Emergency Policies and Procedures and Campus Safety

Inclement Weather Policy

The decision to close the college or delay the opening during inclement weather or other emergencies is the responsibility of the President or their designated representative.

Announcements concerning college operations, such as a closing or delay, are made by 6:30 a.m. on the following radio and television stations. Announcements concerning evening classes, if different from day classes are made on radio and television stations no later than 4:00 p.m.

A message regarding closings for both employees and students is placed on the college telephone message system by 6:30 a.m. and on the College’s website.

Students, especially those from outlying areas, should exercise personal judgment concerning highway conditions regardless of college announcements.

For the inclement weather policy specific to health sciences students assigned to a clinical site, these students should call the college phone number and press “4” for clinical instructions.

Actions that the college may take include the following:

College Closed - In case of extremely severe weather or disaster, the college may be closed when roads are impassable or extremely dangerous. Closing means that students need not report on the specified day(s). College Delay - Classes and/or the time employees and students report may be delayed.

When classes are canceled due to the college’s closing, the college may add make-up days at the end of the term to ensure that students receive the full hours of instructional time required for each course.

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Communicable Disease Policy

Students or employees who may become infected with a communicable disease may not automatically be excluded from enrollment or employment. Individuals may have access restricted to college services or facilities unless deemed medically necessary to protect other college community members or as required by law. The communicable disease policy applies to all employees, contractors or contracted services, and students of Edgecombe Community College (ECC).

Definitions

1. A communicable disease means “an illness due to an infectious agent or its toxic products which is transmitted directly or indirectly to a person from an infected person or animal through the agency of an intermediate animal, host, or vector, or through the inanimate environment” (NC GS 130A-2 (1c)). Communicable diseases include but are not limited to chickenpox, hepatitis, measles, meningitis, mononucleosis, whooping cough, COVID-19, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
2. An employee is a person permitted to work for a specified purpose in the interest of ECC and over whose work activities the college exercises direct control. For the Communicable Disease Policy and its procedures, a case involving an intern, volunteer, or another non-regular worker shall be handled as they would an employee. This policy also applies to employees of contractors or contracted services.
3. A student is any officially enrolled and matriculated person in a curriculum or continuing education course(s) at ECC during the semester when the communicable disease is reported or at other relevant times.

Procedures

A person who knows or has a reasonable basis for believing that they are infected with or have been exposed to a communicable disease has an ethical and legal obligation to behave in a manner that protects themselves and others. In this respect, faculty and staff are required to report this information to the director of human resources; students must report this information to the vice president of student services. All information is kept confidential. Only persons with a medical or legal need to know are informed and only with the prior direct knowledge of the employee or student.

Employee

1. If an employee reports being exposed to a communicable disease to the director of human resources, the employee may be excluded from the workplace until an appropriate evaluation of the employee’s medical condition can be made. The evaluation is to be made by a physician and/or health department official, and testing may be required if appropriate.
2. The assessment of an employee with a suspected communicable disease and the final determination of that employee’s ability to remain on the job will be made by the president.
3. If an employee is found to have a communicable disease, then the president will prohibit the attendance of the employee on campus or at any college activity until a satisfactory letter or certificate is obtained from one or more licensed physicians or public health officials stating that the attendance of the employee is not a health risk to other employees and students at the college.

Student

1. A student with a communicable disease diagnosis or exposure must report this information to the vice president of student services. If a student reports this information to a college official (such as a counselor, advisor, instructor, dean, or staff member), that college official must notify the vice president of student services. The student may be excluded from the institution until an appropriate evaluation of the student’s medical condition can be made. The evaluation is made by a physician and/or health department official, and testing may be required if appropriate.
2. The vice president of student services assesses a student with a suspected communicable disease and determines that student’s ability to attend the school in person.
3. If a student is found to have a communicable disease, the vice president of student services prohibits the attendance of the student on campus or at any college activity until a satisfactory letter or certificate is obtained from one or more licensed physicians or public health officials stating that the student is not a health risk to employees and other students at the college. The college is not liable for any cost associated with doctor’s visits.

