Regulations

SR 2115 Disability Services for Students

Section: 2000 Students
Sub Section: 2100 Nondiscrimination and Student Rights
Title: SR 2115 Disability Services for Students
Primary Policy: SP 2115 Disability Services for Students
Associated Policies: GAP 1200 Equal Opportunity
Associated Regulations: NA
References: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act; Title II of the Americans with Disabilities
Addendum: Disability Services Accommodation Request Form; Release Authorization
Supersedes: NA
Responsible Administrator: Chief Student Services Officer
Initial Approval: 01-18-2017	Last Revision: 09-21-2022

Three Rivers College provides reasonable accommodations to qualified students with a disability according to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure that there will be no discrimination on the basis of a disability. Accommodations are adjustments made for students with disabilities to allow the same educational experiences as their peers. The purpose of an accommodation is to attempt to level the educational learning field for students with disabilities.

Pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Three Rivers College will provide reasonable and individualized accommodations for requesting students who provide the required documentation outlining their disabilities. Because each student’s disability may differ in degree and impact, reasonable accommodations will be made on an individual basis.

Declaration of a student’s disability is voluntary. Documentation to support the disability must be provided to the College at the time of the request for a student to receive services. Information pertaining to a student’s disability is kept confidential. Information provided by an appropriate licensed professional will be used to determine the reasonable accommodations provided. It is the intent of the College to ensure equal opportunity while maintaining the integrity and quality of its educational offerings.

Acceptable Documentation

A written report prepared by an appropriate licensed professional that clearly diagnoses a disability and/or records indicating the history of the disability and the current impact of the disability in relation to the educational setting must be provided. The documentation must be recent (within the last 3 to 5 years). Medical doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and school psychologists are among the professions who routinely evaluate, diagnose, and treat disabilities. Requests for accommodations or auxiliary aids are evaluated by the ODS using the documentation to best serve the student with disabilities.

Three Rivers College has developed the following procedures to better serve students with disabilities:

Accommodation Procedure

The student requesting an accommodation must register with the Office of Disability Services (ODS). It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the request for services. The Request for Disability Accommodations packet (PDF) can be accessed at the ODS or at https://trcc.edu/student-services/disability-services/. The packet can be completed online and submitted to disabilityservices@trcc.edu via email, or can be printed and turned in to the ODS via email, in person, or faxed to 573-840-9018.
Students seeking disability services are responsible for providing documentation from an appropriate licensed professional and should make an appointment with the ODS.
1. Students are responsible for any financial charges incurred while obtaining the necessary documentation.
2. Documentation requirements vary by disability. The documentation must clearly identify the disability and provide sufficient information regarding the limitation of the disability to permit the ODS to make a determination as to whether the requested accommodations are appropriate. The ODS will review the date of the evaluation and relevant information to determine the most appropriate accommodation based on the documentation provided.
3. Documentation of a disability should be mailed by the licensed professional to the Office of Disability Services at Three Rivers College, 2080 Three Rivers Blvd, Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901 or faxed to 573-840-9018. The documentation may also be hand delivered by the student in a sealed company envelope with the professional’s signature across the seal.
Once reasonable accommodations are provided, the student must meet with the Disability Services Coordinator each semester. Continuing services are not automatically provided each semester.

Accommodation Determination and Implementation

Accommodations will be determined based upon the documentation of the disability, students' reported needs, and an interview with the ODS Coordinator. It is important to have a stated description within the documentation as to how the disability affects the students’ academic performance.

The ODS will make every effort to meet the students’ needs while maintaining compliance with Three Rivers College Institutional, Instructional, and Administrative Policies. However, students who believe they would need additional or alternate accommodations may discuss this with the ODS at any time during their educational experience at the college.

After accommodations have been established by the ODS the student may pick up from the ODS and carry with them an Accommodations Card. The student will also receive an electronic copy of their Accommodations Card, and each of their Three Rivers College instructors will be notified electronically of the student’s specific accommodations. The instructor and the ODS shall work closely to ensure the appropriate accommodations are implemented. Students experiencing unresolved challenges implementing the accommodations should contact the ODS immediately. The ODS Coordinator is the 504/ADA Compliance Officer for students at Three Rivers College.

Three Rivers College is in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA) regarding service animals. Students are required to register their service animal with the ODS.

ODS contact information is provided on each class syllabus. If students have questions or need clarification, please contact the ODS located in the Westover Building on the Poplar Bluff campus; or calling 573-840-9608.

DOCUMENT HISTORY:

01-18-2017:		Initial approval of regulation SR 2115 Disability Services for Students.
02-18-2022:		Clarification of process for registering a service animal with the Office of Disability Services.
09-21-2022:		Aligned ODS operations with TRC location as well as contact information for disability services, and clarification of process for continued services and receipt of identification card.

SR 2120 Title IX for Students

Section: 2000 Students
Sub Section: 2100 Nondiscrimination and Student Rights
Title: SR 2120 Title IX for Students
Primary Policy: GAP 1200 Equal Opportunity
Associated Policy: GAP 1205 Code of Ethics
Associated Regulations: SR 2740 Student Rights and Responsibilities; SR 2610 Student Code of Conduct
References: Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972; Title IX Incident Reporting Portal; Clery Act, Violence Against Women Act (2013); Title VII of the Civil Rights Act; Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA); Title IX Final Rule (2020)
Supersedes: NA
Responsible Administrator: Chief Student Services Officer
Initial Approval: 09-25-2010	Last Revision: 11-04-2020

Three Rivers College is obligated under Title IX to enforce strategies to educate our students regarding Title IX, and to provide remedies that allow for an immediate response to sexual harassment as defined herein. The purpose of this Regulation is to establish procedures for sexual harassment complaints as defined herein by the Title IX Final Rule. Title IX sexual harassment complaints may involve a student, teacher, administrator, or other College personnel, or any other person or persons who are participating in, observing, or otherwise engaging in an educational program or activity over which the College exercises substantial control. To further qualify as a Title IX complaint, college control must also be over the respondent in the context in which the sexual harassment occurs, and must have occurred during events, or circumstances and at buildings or locations that are owned or controlled by the college or student organization that is officially recognized by the college, and must have occurred at a location in the United States. Any other types of student complaints should be processed through the Student Complaint Portal or the Office of Student Services.

The Title IX reporting processes established herein provide a specific complaint and appellate process; enforce disciplinary actions that may be taken against any student found guilty of misconduct judged to be Title IX related; define appropriate actions which may be taken against any person who knowingly and/or intentionally files a false complaint of Title IX against another; and to ensure non-retaliation against those who file a complaint or participate in the process.

It is the policy of Three Rivers College and its Board of Trustees that each student attends the College in a hostile free environment. The College shall respond to the following types of sexual harassment allegations considered to create a hostile environment according to the Federal Title IX Legislation:

1) Quid Pro Quo - School employee conditioning education benefits on participation in an educational program or activity in unwelcome sexual conduct; or
2) Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would determine is so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the school’s education program or activity; or
3) “Sexual assault,” “dating violence,” domestic violence,” or “stalking” as defined in Federal Law under the Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Federal Definitions
Advisor*: for the purpose of the formal hearing process, an advisor may be chosen by each party. Advisors may be a parent or guardian, legal counsel, counselor, etc. or someone appointed by the College. Advisors perform cross-examination during the live hearing under review of the Decision Maker. The College reserves the right to hire an outside party to fulfill the role of Advisor.
Clery Act: a federal law that requires institutions of higher education in the United States to disclose campus security information including crime statistics for the campus and surrounding areas. First enacted by Congress in 1990 and most recently amended in 2013 by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.
Complainant: an individual alleging to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment as defined by the Title IX Final Rule herein.
Consent: knowing, voluntary, and clear permission by word or action to engage in sexual activity. To give permission. Consent can be revoked at any moment. The absence of “no” does not mean “yes.”
Decision Maker*: an individual appointed and trained to participate in cross-examination by fielding questions and is the person who creates the Final Report. The College reserves the right to hire an outside party to fulfill this role. In the event of a “Title IX Appeal”, the Decision Maker is known as the “Appeal Officer” and serves in the same capacity that fulfills the same duties however, cannot be the same individual who was the Decision Marker for the first part of the Title IX hearing.
Egregious: An act that is shocking, appalling, awful, horrendous, frightful, atrocious, abominable, shameful, and intolerable.
Evidence: As applied in this procedure, any information, including documents and testimony, related to the alleged circumstances, which gave rise to the complaint.
Facilitator*: an individual appointed and trained to facilitate any informal resolution process, to ensure it is free of conflict or bias. The College reserves the right to hire an outside party to fulfill this role.
Formal Complaint: a signed document filed by a complainant alleging sexual harassment against a respondent and requesting the school investigate the allegation of sexual harassment. If the initial complaint was reported verbally, the complainant’s signature may be required to formalize the complaint for it to move forward in the process.
Incapacitation: a state where someone cannot make a rational, reasonable decision because they lack the capacity to give knowing consent (e.g., to understand the “who, what, when, where, why, or how” of their sexual interaction).
Investigator*: an individual appointed and trained to investigate Title IX complaints and the individual who creates the Investigative Report. The College reserves the right to hire an outside party to fulfill this role.
Mandatory Reporter: any part-time or full-time employee of the College is considered a “mandatory reporter.”
Preponderance of Evidence: The burden of proof is met when the party with the burden convinces that there is a greater than 50% chance that the claim is true.
Respondent: an individual reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment.
Retaliation: Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal, stalking, or misconduct against individuals who have filed a charge or participated in an investigation or opposed any unlawful practice. This includes retaliation against any person who testifies or assists with the case either formally or informally.
Supportive Measures: Free, individualized services reasonably available that are nonpunitive, non-disciplinary, and not unreasonably burdensome to the other party while designed to ensure equal educational access, protect safety, or deter sexual harassment.
Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972: The Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is a Federal Law that states: “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.”
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): a Federal Law passed to combat violence against women and provide protection to women who have suffered violent abuses. It was initially signed into law in September 1994 and reauthorized in 2000, 2005, and 2013.
*Appeal Officers, Decision Makers, Facilitators, Investigators, College-appointed Advisors, and Title IX Co-Coordinator Officers must be free from conflict of interest or bias for or against complainant or respondent.

Reporting Procedure
This Title IX Reporting Procedure Regulation applies to all Three Rivers College students. The College Title IX procedure for students is intended to provide an individual student, or group of students hereafter referred to as the complainant, an opportunity to file a Title IX related complaint in an effort to seek a resolution through a College process devoid of coercion, interference, restraint, discrimination or reprisal. The College shall retain a copy of the entire Title IX case proceedings for a minimum of 7 years.

Three Rivers College considers Title IX complaints egregious, and therefore has established prompt and effective steps to immediately end the sexual harassment, eliminate the hostile environment, and prevent its recurrence as appropriate. It is the intention of Three Rivers College to seek a resolution through this Title IX process. All reports will be investigated promptly, thoroughly, and equitably and result in a resolution of the complaint, which may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, suspension or expulsion, as deemed appropriate.

The College will take appropriate action against any student, or group of students who retaliates against any person due to participation in a Title IX procedure, proceeding, investigation, or hearing. This includes retaliation against any person who testifies or assists with the case.
The following reporting procedures are applicable to any student who believes he or she has been the victim of sexual harassment (as defined herein by the Title IX Final Rule) by a student, teacher, administrator, other College personnel, or by any other person participating in, observing, or otherwise engaged in an educational program or activity, including locations, events, or circumstances over which the school exercised substantial control over both the respondent and the context in which the sexual harassment occurs, and any building owned or controlled by a student organization officially recognized by the College.

Such individuals should immediately report the alleged acts to appropriate College personnel or the Official Title IX Co-Coordinator Officers.

Ann Matthews
Dean of Student Services
Westover Administration Building - First Floor, Room 112
2080 Three Rivers Blvd, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
573-840-9669
amatthews@trcc.edu

Kristina McDaniel
Director, Human Resources
Westover Administration Building - First Floor, Room 108
2080 Three Rivers Blvd, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
573-840-9695
kristinamcdaniel@trcc.edu

Any College employee (Mandatory Reporter) who has or receives notice a student or employee has or may have been the victim of a suspected Title IX incident is required to immediately report the alleged acts to a Title IX Co-Coordinator Officer.

The College encourages the complainant to use the Title IX Incident Reporting Portal available as a fillable incident form found on our “Speak Up” web page found on the “Quick Links” page of the College website. Use of the formal reporting forms is not mandated. Reports will also be accepted in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail using the contact information listed for the Title IX Co-Coordinator Officers. The designated Title IX Co-Coordinator Officers are trained to address such complaints. Any person may report potential Title IX complaints to the Title IX Co-coordinator Officers.

Any person may report sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the alleged victim of conduct), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail using the contact information listed for the Title IX Co-Coordinator Officer, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Co-Coordinator Officer receiving the person’s verbal or written report. The report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours). If the complaint involves the supervisor, the complaint shall be made or filed directly with the College’s Title IX Co-Coordinator Officer by the complainant.
The President has designated the Chief Student Service Officer as the College’s Title IX Co-Coordinator Officer for student complaints, with responsibility to identify, prevent, and remedy sexual harassment.
The College Title IX Co-Coordinator Officer shall:
- receive reports or complaints of sexual harassment.
- oversee the investigative process, ensure equitability, and ensure an objective evaluation of all evidence.
- promptly contact complainant and offer supportive measures to the complainant with or without the filing of a formal complaint and explain the process for filing a formal complaint.Examples of supportive measures are: counseling, extensions or deadlines, modifications of work or class schedules, campus police escort, changes in housing location, increased security or monitoring of parts of campus or mutual restrictions on contact between individuals.
- be responsible for assessing the training needs of the College's staff and students in connection with the dissemination, comprehension, and College compliance with Title IX as well as overseeing this Title IX Reporting Procedure Regulation. This training includes annual training for the Title IX Co-Coordinator Officers, Decision Maker(s), Investigator(s), College provided advisor(s) and facilitator(s).
- oversee any sanctions due to retaliation or outcome of hearing.
If any complaint involves a Title IX Co-Coordinator Officer (designated for students), the complaint shall be filed with the alternate Title IX Co-Coordinator Officer (the Director of Human Resources, who is designated for employees). Both Title IX Co-Coordinator Officers are equally trained to handle Title IX complaints.
The College shall conspicuously post a notice against unlawful Title IX misconduct in each building in a place accessible to students, faculty, administrators, employees, parents, and members of the public. This notice may include the name, mailing address, electronic address and telephone number of the: College Title IX Co-Coordinator Officers.
Details regarding this Title IX Reporting Procedure Regulation shall be referenced in the College Catalog, found on the College website.
This Title IX Reporting Procedure Regulation shall be reviewed annually for alignment with College operations and for compliance with state and federal law(s).
Three Rivers College will respect the privacy of the complainant, the individuals against whom the complaint is filed(respondent), and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the College's legal obligations to investigate, take appropriate action, and conform to any discovery or disclosure obligations under Title IX.

