In keeping with the mission of Bossier Parish Community College to provide instruction and service to its community, the Division of Student Services has adopted the following mission statement: To maximize student success in achieving a well-rounded education, the Student Services Division coordinates its services with all the other divisions within the College to enhance the educational experiences of the students and to support the mission of Bossier Parish Community College. To achieve this mission, the Division has established the following goals:
- To provide convenient access to appropriate educational opportunities to all.
- To maintain an effective student financial aid program.
- To increase student awareness and stimulate participation by students in seminars, programs, organizations, and activities offered on campus and in the community.
- To promote a well-rounded educational experience through participation in extracurricular activities including cheerleading, dance line, and athletic programs.
- To take reasonable steps to provide a healthful, safe, and secure campus community environment.
- To take reasonable steps to provide transparency, accountability, and education concerning domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking for our students, faculty, and staff in accordance with the Campus SaVE Act
- To promote appreciation for and understanding of the cultural, economic, and educational diversities among students, faculty, and staff.
- To expand community outreach efforts to recruit minority, under-represented, and diverse students.
BPCC is committed to the active involvement of students in all phases of College life, providing student services to assist and support students, and providing enrichment of their college experiences. The College has established procedures and policies to regulate student life, organizations, and activities. The responsibility for interpreting and enforcing these policies and procedures lies primarily with the Vice Chancellor for Student Services and the Student Life Committee. The College regulates the campus activities insofar as these activities relate to the educational or service objectives of the College. Please contact us at studentservices@bpcc.edu for information and assistance about Student Services.
Admissions/Registrar’s Office
Building F-Room 124
The Admissions/Registrar’s Office strives to help students reach their educational goals as well as assisting the faculty with their needs. For help with Admissions, please visit our web page at https://www.bpcc.edu/admissions/index or call 318-678-6004. Detailed information about Admissions requirements and procedures can also be found in the “Admissions ” section.
Financial Aid Office
Building F-Room 235
The Financial Aid Office provides assistance and counseling in completing the financial aid application, evaluation and determination of need. Front Counter Advisors and Verification Counselors are always available via email and phone. Verification counselors are also available on an appointment basis. Students can locate their Verification Counselor based on the last 4 digits of their SSN. For more information about Verification Counselors and Financial Aid Office, please visit our web page at https://www.bpcc.edu/admissions/financial-aid/index or call 318-678-6026.
Recruiting Office
Building A-Room 133
BPCC is a two-year coeducational college that is state supported. Our goal is to recruit prospective students area-wide through high school visits, career and college fairs, campus tours, and involvement within the community.
Besides academics, BPCC offers a variety of programs, intercollegiate teams, religious organizations, service groups, special interest groups, and student media groups for students to become involved in. We really do have something for everyone!
If you would like to visit our campus, please call 318-678-6033 and schedule a tour. Tour reservations are recommended. While on your tour, you will have the opportunity to experience the BPCC community. You will visit many service areas of the College and meet outstanding students as well as faculty and staff members who are always willing to serve our students.
The Recruiting Office is located in Building A, room 133.
For more information, please contact the Recruiting Office at 318-678-6033 or at recruiting@bpcc.edu.
Center for Student Success
The Center for Student Success delivers Academic Advising, Disability Services, and Career Services support across many disciplines to all students currently enrolled at BPCC at no cost. It also provides an individualized experience for student learners based on their academic and career goals.
Academic Advising Center
Building F-Room 250, located directly across from Financial Aid
The Academic Advising Center provides students with a wide range of services developed to ensure individual needs of the student are addressed in all aspects of the academic decision-making process. Students may call 318-678-6489 for information.
Comprehensive services include the following:
- academic advising
- transcript evaluation
In addition, the Academic Advising Center staff refers students to the appropriate college personnel to fully utilize available resources. Students are encouraged to view the Academic Advising Center web page at https://www.bpcc.edu/admissions/academic-advising-center/index .
Career Services
Building F-Room 242, located in the Academic Advising area
Students experience a positive atmosphere in which to explore career and employment options. The Office of Career Services seeks to empower students with the skills needed to excel at a four-year university or in entering the job market.
Current students and alumni are assisted in locating employment which is compatible with their job needs and educational objectives. Job opportunities include full-time, part-time, and temporary employment for both on and off campus. The use of electronic applications for students and employers and OPTIMAL RESUME enables Career Services to be of greater assistance in the registration and employment process for students, alumni, and employers. On campus job interviews with prospective employees are held throughout the year in addition to the annual Career Fairs held each fall and spring.
The office provides resume and cover letter writing and interview skills workshops. Student may call 318-678-6084 for information and/or to schedule an appointment to talk with Career Services staff. Students are also encouraged to view the Career Services web page under Student Services by visiting https://www.bpcc.edu/career-services.
Disability Services
Building F-Room 255
The Office of Disability Services coordinates campus-wide efforts to provide services and accommodations for students with disabilities. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the office ensures that eligible students receive proper classroom modification and serves as a liaison between faculty and students. Medical or psychological documentation is required to recognize a disability.
Categories of disabilities include:
- Physical impairment
- Sensory impairment (hearing or vision impaired)
- Learning disabilities
- Psychiatric/addictive disorder
To begin services, a registered BPCC student must not only provide the Disability Services with proper documentation, but must request assistance each semester.
In order to receive special accommodations for placement testing, students must make the request at least two weeks in advance of the test date. For more information about Disability Services, please visit the website at https://www.bpcc.edu/disability-services/index .
Athletics
Building I, the Gym
Bossier Parish Community College is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association. The athletic program at BPCC, which is an integral part of the institution, fosters the College’s mission of instruction and service. BPCC competes at the NJCAA Division 1 level in baseball, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, and men’s and women’s track & field. For more information about intercollegiate sports, students should contact the Athletic Department.
Building F-Room 104
The Campus Police Department is responsible for the safety and security of all persons on campus. Campus Police strives to reduce the amount of crime on campus.
Counseling Services
Building F-Room 251
The office of Campus Counselor exist to offer emergency and brief Counseling sessions for all BPCC students. This office will make assessments and referrals if needed for students to outside counseling agencies if long term sessions are needed. Faculty referrals can be done by accessing the faculty and staff referral form from the faculty/staff counseling services page on canvas. Students may also call to schedule an appointment by calling 318-678-6476 or can schedule by emailing ccoley@bpcc.edu.
Crisis Intervention
Building A-Office of Student Services
The Crisis Team (CT) was established by the College to support and strengthen safety and security efforts across the campus. The Crisis Team is made up of the Campus Counselor, one licensed counselor, a Life Coach, BPCC Confidential Advisors (https://www.bpcc.edu/current-students/student-services/campus-counselor-personal-crisis-intervention), and a representative from the BPCC Police Department. The Campus Counselor leads the team and reports directly to the Vice Chancellor for Student Services. The purpose of the Crisis Team is to provide immediate crisis intervention for faculty, staff, and students if needed and to serve as the referral team for counseling services, emergency basic needs, psychiatric and dependency assistance, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and other crisis situations.
Referrals for the Crisis Team should be made to the Campus Counselor (students) or the Director of Human Resources (faculty, staff).
Student Activities and Organizations
Since a well-rounded education involves more than attending classes, Bossier Parish Community College offers extracurricular activities to satisfy student’s needs. The College encourages the student body to become involved in any of the organizations and activities on campus. Offering something for everyone, these organizations give students ample opportunity to become involved in planning activities, making new friends, developing leadership qualities, and receiving recognition for a job well done.
