SH.03 - Campus Policies

SH.03.A – Minors on Campus

Tulsa Community College is an institution of higher education. TCC facilities are generally not an appropriate environment for minors unless they are matriculated students or enrolled in a program specifically designed for children and appropriately supervised by adults with the proper training and credentials. However, Tulsa Community College recognizes that faculty, staff, students, and other adults may on occasion bring a child to campus for limited periods of time. In doing so, faculty, staff, and students must recognize and respect the needs of other community members for a quiet and productive work and educational setting.

Supervision Required

Faculty, staff, students and other adults who bring a child to TCC facilities maintain the sole responsibility for the safety of that child. No child may be left alone on campus at any time for any reason. The responsible adult is accountable for the child’s safety and behavior and must ensure that the child complies with the directions of College personnel. TCC facilities may not be used for unsupervised child care.

Revocation

Allowing faculty, staff, students, and other adults to bring a child into TCC facilities or on College-sponsored trips is a privilege extended by Tulsa Community College. The College may revoke this privilege at its discretion at any time for any reason, including the College’s determination that the provisions of this policy have been violated, the privilege has been abused, the child’s presence poses a safety risk to the child, or others, or the child’s presence is interfering with the College’s learning environment. Anyone who is concerned with the presence of a child on campus or at a College-sponsored activity should report the concerns to the Vice President of Student Success and Equity.

Reporting Child Abuse

Oklahoma Law is very clear that professionals who maintain strict ethical guidelines related to confidentiality, such as doctors, nurses, teachers, and mental health professionals, are required to report child abuse and neglect just as every other person in the state. The duty to report supersedes professional confidentiality codes when there is reason to believe that a child is abused or neglected.

Failure to report suspected abuse is a crime. No person, regardless of their relationship with the child or family, is exempt from reporting suspected abuse. A person reporting in good faith, however, is immune from both civil and criminal liability. By law, reporting child abuse is an individual responsibility. As the individual who suspects abuse, you are legally responsible for making certain that the report is made to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS). Promptly contact OKDHS Child Welfare Services in the county where the child is located or call the statewide 24-hour hotline number at 1-800-522-3511. It is critical to accurately reflect the nature of the abuse. Do not overstate, nor minimize, the extent of the suspected abuse. Telephone reports are acceptable.

SH.03.B – Class Cancellation

There occasionally are circumstances such as extreme weather conditions or emergencies that may require the College to cancel classes and/or close campuses for a short period of time. During these times, this information will be shared with the local TV and radio stations for general announcements. Information will also be posted on the TCC website.

If this situation occurs, persons should not attempt to call the College to leave a message or confirm specific class cancellations. Normally, if classes are canceled because of inclement weather or emergency conditions, all classes at all locations will be canceled.

TCC Alerts is another College resource used to communicate emergency and weather-related information about College closings to all students, faculty, and staff. Available message formats include voice message, email, and text. TCC Alerts is a free service; however, those selecting text message (SMS) alerts, may incur standard text messaging charges dependent upon the calling plan and carrier. Sign-up information can be found on the TCC website under the Campus Safety link found in the Campus Life tab.

SH.03.C – Visible College Identification (ID) Card

As part of TCC’s continued focus and commitment to safety, the College is incorporating additional procedures into our overall safety plan. Effective January 1st, 2023, all TCC students, employees, and guests are required to wear and visibly display their TCC ID card or official temporary identification on the front of their person, between the shoulders and waist while on TCC property unless approved by an ADA accommodation. TCC property does not include dual-credit high school settings.

The TCC ID card is used for identification purposes in accessing college buildings and grounds, attending campus activities, and utilizing resources. Faculty, staff, students and visitors must be prepared to provide their identification to college officials such as the TCC Police Department or a TCC administrator. Students may not lend their TCC IDs to anyone else, including other students or family members. If a student loses or damages an ID, they may obtain a new one at Student Life on each campus per existing Student ID policies and procedures.

If a temporary TCC ID is needed by an enrolled and/or admitted student, former student, prospective student, and/or community member(s) visiting TCC, please stop by Student Life or the Bursar offices on each campus to receive an official temporary one-day identification sticker. This temporary identification must be worn during the duration of attendance at any TCC property during that one-day time period.

