topwhole_acd
home

Home > Current Students > Student Handbook

Rocky Mountain College Student Handbook

* The Student Handbook is being updated and will be replaced with the 2008-2009 Student Handbook shortly. 

*Student Handbook (PDF)

CONTENTS

Mission Statements
Mission Statement - RMC
Mission Statement - Student Services Department

Policies and Procedures
Immunization Policy
Harassment
Safety and Protection
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Policy Statement on AIDS

Rights and Responsibilities
Code of Conduct
Judicial System

MISSION

Statement of Mission: RMC Mission Statement (PDF)

Rocky Mountain College is a community of learners working together to better understand who we are and how to live. As a liberal arts college, our responsibility is to educate ourselves and the ever-changing larger community, recognizing the importance of the liberal arts as the foundation of all learning for academic, professional and life long development.

As a college founded in the Christian tradition, we seek to understand that tradition in an open and non-sectarian way, upholding the importance of one's own beliefs with respect for and fair consideration of other's beliefs. As a college in the Mountain West, we seek to understand the history and environment of our region as a bridge to understanding the history and environment of the larger world.

We value the diversity and the interrelatedness of knowledge, the importance of rational inquiry and open discussion, and the interdependence of all life.

We believe individual success is characterized not only by independent and creative thought, but also by evidence of an ethical commitment to others. Rocky Mountain College seeks to prepare students to act responsibly as members of an academically, socially, ecologically, and spiritually interconnected world.

Statement of Mission: Student Services Division

The primary responsibility of the Student Services program at Rocky Mountain College is enhancing the College's educational offerings by assisting students with co-curricular matters and, contributing to their growth and development beyond the classroom. Specifically, Student Services programs and professionals will:

  1. Serve as advocates for individual students as well as student related concerns;
  2. Provide a safe/healthy environment conducive to exploration and study;
  3. Offer services that support the academic goals of the student body;
  4. Develop and implement educational programming in support of the College's mission and academic offerings;
  5. Provide opportunities for extracurricular activity that enhance student experiences.

The Student Services division believes student involvement in the campus community is an essential factor in the development of campus policies, procedures, activities and events. Through participation, students gain the greatest benefit from their educational experiences.

 

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Immunization Policy Immunization Policy (PDF)

All entering students must present documentation of immunity as part of the admission process at Rocky Mountain College. The immunization section of the Health Service form must be completed by the prospective student prior to enrollment at Rocky Mountain College. If adequate documentation is not available, immunization must be performed at the Rocky Mountain College Health Service upon arrival.

Students with incomplete immunization records cannot be allowed to register for courses.

Harassment Policy and Procedures Harassment Policy and Procedures (PDF)

Harassment & Discrimination Policy (PDF)

Policy

It is the policy of Rocky Mountain College to provide a working, learning and teaching environment free from unlawful harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment. Sexual harassment of any student, faculty member, staff member or administrator, on or off campus, is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Retaliation against a person who reports or complains about harassment, or who participates in the investigation of a harassment complaint, is also prohibited.

Prohibited Acts

No member of the Rocky Mountain College community shall engage in sexual harassment. This "community" includes students, faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees of the College. For the purpose of this policy, sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome or unwanted advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

    Submission to or toleration of such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment, promotion, performance evaluation, or status in a course, program, or activity; or

    Submission to or toleration of or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for an employment or educational decision affecting such individual; or

    Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or educational performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for work, teaching or learning.

Examples of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes any interpersonal attention of a sexual nature that is unwanted and unwelcome. Examples may include, but are not limited to the following:

    Physical assault: assault in this sense includes any physical touching of any kind that is sexual in nature; or

    Direct or implied threats that submission to sexual advances may favorably affect employment, work status, promotion, grades, or letters of recommendation; or that rejection of sexual advances may negatively affect the same; or

    Direct propositions of a sexual nature; or

    Indirect or subtle pressure for sexual activity, one element of which may be conduct such as repeated and unwanted staring; or

    A pattern of conduct (not legitimately related to the subject matter of the course if a course is involved or to employment if employment is involved) that tends to bring discomfort and/or humiliation to a reasonable person, which may include comments of a sexual nature, or sexually explicit jokes, statements, questions, or anecdotes; or

    A pattern of conduct that would tend to bring discomfort or humiliation to a reasonable person at whom the conduct was directed, which may include unnecessary touching, patting, hugging, or brushing against a person's body; remarks of a sexual nature regarding a person's clothing or body; or remarks about sexual activity or speculations about previous sexual experience.

Consensual Relationships

It is the policy of Rocky Mountain College that it is unethical for faculty members or managers to engage in amorous relationships with students who are enrolled in their classes or subject to their supervision, even when both parties appear to have consented to the relationship.

For the purpose of this policy, the term "faculty" or "faculty member" shall include all of those who teach at Rocky Mountain College. (This includes adjunct faculty as well as other instructional personnel.) The term "manager" includes all who manage or supervise staff or students.

