Series 400.00 Policies

The Student Affairs Council has been established to provide advice to the President in development and implementation of policies governing the student affairs of the institution, including: orientation, campus rules and regulations, housing and health services, financial aid, student government, and student activities.

The Council considers issues submitted by the Cowley College Student Senate or individual members of the Council, is the voting body for Student of the Month, and serves as the grievance board for student appeals. The Council also makes recommendations to the Administrative Cabinet through the Chairman.

The Council is composed of staff members and a student appointed by the Vice President of Student Affairs and approved by the President.

Adopted January 18,1971
Revised March 19, 1973
Reviewed July 11, 1989
Revised October 15, 1990
Revised July 21, 2003
Revised August 1, 2004
Revised November 16, 2009
Revised June 21, 2010

Cowley College is committed to instilling in its students a high level of academic integrity. Integrity in and outside the classroom is a definite expectation. Students who compromise the integrity of the academic process are subject to disciplinary action by the college. The student so affected by an academic integrity violation and disciplinary action shall have the right of appeal through the academic affairs office.

Adopted June 20, 2005
Revised April 16, 2007
Revised July 21, 2008
Revised June 21, 2010
Revised October 15, 2012
Revised August 11, 2014

Cowley College is committed to providing an excellent safe and learning environment for all students in and outside the classrooms. We believe in fostering a campus climate that promotes physical and mental well-being as well as a safe and orderly campus environment. Students who compromise the student code of conduct are subject to disciplinary action by the college.

Cowley College students are expected to conduct themselves as responsible individuals at all times while on campus and off campus when on a college approved activity in accordance with the Standards of Student Conduct. Acts of incivility or misconduct which interferes with or detracts from the learning-centered environment are not permissible. A charge of misconduct may be made against a student for violating provisions of published College regulations and policies.  In circumstances where a student is charged with misconduct, they will be processed in accordance with procedures set forth in the Standards of Student Conduct and reflected in the Student Handbook. The student so affected by a student code of conduct violation and disciplinary action shall have the right of appeal through the academic affairs office via policy 405.

The administrator responsible for ensuring student rights and freedoms is the Executive Director of Student Affairs. Both the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Executive Director of Student Affairs are responsible for student conduct, responsibilities and due process.

Adopted January 18, 1971
Revised March 20,1972
Revised July 17, 1978
Revised July 15, 1985
Reviewed July 11, 1989
Revised October 15, 1990
Revised July 21, 2003
Revised September 20, 2004
Revised July 18, 2005
Revised June 21, 2010
Revised February 21, 2011
Revised May 16, 2011
Revised October 18, 2011
Revised October 20, 2014

Any student receiving disciplinary action or required to pay any fine or penalty as a result of a violation other than appeal of course grades or withdrawal from class may appeal that action according to the procedure listed below.

1. The aggrieved student should seek to resolve his or her issue with the department supervisor of the area the original charge was administered.
2. The aggrieved student may then discuss the problem with the Vice President of Student Affairs or outreach campus designee. During the discussion the aggrieved person shall seek to resolve the matter informally.
3. If the aggrieved student is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at Level One, the student may submit the grievance in writing to the Student Affairs Committee. The Student Affairs Committee will review the grievance at their next scheduled meeting. The student may also present his/her grievance in person to the Committee at this meeting. The Student Affairs Committee shall submit a decision in writing to the student within five (5) school days after the meeting. Members of the Committee who address the Committee with a grievance or in some way are affected by the grievance must disqualify themselves as voting members for the duration of the deliberations and decision relative to such grievances. In cases of disqualification, the Vice President of Student Affairs shall have the right to make temporary appointments to the Committee for the same duration.
   
   As a prerequisite to filing such petition, the petitioning student waives any right to file suit or claim of any kind whatsoever which suit or claim attempts to establish legal liability against the individual members of the Committee for decisions rendered by the Committee in good faith.

Adopted January 18, 1971
Revised March 19, 1973
Revised June 16, 1980
Revised September 19, 1988
Reviewed July 11, 1989
Revised October 16, 1995
Revised July 21, 2003
Revised August 9, 2004
Revised November 16, 2009
Revised December 13, 2010

If a student has been administratively withdrawn from classes or expelled from the college for disciplinary reasons, the student may appeal that decision following the appeal process listed below.