Any violations of this policy will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for educational sanctions via the Report It! system.

SH.03.D – Drug and Alcohol Policy

The Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 became effective March 18, 1989, and by Executive Proclamation of the Governor of Oklahoma, dated March 31, 1989, all Oklahoma agencies, boards, and commissions are directed to adopt and issue policies implementing its provisions. In addition, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and Part 86 of the Department of Education’s General Administrative Regulations require each institution of higher education to certify that it has developed and implemented a drug and alcohol abuse education and prevention program.

The Tulsa Community College Board of Regents has complied by enacting the following policy:

  • The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession nor use of drugs or alcohol in the workplace, on College property, or as part of College-sponsored activities is strictly prohibited. Provided, however, the use of alcohol may be permitted by the College at College-sponsored or College-authorized activities as approved by the TCC President or designee.
  • Students or employees who violate this policy are subject to both the institution’s sanctions and to criminal sanctions provided by federal, state, and local law.

The Board of Regents directs the President to develop procedures and programs to ensure compliance for the College community.

SH.03.E – Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program for Students and Employees

Tulsa Community College recognizes its responsibility as an educational institution to promote a healthy and productive learning environment. To that end and based on the policies established by the Tulsa Community College Board of Regents and state and federal laws, the College has established a program to aid in the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse by its students and employees. A copy of the Drug and Alcohol Prevention program can be found under the consumer portal and the employee self-service port of My TCC.

The Chief Human Resources Officer and the Vice President of Student Success and Equity have been assigned the coordination of this policy for TCC. Those with questions regarding this policy, may contact either of them at 918-595-7856 or 918-595-7524, respectively, or by visiting their offices.

Activities Prohibited by Tulsa Community College

Tulsa Community College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of illegal drugs and alcohol in the workplace, on College property, or as part of College-sponsored activities. Under certain circumstances, the use of alcohol may be permitted by the College at College-sponsored or College-authorized activities as approved by the TCC President or designee.

Health Risks

Serious health risks associated with the use of drugs or the abuse of alcohol include, but are not limited to: addiction to or dependency upon the substance, memory loss, liver failure, kidney failure, cancer of the kidney or liver, personal injuries while under the influence, infectious diseases including AIDS (if needles or other delivery devices are shared), a lowered immune system, heart damage, loss of ability to concentrate or reason, personality changes, hallucinations, delusions, depression, inability to sleep or to remain awake, loss of judgment, and death. The use of drugs or alcohol before or during pregnancy can lead to birth defects or death to the children involved.

Available Counseling, Prevention, and Educational Programs

TCC Wellness Services offers health education, short-term counseling, and connection to resources for everyday needs. To text with a crisis counselor, text RELIEF to 741741. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255. To speak to a counselor immediately, please call the Family and Children’s Services COPES line at 918-744-4800 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Email wellness@tulsacc.edu for more information about Alcohol & Substance Misuse Resources.

Human Resources, Academic Affairs, and Student Success and Equity collaborate to provide educational programming throughout the academic year. The Victim Impact Panel (VIP) and educational program, the Center for Addiction Prevention and Recovery Services, and Red Ribbon Week are examples.

Student Wellness Services and Student Life partner to provide educational programming such as Red Ribbon Week throughout the academic year.

Federal and state laws impose severe penalties on those who illegally possess, use, or distribute drugs or alcohol. The potential sanctions may depend on the quantity of the drug involved and whether the charge is made under state or federal law. Potential sanctions include, but are not limited to, fines, incarceration, and/or community service requirements. Convictions become a part of an individual's criminal record and may preclude certain career opportunities. In addition to the criminal penalties, a person may become liable for personal injuries or property damage, which occur because he/she illegally sells or, in some circumstances, furnishes illegal drugs or alcohol to another person. This liability may include injuries or death of the person to whom the illegal drugs or alcohol were furnished, and may include liability to third persons who are injured or suffer property damage by the actions of a person who was illegally furnished drugs or alcohol.

