Student and Employee Rights and Responsibilities

Drug Free Schools and Communities

Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Notice 2023-2024​

Dallas College, including Brookhaven Campus, Cedar Valley Campus, Eastfield Campus, El Centro Campus, Mountain View Campus, North Lake Campus and Richland Campus, and its administrative facilities, are committed to creating an educational and work environment free from use or distribution of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol.

As such, and in accordance with its obligations under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of Amendments of 1989, Dallas College prohibits the unlawful use, possession, distribution, manufacture, possession for purposes of distribution, or sale of illicit drugs or alcohol on Dallas College property or premises or at Dallas College-sponsored activities, except as authorized by the Chancellor with respect to a specific event, instructional program or activity.

Sanctions

Dallas College Disciplinary Sanctions

All students and employees are expected to comply with the Dallas College drug and alcohol policy. Any student or employee who commits a violation of the drug and alcohol policy shall be subject to all applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law, as well as all applicable College Disciplinary sanctions up to and including academic suspension or expulsion or termination of employment. Dallas College disciplinary proceedings will occur in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Dallas College Board Policy Manual. Violations of the Dallas College drug and alcohol policy that are also violations of federal, state, or local law may be referred to the appropriate agency. In such situations, cases may proceed concurrently through the Dallas College disciplinary process and in the criminal justice system.

Federal, State and Local Penalties and Sanctions

Local, state and federal laws prohibit the unlawful use, distribution, manufacture, possession for purposes of distribution, and sale of alcohol and controlled substances. These laws carry penalties for violations, including, but not limited to, fines, imprisonment, forfeiture of property and denial of federal benefits such as student loans, grants, etc. See also Title 21, United States Code (USC), Controlled Substances Act; and Chapter 481, Texas Health and Safety Code, the Texas Controlled Substances Act. Additionally, the different municipalities within Dallas County have ordinances relating to the use of controlled substances, for which penalties may be imposed. All applicable legal sanctions under local, state or federal law for the unlawful possess or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol will be applied.

• Texas Controlled Substances Act
• Intoxication and Alcoholic Beverages Offenses
• Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, Provisions Relating to Age

Dallas College Drug and Alcohol Prevention Efforts

Dallas College staff, students, health center professionals, college police and counselors are working together to eliminate drug and alcohol abuse both on and off campus. Activities and opportunities vary by campus and seek to ensure Dallas College students and staff are aware of the problems and dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. Information and confidential referrals concerning counseling and treatment programs for drug and alcohol abuse may be obtained from Counseling and Psychological Services or the Human Resources Office.

He​​alth Risks

Alcohol Effects

Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive an automobile safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses may cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.

Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the liver or the brain.

Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.

Drug Effects

The use of drugs is harmful to one’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Drugs can be categorized into five major categories or schedules. Those categories are listed below and include the risks and federal trafficking penalties associated with each.

Drug Schedules

Drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs are classified into five (5) distinct categories or schedules depending upon the drug’s acceptable medical use and the drug’s abuse or dependency potential. The abuse rate is a determinate factor in the scheduling of the drug; for example, Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and the potential to create severe psychological and/or physical dependence. As the drug schedule changes-- Schedule II, Schedule III, etc., so does the abuse potential-- Schedule V drugs represent the least potential for abuse. A listing of drugs and their corresponding schedules is located at Controlled Substance Act (CSA) Scheduling or CSA Scheduling by Alphabetical Order. These lists describe the basic or parent chemical and do not necessarily describe the salts, isomers and salts of isomers, esters, ethers and derivatives which may also be classified as controlled substances. These lists are intended as general references and are not comprehensive listings of all controlled substances.

Please note that a substance need not be listed as a controlled substance to be treated as a Schedule I substance for criminal prosecution. A controlled substance analogue is a substance which is intended for human consumption and is structurally or pharmacologically substantially similar to or is represented as being similar to a Schedule I or Schedule II substance and is not an approved medication in the United States. (See 21 U.S.C. §802(32)(A) for the definition of a controlled substance analogue and 21 U.S.C. §813 for the applicable schedule.)