A number of chartered student organizations are available to students. All College policies and the Code of Student Conduct will be adhered to while participating in any student activity or organization. Students will be allowed freedom of association with organizations, which promote the interests of the academic community or College. The membership policies and actions of a student organization will be determined by vote of only those persons who hold bona fide membership in the College community. Each student organization must have a faculty/unclassified staff advisor.
Student organizations are open to all students without regard to race, creed, or national origin. Students and student organizations are free to examine and discuss all questions of interest to them and are free to express opinions publicly and privately. Organizations are allowed to invite and hear any person of its choosing, in keeping with the educational objectives of the College. As members of the academic community, students are free to express their views on issues of institutional policy and on matters of general interest to the student body.
Student organizations may be chartered based upon the recommendations of the Student Government Association and approval by the Student Life Committee. Applications for chartering a new student organization and a list of current organizations may be obtained from the Office of Student Life.
Student Lounges
BPCC provides a student lounge area in Building F on the first floor. The student lounge is open each school day from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., except during special events. Charging stations, vending machines, and a Subway restaurant are located in this area.
Student Representation in College Governance
The Student Government Association (SGA) is elected to represent and execute the student will and to promote the general welfare of all students. Through the SGA, students are encouraged to provide input into the decision-making process of the College. The SGA office is located within the Office of Student Life (F220).
Students also have a voice in College governance through representation on the Academic Misconduct Appeals Committee, the College Planning Council, the Disciplinary Hearing Committee, the Student Self-Assessed Fee Oversight Committee, and the Student Technology Fee Committee. In addition, the open-door policy of campus administrators allows for additional student input.
Student opinion surveys and event evaluations following activities/events on campus provide students the opportunity to make recommendations concerning policies and procedures at BPCC.
Student Publications
Student publications at Bossier Parish Community College serve a valuable and necessary function. One of the primary reasons for their existence rests in the educational value for editors, staff, and the student body at large. Publications should be used as tools for the establishment and maintenance of free, responsible discussion and intellectual exploration. As vehicles for free expression in an academic community, student publications must be guaranteed sufficient editorial freedom.
At the same time, since the entire academic community is represented in part by student publications, the editors of such publications must recognize their commitment to responsible journalism in the avoidance of libel, indecency, undocumented allegations or personal attacks, and in fair representation of the student body and the College. In an attempt to ensure responsible journalism, all copy must be previewed by the advisor prior to publication.
Savoir Faire
The BPCC literary arts magazine is published annually. The magazine features original art, poetry, essays, short stories, one-act plays, and photographs by students. All contributions are welcome and encouraged. Information on the submission process is available at https://www.bpcc.edu/savoirfaire/.
Code of Student Conduct
Introduction
Student conduct in the environment of an institution of higher learning is expected to be exemplary at all times. The regulations listed within the Code of Student Conduct pertain to students and student life at Bossier Parish Community College. The Code of Student Conduct is promulgated by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Services under the power and authority delegated by the Board of Louisiana Community and Technical College Supervisors and through the Chancellor of the College. The Chancellor has delegated the Vice Chancellor for Student Services and the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs as the agencies responsible for the administration of discipline at Bossier Parish Community College.
- Section I: Acts that Constitute Sanctionable Misconduct
- Section II: Academic Misconduct
- Section III: Disciplinary Policies and Procedures
- Section: IV: Disciplinary Hearing Procedures
- Section V: Appeal Procedures
The Code of Student Conduct
In support of the mission of BPCC, the College expects its students, student organizations, and all members of the College community to respect the rights of others, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Louisiana and to obey all federal, state, and local laws, the rules and regulations of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Supervisors and of Bossier Parish Community College.
BPCC affirms the rights of a student to fair and reasonable resolution of problems, which may accompany the condition of his/her enrollment. The handling of discipline on the College campus is not a criminal proceeding and will follow College procedures.
Each student is responsible for reading and obeying all rules outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. Regulations are designed to create and promote a wholesome educational environment, which includes honesty, integrity, citizenship, and interacting/communicating with others in a respectful and civil manner. To this means, the College condemns hate speech, as well as epithets and slurs based on race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, etc.
The Articles of Section One list the offenses which may be punished, whether they are committed by a student acting singly or with other students or by members of a student organization, whether the violation occurs on or off College property, and whether or not any action is taken by civil authorities.
Student organizations are accountable for any actions or activities by a member acting singly or in concert with others that result in a violation of conduct standards.
The College may also impose discipline sanctions if an off campus violation causes the student to be a clear and present danger or threat to the College community or deters the College from its purposes, function, or goals.
Students suspended and/or expelled from another college or university for disciplinary reasons may not be allowed to enroll in Bossier Parish Community College
See web site for complete student conduct policies: https://www.bpcc.edu/current-students/student-handbook/student-services-general-policies-and-procedures
Student Grievance Procedures
BPCC affirms the rights of students to fair and judicial resolution of problems which may accompany conditions of their enrollment. Toward this end, the College maintains informal and open access to instructors and administrators as an avenue by which grievances may be discussed.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (P. L. 9-380) as amended (P. L. 93-568-Buckley Amendment), persons of any age who attend a postsecondary educational institution that receives federal funding are hereby informed of the right to inspect and review their official education records. Bossier Parish Community College considers attendance to begin on the first day of classes. Students should submit to the Registrar or another appropriate College official written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. If the records are not maintained by the College official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
BPCC assumes that all students are independent unless the parents document dependence. Parents may so document by showing that the student is listed as a dependent on the parents’ latest income tax return. Additionally, all students are encouraged to fill out the FERPA Access Code Form at the time of admission to the College. If the form is not delivered in person, a copy of a state or federal ID must be submitted with this form when emailed or faxed.
BPCC is responsible for maintaining student records and supervising the release of any information on its students. All records that contain information directly relating to a student and are maintained by BPCC or by a party acting for the institution are considered part of the student’s permanent record. The academic records at BPCC are housed in the Registrar’s Office. The discipline records are housed in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Services. The Campus Police Log is housed in the office of the Campus Police Chief. These records are used only for specified purposes. BPCC is committed to protect the right of privacy for all its students. When records are no longer pertinent to the student or the College, they are destroyed as indicated by College policy. Students are provided annual notification of FERPA rights in the Student Handbook. The College cannot deny a student access to his/her records, but may deny a student a copy of his/her education records when the student has an unpaid financial obligation to the College or an unresolved disciplinary action against him/her.
As provided by law, the College may release directory information unless the student requests that any or all such information be withheld. Requests must be made to the Admissions/Registrar’s Office by the end of the second week of class. The College identifies directory information as student’s name, student ID number, date and place of birth, address, telephone number, electronic mail address, major field of study, and participation in officially recognized activities and sports, to include height and weight of student-athletes, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, most recent previous school attendance, and photograph.
The College may release student education records without the written consent of the student:
- To school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, security, academic or research, or support staff position; or a student who is serving on an official committee, such as disciplinary or grievance committee or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility;
- To officials of another school, upon request, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll;
- To certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller General, and state and local education authorities in connection with certain state or federally supported education programs;
- In connection with the student’s request for receipt of financial aid;
- If required by state law;
- To organizations conducting studies;
- To accrediting organizations to carry out their functions;
- To parents who claimed the student for income tax purposes;
- To comply with a judicial order or a lawful subpoena;
- To appropriate parties in health or safety emergencies;
- For directory information so designated by the College; or
- As otherwise permitted by FERPA.