1. The aggrieved student must submit in writing their appeal within five business days of the withdrawal or expulsion to the Grievance Committee Chair. The Vice President of Academic Affairs will serve as the Grievance Committee Chair unless he/she is already involved in the disciplinary action. In that case, the President of the college will appoint a Committee Chair.
2. The Grievance Committee Chair will then appoint a five person appeal panel which will consist of the Chair, a college administrator, an instructor, a student services employee, and a representative from the Cowley College Student Senate.
3. None of the members of the Grievance Committee shall have been involved in the matter that forms the basis of the disciplinary action. If a member has been involved, he/she will remove themselves from the Committee and a new member will be appointed.
4. Within five business days of receiving the written appeal, the Chair will notify the student of the time, date, and place of the appeal hearing. The appeal hearing shall be held not less than five business days nor more than fifteen business days after the appeal has been received.
5. The student and the administration shall have the following rights during the hearing.
   1. Each party shall have the right to have legal counsel present at each party's own expense.
   2. Each party shall have the right to hear or read a full report of the testimony of the other party's witnesses.
   3. Each party shall have the right to present witnesses in person or to present their testimony by sworn affidavit.
   4. Each party shall have the right to testify and give reasons supporting their respective positions.
   5. The hearing will be conducted in an orderly manner. All information and testimony presented at the hearing is expected to be truthful and complete. Failure to give accurate testimony may result in disciplinary action.
   6. The Committee shall render a fair and impartial decision based upon evidence presented at the hearing.
   7. The hearing shall be tape recorded. Tapes are kept by the Grievance Committee Chair, and not released to students. However, the student and administration may review the tape.
   8. The Chair of the Committee may adopt other procedures as she/he may deem appropriate to provide a fair and orderly hearing. Strict rules of evidence will not apply. The hearing is not open to the public to protect the student's right of confidentiality. Everyone present at the hearing, including all witnesses, will be required to keep hearing proceedings strictly confidential. An exception to this may be made in the event the parents of the aggrieved student are to be notified. Once the hearing is concluded, the Committee may not consider additional information to testimony.

At the completion of the hearing, the Chair will prepare a written decision from the Committee that affirms, modifies or reverses the original decision and summarizes the evidence supporting the decision. The written decision will be mailed or delivered to the student and administration no later than 10 business days after the hearing. The Committee decision is final.

Adopted August 9, 2005
Revised July 21, 2008
Revised June 21, 2010

The Cowley College Student Senate (CCSS) is established to provide the student body with an officially recognized voice in the governance of the College. The CCSS participates in the development of student policies and programs under guidance of a sponsor appointed by the administration. CCSS expends certain student funds, supervises student social programs, recommends for appointment student members to student-faculty committees and councils, and charters other student organizations.

The CCSS is composed of student officers whom are elected at large from the student body and of representatives from active clubs, organizations and other student groups on campus. CCSS is governed by the constitution and by-laws of their organization.

Adopted January 18, 1971
Reviewed July 11, 1989
Revised October 15, 1990
Revised July 21, 2003
Revised August 1, 2004
Revised June 21, 2010
Revised April 20, 2020

In order to be recognized by the College, student organizations are approved by the Cowley College Student Senate and the Administration.

• Groups wishing to organize under College sponsorship complete the "Application for Charter" form available from the Student Life Office. The completed application is then reviewed by the Director of Student Life and forwarded to the Vice President of Student Affairs, or designee. Once approved by the Vice President of Student Affairs, or designee, the application is presented to the Student Senate at their next meeting. CCSS members will vote and, if approved, the club recommendation will be forwarded to the College President for final confirmation. A charter shall be duly recorded and issued to the new organization.
• The Vice President of Academic Affairs is responsible for the appointment of a faculty or staff sponsor for academic clubs/organizations. The Vice President of Student Affairs, or designee is responsible for  the appointment of a faculty or staff sponsor for all other clubs/organizations. The sponsor assumes responsibilities for the conduct and affairs of the organization assuming responsibility for meeting times, and organization conduct.
• Organizations must adhere to the following regulations 1) All legal financial obligations incurred by the club must be met; 2) All plans for fund raising activities other than dues or assessments must be approved by the Director of Student Life. 3) Clubs must serve an academic purpose as well as promote professional and personal growth of members. 4) Each club sponsor is to return the goal sheet for their club at the start of each school year. Failure to achieve stated goals may result in the termination of such club.
• Social events and functions sponsored by the organizations are subject to the rules and regulations of the College. Private parties held by club members in their homes or at commercial establishments do not come under the jurisdiction of the College in any way. Neither the name of the school nor of the club shall be used in advertising these functions or in making financial arrangements for them.