Rocky's educational mission is promoted by professionalism in faculty-student relationships as well as manager-staff and staff-student relationships. This professionalism is fostered by an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Actions of students, staff, managers, and faculty members that tend to harm this atmosphere undermine professionalism and hinder fulfillment of the College's mission. Trust and respect are diminished when those in positions of authority abuse, or appear to abuse, their power.

Faculty members exercise power over students and managers exercise power over their staff, whether in giving them grades, praise or criticism, evaluating them, making recommendations for future employment, or conferring other benefits on them. Amorous relationships between students and faculty members or managers and members of their staff create an appearance of impropriety when the faculty member or manager has professional responsibility for, and thus power over, the student or staff member. Consensual relationships may negatively impact not only those involved, but the educational environment and opportunities of other students or the professional business environment of other staff members.

Complaint Resolution Procedure

The following represents the procedure for resolving incidents where sexual harassment has been alleged.

Informal resolution

All individuals are encouraged to contact the offending party directly if they are comfortable doing so. If, however, an individual is not comfortable with informal or direct confrontation, the formal complaint procedure is available.

Formal complaint

  1. Students, faculty, and staff may bring formal complaints to designated officers.

      For students with a complaint, the investigative officer is the Vice President for Student Services.

      For faculty with a complaint, the investigative officer is the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

      For staff with a complaint, the investigative officer is the Director of Personnel.

      Note: Any one of the investigative officers named above may be appointed by the President to investigate a complaint if the investigator originally contacted encounters a conflict of interest or of time. Other investigative officers may be designated by the President as needed.

  2. The complainant may have another member of the Rocky community or a friend present at discussions of the complaint.

  3. After discussion with the designated officer, the complainant submits a signed petition describing the complaint and requesting a formal investigation. In some cases it may be appropriate for the designated officer to draft the petition. This petition will be shown to the accused person, who may then file a written response. This response will in turn be shown to the complainant.

  4. The proceedings described here are not those of a court of law and the participation of legal counsel is not permitted during these discussions.

  5. The Complaint Process

    The timetable set forth below is approximate. The investigative officer may, at his or her discretion, allow additional time for any of the steps noted.

    1. Within three working days of receiving the written complaint, the investigative officer will consult with the complainant and with the accused, and others if appropriate, in order to ascertain the facts and views of both parties.

    2. Within ten to fourteen working days from the date on which the complaint was filed, the investigative officer or a panel (see c. below) will conduct an inquiry and prepare a report, in confidence, summarizing the relevant evidence.

    3. When a complaint is brought, either the complainant, or the accused, or the investigative officer may choose to refer the matter to be formally heard, at any point prior to final disposition by the President, by a five-person panel appropriate to the position of the accused.

      The panel will be composed as follows:

      ACCUSED COMPOSITION OF PANEL
      Faculty member Investigative officer, three faculty pre-selected by the P&O Committee, and one person of the President's choice. Three of the members must be the same gender as the person bringing the complaint.
      Administrator Ad Hoc panel of five persons appointed by the President. One panel member must be the investigative officer and at least two of the members must be from the President's Council. Three of the members must be the same gender as the person bringing the complaint.
      Other employee Investigative officer, three staff chosen by the Director of Personnel, and one person of the President's choice. Three of the members must be the same gender as the person bringing the complaint.
      Student Investigative officer, two RA's from housing, and two students from the Student Council appointed by the Vice President for Student Services. Three members must be the same gender as the person bringing the complaint.

    4. The report of the investigative officer or panel will be sent to the President and shown to the complainant and to the accused. Within five working days thereafter, the complainant and the respondent may each submit a final statement to the President concerning the report.

    5. The investigative officer or panel may at any point dismiss a complaint if it is found to be clearly without merit. The complainant may appeal this determination using appeal procedures outlined in this policy.

    6. Within five working days after the submission of any final statements from the complainant and the accused, the President will decide whether a violation of this policy has occurred, and if so what shall be the consequence of such violation. Such consequences may range from reprimand, suspension or probation, to termination or expulsion.

    7. If the accused individual is one of the potential investigative officers, or an administrator at the College, or if the President believes it appropriate in any case, the College may employ an independent investigator trained in sexual harassment investigations to handle the investigation from the very beginning. Such an independent investigator would report directly to the President.

    8. If the accused is the President or is a member of the Board of Trustees, then the matter shall be investigated by an independent investigator and reported to a special committee of the Board of Trustees for final determination.

Appeals

Following the disposition of a case, any party who is dissatisfied with the decision may appeal by submitting a statement to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, within 30 days, stating with specificity the reasons for his or her dissatisfaction. The Chair, within 30 days of submission of such a request, shall either affirm the decision or submit the matter to a special committee of the Board of Trustees to review the finding of violation or nonviolation and/or the nature and extent of sanctions invoked by the President.