Process

Formal Complaint is received (verbal or written).
Title IX Co-Coordinator Officer reviews complaint and ensures the Complainant signs the formal complaint.
The following describes possible outcomes based on the initial review of the complaint:
1. The College MUST dismiss a complaint that:
  1. does not meet the definition of sexual harassment. (Title IX Final Rule)
  2. alleges sexual harassment did not occur in a College controlled educational program or activity.
  3. alleges sexual harassment did not occur in the United States and at a College controlled or owned building.
2. The College MAY dismiss a complaint when:
  1. complainant withdraws formal complaint in writing.
  2. respondent is no longer enrolled at the College.
  3. may not gather evidence to reach a determination about the allegations.
3. If the complaint is dismissed:
  1. promptly send reasons of dismissal to both parties (via electronic or hard copy format).
  2. either party may request that the decision be reconsidered within 3 days to the Office of the President. The decision of the College President is final.
NOTE: When a case is dismissed as a Title IX investigation but is pursued by the College under a different disciplinary procedure; the College must first have a signed closure document on file to formally close the Title IX.
Emergency Removal- College reserves the right to remove the respondent from an educational program, activity, or position if the institution conducts an individualized safety and risk analysis and determines there is an immediate threat to anyone’s physical health or safety.The individual will continue to be paid if they are an employee of the College. The College must provide the respondent with notice and opportunity to challenge the decision immediately following the removal, via electronic or hard copy format.A request to reconsider must be submitted in writing within 3 days to the Office of the President. The decision of the College President is final.
Notification of Process - Written notice must be sent to complainant and respondent via electronic or hard copy format, explaining the process, the presumption of innocence of the respondent (respondent also has supportive measures available), allegations and facts about the alleged sexual harassment, availability of an informal resolution process, each is able to have an advisor (may be an attorney) at any meeting, interview or hearing, option for either party to inspect and review evidence. There are consequences for submitting a false statement and this shall be handed through College policy and regulatory rules that do not tolerate the submitting of a false statement.
1. Informal Resolution
  1. Each party must agree to the informal resolution voluntarily.
  2. Facilitator oversees the resolution free of conflict or bias.
  3. Complainant and respondent are notified via electronic or hard copy format of allegation(s), notice of rights, information about informal process and confidentiality, and either party may withdraw from the informal process at any time.
Temporary delay of process is permitted only for good cause.Good cause can include law enforcement activities, the absence of a party or witness, the absence of a party advisor of choice, or the need to provide language assistance or accommodation of disabilities to either party.
A trained investigator(s) is assigned to investigate the formal complaint.
1. Formal notification will be given to complainant, respondent and witnesses, in writing via electronic or hard copy format, before their interviews for the investigative process—Date, time, location, participants, and purpose of interview or meeting. Advisor for the complainant and respondent may be present during interviews, meetings or hearing.
2. As part of the investigation, any evidence gathered must have the date, time, and place it was obtained.Examples of evidence are documents, notes from interviews with complainant, respondent and witnesses, and other types of school gathered documents.No information protected by a legal privilege, such as attorney-client privilege or doctor-patient privilege, may be used during an investigation unless the person holding the privilege has waived that privilege. The College is not allowed to access a party’s personal records if they are maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other professional for the purpose of treatment to the party, without that party’s consent.
The College will prepare an Investigative Report that includes evidence gathered by the College through the course of the investigation and how the evidence applies to the formal complaint.The Investigative Report will be sent via electronic or hard copy format to the complainant and respondent. The College will keep a record of all proceedings for seven years.
1. Both parties have 10 days to review and respond.
2. The College will consider any responses before finalizing the report.
3. Final report is sent to both parties who have 10 days to review before a hearing takes place.
Formal Hearing Process
1. Both parties will have an advisor. If either party does not have an advisor, one will be appointed by the College. College-appointed advisors will be free from conflict of interest or bias, for or against either party.
2. The Advisors may ask questions (cross-examine) either party and/or witnesses in front of the Decision Maker.
3. Either the Complainant or Respondent may request to be in separate rooms connected via technology during the hearing.
4. The Decision Maker will make sure the questions are relevant.
5. Prior sexual behaviors of complainant may not be brought up except:
  1. Information that will offer to prove someone other than the respondent committed the alleged sexual harassment; or
  2. It relates to sexual behavior between respondent and complainant that offers to prove consent.
6. Either party or witnesses may choose not to participate in cross-examination at the live hearing. The Decision Maker must not rely solely on any statement of that party or witness in reaching a determination regarding responsibility; provided, however, that the Decision Maker may not draw an inference about the determination regarding responsibility based solely on a party’s or witness’s absence from the live hearing or refusal to answer cross-examination or other questions.
7. The hearing will be recorded and/or transcribed and will be available to both parties for review via electronic or hard copy format.
Decision Makers final report
1. Findings are written and shows the College’s policy that was violated, if any.
2. Description of procedural steps used to get to the finding.
3. There will be a findings fact section.
4. Explanation of how they drew the conclusion from the facts section.
5. Statement and rationale for the ultimate determination of responsibility using Preponderance of Evidence standard.
6. Disciplinary sanctions College will impose on respondent and state any remedies for the complainant.Possible sanctions are Disciplinary probation, Loss of student office/leadership position, forced withdrawal, suspension, expulsion or termination of employment.
7. Statement and rationale for remedies for complainant, addressing how remedies will restore or preserve equal access to the learning environment.
8. Statement how either party has the right to appeal, procedures for appeal and permissible basis for appeal.The complainant or respondent will have 3 business days to appeal.
9. Determination will be sent simultaneously along with appeal information via electronic or hard copy format.
Grounds for an Appeal (Title IX appeal process herein must be used)
1. Procedural irregularity affected outcome of matter.
2. New evidence discovered after determination.
3. Conflict of interest on part of Title IX Co-Coordinator Officer, investigator or Decision Maker.
If either party appeals (Title IX appeal process herein must be used)
1. Notify complainant and respondent in writing, via electronic or hard copy format, of the basis of the appeal.
2. Both complainant and respondent may submit written statement via electronic or hard copy format supporting or challenging the appeal.
3. A different Decision Maker shall be known as the “Appeal Officer” will review the appeal and any other supporting documents. (May not be the same individual as the Decision Maker as previously appointed.)
4. Findings will be written with decision to approve or deny appeal and sent simultaneously to both parties via electronic or hard copy format.
5. Appeal decision is final.

DOCUMENT HISTORY:

09-25-2010:		Initial approval of regulation GAR 1240 Misconduct.
07-15-2015:		Revision to be in compliance with Federal Law regarding Title IX, 9-17-14.
09-16-2015:		Revision of position title Dean of Student Services to Chief Student Services Officer.
08-30-2016:		Minor edits regarding timeline and review team.
09-21-2016:		The College Board of Trustees approved the name change of the college from Three Rivers Community College to Three Rivers College.
07-19-2017:		Revise title and reworded regulation for clarity of process from: GAR 1240 Harassment to SR 2120 Title IX for Students.
12-12-2019:		Minor edits to include Reporting Portal.
08-19-2020:		Revision for compliance with the U.S. Department of Education Title IX Final Rule, effective 8-14-2020.
11-04-2020:		The addition of the following two terms with definitions for clarity: Consent and Incapacitation.

SR 2130 Student Grievance

Section: 2000 Students
Sub Section: 2100 Nondiscrimination and Student Rights
Title: SR 2130 Student Grievance
Primary Policy: SP 2130 Student Grievance
Associated Policies: GAP 1210 Civil Rights
Associated Regulations: SR 2610 Student Code of Conduct; SR 2740 Student Rights and Responsibilities; SR 2140 Student Appeals
References: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Higher Education Act of 1972, section 504, of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended on the ADA Act of 1992; College Complaint Form (found on the Three Rivers College Website)
Supersedes: NA
Responsible Administrator: Chief Student Services Officer
Initial Approval: 06-10-2015	Last Revision: 07-19-2017

Three Rivers College is committed to providing an educational climate conducive to the personal and professional development of each individual. The College is dedicated to providing fair and impartial resolution of student complaints. It is the practice of Three Rivers College and its Board of Trustees to resolve complaints at the lowest level possible. When complaints rise to the level that the resolution will require formal action, each student will be given the option to file a grievance as appropriate. If the grievance is regarding a student complaint of sexual misconduct or gender-based discrimination please refer to College Regulation SR 2120 Title IX for Students.

Grievance Procedure

A grievance may arise when a Three Rivers College student believes his/her status at the College is adversely affected by an incorrect or inappropriate decision or behavior. Examples include, but are not limited to being:

• The victim of the inappropriate application of a College policy or regulation;
• improperly terminated from a College program;
• required to perform personal services unrelated to academic related duties;
• required to meet unreasonable requirements for a degree program or job that extend the normal requirements established by the College, or that are inconsistent with the scholarly standards within the discipline;
• the subject of harassing behavior that is non-gender based and/or non-sexual based;
• the subject of retaliation for exercising his/her rights under this regulation;
• the subject of professional misconduct by a faculty or staff member;
• the subject of practices or actions by a student or employee’s supervisor, other faculty member, or other member of the College community that seriously deviate from ethical or responsible professional standards that may constitute professional misconduct in violation of a College policy.