Adopted January 18, 1971
Reviewed July 11, 1989
Revised July 21, 2003
Revised August 1, 2004
Revised July 21, 2008
Revised June 21, 2010
Revised January 17, 2023

Students officially dropping from classes prior to completion of 12% of the class or the date printed on the student’s course schedule are entitled to a 100% refund of tuition and fees.

Late enrollment does not extend the Refund Period.

1. Students are entitled to 100% refund of tuition and fees for classes that do not materialize regardless of the date.
2. Failure to attend classes does not constitute a schedule change or withdraw from class and does not entitle the student to a refund of tuition and fees. Students will be dropped who are reported as non-attended on the official roster.
3. An administrative withdrawal does not entitle the student to a refund of tuition and fees.
4. To officially withdraw, a student must complete an official “Add/Drop” form or “Complete Withdrawal” form and return the form to the Registrar’s Office.

Adopted September 21, 1992
Revised June 23, 2008
Revised October 18, 2021

Student travel for instruction-related contests, musical performances, experiential learning, student government conventions, and other appropriate activities, must be approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs for approval. In order to represent the College in activities on a State and National level, students must be a student in good standing.

Requests for student travel should be submitted to the Vice President of Academic Affairs by the sponsor of the organization or activity at least one week prior to the trip and follow the guidelines per Policy 244.00. Notice of approved absence from classes will be announced in writing by the Vice President of Academic Affairs as far in advance of the absence as is practical.

Adopted January 18, 1971
Revised May 11, 1976
Revised December 8, 1978
Reviewed July 11, 1989
Revised July 21, 2003
Revised August 1, 2004
Revised July 21, 2008
Revised June 21, 2010
Revised January 17, 2023

Students are expected to settle accounts with the College as they become due and payable. Students who have outstanding accounts from any source will not be issued official transcripts until such accounts have been settled.

1. Students who have past due balances from any source in excess of $500.00 will not be allowed to enroll.
2. Students who have enrolled, but have not paid their tuition and fees by the due date published in the schedule of courses, will be placed on a business office hold and prevented from enrolling in future semesters.
3. Students who wish to enroll but who are unable to pay their tuition and fees by the published due date may elect to utilize one of the following options:
   1. Tuition and Fees Installment Payment Plan
      1. Students wishing to make payments may enroll in any option available for the current semester through the College's contracted payment processor, and accept all terms and conditions as imposed.
      2. Students who miss a payment will be placed on hold and not allowed to enroll in further courses unless they can make full payment of any remaining balance.
   2. Financial Aid
      1. Students who have fully completed a financial aid application with the U.S. Department of Education by August 1 for the Fall Semester, December 1 for the Spring Semester, and May 1 for the Summer Semester will receive an automatic deferment of tuition and fees covered by the aid until aid is processed for that semester. Any tuition and fees beyond anticipated aid must be paid in accordance with options described above.
   3. Third Party Billing Deferment
      1. Students whose employer, other business or government entity has agreed to pay the College for their tuition and fees will be exempt from payment provided they have completed the necessary forms required for the College to execute payment from the qualified third party. The Third Party Billing forms and documentation must be provided by the published due date for the semester of enrollment.
4. Student accounts that are not paid in full by the end of each semester will be turned over to a collection agency and the State of Kansas Setoff program.  Students will be assessed a collection fee incurred to collect the delinquent debt.