Enforcement

The College will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees who unlawfully manufacture, distribute, possess or use illegal drugs or alcohol in the workplace, on College property, or as part of a College-sponsored event. Violations of these standards of conduct can result in referral for criminal prosecution, a requirement of satisfactory completion of an appropriate drug or alcohol rehabilitation program, suspension or expulsion from the College, and disciplinary action up to and including termination from employment. A criminal conviction is not required for sanctions to be imposed upon a student or employee for violation of this policy.

Employees are required to notify their supervisor of a criminal conviction of a drug-related offense no later than five calendar days following the conviction. Employees have the responsibility to refrain from performing sensitive safety functions while a prohibited drug is in their system.

Information related to the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program is distributed annually to employees and students; is available online through MyTCC in the student and employee handbooks; and is available for review the following offices: Student Life, Student Wellness Services, Human Resources and TCC Police.

SH.03.F – Student Marijuana on Campus

Despite the passage of State Question 788 the use, possession, sale, or distribution of marijuana (including medical marijuana and products containing marijuana) on any College-owned or controlled property is illegal and against TCC guidelines. Specifically, possession or use (including smoking or consuming) marijuana is not allowed on any TCC property (including TCC parking lots) or at College-sponsored activities. Additionally, students and employees may not come to class or work under the influence.

Drug screening will be performed on all students in the TCC School of Health Sciences prior to participation in the initial Clinical Rotation. This screening fulfills the requirements outlined in contractual agreements between TCC and clinical affiliates and determines a student’s eligibility for continuing program enrollment. If the results of the test are confirmed as positive for alcohol, marijuana, illegal substances, nonprescribed federally legal substances the program will withdraw the student from all didactic and clinical courses. School of Health Sciences Drug Screening Procedures.

Federal Law and how it affects TCC students and employees

Although State Question 788 passed in Oklahoma, the possession and use of marijuana is still prohibited under federal law. TCC students and employees should understand that possessing, using or selling marijuana continues to be prohibited on any TCC campus or other College-owned or controlled property, which includes any function authorized or supervised by the College and in state-owned or leased vehicles. As a federally controlled substance, the use and possession of marijuana is prohibited by the Controlled Substance Act, TCC policy, and the TCC Student Code of Conduct, and is not permitted on campus. This includes medical marijuana and any product containing marijuana regardless of possession of a medical marijuana license.

Additionally, as a college that receives federal funding, TCC must abide by the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 and prohibit the use of marijuana. TCC provides drug and alcohol prevention resources and activities to support students and employees (found in the Student Handbook and Employee Handbook). TCC must also abide by the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession and use of illicit drugs and alcohol in the workplace. This includes medical marijuana. Students who are also employees should reference the appropriate section in the Employee Handbook.

SH.03.G – Smoking / No Smoking and Other Tobacco Use Policy

Tobacco-Free Environment

Tulsa Community College actively promotes the health and well-being of its students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Numerous studies demonstrate a correlation between tobacco use and health concerns. Therefore, in compliance with Executive Order 2012-01 by the Governor of the State of Oklahoma, Tulsa Community College prohibits the use of any tobacco products on all College-owned, leased, or contracted property, including but not limited to all buildings, land and vehicles owned, leased or contracted for use by Tulsa Community College.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Tulsa Community College or designee is directed to develop, maintain, and facilitate procedures that will provide for the health and safety of its students, faculty, staff, and administrators on all property owned, leased, or contracted by the College as it relates to prohibiting the use of any tobacco products and developing appropriate sanctions.

Tobacco-Free Environment Administrative Procedures

Scientific studies have shown that public health is endangered by both direct and indirect tobacco smoke and the use of smokeless tobacco products. Therefore, in an effort to ensure a healthier and safer environment for our students, faculty, staff and guests, the College will implement the following procedures.

