Policies & Procedures

The General Education Core

General education is intended to provide breadth of learning to the community college experience. General education imparts common knowledge, promotes intellectual inquiry and stimulates the examination of different perspectives, thus enabling people to function effectively in a complex and changing world.

General education is not exclusively related to a student's technical, vocational or professional field but is a part of a degree or diploma that prepares all students to meet personal, social and lifelong learning needs.

At Iowa Lakes Community College, general education encompasses curricular patterns and/or cognitive experiences appropriate to the length and content of the prescribed program. The general education requirements include college-level experiences which develop student capabilities in, and an understanding of oral and written communication; critical thinking; numerical data; scientific inquiry; ethical, global, historical and social issues; technology; and appreciation for the fine arts.

The general education component at Iowa Lakes is developed at the institutional level through the faculty governance structure, using criteria appropriate to the institution's mission, state guidelines and requirements of applicable accrediting bodies. Iowa Lakes Community College will continually clarify, articulate, publicize and assess its general education program. The general education requirement varies in accordance with the specific degree or diploma program in which the student enrolls.

Associate in Arts Transfer Degree Requirements

Associate in Science Transfer Degree Requirements

Associate in Applied Science Degree Requirements

The Associate in Applied Science degree is awarded to students who complete two-year technology curricula. Each program has specific course requirements; all programs require a 2.00 or better GPA for graduation. Some arts and science courses may apply to AAS degree requirements in specific programs. Credits earned toward an Associate in Applied Science degree may be transferable to some baccalaureate degree granting institutions, but only at the option of those institutions.

Minimum program requirements total at least 68 semester credits and recommended general requirements include a writing course and an oral communications course or a course combining both; a mathematics course and a related or applied science course; a social science course such as applied psychology or sociology or human relations; a related business or computer applications course.

Diploma Requirements

Diplomas are issued to students who complete full-time vocational curricula of at least one academic year but less than two years in length. Specific course requirements must be met and a 2.00 or better GPA is required.

Minimum requirements total at least 34 semester credits and recommended general requirements include a minimum of one writing course and an oral communications course or a course combining both; an applied mathematics or applied science course; and a human relations course.

Certificate Requirements

Students enrolled in adult vocational or adult general education courses receive certificates signifying satisfactory completion of the program of instruction. Students must attend at least 70 percent of the class sessions and complete the course work according to the instructor's standards.

Iowa High School Equivalency Certificate Requirements

The Iowa Department of Education will issue a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) to any student who passes the required battery of HiSET™ (High School Equivalency Test)** tests in the following five areas; Language Arts-Reading, Language Arts-Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Students must meet three HiSET criteria to complete the requirements for their equivalency diploma; score 8 out of 20 on each of the five subtests, score at least 2 out of 6 on the writing essay, and achieve a total scaled score of at least 45 on all five HiSET subtests.

To take the HiSET exam in the state of Iowa, you much meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. You must be at least 18 years of age to take the exam without meeting special circumstances. If you are 16-17 years old, you may take the HiSET exam, but with the following conditions:
   • If you are 16 years old - you must be a resident of an Iowa Juvenile Institution (State Training Schools at Eldora and Mitchellville) or placed under the supervision of a Juvenile Probation Office.
   • If you are 17 years old (not a resident of an Iowa state training school or Iowa juvenile home, and not under the supervision of a probation office), you may still take the HiSET exam. However, you will not be able to receive your state-issued high school equivalency diploma until you reach age 18 and your class from 9th grade has graduated. You will be provided with a transcript that can be used for employment and/or as an admissions requirement for post-secondary training as you await your transcript.
   • You must be officially withdrawn from high school; a drop form or proof of non-enrollment is necessary.
2. Iowa requires all test takers to receive instruction in an adult education classroom before taking the HiSET exam.
3. You must pass Official Practice Tests in each subject area and provide proof of acceptable scores for admittance to testing. Forms to verify readiness are completed during participation in the Adult Education and Literacy Program.
4. You must present approved identification on test day at the HiSET test center along with the verification form.

For more information, contact the Adult Education and Literacy Program at Iowa Lakes Community College.

Procedures for Academic Classes

Registration

Registration consists of program planning, scheduling of classes through consultation with an advisor, and paying tuition and fees to the college. New students who are enrolling for the first time in the fall are invited to attend an orientation-registration program in the summer. Preregistration is scheduled prior to the beginning of each term. Regular registration dates and the last date to register are published each term. A current permanent email and/or mailing address must be on file as part of registration and must be kept up to date. Information sent to the address on file will be considered to be proper notification to the student. Registration for courses may also be completed online. Veterans and service members are granted the freedom to enroll as early as possible to accommodate their unique needs.

Change of Registration

A "change of registration" form must be completed and submitted to the business office to make any change in registration. Courses may be added during the first two weeks of a session; after the first week, the instructor and director of records and registration must approve. Courses may be dropped at any time prior to the last four weeks of a course in a regular length term. Dates are pro-rated for shorter terms.

Withdrawing from All Classes

Please refer to the calendar or college website for specific dates. It is the student's responsibility to initiate a formal drop. After the first ten days of full term classes, a "W" grade will be assigned for each course. Students who receive financial aid must complete a financial aid exit interview, and may be responsible for repaying financial aid proceeds. (See Refund of Tuition - Federal Financial Aid/Title IV Funds.) The date the institution determines that the student withdrew varies depending on the type of withdrawal. For example, if a student initiates the "official withdrawal" process or provides notification to the institution of their intent to withdraw, the date the institution determines that the student withdrew would be the date the student began the official withdrawal process, or the date the student notified the institution, whichever is first. If a student did not begin the official withdrawal process or provide notification of his or her intent to withdraw, an "unofficial withdrawal" occurs and the institution establishes the withdrawal date as either the midpoint of the semester or the last date of attendance at an academically-related activity.

If a student earns a passing grade in one or more of their classes, an institution is permitted to make the presumption that the student completed the course requirements and may consider the student to have completed the period.

If a student fails to earn a passing grade in at least one class the student is enrolled, the withdrawal date is either the midpoint of the semester or the last date of attendance at an academically-related activity. In addition, a student who unofficially withdraws and receives failed grades (F) recorded on their academic transcript, may be ineligible for financial aid.

Refund of Tuition

Refund of Tuition (When there is NO Federal Financial Aid Resources):

In the event a student withdraws from a course, the student will receive a refund based on the dates of the courses enrolled. Refunds are calculated on the total tuition paid. If a student received Federal Financial Aid, please read the next section. (Please refer to the college website for specific dates.)

Refund Schedule

ECollege/online courses and other special course schedules differ; beginning dates and refund dates vary. Compressed course drops are cancelled with refund only before second class meeting starts. A student who registers but later is unable to attend must notify the college before the last date to cancel the course(s) or program to avoid charges and/or grades. Some exceptions may apply.

Refund of Tuition (Federal Financial Aid/Title IV Funds):

Refunds of tuition will be calculated based on the refund policy. The student's account balance may be affected by the financial aid adjustment that occurs after the Return to Title IV calculation. "Return to Title IV Funds" (Federal Financial Aid) formula dictates the amount of Federal Financial Aid that must be returned to the government by the student. This formula is applicable to any student receiving any type of federal aid other than Federal Work Study if that student withdraws before the 60% completion point of the semester. If funds are released to a student or their account, the student may be required to repay some of the federal grants and loans. Generally the law states (section 485 of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998-P.L./105-244) that the amount of assistance the student has received is determined on a prorated basis, in relationship to the specific term and the amount of the term completed. Students can calculate their liability by logging on to opens in a new windowR2T4 at www.r2t4.com and selecting the "continue" button. Students need to contact the Financial Aid Office for an exit interview and to verify the accuracy of their calculation. (See "Withdrawing from College" for related information.)

Important: Iowa Lakes Community College reserves the right to change the Refund Schedule at any time.

Credit Assignment in Emergency Situations

Upon request of the student and after the two-thirds point of a term, the student may be given grades and credit for all courses in progress at the time of a personal emergency such as serious personal or family illness or injury requiring the student to discontinue studies, a death in the immediate family, or other circumstances that preclude a student finishing the term. The instructor of each course and a dean must approve the grade and credit.

Options in Credit and Grading

A change from credit to audit or audit to credit status may be made during the first two weeks of a term if the permission of the director of records and registration is granted. A change from traditional to pass/no credit (P/Q) grading may also be made during the first two weeks of a term if the instructor and director of records and registration approve. Some restrictions apply; see the section on "grading system." A shorter option period applies for shorter terms.

Tuition and Fees

Students are encouraged to make full payment of tuition and fees by the first day of classes each term. Debit cards, VISA, MasterCard and Discover credit cards are accepted for payment of tuition, fees and bookstore charges. You may also provide information for automatic withdrawals from your checking/savings accounts. For those for whom full payment is not possible, a deferred payment plan is available. Textbook charges and aviation flight fees may not be deferred.

If a payment for tuition and fees is not received by the college by the due date, the college may drop the student from all classes with an "administrative drop." The student may not attend classes until payment of overdue tuition and fees are received. No student may register in any new term that has a prior indebtedness to the college, and official transcripts and diplomas will be withheld.

Iowa Lakes Community College participates in the DAS (Department of Administrative Services) Offset Program. Participation in the Offset Program is an attempt to collect a past due account. It allows Iowa Lakes Community College to offset state payments, for example state tax returns, but is not limited to tax returns.

Transfer of Credit and Other Ways of Earning Credit

Iowa Lakes will accept credit from other institutions of higher education and will grant credit for other forms of extra institutional learning if such credit is determined to be generally equivalent to the credit awarded for work in residence at Iowa Lakes, can be documented in an appropriate manner, and applies to the student's program of study and toward his or her educational goals.

One of the other methods includes test out, such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).

Credit accepted at Iowa Lakes in transfer will not necessarily transfer to another institution in the same manner because most colleges evaluate transfer credit themselves. In addition, credit granted at Iowa Lakes for test out, experiential learning, or other non-traditional forms of instruction may transfer if it qualifies under the policies and procedures for granting such credit at the receiving institution.

Working closely with an advisor and any college or university to which a student wishes to transfer will be important to the planning process. Students are responsible for taking the courses they need to meet their graduation and transfer requirements, but advisors can help smooth the process.

Additional information is available from a counselor's office, the Advising/Success Center, the records office, and from executive deans or advisors.

Inter-Institutional Transfer of Credit

Iowa Lakes will accept credit transferred from other regionally accredited institutions of higher education provided that an official transcript is received directly from the institution, the grades are satisfactory, and that the courses apply toward the student's field of study. A grade of 'C' or better, or its equivalent, is considered to be satisfactory.

Credit from non-regionally accredited institutions may be transferable to Iowa Lakes based on accreditation by a specialized or professional accrediting organization; comparability of the nature, content and level of the credit offered, as determined by Iowa Lakes administration and faculty; and the appropriateness and applicability of the credit earned to the student's current program of study.

Credit for Military Service

Credit may be granted for military experience in the following instances:

• two credits in physical education for a year or more of active duty.
• credit for DANTES or USAFI courses with acceptable scores or grades.
• service school courses
• military specialties (MOS, NER, etc.)
• Review of Joint Services transcript &/or Community College of the Air Force transcripts

A recommendation of the American Council on Education is one of the methods used in determining possible credit for military experience. Applicability to the student's program of study is also considered.

Credit for Extra-institutional and Experiential Learning

Iowa Lakes may grant credit for formally structured courses offered by non-collegiate sponsors such as businesses, corporations, governmental agencies, unions and professional groups. College credit recommendations published by the National Program on Non-collegiate Sponsored Instruction (through the Regents of the State University of New York) and The National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs (through the American Council on Education) are used as guidelines for the awarding of credit.

Industry certifications and continuing education records of completion may be presented as part of the needed documentation in an application for consideration of prior learning towards college credit.

Credit may be granted to an Iowa Lakes student for learning gained through work experience or personal study, if the student can document that this learning meets the competencies of the course for which credit is requested. Credit may be awarded only for a course listed in the current college catalog. General education courses and any course in which a CLEP exam is offered are not eligible for credit for work experience or personal study.

• The student, upon recommendation of the instructor and advisor, presents a written proposal to a campus dean/director and an instructor responsible for teaching the course in question, requesting credit for that course. Supporting materials must accompany that request, including a complete description of the prior learning, supervisory verification if available and a description of the competencies achieved.
• If the instructor evaluates the proposal as having merit, the instructor will present the proposal to a campus dean/director for permission for the student to contract for the course credit.
• The student and instructor will develop a performance contract to document prior learning, competency in the course objectives, and define a time line for portfolio completion. Upon acceptance of documentation and successful completion of written and practical examinations on course competencies, the student will pay the appropriate charges.
• Instructor verification that the student is to receive credit for the course is submitted to the director of records and registration and a grade of 'L' is recorded on the academic record.

Credit by Examination

Credit may be earned by examination at Iowa Lakes through the following methods:

• Selected Advanced Placement (AP) examinations
• selected DANTES examinations
• "challenge" examinations for specific Iowa Lakes courses which are developed and graded by the appropriate academic department.
• The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) for general and certain subject examinations.

Certain requirements must be met and Iowa Lakes specifies acceptable scores for each examination. For further information, contact the testing personnel at one of the Iowa Lakes Advising/Success Centers.

Other Information

A minimum of 12 semester credits must be earned in residence before military experience credit or credit by examination will be posted on the permanent record. A maximum of 30 semester credits may be accepted for military experience, experiential learning, and credit by examination. Some forms of earning credit may incur Iowa Lakes fees and charges for test administration, evaluation, and/or posting. Some standardized tests require payment of examination fees as well.

Academic, Financial Aid and Residency Appeals Process

Informal: It is the desire of the college that any difficulties or confusion a student may encounter with the policies or regulations of the college be handled in an informal manner whenever possible. Students are encouraged to talk to their advisors, instructors, Director of Distance Education, or the campus dean to resolve issues as they arise. Questions about financial aid may be asked of the director of financial aid. Questions about academic requirements, policy or procedures may be asked of the registrar, who also handles changes of residency.

Formal: If a student feels that extenuating circumstances might justify the waiver of a particular college policy, application, procedure or regulation as interpreted by a college employee, an appeal may be made to the Academic Review Committee. The Academic Review Committee considers all initial appeals to waive the application of college policies and procedures concerning academic actions, financial aid or residency decisions. (Academic actions include, but are not limited to, academic probation or suspension, procedures, program or degree requirements, or grades allegedly given in error by faculty members.)

Appeal Procedure

1. A student initiates an appeal by making a written statement to the Academic Review Committee, delivered to the registrar. The appeal must be filed with the Records Office no later than 24 months from the end date of the semester in which the grievance occurred. The statement should provide a description of the problem as well as the desired solution, along with any supporting information the student believes will be helpful. The student may request written involvement by faculty members, advisors, or others in support of the case.
2. If the student is dissatisfied with the committee's decision, a further appeal may then be made in person before the committee. The student may have others appear in support of the petition. If a personal appeal is not requested within thirty (30) days of the previous committee decision, that decision becomes final.
3. If a student has completed both the written and personal appeal processes above, the decision of the committee may be appealed to the campus dean. If the campus dean's decision is consistent with the Academic Review Committee's decision, the student may then appeal to the chief academic officer. If the student continues to be dissatisfied, he or she may appeal to the college president or designee, whose decision will be final. Failure to initiate this level of appeal within thirty (30) days of the notification of the committee's action shall result in the committee's last decision becoming final.

Privacy of Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford students certain rights with respect to their education records.

They are:

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. A student should submit to the director of records and registration/registrar or other appropriate official a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The registrar 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 registrar, the registrar 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 are inaccurate or misleading. A student may ask the college to amend a record that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. The student should write to the college official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. (Note: FERPA was not intended to provide a process to be used to question substantive judgments which are correctly recorded. The rights of challenge are not intended to allow a student to contest, for example, a grade in a course because the student felt a higher grade should have been assigned.) 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 his or her 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 consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to college officials with legitimate educational interests. A college official is a person employed by the college in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff, if any); a person or company with whom the college has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the college board of trustees, or a student serving on an official committee, such as a discipline or grievance committee, or assisting another college official in performing his or her tasks. A college official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the college discloses education records without consent to another school in which the student seeks or intends to enroll.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures of Iowa Lakes Community 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 2000.