Adopted July 17, 1978
Revised November 19, 1984
Revised October 20, 1986
Revised July 20, 1987
Reviewed July 11, 1989
Revised June 19, 1995
Reviewed July 21, 2003
Revised January 24, 2005
Revised November 21, 2005
Revised December 18, 2006
Revised June 21, 2021

The School Certifying Official (SCO) assists veterans with application and reporting requirements for Veterans Administration (VA) benefits and programs and certifies course hours applicable to the VA programs for veterans each semester.

Adopted January 18, 1971
Reviewed July 11, 1989
Revised October 15, 1990
Reviewed July 21, 2003
Revised February 17, 2020

Effective academic advising is central to Cowley’s educational mission. It is a collaborative relationship between a student and an academic advisor that provides each student with an advisor who will take a personal interest in the student and their academic pursuits. To ensure that all students have access to high quality advising, Cowley will provide the following:

1. Goal Setting: helping students to set both short-term and long-term educational goals.
2. Information: accurately informing students of graduation requirements of their degree and will be able to inform students of career opportunities in their field of study.
3. Transitions: informing students how to change degree, enroll in their curriculum and to drop or add courses during the semester.
4. Accessibility: having reasonable hours and methods of availability.
5. Referral to Campus Resources: Referring students to various campus resources including, but not limited to college counseling services, student activities, and career and employment services.

Cowley will provide information to students to inform them of their responsibilities in the Academic Advising process.

Cowley will be responsible for the necessary training of academic advisors to assist them in meeting the responsibilities of this policy.

Adopted January 18, 1971
Revised August 14, 1989
Revised October 15, 1990
Revised July 21, 2003
Revised: May 18, 2020

The purpose of all technology resources at Cowley College is to promote and enhance education, instruction, and research activities in accordance with the College’s mission statement. College students and others within the general community are not to participate in the following activities while using College technologies. These activities are unethical and/or unacceptable and may violate state or federal laws.

1. Loading or installing software on any computer or on the network.
2. Modifying or moving (on or off campus) any technology equipment or software without prior authorization from the Information Technology Department.
3. Performing any act that will interfere with the normal operation of the College’s technology.This includes connecting any unauthorized equipment to the network.
4. Excessive personal use. Use may be excessive if it overburdens a network, results in substantial use of system capacity, or otherwise subjects the institution to increased costs or risks.
5. Unauthorized personal use. Information technology resources, including e-mail and the web, shall not be used for personal commercial gain, for charitable solicitations unless these are authorized by the appropriate college administrator, for personal political activities such as campaigning for candidates for public office, or for lobbying of public officials.
6. Use of technology resources to threaten, harass or offend others. Technology resources shall not be used to intimidate or create an atmosphere of harassment based upon gender, race, religion, ethnic origin, creed or sexual orientation. Fraudulent, threatening, obscene, or pornographic use for distribution, to harass, or intimidate is prohibited.
7. Attempting to gain or gaining unauthorized access to the network, any computer, or the files of another person.
8. Undermining password security. No one should use the username or password of another; nor should anyone provide his or her username or password to another, except in the cases necessary to facilitate maintenance and repairs by the Information Technology staff.
9. Willful misrepresentation of yourself as another person in any electronic communication.
10. Using any College technology resource to violate local, state, or federal law or another College policy.
11. Violating libel, copyright, fair-use, or trademark laws while using Cowley technology resources.
12. SANCTIONS: Violators of this policy will be subject to one or more of the following:
    1. Admonition
    2. Being asked to leave the premises
    3. Suspension of computer and technology privileges
    4. Suspension of lab privileges
    5. Suspension from all Cowley College activities
    6. Removal of enrollment privileges

Adopted July 19, 2004
Revised March 15, 2021

Residing in College Housing carries with it very serious responsibilities; therefore, students should have the maturity and the capability of relating on a positive basis with others in a residential atmosphere away from their own homes. The College is in the position of assisting students in securing housing, and current lists of available rooms and apartments are maintained by the Director of Housing. The College operates a limited number of housing facilities, which are available on a "first-come-first-served" basis to full-time students, regardless of race, color, or religious affiliation. Exceptions may be made in cases of previous violations of campus rules and regulations.

Guidelines for student conduct on the entire campus, including parking lots can be found in the Student Housing Handbook.