  • Tulsa Community College prohibits smoking or the use of tobacco products on all property owned, leased or contracted for use by Tulsa Community College. This includes both indoor and outdoor areas such as, but not limited to, classrooms, laboratories, offices, work areas, vestibules, hallways, enclosed walkways, restrooms, elevators, stairwells, sidewalks, parking lots, and green spaces, etc. This policy also includes vehicles owned, leased, or rented for College business.
  • The prohibition includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, pipes, hookahs, e-cigarettes, dip, snuff, smokeless pouches, or any form of loose leaf or rolled tobacco.
  • The administration will communicate this information through signage, posters, internal and external communications and other appropriate means to ensure that students, faculty, staff and guests are aware of Tulsa Community College’s Tobacco-Free Environment.
  • The administration may provide support for students, faculty, and staff who wish to stop using tobacco products by making available resources for each group through Student Wellness Services, Human Resources, and information through the College’s website.

Sanctions

Courtesy and consideration will be exercised when informing others unaware of and/or in disregard of this policy. Complaints regarding violations of this policy will be handled as follows:

  • If a violation occurs in a building, the person with responsibility for the area should ask the violator to discontinue the behavior. If the violator refuses, the person will ask the violator to leave. If the violator refuses to leave, the person will call TCC Police.
  • If a Police Officer finds a person violating the Tobacco-Free Environment Policy, the Officer will inform the violator that Tulsa Community College is a Tobacco-Free Environment and ask the person to discontinue the behavior. If the person refuses, the Officer will obtain the person’s identification. Student violations will be referred to the campus Dean of Student Success and Campus Operations. Employee violations will be referred to the supervisor or Human Resources.
  • If a Police Officer has issued repeated warnings to the same person, a fine between $10 and $100 may be levied against that person. In the case of a guest, a No Trespass order may also be issued.
  • If the violator is a student, the matter shall be referred to the Dean of Student Success and Campus Operations to be handled as a violation of College policy.

If the violator is a faculty or staff member, the matter shall be referred to the employee’s supervisor or to Human Resources to be handled as a violation of College policy.

Requests for Exceptions

In rare instances, a request for an exception to this policy may be granted for educational, ceremonial, or cultural events or activities. Requests must be submitted in writing to the Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at least 10 business days in advance. The decision of the Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer will be final.

SH.03.H – Hazing

Tulsa Community College prohibits hazing as set forth in 21 OK Stat §21-1190 (1995). No student organization or any person associated with any organization sanctioned or authorized by the governing board of any public or private school or institution of higher education in this state shall engage or participate in hazing. Any hazing activity described below upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with an organization sanctioned or authorized by a public or private school or by any institution of higher education in this state is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be a forced activity, even if the student willingly participates in such activity.

For purposes of this section:

  • "Hazing" means an activity which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating subject to the sanction of the public or private school or of any institution of higher education in this state;
  • "Endanger the physical health" shall include but not be limited to any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, alcoholic beverage as defined in Section 506 of Title 37 of the Oklahoma Statutes, drug, controlled dangerous substance, or other substance, or any other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the individual;
  • "Endanger the mental health" shall include any activity, except those activities authorized by law, which would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as prolonged sleep deprivation, forced prolonged exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual.

SH.03.I – Use and Scheduling of TCC Properties

Tulsa Community College is an educational institution established to carry out the mission of teaching, learning, and service. College facilities exist for the primary purpose of supporting that mission and related educational activities. The facilities and grounds of TCC are intended primarily to support the institutional needs of faculty, students, and staff. For more information, see the College’s policy on the use and scheduling of TCC properties including digital signage.

SH.03.J – Parking and Traffic Management

The Board of Regents of Tulsa Community College recognizes that all students, faculty, and staff should have accessible and adequate parking available to them during the time that they are present at any Tulsa Community College facility. It is understood that the access to parking is not a guaranteed right but a privilege that requires the cooperation of all persons concerned. It is also acknowledged that parking cannot be provided in any degree without some expense being incurred. This expense must be borne by the users of the service and cannot be assumed to be provided at no cost. The cost will be determined by a fee structure that will be equal insofar as is possible to all users.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Tulsa Community College will continually promote the development of safe, adequate, and accessible parking at all facilities and will support the improvement and maintenance of these facilities.