Appeals will be based upon the record made before the President and will not constitute a rehearing of the evidence. The person accused, however, and/or his or her counsel will be given the opportunity to present oral argument on such review provided, however, that nothing in the foregoing will be construed to prevent the reviewing committee in its discretion from hearing newly discovered evidence. The written response of the Chair of the Board of Trustees or the specially designated Board committee for such appeals, will constitute the final determination of the complaint.

Penalties

College sanctions for sexual harassment will be appropriate to the nature and severity of the offense and will be consistent with relevant College policy guidelines. Sanctions may include, but not be limited to, an oral reprimand, a written reprimand, or warning added to the accused's personnel file; suspension or expulsion of a student; or termination for cause of a staff or faculty member.

If the President finds that sexual harassment has occurred, he/she may impose sanctions as described above, and may act to redress actions for which the complainant has suffered. (For example, he/she may recommend to the Academic Dean that a student's grade be changed.)

Protection of Rights

Both parties will be informed of the facts developed in the course of the investigation and will be promptly informed about the final outcome of the proceedings.

To the extent reasonably possible, all proceedings will be conducted in a way calculated to protect the confidentiality interests of both parties. Moreover, all reasonable action will be taken to ensure that the complainant and those testifying on behalf of either party will suffer no retaliation as a result of their actions. Steps to see that retaliation is avoided might include:

    Lateral transfers of one or more of the parties in an employment setting or a comparable move if a classroom setting is involved; and

    Arrangements that academic and/or employment evaluations concerning the complainant or others be made by an appropriate individual other than the accused.

In the event that the allegations are not substantiated, all reasonable steps will be taken to restore the reputation of the accused if it may have been damaged by the proceedings. If a complainant is found to have been intentionally dishonest in making the allegations or to have made allegations maliciously, the complainant is subject to institutional discipline.

Preparation and dissemination of information

The Director of Personnel is charged with distributing copies of this policy to all current students, faculty and staff and to all those who join the Rocky Mountain College community in the future. A periodic notice will be sent to all faculty and staff to remind them of the policy. A copy of the policy will be included in the materials distributed at new student orientation, and copies of the policy will continually be made available at appropriate campus centers and offices. The policy will also be included in the Operating Policies of Rocky Mountain College and a "No Harassment" Policy notice will be posted in residence halls, instructional buildings, and administrative office areas.

Safety and Protection Safety and Protection (PDF)

PROTECTING PERSONAL PROPERTY.

The cardinal rule for theft prevention is simple. Lock the door to your room, office or vehicle every time you leave it, regardless of where you are going or when you plan on returning. Students and employees must accept responsibility for security of their personal possessions and College property by securing rooms, offices, vehicles, etc... Never leave these area's unattended or unlocked.

College fire and theft insurance covers College Property Only. Students are strongly encouraged to carry personal property insurance.

FACILITY ACCESS.

Access to all campus facilities is restricted to students and employees of Rocky Mountain College and to those groups and individuals recognized by authorized College officials. Each campus facility maintains individual hours of operation; however, in general, buildings close at 10:00 pm.

RESIDENCE HALL SAFETY MEASURES.

Anderson and Widenhouse Halls are equipped with alarm systems to alert staff of any unauthorized entry into the buildings. A current RMC identification card is needed for access to the building between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. In addition, resident assistants and night monitors monitor the buildings from 8:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Visitation hours are determined by individual residence halls. Violation of established visitation hours will result in disciplinary action and/or referral to local authorities.

CAMPUS MONITORING SYSTEM.

The College maintains a closed circuit television monitoring system between Anderson and Jorgenson Halls. This system records activity in front of Anderson and Widenhouse halls, the Widenhouse parking lot, the corridor between residence halls the front (south) Jorgenson parking lot, the Fortin/Tyler parking lot, as well as several areas in and around Fortin Center and the Bair Family Student Center. A CCTV monitor physically views the system between 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m seven days a week during the academic year. Off hour monitoring is conducted by a digital recording system.

REPORTING CRIMINAL ACTIVITY.

    The office of the Vice President for Student Affairs coordinates all reporting of criminal activity on campus.

    Students not living on campus and employees should contact the Vice President of Student Affairs to report any criminal activity.

    Students living on campus should contact their resident assistant or Hall Director to report any criminal activity.

Criminal activity is defined as any felony activity which occurs on campus or involves a RMC student or employee if the incident occurs while the student or employee is on college related business. Criminal activity includes but is not limited to, theft, burglary, assault, robbery, motor vehicle theft. Anyone witnessing criminal activity on campus should contact the Billings Police Department immediately.

Individuals reporting criminal behavior will be asked to complete a "Crime Report Form". (At your request this form will remain confidential.) Information gathered through use of this form will be used to assist college personnel with any investigation and may be reported to the appropriate authorities.

RESPONDING TO CRIME REPORTS.