Adopted January 18, 1971
Revised July 21, 1975
Revised October 20, 1980
Revised July 20, 1981
Revised August 14, 1989
Revised October 15, 1990
Reviewed July 21, 2003
Revised August 1, 2004
Revised November 16, 2009
Revised May 16, 2011
Revised January 17, 2023

In addition to a program of institutional and endowment scholarships and grants-in-aid, the College participates in the following Federal programs: PELL Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, the Federal Work-Study Program, and Guaranteed Student Loans.

These programs are administered by the Director of Financial Aid in compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.

1. Scholarships: Academic scholarships are awarded each semester based on an applicant’s scholastic eligibility.
2. Grants-in-Aid: Grants-in-Aid are awarded to students for services rendered to the College through involvement in a program or activity. Students must satisfy specific requirements to be eligible to continue to receive a grant-in-aid.
3. Federal Assistance: Federal aid is processed and awarded by the Financial Aid Office on the basis of each applicant’s need and eligibility and availability of funds. 
4. Student Employment: The Vice President of Student Affairs administers the Work-Study Program. Students may apply for on-campus employment either on-line or through the office of the Vice President of Student Affairs. The office of Career Services maintains an employment listing for part-time working the community.
5. Academic Progress: To be eligible for financial assistance, a student must be making“satisfactory academic progress” (433.00) toward completing an approved degree or certificate program.
6. Qualification for Federal Aid: Only full-time students, those enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester, shall qualify for full entitlement of federal aid as established by federal guidelines. Students enrolled in fewer than 12 semester hours shall be considered part-time students and will qualify for federal assistance as specified by federal guidelines. Student loan recipients must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours. 
7. Failure to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP):  SAP will be measured after the end of each academic term:  fall, spring, and summer.  Notification of failure to maintain SAP will be mailed to the student via their e-mail account.  Students who fail to meet SAP will be placed on warning status for the following semester of enrollment.  A student who is on warning status who has a subsequent semester of unsatisfactory progress will be subject to aid denial for future semesters.  Students on warning status must complete the Warning Acknowledgment Form, the Financial Literacy Quiz, and the Academic Plan prior to receiving aid during that semester.  Additionally, students who are not achieving satisfactory progress at the time of financial aid refund distribution may be subject to having their refund aid held until satisfactory progress is demonstrated.  Failure to achieve satisfactory progress may also result in federal aid being returned to the distributor in accordance with federal guidelines. Students who are placed on financial aid denial may submit a written appeal to the Student Affairs Council for reconsideration of the student’s eligibility.
8. Financial aid requirements and restrictions are subject to change based on federal regulations or institutional needs.

Adopted January 18, 1971
Revised July 17, 1978
Revised July 15, 1985
Revised August 14, 1989
Revised July 21, 2003
Revised December 13, 2010
Revised July 18, 2011

Cowley College recognizes the need to provide financial assistance to qualified students. Federal regulations require students receiving federal aid to make “Satisfactory Academic Progress” in order to continue receiving federal aid. Progress of all students on federal aid will be measured at the end of each semester based on hours attempted, hours completed, grade point average GPA and the maximum timeframe allotted for the degree or certificate.

The following procedures will be used to determine eligibility and the awarding of federal aid:

1. A student’s eligibility for federal financial aid will be evaluated each semester aid is received on approved need, enrollment in a degree or a certificate program, satisfactory academic progress and availability of funds. Summer is considered a trailer semester at Cowley College and SAP is evaluated for summer as well.
2. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is defined as follows:

   Good Standing:
   The student completes a minimum of 67% of credit hours attempted with a grade point average of 1.75 each semester and a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 once 31 or more credit hours have been attempted.

   Warning:
   The students cumulative and /or semester GPA does not meet the minimum 1.75 and /or the student does not meet the 67% attempted hours requirement. Students on Warning status are still eligible for all federal aid types. At the end of a Warning semester, if the student meets all minimum standards they will return to Good Standing. If any standards are not met while on Warning, the student will be on Denial. Students on Warning Status must complete the Warning Acknowledgement (available through the student’s financial aid portal).