Correction of Educational Records
A student has the right to ask to have records corrected that he/she believes are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of his/her privacy rights. A student must notify the Admissions/Registrar’s Office or the Vice Chancellor for Student Services to request to amend the record.
If the College does not correct the student’s record, the student is entitled to a hearing before an impartial officer of the College. Students who feel that their rights have been abridged may file a complaint with The Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education.
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202 - 4605
For more information on FERPA, please visit the following links:
NOTE: Bossier Parish Community College is committed to protecting the privacy rights of students; even so, students must be cognizant of the limits to privacy protection inherent in the design of Internet communication technology.
Alcohol and Drug Free Campus Policy
Drug Free Schools and Communities Act
The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) requires the College to certify to the Department of Education that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees.
This program must include the following:
- Standards of conduct concerning the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of drugs, and the illegal use of alcohol by students and employees on College property or at any College activity;
- Description of legal sanctions;
- Clear statement of the College’s sanctions for violations;
- Description of any drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation services;
- Description of the health risks associated with use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol.
The information below is in compliance with the requirements of the Act.
Statement of Purpose
In an effort to assure compliance with Public Law 101-226, all facilities of BPCC are designated as Drug Free Zones. It is unlawful to possess, use, or distribute illicit drugs on BPCC property or at any College-sponsored event. Alcohol and drug use is a major issue in the community and on college campuses. Alcohol and drugs can seriously damage physical and mental health, as well as jeopardize personal and public safety. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption may lead to physical abuse, date rape, auto accidents, violence, and other behaviors which lead to self-destruction.
The College abides by all state, federal, and local laws pertaining to alcohol and will enforce underage drinking laws. BPCC policy prohibits the consumption, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages or other drugs in or on any College property or while participating in any College-sponsored trip or activity. All state, local, and federal laws are enforced and may result in disciplinary action by the College as well as criminal prosecution. Violation of the underage drinking laws will be enforced.
The College provides drug awareness seminars throughout the year as well as referral services to students, faculty, and staff who seek help with substance abuse problems. Please refer to the Career Services Center for further information.
Policy Statement
Alcohol use and abuse is a major issue in the community and on college campuses. Excessive alcohol consumption may lead to physical abuse, date rape, auto accidents, violence, and other behaviors which lead to self-destruction.
The College abides by all state and local laws pertaining to drinking and will enforce underage drinking laws. BPCC policy prohibits the consumption, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages in or on any College property or while participating in any College-sponsored trip. The use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs is prohibited.
Students may be charged with a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and be brought before the Disciplinary Hearing Committee for violations of the alcohol and drug policy. Sanctions for violations and procedures for conducting a hearing are listed in the Student Handbook. Sanctions may include–but are not limited to–counseling, suspension of privileges, community service, or suspension from the College.
College Sanctions
Complete sanctions and hearing procedures are described in the Code of Student Conduct section of the Student Handbook. Examples of sanctions may include suspension of privileges, community service, suspension, or expulsion from campus.
Programs with a Clinical Component
Upon acceptance into a program with a clinical component, each student will be required to sign an Authority to Release Drug and/or Alcohol Testing Records release form and is assessed a non-refundable drug screen fee. Drug testing can be performed randomly, selectively or as a group. Refusal of the program student to submit to a drug test or a positive drug screen indicating alcohol or drug use will result in the student’s immediate dismissal from the program.
A student who has been dismissed from a program for a positive drug screen indicating alcohol or drug use may reapply to the program from which he/she was dismissed or to another clinical program after a period of one year with the understanding that the positive drug screen will remain on his/her record. Should a student have another positive drug screen, the student will be dismissed from the program immediately and shall not be permitted to apply to any Bossier Parish Community College allied health program.
Programs with a clinical component also abide by regulations set forth by accreditation agencies, state and federal regulatory boards/agencies, and state and federal law. Program specific management of positive drug/alcohol screen results may vary due to these external requirements. Program specific management is outlined in the program handbook.
Alcohol and Drug 101
What kind of substance is alcohol?
Alcohol is classified as a depressant because it slows down the central nervous system, causing a decrease in motor coordination, reaction time and intellectual performance. At high doses, the respiratory system slows down drastically and can cause a coma or DEATH.
How does alcohol move through the body?
Once swallowed, a drink enters the stomach and small intestine, where small blood vessels carry it to the bloodstream. Approximately 20% of alcohol is absorbed through the stomach and most of the remaining 80% is absorbed through the small intestine. Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, where enzymes break down the alcohol. In general, the liver can process one ounce of liquor (or one standard drink) in one hour. If you consume more than this, your system becomes saturated, and the additional alcohol will accumulate in the blood and body tissues until it can be metabolized. This is why pounding shots or playing drinking games can result in high blood alcohol concentrations that last for several hours.
How much is “one” drink?
A standard drink contains about 14 grams (about 0.6 fluid ounces) of pure alcohol. Counting your drinks gets tricky when a drink container holds multiple standard drinks, such as a red cup or certain mixed drinks. Approximate standard drink equals to:
- 12 oz. of beer (Note: a red SOLO cup holds 16 oz.)
- 5 oz. table wine (Note: table wine bottles (typically 750 ml) hold five standard drinks)
- 8-9 oz. of malt liquor (Note: malt liquor is often sold in 16, 22, or 40 oz. containers that hold 2-5 standard drinks)
- 1.5 oz. of 80 proof liquor (Note: the same amount of liquors with higher alcohol content (above 80 proof) contain more than one standard drink)
What are some common effects of drinking alcohol? Alcohol may: **
- Cause mood swings.
- Make you less patient.
- Give you a false sense of confidence.
- Make you more aggressive.
- Impede your ability to make responsible decisions.
- Make you less cautious
Alcohol may impair: **
- Memory
- Muscle coordination
- Balance
- Sense of touch
- Hearing
- Sense of Control
- Your ability to react and form judgments
- Vision by decreasing
- Peripheral (side) vision
- Frontal vision and focusing
- Ability to recover from glare
- Number and speed of scans
- Depth perception
- Color sensitivity
**These effects increase substantially when alcohol is combined with other drugs**
What are the short-term risks of drinking?
When you’re drinking, one of the first things to go is your judgment. So, celebrating or having fun with friends can quickly turn into embarrassing yourself, getting hurt, throwing up or nursing a hangover. These statistics show the very real risks of drinking in college:
- 70% of college students admit to engaging in unplanned sexual activity primarily as a result of drinking or to having sex they wouldn’t have had if they had been sober.
- At least 1 out of 5 college students abandons safer sex practices when they’re drunk, even if they do protect themselves when they’re sober.
- Heavy drinkers consistently have lower grades.
- One night of heavy drinking can impair your ability to think abstractly and grasp difficult concepts for as long as a month.
*Content adapted from information found at Foundation for a DrugFreeworld.org*
Alcohol Poisoning
What is Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol Poisoning occurs when someone has consumed more alcohol than their body can safely metabolize. Warning Signs Include:
- Won’t wake up
- Vomiting while passed out
- Slow/Irregular Breathing
- Extreme Confusion
- Pale Skin
What do you do?
- Call 911 immediately.
- Do not let them “sleep it off”. Even though the person may have stopped drinking, alcohol continues to be released into the bloodstream and alcohol levels continue to rise. If left alone, the person’s symptoms could get worse.
- Do not try to make the person vomit. Someone who is very drunk has an impaired gag reflex and may choke on their vomit or accidentally inhale vomit into their lungs.
- Turn the person on their side to prevent choking while vomiting.
- Stay calm.