Parking Regulations

  • Drivers must park their vehicles within properly marked spaces on paved surfaces, taking no more than one vehicle space.
  • Unauthorized parking in a designated space is prohibited and could cause the vehicle to be towed.
  • Parking in No Parking Zones, Fire Zones, or along any of the roadway curbing is prohibited.
  • Driving into or parking a vehicle in any area of the campus that has been closed by the use of barricades, chains, or other traffic control devices is prohibited.
  • Parking a vehicle in such a location as to obstruct a properly parked vehicle is prohibited.
  • Parking a motorcycle, motor scooter, motorbike, or moped type vehicle in the bicycle racks is prohibited.
  • Blocking a drive, driveway, wheelchair ramp, loading dock, or dumpster is prohibited.
  • Parking in an unmarked area is prohibited.

Traffic Regulations

  • Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all marked crosswalks.
  • Driving a motor vehicle on pedestrian paths, sidewalks, or any part of the campus not designated as a roadway is prohibited.
  • A maximum speed limit of 10 mph is assigned unless otherwise designated.
  • All accidents involving motor vehicles that occur on campus property must be reported immediately to TCC Police.
  • All posted directional signs must be adhered to.
  • Full stops are to be made at all stop signs. Directions from traffic control personnel and TCC police officers must be adhered to.
  • All vehicles must be operated safely—not recklessly or carelessly.

Reporting Collisions

All collisions should be reported to TCC Police by dialing “8888” on any College telephone, by calling 918-595-8888 from a cell phone, or by using the RAVE Guardian4TCC app. The following information should be provided:

  • Nature of the accident
  • Location and type of assistance needed.

Pedestrian Responsibilities

Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk (e.g., within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection) shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway. Pedestrians should use utmost caution in crossing a roadway and should cross only at marked crosswalks.

Pedestrians crossing in areas other than marked crosswalks should do so only after determining that no traffic is coming from any direction and that they can cross safely. Students at Metro Campus should use marked crosswalks at each intersection

Vehicle Breakdown

If a vehicle breaks down on campus, the driver should call TCC Police Dispatch at 918-595-8888 and give dispatch personnel the following information:

  • The nature of the problem.
  • Location of the vehicle.
  • Date and time (within 48 hours) when the vehicle will be removed.
  • A telephone number in case TCC Police need to contact the owner.
  • Make/Model/Color Tag Number.

Even if a vehicle has broken down, it cannot block travel lanes, parking lots, pedestrian walkways, handicapped ramps, fire lanes, or hydrants. Unless they are moved, such vehicles may be subject to towing.

Removal of Vehicle

  • The College reserves the right to remove vehicles when illegally parked and assumes no responsibility for damages incurred in moving any vehicle. Any vehicle remaining on College property for more than 72 hours will be considered abandoned and will be towed at the owner’s expense. Towing a vehicle may also occur when a vehicle is:
    • Blocking a fire hydrant;
    • Blocking a drive, loading area, roadway, dumpster, or other vehicle;
    • Creating a real or potential safety hazard;
    • Parked in violation of posted signs.

Towing Vehicles

Tulsa Community College maintains the right to tow any vehicle on College property. The following are violations that could result in a vehicle being towed:

  • Parking in a handicapped space without the vehicle being properly registered.
  • Blocking drives and/or access road/service drives.
  • Parking on the grass.
  • Creating a traffic hazard.
  • Obstructing sidewalks, crosswalks or other vehicles.
  • Parking in a reserved space without proper parking decal and/or permit or permission.
  • Leaving or abandoning a vehicle on campus for more than 48 hours without the permission of the police supervisor of that campus or the Office of the Chief of Police.
  • Parking in a Fire Lane
  • A vehicle left abandoned on TCC property for more than 72 hours. See 47 OK Stat § 47-954A (2013).

Handicap Parking

Tulsa Community College will follow the State law regarding parking for persons with a disability. Operators with a disability may park in any disability-designated space provided their vehicle displays a valid disabled license plate issued by the State of Oklahoma or if their disabled placard is properly displayed in their vehicle and clearly visible from the outside.

Placards and plates can be used for disabled parking only when the person who owns the parking permit is in the car as the driver or is a passenger. Parking permits cannot be transferred to others. Tulsa Community College Police, following state law, will honor Disability stickers issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs and federal military bases in the same manner as placards issued by the Department of Public Safety.