Students and Families

Any member of the College community may submit an Incident Report in response to an alleged Student Code of Conduct violation enacted by a student. The Vice President for Student Affairs and/or official designee has the discretion to dismiss the alleged charges or file formal charges against the respondent. Other forms of reporting that may initiate possible action being taken upon a respondent are as follows:

College Police report or a report from another law enforcement agency in the surrounding community and/or state/federal government.

Written statement(s) from any member of the College community that indicates a student has allegedly violated the Student Code of Conduct.

The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs sends all students that may have violated the Student Code of Conduct an official letter informing the student of his/her alleged violation(s) and to attend a Student Rights Information Session. Students are granted seven business days to respond to this letter and attend the Student Rights Information Session.

Once this initial letter is sent to an official student email account, that student is known as a respondent for the duration of the conduct process. Upon completion of a Student Rights Information Session, the respondent can decide to accept the charges as they stand (Summary/Informal Resolution) or select a formal hearing.

If a formal hearing is selected, the program coordinator for Student Rights and Responsibilities and the respondent set a date for the formal hearing. Hearings are scheduled within seven days of the Student Rights Information Session. However, the Vice President for Student Affairs and/or designee reserve the right to extend this timeframe based on the circumstances of involved parties.

If there are any witnesses that would like to give testimony or provide a written statement to be read into the record at the hearing, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs must be made aware of those individuals five days prior to the formal hearing date.

The program coordinator for Student Rights and Responsibilities has ten days, from the date of the formal hearing, to issue a student conduct hearing outcome letter. The student conduct hearing outcome letter contains the following:

• List of the violations of the Student Code of Conduct;
• Brief description of behavior that may have violated the Student Code of Conduct;
• Decision rationale; and
• Appeal information (should the respondent be found responsible for Student Code of Conduct violations).

Students shall have the right:

1. of free inquiry, expression, assembly, and advocacy; and
2. to form and join organizations for legal purposes; individually and through representative organizations, to express views on issues of institutional policy and on matters of interest to the student body;
3. to a student press free of censorship;
4. to participate in recommendations on the allocation of funds derived from student fees;
5. to participate in the evaluation of faculty performance;
6. to due process of disciplinary proceedings;
7. to fair and unbiased academic evaluations based upon defined criteria, appropriate to the course, of which the instructor has advised them in writing at the beginning of the course, and to the review of academic evaluations;
8. to receive competent instruction, relevant to the subject matter, at the times and places assigned for their courses;
9. to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of instruction, and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion;
10. to be protected against improper disclosure of information about their views, beliefs, academic evaluations, political associations, and educational records; and
11. To enjoy a college experience free from discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Students shall be responsible:

1. to meet the established requirements of the course in which they
   are enrolled;
2. to exercise their rights of free inquiry, expression, assembly, and advocacy in a manner which will not interfere with the rights of others or with the operation of the College;
3. to exercise their rights of free inquiry, expression and advocacy in the classroom in a manner which is relevant to the subject matter of the instructional program and is subject to the right of the instructor to maintain order;
4. to meet the obligations of responsible journalism in the student press; and
5. to comply with the College policies, procedures, and regulations applicable to students and student conduct.

1. Warning: Notice to the student that continuation or repetition of specified conduct may be cause for other disciplinary action.
2. Censure: Written reprimand for violation of specified regulation.
3. Educational Assignment: A developmental task or writing assignment designed to make a positive contribution to student’s overall success at the College.
4. Community Service: The completion of a specified amount of service hours to the campus and/or surrounding community.
5. Personal Counseling Assessment: A referral to Counseling Services, Disability Support Services, and other College student services may be required for some cases.
6. Restitution: In addition to any of the foregoing, reimbursement may be required for damage to or misappropriation of property. This may take the form of appropriate service or other compensation.
7. No Contact Order: A clear directive to cease and decease from any contact with a specified member of the College community. This includes, but not limited to, all faculty, staff, and students.
8. Campus Restrictions: A student’s privilege to enter in, or be near, specified campus buildings, areas, and/or extension centers has been revoked.
9. Probation: Exclusion from participation in privileges or extracurricular College activities as set forth in the notice of probation for a specified period of time. If a student while on probation violates any of the terms set forth in the notice of probation or violates the Student Code of Conduct, as determined after the opportunity for a hearing, he/she shall be subject to further discipline in the form of suspension, dismissal, or expulsion.
10. Interim Suspension: Exclusion from classes and other privileges or activities as set forth in the notice of interim suspension, pending final determination of an alleged violation.
11. Deferred Suspension: Completion of specified educational sanctions upon a specified date. If aforementioned sanctions have not been completed, the suspension will take immediate effect.
12. Suspension: Exclusion from classes and exclusion from other privileges or activities or from the College as set forth in the notice of suspension, for a definite period of time, with reinstatement thereafter dependent upon a showing of observance during the period of suspension of the terms set forth in the notice of suspension. If a student, while on suspension, violates any of the terms set forth in the notice of suspension or violates the Student Code of Conduct while on college property or in relation to a College-sponsored activity, as determined after the opportunity for a hearing, he/she shall be subject to further discipline in the form of dismissal or expulsion.
13. Dismissal: Termination of student status for an indefinite period. The student may be readmitted to the College only with the specific approval of the president. If a dismissed student violates the Student Code of Conduct while on College property or in relation to a College-sponsored activity, he/she shall be subject to further discipline in the form of expulsion.
14. Expulsion: Permanent termination of student status without possibility of readmission to any campus of the College.
15. Other: Other types of discipline as set forth in campus regulations.