All crime reports that involve College personnel and/or property will be reported to the Billings Police Department or appropriate agency immediately. Students or employee's that have been the victim of a crime will be encouraged to report the incident to the appropriate authorities; however, the College respects the right of individuals to report incidents in a confidential manner.

EDUCATION AND PROGRAMMING.

Rocky Mountain College believes that successfully combating campus crime requires a coordinated effort between informed and educated college community members. To that end the College will provide educational programming for students and employees that addresses crime prevention issues throughout the academic year. Examples of educational programming might include: security audits by local authorities; neighborhood watch; seminars on self defense; etc.. In addition, the College will regularly promote security procedures and safety practices through the use of student and college publications, flyers and signage.

CAMPUS SECURITY ACT of 1990.

In accordance with the Campus Security Act of 1990, Rocky Mountain College will publish and distribute crime statistics for the pervious two calendar years. This information will be distributed to students and employees during the registration process each fall and can be found on the RMC web site at: Institutional Reporting. The Campus Crime Report will also be made available to prospective students upon request.

FIREARMS.

Firearms or any other types of weapon are prohibited on campus. Due to their obvious physical danger, firecrackers, explosives, and dangerous chemicals are not allowed on campus.

FIRE ALARMS.

Tampering with fire alarms and fire fighting equipment is prohibited by federal law and by College regulations ($100 fine and possible expulsion from the College may be assessed.)

Violations of these regulations will result in referral to the civil authorities.

Drug and Alcohol Policy Drug and Alcohol Policy (PDF)

Section I

PHILOSOPHY

Rocky Mountain College recognizes the problems of alcohol abuse as they occur on a societal scale today. The abuse of alcohol, particularly on college campuses is epidemic.

Rocky Mountain College neither encourages nor condemns the use of alcoholic beverages. Rather, the College acknowledges the right of individuals of legal drinking age either to abstain or to use alcohol responsibly.

Rocky Mountain College believes the key to successful control of alcohol abuse lies in education, providing healthy alternatives, and supporting and promoting healthy lifestyles. To this end, the College is committed to: 1. providing students and employees with the most current information available regarding alcohol and alcohol use; 2. developing and implementing alcohol-free social programming; 3. encouraging and supporting those students and employees who choose to abstain from the use of alcohol.

The chemical health of any individual, group, family or team is dependent on society's ability to establish standards for chemical use. The College believes the following standards represent healthy attitudes towards the use of alcohol:

  1. The use of alcohol is a personal choice. No one should be pressured to drink or not to drink or to feel uneasy or embarrassed when abstaining, regardless of their personal choice.

  2. Alcohol is not essential for the enjoyment of family, social events, or celebrations.

  3. Drinking should not be an activity for its own sake, but can be an adjunct to other activities.

  4. The use of alcohol at luncheons or meetings during working hours or the class day is unhealthy.

  5. Excessive drinking that leads to intoxication is not healthy, safe, or socially acceptable.

  6. Intoxication should not be laughed at or taken lightly, but should be considered irresponsible behavior and indicative of possible personal problems which need treatment.

  7. Everyone who chooses to use alcohol should know his or her limits of moderation.

It is the responsibility of Rocky Mountain College to provide an atmosphere which promotes healthy alternatives, supports the standards set forth in this document and allows for individual choice both to abstain from or to use alcohol responsibly.

Section II

ALCOHOL POLICY

Consumption of alcoholic beverages at Rocky Mountain College, or an RMC sponsored event, is strictly prohibited except:

  1. for those events approved to serve alcohol by the appropriate Division or Department Head (contact the Dean of Students for details regarding approval procedures);

  2. for students twenty one (21) years of age or older, in the privacy of their residence hall rooms.

    NOTE: regardless of age, alcohol is strictly prohibited in Widenhouse and Anderson Halls.

In compliance with Montana State law, no one under the age of twenty one (21) shall be allowed to consume or possess alcoholic beverages on campus. Further, minors are reminded that Montana state law forbids the possession and/or consumption of alcohol within the state. Violations of state alcohol laws will be referred to city authorities for possible prosecution.

Advertisement promoting alcohol or alcohol-related products is prohibited on campus. Rocky Mountain College's name and/or logo shall not appear in conjunction or co-sponsorship with the name of any alcoholic product or distributor without written approval of the President's Council.

Section III

DRUG POLICY

It is unlawful and prohibited to manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, or use a controlled substance at Rocky Mountain College.

As a condition of employment at Rocky Mountain College, all employees will:

    Abide by the terms of this statement; and notify the Personnel Office of any violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such a violation.

Section IV

POLICY ENFORCEMENT

Violations of the Rocky Mountain College Alcohol or Drug policy will be treated on an individual basis; however, violators can expect one or more of the following sanctions to be enforced;

    Disciplinary hearing with a college official or supervisor.

    Restitution for any damages caused as a result of the alcohol/drug policy violation.

    Assignment of appropriate disciplinary work.

    Students or employees may be required to participate in an approved alcohol/drug rehabilitation program.

