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Policies of Queensborough Community College

College Policy On Conduct

  1. In accordance with Federal and State Law, Queensborough Community College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, gender, religion, color, creed, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veterans’ status. Specifically a student may be disciplined for hostile conduct or behavior that might incite immediate violence. Vandalism, racist graffiti, intimidation, harassment and other forms of organized hatred will not be tolerated on campus  and violators will be punished.

  2. All students, faculty and staff are required to have in their possession a valid college ID card while on campus.

  3. All visitors must have a legitimate reason for being on campus and are required to show acceptable identification to members of the Department of Public Safety upon request.

  4. All persons on campus are required to show their college ID cards upon the request of any college employee, officer of the Queensborough Student Association or student responsible for a student event.

  5. Any person, who upon request, refuses or is unable to produce valid identification will be evicted from the campus and/or arrested for trespass.

  6. Cellular phones, beepers and all other personal electronic devices may not be used in the classroom while classes are in session.

  7. The playing of radios on campus is prohibited. Disturbing others will be considered an infraction of appropriate student conduct.

  8. The college seeks to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and civility and expects students to demonstrate proper class- room decorum, which includes appropriate behavior and dress.

Policy On Smoking

The CUNY Tobacco Policy prohibits smoking and the use of tobacco products anywhere on or within the grounds and facilities of the campus. As of the first day of classes, Fall 2012, the following is prohibited at Queensborough Community College: (i) the use of tobacco on all grounds and facilities under CUNY jurisdiction, including indoor locations and outdoor locations such as playing fields; entrances and exits to buildings; and parking lots; (ii) tobacco industry promotions, advertising, marketing, and distribution of marketing materials on campus properties; and (iii) tobacco industry sponsorship of athletic events and athletes.

Queensborough Community College encourages all smoking employees and students to quit smoking. Smoking cessation information is available in the Office of Health Services, Medical Arts Building, Room MC-02, 718-631-6375 or from the NY Smokers’ Quit Line at 1-866-697-8487. Any questions regarding smoking policies should be directed to QCC’s Environmental Health & Safety Officer. http://policy.cuny.edu/policyimport/manual_of_generalpolicy/articleivfacilitiesplanningandmanage-ment/policy4.06tobacco/document.pdf

Health Risks Associated With Abuse Of Alcohol, Use Of Tobacco, And Illicit Drugs

Alcohol (ethanol) is toxic to the human body. It is a central nervous system depressant which slows bodily functions such as heart rate, pulse, and respiration. Taken in large quantities, it progressively causes intoxication, sedation, and unconsciousness (even death, if consumed in large amounts). These effects are similar to those produced by other sedative-hypnotic drugs such as barbiturates and narcotics.

Alcoholics may be able to consume large quantities of alcohol without appearing to be drunk or uncontrolled. Nevertheless, alcoholism causes severe emotional, physical, and psychological damage. Prolonged heavy drinking can damage various organs, resulting in disorders such as cirrhosis of the liver, heart disease, pancreatitis and cancer. It can also lead to gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, diarrhea, gastritis, ulcers), malnutrition, sexual dysfunctions, high blood pressure, lowered resistance to disease, and possible irreversible brain and nervous system damage. Alcoholism also leads to a wide variety of problems involving one’s emotional, family, work, and social life.

Alcohol Impairs Driving

Even small amounts of alcohol impair driving ability. In your body, alcohol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. The liver is able to break down the alcohol at a rate of about one ounce per hour. Alcohol in excess of that amount stays in the bloodstream and affects these brain functions involved in driving:

  • Judgment–Alcohol alters your perception. It makes you overconfident and encourages you to take reckless chances.

  • Coordination–Your reaction time and ability to perform multiple tasks decrease with alcohol.

  • Vision–Alcohol decreases your pupil reaction time, depth perception, and peripheral vision.

Tobacco

It is illegal to sell tobacco products to any person under the age of twenty-one in the State of New York. The City University of New York has adopted a tobacco-free policy which prohibits the use of tobacco on University premises.

Forty-eight years ago the first report of the Surgeon General of the United States was issued on the impact of tobacco use on health. This 1964 report presented stark conclusions: that cigarette- smoking causes lung cancer and is the most important cause of chronic bronchitis. The report also linked tobacco smoking with emphysema and other forms of cancer. The tobacco industry contested the report, arguing that there was no conclusive link between smoking and poor health. Since that time, however, the evidence supporting the conclusions reached in that landmark report has continued to mount.

The Department of Health and Human Services, the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization have determined that nicotine, the chief component of tobacco, is a highly addictive drug.