   Denial:
   Student has no passing grades for a semester or hours completed for a semester or student was on Warning status and did not meet one or more of the required standards. Denial status means the student is not eligible for Title IV aid which includes grants, loans and work study.

   Probation:
   Student has appealed Denial status and been reinstated on Probation status. Student is eligible for Title IV aid and must meet all standards during Probation status or will return to Denial status. Students reinstated on Probation must provide an approved Academic Plan from a Cowley Advisor.

3. Remedial hours: For federal aid recipients, remedial hours are included in GPA calculations as eligible hours for federal aid. However, remedial hours are not included in graduation calculations. Once a student has attempted 30 remedial hours (whether aid was used or not) any further remedial hours will not be used in the calculation of eligible hours for federal aid.
4. Repeated hours: A student may repeat a course previously passed with a D if a higher gradeis required for graduation or transfer. A student who has failed all attempted courses or withdrawn (W) without ever passing it may repeat the course and receive federal aid for it until passed with a D or better.
5. Transfer Credits: Student must request official transcripts from all prior colleges attended. All previous college attempted and completed credit hours officially on file will count toward the student’s GPA and maximum hours attempted regardless of whether federal aid was used towards those transfer hours.
6. Maximum Attempted Hours: Students are allowed to attempt 150% of a programs’ hours required before they are no longer eligible for federal aid at Cowley College. 150% of an Associate’s Degree is 95 credit hours. Certificate requirements will vary based on program length but will be calculated as 150% of the required credit hours for the program certificate.
7. Federal Aid Appeal: Students on Federal Aid Denial may appeal that denial by completing the Appeal Form relevant to their particular denial status. (i.e. SAP, Maximum Attempted Hours, Unusual Enrollment History) located in the forms section of the Cowley website. (Appeal Procedures: SDT011, SDT012, SDT013)

Adopted October 18, 1993
Revised October 16, 1995
Reviewed July 21, 2003
Revised October 19, 2009
Revised December 13, 2010
Revised July 18, 2011
Revised September 19, 2011
Revised May 21, 2012
Revised August 14, 2017
Revised May 16, 2022

The College is a member of the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference and of the National Junior College Athletic Association. College athletes are expected to be students first, with their participation in athletics a part of a well-rounded educational experience. Their personal conduct is expected to begin the highest tradition of amateur athletics.

Scholarships shall be provided for athletes in accordance with rules as specified by the KJCCC and NJCAA. All scholarships must be approved by the Athletic Director and the President. Students who accept such scholarships will be required to abide by specific rules and regulations developed by the Athletic Department and the Jayhawk Conference.

Adopted January 18, 1971
Revised July 18, 1977 
Revised December 18, 1978
Revised July 16, 1979
Revised April 20, 1981
Revised July 18, 1983 
Revised July 16, 1984
Revised July 15, 1985
Revised August 8, 1988
Revised November 21, 1988 
Reviewed July 11, 1989
Revised July 21, 2003
Revised August 1, 2004
Revised June 23, 2008
Revised June 19, 2017
Revised January 17, 2023

In accordance with Kansas State House Bill 2238, interscholastic, intercollegiate, intramural or club athletic teams or sports that are sponsored by Cowley College shall be expressly designated as one of the following based on biological sex:

(1) Males, men or boys;
(2) females, women or girls; or
(3) coed or mixed.

Athletic teams or sports designated for females, women or girls shall not be open to students of the male sex.

Colleges shall use information collected when individuals elect to participate on a team or in a sport to determine which gender team is appropriate for respective students.  Should a dispute arise, colleges shall refer to the original birth or adoption certificate completed at or near the time of birth.  If the original birth or adoption certificate is not available, documentation provided by a licensed physician indicating biological sex at birth may be utilized.  If biological sex at birth is unable to be determined by the above means, the student shall be eligible to participate in male, men’s, boys, coed, or mixed athletic activities only. 

Adopted: September 18, 2023

Cowley County Community College offers many programs, services, and classroom activities to promote and support student connections and success in the learning process. Mandatory assessment and placement in basic skills courses is an important first step. Ensuring that students begin academic courses at the appropriate level is critical in helping students become involved in the learning process. Such placement allows students to connect with other students with common academic challenges and abilities as well as build the necessary academic skills to move forward.