What Happens If I Don’t Do Anything?
If someone with alcohol poisoning is left untreated, they can suffer from:
- hypothermia (severe low body temperature)
- heart beats become irregular or stop
- breathing slows, becomes irregular or stops
- severe dehydration
- death
Even if the person lives, an alcohol overdose can cause irreversible brain damage.
Not Sure? Call 911.
- Not sure if you should call? Just Call 911. Let the medical professionals make the educated decision.
- Serious medical repercussions or death are obviously worse than a hospital bill.
Black Outs
- A blackout is caused by the intake of any substance that disrupts the creation of long term memory.
- Alcohol also affects the functioning of the hippocampus, which affects emotion, memory, and learning capabilities.
Blackouts (“alcoholic or drug related amnesia”) occur when people lose or have no memory of what happened while intoxicated. These periods may last from a few hours to several days. During a blackout, someone may appear fine to others; however, cannot remember parts of the night and what they did. The cause may involve the brain’s diminished ability to store short term memory, deep seizures, or in some cases, psychological depression. Blackouts shouldn’t be confused with “passing out,” which happens when people lose consciousness from drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Anyone who loses consciousness has reached a very dangerous level of intoxication and could slip into a coma.
*information adapted from Wikipedia “Blackouts (drug related amnesia)”*
How can I prevent a blackout?
- Blackouts tend to occur after rapid consumption of alcohol, especially on an empty stomach.
- It’s not how much you drink, but how fast you drink.
- Avoid chugging or gulping alcoholic beverages.
- Eat a meal before you begin drinking.
Types of Blackouts
True blackout:
- No details are remembered
- People tend to fall asleep before it’s over
- Conversations and behaviors are only stored for 2 minutes or less
- Memory is intact for 2 minutes or less
Partial blackouts (brown-out)
- More common than full blackouts
- Partial blockade of memory function
- Missing information but some memory recall
Hang Overs
What is a hangover and can I prevent it?
Hangovers are the body’s withdrawal symptoms from alcohol use and the body’s reaction to the toxicity of alcohol. The severity of symptoms varies according to the individual and the quantity of alcohol consumed.
Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Headache
- Thirst
- Nausea
- Vomiting
There are many myths about how to prevent or alleviate hangovers, and many different approaches to relieve the effects of “the morning after, but the only safe way to prevent a hangover is to drink in moderation:
- Eat a good dinner and continue to snack throughout the night.
- Alternate one alcoholic drink with one non-alcoholic drink. (Water is a GREAT choice)
- Avoid drinking games or shots. Drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short amount of time is the most likely way to become dangerously intoxicated.
Here are some of the things that WON’T help a hangover:
- Drinking a little more alcohol the next day. This simply puts more alcohol in your body and prolongs the effects of the alcohol intoxication.
- Having caffeine while drinking will not counteract the intoxication of alcohol; you simply get a more alert drunk person. Excessive caffeine will continue to lower your blood sugar and dehydrate you even more than alcohol alone.
- Cold Showers will only make you cleaner not sober or help with a hangover.
- Giving water to someone who is throwing up. Once the stomach is irritated enough to cause vomiting, it doesn’t matter what you put into it – it’s going to come back up. Any liquid will cause a spasm reaction and more vomiting.
- Tylenol (Acetaminophen) may help with a headache, but the liver is on overdrive getting rid of the alcohol. Acetaminophen will only make it work harder and may become lethal.
Here are some things that MIGHT help a hangover:
- Hydrate, Hydrate, HYDRATE!! Drink plenty of water and juice.
- Eat a healthy meal. Processing alcohol causes a drop in blood sugar and can contribute to headaches.
- An over-the-counter antacid (Tums, Pepto Bismol or Maalox) may relieve some of the symptoms of an upset stomach.
- Simple sugars from soft drinks and candy get used up quickly. Eat complex carbohydrates like breads, cereals or pasta.
Mixing Drugs/Alcohol
Alcohol and Energy Drinks/Caffeine:
When using Red Bull or Monster as a mixer or drinking pre-mixed drinks like Four Loko or Sparks, you are tricking your body into thinking it’s not tired. Your body is more intoxicated than you may feel, which can lead to alcohol poisoning. Energy drinks also increase dehydration which leads to hangovers the next day. Those who consumed both alcohol and caffeine were at least two times as likely – compared to those drinking alcohol without caffeine – to be hurt, need medical attention, take sexual advantage of another, or accept a ride with someone who was inebriated.
Alcohol and Adderall:
Adderall causes one to feel like they are not as drunk as they really are. This can lead to making very dangerous decisions since you are unaware of your level of intoxication. Because alcohol is a depressant and Adderall is a stimulant, drinking alcohol while taking Adderall can cause cardiac arrhythmias, and paranoid or psychotic reactions, on top of the risks of vomiting, dizziness, muscle twitching and headaches that are more likely to increase when mixed with alcohol.
When prescribed Adderall, patients are advised not to drink alcohol. The side-effects could be much more dangerous for students using Adderall without a prescription.
Alcohol and Painkillers:
Includes: Vicodin, Xanax, Oxycontin, Percocet, Demerol, Norco, etc.
Mixing painkillers with alcohol is dangerous. The mixture of these two substances can lead to intensified sedative effects and respiratory depression. Painkillers can lead to liver problems and disease when used recreationally, the mixture of this drug with alcohol can intensify these side-effects.
Alcohol and Marijuana:
Mixing these two substances can cause heavy vomiting, spins, very strong paranoia, decreased motor control and decreased mental concentration. Also, because marijuana suppresses the gag reflex, you may not be able to throw up alcohol when your body needs to.
Alcohol and Cocaine:
These two substances are commonly mixed with the thought that they cancel each other out; this is NOT TRUE. Combining cocaine and alcohol produces a high amount of a third unique substance, called cocaethylene. A high amount of cocaethylene in the body increases the already harmful risk of cardiovascular toxicity to a much higher extent than any other drug. Cardiovascular toxicity causes pressure and stress on the heart.
Alcohol and Heroin:
Each of these substances alone causes depression of the central nervous system, so the mixture of the two is extremely dangerous and has been proven to be fatal.
Alcohol and Ecstasy:
It is very well known that one should never mix ecstasy with any other drug substance, especially alcohol. It is known that most ecstasy related deaths have been due to the mixture of alcohol with the drug. When the two are mixed the alcohol reduces the feeling of the ecstasy’s high and puts a much greater strain on the kidneys. Also, dehydration caused by drinking alcohol occurs more rapidly when on ecstasy.
Alcohol and LSD/Acid:
Alcohol is mixed with LSD to take down or slow down the effects and relax. However, more commonly combining alcohol can make the comedown of the drug much worse with extreme nausea and vomiting.
Alcohol and Amphetamines:
Amphetamines alone are very risky because of the strain on the heart and the increase in blood pressure. When mixing alcohol with amphetamines side-effects can become much more serious. Consuming alcohol while taking amphetamines can make someone act very aggressive and irresponsible; it is extremely harmful to the kidneys and intensifies hangover effects.
Alcohol and Antibiotics:
It is important to always read the labels on prescription medications and adhere to the warnings about alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol while on antibiotics can cause nausea, dizziness, vomiting, fatigue and in some cases convulsions, immense headache, flushing, rapid heart rate and shortness of breath. Since antibiotics and alcohol are both broken down through the liver the combination of these substances can result in liver damage. This combination also diminishes the effects of the antibiotics you are taking. Try to focus on getting healthy again. You’ll probably enjoy drinking more once you’re healthy anyway.