The College is comprised of a diverse group of individuals that believe most issues can be resolved informally. In the event of an unsatisfactory resolution, if appropriate a student should first file an appeal, see college regulation SR 2140 Student Appeals for details. If the issue still remain unresolved a student may choose to file a grievance with the Chief Academic Officer or Student Services Officer as appropriate. The grievance procedure must begin with a written submission using the fillable, web-based College Complaint Form describing the nature of the complaint. After the form is submitted to the Chief Academic Officer or Chief Student Services Officer as appropriate, the College grievance process must be followed as outlined herein.

Academic Matters

• The student should first discuss the issue with his or her instructor;
• if the matter is not resolved by this discussion, the student should bring the complaint form to the appropriate faculty member’s department chairperson;
• should the matter still be unresolved, the appropriate Department Chair, in collaboration with the Chief Academic Officer shall appoint a committee to resolve the matter.

Non-Academic Matters

• The student should first address his or her concern with the College employee directly;
• if the student is not satisfied, the matter should be brought to the attention of the employee’s supervisor;
• if the student is still not satisfied, he or she should discuss the matter with the Chief Student Services Officer;
• should the matter still be unresolved, the Chief Student Services Officer shall appoint a committee to resolve the matter.

Informal Resolution

Three Rivers College and its Board of Trustees encourages persons who believes he or she has reason to file a grievance with the College to immediately begin following the steps outlined above. The initial written statement and discussion to resolve the issue should include as much information as possible including dates, names and positions of persons involved, identification of witnesses if any; the time and place, as well as details of the incident leading to the allegation(s). In no case will the reporting party be required to report such behavior to the person(s) involved (the Respondent) once moving forward with a formal grievance. The details of the investigation will be kept confidential to the fullest extent possible until finalized.

Procedures for Submitting Grievance

If the grievance cannot be solved in an informal manner, the grievance must be submitted in writing by the complaining party. The College Complaint Form (found on the Three Rivers College Website) will need to be submitted to the Chief Student Services Officer and then the appropriate administrator (Chief Academic Officer or Chief Student Services Officer) shall review complaint within five (5) working days, gather the pertinent facts and discuss the grievance with the involved party or parties in order to reach a satisfactory resolution.

A report of the grievance, and formal review of the complaint, including whether or not the matter has been satisfactorily settled, will be shared with the appropriate Cabinet Member. The Chief Academic Officer, Chief Student Services Officer and/or the appropriate Cabinet Member shall make every effort to reach a satisfactory conclusion for all parties.

The outcome of the grievance will be given to both the reporting party and the responding party if applicable. In the event either party does not file an appeal, the grievance shall terminate. Either individual may appeal this determination by presenting a written appeal to the Office of the President within three (3) school days of receiving notice of the College’s conclusion.

Upon receipt of the appeal from either party an appellant “ad hoc” review panel that consist of three employees and/or student representative will be appointed to review the decision. The College will make every effort to complete the investigation and render a decision within 10 school days from the College’s receipt of appeal. Both parties will receive written notice of the decision. The grievance shall terminate “as is” with the decision of the review panel being final.

All records of the decision made shall be retained for at least (3) years in the Office of the Chief Student Services Officer.

DOCUMENT HISTORY:

06-10-2015:		Initial approval of regulation SR 2130 Student Grievance.
09-16-2015:		Revision of position titles Dean of Student Services; Executive Vice President to Chief Student Services Officer; Chief Academic Officer.
09-21-2016:		The College Board of Trustees approved the name change of the College from Three Rivers Community College to Three Rivers College.
07-19-2017:		Minor revisions for clarification.

SR 2140 Student Appeals

Section: 2000 Students
Sub Section: 2100 Nondiscrimination and Student Rights
Title: SR 2140 Student Appeals
Primary Policy: SP 2140 Student Appeals
Associated Policies: SP 2130 Student Grievance; GAP 1320 Consumer Protection
Associated Regulations: SR 2130 Student Grievance
References: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Higher Education Act of 1972, section 504, of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended on the ADA Act of 1992; TRC Student Complaint Portal; National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) Complaint Process
Addendums: A - Student Academic Appeals Procedure; B - Student Service and Financial Appeal Procedure; C - Student Appeals Intake Form
Supersedes: NA
Responsible Administrator: Chief Student Services Officer
Initial Approval: 08-24-2016	Last Revision: 01-15-2020

Three Rivers College is committed to providing an educational climate conducive to the personal and professional development of each individual. The College is dedicated to providing fair and impartial resolution of student complaints. It is the practice of the College to resolve student complaints at the lowest possible level through informal action by either using the Student Complaint Portal or by contacting Student Services. When a complaint is not resolved at this level, the student will be given the option to file an appeal with the Chief Student Services Officer.

Right to Appeal

Students have the right to seek an appeal after the student has attempted to resolve the issue with the appropriate instructor or office. If the issue remains unresolved, the student may file a formal appeal with the Chief Student Services Officer.

Students must appeal in writing, using the Student Appeals Intake Form found in the Office of the Chief Student Services Officer. Each written appeal must be dated and include the student’s name, ID number, signature, what is being requested and for what semester, any extenuating circumstances, and why the request should be considered. All documentation of evidence should be included with the written request. The burden of proof falls on the student. Lack of knowledge is not grounds for a student to appeal.

Appeal Process

Students must have completed the initial process by discussing the issue with the related office prior to submitting an appeal. Students have 20 business days after notification of the initial decision to file an appeal. The appropriate appeals form and all written documentation must be submitted. The Chief Student Services Officer shall review the written requests and documentation, and route the student appeal to the appropriate office for processing. Students who fail to file an appeal within the time limit may request an exception “in writing” however, the exception shall be granted only under extraordinary circumstance.

Types of Appeals

1. Academic Appeal

An academic appeal may be filed in relation to a grade or programmatic discrepancy, or other academic related issues. The college shall make every effort to resolve a student academic appeal within its authority as it relates to college and programmatic policy.

2. Financial Appeal

A financial appeal may be filed in relation to miscellaneous billing discrepancies, tuition, college fines and fees, as well as disbursement of credit balances. The college shall make every effort to resolve a student financial appeal within its authority as it relates to college, state and federal policy.

3. Student Services Appeal

A student services appeal may be filed in relation to issues regarding student advising, admissions, student suspension, transcript evaluation, placement testing, and financial aid related issues that may or may not be institutional in nature or any matter that is student service related. The college shall make every effort to resolve a student services appeal within its authority as it relates to college policy.

Appeal Criteria

1. Medical Reasons

Documentation of an illness, accident, injury, or situation which could not be influenced, planned for, or prevented by the student and which subsequently caused a change in the class schedule. This applies to student or immediate family only. Immediate family includes spouse, children, step-children, foster children, parent, siblings, step-parent, grandparent, grandchild, step-grandparent, and any other members of the family who reside in the house of the student.

2. Institutional Error

Institutional error must be demonstrated by written documentation of substantiated circumstances involving deadlines where a student has, in good faith, relied on information provided by a named College official, or the official’s interpretations of the text of a College document or publication, and was consequently misled or mistaken about its terms.

3. Job Transfer

The transfer must be to a location in which Three Rivers continued attendance would present an undue hardship. Notification of transfer and actual move must occur prior to final exams. Documentation must be provided and show date of notification to student and date of actual transfer. Documentation must also be on company letterhead and have a supervisor’s signature and phone number for verification.

4. Work Schedule Conflict

Work schedule must be in direct time conflict for class which the adjustment is being requested. Documentation from supervisor must be provided and must be on company letterhead indicating the date the change occurred and the new hours. Documentation must also include supervisor’s signature and phone number for verification.

5. Military Orders

Military orders must indicate dates within the semester in question.