Directory Information

Iowa Lakes considers the following to be directory information and will release it unless the student requests the college not to do so by the end of the second week of classes each term: name, addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail address, date and place of birth, major field of study, classification, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, academic honors awarded, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended.

Any request to limit directory information must be made to the director of records and registration. The college will not notify a student of requests for directory information if the student has requested withholding it; Iowa Lakes will not be responsible if disclosure would have been to the student's benefit. Students not currently enrolled may not restrict directory information. Directory information is released only on an individual basis; lists of students are not available. A request to withhold any item of directory information will normally result in the college withholding all information.

Students' Right to Review

Students have the right to inspect and review information contained in their education records. A student must make a written request to the director of records and registration listing the item or items of interest. The college will respond to the request within 45 days. Further information about the content of the educational record and the right to challenge portions which the student feels are incorrect is available in the records and registration offices at Emmetsburg or Estherville.

Requests for Transcripts

An official transcript of credit courses taken at Iowa Lakes Community College is issued to a third party only upon request by the student. Students/former students need to complete an elec­tronic Transcript Request, which is available on the Iowa Lakes Community College website.

There will be a $5 fee per requested transcript. Transcripts are not released if the student has an overdue financial obligation to the college.

Transcripts from high schools, other colleges, or universities that have been sent to Iowa Lakes for the student file, will not be copied and released. Copies need to be obtained directly from the institution of origin.

Transfer to Other Institutions

Students who plan to transfer to another institution after the completion of their study at Iowa Lakes should plan early to meet the requirements of the institution to which they plan to transfer. Iowa Lakes advisors and counselors will help students meet their educational goals. Students are also urged to work closely with the school to which they will transfer to be sure that courses will transfer and that requirements will be met.

Students who plan to transfer to a four-year college should be aware that many schools have increased the level of mathematics competency required for graduation to the level of college algebra or higher. This requirement also applies to community college graduates with the A.A. degree, even though the A.A. degree may meet the four-year college general requirements. Some colleges are now requiring a foreign language and some require that science courses also include laboratory work. Students who take college level work as high school students who use the credit for high school graduation requirements should be aware that some colleges will not allow that credit to count toward a college degree.

Credit granted at Iowa Lakes for test-out, experiential learning or other non-traditional forms of instruction may transfer if it qualifies under the policies at the receiving institution. An official transcript of Iowa Lakes work should be sent to the transfer institution when the school asks for it.

Minnesota Office of Higher Eduaction

Iowa Lakes Community College is registered as a private institution with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions.

Continuing Education

Iowa Lakes Community College is aware that education is a lifelong activity and provides preparatory, upgrading and enriching continuing education courses for those residents who want, need and can benefit from such training. A comprehensive schedule which provides area residents with the opportunity to participate in programs and activities meet their needs. Working directly with communities and area businesses, the division provides short courses, programs, and seminars in a timely manner.

Adult Education and Literacy (AEL)

The Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program provides adults with a 'second chance' to learn and/or brush up on basic skills such as reading, writing, and math, as well as acquire new skills such as computer literacy. Educational services are available at no cost to eligible adult learners and are designed to meet the educational needs of each individual.

Services can include:

• Basic skills instruction in reading, writing, math, listening, and speaking;
• HSED Test Preparation in science, social studies, mathematics, language arts-reading, language arts-writing, and calculator training;
• Official Practice Test (OPT) administration for documenting readiness to take the HiSET™ test;
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) instruction in pre-literacy, reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, U.S. history and government, and cultural literacy;
• College readiness skills instruction in organization and time management, technology, goal setting, test taking skills, and self-advocacy;
• Job readiness skills Instruction in goal-setting, career planning, personal work attributes, employee rights and responsibilities, job search strategies, and unemployment survival; and
• Computer literacy skills in keyboarding, word processing and other introductory skills.

Vocational Supplemental Courses

Courses in this category are designed to increase the skills and understandings needed by adult workers who are already employed but want to upgrade or update their occupational competencies. The target population for these courses is the working adult.

Needs are identified by several methods. Individuals or groups may request a specific course which they need. Agencies, organizations, businesses and industries may make requests. Advisory committees also propose courses and programs, such as those for nursing or building maintenance supervisors. Licensing boards also assist in identifying needs.

Community Service and Service Learning

A community service program is designed to promote agricultural, business, industrial, recreational, cultural and social development. This includes providing leadership in solving community problems, serving new constituents, and making college facilities available.

Service learning at Iowa Lakes is a method of teaching and learning which engages students in solving problems and addressing local needs within the college or the community as part of their comprehensive educational program. Service learning combines academic curriculum with service in a college or community service project.

Iowa Lakes Community College is also involved in community service projects such as the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), the Small Business Development Center and health related programs.

English as a Second Language

Designed to teach English to those people for whom it is not the primary language, this program has assisted migrant and refugee peoples who have moved into the area. Emphasis is on English for daily living and on-the-job language requirements.

Extended Learning

Senior Year Plus Enrollement Options Act (Dual-Credit Classes)

Iowa Lakes Community College welcomes and encourages qualified high school students to enroll in college-level classes and looks forward to serving their needs. To facilitate Senior Year Plus, Iowa Lakes has established the following guidelines.

Students must complete and submit the following information before the semester in which they plan to enroll

1. Accuplacer or ACT score
2. Signed Iowa Lakes High School registration form (available from high school counselor)

All high school registration forms require a high school administrator and student signature or registration is considered incomplete. A new registration form must be completed for each semester.

Each student must take an Accuplacer or ACT test to enroll in an Iowa Lakes course. There is a minimum score that must be reached on the test in order to enroll in Composition I, Composition II or any college-level math course.

Students receiving low scores are encouraged to return to their local high school to upgrade their skills. If no means are available at the high school level to improve those skills, the student may enroll in an Iowa Lakes developmental class, but not regular college classes, until the required developmental courses have been completed satisfactorily.

Under Senior Year Plus, the local school district assumes responsibility for tuition.

Any course withrawal or changes to a schedule must be approved by the high school counselor. Withdrawal and refund policies and procedures are detailed elsewhere in this catalog.

All information regarding dual credit classes is available through high school guidance counselors.

Third Age College

The Third Age College is an educational organization that provides an academic setting to enrich the lives of individuals over the age of 55 and interested others. The term "third age" is borrowed from the French and indicates productivity during retirement rather than this "age" becoming the mere closure of life.

Classes focus on academics rather than leisure and pleasure. A variety of topics and subject areas are covered in courses.

Iowa Lakes Community College believes that personal integrity and academic honesty are fundamental to scholarship. Iowa Lakes strives to create an environment where the dignity of each person is recognized, and an atmosphere of mutual trust exists between instructors and students. The faculty have confidence in the integrity of the students and encourage students to exercise good judgment in fulfilling this responsibility.

Actions contrary to academic integrity will not be tolerated. Activities that have the effect or intention of interfering with learning or fair evaluation of a student’s work or performance are considered a breach of academic integrity.

Examples of such unacceptable activities include, but are not limited to:

• Cheating (intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized material, assistance, or study aids in any academic work). For example, using a cheat sheet for a test, looking at another student’s paper during an exam, stealing or buying all or parts of an exam or paper, altering and resubmitting work for a better grade without prior approval to do so, etc.
• Plagiarism (representing another’s ideas, words, expressions or data in writing or presentation without giving proper credit, failing to cite a reference or failing to use proper documentation, using works of another gained over the Internet and submitted as one’s own work).
• Falsification and/or misrepresentation of data (submitting contrived or made-up information in and academic exercise). For example, making up data, citing non-existent sources, etc.
• Facilitating Academic Dishonesty (knowingly helping or attempting to help another violate any provision of the academic dishonesty policy). For example, working together on a take-home exam or other assignment when the option has not been made available, giving a paper/assignment to another student for his/her use, etc.
• Multiple Submission (submitting, without prior approval from the instructor involved, any work submitted to fulfill academic requirements in another class). For example, submitting the same paper for two different classes, etc.
• Unfair Advantage (trying to gain an unauthorized advantage over fellow students). For example, gaining or facilitating unauthorized access to exam materials (past or present); interfering with another student’s efforts in an academic exercise; lying about the need for an extension on a paper or assignment; destroying, hiding, removing or keeping library materials, etc.

Disciplinary Action

Any violation of this policy will be treated as a serious matter. The instructor has primary responsibility for classroom behavior and maintaining academic integrity. Students who earn an “F” based on any violation of the Student Academic Honesty Policy may not withdraw from the class (and receive a grade of W).

Depending on the nature and severity of the offense, Iowa Lakes Community College reserves the right to exercise disciplinary action as outlined in the Disciplinary Action section of the Student Handbook.

Classroom Performance

In the classroom, student performance should be evaluated on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct matters unrelated to academic standards.

• Students should be able to express their views in any course but are responsible for learning course content.
• Student protection from the prejudiced or capricious academic evaluation will be enforced through a due process procedure.
• Students should be protected from unprofessional disclosure of their views, beliefs, and political associations. The information which staff members acquire is to be considered confidential in the course of their work as instructors, advisors, and counselors.
• Instructors shall inform students, at the beginning of each course, the course content, objectives, how students will be evaluated, on what criteria, and when the evaluation will be done.

Individual Responsibilities

Iowa Lakes Community College expects all students to conduct themselves under all circumstances in a responsible manner.

• Students are expected to observe the policies of the college and the laws of the city, state, and federal governments.
• Students are subject to disciplinary action for violation of college policies or regulations which have been published and are readily available to the student.
• No pets are allowed in the college buildings.
• Because of the potential distraction to other students, students are not allowed to bring children to classes or into any other academic learning environment.

Purpose

The purpose of the Iowa Lakes Community College Acceptable Use Policy is to establish acceptable practices regarding the use of Iowa Lakes Community College Information Resources in order to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information created, collected, and maintained.

Audience

The Iowa Lakes Community College Acceptable Use Policy applies to any individual, entity, or process that interacts with any Iowa Lakes Community College Information Resource.

Contents

Policy

Acceptable Use

• Personnel are responsible for complying with Iowa Lakes Community College policies when using Iowa Lakes Community College  information resources and/or on Iowa Lakes Community College time. If requirements or responsibilities are unclear, please seek assistance from the Security Committee.
• Personnel must promptly report the theft, loss, or unauthorized disclosure of Iowa Lakes Community College confidential or internal information to the Security Committee.
• Personnel should not purposely engage in activity that may 
  • harass, threaten, or abuse others; 
  • degrade the performance of Iowa Lakes Community College Information Resources; 
  • deprive authorized Iowa Lakes Community College personnel access to a Iowa Lakes Community College Information Resource; 
  • obtain additional resources beyond those allocated; 
  • or circumvent Iowa Lakes Community College computer security measures.
• Personnel should not download, install, or run security programs or utilities that reveal or exploit weakness in the security of a system. For example, Iowa Lakes Community College personnel should not run password cracking programs, packet sniffers, port scanners, or any other non-approved programs on any Iowa Lakes Community College Information Resource.
• All inventions, intellectual property, and proprietary information, including reports, drawings, blue prints, software codes, computer programs, data, writings, and technical information, developed on Iowa Lakes Community College time and/or using Iowa Lakes Community College Information Resources are the property of Iowa Lakes Community College.
• Use of encryption should be managed in a manner that allows designated Iowa Lakes Community College personnel to promptly access all data. 
• Iowa Lakes Community College Information Resources are provided to facilitate company business and should not be used for personal financial gain.
• Personnel are expected to cooperate with incident investigations, including any federal or state investigations.
• Personnel are expected to respect and comply with all legal protections provided by patents, copyrights, trademarks, and intellectual property rights for any software and/or materials viewed, used, or obtained using Iowa Lakes Community College Information Resources.
• Personnel should not intentionally access, create, store or transmit material which Iowa Lakes Community College may deem to be offensive, indecent, or obscene.

Access Management

• Access to information is based on a "need to know".
• Personnel are permitted to use only those network and host addresses issued to them by Iowa Lakes Community College IT and should not attempt to access any data or programs contained on Iowa Lakes Community College systems for which they do not have authorization or explicit consent.
• All remote access connections made to internal Iowa Lakes Community College networks and/or environments must be made through approved, and Iowa Lakes Community College-provided, virtual private networks (VPNs).
• Personnel should not divulge any access information to anyone not specifically authorized to receive such information.
• Personnel must not share their Iowa Lakes Community College authentication information, including:
  • Account passwords, 
  • Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), 
  • Security Tokens (i.e. Smartcard), 
  • Access cards and/or keys,
  • Digital certificates, 
  • Similar information or devices used for identification and authentication purposes.
• Lost or stolen access cards, security tokens, and/or keys must be reported to the person responsible for Information Resource physical facility management as soon as practical.
• A service charge may be assessed for access cards, security tokens, and/or keys that are lost, stolen, or are not returned.

Authentication/Passwords

• All personnel are required to maintain the confidentiality of personal authentication information. 
• Any group/shared authentication information must be maintained solely among the authorized members of the group. 
• All passwords, including initial and/or temporary passwords, must be constructed, and implemented according to the following Iowa Lakes Community College rules:
  • Must meet all requirements established in the Iowa Lakes Community College Authentication Standard, including minimum length, complexity, and rotation requirements.
  • Must not be easily tied back to the account owner by using things like: user name, social security number, nickname, relative’s names, birth date, etc.
  • Should not include common words, such as using dictionary words or acronyms.
  • Should not be the same passwords as used for non-business purposes.
• Password history must be kept preventing the reuse of passwords.
• Unique passwords should be used for each system, whenever possible.
• User account passwords must not be divulged to anyone.  Iowa Lakes Community College support personnel and/or contractors should never ask for user account password. Passwords could be shared with IT staff and the user will be forced to change the password at next logon.  
• Security tokens (i.e. Smartcard) must be returned on demand or upon termination of the relationship with Iowa Lakes Community College, if issued.
• If the security of a password is in doubt, the password should be changed immediately.
• Personnel should not circumvent password entry with application remembering, embedded scripts or hard coded passwords in client software.  
• Password vaulting applications (password keeper, LastPass, etc.) are acceptable to utilize to keep passwords safe.

Clear Desk/Clear Screen

• Personnel should log off from applications or network services when they are no longer needed. 
• Personnel should log off or lock their workstations and laptops when their workspace is unattended.
• Confidential or internal information should be removed or placed in a locked drawer or file cabinet when the workstation is unattended and at the end of the workday if physical access to the workspace cannot be secured by other means.
• Personal items, such as phones, wallets, and keys, should be removed or placed in a locked drawer or file cabinet when the workstation is unattended.
• File cabinets containing confidential information should be locked when not in use or when unattended.
• Physical and/or electronic keys used to access confidential information should not be left on an unattended desk or in an unattended workspace if the workspace itself is not physically secured.
• Laptops should be either locked with a locking cable or locked away in a drawer or cabinet when the work area is unattended or at the end of the workday if the laptop is not encrypted.
• Passwords must not be posted on or under a computer or in any other physically accessible location.
• Copies of documents containing confidential information should be immediately removed from printers and fax machines.

Data Security

• Personnel should use approved encrypted communication methods whenever sending confidential information over public computer networks (Internet). 
• Confidential information transmitted via USPS or other mail service must be secured in compliance with the Information Classification and Management Policy.
• Only authorized cloud computing applications may be used for sharing, storing, and transferring confidential or internal information.
• Information must be appropriately shared, handled, transferred, saved, and destroyed, based on the information sensitivity.
• Personnel should not have confidential conversations in public places or over insecure communication channels, open offices, and meeting places.
• Confidential information must be transported either by an Iowa Lakes Community College employee or a courier approved by IT Management.
• All electronic media containing confidential information must be securely disposed. Please contact IT for guidance or assistance. 