    Students violating the College alcohol/drug policy may be placed on disciplinary probation, suspended or expelled from the College.

    Employees violating the College alcohol/drug policy may be placed on disciplinary probation or terminated from employment.

Section V

ALCOHOLISM

Alcoholism is a disease that is best recognized as uncontrollable drinking of alcohol. An alcoholic is dependent on alcohol both mentally and physically. Young people, sometimes risk a greater chance of becoming alcoholics because their bodies are still developing.

The alcoholic jeopardizes his health and safety, job, loved ones, self-esteem, and his life. Alcoholism is also an economic problem. Billions of dollars are lost annually because of crimes, wrecks, and health costs.

Alcoholism affects people of all socio-economic classes, races, ages and both sexes. Alcoholics are often people looked up to in the community.

Some long-term results of alcoholism are:

    Liver Damage. Damage includes cancer of the liver and scarring of the liver.

    Heart Disease. The heart becomes enlarged.

    Ulcers. The stomach lining becomes inflamed because of the amount of alcohol consumed.

    Malnutrition. When alcoholics begin to replace food with alcohol, the alcohol robs the body of the important vitamins it needs. It also interferes with digestion.

    Delirium tremens. When alcohol is taken away from an alcoholic, he or she can become disoriented and hallucinations can occur.

    Cancer. Alcohol can cause cancer of the mouth, stomach, and esophagus.

    Damage to a Developing Fetus. When a mother drinks throughout her pregnancy, she is taking the chance of harming her baby.

People drink for many different reasons including: to relieve tensions, as a substitute, to compensate for perceived inadequacies, and for social and cultural acceptance. Heredity and physiological factors may play a role in determining why only certain people become addicted to alcohol.

Some symptoms of alcoholism may be:

    Drinking alone;
    Missing work or school;
    Hiding drinking;
    Losing drive to succeed;
    Drinking to relieve stress and fear;
    Becoming moody or grumpy while not drinking;
    Internal stress lessened by drinking;

Alcoholism is a progressive disease, identified by four stages of drinking.

  1. Early Stages. Makes promises to quit but cannot and has trouble stopping at one drink.

  2. Middle Stages. Denies drinking, may drink in the morning and the "good feeling" is hard to find.

  3. Later Stages. Avoids people, loses will, neglects responsibilities, and often has the "shakes".

  4. Final Stages. Loses everything, but cannot quit drinking.

ALCOHOLISM IS A TREATABLE ILLNESS, NO MATTER WHAT STAGE THE ALCOHOLIC HAS REACHED.

Section VI

DRUG ABUSE

Drug abuse is using chemical substances for non-medical reasons. Drugs affect the body, the mind, and an individual's behavior.

Drug abuse disturbs the user's physical health, emotional health, and social life. The effects differ from person to person.

There are many reasons for drug abuse including:

    Peer Pressure. Young adults do not want to be different than their friends.
    Rebellion. Drug abuse goes against their parent's standards.
    Curiosity. Users want to see how it will affect them.
    Escape. Drugs let users temporarily forget about immediate problems.
    Self-Esteem. Drugs help users feel better about themselves.
    Energy.
    To Feel Creative.
    Craving. After prolonged abuse, the body depends on drug use.

Commonly misused drugs are:

    Narcotics
    Opium - Dovers Powder
    Morphine - MS-Contin
    Codeine - Tylenol with Codeine
    Heroin - Horse, Smack

    Depressants
    Chloral Hydrate - Noctec
    Barbiturates - Amytal
    Benzodiazepines - Ativan
    Methaqualone - Quaalude

    Stimulants
    Cocaine- Coke, Flake, Snow, Crack
    Amphetamines - Biphetamine
    Phenmetrazine - Preludin

    Hallucinogens
    LSD - Acid, Microdot
    Mescaline & Peyote - Mexc, Buttons
    Amphetamine Variants - 2, 5-DMA
    Cannabis
    Marijuana - Pot, Grass, Reefer Tetrahydrocannabinol- THC Hashish - Hash
    Deliriants
    Aerosol
    Lighter Fluid
    Paint Thinner

Drug users risk any of the following:

Overdose. Overdose occurs when an uncertain purity or type of drug is purchased. After a while he or she needs more to reach a high, so he or she begins experimenting with different amounts.

Dependence. Lengthy use can cause a psychological or physical need for the user.

Ill Health. Continued use slowly destroys the body and mind. Mental illness, malnutrition, AIDS, and hepatitis are just some of the physical and mental problems that occur.

Accidents. Drugs give the user false bravery and confidence to try things that the user wouldn't do when not using. An example is trying to fly, or driving as fast as possible.

Drug abuse can also cause some of the following problems:

Legal Problems. Users may accumulate jail time, a police record, and legal fees.

Economic Problems. Drugs are expensive and a habitual drug user may spend thousands of dollars a year to support his or her habit.