Schedule I

Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Some examples of Schedule I drugs are: heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), methaqualone, and peyote

Schedule II

Schedule II drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. These drugs are also considered dangerous. Some examples of Schedule II drugs are: Combination products with less than 15 milligrams of hydrocodone per dosage unit (Vicodin), cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), oxycodone (OxyContin), fentanyl, Dexedrine, Adderall, and Ritalin

Schedule III

Schedule III drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. Schedule III drugs abuse potential is less than Schedule I and Schedule II drugs but more than Schedule IV. Some examples of Schedule III drugs are: Products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit (Tylenol with codeine), ketamine, anabolic steroids, testosterone

Schedule IV

Schedule IV drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. Some examples of Schedule IV drugs are: Xanax, Soma, Darvon, Darvocet, Valium, Ativan, Talwin, Ambien, Tramadol

Schedule V

Schedule V drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV and consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. Schedule V drugs are generally used for antidiarrheal, antitussive, and analgesic purposes. Some examples of Schedule V drugs are: cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine or per 100 milliliters: (Robitussin AC), Lomotil, Motofen, Lyrica, Parepectolin

An updated and complete list of the schedules is published annually in Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) §§ 1308.11 through 1308.15.

Federal Trafficking Penalties - Chart One

Federal Trafficking Penalties - Chart Two

Controlled Substances - Uses and Effects

Bacterial Meningitis Notice

Bacterial Meningitis Notice 2023-24

Important Information You Need to Know about Bacterial Meningitis

The following information is being provided to all new college students in the state of Texas. Bacterial meningitis is a serious and potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast – so take utmost caution.

It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that cause meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, including 100-125 on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths among college students every year. There is a treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities.

Symptoms include: high fever, severe headache, vomiting, sensitivity to light, stiff neck, confusion and sleepiness, nausea, lethargy and seizures. There may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. These can occur anywhere on the body. The more symptoms, the higher the risk, so when these symptoms appear, seek immediate medical attention.

How is bacterial meningitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.

How is the disease transmitted?

The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in contact with bacteria-infected respiratory or throat secretions.

Who is at increased risk of getting bacterial meningitis?

Exposure to saliva by sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils, food, kissing, etc., as well as living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or group home) increases your risks of contracting the disease.

What are the possible consequences of the disease?

• Death
  
• Permanent brain damage
• Kidney failure 
• Learning disability
• Hearing loss, blindness
  
• Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that requires amputation
• Gangrene
  
• Coma
  
• Convulsions

Can the disease be treated?

Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and chances of recovery are increased. However, permanent disability or death can still occur.

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services​

Attention Students: Proof of Meningitis Vaccination Required

What: : State of Texas meningitis vaccination requirement (Texas Education Code, Section 51.9192

When: Effective spring 2014 semester and all semesters therea​fter

Who: Unless exempt, students (under 22 years of age) who will take face-to-face or hybrid classes that require on-campus attendance must provide the college with proof of meningitis vaccination (or booster dose) if the student is:

• Enrolling for the first time as a credit student.
• Returning after a semester break in enrollment.
• Transferring to a Dallas College from another college or university.
• A new or returning continuing education student enrolled in programs with 360 contact hours or more.
• A distance education student who lives in Texas (based on your actual mailing address – post office boxes cannot be used as proof of residency).
• A Dual Credit, Middle College, Early College or Charter High School student attending classes at Dallas College.
• A continuing education student who is enrolled in concurrent credit courses.
  

Deadline: You must submit proof of vaccination (or booster dose) to the Admissions Office for your campus before registering for class. Dallas College requires compliance with the meningitis vaccination requirement before you will be allowed to register. 

​Exceptions to the vaccination requirement

A student does not need to provide proof of meningitis vaccination if the student meets any of the following criteria.

• The student is 22 years of age or older (by the first day of the semester in which the student is enrolled).
• The student is only enrolled in distance education courses and lives outside of the State of Texas or outside of the United States.
• The student is enrolled in a continuing education course or program that is less than 360 contact hours or in continuing education corporate training.
• The student is enrolled in one or more Dual Credit courses taught at a public or private K-12 facility which is not located on Dallas College.
• The student is receiving education from Dallas College but is incarcerated in a Texas prison.

A student is not required to submit evidence of the bacterial meningitis vaccination if the student, parent or guardian submits to Dallas College:

• An affidavit or certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States in which it is stated, in the doctor’s opinion, that the vaccination would injure the health and well-being of the student; or
• An affidavit signed by the student stating that she or he declines to take the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, including religious belief. In lieu of the affidavit the student may apply for an exemption from the vaccination requirement for reasons of conscience by completing the online form located at the following website.