6. Grading Issues that impact the Final Course Grade

Grading issues at stake must impact the final course grade. A course grade appeal may not be filed until the semester has ended and a final course grade has been assigned. The student believes the final course grade was assigned contrary to procedures as specified in the course syllabus or was based on bias, caprice, or computational or clerical error.

7. Acts of Nature (Fire, Tornado, Earthquake, Flood, Etc.)

Acts of Nature adjustment requests must be accompanied by documentation that proves a student would have had an undue hardship, had the student continued his/her current class schedule.

8. Other Criteria

Extenuating circumstances and other criteria may be considered to allow a student to be given the option to file an appeal.

Process

Any student seeking to file an appeal must begin the process by completing the Student Appeals Form and submit to the Office of the Chief Student Services Officer as described within this regulation. Refer to the attached addendums for the appeals processes for each type of appeal and the form. Each appeal will be reviewed and considered on as case by case basis. Each appeal will be subject to the guidelines within this regulation, college rules and the respective committees’ process and the timeliness of the committees’ schedule. Retaliation against a person who files a complaint or persons who participate in the appeals process is prohibited.

When a complaint is not resolved at this level, the student will be given the option to file an appeal with the Chief Student Services Officer. Please refer to College regulation SR 2140 Student Appeals for details. In rare cases when all other forms of resolution have failed and the student believes their status at the College has been adversely affected by an incorrect or inappropriate decision or behavior, the student can file a grievance. Please refer to College regulation SR 2130 Student Grievance for details.

If a concern cannot be resolved to the student’s satisfaction through the College’s Student Appeals process or, if applicable, the College’s Grievance process, the student may seek additional assistance by filing a complaint with the Missouri Department of Higher Education or the Higher Learning Commission.

Distance Education students who believe their concerns have not been sufficiently addressed through the College’s appeal and/or grievance procedures and who are taking online courses through the College and reside in NC-SARA states may file with the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) Complaint Process or the Missouri Department of Higher Education. Online students residing in California or Massachusetts should follow those states’ complaint resolution guidelines.

DOCUMENT HISTORY:

08-24-2016:		Initial approval of regulation SR2140 Student Appeals.
09-21-2016:		The College Board of Trustees approved the name change of the college from Three Rivers Community College to Three Rivers College.
01-15-2020:		Clarification of Student Complaint Process, including information regarding the NC-SARA Complaint Process.

Addendum A

Academic Appeal Procedure

Three Rivers College students have the right to seek an academic appeal after the student has attempted to resolve the issue with the appropriate instructor or office. If the issue remains unresolved, the first step is for the student to file a formal appeal with the Chief Student Services Officer in writing, using the Student Appeals Intake Form. Once the Student Appeals Intake Form has been reviewed, the student may be required to submit additional paperwork and documents to support their claim. The appropriate department(s) will then be notified of the student’s appeal and the initial paperwork will be forwarded to that office for processing.

Academic Appeal

The Three Rivers College Student Academic Appeal Procedure is based on the following principles:

A student has a right to appeal a grade; programmatic discrepancy, or other academic related issues that the student believes was contrary to procedures as specified in the course syllabus, programmatic discrepancy or was based on bias, caprice, or computational or clerical error.
A student’s grade should reflect the student’s mastery of the subject matter of the course.
Students are entitled to a fair and impartial evaluation of their work or program.
Students and faculty should communicate regularly and openly about course/program requirements, assignments, tests, grading procedures, and grades.
The college faculty is responsible for creating the curriculum and establishing the standards by which students will be evaluated in each course/program.
Faculty members are entitled to the presumption that the grades they assign are an accurate reflection of the performance of the students in their courses.
A course grade may only be changed by the course instructor or by the recommendation of an Academic Appeals Committee. College administrators may not change grades.

Both students and faculty members have rights and responsibilities in the grading/programmatic process:

Students who wish to appeal a final grade or programmatic discrepancy are responsible for demonstrating that the grade they received was contrary to procedures as specified in the course syllabus/program specifics or was based on bias, caprice, or computational or clerical error.
Faculty members have a responsibility to provide their students with syllabi and program information that clearly delineate the bases on which student grades or major will be assigned.
Faculty members are responsible for providing their students with timely feedback on their performance on tests, papers, projects, and other graded assignments.
Faculty members are responsible for keeping course records, final exams, and other materials on which grades are based (that have not been returned to students) for a year.
Faculty members have a right to have the grades they assign upheld unless it is clearly demonstrated that a grade was contrary to procedures as specified in the course syllabus/program or was based on bias, caprice, or computational or clerical error.
Both faculty members and students have a right to have grade and programmatic appeals resolved in a timely fashion (as prescribed in the timelines given herein).
Both faculty members and students have a responsibility to attempt to resolve grade and programmatic disputes informally.

Grading and Programmatic Disputes during a Semester

Faculty members and students should communicate regularly and openly about all grading and/or programmatic issues. A student who is dissatisfied with an instructor’s grading decision during a semester should discuss the issue with the instructor and attempt to resolve the matter informally. A student who believes that a grading issue has not been satisfactorily resolved should speak with the instructor’s department chair about the matter. The department chair should work with both the student and the instructor to address any academic issue.

Students may not file a formal academic appeal during the semester. Grading or programmatic issues that remain unresolved during the semester may become the basis for a formal academic appeal once the semester has ended and a final course grade has been assigned. The formal process may be used only for grading or programmatic issues that impact the final course grade or programmatic outcome. For example, if a student disagrees with a grade given on a particular assignment but changing the grade on that particular assignment will not affect the student’s final course grade, then the issue is not appropriate for a formal appeal. In this situation, the student may lodge a verbal or written complaint about the instructor’s grading practices with the department chair but may not file a formal academic appeal.

Disputes over Final Course Grades and Programmatic Discrepancies

Disputes over final course grades and programmatic discrepancies may reflect disagreements that have carried over from the semester or new issues that have arisen as the result of a late-semester project, test, final exam, or a discrepancy within the designated program. A student who is dissatisfied with a grading decision should attempt to resolve the matter by contacting the instructor. The student may wish to contact the department chair to facilitate communication between the student and the instructor and to mediate the dispute.

Grounds for a Formal Academic Appeal

A student may file a formal appeal regarding course grade or programmatic discrepancy if the following conditions are met:

The student has attempted to resolve the dispute informally.
The grading issues at stake impact the final course grade. (A course grade appeal may not be filed until the semester has ended and a final course grade has been assigned.)
The student believes that his or her final course grade was assigned contrary to procedures as specified in the course syllabus or was based on bias, caprice, or computational or clerical error.
Students unhappy with their instructor’s grading system, grade assignment practices, or program may complain verbally or in writing to the department chair even if the issue does not qualify for a formal academic appeal.

Filing the Formal Academic Appeal

A student may file a formal academic appeal by completing the Student Appeals Intake Form and submitting it to the appropriate department chair. The form asks the student to provide a written statement that clearly and specifically states the grounds on which the grade appeal is based. The student must explain why he or she believes that the assigned grade or program decision was contrary to procedures as specified in the course syllabus, or college catalog or was based on bias, caprice, or computational or clerical error. The student should attach supporting documentation to the form (that may include the Student Appeals Intake Form, such as the following:

A copy of the course syllabus or program specific information from the college catalogue
A copy of the graded assignment or applicable program guide on which the formal academic appeal is centered if it is available.
A portfolio of the student’s program and other graded work from the course, including papers, projects, homework, tests, and other assignments, if these materials are available.
Any other documents the student believes are relevant to the resolution of the academic appeal.
Students must have completed the initial process by discussing the issue with the related office prior to submitting an appeal. Students have 20 business days after notification of the initial decision to file an appeal. Students who fail to file an appeal within the time limit may request an exception “in writing” however, the exception shall be granted only under extraordinary circumstance.

Informal Resolution

Upon receipt of a Student Appeals Intake Form, the department chair should contact both the student and the instructor involved to attempt to resolve the dispute informally. The faculty member shall act in good faith and keep in mind that the goal is to resolve the grading dispute fairly. The instructor may agree to resolve the dispute informally if he or she believes it is appropriate. For example, if the dispute involves a computational or clerical error and the faculty member or program manager agrees with the student, he or she may simply complete the appropriate change form to change the grade or programmatic circumstance rather than force a the Faculty Academic Appeal Panel to resolve the issue.