Cannabis (Marijuana)–Effects

All forms of cannabis have negative physical and mental effects. Several regularly observed physical effects of cannabis are a substantial increase in the heart rate, bloodshot eyes, a dry mouth and throat, and increased appetite.

Use of cannabis may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car. Research also shows that students do not retain knowledge when they are “high.” Motivation and cognition may be altered, making the acquisition of new information difficult. Marijuana can also produce paranoia and psychosis.

Because users often inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply and then hold it in their lungs as long as possible, marijuana is damaging to the lungs and pulmonary system. Marijuana smoke contains more cancer-causing agents than tobacco.

Long-term users of cannabis may develop psychological dependence and require more of the drug to get the same effect. The drug can become the center of their lives.

Many people mistakenly believe driving under the influence of marijuana is safer than driving on alcohol. But marijuana significantly slows your reaction time, decreases your ability to judge speed and distance, and impairs your coordination. It also decreases your visual acuity. The effects may last 4-10 hours, even after the feeling of being “high” is gone.

Alcohol & Drugs

The college recognizes that students are adults and expects them to obey the law and adhere to college regulations. All students must take personal responsibility for their own actions and behavior.

The college has established policies regarding the consumption of alcohol and the use of illegal drugs, narcotics and other controlled substances, and supports federal, state and local laws regarding their usage.

Policy on Possession/Use of Alcoholic Beverages

  1. The unlawful possession, use or distribution of alcohol by students and employees on college property or as a part of any college activity is prohibited.

  2. No student or student organization is permitted to serve alcoholic beverages on this campus.

  3. No alcoholic beverages are to be brought on this campus for any reason unless approved in advance and in writing by the Department for Student Affairs.

  4. It is also the policy of The City University of New York and of this college that: Any actions or behaviors which recklessly or intentionally endanger mental or physical health or involve the forced consumption of liquor or drugs for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with any organization is prohibited.

The legal drinking age in New York State is 21 and underage drinking is strictly prohibited. It is also unlawful to sell or give away alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. In addition to college disciplinary action, violators will also be subject to criminal prosecution.

Policy on Illegal Possession And Use of Drugs

  1. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, sale or use of marijuana, illegal drugs or other controlled substances by college students or employees on college premises or as a part of any college activity is prohibited. Violators will be subject to campus disciplinary sanctions, as well as criminal prosecution.

  2. Non-college personnel apprehended on campus for any alcohol or drug violation will be subject to arrest and criminal prosecution.

  3. Since this campus is in no sense a sanctuary, outside law enforcement officials may, on their own initiative, take such action as they deem necessary and appropriate.

  4. For the purpose of this policy, the campus is understood to be all facilities in which this college conducts, administers and is responsible for college business.

Student Parking on Campus

Although parking on campus is limited, registered QCC students are eligible to park on campus on a SPACE AVAILABLE BASIS. Students can pay for parking by utilizing their QCC OneCard by which they can deposit funds in their TigerBucks account for parking on campus in Lots 2 & 6. Lots 1, 3 & 4 are reserved for Faculty & Staff parking only. Students are allowed to park in Lot 1 after 5:00 pm using their OneCard.

Funds may be deposited to students’ accounts at the OneCard stations in the following locations: Administration Building, first floor; Library Building, 2nd floor; Student Union, Lower Level. Funds can also be deposited online at: www.qcc.cuny.edu/onecard

Parking Violation Penalties

During any one semester or summer session, penalties for an infraction of the parking rules and regulations are as follows:

  • First violation $15.00

  • Second violation $20.00

  • Third violation $25.00 and possible cancellation of parking privileges and/or disciplinary action.

Please feel free to stop by the Public Safety Office and pick up a Parking & Traffic Control Regulations brochure for further details about parking on campus.

Notice of Access to Campus Crime Statistics, the Annual Security Report, and Information on Registered Sex Offenders

In accordance with the provisions of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) Queensborough Community College’s Annual Security Report (ASR) includes statistics for the previous three calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from campus. The statistics must be gathered from campus public safety, local law enforcement and other school officials (Campus Security Authorities) who have ”significant responsibility for student and campus activities” such as Student Affairs and Student Judicial Affairs directors. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security issues, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, reporting crimes, sexual assault and other relevant matters. Campus crime statistics and the campus’s Annual Security Report are available at the Public Safety Office or by accessing their website at http:// www.qcc.cuny.edu/publicsafety. Crime statistics are also available through the U.S. Department of Education’s website: https://ope. ed.gov/campussafety/#/institution/search.