See also “Forms and Publications - School Immunizations” (Texas Health and Human Services). 

Students may obtain bacterial meningitis vaccinations from their own physicians, local health departments, clinics, area pharmacies and similar facilities.

• For more information about bacterial meningitis, visit the Centers for Disease Control.
  
• For details about Dallas College procedures, visit the Admissions Office at any of the college's seven campuses.
• Learn more about the State of Texas’ Meningitis Vaccine Requirements
  
• Contact your Student Health Center.
  

​​All students are charged with knowing the contents and provisions of Dallas College policies, procedures, and regulations concerning student conduct.

Student Code of Conduct Notice

Hazing

Summary of Chapter 37, Subchapter F of the Texas Education Code

The Texas Education Code defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization. For more information on what qualifies as hazing, please see Texas Education Code, Section 37.151(6),

State law prohibits hazing by any person or organization and provides punishment by fines and/or imprisonment, as appropriate. Engaging in an act of hazing is also a violation of the Dallas College Student Code of Conduct [FLB (LOCAL)] and is subject to disciplinary action as outlined therein.

A person’s consent to hazing, express or implied, is not a defense to criminal prosecution or disciplinary action under the Dallas College Student Code of Conduct.

A person may commit the offense of hazing either directly or indirectly. Indirect acts include recklessly permitting hazing to occur or failure to report first- hand knowledge of planned or past hazing.

Title IX and Campus Sexual Assault

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 51.9363 of the Texas Education Code, Dallas College prohibits sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, in all of its programs and activities, including in its dual credit, early college high school, and charter high school programs. Sexual misconduct is defined as any act of sex/gender-based discrimination or harassment, sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual exploitation, relationship violence, sex/gender-based stalking, and any other conduct that threatens the health and safety of any person on the basis of actual, expressed or perceived gender identity.

Dallas College sexual misconduct policy applies to any instance in which a student or employee is alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct against any person or believes he or she has been subjected to sexual misconduct, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Dallas College will respond to any complaint of sexual misconduct, including conduct alleged to have occurred during breaks, leaves of absence or periods of dismissal, whether on or off Dallas College property or premises.

A person who is found to have violated the Dallas College sexual misconduct policy shall be subject to all applicable Dallas College disciplinary sanctions as outlined in the Dallas College Board Policy Manual. Violations of the sexual misconduct policy that are also violations of law may also be subject to sanctions by civil and criminal authorities. Dallas College disciplinary action with respect to any act of sexual misconduct on the part of a student or employee shall proceed during the pendency of civil and/or criminal proceedings and shall not be subject to challenge on the ground that civil and/or criminal charges involving the same incident have been filed, dismissed or reduced. For more information on the Dallas College sexual misconduct policy, including reporting procedures, please see the Dallas College Board Policy Manual [DIAA (LOCAL), FFDA (LOCAL), and DIA (REGULATION)].

Students Rights Under FERPA: A Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Privacy and Security Commitment

FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. 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.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate. Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of a right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to provide written consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s 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 or research, or support staff position (including campus law enforcement personnel and health staff); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing a task. A school official also may include a volunteer, a person, or entity outside of the Dallas College with whom the Dallas College has contracted to perform an institutional service or function for which Dallas College would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of Dallas College with respect to the use and maintenance of personally identifiable information from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill the official’s professional responsibility.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Dallas College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA:

   Family Policy Compliance Office
   U .S. Department of Education
   400 Maryland Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20202

5. Certain information, known as directory information, may be released without the student’s consent. Directory information includes:
   • student name;
   • home address;
   • home telephone number;
   • dates of attendance;
   • degrees, certificates, other honors and awards received;
   • field of study;
   • participation in officially-recognized activities;
   • weight and height of members of athletic teams;
   • student classification;
   • email address;
     
   • photograph;
   • enrollment status, (i.e., full-time, part-time);
   • the type of award received, (i.e., academic, technical, tech-prep, or continuing education); or
   • name of the most recent previous institution attended.

Students may request that all or any part of the directory information be withheld from the public by giving written notice to the Registrar’s Office during the first 12 class days of a fall or spring semester or the first four class days of a summer session. Students may protect their directory information at any time during the academic year if they are unable to provide written notice within these time frames.

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is the law that protects student records:

Email Admissions@DallasCollege.edu or contact a campus Admissions Office for student records.