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (20 USC § 1092(f)), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides information regarding the safety and security of College community members. This information is updated annually and can be obtained from the College website by searching for Annual Security Report.

It is the policy of the Board to comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and to provide for its employees and students a workplace which is drug-free. The president is authorized to make, promulgate, issue, rescind, and amend reasonable rules, regulations, and procedures to carry out this policy and to assure compliance with the Drug-Free Act of 1988. In addition, the College expects all members of the College community to comply with all federal, state, and local laws pertaining to the possession, use, manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of alcohol and drugs. A more detailed overview of the College’s can be found on the College’s website.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords you, the student, rights with respect to your education records. They are:

The right to inspect and review the education records within 45 days of the day PGCC receives your request for access.

You must submit to the director of records and registration a written request that identifies the record(s) you wish to inspect. The director will decide for access and notify you of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the Office of Records and Registration, the director will advise you of the College official to whom the request should be addressed.

The right to request the amendment of education records that you believe are inaccurate or misleading.

You must write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record you want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

If the College decides not to amend the record as requested, the College will notify you of the decision and advise you of your right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to you at that time.

The right to consent to disclosures of non-directory, personally identifiable information contained in your education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees.

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.

Directory information is information which may be released to a third party without your written consent. Directory information includes, but is not limited to, name, address, telephone number, email address, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, degrees earned, and previous Colleges attended. While the College does not routinely release such information to anyone who inquires, it may legally do so if the third party demonstrates a legitimate need to know such information. You may refuse to permit such disclosure without your written consent by notifying the director of records and registration in writing of your wish to be excluded from such a release of information.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605 

Prince George’s Community College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons to the end that no person, on the grounds of sex, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, qualified disabled veteran, or Vietnam-era veteran, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of this institution. Under this policy, this institution will not discriminate against any person on the grounds of sex, race, age, color, religion, veteran’s status, disability, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin in its admission policies and practices or any other policies or practices of the institution relating to the treatment of students and other individuals, including employment, the provision of services, financial aid, and other benefits, and including the use of any building, structure, room space, materials, equipment, facility, or any other property.

An individual who believes they or any other individual or group of individuals have been subject to prohibited discrimination may, on their own or through a representative, file a written complaint with the College’s Vice-President for Equity, Culture and Talent, Chanelle Whittaker (Kent Hall, Room 132, 301-546-0050, whittacm@ishandun.com).

Shaundricka Ranel, the College’s Senior Director, Compliance, Policy and Title IX (Kent Hall, Room 133, 301-546-7011, ranelsm@ishandun.com), coordinates the College’s efforts to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex.

Sabrina Thomas (Annex B, Room 19, 301-546-5211, thomassm@ishandun.com) serves as the College’s ADA Coordinator, and is responsible for coordinating the College’s overall efforts to comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. She is responsible for processing ADA accommodation requests from College employees.

Thomas Mays (Lanham Hall, Room 101G, 301-546-7594, maysto@ishandun.com), the College’s Director of Disability and Support Services, is responsible for processing accommodation requests from College students in accordance with the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which addresses students with disabilities in post-secondary educational settings.

Keith Murvin (Annex B, Room 9, 301-546-0606 murvinek@ishandun.com) addresses reports of accessibility issues with facilities.

Inquiries regarding compliance with these laws may also be directed to the Office of Civil Rights for the United States Department of Education.

Under provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats by contacting either of the employees listed above who process ADA accommodation requests.

Prince George's Community College is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful community. In accordance with Maryland House Bill 923 (MD HB923) concerning academic accommodation appeals related to religion, the College upholds the prohibition of any unlawful discrimination or harassment based on religion.

We are dedicated to our Core Commitments and our efforts to provide reasonable religious accommodations to our students who face conflicts between their sincerely held religious practices or beliefs and any college policy, procedure, or academic requirement.

Students are required to check their course syllabi at the beginning of the semester for any religious or cultural conflicts. Additionally, students must inform their professors within 14 days of the semester and discuss arrangements for missed classes or assignments.

If students are Sabbath-observant, they must make this fact known to their professors for any course in which Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (depending on your faith) work is required.

If you require an Academic Religious Accommodation Appeal, please click here.

