alc student handbook - manhattan area technical college · the alc provides basic education, ged...

1 | P a g e A L C S t u d e n t H a n d b o o k , 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8

Adult Education

Student Handbook

2019-2020

Adult Basic Education

Adult Secondary-GED Completion

English as a Second Language

Accelerated Opportunity - Kansas

Manhattan Area Technical College,

Adult Learning Center

3136 Dickens Ave.

Manhattan, Kansas 66503

Phone: (785) 320-4585

Fax: (785) 587-2804 “Supporting Adult Success in the Little Apple since 1966”


TABLE OF CONTENTS

About the Adult Learning Center……………………………………………………..………. 4

Mission & Vision Statements

Values/Core Outcomes/Philosophy

History of the ALC

Service Territory/Accreditation

Programs………………….………………………………………………………………..……. 7

Adult Basic Education

Adult Secondary Education/GED

English as a Second Language

Eligibility

Recreational Students

Services......................................................................................................................................... 10

Achievement Center/Regional Testing Center

Child Care

Policies …………………………………………………………………………………………. 11

Advertising

Attendance

Computer Usage and Ethics

Diversity

Food and Beverages

Graduation Requirements

Inclement Weather

Sexual Harassment

Student Conduct

Suspected Drug and/or Alcohol Misuse

Tobacco Usage

Emergencies………………………………………………………………………………….… 16

General Instructions

Lockdown

Evacuate

Shelter-in-place

General Complaint & Grievance Process………………………..…………………………... 18

Student Records……………………………………………………………………………….. 19

2019/20 Adult Education Student Calendar

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Federal holidays 2019/20 Student Day GED/ESL Orientation

No Class Graduation Dates are subject to change

http://www.calendarpedia.com/


About the Adult Learning Center

Mission Statement

The Manhattan Adult Learning Center prepares individuals to pursue goals in higher education

and career advancement through collaborative instruction and increased community

involvement.

Vision Statement

The Manhattan Adult Learning Center will be the catalyst for transformation in Adult Education

in the state of Kansas by pioneering innovative instructional practices and resources that advance

student participation in an ever-changing dynamic global population.

Values

In making decisions to advance the mission of Manhattan Area Technical College, the faculty

and staff value:

Integrity – being accountable for our actions

Student-centered instruction – addressing the needs of our students

Relevant program content – applying industry recommendations

Quality performance – striving for excellence

MATC Core Outcomes

Core outcomes at Manhattan Area Technical College are designed to enhance students’ critical

thinking, problem solving and communication skills in their academic courses as well as in their

technical courses.

The MATC core outcomes are as follows:

M - Maximizing professional and personal skills

A - Attaining critical thinking and problem solving skills

T - Training in discipline-specific technology skills

C - Creating competent communication skills

Philosophy of Assessment Manhattan Adult Learning Center’s faculty and staff at Manhattan Area Technical College are

committed to a comprehensive institutional assessment program that promotes continuous

improvement in all aspects of programs and services critical to the success of the College.

Convinced that learning-oriented effectiveness is of primary importance in meeting the

institution’s mission, the faculty has placed an emphasis on the assessment of student learning.

Manhattan Area Technical College also recognizes the importance of assessment and

improvement activities related to organizational structure. These activities, designed to

complement the assessment of student learning, enhance the planning and implementation of

strategic initiatives as well as the operational functions of the College, are executed as part of a

comprehensive plan. Demonstrating ongoing institutional improvement is necessary to ensure

the continuing success of the College. MATC is strengthened by its ability to respond quickly

and effectively to changing student and stakeholder needs through a systematic and well-

practiced methodology involving assessment, evaluation, and action to address the identified

opportunities for improvement. This agility allows the College to compete in an educational

arena where prospective students have a myriad of options. In addition, as legislative bodies and


accrediting organizations search for ways to enhance accountability among educational

institutions, the documentation produced by this ongoing improvement process facilitates the

reporting required for compliance with these regulatory and accrediting agencies.

History of the Adult Learning Center

In September of 1966, several concerned citizens of Manhattan called a meeting of

representatives from various community organizations to decide how to proceed only to be

informed by the Kansas State Department of Education that the funds for that year had already

been committed elsewhere. This did not stop these determined community members from

several church organizations, League of Women voters, Extension Offices and the American

Association of University Women. Since USD 383 already had an adult education program in

place, with a part-time Director, Art Post, the school agreed to take on the fledgling program and

provided meeting facilities. The new program had its first class at the Senior High School

Building on February 14, 1967 with 13 students and 5 volunteer tutors.

