistant. For all other campuses, go to the library circulation desk staff for access.
OCC also encourages students, prospective students, employees, guests and visitors to report violations of the technical standards adopted by the College regarding web accessibility. Reports regarding violations of the technical standards should be made to the Web Accessibility Coordinator who shall be responsible for reviewing the report and ensuring appropriate action is taken to address the reported deficiency within a reasonable time.
Oakland Community College reserves the right to make exceptions to, modify, or eliminate these policies and/or content. This document supersedes all previous policies, procedures, or guidelines relative to the subjects.
Rev. 5-26-22