Email and Electronic Communication

• Electronic communications should not misrepresent the originator or Iowa Lakes Community College.
• Personnel are responsible for the accounts assigned to them and for the actions taken with their accounts. 
• Accounts must not be shared without prior authorization from Iowa Lakes Community College IT, except for calendars and related calendaring functions.
• Any personal use of Iowa Lakes Community College provided email should not:
  • Involve solicitation.
  • Be associated with any political entity, excluding the Iowa Lakes Community College sponsored PAC.
  • Have the potential to harm the reputation of Iowa Lakes Community College.
  • Forward chain emails.
  • Contain or promote anti-social or unethical behavior.
  • Violate local, state, federal, or international laws or regulations.
  • Result in unauthorized disclosure of Iowa Lakes Community College confidential information.
• Personal email accounts should not be used to send confidential information.
• Personnel should only send confidential information using Iowa Lakes Community College secure electronic messaging solutions. 
• Personnel should use caution when responding to, clicking on links within, or opening attachments included in electronic communications.
• Personnel should use discretion in disclosing confidential or internal information in Out of Office or other automated responses, such as employment data, internal telephone numbers, location information or other sensitive data.

Hardware and Software

• All hardware must be formally approved by IT Management before being connected to Iowa Lakes Community College networks.
• All Iowa Lakes Community College Iowa Lakes Community College assets taken off-site should always be physically secured.
• Personnel traveling to a High-Risk location, as defined by FBI and Office of Foreign Asset control, must contact IT for approval to travel with corporate assets.
• Employees should not allow family members or other non-employees to access Iowa Lakes Community College Information Resources.

Internet

• The Internet must not be used to communicate Iowa Lakes Community College confidential or internal information, unless the confidentiality and integrity of the information is ensured, and the identity of the recipient(s) is established. 
• Use of the Internet with Iowa Lakes Community College networking or computing resources must only be used for business-related activities. Unapproved activities include, but are not limited to: 

• Accessing or distributing pornographic or sexually oriented materials,

• • Attempting or making unauthorized entry to any network or computer accessible from the Internet. 
• Access to the Internet from outside the Iowa Lakes Community College network using a Iowa Lakes Community College owned computer must adhere to all of the same policies that apply to use from within Iowa Lakes Community College facilities. 

Mobile Devices and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

• The use of a personally-owned mobile device to connect to the Iowa Lakes Community College network is a privilege granted to employees only upon formal approval of IT Management.
• All personally-owned laptops and/or workstations must have approved virus and spyware detection/protection software along with personal firewall protection active. 
• Mobile devices that access Iowa Lakes Community College email must have a PIN or other authentication mechanism enabled.
• Confidential data should only be stored on devices that are encrypted in compliance with the Iowa Lakes Community College Encryption Standard. 
• Iowa Lakes Community College confidential information should not be stored on any personally-owned mobile device.
• Theft or loss of any mobile device that has been used to create, store, or access confidential or internal information must be reported to the Iowa Lakes Community College Security Team immediately. 
• All mobile devices must maintain up-to-date versions of all software and applications. 
• All personnel are expected to use mobile devices in an ethical manner.
• Jail-broken or rooted devices should not be used to connect to Iowa Lakes Community College Information Resources. 
• Iowa Lakes Community College IT Management may choose to execute “remote wipe” capabilities for mobile devices without warning (see Mobile Device Email Acknowledgement).  
• In the event that there is a suspected incident or breach associated with a mobile device, it may be necessary to remove the device from the personnel’s possession as part of a formal investigation.
• All mobile device usage in relation to Iowa Lakes Community College Information Resources may be monitored, at the discretion of Iowa Lakes Community College IT Management.
• Iowa Lakes Community College IT support for personally-owned mobile devices is limited to assistance in complying with this policy.  Iowa Lakes Community College IT support may not assist in troubleshooting device usability issues.
• Use of personally-owned devices must follow all other Iowa Lakes Community College policies.
• Iowa Lakes Community College reserves the right to revoke personally-owned mobile device use privileges if personnel do not abide by the requirements set forth in this policy.
• Texting or emailing while driving is not permitted while on company time or using Iowa Lakes Community College resources. Only hands-free talking while driving is permitted, while on company time or when using Iowa Lakes Community College resources.

Physical Security

• Photographic, video, audio, or other recording equipment, such as cameras in mobile devices, is not allowed in secure areas. 
• Personnel must always display photo ID access card while in the building. 
• Personnel must badge in and out of access-controlled areas. Piggy-backing, door propping and any other activity to circumvent door access controls are prohibited. 
• Visitors accessing card-controlled areas of facilities must have an approved temporary authorization badge.
• Eating or drinking are not allowed in data centers. Caution must be used when eating or drinking near workstations or information processing facilities.

Privacy

• Information created, sent, received, or stored on Iowa Lakes Community College Information Resources are not private and may be accessed by Iowa Lakes Community College IT employees at any time, under the direction of Iowa Lakes Community College executive management and/or Human Resources, without knowledge of the user or resource owner.
• Iowa Lakes Community College may log, review, and otherwise utilize any information stored on or passing through its Information Resource systems.
• Systems Administrators, Iowa Lakes Community College IT, and other authorized Iowa Lakes Community College personnel may have privileges that extend beyond those granted to standard business personnel.  Personnel with extended privileges should not access files and/or other information that is not specifically required to carry out an employment related task.

Removable Media

• The use of removable media for storage of Iowa Lakes Community College information must be supported by a reasonable business case.
• All removable media use must be approved by Iowa Lakes Community College IT prior to use.
• Personally-owned removable media use is not permitted for storage of Iowa Lakes Community College information.
• Personnel are not permitted to connect removable media from an unknown origin, without prior approval from the Iowa Lakes Community College IT.
• Confidential and internal Iowa Lakes Community College information should not be stored on removable media without the use of encryption.
• The loss or theft of a removable media device that may have contained Iowa Lakes Community College information must be reported to the Iowa Lakes Community College IT.

Security Training and Awareness

• All new personnel must complete an approved security awareness training class prior to, or at least within 30 days of, being granted access to any Iowa Lakes Community College Information Resources.
• All personnel must be provided with and acknowledge they have received and agree to adhere to the Iowa Lakes Community College Information Security Policies before they are granted to access to Iowa Lakes Community College Information Resources. 
• All personnel must complete the annual security awareness training.

Social Media

• Any social media page or account that is created on behalf of Iowa Lakes Community College, must include the Iowa Lakes Web Specialist as an account administrator, as well as a member of the President’s Cabinet.
  • Example 1: A program Facebook page should add their Campus Dean and the Web Specialist as an account administrator.
  • Example 2: A department, Admissions, should add the Executive Dean of Students and the Web Specialist as an account administrator. 
• Communications made with respect to social media should be made in compliance with all applicable Iowa Lakes Community College policies.
• Personnel are personally responsible for the content they publish online.
• Creating any public social media account intended to represent Iowa Lakes Community College, including accounts that could reasonably be assumed to be an official Iowa Lakes Community College account, requires the permission of the Iowa Lakes Community College Marketing Department. 
• When discussing Iowa Lakes Community College or Iowa Lakes Community College -related matters, you should:
  • Identify yourself by name,
  • Identify yourself as an Iowa Lakes Community College representative, and
  • Make it clear that you are speaking for yourself and not on behalf of Iowa Lakes Community College, unless you have been explicitly approved to do so.
• Personnel should not misrepresent their role at Iowa Lakes Community College.
• When publishing Iowa Lakes Community College -relevant content online in a personal capacity, a disclaimer should accompany the content.  An example disclaimer could be; “The opinions and content are my own and do not necessarily represent Iowa Lakes Community College’s position or opinion.”
• Content posted online should not violate any applicable laws (i.e. copyright, fair use, financial disclosure, or privacy laws).
• The use of discrimination (including age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, national origin, citizenship, disability, or marital status or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances) in published content that is affiliated with Iowa Lakes Community College will not be tolerated.
• Confidential information, internal communications and non-public financial or operational information may not be published online in any form.
• Personal information belonging to customers may not be published online.  
• Personnel approved to post, review, or approve content on Iowa Lakes Community College social media sites must follow the Iowa Lakes Community College Social Media Procedures.

Voice Mail 

• Personnel should use discretion in disclosing confidential or internal information in voice mail greetings, such as employment data, internal telephone numbers, location information or other sensitive data.
• Personnel should not access another user’s voicemail account unless it has been explicitly authorized.

Incidental Use

• As a convenience to Iowa Lakes Community College personnel, incidental use of Information Resources is permitted. The following restrictions apply:
  • Incidental personal use of electronic communications, Internet access, fax machines, printers, copiers, and so on, is restricted to Iowa Lakes Community College approved personnel; it does not extend to family members or other acquaintances.
  • Incidental use should not result in direct costs to Iowa Lakes Community College.
  • Incidental use should not interfere with the normal performance of an employee’s work duties.
  • No files or documents may be sent or received that may cause legal action against, or embarrassment to, Iowa Lakes Community College or its customers.
• Storage of personal email messages, voice messages, files and documents within Iowa Lakes Community College Information Resources must be nominal
• All information located on Iowa Lakes Community College Information Resources are owned by Iowa Lakes Community College may be subject to open records requests, and may be accessed in accordance with this policy.

Definitions

See Appendix A: Definitions

References

• ISO 27002: 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 16, 18
• NIST CSF: PR.AC, PR.AT, PR.DS, DE.CM, DE.DP, RS.CO
• Iowa Lakes Community College Information Classification Policy
• Iowa Lakes Community College Incident Management Policy
• Iowa Lakes Community College Asset Management Policy
• Iowa Lakes Community College Personnel Security Policy
• Iowa Lakes Community College Identity and Access Management Policy
• Iowa Lakes Community College Encryption Policy
• Iowa Lakes Community College Physical Security Policy
• Iowa Lakes Community College Security Training and Awareness Policy

Waivers

Waivers from certain policy provisions may be sought following the Iowa Lakes Community College Waiver Process.

Exceptions

Auto-forwarding electronic messages outside the Iowa Lakes Community College internal systems is prohibited. 

Software installed on Iowa Lakes Community College equipment must be approved by IT Management and installed by Iowa Lakes Community College IT personnel.

Enforcement

Personnel found to have violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, and related civil or criminal penalties.  

Any vendor, consultant, or contractor found to have violated this policy may be subject to sanctions up to and including removal of access rights, termination of contract(s), and related civil or criminal penalties.

Version History

Iowa Lakes Community College is committed to ensuring that all programs and services, including electronic and our website, are accessible to people with disabilities. In accordance with the provisions of Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Iowa Lakes provides students, faculty, staff, and visitors with reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to the programs and activities of the college.

The Iowa Lakes website has been developed to comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (as amended). Section 508 was enacted to eliminate barriers to information technology, to make available new opportunities for people with disabilities, and to encourage the development of new technologies to help achieve these goals. This law requires that all individuals with disabilities have access to information and data comparable to that which is available to individuals without disabilities.

There are links to Portable Document Format (PDF) files throughout the college website. Some of these files may not be compliant with screen reader devices, depending on the age of the file, the software used to create the file, the resources available, and/or the knowledge/skillset of the person creating the file. We are actively working to identify and update all PDF files to be compliant. Adobe Systems, Inc., has improved the accessibility features of their Adobe Acrobat software and has developed resources to improve access to Adobe PDF files. For additional information, please visit opens in a new windowAdobe's Accessibility website (http://access.adobe.com).

Please use one of the following resources, or leave a comment using the form at the bottom of this page.

Accommodations/Disability Resources

The mission of Iowa Lakes Community College is to provide equal access to students with disabilities, while maintaining the integrity of the college’s academic standards.

Any student requesting accommodation services from Iowa Lakes Community College is required to submit an application for services and documentation of the disability. This information is used to verify eligibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504, Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment, and Iowa Lakes Community College policy.

Accommodations are intended to provide students with disabilities equal access.

opens in a new windowClick here for more information: https://iowalakes.edu/student-services/accommodations-disabilities-services/

ADA Accessibility Notice - Board Meetings

The Board of Trustees of Iowa Lakes Community College, with sufficient notice of at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the start of a scheduled public meeting, will relocate the scheduled public meeting to accommodate the participation of individuals with disabilities.

Individual requests from persons with disabilities to meet with college employees at the Administration Building will also be accommodated in an appropriate manner.

Click here to make a request

Accessibility Feedback Form

Iowa Lakes Community College is committed to creating and maintaining an educational environment and workplace that is free from discrimination, harassment, and violence.

Anonymous Reporting

The purpose of anonymous reporting is to allow any victim of sexual assault to make a report with the option of not including his/her name. Below you will find information and resources available to students regarding Anonymous Reporting and Title IX.

opens in a new windowMake an Anonymous Report

Privacy & Confidentiality

Information received by the Human Resources Office and Title IX Officer in connection with the filing, investigation, and resolution of allegations will be treated confidentially. The Director of Human Resources/Title IX Officer will disclose your information on a limited basis and only as needed to properly and thoroughly conduct an investigation, for the purposes of addressing conduct or practices that are in violation of the policy, or when required to do so by state or federal laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is an Anonymous Report Beneficial?

Iowa Lakes Community College and local law enforcement officials are aware that many sexual assault victims are unwilling to report to the police for a variety of reasons. Often, the victim does not want to report right away because they are uncertain about the reactions of family, friends, and others they may speak to about it. A few days, weeks, or months later, when the picture becomes clearer to them, a victim may want to report but then feels it is too late. Submitting this report may help victims take a first step in the reporting process, making it easier to come forward later if they choose.

• Anonymous reports have been able to reveal trends in sexual assault by identifying a common suspect, location of concern, or other common denominator.
• Iowa Lakes Community College and local law enforcement would like to gain intelligence and a truer picture of the local incidence and perpetration of sexual assault in our community.
• Some victims are ONLY interested in notifying authorities of a potential harm in the community or sharing the facts of a sexual assault and they have no plans to ever make a formal report to law enforcement. This report allows for that.

Most importantly, Iowa Lakes Community College wants victims of sexual assault to know there are free medical and counseling resources available to them whether they report to law enforcement or not, and we want victims to take advantage of those resources as well.

Who will see the Report?

Anonymous reports filed through this website are viewable only by the victim of sexual assault and the advocates who are assigned to the case. The reports will not be available to any law enforcement officers and they are not subject to public records review.

Persons who submit a sexual assault report through this website will have a few additional options available to them.

1. The victim can indicate whether they would like to be contacted by a Victim Advocate. In these cases, all correspondence and contact with a Victim Advocate is kept confidential and is NOT shared with a detective unless the victim requests it.
2. The victim can indicate that they are willing to be contacted by law enforcement ONLY if a pattern arises related to the perpetrator and further information is needed from the victim to help with another investigation.

It is very important that victims control their level of involvement in reporting a sexual assault. No attempts will be made to identify or contact victims who report a sexual assault anonymously unless a clear identifiable pattern arises and the victim has left a contact number or email address, OR law enforcement has reason to believe the victim may still be in danger.

I Was Recently Sexually Assaulted. What do I do?

Your safety is our primary concern. We urge you to do the following if you have been the victim of a sexual assault in the past 96 hours. All of the actions below are your choice.

• Get to a safe place and get medical attention as soon as possible. You can go to your local Emergency Room where a medical exam will be conducted and evidence can be collected for use later if you so choose. The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (S.A.N.E.) and other medical staff can detect injuries and offer help regarding concerns of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy as a result of the sexual assault. You can get this medical exam done confidentially, without reporting to law enforcement. There is no cost for the exam.

Where do I go for help?

Referral and advocacy services are available for any member of the Iowa Lakes’ student body, staff, or faculty, who believes he/she has been the victim of sexual abuse.  Some of the referral and advocacy services for Sexual and Domestic Violence are:

Centers Against Abuse & Sexual Assault and Crisis Intervention Services (CAASA)
Services are available 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

• Algona: 515-295-6958
• Emmetsburg: 712-262-4612
• Estherville: 712-362-3200
• Spencer: 712-262-4612
• Spirit Lake: 712-336-1255 

Centers Against Abuse & Sexual Assault
Serves the Emmetsburg, Estherville, Spencer and Spirit Lake area you may call their 24 hour crisis line for Sexual assault and Domestic Violence services at: 877-362-4612.

Crisis Intervention Services

Outreach office serves Algona their 24 hour crisis line for Sexual Assault services is: 800-479-9071 and they also have a 24 hour crisis line for Domestic Violence services at: 855-424-9133

Family Violence Center, Fort Dodge: 515-955-5456
National Victim Center’s Info Link: 800-FYI-CALL
Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Abuse: 800-942-0333
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-333-SAFE(7233)
Iowa Victim Service Call Center: 800-770-1650 or text ‘IOWAHELP’ to 20121

Types of Help Available

Medical Help
If you still have injuries as a result of a sexual assault or if you were sexually assaulted in the last 96 hours, we urge you to go to a hospital emergency room where a forensic medical exam will be conducted without law enforcement officers being contacted, if you wish. The forensic medical exam would detect any injuries and could result in the collection of evidence that would be stored under an anonymous file.