For the purpose of this policy, a religious practice or belief is defined as a sincerely held practice or observance that includes moral or ethical convictions regarding the nature, purpose, and cause of the universe. Religion encompasses not only conventional and organized religious beliefs, it also encompasses new, uncommon, or non-institutional religious beliefs subscribed to by a limited number of individuals.

A religious accommodation is characterized as a reasonable modification to class, exams, or assignments that allows a student to engage in their sincerely held religious practices or beliefs without imposing undue hardship on the college.

Some examples of religious accommodations may include designated time for prayer during the class which is normal practice, and the opportunity to participate in religious events or observe religious holidays. All accommodations must be reasonable and should not cause undue hardship to the college.

For more information on your rights, please contact:

• Office of Student Rights: 301-546-0887
• PGCC Institutional Information and Policies
• Maryland General Assembly: HB0923
• U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
• Know Your Rights: Title VI and Religion

PGCC is committed to our Core Commitments promoting Students First, Achievement, Continuous Improvement, Empathy, Equity, and Integrity; our effort is aimed at ensuring that all community members can pursue their educational goals while honoring their deeply-held religious beliefs.

Prince George’s Community College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations and services to qualified persons with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals who need classroom accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Support Services, Lanham Hall, Room 101, or call 301-546-0838. For TTY or TDD call 301-546-0122. The email address is: dss@ishandun.com.

Accessible transportation will be provided to accommodate persons with disabilities on all College sponsored trips. Requests for accommodations must be made to the sponsoring agent a minimum of 15 days prior to the trip. Individuals with questions, complaints, or suggestions should contact the Section 504/ADA Officer, Kent Hall, Room 130, or call 301-546-0170.
For TDD call 301-546-0122.

The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement agency information provided by a state concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a state to provide notice, as required under state law, of each institution of higher education in that state at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student. The State of Maryland maintains an Internet registry located at www.dpscs.state.md.us/sorSearch/.

In compliance with the Student Right to Know Act of 1990, Prince George’s Community College provides information regarding the graduation/persistence rates of designated student population groups in degree and/or certificate programs.

This information can be obtained from the Office of Planning and Institutional Research, Kent Hall, Room 231, or by calling 301-546-0723.

Prince George’s Community College is committed to providing an educational and employment environment that is free from discrimination based on sex and retaliation. The College, as a recipient of federal financial assistance, is subject to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (Title IX). It is College policy not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs or activities, including admissions and employment. Title IX prohibits sex discrimination based on actual or perceived characteristics of sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, which includes domestic violence, and dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and retaliation.
 
To ensure compliance with federal, state, and local civil rights laws and regulations, and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the education program or activity, the College’s Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Sex Discrimination Policy (031014) and Title IX: Sex Discrimination Procedure (031014CP) provide for prompt, fair, and impartial resolution of all allegations of sex discrimination or retaliation. The College will act on any notice, complaint, or knowledge of a potential violation of this policy or procedure that is received.  Notice of an alleged Title IX violation may be submitted through the College’s reporting portal, option 6.

Students and employees may report alleged sex discrimination to Confidential Employees.  Confidential Employees are prohibited from reporting actual or suspected sex discrimination or retaliation to the Title IX Coordinator in a way that identifies those involved. Instead, a Confidential Employee will provide the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information, explain how to make a complaint of sex discrimination, and that the Title IX Coordinator may be able to offer and coordinate supportive measures. 

The following are Confidential Employees:

1. For students: Mental Health and Wellness Center employees and staff (including student-employees), located at Bladen Hall, Room 132, 301 Largo Road, Largo, MD 20774-2199, Phone: (301) 546-0845 (weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.), Email: CounselingServices@ishandun.com
2. For employees: Equity, Culture, and Talent’s Total Rewards employees, located at Annex B, 301 Largo Road, MD, 20774-2199. Phone: (301) 546-0680 (weekdays, 8:30a.m. – 4:30p.m.) Email: ECT-Benefits-Comp@ishandun.com.

Title IX Coordinator
Shaundricka Ranel
Location: Kent Hall, Room 133 - Largo Campus
Office: 301-546-7011 | Email: TitleIX@ishandun.com

Our dynamic campus community provides a supportive learning environment with many opportunities to get involved and have fun.

Under the Student Life and Support Services page on the website, you'll find information on clubs and organizations, academic support and tutoring, the wellness center, and more.

Technical Support hours, contact info, and computer labs can be found here.

To report an issue of concern, please complete the Incident Reporting Form. Your report will enter a secure database. Information related to a situation of concern will be handled confidentially. The work of the BIT is to compliment the cCllege disciplinary process.

The BIT will provide ongoing professional development support to assist members of the College community with effective management of potentially difficult situations in and out of the classroom and will provide protocols for specific College incidents with respect to concerning behavior.

Additional support services are available in the Wellness Center and Disabilities Support Service.

For emergencies call 911, then call College Police at 301-546-0666.

For additional information, contact:

The Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs

Kent Hall, Room 119 (remote services only until further notice)

301-546-7592 or 301-546-0412