If the faculty member or program manager is no longer with the college or is unavailable, the department chair shall appoint another instructor to represent faculty interests in the appeal. In such cases, no informal resolution is allowed and the issue shall be presented to the Academic Appeal Panel.

Instructor Response

If the dispute is not resolved informally, the department chair shall give the faculty member a copy of the appropriate Student Appeals Intake Form submitted by the student and request a written response to the appeal. The instructor’s response should include the following:

A copy of the course syllabus or programmatic reference.
A copy of any relevant graded assignments that had not been returned to the student.
A written statement responding to the issues raised by the student.
A statement indicating whether the instructor or program manager wishes to appear in person before the Faculty Academic Appeal Panel.
Any other documents the instructor or program manager believes are relevant to the resolution of the appeal.

The department chair should continue to pursue a formal resolution to the dispute if he or she believes that a resolution is possible. The department chair may share the instructor’s response with the student in hopes of finding common ground between the two. If appropriate, the chair may wish to give the student the opportunity to address issues raised in the instructor’s response that the student has not previously addressed.

The Academic Appeal Panel

If attempts at informal resolution of the grading dispute fail, the Chief Academic Officer shall appoint a Faculty Academic Appeal Panel to consider the appeal. The panel shall consist of at least three full-time faculty members. The instructor or program manager involved in the dispute is not eligible to serve on the panel. The Chief Academic Officer will appoint one of the members of the panel to serve as its chair.

The chair of the Faculty Academic Appeal Panel is responsible for ensuring that the appeal process is completed in a timely fashion. Unless there are exceptional circumstances (as determined by the Chief Academic Officer), the appeal process must be completed before the end of the semester in which it is filed. The chair is also responsible for ensuring that the instructor has at least a week to prepare a response to the academic appeal and that both the student and the instructor have at least a week’s advance notice of the time and location for appearing before the Faculty Appeal Panel in person if they have requested an appearance.

Panel Review

The Faculty Academic Appeal Panel is responsible for determining the facts in the dispute and making a judgment on the merits of the appeal. The panel shall review the materials submitted both by the student and the instructor/program manager. The panel may request any other information it deems necessary, including additional instructor records and input from third parties.

Both the student the program manager and the faculty member have the right to appear in person before the Faculty Academic Appeal Panel if they request the opportunity. If both parties appear before the panel, they should be heard separately. If neither party requests to appear in person, the panel should complete its review based on the written materials supplied by the parties and whatever other information the panel may request.

The panel’s deliberations, including hearing testimony from the parties involved and third parties, shall take place in private. Neither the student, program manager nor the faculty may be accompanied by an advisor.

The student has the burden of proof. The student must present clear evidence that a grade or program discrepancy was contrary to procedures as specified in the course syllabus, program or was based on bias, caprice, or computational or clerical error. The instructor’s grade stands unless the Faculty Academic Appeal Panel determines by the preponderance of the evidence that the grade or program was contrary to procedures as specified in the course syllabus, program requirement, or was based on bias, caprice, or computational or clerical error.

Once the members of the Faculty Academic Appeal Panel have determined that they have sufficient information to make a decision, they will vote either to grant or reject the appeal. A simple majority is sufficient to decide the issue. If the panel grants the appeal, it determines the appropriate course grade or program change for the student. The panel chair shall prepare a written report stating the panel’s decision and the justification for that decision. Copies of the report must be conveyed to the student, the instructor, the department chair, and the Chief Academic Officer. If the panel determines that the student’s grade shall be changed, the chair of the Faculty Academic Appeal Panel will prepare the appropriate change form and submit it to the Chief Academic Officer for processing with the panel report attached. The stated reason for the change of grade will be “the recommendation of a Faculty Academic Appeal Panel.” The chair of the Faculty Academic Appeal Panel will sign the form instead of the course instructor or program manager.

Sometimes an Academic appeal raises issues that go beyond the resolution of grading or programmatic issues. These issues could include questions about compliance with ADA guidelines, concerns about an instructor’s following departmental or programmatic requirements, or questions of a student’s academic integrity. At its discretion, the Faculty Academic Appeal Panel may prepare a supplementary report addressing those issues and present it to the Chief Academic Officer.

Appealing the Panel’s Decision

There is a limited right to appeal the decision of the Faculty Academic Appeal Panel. The appeal may be based only on procedural rather than substantive grounds. If a party believes that the appeals process was not properly followed and as a result he or she was treated unfairly, then he or she may file a written appeal with the Chief Academic Officer. The appeal may only be based on procedural errors that compromised the fundamental fairness of the process. Minor procedural errors that do not materially affect the outcome of the process are not grounds for appeal.

The Chief Academic Officer will review the appeal and conduct whatever investigation he or she deems appropriate. If the Chief Academic Officer determines that the academic appeal process was not properly followed and that the failure to follow proper procedures biased the result of the appeal, then the Chief Academic Officer will vacate the judgment of the faculty academic appeal panel and direct that the process be repeated with a different panel. If the Chief Academic Officer rejects the appeal, the decision of the Faculty Academic Appeal Panel is final.

Addendum B

Student Service and Financial Appeal Procedure

Students have the right to seek an appeal after the student has attempted to resolve the issue with the appropriate office. If the issue remains unresolved, the first step is for the student to file a formal appeal with the Chief Student Services Officer in writing, using the Student Appeals Intake Form. Once the Student Appeals Intake Form has been reviewed, the student may be required to submit additional paperwork and documents to support their claim.

Through the Student Service and Financial Appeal Procedure, a student may appeal an advising, admissions, student suspension, transcript evaluation, placement testing, financial aid, billing or other decisions is an option available to applicants. All appeal requests will be reviewed thoroughly.

Students must have completed the initial process by discussing the issue with the related office prior to submitting an appeal. Students have 20 business days after notification of the initial decision to file an appeal. Students who fail to file an appeal within the time limit may request an exception “in writing” however, the exception shall be granted only under extraordinary circumstance.

General Appeal Information

Appeals must be in written form, submitted according to the requirements and within the time frame delineated in this process.

The physical presence on campus of the prospective student (or enrolled student) or advocates of the prospective student (or enrolled student) will not influence the outcome of the appeal.
Knowingly providing false information will result in the denial of the appeal.
The requirements of this appeals process will be rigorously applied.
The applicant presenting an appeal has the full burden of satisfying the standards and criteria set forth in this document.

An appeal is submitted by completing the Student Appeals Intake Form.

Student:

The form can be obtained from the Office of Student Services, the Welcome Center, external location offices, and is available online at trcc.edu/academics/forms.
Include the reason(s) for the appeal and a short written statement supporting the request for reconsideration.
The form and any documentation can be submitted to the Office of Student Services via email studentservices@trcc.edu or in person.
The student will be notified of their appeal date and time a minimum of 48 hours prior to the appeal hearing.
Students are not required to attend the appeal but may attend if desired. Any questions may be directed to the Office of Student Services.
Notification of appeal decisions will be sent to the student in writing within 10 business days of the appeal review.
Appeal Committee decision is final.

Committee:

An Ad-hoc appeal committee shall be appointed by the Chief Student Services Officer which will consist of at least one faculty, one staff and one student.
The college shall make every effort to convene a committee within 10 business days from receipt of Student Appeal Intake Form.
Office(s) involved shall be interviewed by the committee during the appeal meeting.
The student has the option to be present and to be interviewed by the committee. The student advisor can attend meeting but will not be able to make comments during the interview.
Notification of appeal decisions will be sent to the student in writing within 10 business days of the appeal review.
Appeal Committee decision is final.