1. Students who are seeking a degree or certificate or are registering for 12 or more credit hours are required to complete placement tests in English reading, English writing, and mathematics. Students registering for fewer than 12 credit hours are required to complete placement tests in English reading, English writing, and mathematics prior to registering for English composition or math courses, or after attempting 12 credit hours. Once the student has attempted 12 credit hours, they will be put on "Assessment Hold" and not allowed to enroll until assessment requirements are fulfilled. All or part of testing may be waived by providing documentation of one of the following:
   1. For English writing: An ACT English score of 20.
   2. For English reading: An ACT Reading score of 18.
   3. For Mathematics: An ACT Mathematics score of 19.
   4. A college degree from an accredited institution. Appropriate mathematics and English courses must have been taken.
   5. An official college transcript from the last three years listing the writing, math, or reading prerequisite courses completed with a grade of a "C" or better.
   6. Assessment results within the last three years from another institution.
2. After students are assessed they are placed into the appropriate course. Students must successfully complete the required course(s) to move to the next level of coursework. Once a student begins a math course sequence, they cannot retest or skip a course level. Placement is enforced through the student registration system. It is also monitored after grades are posted at the end of each semester. Students who do not complete required coursework with a grade of "C" or better are notified and required to re-register for the course.
3. Cowley County Community College provides students with the opportunity to retest one time at the beginning of their course sequence if they feel their initial assessment results do not adequately reflect their ability. The fee for retesting is $5. If the student still feels the placement is inaccurate, they may appeal to the Student Affairs Committee. This committee will review any evidence submitted by the student and make a final decision regarding the student's appropriate placement. The decisions made by the Student Affairs Committee will be final.

Adopted January 18, 1971
Revised August 14, 1989
Reviewed July 21, 2003
Revised July 19, 2004
Revised May 21, 2012

The main floor of the Nelson Student Center has been designated as the Student Center on the main campus. This area includes the game room, Tiger Deli, and television room. The Center is available for utilization by college students, employees, and invited personal guests. Guests must be accompanied by their host to use the Center or obtain permission from the Director of Student Life. Visitors who are on official business with the College may utilize these facilities while conducting business with the College. The Student Center is not open for public use.

Adopted July 16, 1973
Revised July 18, 1983
Revised August 14, 1989
Revised October 15, 1990
Revised July 21, 2003
Revised August 1, 2004
Revised February 21, 2005
Revised November 16, 2009
Revised April 19, 2021

In compliance with the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-690) and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), Cowley County Community College (Cowley College) prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance or abuse of alcohol (as defined in these Acts) by a student or employee on college property or at any college event or activity.

Student or employee violations of federal, state, and/or local drug and alcohol laws, including underage drinking laws, or Cowley College policies will be handled in accordance with applicable law enforcement and/or Cowley College disciplinary procedures. In Kansas, the legal drinking age is 21; however, no alcohol is allowed on Cowley College property or property controlled by Cowley College without prior written approval of the Cowley College Board of Trustees.

Residence halls, student clubs/organizations, and athletic teams may impose additional restrictions.

Adopted July 20, 1987
Reviewed July 11, 1989
Revised October 15, 1990
Revised July 21, 2003
Revised November 16, 2009
Revised December 12, 2022

All duly enrolled students at Cowley County Community College shall be eligible for admission to any course or courses, or for participation in any College sponsored activity, for which they are otherwise qualified, without regard to race, creed, sex, religion, or national origin, unless such course or activity is specifically exempted by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 or other Federal or State Laws.