Local hospital emergency rooms offer medical assistance to include treatments to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and pregnancy.

Emotional Healing and Assistance
There are resources available to sexual assault victims and survivors in our community related to mental health. Sometimes a victim just needs someone safe to talk to, and the Advocate or Counselor can offer them that and more. The following resources allow for anonymous help and could answer questions about the criminal justice process should the victim want to consider that in the future. The advocates have vast experience and training in helping victims heal, cope, and effectively manage life after a sexual assault.

Online Anonymous Counseling Services:

CAASA has anonymous online reporting services and counseling services.

Other Hotlines and Resources:

Available 24 Hours a Day, 365 Days a Year

Algona: 800-479-9071
Emmetsburg: 712-852-4612
Estherville: 712-362-4612
Spencer: 712-262-4612
Spirit Lake: 712-336-1255
National Victim Center’s Info Link 800-FYI-CALL
Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault 800-942-0333
National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-333-SAFE (7233)

What if I was sexually assaulted a long time ago?

Even if you were sexually assaulted a long time ago, or as a child, there are resources and help available. Under some circumstances, prosecuting a sexual assault might not be an option due to statute of limitation restrictions, however, the information provided could lead investigators to other recent victims and could prevent others from becoming a victim at the hands of the perpetrator. We encourage survivors to make a report or to fill out the anonymous report form on this website, regardless of the date(s) of the sexual assault.

You should know that you are not alone! Did you know research shows that only 7 to 10 percent of sexual assault victims report the assaults to law enforcement? Many never tell ANYONE. It is never too late to talk and share your story with others who understand. There are support groups and other resources available through which your identity can remain anonymous. Under the ‘Where can I go for help’ section of this website you can find information which explains the long term impact of a sexual assault and the benefits of talking to someone about the incident(s) or reporting it to authorities.

The Statute of Limitations for sexual assault varies depending on the age of the victim and other factors. In the state of Iowa, anyone who has been assaulted, and is over the age of 18, criminal charges can be pressed for 10 years after the assault has taken place.

WHAT IS SEXUAL VIOLENCE?

Sexual violence is any sexual act or attempt to obtain a sexual act by violence or coercion, unwanted sexual comments or advances, acts directed against a person's sexuality, regardless of the relationship to the victim. Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. Falling under the definition of sexual assault are sexual activities as forced sexual intercourse, forcible sodomy, child molestation, incest, fondling, and attempted rape.

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FOR A SAFER COMMUNITY 

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act

The Jeanne Clery Actrequires the annual disclosure of certain crime statistics as well as institutional policies regarding campus security. In addition, disclosure of fire safety information and annual fire statistics for on-campus residence halls is required under the Higher Education Opportunity Act. Iowa Lakes Community College, in compliance with these laws, is providing the following information to all enrolled students and current employees. This report also includes links to additional, helpful information.

Campus Security Awareness and Crime Prevention Programs

Iowa Lakes Community College places a high priority on maintaining a safe and secure campus for all students, faculty, staff and visitors. Members of the college community have the opportunity to learn about campus security procedures and the prevention of crime, and are encouraged to be responsible for their own security and the security of others, through programs presented by various administrative offices and student clubs and organizations. The local Police Departments, staffed by officers with specialized training, and our Residential and Educational Counseling staff provides security awareness and crime prevention programs that stress both good personal safety habits and the importance of community safety.

Definitions from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Handbook (UCR)

1. On-campus—
   1. Any building or property owned or controlled by an institution within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of, or in a manner related to, the institution’s educational purposes, including residence halls; and
   2. Any building or property that is within or reasonably contiguous to paragraph 1 of this definition, that is owned by the institution but controlled by another person, is frequently used by students, and supports institutional purposes (such as a food or other retail vendor).
2. Murder/Non-negligent Manslaughter—The willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another.
3. Negligent Manslaughter—The killing of another person through gross negligence.
4. Rape—The carnal knowledge of another forcibly and against his or her will.
5. Forcible Fondling—The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, forcibly and/or against the person's will; or not forcibly and/or against the person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary permanent mental or physical incapacity.
6. Statutory Rape—Non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
7. Incest—Non-forcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
8. Robbery—The taking, or attempting to take, of anything of value from the care, custody or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.
9. Aggravated Assault—An unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm.
10. Burglary—The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft.
11. Motor Vehicle Theft—The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.
12. Arson—Any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.
13. Liquor Law Violations—Violations of state or local laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession or use of alcoholic beverages (with the exception of “driving under the influence” or “drunkenness”).
14. Drug Law Violations—Violations of laws prohibiting the production, distribution and/or use of certain controlled substances and the equipment or devices utilized in their preparation and/or use. The unlawful cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, use, possession, transportation or importation of any controlled drug or narcotic substance. Arrests for violations of state and local laws, specifically those relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacturing and making of narcotic drugs. The relevant substances include: opium or cocaine and their derivatives (morphine, heroin, codeine); marijuana, synthetic narcotics—manufactured narcotics that can cause true addiction (Demerol, methadone); and dangerous nonnarcotic drugs (barbiturates, Benzedrine).
15. Illegal Weapons Possession—Violations of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, concealment or use of firearms, cutting instruments, explosives, incendiary devices or other deadly weapons.
16. Hate Crimes—Sufficient objective facts lead a reasonable and prudent person to conclude that an offender’s actions were motivated, in whole or in part, by bias against the victim’s race, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity/national origin or disability.
17. Sexual Abuse/Assault—Any sex act between persons is sexual abuse by either of the participants when the act is performed with the other participant in any of the following circumstances:
    1. The act is done by force or against the will of the other. If the consent or acquiescence of the other is procured by threats of violence toward any person or if the act is done while the other is under the influence of a drug inducing sleep or is otherwise in a state of unconsciousness, the act is done against the will of the other.
    2. Such other participant is suffering from a mental defect or incapacity that precludes giving consent, or lacks the mental capacity to know the right and wrong of conduct in sexual matters.
    3. Such other participant is a child. (Iowa Criminal Code, Chapter 709.1)
18. Dating Violence—Violence committed by a person:
    1. Who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim;
    2. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:
       • The length of the relationship.
       • The type of relationship.
       • The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. (42 U.S.C. § 13295(a))
19. Domestic Violence—Includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under federal, state or local domestic or family violence laws, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under federal, state or local domestic or family violence laws.
20. Stalking—Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to:
    1. Fear for his or her safety or the safety of others, or
    2. Suffer substantial emotional distress

Reporting Crimes and Other Emergencies

All members of the Iowa Lakes Community College community, including all students, faculty and staff and their guests, are encouraged to report all crimes and other public safety concerns to the local Police Department and the campus Dean/Director in a timely manner when the victim of a crime elects to report or is unable to make such a report. Accurate and prompt reporting will facilitate timely initiation of warnings and other appropriate emergency response procedures and will also help ensure the accuracy of crime statistics compiled in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure and Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the “Clery Act”). Time is a critical factor for evidence collection and preservation for proof of a criminal offense. Victims are encouraged to immediately visit the local emergency room for evidence collection. Victims should preserve all forms of evidence; thus, it is suggested that victims not change clothing, shower, or use the toilet prior to obtaining a medical exam.

Note that this policy does not limit the obligation of any faculty and staff to notify the Title IX Coordinator about any incident of sexual violence involving a student.

Iowa Lakes accepts voluntary, confidential reports of crimes in cases where the victim or witness of a crime does not wish to pursue either disciplinary action. All such reports are included in the annual disclosure of crime statistics. A confidential report can help determine if there is a pattern of crime with regard to a particular location, method, or assailant and can help alert the campus community to potential danger.

Academic and Living Conditions

If requested by the victim, Iowa lakes officials will assist the victim in changing academic and living conditions after an alleged sexual assault incident if such changes are reasonably available.

Standard of Evidence

The standard of proof that exists for campus disciplinary proceedings is preponderance of evidence, (i.e., more likely than not the event(s) occurred). If a complainant requests that his or her name not be revealed to the respondent or asks Iowa Lakes not to investigate or seek action against the respondent, Iowa Lakes will be limited in its ability to respond fully to the incident.

Disciplinary Actions for Sexual Offenses

The Student disciplinary policies and procedures are tied to Iowa Lakes’ institutional mission to provide for lifelong learning opportunities for all students and to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment.

Goals of the disciplinary actions process:

1. Create and maintain an educational and developmental disciplinary system which promotes a civil, respectful and safe educational environment.
2. Encourage the informal resolution of disciplinary incidents.
3. Uphold and balance the students’ and the College’s rights while striving to ensure a fair process for all those involved.

The following penalties for a violation of college policy or responsible student behavior may be imposed by the appropriate college official. The severity of the penalty will be in proportion to the gravity of the violation. Penalties will be administered consistently to the extent that students committing the same violation receive similar penalties. A student’s record of previous violations may be considered when determining the student’s penalties.

Official Reprimand is a written censure by the college. The reprimand serves to remind the student that further violation of the student conduct code may result in more serious sanctions. A record of the disciplinary action is kept in the student’s disciplinary file.

Disciplinary Probation informs the student that he/she has been found guilty of a more serious violation or repeated violation of college policies governing student conduct.

Disciplinary Probation with Conditions informs the student who is placed on disciplinary probation with conditions that he/she is subject to specified conditions including but not limited to:

• Restitution: Reimbursement for damage to or appropriate of college property. Written notice will be sent to the student requiring restitution when the student has damaged or misappropriated college property. Reimbursement may take the form of appropriate service to repair or compensate for damages.
• Educational Sanctions/Referral: A requirement to participate in a project, class, counseling or other college/community sponsored activity that is relevant to the nature of the offense and appropriate for the violation at the student’s expense.
• Suspension or Termination of the Use of College Property, Resources or Activities: A student loses the privilege of using college property or resources associated with the offense or a student’s participation in activities associated with the offense may be temporarily suspended or permanently terminated.
• Disciplinary Suspension can be from a class, specific number of classes, program or a campus. The privilege of re-admission may depend on the fulfillment of certain conditions imposed by the college and/or the program. A suspended student may be prohibited from appearing on the campus, at off campus classes at cooperating agencies or any activity sponsored by the college.
• Disciplinary Expulsion informs the student that he/she has lost his/her student status and that he/she can never again be a student at the college.

The decision to expel a student must be confirmed by the President of Iowa Lakes Community College and is considered final. The power to suspend a student from the institution is hereby conferred upon the campus dean or supervisor; however, the student may request an appeal before the college president or designee. Reprimands, Disciplinary Probation and Disciplinary Probation with Conditions may be conferred by the campus dean or supervisor or a designee, which would include the director of student housing. Reprimands and statuses of probation may be appealed to the campus dean or supervisor. In the instance of a review of disciplinary expulsion, the decision will be presented to the board of trustees for final action. For additional information on appeals of disciplinary action, see the opens in a new windowReview Process section of the Student Handbookopens PDF file . Statuses of probation may be appealed to the campus dean or supervisor. In the instance of a review of disciplinary expulsion, the decision will be presented to the board of trustees for final action.

Terminology

There are numerous terms used in our policy and procedures.

Consent
Consent is not defined in Iowa Code, but Iowa Lakes policy defines consent as it relates to sexual misconduct in the following manner: Consent is knowing, voluntary and clear permission by word or action to engage in mutually agreed-upon sexual activity. Since individuals may experience the same interaction in different ways, it is the responsibility of each party to make certain that the other has consented before engaging in the activity. For consent to be valid, there must be a clear expression in words or actions that the other individual consented to that specific sexual conduct. Consent to a specific sexual contact (such as kissing or fondling) cannot be presumed to be consent for another specific sexual activity (such as intercourse). A current or previous dating relationship is not sufficient to constitute consent. Silence or the absence of resistance alone is not consent. The existence of consent is based on the totality of the circumstances, including the context in which the alleged incident occurred. Individuals can withdraw consent at any time during sexual activity by expressing in words or actions that they no longer want the act to continue, and, if that happens, the other person must stop immediately. A person cannot consent if he or she is incapacitated.

Incapacitation
Incapacitation is defined as a state where someone cannot make rational, reasonable decisions because they lack the capacity to give knowing consent (e.g., to understand the “who, what, when, where, why, or how” of their sexual interaction). This policy also covers a person whose incapacity results from mental disability, involuntary physical restraint, and/or from taking of an incapacitating substance. Under Iowa law, a person is incapacitated if the person is temporarily incapable of apprising or controlling the person’s own conduct due to the influence of a narcotic, anesthetic or intoxicating substance; if a person is unable to communicate an unwillingness to act because the person is unconscious, asleep or is otherwise physically limited; or if the person has a bodily impairment or handicap that substantially limits the person’s ability to resist or flee. An individual who engages in sexual activity when the individual knows, or should know, that the other person is physically or mentally incapacitated has violated this policy. It is not an excuse that the respondent to a claim of sexual misconduct was intoxicated and, therefore, did not realize the other person’s incapacity.

Sexual Harassment/Violence
Sexual harassment and violence means:

1. Unwelcome behavior (verbal, written, physical) that is directed at someone because of that person’s sex or gender, and that meets any of the following definitions:
   1. A College employee, agent, or other individual under the College’s control or authority explicitly or implicitly conditions a decision or benefit on submission to sexual conduct (e.g., sexual favors for a better grade or promotion; implicitly or explicitly threatening negative consequences if the student or employee rejects sexual advances); or
   2. Unwelcome conduct that creates a hostile, intimidating or demeaning environment that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to participation in the College’s educational program or activity. This can include persistent and unwelcome efforts to develop a sexual relationship; bullying/cyber-bullying of a sexual nature or for a sexual purpose; sexual exploitation; unwelcome commentary about an individual’s body or sexual activities; unwanted sexual attention; repeated and unwelcome sexually-oriented teasing, joking or flirting; or verbal abuse of a sexual nature. Behavior could be verbal, non-verbal (e.g., gestures, touching), written or electronic.
2. Sexual assault or abuse (including all acts constituting “sexual abuse” under Iowa law), defined as one of the following offenses in which one has or attempts to have sexual contact or sexual penetration with another individual without their consent:
   1. Rape: the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus, with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person without consent of the victim;
   2. Fondling: the touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification without consent of the victim;
   3. Incest:  sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law; or
   4. Statutory rape: sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
3. Dating violence, which is violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic, sexual, or intimate nature with the individual.  The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.

Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction. Iowa Code 236.2 pertains to Domestic Abuse and states the following:

Domestic Abuse
Domestic Abuse means committing assault as defined in section 708.1 under any of the following circumstances:

1. The assault is between family or household members who resided together at the time of the assault.
2. The assault is between separated spouses or persons divorced from each other and not residing together at the time of the assault.
3. The assault is between persons who are parents of the same minor child, regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time.
4. The assault is between persons who have been family or household members residing together within the past year and are not residing together at the time of the assault.
5. (1) The assault is between persons who are in an intimate relationship or have been in an intimate relationship and have had contact within the past year of the assault. In determining whether persons are or have been in an intimate relationship, the court may consider the following nonexclusive list of factors:
   (a) The duration of the relationship.
   (b) The frequency of interaction.
   (c) Whether the relationship has been terminated.
   (d) The nature of the relationship, characterized by either party's expectation of sexual or romantic involvement.
   (2) A person may be involved in an intimate relationship with more than one person at a time.

Emergency Shelter Services
Emergency Shelter Services include but are not limited to secure crisis shelters or housing for victims of domestic abuse.

Family or Household Members

1. Means spouses, persons cohabiting, parents or other persons related by consanguinity or affinity.
2. Does not include children under age eighteen of persons listed in paragraph "a."

Intimate Relationship
Intimate Relationship means a significant romantic involvement that need not include sexual involvement. An intimate relationship does not include casual social relationships or associations in a business or professional capacity

Dating Violence
Dating Violence is violence committed by a person - (a) who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and (b) where the existence of such a relationship will be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:

1. The length of the relationship.
2. The type of relationship.
3. The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.

There is no provision in the Iowa Code for Dating Violence. Iowa Lakes will use the Iowa Code's Assault criteria along with relationship factors to determine whether or not an incident constitutes Dating Violence under the Clery Act.