Assured of federal funding in 1967, plans moved ahead to use the junior high school

cafeteria facilities and staff was hired. However, 2 weeks before the program was to begin the

State Department of Education advised the program that they would not fund any new centers

that year. The tutors continued to work voluntarily with 30 students that fall. The school system

continued to support the program by providing facilities and used textbooks and in October, the

Riley County Mental Health Association contributed funds for additional educational resources.

Finally, in the fall of 1968, under a cooperative agreement between USD383 and KSDE, the

adult education program was funded and a Director of Adult and Continuing Education was

hired, Robert Verschelden, who worked with Mary Border as a coordinator, a position she had

held since the program’s inception. Three teachers were hired part-time and 60 students were

enrolled. For the 1st time, there were also students who wished to work on their GED and 20-30

community volunteers worked with faculty and students under the guidance of a lead teacher.

By the fall of 1971, 2 certified teachers were hired and over 300 students were enrolled

from Manhattan and many surrounding communities. In the fall of 1972, Manhattan Adult

Learning became a regional testing center for GED, when formerly students traveled to Topeka,

the closest testing site. In 1974, a mobile learning center enabled the program to reach out to

surrounding communities, but by 1979 funding became an issue for the program. Again the

Manhattan community stepped up to pass a mill levy, making Manhattan only the second

community in the State of Kansas to successfully pass a levy supporting adult education or

alternative school programs in 1988, Derby being the first. The program was located at Strong

Elementary from 1973 to 1991 at which time it was relocated into its own building on Poyntz

Avenue where it remained until 2001 when it moved to the Upper Level of the Kansas

Workforce building on fourth street.

In July of 2018, the Adult Learning Center was moved from USD 383 oversight to

Manhattan Area Technical College. This move was a complete revonation of the program

including new staff, new curriculum geared toward career and post-secondary education, and a

new building located on MATC’s Campus.

Through the collaborative efforts of Manhattan community organizations, qualified

Manhattan citizens willing to volunteer, Manhattan businesses and the Chamber of Commerce,

USD 383, and MATC, Manhattan has consistently dedicated its energy and talents to provide for

the needs of all adult learners in this community.


Service Territory

Since its establishment, Manhattan Adult Learning Center has primarily served an area of Kansas

that includes citizens and communities in fourteen counties including Clay, Dickinson, Geary,

Marshall, Morris, Nemaha, Pottawatomie, Riley, Wabaunsee, and Washington. The ALC

provides basic education, GED Test preparation, and English as a Second Language services to

students from communities all over Kansas as well as other states.

Materials Fee

A $60 fee payable at the time of enrollment is charged to students in all programs to cover the

cost of GED Ready Practice modules, software licensure, printed materials, supplies, and

extracurricular activities.

Recreational Students: Students enrolling in programs and services who do not qualify under the Adult Education and

family Literacy Act (AEFLA) grant are considered recreational students. Any student who self-

identifies as a Non-immigrant Visa Holder is considered a Recreational Student (Please see page

9 for Non-immigrant Visa Status). Recreational students may apply for enrollment. The fee for

Recreational Students is $1000 per course, as class space permits. Orientations for Recreational

Students occurs in August and January of a given school year if seating is available.

Accreditation:

Kansas Board of Regents

1000 SW Jackson, Ste. 520

Topeka, KS 66612-1321

785.296.3421

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202-0498

800.872.5327

http://www.ed.gov


Programs

Adult Basic/Secondary GED Preparation

The Manhattan Adult Learning Center Adult Education Program provides educational

opportunities to adults who are 18 years of age or older and who are officially withdrawn from

high school and do not have a high school diploma or are a high school graduate and have been

determined to need basic skill development in English/language arts or mathematics.

Adult Basic Education (ABE) Levels 1-4 (0-8.9 grade level)

ABE provides basic academic skills instruction in reading, writing, and math to adult learners

functioning below the ninth-grade level. Students are given a placement test and the results are

used to provide instruction to meet specific needs in writing skills, reading, mathematics, and

workplace skills.

Adult Secondary Education (ASE) Levels 5-6 (9-12.9 grade level)

Provides academic skills instruction in reading, writing, and math to adult learners functioning at

the ninth grade level or above. These classes help students to earn the GED® credential and

improve career skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

GED® Preparation Classes In Kansas, anyone who is 18 years or older, not enrolled in or graduated from high school, and

who meets the state eligibility requirements, can earn an Kansas High School Diploma by

passing the GED® assessment. The GED® test is a computer-based assessment that measures a

student’s educational level in four subject areas: Reasoning through Language Arts (RLA),

Mathematical Reasoning, Social Studies, and Science. Our center provides instruction designed

to prepare the student for the GED® test using managed enrollment classes, Distance Learning

(where appropriate), and independent study.