Personal Problems. Loss of closeness to friends and family can occur when the user decides that he or she needs drugs more than people. Often the user begins to withdraw from others.

Section VII

SOURCES OF HELP

Help is available-anytime-to anyone who suspects he or she might be chemically dependent as well as to families of alcohol and drug abusers. Listed here are sources within the region.

RMC Drug and Alcohol Educational Services
Mr. Don Dundas
Tyler Hall- 238-7265

Alcoholics Anonymous
3318 3rd Ave. North
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 657-0776

Alcoholics Anonymous
1801 Broadwater
Billings, MT 59102
(406) 657-3999

There are approximately 120 A.A. meetings each week in the Billings area for anyone who is interested. See the Billings Gazette for times and places.

Chemical Dependency Center
3302 4th Ave. North
Billings, MT 59102
(406) 248-7099

Cedar Mountain Center
707 Sheridan Ave.
Cody, WY 82414
(307) 578-2421

Rimrock Foundation
1231 N. 29th St.
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 248-3175

Rocky Mountain Treatment Centers
920 4th Ave. N.
Great Falls, MT 59407
1-800-521-6572

Assistance Programs and Counseling
1242 N. 28th St.
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 245-1112

Family Support Services
104 N. Broadway
Billings, MT 59101
(406)252-7510

St. Patrick Hospital
P.O. Box 4587
Missoula, MT 59801

POLICY STATEMENT ON AIDS Policy Statement on AIDS (PDF)

  1. The policies of Rocky Mountain College concerning Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are designed to be sensitive to privacy, to the opportunity to be employed and to acquire an education. They also must accommodate the rights of others to be free from unwarranted risk of exposure to a potentially fatal disease. The overriding consideration will be the protection of all members of the College Community.

  2. These policies are based on three assumptions.

    1. We assume that the information about AIDS published by the Centers for Disease Control reflects the best and most accurate of current medical knowledge. If that is so, then the establishment of policies and guidelines based on that information is reasonable. (According to the Centers for Disease Control, the virus that causes AIDS can be transmitted through sexual contact, the invasion of contaminated blood or blood products into body tissue, from mother to unborn child, or from breast feeding. While the virus has been isolated from bodily fluids including blood, semen, saliva, urine and breast milk, current epidemiologic evidence has implicated only blood, semen and breast milk in the transmission of the disease. No evidence supports a case for AIDS being transmitted by other contact, by objects handled by people with AIDS, through the air, or from contaminated environmental surfaces.)

    2. We consider individuals infected with Human Immondeficiency Virus (HIV) to include those people diagnosed by a physician as having AIDS, AIDS Related Complex (ARC), those people diagnosed by a physician as having other illnesses due to infection with AIDS or who test positive for the HIV antibody.

    3. We assume that these policies will be reviewed and revised periodically to reflect current medical information concerning the disease.

  3. The College will adhere to the following policies relating to AIDS.

    1. Admission and/or employment decisions will not be made on the basis of known or suspected cases of AIDS, ARC or HIV. Testing for HIV will not be a precursor to admission or employment at Rocky Mountain College.

    2. At this time, there is no reason for mandatory testing of students or employees for the AIDS antibody.

    3. AIDS will be treated like any other serious communicable disease. It is the position of the College that there presently is no known reason to exclude persons that test HIV positive from academic, social, cultural, housing, or employment activities on campus as long as that individual behaves in a responsible manner in light of his or her medical condition. (Broadly speaking, 'responsible behavior' means that the individual must demonstrate that he/she has received medical and psychological counseling about the disease and how to prevent its transmission to others.) The individual also must learn how to manage the condition and musttake appropriate precautions for the protection of others. As with other serious communicable diseases, each case will be monitored and evaluated on an individual basis. If the appropriate authorities believe that an individual with AIDS is not practicing responsible behavior, the authorities reserve the right to remove the individual from the College environment in order to protect all members of the College community.

    4. Medical records of students and employees are confidential. Under normal circumstances and in the absence of legislation to the contrary, no specific information concerning complaints or diagnosis will be provided without the expressed written permission of the patient. Exceptions may be made in the following instance:

      The College recognizes its obligation to report diagnosed and verified cases of AIDS to the appropriate disease control centers and will do so.

    5. Safety recommendations by the Center for Disease Control and Montana Department of Health will be adopted as appropriate precautions in laboratory, food service, and cleaning situations.

    6. The best response of a college to this epidemic is education. Rocky Mountain College will actively share information on this disease, the resources available to deal with it, and related issues with members of the faculty, administration, staff and student body. Such a program should help prevent the spread of AIDS and lessen anxiety concerning it with-in the campus community. This program will be on-going.

    7. Since medical information regarding AIDS is continually changing and being amended, it should be understood that it is the intention of Rocky Mountain College to adhere to guidelines as periodically issued by the U.S. Public Health Service.

    8. This policy is subject to change at any time. To obtain the most recent College AIDS policy contact the Vice President for Student Affairs.