Any person who feels that he/she has been discriminated against by College policies or personnel may seek relief through the following procedures, and no others:

1. The aggrieved party must first present his/her complaint in writing, to the individual being charged with discrimination within five (5) days of the alleged occurrence stating the substance and date of the alleged occurrence. A copy of the complaint must be forwarded to the Affirmative Action Officer.*
2. In the event that the complaint persists, after having made reasonable effort to resolve it with the responsible individual, the aggrieved party may file a written appeal with the Affirmative Action Officer. To be considered by the Affirmative Action Officer, such an appeal must be filed within fourteen days of the alleged occurrence.
3. Within five (5) days after receipt of a written appeal, the Affirmative Action Officer will schedule a conference with the parties to the complaint. It is required that a "good faith" effort be made to resolve the complaint at this meeting. Said Affirmative Action Officer must,within five (5) days from the date of this meeting, provide both parties with written decision concerning the complaint.
4. If the grievance is not resolved in the conference convened for this purpose, the aggrieved party may, within five (5) days, file a written appeal with the Affirmative Action Officer for an Administrative Review.
5. Following such an appeal, an Administrative Review by a panel selected by the Affirmative Action Officer shall be conducted, at which time all parties to the complaint may be heard. Within five (5) days following the conclusion of the Administrative Review, a written decision of the review panel shall be presented to all parties by the Affirmative Action Officer.
6. After all administrative recourse has been exhausted, the aggrieved party may, if done so within ten (10) days of notification of the decision rendered by he Administrative Review panel, petition for a hearing by the Board of Trustees. Procedures for such a hearing will be established by the Board of Trustees upon the advice of legal counsel.

*Note: The Dean of Student Life, is the designated Affirmative Action Officer of the College.

Adopted April 19, 1976
Revised July 15, 1985
Reviewed July 11, 1989
Revised July 21, 2003

Health Services are designed to assist students and staff in matters of health and wellness. The goals of Health Services are established in accordance with the American College Health Association (ACHA) and are as follows:

1. Promotion and maintenance of those conditions which will permit and encourage each individual to realize optimum physical, emotional, intellectual, social occupational, and spiritual wellness.
2. Control of those factors in the campus community and its environment which may comprise well-being.
3. Guidance of individuals toward the active incorporation of wellness as a positive value in life.
4. Stimulation of individuals to make healthy decisions and choices concerning lifestyles.

Adopted August 14, 1989
Reviewed July 21, 2003
Revised August 10, 2020

Cowley College requires all students living in residential housing to receive the meningitis vaccine or sign a waiver indicating their knowledge of the risks of bacterial meningitis and their decision not to be vaccinated. It is strongly recommended that all students become knowledgeable about meningitis and consider vaccination in order to reduce their risk.

In addition to the meningitis, some international students must also complete a Tuberculin screening. Students can provide proof of a Tuberculin screening from their healthcare provider or through campus Health Services.

Cowley College, along with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Center for Disease Control, strongly recommends all students be immunized against tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis B, varicella, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella. Questions about immunizations should be directed to campus Health Services or local health departments.

Adopted October 18, 1993
Revised July 21, 2003
Revised May 15, 2006
Revised January 16, 2007
Revised October 19, 2020

Cowley College will comply with all Federal and State laws applicable to College employees, students and job applicants with communicable diseases. The College will make informed decisions involving persons who have communicable diseases based on current and well-informed medical judgments concerning the disease, the risks of transmitting the illness to others, the symptoms and special circumstances of each individual who has a communicable disease, and a careful weighing of the identified risks and the available alternative for responding to an individual with a communicable disease.

Cowley College will comply with all applicable statutes and regulations that protect the privacy of persons who have a communicable disease. Every effort will be made to ensure procedurally sufficient safeguards to maintain the personal confidence about persons who have communicable diseases. Cowley College will not discriminate against any employee or student based on the individual having a communicable disease.

A student with identified chronic communicable diseases may attend college whenever, through reasonable accommodation, the risk of transmission of the disease and/or the risk of further injury to the student is sufficiently remote as to be outweighed by the detrimental effects resulting from the student’s exclusion from college.

Adopted October 18, 1993
Revised July 21, 2003
Revised February 22, 2021

In compliance with Kansas Statute KSA 2009 Supp. 65-129, all Cowley College students who have traveled, resided in for more than three months, or were born in any country where Tuberculosis (TB) is endemic as identified by the KDHE Kansas Department of Health and Environment, must provide TB test results prior to the start of the semester. Any student who is not in compliance is not eligible to attend classes or enroll for a subsequent semester or term or obtain an official academic transcript or diploma until the student is compliant with the requirements.

Adopted June 18, 2012
Revised September 21, 2020