Accelerated Opportunity – Kansas (AO-K)

Accelerated Opportunity seeks to change the way Adult Basic Education is delivered by

connecting crucial pieces of the puzzle that are preventing lower-skilled adults from entering and

completing postsecondary education. By aligning and accelerating ABE, GED®, and

developmental programs and providing nontraditional students the support they need.

Accelerating Opportunity career pathway programs enable more low-income adults to complete

postsecondary credentials that are of value in the labor market. Students are currently able to

enroll in college in a technical career pathway such as Welding and Allied Health while working

towards earning their General Equivalency Diploma (GED® ).

English as a Second Language (ESL)

ESL classes provide instruction in English-language skills including speaking, writing, listening

and reading for students whose first language is not English. Managed enrollment classes are

designed to help students improve reading and writing skills as well as conversational English. A

placement test will evaluate each student’s needs, allowing the instructor to target the areas

which will be most beneficial to the student.


Eligibility

A student is defined as anyone who is enrolled in classes at the ALC or anyone who is involved

in a testing session at the ALC. Individuals who are 18 years of age or older are eligible to enroll

in adult education programs or testing at the ALC. (Minors are accepted by individual case. See

requirements below for 16 & 17 year old students).

a. ABE Eligibility (Requires one of the following conditions; Kansas Board of Regents

(KBOR) oversight): Does not have a high school diploma; and has not passed all four

modules of the GED® Exam OR Does not have basic, reading, writing, or math skills as

determined by scores on the TABE tests.

Students who are 16 or 17 years of age (Minors) are eligible to enroll only after

presenting documentation to the Adult Education office showing parental permission and

legal exemption from attending high school. (Compulsory Attendance Release form).

Underage students (16 & 17 year olds) must present documentation at the time of

enrollment to show they are not truant and/or currently enrolled in high school. Any one

of the following may be used as documentation:

i. A Disclaimer form and an Exemption form from the local high school showing

the student has been legally withdrawn from high school

ii. A court order exempting the student from attending school

iii. Proof of enrollment in a board-approved alternative educational program

iv. Proof of legal emancipation

v. Proof of marriage

b. ESL Eligibility (KBOR oversight):

The Manhattan Adult Learning Center is required by the State of Kansas and Federal

(AEFLA) guidelines to give priority to new students who are U.S. citizens or permanent

residents. The ESL program is intended for those individuals who do not have adequate

proficiency in the English language to function as a citizen, employee in the Manhattan

community, or the ability to communicate effectively with a child’s teacher.

Individuals who ARE eligible for ESL classes under the AEFLA grant must meet ALL

of the following guidelines: Be 16 years of age and over; does not have basic listening,

reading, writing and/or mathematics skills as determined by scores on the TABE tests;

Has Visa status compliance (one of the following):

Citizens of the United States (and their dependents) who do not speak English as

their first language

Refugees and Residents with applicable green card;

Immigrant Visa holder

Individuals who are NOT eligible for ESL classes under the AEFLA grant, may apply

for enrollment as a recreational student for $1000 when class space permits. Orientation

for Recreational Students occurs in August and January of a given school year if seating

is available. This includes the following:


Purpose of Travel Visa Category

Athlete, amateur or professional (competing for prize money only) B-1

Au pair (exchange visitor) J

Australian professional specialty E-3

Border Crossing Card: Mexico BCC

Business visitor B-1

CNMI-only transitional worker CW-1

Crewmember D

Diplomat or foreign government official A

Domestic employee or nanny - must be accompanying a foreign national

employer B-1

Employee of a designated international organization or NATO G1-G5, NATO

Exchange visitor J

Foreign military personnel stationed in the United States A-2

NATO1-6

Foreign national with extraordinary ability in Sciences, Arts, Education,

Business or Athletics O

Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Professional:

Chile, Singapore

H-1B1 - Chile

H-1B1 - Singapore

International cultural exchange visitor Q

Intra-company transferee L

Medical treatment, visitor for B-2

Media, journalist I

NAFTA professional worker: Mexico, Canada TN/TD

Performing athlete, artist, entertainer P

Physician J , H-1B

Professor, scholar, teacher (exchange visitor) J

Religious worker R

Specialty occupations in fields requiring highly specialized knowledge H-1B

Student: academic, vocational F, M

Temporary agricultural worker H-2A

Temporary worker performing other services or labor of a temporary or

seasonal nature. H-2B

Tourism, vacation, pleasure visitor B-2

Training in a program not primarily for employment H-3

Treaty trader/treaty investor E

Transiting the United States C

Victim of Criminal Activity U

Victim of Human Trafficking T

Nonimmigrant (V) Visa for Spouse and Children of a Lawful Permanent

Resident (LPR) V

Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/all-visa-categories.html


Enrollment and Orientation

Individuals who wish to enroll should contact the MATC office for current scheduling

information. Enrollment applications may be found on our website and must be completed prior

to student orientation.