Stalking
Stalking is engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to—(a) fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or (b) suffer substantial emotional distress. Iowa Code 708.11 states:

1. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
   a. "Accompanying offense" means any public offense committed as part of the course of conduct engaged in while committing the offense of stalking.
   b. "Course of conduct" means repeatedly maintaining a visual or physical proximity to a person without legitimate purpose or repeatedly conveying oral or written threats, threats implied by conduct, or a combination thereof, directed at or toward a person.
   c. "Immediate family member" means a spouse, parent, child, sibling or any other person who regularly resides in the household of a specific person, or who within the prior six months regularly resided in the household of a specific person.
   d. "Repeatedly" means on two or more occasions.
2. A person commits stalking when all of the following occur:
   a. The person purposefully engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily injury to, or the death of, that specific person or a member of the specific person's immediate family.
   b. The person has knowledge or should have knowledge that the specific person will be placed in reasonable fear of bodily injury to, or the death of, that specific person or a member of the specific person's immediate family by the course of conduct.
   c. The person's course of conduct induces fear in the specific person of bodily injury to, or the death of, the specific person or a member of the specific person's immediate family.
3. a. A person who commits stalking in violation of this section commits a class "C" felony for a third or subsequent offense.
   b. A person who commits stalking in violation of this section commits a class "D" felony if any of the following apply:
   (1) The person commits stalking while subject to restrictions contained in a criminal or civil protective order or injunction, or any other court order that prohibits contact between the person and the victim, or while subject to restrictions contained in a criminal or civil protective order or injunction or other court order that prohibits contact between the person and another person against whom the person has committed a public offense.
   (2) The person commits stalking while in possession of a dangerous weapon, as defined in section 702.7.
   (3) The person commits stalking by directing a course of conduct at a specific person who is under eighteen years of age.
   (4) The offense is a second offense.
   c. A person who commits stalking in violation of this section commits an aggravated misdemeanor if the offense is a first offense that is not included in paragraph "b."
4. Violations of this section and accompanying offenses shall be considered prior offenses for the purpose of determining whether an offense is a second or subsequent offense. A conviction for, deferred judgment for, or plea of guilty to a violation of this section or an accompanying offense that occurred at any time prior to the date of the violation charged shall be considered in determining that the violation charged is a second or subsequent offense. Deferred judgments pursuant to section 907.3 for violations of this section or accompanying offenses and convictions or the equivalent of deferred judgments for violations in any other states under statutes substantially corresponding to this section or accompanying offenses shall be counted as previous offenses. The courts shall judicially notice the statutes of other states that define offenses substantially equivalent to the offenses defined in this section and its accompanying offenses and can therefore be considered corresponding statutes. Each previous violation of this section or an accompanying offense on which conviction or deferral of judgment was entered prior to the date of the violation charged shall be considered and counted as a separate previous offense. In addition, however, accompanying offenses committed as part of the course of conduct engaged in while committing the violation of stalking charged shall be considered prior offenses for the purpose of that violation, even though the accompanying offenses occurred at approximately the same time. An offense shall be considered a second or subsequent offense regardless of whether it was committed upon the same person who was the victim of any other previous offense.
5. Notwithstanding section 804.1, rule of criminal procedure 2.7, Iowa court rules, or any other provision of law to the contrary, upon the filing of a complaint and a finding of probable cause to believe an offense has been committed in violation of this section, or after the filing of an indictment or information alleging a violation of this section, the court shall issue an arrest warrant, rather than a citation or summons. A peace officer shall not issue a citation in lieu of arrest for a violation of this section. Notwithstanding section 804.21 or any other provision of law to the contrary, a person arrested for stalking shall be immediately taken into custody and shall not be released pursuant to pretrial release guidelines, a bond schedule, or any similar device, until after the initial appearance before a magistrate. In establishing the conditions of release, the magistrate may consider the defendant's prior criminal history, in addition to the other factors provided in section 811.2.
6. For purposes of determining whether or not the person should register as a sex offender pursuant to the provisions of chapter 692A, the fact finder shall make a determination as provided in section 692A.126.

Student Conduct and Criminal Activity at Off-Campus Locations

Student Conduct, Discipline and Appeals Procedure applies to conduct that occurs on college property, at Iowa Lakes-sponsored activities, at clinical sites, or any College facility, and off-campus conduct that adversely affects the college community and/or the pursuit of its educational mission. If an adverse student conduct issue arises at an off-campus location that is recognized by the College, Iowa Lakes relies on local police to respond to the situation.

Campus Safety Notifications and Emergency Response Procedures

In the interest of campus safety and security, Iowa Lakes will notify the college community of all crimes considered to pose a threat to its members that are perpetrated on the College campus and reported to campus security authorities or local police agencies. As described below, warnings will be disseminated in a manner that is timely, that aids the prevention of similar occurrences, and that protects the privacy of the victims of such incidents. In addition, Iowa Lakes has adopted policies and procedures to provide immediate notification to the campus community of campus emergencies.

Procedures for Timely Warnings of Campus Crime

It shall be the responsibility of the College, when a crime on or near the campus is reported, to promptly assess the potential danger or threat it presents to the campus community, or portions thereof.  In the event of an immediate threat, the Police Department shall follow the emergency notification procedure described below. In other cases, if the College Administration believes a serious or ongoing danger or threat exists, the Executive Director of Facilities Management, working with other College officials as appropriate, shall provide a timely warning on the “Iowa Lakes Alert” and college web pages. Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime, the College may also use a variety of other means to communicate the timely warning, including the mass notification methods for the dissemination of Emergency Notices described below.

Procedures for Immediate Notification of Campus Emergencies

In the event of a significant emergency or dangerous situation occurring on campus, local police shall, without delay, make an initial determination as whether the situation presents an immediate threat to the health or safety of students and employees. If the police conclude that such a threat exists, the police shall immediately notify the appropriate College Administrator, unless issuing an immediate notification would, in the professional judgment of the police, compromise efforts to assist a victim or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency.

The Executive Director of Facilities Management shall also promptly consult with other senior college officials regarding any significant emergency or dangerous situation to determine what follow-up information the campus community may need and how best to disseminate follow-up notices.

Content of Emergency Notices

Emergency notices shall describe the emergency or dangerous situation, outline immediate steps to be taken (including, if necessary, shelter and evacuation procedures), and indicate where additional information may be found. Emergency updates and further information will be provided by postings to the listed websites, emails and texts to the College community and other methods as needed.

If the situation requires evacuation, the College will provide members of the community with evacuation instructions. In the event that an extended evacuation is necessary, people will be directed to other buildings/areas on campus for support (information, food, shelter, medical attention, etc.). Specific details about the sites will be included in the emergency notices.

Iowa Lakes Community College maintains a comprehensive emergency management plan (see below) that describes in more detail the College’s emergency protocols, including the College’s shelter and evacuation procedures.

Dissemination of Emergency Notices

Depending on the incident and nature of the threat, the College will use mass notification methods to provide emergency notifications to the campus community. These methods include:

• Emails to iowalakes.edu accounts;
• Text alerts to cell phones;
• Posting information to the Iowa Lakes website home page at www.iowalakes.edu;
• Other methods as appropriate (media, social media, handouts, phone calls, etc.).

To ensure receipt of the College’s emergency notices, all members of the college community are encouraged to provide the College with up-to-date contact information, including a cell phone number, through the My Iowa Lakes website portal. The Police Department will work with the Executive Director of Facilities Management to ensure that emergency information is timely shared with local first responders and the local community as appropriate.

Emergency Plan

Tests

The Executive Director of Facilities Management will oversee regular tests of the college’s emergency notification system and evacuation procedures (at least annually). These tests may be announced or unannounced.  The Executive Director will publicize the College’s emergency response and evacuation procedures in conjunction with at least one test per calendar year. The Executive Director shall document each test, including a description of the exercise, the date and time, and whether the test was announced or unannounced.

Missing Student Notification Procedures

Included in the Iowa Lakes Student Handbook

Any member of the College community who has reason to believe a student residing in on-campus housing has been missing for more than 24 hours should immediately contact the local Police Department and Executive Dean of Students. Upon notification, they will initiate an investigation. If they are unable to locate the student through its normal contact network and determine that the student has been missing for more than 24 hours, they will notify the student’s Confidential Contact within 24 hours of the official determination that the student is missing. If the missing student is under 18 years of age and not emancipated, they will notify a custodial parent or guardian in addition to the student’s emergency contact.

Campus Facilities: Security, Access and Maintenance

Iowa Lakes Community College is committed to maintaining a safe environment which includes the security, access, and maintenance of its campus facilities. Residence halls and certain buildings and facilities throughout campus are posted with notices that identify them as College property. Facilities staff coordinates efforts with respect to maintenance issues affecting the security of campus facilities.

Campus Enforcement

In addition to the rules and regulations of the College, students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors are subject to all local, state, and federal laws. In or upon lands or structures owned, used, or occupied by the College, the local Police Departments are responsible for enforcing those laws and, although they have no formal written memoranda of understanding, they maintain a cooperative working relationship with local, state, and federal police agencies.

Campus Sexual Violence Response and Prevention Program

Introduction
Iowa Lakes Community College attempts at all times to maintain a safe environment that supports its educational mission and is free from exploitation and intimidation, as well as discrimination based upon gender, including sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking. Sexual violence or sexual misconduct of any kind is antithetical to the mission of the College and the values it espouses and will be responded to accordingly. The College strives to eliminate sexual violence on campus, prevent its occurrence, and address its effects.

Purpose
The purpose of this notice, provided in accordance with the Clery Act, is to summarize some of the College’s efforts with respect to preventing sex offenses, to direct members of the College community to the College’s policies and resources regarding sexual violence, and to inform victims of sexual violence about procedures to follow after a sex offense has occurred. In this notice, the terms “sex offenses” and “sexual violence” are deemed to include sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking. The College also maintains a comprehensive Sexual Misconduct Policy and Resources website that includes detailed descriptions of the College’s policy, resources, and reporting options for students.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT (INCLUDING SEXUAL VIOLENCE) POLICY & PROCEDURES
For more information regarding the opens in a new windowSexual Harassment (Including Sexual Violence Policy & Procedures, follow this link.

ANNUAL DISCLOSURE OF CRIME STATISTICS
The following Crime Statistics are provided in accordance with the Clery Act:
opens in a new windowAnnual Disclosure of Crime Statistics can also be found in the Student Handbookopens PDF file . The Executive Dean of Students compiles the annual crime statistics from the police logs, reports of Campus Security Authorities, responses from public police agencies, and the reports from Residential Life. Iowa Lakes Community College makes available, upon request, to an applicant, student, or employee of the institution, a copy of the Annual Crime Report; such individuals may obtain a copy of the report from the Executive Dean of Students

CRIME REPORTS

opens in a new windowTo access the Crime Reports at Iowa Lakes, follow this link.opens PDF file

DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICIES
Iowa Lakes Community College prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on College premises or property or as part of its activities. The College expects its students and employees to comply with local, state, and federal laws relating to the possession, use, or distribution of drugs and alcohol when they are on College property or taking part in College activities. opens in a new windowPlease reference the DRUG-FREE CAMPUS AND WORKPLACE by following this link for a more detailed description of the College’s drug and alcohol policies.opens PDF file opens in a new window For a description of the College's drug and alcohol abuse education programs, see the Iowa Lakes Community College Student Handbookopens PDF file .

Annual Fire Safety Report

The Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act is an amendment to the Higher Education Opportunity Act. This amendment serves to increase campus fire safety awareness across the nation, providing students and their families with the fire safety records of colleges and universities. Signed into law on August 14, 2008, this amendment requires post-secondary institutions to publish fire safety information and statistics, much as is already done with other crime statistics, such as campus theft and assault.

Additionally, the National Student Loan Program requires all eligible Title IV institutions that maintain on-campus student housing facilities to publish an annual fire safety report that contains information about campus fire safety practices and standards of the institution. The statistics include the number, cause, related injuries and deaths, and property damages associated with each fire. In addition, each institution is required to report fire safety information to the U.S. Department of Education.

Collectively, this information provides prospective and current students information regarding the policies, concerns, and fire safety conditions that are present at Iowa Lakes Community College.

Fire Log

Iowa Lakes Community College maintains a public log of fires reported in on-campus housing facilities. The log includes information regarding the nature, date, time and general location of each reported fire. The most recent 60-day period of this log is open for public inspection in the Facilities Management Office during normal business hours.

Fire Safety Systems

The College maintains a variety of fire safety systems (such as alarm systems, fire and smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems) in its on-campus housing facilities, in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. For the specific systems for each housing facility, please refer to the section called Statistics and Related Information Regarding Fire Systems in Residential Facilities within this policy.

Fire Drills

The Maintenance Department works with the Housing Department and local fire departments to conduct at least two fire drills during each year in each of the residence halls. Fire drills are also conducted on a quarterly basis at the Campus.

Residential Fire Safety Restrictions

The Residential Life contract includes a number of rules and restrictions designed to enhance fire safety in student housing facilities, including rules governing portable electrical appliances, smoking and open flames. Any source of open flame (e.g., candles and incense), as well as smoking in any residence hall is strictly prohibited.

The College also prohibits the use of certain portable electrical appliances, including: certain kinds of lights and lamps; non-UL approved power strips; extension cords without surge protection; grills (except in modular housing); and space heaters and heating blankets.

Only buildings with kitchens or kitchenette areas may have any heat producing kitchen appliance (e.g., toasters, coffee-makers). Students living in a residence hall with a kitchen or a kitchenette should consult with their building’s Residence Hall Director to get a complete list of permitted kitchen appliances.

The College Residence staff and Maintenance staff conducts random health and safety inspections each semester to enforce these fire safety rules. Any violation will be recorded and students in violation may be subject to disciplinary action.

Evacuation Procedures

During freshman orientation, incoming students are informed generally about the College’s evacuation procedures and how to obtain a copy of an Emergency Evacuation Plan (“EEP”). Each on-campus student housing facility has a site specific EEP, which is maintained by the Executive Director of Facilities Management Office. Copies are held by the Resident Hall Director and made available, upon request, to occupants of each housing facility.

Fire Safety Education and Training

In the event of a fire or fire alarm, all employees and students are instructed to promptly evacuate in accordance with the plans for the building in which the fire occurs and to follow the instructions of the designated building safety contact, housing staff, and police and fire department, as applicable.

Review of the Fire Safety Program

The Executive Director of Facilities Management reviews the College’s fire safety programs at least once annually to determine if any changes or improvements are warranted.

ANNUAL DISCLOSURE OF FIRE STATISTICS

The Iowa Lakes Housing Department is committed to providing safe code compliant facilities for our students, staff and guests. The Department has a life safety program that includes working with students and staff and also involves partnering with Iowa Lakes Facilities Management, Community Police, Iowa State Fire Marshal's office and the Community Fire Departments. All of these entities contribute to and play a significant role in the success and implementation of our fire and life safety programs. Please carefully review the following information:

Emergency Evacuation

In the event that a fire alarm sounds in your building, please don't panic. Calmly do the do the following:

• Exit your room, closing and locking your room door behind you.
• Leave the building immediately. Use the stairs if you are on the upper floor.
• If there is smoke in the air, keep low. Smoke heat and toxic gases normally rise to the ceiling.
• Once outside, assemble a safe distance from the building (at least 150 feet).
• Make certain that emergency response personnel and equipment have access to enter the building.
• Try to account for students and staff known to have been in the building.
• Provide fire and rescue personnel information and location of the fire.
• Do not re-enter the building until the fire department has declared the building safe.

Emergency Evacuation of Mobility Impaired Persons

Some members of the housing community may need help in evacuating the building. We ask that you provide assistance, to the extent you are able, to get these individuals to a safe location.

• Assist the person by helping them move to the nearest marked exit.
• If the person's disability prevents them for exiting the building, they should be left in a stairwell. Stairwell landings will provide temporary shelter from fire and smoke.
• Upon exiting the building, immediately inform fire and rescue personnel of the exact location of a non-ambulatory person that was left in a stairwell or student room. Firefighters will assist persons unable to evacuate.
• Do not re-enter the building until the fire department has declared the building safe.

Emergency Evacuation Maps

Evacuation maps are posted throughout the housing units near entrances and exits. Housing students are expected to learn the location of the exit stairwells and doors and plan more than one exit route.