 

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Code of Conduct Code of Conduct (PDF)

Rocky Mountain College is a community of scholars in which the ideals of freedom of inquiry, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and freedom of the individual are sustained. However, the exercise and preservation of these freedoms and rights require a respect for the rights of all in the community to enjoy them to the same extent. It is clear that in a community of learning, willful disruption of the educational process, destruction of property, and interference with the orderly process of the College cannot be tolerated. Students enrolling in the College assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the College's mission.

Prohibited Conduct

  1. Acts of Dishonesty

    1. Cheating, plagiarism or other breaches of academic integrity, such as fabrication, facilitating or aiding academic dishonesty; theft of instructional materials or tests; unauthorized access to or manipulation of laboratory equipment or experiments; alteration of grades or files; misuse of research data in reporting results; use of personal relationships to gain grades or favors, or otherwise attempting to obtain grades or credit through fraudulent means.

    2. Knowingly furnishing false information to any College official, faculty member or office.

    3. Forgery, alteration or misuse of College documents, records, instruments of identification, computer programs or accounts.

  2. Harassment--see policy section of this handbook. Sexual or discriminatory harassment of any student, faculty member, staff member or administrator, on or off campus, is prohibited and will not be tolerated.

  3. Assault and Sexual Offenses

    1. Physical assault, which includes but is not limited to: physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature or physical interference with a person which prevents the person from conducting his/her customary or usual affairs, puts the person in fear for his/her physical safety, or causes the person to suffer actual physical injury.

    2. Sexual intercourse without consent, sexual assault or any other non-consensual conduct of a sexual nature.

  4. Alcohol and Drug Offenses

    1. Use, possession, manufacture, distribution or sale of narcotics or dangerous drugs, except as expressly permitted by law.

    2. Use, possession or distribution of intoxicants, including alcohol, in the buildings or on the grounds of Rocky Mountain College except as expressly permitted by law or College policy.

  5. Firearms, Explosives and Weapons Offenses

    1. Illegal or unauthorized possession or use of firearms, explosives, weapons or dangerous chemicals on College property, including:

      1. discharging of firearms on campus;

      2. possessing firearms or ammunition on campus except as expressly authorized by residence hall policies;

      3. possessing dangerous chemicals on campus, except as authorized by law and College policy.

  6. Illegal and Disruptive Conduct

    1. Violation of federal, state or local law or College policies, rules or regulations.

    2. Acting to impair, interfere with or obstruct orderly conduct, processes and function of the College, including:

      1. violence or threat of violence against self or any member or guest to the College community;

      2. interference with the freedom of movement of any member or guest of the College;

      3. interference with the rights of others to enter, use or leave any College facility, service or activity;

      4. obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures or other College activities, or of other authorized activities on College premises;

      5. failure to comply with directions of law enforcement officers and College officials acting in the performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to those persons when requested;

      6. trespassing or unauthorized entry into College buildings or property.

  7. Theft/misuse of Property

    1. Theft, attempted theft, unauthorized possession, use, or removal of College property or the property of any member of the College community.

    2. Defacing, tampering, damaging or destroying such property.

    3. Unauthorized presence in or use of College grounds, facilities, or property.

    4. Theft or other abuse of computer facilities, capabilities and/or computer time, including but not limited to:

      1. unauthorized entry into a file, to use, read, or change the contents, or for any other purpose;

      2. unauthorized transfer of a file;

      3. unauthorized use of another individual's identification or password;

      4. use of computing facilities to send harassing or abusive messages;

      5. use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member or College official;

      6. use of computing facilities to interfere with the normal operation of the computing system.

    5. Theft of telephone services or other auxiliary services, including food services, health club, etc...

Behaviors which violate the Code of Conduct and/or are detrimental to the welfare of the College community will result in disciplinary action that may include, but is not limited to: counseling, community service, monetary fine, probation, eviction, suspension, and expulsion. It should also be noted that individual responsibility for conduct extends beyond the campus. The College does not function apart from civil law agencies and as such, students are expected to assume personal responsibility as it relates to local, state, and federal laws.

Judicial System Judicial System (PDF)

The judicial system at Rocky Mountain College strives to maintain the welfare of the College community as well as to assist the individual student in developing personal responsibility. The structure of the College's judicial system provides a fair and consistent disciplinary response so that students may become more fully aware of their responsibilities as members of the College community.

Disciplinary cases are initiated and adjudicated at many levels. The majority of cases are handled by the residence life staff, Director of Housing, individual faculty members or the Vice President for Student Affairs. The Judicial Council hears severe cases (that is, those cases which could result in an explusion from the College) including those situations involving academic dishonesty and violations of the Code of Conduct. Because the College has total responsibility for all judicial proceedings, it reserves the right to take whatever action is deemed appropriate and necessary in holding students accountable for their behavior.

Every student has the right to due process in the disposition of cases heard through a judicial body. Through the guarantee of due process, a student can expect to be:

    Apprised of the charges against him or her.