Alcohol and Antidepressants
Combining alcohol with antidepressants (Zoloft, Prozac, etc.) can cause an increased response to alcohol – For example, having one drink might feel like two. Also, the combination might create unexpected emotions and inhibit the antidepressant from doing what it’s supposed to do. If it is a new prescription, try it out without drinking alcohol so you are familiar with your body’s reaction first and ask your doctor if you have problems.
Alcohol and Antihistamines:
Drinking alcohol while taking antihistamines can cause a less effective outcome of the medication. Your body will choose to metabolize the alcohol before the antihistamines. Labels typically suggest you stay away from alcohol all together when on antihistamines so it is very important to always check any label on the drug.
Alcohol and Birth Control Pills:
Birth control pills take three full hours to get into your blood stream and be effective. If you vomit due to drinking or any other causes before that three hour window, the effectiveness of birth control pills is diminished. Mixing alcohol and birth control can make some people feel nauseous, which can cause vomiting.
*information adapted from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the University of Rochester Health Service *
Sobering Up
Question: What’s the best way to sober up?
- take a cold shower
- drink black coffee
- exercise
- eat bread
- make yourself throw up
Answer: None of the above!
The amount of alcohol in your blood is controlled by the metabolic rate of the liver. The only effective thing that will sober someone up is time.
FYI- It takes as many hours to sober up as the number of drinks ingested. Even after a night’s sleep, someone can still wake up with a BAC over .08, which is legally drunk in Louisiana.
Louisiana DUI Laws/Penalties for D.U.I. or D.W.I.
(As Stated at www.Legis.State.La.Us)
First conviction
- Offender shall be fined $300-$1000
- imprisoned for 10 days to 6 months
- Probation with a minimum condition of two days in jail and a court-approved substance abuse program and participate in a court-approved driver improvement program
- May be ordered to variety of community service projects
Second Conviction
- Offender shall be fined $750-$1000
- Imprisoned for 30 to 6 months
- 48 mandatory jail time without parole or suspension of sentence
- May be ordered to variety of community service projects
- Probation includes 15 day jail stay and substance abuse training.
Third Conviction
- Offender shall be fined $2000
- Imprisoned for 1-5 years
- 30 eight-hour days of community service
- Psychological evaluation
- Must participate in a appointed treatment program
Penalties for Drunk Driving Vehicular Homicide
- Vehicular Homicide: Not less than 5 years (3 years mandatory) or more than 30 years and not less than $2,000 or more than $15,000. LA R.S. § 14:32.1(B).
For further information you may contact us at studentservices@bpcc.edu.
Campus Free Expression Policy
Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) values the freedoms of speech, expression, and assembly in its college environment. In accordance with the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution of Louisiana, and ACT 666 of the 2018 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature (Louisiana Campus Free Expression Law), students, administrators, faculty members, staff members, and invited guests who wish to assemble and engage in noncommercial expressive activities on the public areas of BPCC’s campus shall be permitted to do so freely, as long as the conduct is not unlawful and does not materially and substantially disrupt the functioning of the campus.
BPCC will strive to ensure the fullest degree of intellectual freedom and free expression by its students, administrators, faculty members, staff members, and invited guests who are lawfully present on the campus. In addition, any persons lawfully on BPCC’s campus have the freedom to discuss any topic that presents itself, as provided under the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America and Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution of Louisiana, and other applicable laws. In addition, any person lawfully present on campus may protest or demonstrate freely in public areas as long as such protests and demonstrations do not infringe upon the constitutional rights of others to engage in or listen to expressive activity by creating a substantial and material disruption to the functioning of the campus or to someone’s expressive activity. It is not the proper role of this institution to shield individuals from speech protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America and Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution of Louisiana, and other applicable laws, including without limitation, ideas and opinions the individuals find unwelcome, disagreeable, or even deeply offensive.
Public areas are outdoor areas of BPCC’s campus, are considered traditional public forums, and are open to expressive activities. These public areas include grassy areas, walkways, or other similar common areas but do not include areas where access is restricted including but not limited to classrooms, faculty and staff offices, administrative offices, service area offices, the Learning Commons (Tutoring Center), or any areas where students are engaging in learning activities, or faculty, staff, and administration are performing their official duties. All expressive activities, protests, or demonstrations must be held during normal working hours of the College. Such activities are not permitted when the campus is closed.
Students who feel aggrieved by a violation of this policy should contact the Vice Chancellor for Student Services. Faculty or staff who feel aggrieved by a violation of this policy should contact the Director of Human Resources.
This policy supersedes and nullifies any provision in the policies and procedures of the College that restrict speech on campus.
Sexual Misconduct Policy
Policy Statement
The Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) is committed to providing a learning and working environment free of sexual discrimination and sexual misconduct. As such, Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC), as a member of the LCTCS, prohibits sexual discrimination and sexual misconduct, as provided in Title IX and other applicable laws, for all individuals who participate in institutional activities and programs, including online instruction.
Sexual discrimination and sexual misconduct violates an individual’s fundamental rights and personal dignity. BPCC considers sexual discrimination and sexual misconduct in any form to be a serious offense. This policy has been developed to reaffirm these principles and to provide recourse for individuals whose rights have been violated. This policy establishes the mechanism for determining when rights have been violated in employment, student life, campus support services, and/or an academic environment.
Definitions
Sexual Misconduct is a sexual act or contact of a sexual nature that occurs, regardless of personal relationship, without the consent of the other person(s), or that occurs when the person(s) is unable to give consent or whose consent is coerced or obtained in a fraudulent manner. For the purpose of this Policy, sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to, sexual assault, sexual abuse, violence of a sexual nature, sexual harassment, non-consensual sexual intercourse, sexual exploitation, video voyeurism, contact of a sexual nature with an object, or the obtaining, posting or disclosure of intimate descriptions, photos, or videos without the express consent of the persons depicted therein, as well as dating violence, domestic violence and stalking.
BPCC shall use the federal and state definitions of the following terms when making all decisions regarding sexual misconduct including publication of definitions, disciplinary decisions, Clery reporting decisions, campus climate decisions, and training and prevention decisions. If there are any changes to state and federal law, definitions must be amended to reflect any changes to federal and state laws and regulations.
- Sexual Assault as defined by the Clery Act: An offense that meets the definition of rape, fondling, incest, or statutory rape as used in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program
- Sexual Assault as defined by Louisiana State Law:
- Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse: Having or attempting to have sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, or fellatio without consent. Sexual intercourse is defined as anal or vaginal penetration by a penis, tongue, finger, or inanimate object.
- Non-Consensual Sexual Contact: Any intentional sexual touching, or attempted sexual touching, without consent.
- Sexual Exploitation: An act attempted or committed by a person for sexual gratification, financial gain, or other advancement through the abuse or exploitation of another person’s sexuality. Examples of sexual exploitation include, but are not limited to, non-consensual observation of individuals who are undressed or engaging in sexual acts, non-consensual audio- or videotaping of sexual activity, prostituting another person, allowing others to observe a personal consensual sexual act without the knowledge or consent of all involved parties, and knowingly exposing an individual to a sexually transmitted infection without that individual’s knowledge.