Fire Alarms and Drills

Alarm pull stations and fire bells or horns are located in hallways and other common areas throughout the housing units. A building's fire alarm will sound when an alarm station is pulled. Automatic fire alarms are similar in their procedure for emergency response. When a heat or smoke detector is activated automatically the alarms will sound. Evacuate the building and call 911. Alarm systems are inspected and tested twice annually by a certified fire alarm inspection company.

Designated rooms in the housing units are equipped with assistive devices such as strobe lights for students with a disability or physical impairment. These devices are wired into the fire alarm system and will activate when the building goes into alarm.

The Iowa Lakes Housing Department conducts a fire drill at the beginning of each semester for each housing unit. Fire drills are announced through postings and at house meetings. The Housing Manual states the following:

"You and your guests are required to evacuate the building when a fire alarm is sounded, and re-enter the building only when fire department staff gives permission to do so. If you (or your guests) do not evacuate the building when the fire alarm sounds, or if you (or your guests) re-enter before permission has been granted, you will be held accountable through the judicial system."

Fire Equipment Abuse

The fire alarm system, fire extinguishers, fire department standpipes, sprinklers, and exit lights are installed for your protection. Report immediately to the Housing Department (362-7916 Estherville, 852-5210 Emmetsburg, 580-8620 Spencer) any apparent defects in fire safety equipment. Tampering with fire equipment, including the removal of batteries in smoke alarms, the removal of glass box hammers, or tampering with smoke doors and Knox boxes (small boxes attached to the exterior of buildings), is a violation of state law and will lead to college disciplinary action. In the event of any fire extinguisher being used, call maintenance for recharging and checking and replacing if appropriate.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are located throughout the housing units and are inspected and maintained monthly by Iowa Lakes Maintenance or Housing personnel.

Prohibited Items

Flammable Liquids
Because of the safety hazards they represent, the use or storage of flammable/toxic fluids and chemicals is prohibited.

Candles
For safety reasons, candles (with or without wicks) are not permitted in the housing units.

Open Flames
For safety reasons, open flame devices are not permitted in the housing units.

Appliances and Electrical Cords

• Due to fire and sanitation hazards, space heaters, and sun lamps may not be used in student rooms.
• No lights, ceiling fans or other electrical appliances are to be hung on ceilings or interior walls.
• Extension cords with built-in circuit breakers may be used in rooms. The use of extension cords as permanent wiring is not permitted. Multiple receptacle plates that fit into wall outlets are not recommended.
• Smoke or fog machines may not be used anywhere within the housing units.

Responders to Fire Emergency

Emergency response is provided by the local fire departments. Call 911 and report the fire location by address and room number.

Smoke and Heat Detectors

Single station smoke detectors are located in every student room. Some of the smoke detectors in student rooms are hard wired into the fire alarm system while others are battery operated. Batteries are changed twice a year (at the start of each semester) by housing or maintenance staff.

Heat and smoke detectors are located throughout all of the housing units.

Sprinkler Systems

These are inspected annually by a certified building sprinkler inspection company. Students are reminded to not hang items from sprinkler heads in their rooms. The following table illustrates the sprinkler status of the residential buildings:

State Sure Marshal

The Iowa State Fire Marshal's office is the delegated authority for life safety inspections and compliance for the Iowa Lakes Housing Department. Facility inspections occur annually.

Statistics and Related Information Regarding Fire Systems in Residential Facilities

July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021

Statistics and Related Information Regarding Fires in Residential Facilities

July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021

Fire Extinguishers

State Building Code requires that every campus building contain fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers are installed in Iowa Lakes facilities to meet regulatory requirements and to allow trained employees to attempt to extinguish small fires. Facilities Management conducts periodic training sessions.

Policy Statement

Fire extinguishers shall only be used for their intended purpose: to extinguish small fires. Any extinguisher found to be faulty, discharged or missing must be reported to Housing or EH&S.

In the event of a fire, only trained individuals may attempt to use fire extinguishers. Fire extinguisher training is required on an annual basis.

Emergency Notification, Response and Evacuation

Iowa Lakes Community College is dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) requires institutions to disclose emergency response policies and evacuation procedures that will be implemented whenever a significant emergency or dangerous situation exists on campus that involves an immediate threat to the health or safety of students, staff or visitors.

Reporting an Emergency

All members of the Iowa Lakes community are urged to report a dangerous situation on campus that involves an immediate threat to the health or safety of students, staff or visitors by calling 911.

Emergency Notification

Should an emergency or dangerous situation pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of campus members, they shall be notified without unreasonable delay, unless local police determine that an immediate notification would place the Iowa Lakes community or a victim at greater risk or would compromise efforts to contain, respond to or mitigate the emergency. It is the responsibility of local police, with the assistance of Iowa Lakes personnel, as necessary, to:

• Determine the content of any notification
• Initiate the appropriate notification system
• Continue to update the Iowa Lakes community during the emergency

Methods of Communication

Iowa Lakes has several systems in place for communicating emergency information to members of the Iowa Lakes community. Any or all of the following methods of emergency notification may be used depending on the type and nature of the emergency:

• Iowa Lakes Alert
• Iowa Lakes Website
• Emergency telephone voice recording
• Signage

Iowa Lakes Alert
Iowa Lakes Alert is an electronic system for quickly delivering emergency messages to Iowa Lakes Community College students, faculty and staff. Notifications will be sent via landline phones, cell phones, text messages and e-mail. The Iowa Lakes Alert system will be used only for emergencies that pose an immediate danger to the college community. Examples may include, but are not limited to:

• Bomb threats or other imminent violent threats
• Building evacuations and lock downs affecting the entire campus
• Natural disasters
• Weather closures

Iowa Lakes Website
Updated information following a message notifying the campus of an emergency will be found on the college website, available for the college and general communities and media outlets, if warranted. In cases of extreme emergency, the college has the ability to replace the regular website with a website designed for emergency communications only. Regular website functionality can be obtained from a link on the emergency website.

Signage
A variety of signage may be created to help provide direction in the event of an emergency. Each building on campus is assigned to the campus dean or supervisor, who may be asked to assist in the case of an emergency. Campus deans or supervisors can create signage to provide information and direction to members of our campus community. Occupants of buildings are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the nearest evacuation route.

Evacuation

Each building on campus has a designated evacuation plan in the event of an emergency that would require such action. These plans are posted in each room of each building. Other than fire alarms, Iowa Lakes deans or supervisors are responsible for determining if the emergency or dangerous situation is such that a building evacuation is necessary and if so, notifying the occupants of the building or buildings of the decision to evacuate.

Campus Climate Survey Results

opens in a new windowThe summary of the Education Advisory Board’s Campus Climate Survey results can be reviewed by following this link. opens PDF file

Request a Paper Copy

To request a paper copy of this document, please call the Facilities Management Office at 712-362-0428, or send your request in writing to:

Delaine Hiney
Iowa Lakes Community College
19 South 7th Street
Estherville, Iowa 51334

Written 2013, Reviewed 2014, Revised 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 (emb), 2019 (emb), 2020 (bmr), 2021 (bmr)

Credit by College Level Examination Program (CLEP®) at Iowa Lakes Community College

1. Iowa Lakes Community College will grant up to 30 semester hours of credit by examination. The CLEP® exams published by the College Entrance Examination Board represent the primary vehicle through which individuals may gain college credit by demonstrating learning that has occurred in a nontraditional manner.
2. Iowa Lakes Community College will charge an administration fee of $15.00 for each CLEP® exam given. There will also be a $5.00 per course fee for recording each CLEP® applicable score on an official Iowa Lakes Community College transcript as they relate to specific Iowa Lakes Community College courses.
3. The cost of the CLEP exam is $89 and must be paid online with a credit card – Iowa Lakes cannot accept this payment.
4. Most CLEP exams are 90 minutes in length and can earn a student a minimum of three college credits.
5. In addition, prior to issuing a transcript, an application for admission to the college must be completed and submitted to the Admissions Office. Credit is granted only after 12 or more credits have been earned in residence.
6. A student may take subject and/or general examinations, provided credit has not been received for any courses in that area prior to taking the exam. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Registrar. Students who wish to take the CLEP® exam should consult a counselor or registrar to insure that acceptable credit will be earned. If scores are to be used at another educational institution, verification of acceptance of the CLEP® scores should be obtained prior to taking the exam with that institution.
7. Students who transfer to Iowa Lakes Community College from institutions where CLEP® credit has previously been earned must submit actual CLEP® scores for evaluation by the Registrar at Iowa Lakes Community College. opens in a new windowLearn more here: https://clep.collegeboard.org/about/score

Policy for registering for a College Level Examination Program (CLEP®) at Iowa Lakes Community College

1. It is strongly recommended that students use the CLEP®-Official Study Guides before registering for an exam. opens in a new windowThese can be found in the Success/Advising Center or online at https://clep.collegeboard.org/test-preparation.
2. opens in a new windowCreate a personal account at www.collegeboard.com
3. Register for the exam you plan to take online, using your personal account. You will be required to pay the $80 exam fee at this time.
   1. You must complete the registration and payment process online before arriving for your exam. Iowa Lakes Community College is not allowed to collect the CLEP examination fee.
4. Print off your voucher and bring it with you when you take your exam.
   1. Iowa Lakes Community College will charge an exam administration fee of $15.00 per test. Please bring this payment with you in the form of cash or check.
5. Call the Success/Advising Center, at the campus you wish to test at, to schedule your exam date and time. (Please call at least 2 days prior.)
   1. Algona – 515-295-8521
   2. Emmetsburg – 712-852-5255
   3. Estherville – 712-362-7935
   4. Spencer – 712-262-8622
   5. Spirit Lake – 712-336-6564
6. opens in a new windowPlease visit https://clep.collegeboard.org/started or call the Success/Advising Center if you have further questions.

These so-called debt relief companies typically try to take advantage of student loan borrowers lured by promises of student loan cancellation, forgiveness, credit repair, or dramatically lowered payments. But they charge fees for services that federal loan servicers offer for free.

To avoid getting taken advantage of by one of these companies, Iowa Lakes Community College recommends borrowers follow these simple precautions:

1. Contact your student loan servicer with any questions regarding your loans. Your loan servicer is committed to helping our student loan customers achieve successful loan repayment. If you are having trouble managing your student loans, contact your servicer. They can help you review your repayment plan options, which may include income driven plans.
2. Protect your personal information. Don’t share personal, financial or sensitive information about your federal student aid, such as your FSA ID.
3. Don’t pay for what is available for free. There are no fees to enroll in Income-Based Repayment, Pay-As-You-Earn or other repayment options based on your income.

Here are a few signs to watch out for:

• You are asked to pay high fees in advance;
• Your request for a company name, mailing address, or phone number is refused;
• You feel high pressure to decide immediately; or,
• You are asked to sign paperwork giving the third-party company “Power of Attorney” or legal authority to negotiate on your behalf and you’re told not to contact your servicer after you complete the paperwork.

If you’ve already signed a contract, seek advice to learn about your options. You can file a complaint with the consumer protection division of your opens in a new windowState’s Attorney General. At the federal level, the opens in a new windowFederal Trade Commission has the authority to act against companies that engage in deceptive or unfair practices.

Policy

Discriminatory harassment of any member of the Iowa Lakes Community College community will not be tolerated, and the College is committed to providing an educational and work environment free of discriminatory harassment.

Discriminatory harassment means any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student or employee which is based on the actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, creed, national origin, age, religion, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law of that person, and which creates an objectively hostile work or educational environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:

• Places an individual in reasonable fear of harm to themselves or property;
• Has a substantially detrimental effect on the person’s physical or mental health;
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with the person’s school or work performance; or
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by the College.

This Policy applies to activities on the property within the jurisdiction of the College; while in College-owned or College-operated vehicles; while attending or engaging in college-sponsored activities; and while away from College grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management, and welfare of the College.

Iowa Lakes Community College employees and students who feel they have been denied equal opportunity or harassed on an actual or perceived characteristic protected by applicable law may seek remedy through an internal complaint process. The College assures that full cooperation will be provided to any individual filing a complaint with no threat of penalty or reprisal to the complainant. If the complaint involves alleged discriminatory or harassing behavior by the EEO/AA Officer, the respective Dean or another College official should be contacted in lieu of the EEO/AA Officer wherever referenced in the following procedures. Confidentiality will be maintained as much as possible in these procedures.

The College also protects against some forms of sexual harassment under its Sexual Harassment (including Sexual Violence) Policy and Procedures, which is applicable to complaints of Title IX sexual harassment.

Informal Inquiry

Individuals are encouraged to make informal inquiry to their immediate supervisor, instructor, advisor. coach or counselor, as soon as possible following the date of occurrence of the event giving rise to the complaint communication. The staff member contacted will report the incident to the EEO/AA Officer for purposes of documentation and advice regarding the necessary steps of the complaint process. Every effort should be made to resolve the conflict at this time. If this is not possible, the individual will be referred to the EEO/AA Officer.

Formal Complaint Procedures

The EEO/AA Officer should be contacted immediately following the event giving rise to an alleged discrimination or discriminatory harassment complaint or at the time the complainant becomes aware of such an event or situation.

DIRECT LINKS TO ONLINE STUDENT COMPLAINT FORMS:

Current Student with an Iowa Lakes Login

Former Students (No Iowa Lakes login)

Executive Director of Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator/EEO Officer: Kathy Muller, 712.362.0433, kmuller@iowalakes.educreate new email

If a resolution has not been reached or is not possible through the informal inquiry process, the following steps may be taken.

Step One

Iowa Lakes Community College requires that aggrieved persons who believe they have been the subject of discriminatory harassment to submit a written complaint to the EEO/AA Officer within thirty (30) calendar days, if possible, of the occurrence of the event or situation. The written complaint should contain the date of the occurrence, location, party or parties involved, names of witnesses, the facts and/or rationale of the complaint, and the category whether it be age, gender, disability, etc. If the complaint is more than thirty (30) days old, the complaint will still be addressed, but the College’s ability to investigate and take remedial action may be more difficult with the passage of time.

Step Two

The EEO/AA Officer will make a complete inquiry into the complaint and provide a written summary to the complainant within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the complaint. The summary will include a thorough and documented review of the circumstances under which the alleged discrimination or harassment occurred.

Step Three

The EEO/AA Officer will make recommendations for resolution of the complaint. If a satisfactory resolution can be arrived at, the terms of the resolution will be documented in writing and made part of the complaint file. In the event the complaint is found to be valid and a resolution cannot be satisfactorily resolved:

If the accused individual is a student: The matter will be referred for a potential discipline under the Student Code of Conduct.

If the accused individual is an employee: The matter will be referred to the appropriate administrator/department for disciplinary action or other appropriate action as appropriate under applicable College procedures, handbooks/manuals, or contracts. If a final decision imposes disciplinary action which constitutes termination of college personnel entitled to the hearing/judicial review procedures of Iowa Code chapter 279, such procedures shall be followed as required by law.

All aggrieved persons are encouraged to process complaints of discrimination through the internal procedures established for this purpose. However, the complainant may seek remedy at any time from the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other appropriate agencies.

More comprehensive information is contained in the Affirmative Action Plan available from the Executive Director of Human Resources or the supervisor.

The European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), effective May 25, 2018, is designed to protect the privacy of personal data of citizens of the European Union (EU) or people residing in the EU (called Data Subjects in the GDPR regulation) regardless of the physical location of the EU citizen. ( opens in a new windowRead more about GDPR here: https://www.eugdpr.org/the-regulation.html). Any organization inside or outside of the European Union that processes or controls data of citizens of the European Union or of people whom are residing in the European Union is subject to the GDPR. opens in a new windowClick for GDPR facts: https://www.eugdpr.org/gdpr-faqs.html.

Iowa Lakes Community College is dedicated to protecting prospective students, students, alumni, and faculty and staff’s personal information. According to the GDPR, personal data is any data that can identify a person. The personal identifiers can be direct personal identifiers or indirect personal identifiers such as name, student ID, student photo, gender, race, personal or student email address, banking information, or medical information as well as “online identifiers provided by their devices, applications, tools and protocols” such as IP addresses and cookies. opens in a new windowLearn more at http://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-5419-2016-INIT/en/pdf

Iowa Lakes Community College collects, processes, records, stores, and disseminates a person’s personal data for the specific and legitimate purpose of performing college functions, processes, reporting, and compliance of legal obligations.