The Employee of a Contractor or Contracted Service

1. If an employee of a contractor or contracted service reports having or being exposed to a communicable disease condition to their supervisor or an official of the college, the employee may be excluded from the workplace until an appropriate evaluation of the employee’s medical condition can be made.
2. The vice president of administrative services assesses a contractor or a contracted service employee with suspected communicable disease and determines that person’s ability to remain on the job.

Communicable Disease Education

The college is committed to providing resources to ensure the safety and well-being of its students, staff, and faculty. We want to convey basic information in various ways to include the distribution of printed material, posters, electronic formats, meetings, and speakers.

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Campus Security Policies

Under Title II, Public Law 101-542 and GS 74G, the ECC Board of Trustees has adopted the following policy:

ECC provides adequate security personnel and procedures to protect its students, faculty, and staff and ensure the security of the college’s assets. It is the responsibility of all college employees and students to report crimes whenever they become aware of them. While on college property, all persons are expected to obey all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances and college policies governing appropriate conduct. Persons who violate this policy are subject to legal action determined appropriate by the ECC administration.

Security and Access Policies

ECC is open to students, employees, and visitors who have legitimate business to conduct during normal operating hours of 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays. During the summer months, ECC operates on an abbreviated schedule. Summer hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:15 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Any individuals who interfere with the educational process or normal business operations or threaten students or employees are escorted off-campus.

After normal business hours, community groups may gain access to the Tarboro campus by prior arrangement with the Business Office and the Rocky Mount campus by arrangement with the Director of the Rocky Mount campus.

Individual Safety Practices

Students should observe individual safety practices by doing the following:

1. Being alert and aware of their surroundings at all times. Their safety depends mostly upon their attitude and actions.
2. Carrying handbags, book bags, or briefcases close to the body.
3. Parking near the last building they will be in for the day or evening.
4. Remembering to lock vehicles.
5. Noting where they parked.
6. When returning to their car, having their keys out and ready.
7. If commuting to school by taxi or being dropped off at school by someone, waiting for the taxi or ride inside the lobby of the building the transportation drives to. If they cannot see approaching vehicles from inside the lobby, they should tell their ride to pick them up in front of the McIntyre Building, the Fleming Building in Tarboro, or the Barnes Building in Rocky Mount. They can wait inside the lobby with the receptionist and easily see when their transportation arrives in these buildings.
8. Checking the back seat and floorboard of their car before getting into it.
9. Avoiding walking alone in the dark and avoiding shortcuts that go through poorly lighted or confined areas.
10. Walking in groups whenever possible.
11. Walking confidently and looking directly at passers-by.
12. Not leaving any belongings (handbag, books, and book bags) unattended.
13. Going to the nearest campus phone and dialing 0 in Tarboro or 320 in Rocky Mount to get the receptionist if any of the following occur:
    1. They see a suspicious person.
    2. They see or have contact with someone behaving in a threatening or unusual manner.
    3. They see people fighting.
    4. They see someone, other than a uniformed law enforcement officer, with a weapon.
    5. Their instincts tell them something is wrong.

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ID Card Policy

In order to promote a safe and secure environment, all Edgecombe Community College (ECC) students, employees, and guests are asked to have identification while on campus. ECC students and employees are required to have an identification card issued by ECC. ECC students may be asked to present their identification card when picking up books, accessing library resources, checks and at other times to ensure appropriate identity. A student’s failure to present a valid
ECC identification, upon request of designated school officials could result in the student being asked to leave the campus. Invited campus guests may be asked to provide photo identification as well as their reason for being on campus. Visitors to campus are required to obtain an ECC issued “Visitor’s Badge” from the receptionist on the campus they are visiting prior to conducting business. The College will make every effort to ensure that all individuals on campus are here for appropriate reasons. ECC identification cards must not be tampered with or altered. Doing so could result in disciplinary action by the Vice President of Student Services for students and the appropriate supervisor for staff. The initial identification card is free. Replacement cards, whether lost or stolen, are $5.00 each. Identification Cards may be obtained from Student Services on either campus. ECC Student Identification cards will be issued during the following times:

- Final Registration through Drop/Add for any term Monday-Thursday 8AM-5PM and
Friday 8AM-1PM
- All other times during the term Tuesdays and Thursdays 9AM-1PM and by appointment

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Visitor’s Policy

Visitors are welcome on the Edgecombe Community College campus. All visitors must comply with College policy and procedure. In the interest of safety and security, all campus visitors without official business or prior appointment are asked to check in with the receptionist either in person or by phone immediately upon arrival. Visitor’s passes for each respective campus are available and will be distributed as needed from the receptionist location in the McIntyre and Barnes buildings. A valid ID may be required.

Individuals with a visitor’s pass and valid ID can utilize the libraries on both campuses. Classrooms, laboratories, computer labs, student lounges, and any other instructional areas are prohibited from visitors without prior authorization. Individuals who have failed to check in or comply with requests for identification, have been found loitering, or have caused disruption to normal college operations/environment may be required to leave.

Children under sixteen years of age are not permitted on campus unless accompanied by a parent/legal guardian or enrolled in an Early College or Edgecombe Community College-sponsored program. Children accompanying employees, students, or visitors of Edgecombe Community College must be under the constant supervision of a responsible adult while on ECC property and are not permitted in classrooms, labs, or other learning environments.

Employees or students found to be in violation of the above policy may be subject to disciplinary action. Employees should report unauthorized individuals to the Security Officer on duty at their location. Campus security phone numbers are programmed to speed dial from office phones and are also listed below. Once contact has been made with the Security Officer by telephone, employees should immediately report the incident to an ECC official, who will assist the Security Officer in coordinating a resolution.

Rocky Mount Security: (252) 885-3629   Tarboro Security: (252) 885-5468

Alcoholic Beverage, Drug, And Weapons Policy

Alcoholic Beverages

Under North Carolina state law, ECC prohibits the possession, transportation, use, or sale of any alcoholic beverage within the property boundaries of the college. This policy applies to any student or employee of the college or visitor to the ECC property. Violators are subject to college disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fines, and imprisonment. Exceptions include functions prior approved by the college President as authorized by the College Board of Trustees.

Drugs

ECC property has been designated “Drug-Free.” ECC’s Student Conduct policy specifically prohibits the use, possession, sale, or transportation of any controlled substance defined by the North Carolina General Statutes. Within these statutes is the stipulation that even though a person may be under the influence of “legally prescribed medication,” that person is totally responsible for their behavior.

The ECC Employee Handbook contains a “Drug-Free Workplace Policy” statement, an acknowledgment of which is signed by all faculty and staff at their employment. This document is kept in the employees’ personnel files.

Violators of this policy are subject to college disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fines, and imprisonment.

Weapons

All students, employees, and visitors are prohibited from using or carrying a weapon onto ECC property unless they are uniformed law officers. This prohibition applies to anything construed or used as a weapon, such as firearms, knives, clubs, or stun guns. The ECC Student Conduct policy specifically prohibits using or possessing weapons and dangerous instruments on college properties, as described in the North Carolina General Statutes. Concealed carry permit holders may store a handgun in a lockbox or closed compartment in a locked car in a public parking area on campus, only complying with the North Carolina General Statutes. Violators of this policy are subject to college disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fines, and imprisonment.

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Tobacco-Free Campus Policy

Edgecombe Community College is committed to providing its employees and students with a safe and healthful environment. Edgecombe Community College also recognizes that tobacco products on campus grounds are detrimental to the health and safety of students, staff, faculty, and visitors. Edgecombe Community College further acknowledges that it has the legal authority to prohibit tobacco use according to G.S. 143-599.