- Stalking as defined by Clery Act: Intentional and repeated following OR harassing that would cause a reasonable person to feel alarmed OR that would cause a reasonable person to suffer emotional distress OR intentional and repeated uninvited presence at another person’s: home, work place, school, or any other place which would cause a reasonable person to be alarmed OR would cause a reasonable person to suffer emotional distress as a result of verbal or behaviorally implied threats of death, bodily injury, sexual assault, kidnapping or any other statutory criminal act to the victim OR any member of the victim’s family OR any person with whom the victim is acquainted. 34 CFR 668.46(a)(ii)
- Stalking as defined by Louisiana State Law: Stalking is the intentional and repeated following or harassing of another person that would cause a reasonable person to feel alarmed or to suffer emotional distress. Stalking shall include but not be limited to the intentional and repeated uninvited presence of the perpetrator at another person’s home, workplace, school, or any place which would cause a reasonable person to be alarmed, or to suffer emotional distress as a result of verbal or behaviorally implied threats of death, bodily injury, sexual assault, kidnaping, or any other statutory criminal act to himself or any member of his family or any person with whom he is acquainted. La. RS § 14:40.2(A) “Harassing” means the repeated pattern of verbal communications or nonverbal behavior without invitation which includes but is not limited to making telephone calls, transmitting electronic mail, sending messages via a third party, or sending letters or pictures. “Pattern of conduct” means a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing an intent to inflict a continuity of emotional distress upon the person. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of pattern of conduct. La. RS § 14:40.2(C)
- Domestic Violence definition in Clery Act: Violence, including but not limited to sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse, committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner or any other person from whom the alleged victim is protected under federal or Louisiana law. Felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed:
- By a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim;
- By a person with whom the victim shares a child in common;
- By a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner;
- By a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred; or
- By any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred.
- Family Violence definition in Louisiana State Law: means any assault, battery, or other physical abuse which occurs between family or household members, who reside together or who formerly resided together. La. RS § 46.2121.1 (2)
- Domestic Abuse definition in Louisiana State Law: Includes but is not limited to physical or sexual abuse and any offense against the person as defined in the Criminal Code of Louisiana, except negligent injury and defamation, committed by one family or household member against another. La. RS 46:2132(3)
- Dating Violence definition in Clery Act: Violence, including but not limited to sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse, committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the alleged victim. The existence of such a relationship will be determined based on a consideration of the length and type of relationship and the frequency of interaction.
- Dating Violence definition in Louisiana State Law: “Dating violence” includes but is not limited to physical or sexual abuse and any offense against the person as defined in the Criminal Code of Louisiana, except negligent injury and defamation, committed by one dating partner against the other. La. RS § 46.2151(C) For purposes of this Section, “dating partner” means any person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim and where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:
- The length of the relationship.
- The type of relationship.
- The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
Although the following definitions are not defined by state and/or federal law, the following definitions shall also be used in institutional policy and in the implementation thereof by all LCTCS institutions.
- Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature when i) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person’s employment or education; ii) submission to or rejection of such conduct by a person is used as the basis for a decision affecting that person’s employment or education; or iii) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a person’s employment or education, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment or educational environment, and has no legitimate relationship to the subject matter of a course or academic research. Sexual harassment also includes non-sexual harassment or discrimination of a person because of the person’s sex and/or gender, including harassment based on the person’s nonconformity with gender stereotypes. For purposes of this Policy, the various forms of prohibited sexual harassment are referred to as “sexual misconduct.”
- Retaliation: Acts or attempted acts for the purpose of interfering with any report, investigation, or proceeding under this Policy, or as retribution or revenge against anyone who has reported Sexual Misconduct or Relationship Violence or who has participated (or is expected to participate) in any manner in an investigation, or proceeding under this Policy. Prohibited retaliatory acts include, but are not limited to, intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination. Title IX prohibits Retaliation. For purposes of this Policy, an attempt requires a substantial step towards committing a violation.
- Consent: Consent to engage in sexual activity must exist from beginning to end of each instance of sexual activity. Consent is demonstrated through mutually understandable words and/or actions that clearly indicate a willingness to engage in a specific sexual activity. Silence alone, without actions evidencing permission, does not demonstrate consent. Consent must be knowing and voluntary. To give consent, a person must be of legal age. Assent does not constitute consent if obtained through coercion or from an individual whom the Alleged Offender knows or reasonably should know is incapacitated. The responsibility of obtaining consent rests with the person initiating sexual activity. Use of alcohol or drugs does not diminish one’s responsibility to obtain consent. Consent to engage in sexual activity may be withdrawn by any person at any time. Once withdrawal of consent has been expressed, the sexual activity must cease. Consent is automatically withdrawn by a person who is no longer capable of giving consent. A current or previous consensual dating or sexual relationship between the persons involved does not itself imply consent or preclude a finding of responsibility.
- Incapacitation: An individual is considered to be incapacitated if, by reason of mental or physical condition, the individual is manifestly unable to make a knowing and deliberate choice to engage in sexual activity. Being drunk or intoxicated can lead to Incapacitation; however, someone who is drunk or intoxicated is not necessarily incapacitated, as incapacitation is a state beyond drunkenness or intoxication. Individuals who are asleep, unresponsive or unconscious are incapacitated. Other indicators that an individual may be incapacitated include, but are not limited to, inability to communicate coherently, inability to dress/undress without assistance, inability to walk without assistance, slurred speech, loss of coordination, vomiting, or inability to perform other physical or cognitive tasks without assistance.
- Coercion: is the use of express or implied threats, intimidation, or physical force which places an individual in fear of immediate harm or physical injury or causes a person to engage in unwelcome sexual activity. Coercion also includes administering a drug, intoxicant, or similar substance with the intent to impair that person’s ability to consent prior to engaging in sexual activity.
- Responsible Employee: Each institution must designate and publish the names and contact information for easily accessible institution employees as responsible employees who have the authority to take action to redress sexual violence and have been given the duty of reporting incidents of sexual violence or any other misconduct by students to the Title IX Coordinator or other appropriate school designee. However, an institutional decision to make all institution employees mandatory reporters of suspected or known sexual harassment or sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator or other appropriate school designee does not render all institutional employees to be responsible employees. Employees who are authorized or required by law to keep information confidential by virtue of the employee’s professional role such as counseling staff or similar shall not be designated as mandated reporters of sexual harassment or as responsible employees.
- Sexually-Oriented Criminal Offense: Any sexual assault offense as defined in: La.R.S. 44:51 and any sexual abuse offense as defined in R.S. 14:403.
- Complainant: An individual whose report of sexual misconduct has not yet been investigated and validated.
- Victim: An individual who, after all due investigation and/or adjudication, has been found to be the target of sexual misconduct.
- Respondent: An individual against whom a sexual misconduct complaint is brought, which complaint has not yet been validated through investigation and/or adjudication.
- Perpetrator: An individual found guilty of sexual misconduct.
- Confidential Advisor: The confidential advisor primarily serves to aid a student involved in a sexual misconduct complaint in the resolution process as a confidential resource. As suggested by the term “confidential advisor,” confidential communications with the advisor will be kept confidential in all circumstances except where the institution or advisor may be required to disclose the communications under state and federal laws. For example, an institution may be compelled by law to disclose communications between the student and his/her confidential advisor if directed by the court in civil litigation. Each institution shall designate individuals who shall serve as confidential advisors.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all BPCC students, staff, and faculty, without regard to sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression.
This policy shall apply to conduct that occurs on BPCC’s campus, at BPCC college-sponsored activities, and/or when the student or employee is representing BPCC. BPCC shall have discretion to extend jurisdiction over conduct that occurs off-campus when the conduct adversely and significantly affects the learning environment or BPCC community and would be a violation of this Policy and/or any applicable campus policy or code of conduct, if the conduct had occurred on campus. In determining whether or not to extend jurisdiction, BPCC may consider, among other factors, its ability to gather information and effect a resolution. BPCC may extend jurisdiction (over off-campus conduct) if the alleged conduct by the student or employee:
- Involved violence or produced reasonable fear of physical harm; and/or
- Involved any other members of the BPCC community or any academic work, records, documents, or property of BPCC.