EU Data Subjects must give consent to data collection. "Consent should be given by a clear affirmative act establishing a freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous indication of the data subject's agreement to the processing of personal data relating to him or her, such as by a written statement, including by electronic means, or an oral statement.” opens in a new windowRead this document at http://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-5419-2016-INIT/en/pdf

EU Data Subjects will be asked by Iowa Lakes Community College to consent to the following statement. Consenting to this statement allows Iowa Lakes to collect your personal data for legitimate college purposes in regards to your status as a prospective student, student, or alumni, supporter, or stakeholder of the college.

I agree that by submitting an application to Iowa Lakes Community College, I give consent to Iowa Lakes to store and use personal and academic and/or employment related information for all recruitment and academic records-related activities. I also agree to allow Iowa Lakes to use multiple forms of communication for the purpose of recruitment and academic-related information during my academic career. I understand that if I do not agree to this statement I cannot be admitted to Iowa Lakes.

Iowa Lakes only uses your information for academic and regulatory purposes. Iowa Lakes does not sell student information to third-parties.

The GDPR provides “limited exceptions to the consent rule, such as legal requirements or protection of vital interests of the data subject” opens in a new windowLearn more at https://er.educause.edu/articles/2017/8/the-general-data-protection-regulation-explained.

Iowa Lakes Community College will not share your personal information with third parties except as required by law, as necessary to protect the college’s interests, and with vendors contracted by the college who have agreed to keep this information confidential.

Right to be forgotten- Data Erasure

EU Data Subjects have the right to have their personal data erased if the retention of the personal data is no longer necessary for the purposes for which the data was collected or processed, is not necessary for legitimate college purposes, legal obligation, or is past the mandatory data storage retention limits.
In the event of a data breach, Iowa Lakes will perform the following steps to notify affected constituency groups within 72 hours of the breach.

1. Provide specific contact details with Iowa Lakes’ data compliance team
2. Brief description of the nature of the breach
3. Likely consequences of the breach
4. Steps Iowa Lakes Community College has taken or will take to address the breach
5. Advice on how those affected by the breach can protect themselves.

For more information on the GDPR go to:

opens in a new windowGDPR Information: https://www.eugdpr.org/eugdpr.org.html
opens in a new windowData Consilium: http://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-5419-2016-INIT/en/pdf

FERPA Compliance

• FERPA is an acronym for the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act of 1974, as amended.
• This law protects the privacy of student educational records and gives students the right to refuse to permit any educational institution, including Iowa Lakes, from releasing or disclosing any information about them.
• The purpose of FERPA is to identify the student rights pertaining to their educational records. Those rights include:
  • The right to inspect and review their educational records
  • The right to have their records amended
  • The right to control the disclosure of information from their records

• FERPA sets forth requirements regarding the privacy of student educational records and limits the release of personally identifiable information.
• FERPA governs release of these records maintained by an educational institution and access to these records.
• Coverage under this act begins upon enrollment.  It also protects former students and student records from other institutions.
  • High school students enrolled in a college class are considered college students and fall under FERPA guidelines.
  • Parents and/or legal guardians cannot be given any information regarding classroom performance or grades unless there is a signed consent form on file in the Registrar’s office.
• Compliance with FERPA regulations allows Iowa Lakes to offer Title IV funding (federal financial aid) to students

What is an "Educational Record?"

An “Educational Record” is any record maintained by the institution or its affiliates which is related to the student, including, but not limited to the following:

• Academic records, regardless of their location
• Advising records
• Class notes and grades
• Instructor records
• Financial Aid Information and account records
• Photographs
• E-mails containing personally identifiable information about the student
• All media including, but not limited to electronic data, video and audiotape
• Letters to, from, or about students
• Grade books –
• Records kept by an affiliate of the institution, such as work experience or clinical notes etc. kept by the entity where the student is learning
• Student conduct records
• Disability records
• Notes in any student information system or hand written and shared with others
• Aggregate data that is grouped in such a way that someone could discern the identity of a student
• Any written document, whether formal or informal that contains personally identifiable information about a student that is shared with another individual or individuals, becomes an educational record
• Records that are publicly available elsewhere
• Information that the student has publicly revealed

An Educational record does NOT include:

• Information that is not “recorded” – that is personal knowledge.
  • Records or notes in the sole possession of the maker that are not accessible or revealed to any other person
  • Information not shared or accessible; kept by a single person as a “memory jogger.”  For example, the private notes an instructor may keep during the course of a semester for consultation when it comes time to set final grades
• grades on peer-graded papers until collected and recorded
• Employment records that have no relationship to student status
• Law Enforcement records
• Admission records, unless or until the prospect becomes an active student

Information: Confidential or Directory:

• “Directory Information,” can be released without the student's written permission, UNLESS the student opts to consider directory information "confidential “

When the student elect’s privacy of their directory information, DO NOT RELEASE INFORMATION about the student

• “Confidential information” can only be released with the written consent of the student

Directory Information at Iowa Lakes:

This information is considered directory information or public information and may be released unless specifically restricted by action of the student. It is best practice to refer any inquiry about student information to the Records Office.

Confidential Information

Confidential information can only be released with the written consent of the student.

Examples of confidential information:

• Social Security number
• Current class schedule
• Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Academic Standing
• Grades
• Test scores
• Transcripts
• Enrollment verification for financial aid/health or car insurance
• Good student discount certification forms
• Ethnicity
• Gender
• Nationality
• Race

Third Party Inquiries

• Forward all third party inquiries regarding a student to the Registrar’s Office
• Direct requests for lists of directory information to the Registrar.
• Written consent from the student must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office to disclose student record information to a third party. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Transcripts
  • Release of information to parents/legal guardians and spouses
  • Prospective Employers

FERPA Inspection/Review

Students have the right to inspect and review information contained in their educational records.  The student must make a written request to the Director of Records and Registration.

Health and Safety Emergencies

Institutions may release information from education records, without consent, in connection with an “articulable and significant threat to the health or safety of a student or other individuals”

Disclosure may be made only to “appropriate parties” and must be limited to “information [that] is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals”

Verification of Student’s Identification/E-mail Contact

• If e-mailing, ensure email address being used matches the e-mail address listed in student’s record
• If email does not match, respond that you are only able to fulfill their request to the official email address on file

Posting/emailing student information

Never post or e-mail confidential student information to anyone but that student.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Grades
• Feedback on assignments
• Academic/course progress

Phone Contact

• Do not release grade information or performance in a class, including, but not limited to, feedback on assignments or tests, clinical experiences, critiques of papers, and coop work experiences over the phone.
• If a third party calls and provides the students’ SSN in an attempt to obtain directory information, the requested information cannot be disclosed at that time. It is suggested that you ask that the request for information be faxed or mailed to the Registrar’s office.

Please adhere to the following:

• Lock your computer and/or log out when you walk away from your computer, whether on campus, at home, or in any other venue.
• If you use a thumb drive–remove from your computer if it contains private student information
• Carefully protect access to your passwords
• Carefully log out of any publicly accessible computer and ensure that you have not saved any passwords or data on the hard drive

Your Access to Records

FERPA permits college officials access and use of student records for legitimate educational purposes.

“Legitimate educational purpose” is defined as a college official’s need to know in order to perform a job related task, an instructional task, a service or benefit for the student.

• Service or benefit such as counseling, student financial aid, or student job placement, etc.

As an employee of Iowa Lakes, you have access to student records on a “need to know” basis. Accessing or using student information for other than legitimate educational purposes is strictly prohibited.  Their confidentiality, use, and release are governed by FERPA.  You have a responsibility to protect all education records in your possession or that you come in contact with during the course of your job.

Violation of FERPA is Serious

It can lead to:

• Possible prosecution under criminal codes
• Dismissal or Termination
• Loss of Federal funding to the institution

If you have questions about what is permitted under the Act, contact the Registrar.

Barb Grandstaff

712-362-7923
bgrandstaff@iowalakes.educreate new email

Iowa Code Section 261F.2 and Title 34 of the code of Federal Regulations, Section 601.21, require the development, administration, and enforcement of a code of conduct governing educational loan activities.

Our officers, employees, alumni, and other organizations associated with Iowa Lakes Community College, agree to the provisions of this Code of Conduct and will refrain from:

• Refusing to certify or delaying the certification of an education loan based on a borrower's choice of lender.
• Assigning a first-time borrower to a particular private education loan lender through the student's financial aid award or another means.
• Packaging a private education loan in a student's financial aid award, except when the student is ineligible for other financial aid, has exhausted his or her federal student aid eligibility, has not filed a FAFSA or refuses to apply for a federal student loan.
• Accepting impermissible gifts, goods, or services from a lender or lender servicer.  The institution may accept default prevention, financial literacy, or student aid-related educational services or materials, or other items of a nominal value.
• Accepting philanthropic contributions from a lender or lender servicer that are related to the educational loans provided by the entity that is making the contribution.
• Serving on or otherwise participating as a member of an advisory council for a lender, lender affiliate, or lender servicer.
• Accepting from a lender or its affiliate any fee, payment, or other financial benefit as compensation for any type of consulting arrangement or other contract to provide education loan-related services to or on behalf of the lender.
• Accepting fees or other benefits in exchange for endorsing a lender or the lender's loan products.
• Requesting or accepting an offer of funds for private education loans from a lender, in exchange for our promise to provide the lender with placement on a preferred lender list, or a certain number of volume of private education loans.

Iowa Lakes Community College is committed to providing the information and resources necessary to help every student achieve educational success.  To accomplish this goal, the financial aid staff will consider each student's individual needs.

A comprehensive Code of Conduct detailing permissible and impermissible activities has been provided to all of our officers, employees, and agents. You may review the detailed Code of Conduct on our website by clicking here. opens PDF file

Non-Discrimination Policy: It is the policy of Iowa Lakes Community College not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age (employment), sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion and actual or potential parental, family or marital status in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code §§216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C §§ 1681 – 1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.).

Iowa Lakes Community College offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

• Agriculture, Natural & Environmental Services
• Engineering and Construction
• Arts, Design, and Visual Communications
• Business, Management, and Marketing
• Education, Public, and Human Services
• Health Science
• Hospitality
• Information Technology
• Manufacturing
• Transportation & Logistics

If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Kathy Muller, Equity & Title IX Coordinator, 19 South 7th Street, Estherville, IA 51334, 712.362.0433, kmuller@iowalakes.educreate new email, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661, phone number 312-730-1560, fax 312-730-1576.

A formal discrimination complaint process is published in the Student Handbook, Employee Handbook, and the Affirmative Action Plan of the College.

* The following programs at Iowa Lakes Community College have specific admissions criteria that must be met prior to entry into that program and that criteria is listed below.

• Aviation / Airport Management
• Medical Assistant
• Nursing - Practical (LPN)
• Nursing - Associate Degree (ADN)
• Surgical Technology
• Veterinary Technician

Aviation / Airport Management

Admission Requirements:

1. Complete the formal Iowa Lakes Application for Admission.
2. Personal interview with instructor.
3. Second class aviation physical required.

Medical Assistant

Program Requirements:

1. Provide documentation of physical exam and current immunizations within six months of scheduled practicum; may be required to complete a criminal background and child/dependent adult abuse registry check before placement in participating practicum facilities.
2. Arts and Science courses may be taken prior to completing Medical Assistant program core courses.
3. Core courses must be taken in sequential order and be completed with at least a “C” or “P” in classroom and clinical competencies.
4. If a student fails to complete the classroom or required clinical competencies in a course, both the failed course and corresponding clinical competencies must be repeated.
5. Core Medical Assistant program courses may be repeated only one time.

Nursing - Practical (LPN)

Admission Requirements:

1. A high school diploma with minimum GPA of 2.0 or GED/HiSet mean score equivalent or college GPA of 2.0 from 7 credits of college level science course work attaining a grade C or higher.
2. A student must attain a grade of C or higher in Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab (BIO-168), 4 credits.
3. A student must pass a 75 Hour Certified Nursing Assistant (HSC-172) course or proof of working as a CNA.  Documentation must be submitted to the Nursing Program.
4. Submit ACT or Accuplacer Results
   a.  Composite score of 18 or equivalent (Compass, ASSET, Accuplacer)
   b.  The composite score will be based on English, reading, mathematics, and science scores. The additional ACT “Writing Test” is not required.
   c.  Students must request ACT to send official results to the Iowa Lakes Admissions Office. Hand delivered results will not be accepted.
   d.  opens in a new windowTo register for the ACT visit http://www.actstudent.org.  To register for Accuplacer contact the Iowa Lakes Community College Success Center.

Nursing - Associate Degree (ADN)

Admission Requirements:

1. A high school diploma with minimum GPA of 2.0 or GED/HiSet mean score equivalent or college GPA of 2.0 from 7 credits of college level science course work attaining a grade C or higher.
2. A student must attain a grade of C or higher in Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab (BIO-168), 4 credits.
3. A student must pass a 75 Hour Certified Nursing Assistant (HSC-172) course or proof of working as a CNA.  Documentation must be submitted to the Nursing Program.
4. Submit ACT or Accuplacer Results
   a.  Composite score of 18 or equivalent (Compass, ASSET, Accuplacer)
   b.  The composite score will be based on English, reading, mathematics, and science scores. The additional ACT “Writing Test” is not required.
   c.  Students must request ACT to send official results to the Iowa Lakes Admissions Office. Hand delivered results will not be accepted.
   d. opens in a new windowTo register for the ACT visit http://www.actstudent.org.  To register for Accuplacer contact the Iowa Lakes Community College Success Center.

Surgical Technology

Admission Requirements:

1. High school diploma or HSED
2. Official high school and/or college transcripts
3. Complete Iowa lakes Community College Application for Admission
4. Advising session with the program coordinator
5. Complete an Accuplacer examination prior to starting the program
6. Physical examination and FBI background check are required prior to starting the program
7. Maintain a “C” average or better

Veterinary Technician

Program Acceptance Requirements:

1. Complete an application for admission to Iowa Lakes Community College.
2. Satisfy the assessment requirement: take a placement test and meet minimum score requirements for Reading, Writing, and Math. You may take the ACT or Accuplacer. Accuplacer
   ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills Score of 60 or higher
   ACCUPLACER Reading Score of 70 or higher
   ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra Score of 60 or higher
   ACT English Score of 17 or higher
   ACT Reading Score of 16 or higher
   ACT Math Score of 19 or higher
3. High School graduation from an accredited high school with grades of “C”
   or better:
   Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, HiSET of 45 or higher or GED of 550 or higher
4. College Grades (if the applicant has taken college courses from an accredited college)
   • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
5. Submit all official transcripts (high school and college).
6. Complete the pre-requisite courses with a grade of “C” or better.
   • Introductory Biology or higher (or one-year high school biology)
   • Introduction to General Chemistry or higher (or one-year high school chemistry)

It is the policy of Iowa Lakes Community College not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age (employment), sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion and actual or potential parental, family or marital status in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code §§216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C §§ 1681 – 1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.).

Iowa Lakes Community College offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

• Agriculture, Natural & Environmental Services
• Engineering and Construction
• Arts, Design, and Visual Communications
• Business, Management, and Marketing
• Education, Public, and Human Services
• Health Science
• Hospitality
• Information Technology
• Manufacturing
• Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found above.

If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Kathy Muller, Equity & Title IX Coordinator, 19 South 7th Street, Estherville, IA 51334, 712.362.0433, kmuller@iowalakes.educreate new email, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661, phone number 312-730-1560, fax 312-730-1576.

A formal discrimination complaint process is published in the Student Handbook, Employee Handbook, and the Affirmative Action Plan of the College.

Iowa Lakes has an Open Door Admission Policy

If you have a high school diploma (or GED equivalent), you will be admitted into a transfer, career option, technical or vocational program at Iowa Lakes Community College.

If you do not have a high school diploma, you may be admitted on an individual basis to some programs. Iowa Lakes also offers programs to assist you with high school completion or GED testing.

Admission is granted on a continuous first-come basis as applicants complete the following processes:

1. Complete an application form and submit it to the Admissions office. At that time, you will be notified if there are additional requirements. No application fee is required.
2. Send a final high school transcript. (It will not affect acceptance for admission.) Iowa Lakes Community College will review the high school transcript. If Iowa Lakes has a reason to believe that the transcript is not valid or was obtained from an entity that does not provide secondary education, we will contact the student for more information.
3. A visit to the college to speak with the program advisor is highly encouraged, although not required.