SR 2150 Anti-Hazing

Section: 2000 Students
Sub Section: 2100 Nondiscrimination and Student Rights
Title: SR 2150 Anti-Hazing
Primary Policy: SP 2150 Anti-Hazing
Associated Policies: GAP Equal Opportunity; SP 2610 Student Code of Conduct; SP 2620 Disciplinary Proceedings; SP 2140 Student Appeals; SP 2740 Student Rights and Responsibilities; PP 4730 Suspension or Termination
Associated Regulations: SR 2610 Student Code of Conduct; SR 2620 Disciplinary Proceedings; SR 2140 Student Appeals; SR 2740 Student Rights and Responsibilities; PR 4730 Suspension or Termination
References: Missouri law (§ 578.360 RSMo); Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act 20 U.S.C. § 1092(f); Stop Campus Hazing Act (Public Law 118-173)
Supersedes: NA
Responsible Administrator: Chief Student Services Officer
Initial Approval: 06-18-2025	Last Revision:

Three Rivers College is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment. Hazing poses significant risks to the health, safety, and well-being of individuals and has no place in the educational experience. The College strictly prohibits hazing in any form.

This regulation applies to all students, faculty, staff, recognized student organizations, clubs, athletic teams, and other groups affiliated with Three Rivers College, regardless of location. Every member of the College community is responsible for preventing hazing. All reports of hazing incidents, on campus, off campus, and online, will be promptly investigated, and appropriate action taken.

Hazing is defined as any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate. Hazing may be physical, psychological, or emotional and can occur in person, online, or through other means.

Missouri law (§ 578.360 RSMo) defines hazing as:

"Any activity, on or off-campus, that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or continued membership in any organization."

Hazing includes, but is not limited to:

Forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
Physical harm (e.g., hitting, whipping, paddling).
Sleep deprivation or excessive physical exertion.
Psychological intimidation, humiliation, or harassment.
Forced participation in illegal or inappropriate activities.
Any action that causes mental distress, including isolation or verbal abuse.

Consequences of Hazing

Hazing is a violation of College policy, the Federal Stop Campus Hazing Act and Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, and Missouri Statute. Individuals and organizations found responsible for hazing may face:

Disciplinary Actions: Suspension or expulsion from the College, or up to termination of employment.
Organizational Sanctions: Suspension or revocation of recognition, funding, or privileges.
Legal Consequences: Criminal charges, fines, and civil liability.

Reporting Hazing

The Chief Student Services Officer is authorized by the College President to be responsible for the administration of anti-hazing and shall determine whether hazing applies to conduct occurring on campus, off campus, and online; on a case-by-case basis; and at their discretion. When appropriate, the College President may, at their discretion, appoint a designee to fulfill student conduct responsibilities.

Anyone who experiences or witnesses hazing must report it immediately. Reports of alleged hazing can be made through the Student Complaint Portal found at trcc.edu, to any faculty or staff, or to the Chief Student Services Officer. Reports can be made anonymously. Retaliation against those who report hazing is strictly prohibited.

Hazing incidents can be reported as follows:

The Office of Student Services (Email: Studentservices@trcc.edu Phone: 573-840-9669)
Online reporting portal https://www.pavesuite.com/trcc/publicportal/homepage
Campus Public Safety Office (Phone: 573-840-9079)
To any faculty or staff member
The Missouri Hazing Hotline (888-668-4293)

Adjudication Process

1. Initial Review

Upon receiving a report of hazing, the Office of Student Services will:

Conduct a preliminary assessment to determine if the report falls under the definition of hazing.
Refer the case to Campus Public Safety for additional investigation, if appropriate.

2. Investigation

The Office of Student Services, in collaboration with Campus Public Safety, will:

Notify the respondent(s) of the alleged violation. The respondent can present witnesses on their behalf.
Interview the complainant, respondent(s), and witness(es). All parties may have an advisor with them during the interviews. Any party being interviewed may have an advisor present who may be a College employee or attorney; however, the advisor may not speak on the student's behalf.
Collect relevant evidence, including but not limited to, electronic communications, video footage, and medical reports.
Ensure confidentiality throughout the investigation, to the greatest extent possible.

3. Interim Measures (If Necessary)

If there is a credible risk to student safety, the College may impose interim measures, such as:

Temporary suspension of the accused individual(s) or organization.
Restrictions on participation in campus activities.

4. Decision

Once the investigation is complete, the Office of Student Services will review all gathered information from the investigation and make a determination of responsibility based on a preponderance of evidence (more likely than not) if the respondent(s) is/are responsible for violation of the anti-hazing policy.

5. Sanctions

If found responsible, the individual or organization may face:

Individual Sanctions:

Educational workshops on hazing prevention.
Probation, suspension, or expulsion from the College.
Probation, suspension, or termination of employment.

Organizational Sanctions:

Revocation of recognition and campus privileges.
Loss of funding and event restrictions.

6. Appeals

The accused has the right to appeal within three (3) business days based on:

New evidence not previously available.
Procedural errors that impacted the outcome.
Disproportionate sanctions.

Appeals will be reviewed as outlined in SR 2140 Student Appeals.

Transparency Report

Three Rivers College will post the Transparency Report biannually to trcc.edu.

Education & Prevention

Three Rivers College is committed to hazing prevention through:

Mandatory training for students, faculty, and staff.
Awareness campaigns and educational workshops.
Clear guidelines for student organizations and athletic teams.

DOCUMENT HISTORY:

06-18-2025:

Initial approval of regulation SR 2150 Anti-Hazing.

SR 2181 Military Duty

Section: 2000 Students
Sub Section: 2100 Nondiscrimination and Student Rights
Title: SR 2181 Military Duty
Primary Policy: SP 2180 Military Service
Associated Policies: SP 2710 Financial Aid Programs; GAP 1320 Consumer Protection
Associated Regulations: SR 2182 Military Education Benefits
References: 32 U.S.C. 502 (f)(1) or the authority of 10 U.S.C. 12301 (d) or 10 U.S. C. 12304; Federal Student Aid Handbook; DoD Voluntary Education Partnership MOU
Supersedes: SR 2180 Military Duty
Responsible Administrator: Chief Student Services Officer; Chief Academic Officer
Initial Approval: 09-19-2012	Last Revision: 11-19-2025

Three Rivers College is committed to supporting students serving in the military. The College will work individually with any student called to active duty that would normally necessitate a withdrawal from the College to work out arrangements in the student's best interest academically and financially. Exceptions to this policy are to be determined by the Chief Student Services Officer and the Chief Academic Officer.

Students called into service of the United States pursuant to 32 U.S.C. 502 (f)(1) or the authority of 10 U.S.C. 12301 (d) or 10 U.S. C. 12304 or any such call or order by the President of the United States or the Congress or the governor, to active service or training, prior to the completion of the semester or similar grading period, that student will be eligible for:

A complete refund of all tuition and incidental fees for that semester, or
With completion of 75% or more of the coursework, a grade will be issued based on the work completed, or you will be allowed to finish the coursework within a set period of time, or
Under special circumstances, the issuance of a final grade based on current course work.

Military Call to Active Duty

If called to active duty, a student should immediately present their orders to the Office of Student Services in advance either in writing or orally, unless the student cannot provide notice because the mission is classified. If possible, the student is requested to provide verification of the call to active duty by providing a copy of the service orders to the Office of Student Services. The student may also sign an affidavit attesting to such an order, which includes an address or telephone number where the Office of Student Services can verify the order. If the student provides advance notice of the call to active duty, the student should inform the Office of Student Services in writing one of the following options he or she chooses:

Students called to active duty may choose to be retroactively withdrawn from all courses. Students electing this option will receive a 100% refund for the course and the academic record will not show an attempt for the courses. If during the college drop period, a complete withdrawal resulting in all tuition and fee charges removed and refunded.
Students called to active duty may choose to withdraw from some of their courses. (This option will generally apply to those students enrolled in a combination of traditional and online courses but is not limited to those students). For those courses in which the student elects to withdraw, a 100% refund of tuition and fees for those courses only will be issued and the academic record adjusted to remove the course attempt. Students should work closely with the Office of Student Services to determine the implications to financial aid, if any.
Students called to active duty may elect to receive a grade of "Incomplete" if the student has completed a minimum of 75 percent of the required coursework and is currently passing the course with a grade of “C” of higher. There will not be any tuition or fee adjustment for courses assigned "I" grades. The incomplete grade must be removed by the completion of the necessary requirements of the course within one regular semester or the student will receive a grade of “F” for the course. The student is required to complete their work at a time determined by the instructor.
Students called to active duty may elect to receive a final grade based solely on the work completed in the course provided that the student has completed a minimum of 75 percent of the course requirements, as determined by the instructor. There will not be any tuition or fee adjustment for courses assigned grades.