The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000 (CSCPA) requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement information provided by a state concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a state to provide notice, as required under state law, of each institution of higher education of that state at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, volunteers services or is a student. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) maintains a registry of convicted sex offenders which is available to local law enforcement agencies, including CUNY’s Public Safety Departments. To obtain information about a Level 2 or Level 3 registered sex offender you may contact the police department in the jurisdiction in which the offender resides and/or in which the college is located. Queensborough Community College is located within the confines of NYPD’s 111pct. They can be contacted at (718) 279-5200. You may also contact the Director of Public Safety at (718) 631-6320 or call the Division’s sex offender registry at 1-800- 262-3257. To obtain information about Level 3 offenders only, you may contact the Division’s sex offender registry website: www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/nsor and then click on “Search for Level 3 Sex Offenders” or access the Division’s Level 3 sub directory electronically or via CD-ROM at the colleges public safety department or the local law enforcement agency for the jurisdiction in which the offender resides.

Computer User Responsibilities

The computer resources*  of The City University of New York (CUNY) and Queensborough Community College (QCC) must be used in a manner that is consistent with the College’s and University’s education purposes and environment. All users of computer resources are expected to act in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation, and to adhere to the regulations for their use set forth in this document.

The rules of conduct for computer use include, but are not limited to, the list below. Interpretation of the rules of conduct will be addressed by QCC’s Executive Director of Information Technology (IT), and the Vice President for Finance and Administration, as appropriate. As a user of CUNY/QCC computer resources:

  • You must have a valid authorized account to use computer resources that require one, and may use only those computer resources that are specifically authorized. You may use your account in accordance with its authorized purposes and may not use an unauthorized account for any purpose.

  • You are responsible for the safeguarding of your computer account. You should change your password frequently and should not disclose it to anyone. You should take all necessary precautions in protecting the account, no matter what type of computer resources you are using.

  • You may not circumvent system protection facilities.

  • You may not knowingly use any system to produce system failure or degraded performance. Chain letters are prohibited.

  • You may not engage in unauthorized duplication, alteration or destruction of data, programs, or software. You may not transmit or disclose data, programs, or software belonging to others. You may not duplicate copyrighted materials.

  • Intrusion into private files, obtaining or spreading programs or files that can cause damage to any computer files or the operation of the computer system, or wasting the resources (people, capacity, computing) of these facilities is prohibited.

  • You may not engage in abusive or improper use of computer hardware. This includes, but is not limited to, tampering with equipment, unauthorized attempts at repairing equipment, and unauthorized removal of equipment components.

  • Users must not destroy the integrity of information available here and at other sites. All programs and data files stored on Queensborough Community College computing facilities are presumed to be private and confidential. Users must not compromise the privacy of any other user in any way.

  • Access to electronic communications services such as electronic mail (both local and off-campus) and the Internet is a privilege that must be used with intelligence and discretion. Improper use of this privilege includes but is not limited to wasting computing resources, attempting to gain unauthorized access to communication resources, harassing other users by sending or accessing annoying, obscene, libelous or threatening messages, and displaying questionable textual or graphical information within CUNY/QCC or beyond via its network facilities.

  • Computer resources are provided for CUNY and QCC-related purposes. You may not use computer resources for private purposes, including but not limited to, the use of computer resources for profit-making or illegal purposes. Solicitation for commercial or partisan political purposes is prohibited.

  • Users should immediately disclose to the Executive Director of Information Technology any unauthorized computer activity and cooperate with system administrators in their operation of the computer system and investigation of abuse.

  • The use of College computer resources may be subject to College regulations and you are expected to be familiar with those regulations. College regulations are subject to revision. You are expected to be familiar with any revisions to the College regulations.

 CUNY and Queensborough reserve the right to monitor, under appropriate conditions, all data contained in the system to protect the integrity of the system and to ensure compliance with regulations. The College is capable of accessing, reviewing, and recording:

  1. Access to the system, including successful and failed login attempts and logouts;

  2. Inbound and outbound file transfers;

  3. Terminal connections to and from external systems;

  4. Sent and received e-mail messages;

  5. Web sites visited, including uniform resource locator (URL) of pages retrieved;

  6. Date, time, and user associated with each event.

 Any user who is found to be in violation of these rules shall be subject to the following:

  1. Suspension and/or termination of computer privileges;

  2. Disciplinary action by appropriate College and/or University officials;

  3. Referral to law enforcement authorities for criminal prosecution;

  4. Other legal action, including action to recover civil damages and penalties.

*Computer Resources is an inclusive term referring to any and all computing/information technology, hardware, software and access. Hardware includes, but is not limited to, terminals, personal computers, workstations, printers, mice, monitors, cabling, peripheral devices. Software includes, but is not limited to, mainframe shared software, networked software and stand-alone software residing on personal computers. Access includes, but is not limited to, accounts on time sharing systems as well as access to stand-alone personal computer systems and other relevant technology such as e-mail and the Internet.