    Provided an opportunity to present information on his or her behalf, and

    Given the right to appeal any decision of a staff member, administrator, faculty member, Peer Review Board, or the Judicial Council. Students are entitled to one appellate hearing and will be informed, in writing, of the body(ies) which will be available hear their appeal as well as being notified of the process for filing.

Judicial Council

Purpose

The basic purpose of the Judicial Council is to protect the quality of the living and learning environment at Rocky Mountain College. Throughout this judicial process, there is a commitment to the fundamentals of fair play in the judgment of violations. The system is designed to insure procedural and substantive due process.

Composition

The Judicial Council is composed of four students selected by ASRMC and four faculty members selected by the Academic Vice President from the Faculty Student Services Committee. (Faculty may be selected from outside of the student services committee if members encounter a conflict of interest or of time.) The Council will elect a chair as their first order of business.

Jurisdiction

The Judicial Council can serve either as a court of original jurisdiction or a board of appeal. It judges academic dishonesty and student disciplinary matters in which there are violations of college regulations. It also hears matters related to the constitution of ASRMC.

Powers

The Judicial Council will have the authority to use any one or a combination of the following disciplines.

    Censure or assign appropriate sanctions or duties including disciplinary work and monetary fines not to exceed $100 excluding restitution costs.

    Require restitution for damages to personal or College property.

    Limit or deny a non-resident's access to College residence(s).

    Evict a student from a college residence(s) and limit or deny use of College facilities.

    Suspend a student's enrollment at the College for one semester as deemed consistent with the offense.

    Recommend to the President of the College that a student be expelled with final termination of enrollment at the College.

    Limit a student's activities or participation by means of probationary sanction.

Utilize any formal sanctions approved by the Dean of Students and recommend to the President that a stronger sanction than allowed by the Judicial Council be assessed.

Filing Procedure

In cases where the Council is the board of original jurisdiction, the Dean of Students requests a hearing by contacting the ASRMC President and Academic Vice President and requesting a Council be constituted. Once seated, the Dean of Students will send a statement to the Council.

Included in the statement are: name(s) of the parties involved, charges, testimony, evidence, and recommendation for council action.

The charged student(s) will receive a formal statement of charges from the Dean of Students.

From the statement, the Council will determine whether there is sufficient grounds for a hearing. In making this determination, the Council may also request an interview with the Dean of Students and other plaintiffs involved.

The Judicial Council must accept the case by a two thirds vote.

If the Council decides that grounds are not sufficient for a hearing, the request will be rejected.

In cases where the Council serves as a board of appeal, refer to the Appellate Jurisdiction section.

Hearing Procedure

The Judicial Council will decide to hear a case within 48 hours of receiving a request for a hearing whenever possible.

Parties to all cases have the right to counsel of their choosing. Counsel is defined as any advisory individual (not to exceed two persons) that will serve only in an advisory capacity.

A majority of the Judicial Council must be present for a hearing to occur.

The Council may seek a preliminary hearing with each party to preview information and charges before convening prosecution and defendants. A record of each hearing is kept by tape recording. Transcripts are available only to those authorized by the Council. No further copies are to be made or distributed.

Prosecution and defense will present their arguments, providing cooperating witnesses if necessary. Opportunities for rebuttal will be provided.

After each party has presented his or her case and has the opportunity for rebuttal, members of the Council may seek further information and clarification from both sides. Council may also seek information from sources not provided by parties to the case.

Hearsay evidence related by a witness that is not based on first-hand information must be clearly identified as such and will be given less weight than first hand evidence.

Minutes of the Council's hearing are to be sent to the defendant and the Dean of Students, accessible only to judiciary members.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The Judicial Council also functions as a board of appeals for students who feel they have been subjected to unjust sanctions on the part of a faculty member or administrative body.

Procedure for Appeal

A student has 24 hours from the time he or she is informed of a disciplinary response on the part of the College to decide to request an appellate hearing and then inform the Dean of Students, in writing, of his or her intention to appeal.

The party will then have one week to prepare and present his or her request to the Judicial Council.

If the party decides to appeal, the person or board which levied the disciplinary sanction, must be informed, as well as the Dean of Students.

A request for an appellate hearing is made by sending a statement to the Dean of Students containing the following: names of persons involved, original charges made, previous disposition of the case, and the appellant's grounds for thinking the case deserves further hearing. Grounds for appeal may be disciplinary sanction not in accord with the offense, illegal procedure, new evidence, etc.

A copy of the request is to be sent to the administrator or body who levied the original sanction.

Once a request for an appellate hearing has been received, the Dean of Students will constitute the council and forward the students statement to the council chairperson.

Based on the merits of the request for appeal, the Council will determine whether there are sufficient grounds for a hearing. The Judicial Council must accept a case by two-thirds vote.

Appeal Hearing Procedure

Same as in case of original jurisdiction.

omniupdate