A student receiving Veteran’s Benefits should notify the Office of Student Services in order to complete required documents.

A student receiving financial aid will be subject to the refund policies of the agencies sponsoring the aid.

Three Rivers College scholarship awards will be preserved for students holding such awards when called to active duty. These scholarship awards may be reclaimed by students returning from active duty for a period of five years after their release from active duty. Any federal grant or loan awards that the student may have received will be governed by the applicable policies established by the Department of Education.

A student who is living in a residence hall will receive a 100% refund for room and board. Room and board will only be refunded if the student chooses to withdraw from the semester completely. Students choosing any option other than total withdrawal from the college will receive no refund.

If a student is called to active duty in his or her last semester before graduation, the student should contact the Office of Student Services to determine if graduation requirements can be completed.

Any student required to withdraw due to a call of duty shall be given priority in registration upon return to the college for the semester immediately following his or her discharge from active duty.

Exceptions to this policy require approval of the Chief Student Services Officer and the Chief Academic Officer.

Readmission to the College

A student called to active duty for a period of more than 30 days, is entitled to reenroll at the college provided the student meets the following requirements:

the cumulative length of the student’s absences from the College because of service on active duty does not exceed five years (which period may be extended in certain cases, as provided by statute);
the student notifies the college upon completion of service that he or she intends to reenroll at the college; and
the student has not been discharged from the Armed Forces with a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge.

The college will readmit the student upon the student’s inquiry about returning to the college. The student will be readmitted with the same academic status as at the time they withdrew due to being called to active duty. The College agrees to admit the student:

To the same program to which he or she was last admitted by the institution or, if that program is no longer offered, the program that is most similar, unless the student requests or agrees to admission to a different program;
At the same enrollment status that the student last held at the institution, unless the student requests or agrees to admission at a different enrollment status;
With the same number of credit hours completed previously by the student, unless the student is readmitted to a different program to which the completed credits hours are not transferable;
With the same academic standing the student previously had.

DOCUMENT HISTORY:

09-19-2012:		Initial approval of regulation SR 2180 Military Duty.
09-16-2015:		Revision of position title Chief Student Success Officer to Chief Student Services Officer.
09-21-2016:		The College Board of Trustees approved the name change of the college from Three Rivers Community College to Three Rivers College. Clerical errors found and changed Office of Student Success to Office of Student Services.
02-28-2017:		Minor language changes in first paragraph.
10-18-2023:		Regulation name change to SR 2181 Military Duty to align with the primary policy SP 2180 Military Service and the associated regulation SR 2182 Military Education Benefits. Removed reference to textbook refund credits due to current Tiered Tuition and Resource Fee structure. Added Chief Academic Officer as a co-administrator.
11-19-2025:		Alterations to bring into alignment with new academic rules regarding incomplete work. General edits for readability.

SR 2182 Military Educations Benefits

Section: 2000 Students
Sub Section: 2100 Nondiscrimination and Student Rights
Title: SR 2182 Military Education Benefits
Primary Policy: SP 2180 Military Service
Associated Policies: IP 6111 Alternative College Credit; IP 6102 Transfer Credit; GAP 1320 Consumer Protection; SP 2710 Financial Aid Programs; SP 2215 Student Residency
Associated Regulations: SR 2181 Military Duty; SR 2750 Return of Title IV Information; IR 6111 Alternative College Credit; SR 2210 Admission Requirements; FR 3109 Student Refunds
References: 32 U.S.C. 502 (f)(1) or the authority of 10 U.S.C. 12301 (d) or 10 U.S. C. 12304; Federal Student Aid Handbook; DoD Voluntary Education Partnership MOU
Supersedes: NA
Responsible Administrator: Chief Student Services Officer
Initial Approval: 10-18-2023	Last Revision:

Three Rivers College is committed to supporting all military students including active duty, reserve, guard service members, veterans, spouses, and qualified dependents.

Three Rivers College does not provide any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments of federal financial aid, including Tuition Assistance (TA) funds, to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance. Three Rivers College refrains from high-pressure recruitment tactics such as unsolicited contacts (three or more) to secure service member enrollments. For more specific information refer to college Policy GAP 1320 Consumer Protection.

Service members should speak with their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrolling at Three Rivers College. All eligible service members will request Tuition Assistance through their branch of service.

The College designates a point of contact who will be the primary Veteran School Certifying Official (SCO). The Office of Financial Aid will designate additional certifying officials. The primary SCO will be trained and qualified for academic and financial advising to support service members seeking information on the Tuition Assistance (TA) program, the Department of Education Title IV funding, Veterans Affairs Education benefits and any institution-based services.

The School Certifying Official contact is assigned as the VA General Advisor upon admission for students who have indicated interest in military education benefits. Before offering, recommending, arranging, signing-up, dispersing, or enrolling service members for federal student loans, service members will have access to the SCO who is trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of the financial aid process, including but not limited to: academic counseling, financial aid counseling TA, Title IV, VA, and scholarship information. The general advisor will inform students of additional services provided such as disability services, career services, ACHIEVE program, academic tutoring, and testing services.

Alternative/Articulated/Transfer College Credit

The institution will disclose credit transfer agreements and policies regarding transfer credit to Service members prior to enrollment in the institution. This disclosure entails an evaluated educational plan that indicates how many, if any, transfer, articulated, or alternative credits will be applied toward the Service member’s educational program. Refer to College regulation IR 6111 Alternative College.

Degree Completion

Once a student declares a degree program, they will meet with the VA General Advisor to develop the educational plan which will include all classes required and the timeline for completion. All programs are in the college catalog and the student’s myTRCC self service module.

Tuition Rates

Active service members, veterans, and their IRS-defined dependents are charged in-district tuition without regard to current residency. Refer to College policy SP 2215 Student Residency. For spouses and dependents (who do not meet IRS required guidelines), tuition will be charged per U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regulations. Three Rivers College tuition rates will be updated once approved by the college via the Department of Defense (DoD) website.

In compliance with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 section 103, Three Rivers College will not impose any penalty including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries or other facilities, or the requirement that a Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 recipient borrow additional funds to cover the individual’s inability to meet their financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of a payment by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

Return of Unearned Tuition Assistance (TA) Funds

Three Rivers College is committed to working with Service members to identify solutions to assure coursework is completed. Students who cease attendance in class prior to having completed 60 percent of the semester will have TA funds returned to the Military Department according to the time frames listed below.

16-Week Courses
Time of Withdrawal	Amount Returned
Before/During Weeks 1 & 2	100 Percent
Weeks 3-4	75 Percent
Weeks 5-8	50 Percent
Weeks 9-11	40 Percent
Weeks 12-16	0 Percent-No return

8-Week Courses
Time of Withdrawal	Amount Returned
Before/During Week 1	100 Percent
Week 2	75 Percent
Weeks 3-4	50 Percent
Week 5	40 Percent
Weeks 6-8	0 Percent-No return

4-Week Courses
Time of Withdrawal	Amount Returned
Before/During Week 1	100 Percent
Week 2	50 Percent
Weeks 3	25 Percent
Week 4	0 Percent-No return

Military Duty

Three Rivers College supports those students who must withdraw during a semester because they have been called to active military duty. For more specific information refer to college policy SP 2180 Military Service and regulation SR 2181 Military Duty.

Loan Cohort Default Rate

The student loan Cohort Default Rate (CDR) for Three Rivers College will be distributed to students and staff twice a year. Information will include the default rate for the college, as well as the national average, and percentage of TRC student borrowers. See the Consumer Information page of the College website for additional information.

DOCUMENT HISTORY:

10-18-2023:

Initial approval of regulation SR 2182 Military Education Benefits.