Therefore, Edgecombe Community College has established the following tobacco-free campus policy, to be implemented on August 1, 2011.

Definition. For this policy, tobacco is defined as any tobacco product including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, bidis, hookahs, smokeless or spit tobacco, snuff, electronic or e-cigarettes, liquid nicotine vaporizers, or other vapor delivery systems, or liquid nicotine.

Specifics of Policy. Use of tobacco is prohibited by students, staff, faculty, or visitors

• in all campus buildings, facilities, and vehicles owned by Edgecombe Community College;
• on-campus grounds and property owned by Edgecombe Community College;
• at lectures, conferences, meetings, social and cultural events held on school property or school grounds.

Implementation & Compliance. A campus committee shall develop a plan to communicate the policy to students, staff, faculty, and visitors and ensure appropriate campus signage.

Smoking waste management products such as ashtrays shall be removed.

Visitors who repeatedly violate the policy shall be asked to leave campus. Employees who repeatedly violate the policy shall be referred to their supervisors and given tobacco cessation materials. Repeated violations by staff or faculty can result in further personnel action.

Enforcement of this policy for students shall include an oral warning for the first offense and a written one for the second offense. The college shall file the written warning file with the Dean of Students on the Rocky Mount Campus and the Dean of Enrollment on the Tarboro campus. The record shall be purged two years from the date of the incident. If a student is observed in violation of this policy a third time, they may be disciplined by the Vice President of Student Services as a violation of the student code of conduct.

Opportunities for Cessation. The administration will consult with the county health department and other health organizations to provide faculty, staff, and students with information and access to free programs and services to help abstain from tobacco products.

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Alcohol and Substance Abuse Programs

ECC has developed a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and alcohol abuse by students and employees. The program provides drug use and abuse services, including disseminating informational materials, educational programs, counseling services, referrals, and college disciplinary actions.

ECC’s Student Services Department provides overall coordination of the Drug-Free School Program through various services.

Alcohol and Drug Education

ECC conducts annual alcohol and drug seminar for staff and students. Alcohol and drug educational materials are displayed in Student Services areas.

Counseling Services

Student Services counselors and a Student Support Counselor are available for counseling.

Referral Services

Student Services counselors are located in the department for student referrals.

College Disciplinary Actions

The Vice President of Student Services is responsible for college disciplinary actions.

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Timely Warnings

If a situation arises, either on or off-campus, that constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat to students and employees of the college, a campus-wide “timely warning” is issued through the ECC email system to students, faculty, and staff. The college President or designee decides to issue such a warning through consultation with the College Management Team members and the local police department.

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Campus Security and Crime Awareness Report

The Director of Human Resources prepares this report annually to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. The full text of this report can be found on the ECC Web site at http://www.edgecombe.edu under About ECC > Publications.

Campus crime, arrest, and referral statistics include those reported to designated college officials and campus police.

Each year, an email notification is made to all enrolled students stating that this report has been completed and providing the information needed to access this report online. All employees receive similar notifications. Students may obtain printed copies of this report from the office of the Director of Human Resources.

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Sexual Harassment Policy

ECC prohibits any form of sexual harassment involving any of its employees in the employment relationship or involving any college employee and a college student in the college relationship, whether it is in the form of a college employee sexually harassing a student or a student sexually harassing a college employee. The college has a firm belief and has established a policy that all employees are entitled to work. All students are entitled to learn in an environment free of discrimination or intimidation based on sex. Any act, comment, or behavior that is of a sexually suggestive or harassing nature and which in any way interferes with employees’ or students’ performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment is strictly prohibited. Students or employees who feel that they have been subjected to sexual harassment may file a complaint with the Vice President of Student Services. Complaints involving the Vice President of Student Services should be filed with the President.

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