Complaint Submission and Processing
- Initial Review of Complaint
The Campus Title IX Coordinator shall conduct or supervise the initial review of the complaint, with such assistance, as needed and/or appropriate under the circumstances, from other campus administrators with responsibilities relevant to the nature of the complaint. A complaining or responding student or employee has the right to a confidential advisor at any stage of this process. The initial review of the complaint shall be concluded as quickly as possible, within a reasonable amount of time in a manner that is adequate, reliable, and impartial.
To ensure a prompt and thorough initial review, the complainant should provide as much of the following information as possible. A complaint may be submitted anonymously or by an individual who is not a party to the alleged violation. This may, but is not required to be, provided in writing, and may include:
- The name, organization, department, and position of the person or persons allegedly violating this Policy;
- A description of the incident(s), including the date(s), location(s), and the presence of any witness(es);
- If the complainant is an employee, the alleged effect of the incident(s) on the complainant’s position, salary, benefits, promotional opportunities, or other terms of conditions of employment;
- The name(s) of other student(s) or employee(s) who might have been subject to the same or similar conduct; and/or
- Any other information the complainant believes to be relevant to the alleged sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
- Resolution Procedures
BPCC shall have both an informal and formal resolution procedure for alleged violations of this Policy. Both procedures will be implemented by individuals who have received training on issues related to sexual discrimination and sexual misconduct and will utilize a preponderance of the evidence standard, throughout the process, with respect to determinations as to whether or not there has been a violation of this Policy. In both procedures, information obtained regarding the complaint will be treated as privately as possible, with only those with a need to know being informed of the complaint. The complainant and the responding student or employee has the right to one confidential advisor at any stage of the informal resolution process or formal resolution process.
As set forth below, an informal resolution procedure is available under certain circumstances. If after the initial review the Campus Title IX Coordinator finds that reasonable cause exists to believe that this Policy has been violated, the Campus Title IX Coordinator or designee will determine whether the informal resolution procedure is appropriate. If it is not appropriate, a full investigation is required (formal resolution process).
If the Campus Title IX Coordinator or designee determines that the informal resolution process is appropriate, the complainant and responding person shall be advised of the informal resolution procedure. If both consent in writing, the informal resolution procedure will be followed, without further investigation, unless the informal resolution is unsuccessful.
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Informal Resolution
The use of the informal resolution procedure is optional and must be agreed upon by all parties involved. Informal procedures are not appropriate for, or applied in, cases involving violence or non-consensual sexual intercourse. An attempt to informally resolve the complaint shall be made or supervised by the Campus Title IX Coordinator and should be concluded within sixty (60) calendar days of the decision to pursue informal resolution. Such informal resolution can include meeting with each party to the complaint; review of any initial findings; recommending reassignment, separation or monitoring of the parties; a mediated or facilitated meeting with the parties (however, no complainant shall ever be required to meet with the responding person in an informal resolution); and any other actions deemed appropriate by the parties and the institution.
Once the informal resolution procedure is complete, written notification of the proposed resolution shall be given to all parties. Any party dissatisfied with the outcome of the informal resolution procedure has the right to make a written request, within fifteen (15) calendar days of written notification of the proposed resolution, to the Campus Title IX Coordinator, that the formal resolution procedure, set forth below, be pursued.
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Formal Resolution
The formal resolution procedure will be followed: if the Campus Title IX Coordinator deems the informal procedure inappropriate for the alleged offense; if any persons involved in the complaint do not wish to engage in the informal procedure; if an attempt to utilize the informal procedure has been unsuccessful; or, if any party is unsatisfied with the outcome of the informal resolution process. In such cases, at the recommendation of the Campus Title IX Coordinator and after an initial review, a trained investigator or the Campus Title IX Coordinator will conduct a full investigation into the facts and circumstances of the complaint. If a trained investigator is used to conduct the full investigation, the investigator shall be authorized and assigned as investigator by the Campus Title IX Coordinator. Investigators may include, but not be limited to, employees from human resources, student services, or student life. The investigation may include in-person interviews with all parties involved and interviews of any direct witnesses. The investigator may also collect and review any documents or other relevant information to include but not limited to photographs, video recordings, or other social media. All parties to the complaint will:
- Be provided written notice regarding the details of the alleged violation of this Policy prior to the initiation of the full investigation
- Have an opportunity to identify pertinent evidence to be considered by the investigator
- Have an opportunity to identify witnesses to be interviewed
The investigator will present a written investigative summary, based on a preponderance of the evidence standard, and will submit the summary to the Campus Title IX Coordinator, who will notify the appropriate Campus offices. The complainant and the individual who is the subject of the complaint will be notified in writing of the results of the investigation. Information obtained regarding the complaint will be treated as confidentially as possible (as set forth herein) with only those with a legitimate educational interest being informed of the complaint and the outcome of the investigation.
Withholding of Transcripts for those Accused of Sexual Misconduct
If a student accused of a sexually-oriented criminal offense seeks to transfer to another institution during an investigation, the institution will withhold the student’s transcript until such investigation is complete and a final decision has been made. The institution will inform the respondent of the institution’s obligation to withhold the transcript during the investigation.
Communication with other Postsecondary Institutions
If a student is found responsible for sexually-oriented criminal offenses upon the completion of an investigation and seeks to transfer to another institution, the institution will communicate such a violation, when the institution becomes aware of the student’s attempt to transfer, with the institution(s) to which the student seeks to transfer or has transferred.
Confidential Advisors
Complainants and responding students or employees have the right to one confidential advisor at any stage of the informal resolution or formal resolution process. BPCC will designate an appropriate number of individuals to serve as confidential advisors (as determined by the Board of Regents) and will make the names and contact information for these individuals available on the institution’s website.
Individuals designated as confidential advisors shall complete online training developed by the Louisiana Attorney General in collaboration with the Board of Regents by the 2016-2017 academic year.
The confidential advisor shall, to the extent authorized under law, provide confidential services to students and/or employees involved in a complaint. The confidential advisor may, when directed to do so by the complainant or respondent:
- Serve as a liaison between a complainant or respondent and the institution or local law enforcement.
- Accompany the complainant or respondent to interviews and other proceedings of a campus investigation and institutional disciplinary proceedings.
- Advise the complainant or respondent of, and provide written information regarding, both the complainant’s or respondent’s rights and the institution’s responsibilities regarding orders of protection, no-contact orders, restraining orders, or similar lawful orders issued by a course of competent jurisdiction or by the institution.
The confidential advisor must be authorized by the institution to liaise with appropriate staff at the institution to arrange reasonable accommodations. Any requests for accommodations shall not trigger an investigation by the institution.
The confidential advisor shall not be obligated to report crimes to the institution or law enforcement in a way that identifies an alleged victim or an accused individual, unless otherwise required to do so by law.
Disciplinary Action
BPCC will take appropriate action against any person found to be in violation of this
Policy (Note: violations of this Policy may subject an individual to civil or criminal liability under state or federal law).
When an employee is deemed to have violated this Policy, the Campus Title IX Coordinator and Human Resource Management will jointly determine the appropriate disciplinary action, or recommendation for disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and/or BPCC/LCTCS policies.
