I. CREDIT HOURS AND OUT-OF-CLASSROOM PREPARATION
WNCC credit hour assignments comply with the Federal Credit Hour definition.
At WNCC, a semester credit hour is normally granted for the satisfactory completion of one 50-minute session (contact hour) of classroom instruction per week for a semester of not less than 15 weeks; two to three contact hours are required for laboratories to award a single credit hour. Other differences may occur depending on instructional delivery.
On average, for lecture courses, one credit hour requires three hours of effort on the part of the student per week – one hour of class and two hours of out-of-class time to accomplish readings and out-of-class assignments in preparation for successful completion of the course requirements. Some students may require more preparation time for some classes and for some classes, less time.
For a three-hour lecture course, a student should plan on a minimum of three hours a week in class and a minimum of six hours a week spent on out-of-class preparation.
II. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic integrity forms a fundamental bond of trust between colleagues, peers, teachers, and students, and it underlies all genuine learning. At WNCC, there is no tolerance for plagiarism or academic dishonesty in any form, including unacknowledged "borrowing" of proprietary material, copying answers or papers, using crib sheets, unauthorized help during exams, altering tests, or passing off someone else's work as one's own.
A breach of ethics or act of dishonesty can result in:
Any form of academic dishonesty represents a grave breach of personal integrity and of the rules governing WNCC’s community of learners. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:
III. ATTENDANCE POLICY
WNCC expects students to attend all classes. Successful students attend class regularly, come to each class prepared, and engage in class activities. Students who are repeatedly tardy or absent from class will be missing vital information necessary for their success.
IV. EQUAL ACCESS
Western Nebraska Community College seeks to make all programs and services, including electronic and information technology, accessible to people with disabilities. In this spirit, and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), WNCC provides students, faculty, staff, and visitors with reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to the programs and activities of the college. For assistance or further information, students with disabilities should contact the Counseling Director (and disability officer) at (308) 635-6090. Helpful information is also available in the “Transition Guide for Students with Disabilities” on the WNCC Web site under Disability Services.
V. TITLE IX STATEMENT
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational institution that receives federal funding. WNCC strictly prohibits any form of sexual harassment, which includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. All reported incidents will be thoroughly investigated and those found responsible dealt with as necessary, whether criminally charged or handled through the College’s sexual harassment grievance and investigation procedure. College policy also prohibits retaliation against a person for reporting sexual harassment or participating in the investigation or resolution of such a complaint. Help and support are available for any student who experiences any form of sexual harassment.
Questions or concerns about a student’s rights, the resources available, or to file a Title IX complaint, should contact the College’s Title IX Coordinator at 308.635.6105. More information about reporting options and resources at WNCC and the community are available at wncc.edu/about-wncc/consumer-information.
All WNCC employees, with a few exceptions, are mandated by law to report. If a student wishes to speak to someone confidentially, they should contact the Counseling Director at the WNCC Counseling Center on the Scottsbluff campus or by calling 308.635.6090. Appointments are available at all WNCC locations.
VI. DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND RETALIATION
WNCC is committed to providing a college environment free from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, and all students, employees, volunteers, and visitors are prohibited from participating in any harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based on any protected class status.
If a student feels that he or she is the victim of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, it is important to remember that there are supportive people at WNCC who are resources for discussing and helping to clarify what constitutes discrimination, harassment, or retaliation and the action steps that can be taken. The College has established both formal and informal procedures to report complaints.
Students should not wait to report conduct of concern until harassment becomes sufficiently serious (i.e., severe, pervasive, or persistent) to create a hostile environment. Off-campus harassment, misconduct, or violence that creates a hostile environment on campus should be brought to the attention of the College.
To file a complaint or get help, students should seek assistance through WNCC’s Institutional Civil Rights Officer and Title IX Coordinator (308-635-6105). More complete information about the reporting process can be found in the WNCC Student Handbook.
VII. STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
As an educational institution of higher education, WNCC seeks to provide the best educational environment for its students, faculty, and staff. It is mindful that academic freedom is an essential element of college life. The purpose of the Student Code of Conduct is to help ensure a safe and educationally productive environment for students, employees, and visitors. Conduct that adversely affects a student’s responsible membership in the academic community shall result in appropriate disciplinary action.
Please see the Student Handbook (www.wncc.edu/student-life/student-handbook) for a complete copy of the WNCC Student Code of Conduct.
VIII. BASIC NEEDS SECURITY
Students who believe their academic performance is being negatively impacted due to difficulty accessing sufficient food or finding a safe and stable place to live are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students’ office at 308-635-6123. This office will put students in contact with community partners who may be able to aid in these areas.
IX. AUDIO/VISUAL RECORDINGS
Except where a student is entitled to make an audio or video recording of class lectures and discussions as an educational accommodation determined through the student's interactive process with college disability services, a student may not record lectures or classroom discussions unless written permission from the class instructor has been obtained and all students in the class as well as guest speakers have been informed that audio/video recording may occur.
A student granted permission to record may use the recording only for his or her own study and may not publish or post the recording on YouTube or any other medium or venue without the instructor's explicit written authorization.