Admission to the college does not necessarily mean you are admitted to all programs offered at Iowa Lakes Community College. The college reserves the right to guide the placement of students on the basis of counseling,

examinations, pre-enrollment interviews and past academic achievement, as well as available space in programs.

You will be notified of your admission to the college by the Director of Admissions.

Iowa Lakes Community College offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

• Agriculture
• Business
• Communications
• Health
• Industrial Technology
• Social & Human Services
• Technology

The Iowa Lakes Community College Admissions policy and specific requirements for programs may be found at  opens in a new windowwww.iowalakes.edu/policies. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Kathy Muller, Equity & Title IX Coordinator, 19 South 7th Street, Estherville, IA 51334, 712.362.0433,  opens in a new windowkmuller@iowalakes.educreate new email, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661, phone number 312-730-1560, fax 312-730-1576.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 requires that institutions maintain the confidentiality of student education records.

Academic records will not be released to another person or organization except with the written permission of the student (or parents, if the student is a minor).   Exceptions are staff members of Iowa Lakes with a need to know.

Students' Right to Review

Students have the right to inspect and review information contained in their education records. A student must make a written request to the Director of Records and Registration listing the item or items of interest. The college will comply with the request within 45 days. Further information about the content of the educational record and the right to challenge portions with the student feels are incorrect is available in the records and registration offices at Emmetsburg or Estherville.

Directory Information

Iowa Lakes considers the information listed below to be directory information and will release it unless the student requests the college not to do so by the end of the second week of classes each term: name, addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail address, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, student status by credits carried, degrees and awards received (including semester honors), and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended.

Any request to limit directory information must be made to the Director of Records and Registration. The college will not notify a student of requests for directory information if the student has requested withholding it; Iowa Lakes will not be responsible if disclosure would have been to the student's benefit. Students not currently enrolled may not restrict directory information.  Directory information is released only on an individual basis; lists of students are not available.

Purpose

The purpose of the Iowa Lakes Community College IT Customer Privacy Policy is to notify users of the practices regarding the collection, use, sharing, choices, security and correction options around information collected or maintained about them.

Audience

The Iowa Lakes Community College IT Customer Privacy Policy applies to users who have information collected through these methods – website, digital ads, web forms, fairs, direct contact, schools, college search sites, and hub spot.

Policy

Notice

• Iowa Lakes Community College is the sole owner of information collected on this Website or through these Services.
• We only collect information that you voluntarily share via this website, email, or other direct contact.
• We will not sell or rent this information to anyone.

Purpose

• We will use your information to respond to you based on the reason you contacted us.
• We only share your information with authorized business partners as it relates to processes related to your request.
• We may contact you for company-related messaging; you have the ability to request to not receive these communications.

General

When you visit our website, we automatically gather and store the following information about your visit so that we can track the use of our website in order to make improvements. This information is used for internal college statistical purposes only, and is not used to contact you personally:

• The IP address from which you access our website
• The Internet address of the website from which you linked to this website
• The browser version and configuration information used to access our website
• The date and time of a visit to a web page
• The pages, files, documents and links that you visit
• Search terms used on our search engine

Consent

• We will not voluntarily share your information with a third party without prior authorization, except:
  • With an affiliate or agent of Iowa Lakes Community College, 
  • With the written authorization, 
  • To enforce our privacy policy, to comply with law, regulation, or other legal processes or to protect the rights, property or safety of us or others, 
  • With a regulator or law enforcement agency or personnel, 
  • In emergency situations, 
  • To protect against misuse or unauthorized use of this Website or the Iowa Lakes Community College Service, 
  • To detect or prevent criminal activity or fraud, or 
  • In the event that we or substantially all of our assets are acquired by one or more third parties as a result of an acquisition, merger, sale, reorganization, consolidation or liquidation, in which case information may be one of the transferred assets.

Security

• We take precautions to protect your information both online and offline.
• Iowa Lakes Community College has implemented physical, administrative, and technical safeguards and operational procedures to protect information we collect and/or maintain.
• Transactions over the internet involving information are encrypted. 
• We restrict access to your information in our database to authorized users.

Access

• You may opt out of communication with us at any time.
• You can contact us via info@iowalakes.educreate new email, 800-346-6018, to:
  • Find out what data we maintain about you, if any.
  • Change/correct any data we have about you.
  • Have us delete any data we have about you.

Accountability

• Iowa Lakes Community College has appointed a Privacy Officer and Security Officer who are responsible for the protection of information.
• Iowa Lakes Community College is committed to resolving any complaints about your privacy and our collection or use of your personal information. If you have any questions or complaints regarding this policy, please contact us via jsoper@iowalakes.educreate new email, or 712-362-0422.

HIPAA

• Some personal health information we collect may be protected health information ("PHI") within the meaning of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA"). To the extent applicable, Iowa Lakes Community College agrees to comply with HIPAA and the rules issued pursuant to HIPAA.

FERPA

Iowa Lakes Community College complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)  of 1974 which affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:

• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the college receives a request for access. A student should submit to the director of records and registration/ registrar or other appropriate official a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The registrar 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 registrar, the registrar shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
• The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. A student may ask the college to amend a record that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. The student should write to the college official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. (Note: FERPA was not intended to provide a process to be used to question substantive judgments which are correctly recorded. The rights of challenge are not intended to allow a student to contest, for example, a grade in a course because the student felt a higher grade should have been assigned.) 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 his or her 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.
• The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained 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 college officials with 45 legitimate educational interests. A college official is a person employed by the college in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff, if any); a person or company with whom the college has contacted (such as an attorney, auditor or collection agent); a person serving on the college board of trustees or a student serving on an official committee, such as a discipline or grievance committee, or assisting another college official in performing his or her tasks. A college official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the college discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures of Iowa Lakes Community 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.

Cookies

• We collect information about you and your use of this Website through the use of cookies. Cookies are small files that a website can store on your computer's hard drive for record-keeping or other administrative purposes. If you are concerned about the use of cookies, you can choose to enable a feature in your browser software that will erase cookies, block all cookies, or warn the user before cookies are stored or exchanged. If you reject cookies, you will only be able to view the site.

Links

• This Website includes links to other websites. This Privacy Policy does not apply to these links. 
• We do not endorse and are not responsible for the operation or content of these websites. Please consult the privacy policy for each website you visit.

Updates

• We may modify, alter, or update our privacy policy at any time, so we encourage you to review our privacy policy frequently. 
• We will not provide individual notice to you of changes to our privacy policy, but when we make updates to our privacy policy, we will update the date in this section.
• If you feel that we are not abiding by this privacy policy, you should contact us immediately at 712-362-0422 or jsoper@iowalakes.educreate new email.

Disclosure

• Information is collected by Iowa Lakes Community College. Contact information:
  • Iowa Lakes Community College – Admissions, 300 S. 18^th Street, Estherville, IA 51334
  • 800-346-6018
  • info@iowalakes.educreate new email

Our Privacy Policy was last updated on 9/8/2020.

Refund of Tuition (When there is NO Federal Financial Aid Resources): In the event a student withdraws from a course, the student will receive a refund based on the dates of the courses enrolled. Refunds are calculated on the total tuition and fees paid;. If a student received Federal Financial Aid, please read the next section. (Please refer to the class schedule book for specific dates.)

Refund Schedule

ECollege/online courses, Ed2Go/Gatlin Education and other special course schedules differ; beginning dates and refund dates vary. Compressed course drops are cancelled with refund only before second class meeting starts. No partial refunds are granted on compressed courses.  A student who registers but later is unable to attend must notify the college before the last date to cancel the course(s) or program to avoid charges and/or grades. Some exceptions may apply.

Refund of Tuition (Federal Financial Aid/Title IV Funds): Refunds of tuition will be calculated based on the refund policy. The student’s account balance may be affected by the financial aid adjustment that occurs after the Return to Title IV calculation. “Return to Title IV Funds” (Federal Financial Aid) formula dictates the amount of Federal Financial Aid that must be returned to the government by the student. This formula is applicable to any student receiving any type of federal aid other than Federal Work Study if that student withdraws before the 60% completion point of the semester. If funds are released to a student or their account, the student may be required to repay some of the federal grants and loans.

Return to Title IV will be based on credit-hour courses.  Some of these courses are considered modular and are not a full semester long.  For unofficial withdrawals, the return will be calculated bases on the midpoint (50%) unless the last day of attendance can be documented.  For Title IV aid that has not been disbursed, but could have been disbursed, is to be used in the calculation of return of Title IV funds.  The student needs to have completed all requirements prior to the date that they became ineligible.  The Department  needs to have processed a Student Aid Report (SAR) with an official expected family contribution (EFC).  For FSEOG, Iowa Lakes Community College has to have made the award to the student.  For a Direct Loan, Iowa Lakes Community College needs to have originated the loan.  All post-withdrawal disbursements are applied to the student’s account first and any resulting credit balance will be refunded to the student.  Credit balance created by the return of Title IV calculation will be distributed no later than 14 days after the calculation.

Generally the law states (section 485 of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998—P.L./105-244) that the amount of assistance the student has received is determined on a prorated basis, in relationship to the specific term and the amount of the term completed. opens in a new windowStudents can calculate their liability by logging on to www.r2t4.com and selecting the “continue” button. Students need to contact the Financial Aid Office for an exit interview and to verify the accuracy of their calculation.(See “Withdrawing from College” for related information.)

Important: Iowa Lakes Community College reserves the right to change the Refund Schedule at any time.

Called to Active Duty

Students who are called to active duty before a semester begins should submit a copy of their orders to the Registrar's Office. Arrangements for loan deferments and other issues cannot be completed until a copy of the orders are on file in the Registrar’s Office.

Students who are called to active duty after a semester begins must submit a copy of the activation orders to the Registrar’s Office, to be considered for this option. The date the student is ordered to active duty is the date that will be used.

Withdrawing from Classes

Students called to active duty before the two-thirds point in the term will receive a full refund of tuition and mandatory fees.

Students called to active duty after the two-thirds point in the term will have the choice of: receiving grades currently earned based on all work due at the time of activation; or receive a full refund of tuition and mandatory fees.

Students who choose to receive grades will not receive a refund of tuition and fees.

Please note: These procedures also apply to the spouse of members of the National Guard or Reserve Forces of the United States, who are called to active duty, and who have dependent children.  These procedures do not apply to students who are fulfilling their two-week annual training.

Financial Aid for Students Called to Active Duty

Students called to active duty, who receive a full refund of tuition and mandatory fees will have a return of federal financial aid calculation done.  If funds are released to a student or their account, the student may be required to repay some of the federal grants and loans.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The U.S. Department of Education requires each institution to establish and consistently apply standards of reasonable academic progress to all students who want to establish or maintain financial aid eligibility. This federal requirement indicates that students must maintain satisfactory progress toward their degree objectives in order to receive financial aid. Iowa Lakes Community College has established their standards, which are based on qualitative and quantitative measures. They require students to:

1. Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average at the completion of each term.
2. Maintain a specific pace of completion at the end of each term.
3. Achieve their program completion within 150 % of the published length of the program in credit hours attempted:
   
   Maximum Time Frame Requirement: You will not be eligible to receive financial aid once you have attempted more than 150% of the normal credits required for your degree or diploma program, or once it becomes clear that you cannot mathematically finish the program within the 150% maximum time frame. (For example; programs requiring 60 credit hours for graduation, 90 credit hours would be the 150% program maximum.)  All attempted hours are counted, including transfer hours, whether or not financial aid was received, or the course work was successfully completed.

Standards are established as minimum requirements for students who receive financial aid from any federal, state, and institutional programs administered by Iowa Lakes Community College.

MAKING PROGRESS TOWARD A DEGREE

Students must maintain a minimum 1.75 cumulative G.P.A. at the end of the first term of enrollment. Each subsequent term after the first, students will be required to maintain a 2.0 cumulative G.P.A.

The student's pace must successfully complete 67% of their attempted credit hours.  Successful completion of courses are defined as receiving a grade of A, B, C, D, or P.  Courses receiving grades of F, I, W, K, Z or Q are not counted as completed grades.

Students must complete their program requirements within a time frame equivalent to 150% of their program length and/or credit hours required for graduation purposes.

Transfer credits attributable to the student’s degree will be evaluated to determine the students Satisfactory Progress status.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS-WARNING STATUS

Students are placed in a warning status the first time they do not meet the minimum cumulative grade point average and/or pace of completion requirement.  During the warning term, students remain eligible to receive financial aid for one term.  To remain eligible to receive financial aid in future terms the student must, during the warning term:

1. Increase their cumulative grade point average to meet the minimum grade point average.
2. Successfully complete all courses attempted with grades of A,B,C,D, or P.
3. Be able to reach Satisfactory Academic Progress by the end of the semester.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS – INELIGIBLE STATUS

Students are declared ineligible for financial aid if they:

1. Do not meet the warning status requirements as listed above.
2. Do not achieve their program objectives within 150% of the published time frame of the academic program as measured in credit hours.
3. Complete the semester with only letter grades of F, I, and/or W.
4. Complete the semester with a G.P.A. of 0.0.
5. Completing 0.0% of their attempted credit hours.

REGAINING ELIGIBILITY

Students may earn the necessary grade point average or semester hours while not receiving financial aid (enrolled at their own expenses).

Students may submit written appeals documenting extenuating circumstances that prevented them from meeting the standards.  Extenuating circumstances include, but are not limited to

• Injury or illness of student
• Death of immediate family member

Appeals should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office at Emmetsburg or Estherville. The appeal needs to be accompanied by an opens in a new windowAcademic Plan Worksheetopens PDF file  signed by the student and his/her advisor. Decisions on appeals will be made and the decision will be communicated to the student within 15 working days of receipt of the appeal. When appeals are approved, students are given specific requirements to meet. Students who do not have appeals approved are declared ineligible for financial aid.

If an appeal is granted, the student will be placed on an Academic Plan:

If the student is placed on Probation, they are eligible for financial aid for that term. At the end of the term, they are re-evaluated and are either making satisfactory academic progress or are ineligible. If they are ineligible, they have the opportunity to appeal.

If the student is placed on an Academic Plan, they will remain on the plan until they either are meeting satisfactory academic progress, or they fail to follow the plan. If the student fails to follow the plan, they will become ineligible. They have the opportunity to appeal.

MONITORING OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS

The academic progress of financial aid recipients is reviewed at the end of each term. Students will be notified of status changes by letter.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

If you have questions, please call the Iowa Lakes Financial Aid Office.

712-362-7917 or

800-242-5108 (Emmetsburg) or 800-242-5106 (Estherville)

Iowa Lakes Community College does not discriminate in its educational programs and activities based on race, national origin, color, religion, sex, age, or disability.

These standards may be subject to change pending Federal Legislation.

Click here to view our full Title IX policy

The 2015 Iowa General Assembly unanimously passed opens in a new windowHouse File 414opens PDF file  on 17 March 2015. Governor Branstad signed the legislation on 24 April 2015. This bill requires that private individuals or businesses offering to help veterans get their benefits for a fee must give all prospective clients a written statement disclosing that veterans may apply for these same serves at no charge through a local service organization or county veterans affairs offices.  Before entering into an agreement or contract, the veteran must sign a veterans disclosure statement. (See attachment on right side of page.) The statement has been coordinated with the Consumer Protections Division, Iowa Department of Justice.

Any individual who violates these requirements faces a maximum civil penalty of $1,000 for each violation.  Any civil penalties recovered will be deposited in the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund.

Possession of a weapon or firearm on campus or in a college facility is prohibited, except when required for an approved college course or activity that is supervised by a college employee.

Weapons include, but are not limited to: knives with a blade exceeding five inches in length, guns, firearms, BB guns, Tasers and other dangerous weapons that generate a projectile that directs a high-voltage pulse designated to immobilize a person, explosives, fireworks or simulations of any such items (devices that appear to be real such as a realistic toy, replica, paint-ball gun, etc.)

A weapon may also include an object designed for use or used in a manner to inflict harm or threaten harm to a human being or animal.

Current or retired licensed law enforcement professional with a current permit may carry concealed weapons while on campus.