For violations involving students, except when acting in the capacity of an employee, the appropriate campus office for student services or student life will determine the appropriate action, pursuant to any applicable code of student conduct and/or policy/policies governing student conduct. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, deferred suspension, suspension, expulsion, class only restriction, and separation of employment (student).
Record Keeping
Records will be kept in accordance with Louisiana law and federal law. For students, records will be kept for 7 (seven) years, except in cases of suspension and expulsion, in which case the records shall be permanent. Employment actions will be filed in the employee’s respective Employee Relations file and will be kept on file permanently.
Retaliation
Retaliation against a person who has been subjected to sexual discrimination or sexual misconduct, or is assisting in the investigation of such a complaint, who in good faith brings a complaint of sexual discrimination or sexual misconduct, is prohibited and shall be a violation of this Policy and shall constitute misconduct subject to disciplinary action or other action, as described above. Any employee or student bringing a sexual discrimination or sexual misconduct complaint or assisting in the investigation of such a complaint will not be adversely affected in terms and conditions of employment and/or academic standing, nor discriminated against, terminated, or expelled because of the complaint.
Cooperation with Law Enforcement
BPCC will comply with law enforcement requests for cooperation and such cooperation may require an institution to temporarily suspend the fact-finding aspect of a Title IX investigation while the law enforcement agency is in the process of gathering evidence. BPCC will implement appropriate interim steps/remedies during any law enforcement agency’s investigation to provide for the safety of all parties to the complaint and the campus community. BPCC will promptly resume a Title IX investigation as soon as notified by law enforcement that it has completed the evidence gathering process.
BPCC will make diligent effort to enter into Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with local law enforcement and criminal justice agencies. Such MOUs will be updated every two years and may include:
- Delineation and sharing protocols of investigative responsibilities.
- Protocols for investigations, including standards for notification and communication and measures to promote evidence preservation.
- Agreed-upon training and requirements on issues related to sexually-oriented criminal offenses for the purpose of sharing information and coordinating training to the extent possible.
- A method of sharing general information about sexually-oriented criminal offenses occurring within the jurisdiction of the parties to the MOU in order to improve campus safety.
- Assurances that local peace officers in addition to each full-time college or university police officer complete a sexual assault program required by state law La. R.S. 17: 1805(H); 40:2405.8(A); (C)(l).
Reporting of Campus Crime Statistics
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics (Clery Act) is a federal law which requires colleges that participate in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose information about crime on, and near their respective campuses. BPCC will adhere to all requirements of the Clery Act and Section 304 of the Violence against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VA W A), which extends the Clery Act to include dating violence, domestic violence and stalking.
Responsible Employees
BPCC will designate and publish the names and contact information for the campus
Title IX Coordinator as well as easily accessible college employees as Responsible Employees. Such persons will have the authority to take action to redress sexual discrimination and sexual misconduct and will have been given the duty of reporting incidents of such offenses to the Title IX Coordinator. Employees who are authorized or required by law to keep information confidential by virtue of the employee’s professional role such as Counseling Staff or similar shall not be designated as mandated reporters or as Responsible Employees.
Prevention and Awareness Programming
BPCC will annually offer, and document, education and prevention programs that include, but are not limited to:
- Awareness programs which consist of community-wide or audience-specific programming, initiatives, and strategies that increase audience knowledge and share information and resources to prevent violence, promote safety, and reduce sexual misconduct.
- Bystander intervention programs which consist of safe and positive options that may be carried out by an individual or individuals to prevent harm or intervene when there is a risk of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. It also includes recognizing situations of potential harm, understanding institutional structures and cultural conditions that facilitate violence, overcoming barriers to intervening, identifying safe and effective intervention options, and taking action to intervene.
- Ongoing prevention and awareness campaigns which consist of programming, initiatives, and strategies that are sustained over time and focus on increasing understanding of topics relevant to, and skills for addressing, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, using a range of strategies with audiences throughout the institution.
- Prevention programs which consist of initiatives and strategies informed by research or assessed for value, effectiveness, or outcome that are intended to stop dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking before they occur through the promotion of positive and healthy behaviors that foster healthy, mutually respectful relationships and sexuality, encourage safe bystander intervention, and seek to change behavior and social norms in healthy and safe directions.
- Risk reduction programming which consists of options designed to decrease perpetration and bystander inaction and to increase empowerment for victims to promote safety and to help individuals and communities address conditions that facilitate violence. Additional options may include designation and publication of “red zones” (i.e., times and places of high incidence of crimes, including sexual violence).
Campus Climate Surveys
To adequately assess perceptions and behaviors of sexual misconduct on the campus, BPCC will administer the statewide campus climate survey annually, as developed by the Board of Regents, and will submit the results to the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Board by June 1 of each year, and to the Board of Regents by June 15 of each year. The survey will be voluntary, and students will be given the ability to decline to participate.
Institutional Task Force
BPCC will establish a task force to address sexual discrimination and sexual misconduct. All student stakeholder groups will be invited to be represented on the task force through the student body government.
Training
Each individual at college who is involved in implementing the college’s student grievance procedures, including each individual who is responsible for resolving complaints of reported sexual discrimination or sexual misconduct, and each employee who has responsibility for conducting an interview with an alleged victim of a sexually-oriented criminal offense must receive annual training developed by the Board of Regents/Attorney General, beginning with the 2016-2017 academic year.
Amnesty
Any student who reports, in good faith, sexual discrimination or sexual misconduct shall not be sanctioned by the college for a nonviolent student code of conduct violation that is revealed in the course of such a report.
Provisions for Support Services
BPCC will, upon receipt of a report of sexual discrimination or sexual misconduct, immediately provide to complainants and respondents the following: on- and off-campus resources, including but not limited to local advocacy, counseling, health and mental health services, as applicable. These support services will be offered regardless of whether the complainant chooses to formally report the incident. BPCC will develop and distribute contact information for this purpose as well as provide such information online. Institutions that do not have health clinics and resources available on campus are encouraged to make arrangements with local health organizations that should be reflected in a Memoranda of Understanding.
Related Policies
To the extent other institutional policies may conflict with this Policy, the provisions of this Policy shall supersede and govern.
For further information you may contact us at studentservices@bpcc.edu.
Campus Safety and Annual Security Report
2019 Annual College Safety and Security Report can be found here.
The Veteran Resource Center provides military affiliated students with a specialized space to meet with individuals trained in military education services, transition, certifying military benefits, orientation services, and degree counseling. Local veteran resources and services will also be available throughout the month for community connections. The state of the art center has computer services, study areas, a student lounge, and a centrally located space where students can connect with one another to provide mentorship, experiences, and contribute to a positive social environment. For more information, see the Division of Innovative Learning .
Food Service
The Culinary Arts students prepare an evening buffet occasionally throughout the semester. Refer to the BPCC Events Calendar for dates and times.
Health Services
Because Bossier Parish Community College is a commuter college, it does not have an official on-campus health clinic. In addition, due to the proximity to the Bossier City Fire Department, first aid services are not offered by the College.
Promotion of prevention practices is encouraged through health-related seminars for the faculty and the staff each semester. Also, weekly campus-wide safety inspections are conducted to identify potential threats.
Though first aid supplies might be provided by an individual, it is not an activity endorsed by or sponsored by Bossier Parish Community College. In case of an emergency, contact the nearest faculty or staff member and they will contact the Campus Police Department and the Bossier City Fire Department.
The administration of health educational services is the responsibility of the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.
For further information you may contact us at studentservices@bpcc.edu.
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