Parent involvement and support is a valued element of successful program completion. Active

communication between parent, student and faculty insure student success. Therefore, parents of

minors MUST attend student orientation and teacher conferences during orientation. Parents are

encouraged to attend subsequent conferences in order to be informed and active supporters of

their children’s education. Students who are over 18 but fully supported by their parents will be

required to sign releases of information for their parent to enroll.

After enrollment is confirmed, all students MUST attend a student orientation session before

classes begin. Students are required to attend all of orientation and the first full week of

classes. Students who fail to attend orientation and/or the first full week of class, may reapply to

attend a future orientation. Sessions are scheduled monthly from August through May.

Information on classes, testing, and policies are given to students during Orientation.

Services

Adult Learning Center’s Achievement Center/Regional Testing Center The ALC is a licensed, regional Pearson Vue testing center, as well as an Educational Testing

Service (ETS) approved testing site, which offers General Equivalency Diploma (GED) testing,

Pearson Vue credentialing exams, and ETS certifications (PRAXIS, TOEFL, CLEP, etc.).

Examinees are responsible for completing registration and payment online through GED Testing

Service (GEDTS), Pearson Vue and/or ETS. The GED is offered in a web-based format only.

The center is open weekly, 12 months of the year. Refer to GED.com or ETS.org for specific

test dates and times. In addition, the testing center offers ACT work keys certification, Test of

Adult Basic Education (TABE) assessments, and proctoring services. Refer to the ALC

operational calendar for specific dates, and times. Proctoring is scheduled on an individual basis,

at a separate cost, to students.

Child Care Child care is not provided. The office may be able to provide information about childcare

options in the community. In an adult environment there can be hazards to children and minors;

Children should NOT accompany parents or other adults to any program or class.


Policies

Advertising

All banners, signs, posters, and advertisements must have administrative approval before being

placed on school property. Fliers and advertisements are not to be placed on individual cars, nor

handed out to other students or Adult Education staff members, without administrative approval.

Students and staff may not use the ALC as an avenue for personal profit.

Attendance Research indicates that attendance is essential to academic progress and the ALC recognizes

regular attendance as an essential component of student life. The ALC is committed to providing

circumstances that will help students prepare for the workplace and/or post-secondary education.

The attendance policy is as follows:

1. In accordance with the Kansas Board of Regents Guidelines, students who consistently attend class or complete coursework for less than 8 hours a week may be

exited from the program.

2. Students may not miss any time during initial orientation or first week of classes. Students who are absent during orientation and/or the first week of class

will be exited from the program without a refund.

3. Students, who enroll in scheduled classes, shall attend class daily and are expected to

complete a minimum of 60 hours of instruction during a given session. All students

shall complete 12 hours of instruction weekly. Online instruction is available, when

approved by the student’s facilitator, and requires students to work away from campus

using MALC approved web-based curriculum (Aztec, Burlington English, etc.).

Hours spent working on web-based software are monitored for compliance with

attendance policy.

4. Students should call/text/email in advance of any absence to notify their instructor.

5. Students shall keep facilitators updated with new phone numbers and/or e-mail addresses; when possible.

6. Students deemed excessively absent (more than four consecutive absences in ESL or GED

programs without notifying the facilitator), will be considered self-exited and must schedule

a one-on-one conference with the facilitator to be allowed to continue in the program. Students will be exited from the program at 8 weeks if they do not demonstrate continuous educational progress through course completion/GED testing.

7. Students who do not meet these terms will be exited from the program.

Students found in violation of the attendance policy must meet with instructional facilitator for

re-admittance approval. Based on approval, student must pay the full “Orientation/Materials fee”

again.

Computer Usage and Ethics Policy Statement:

Access to Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC) networks, Internet, and computer systems

is granted subject to MATC policies and local, state, and federal laws. Appropriate use should

always be legal and ethical, reflect academic honesty, and show restraint in consumption of the


shared resources. Rationale: Students and guests are responsible for maintaining an environment

free of malicious, inappropriate, and illegal acts. MATC is not responsible for unacceptable or

unethical use of the information technology systems including Internet access, network usage,

and electronic mail; however, policies and best practices will be employed to protect the

institution, authorized users, and electronic data stored on MATC systems.

Computer Ethics and Internet Policy Statement:

Appropriate Internet use should always be legal and ethical, reflect academic honesty, and show

restraint in consumption of the shared resources. Rationale: Users are responsible for

maintaining an environment free of malicious, inappropriate, or illegal acts. Unacceptable uses

of the computer system will result in the revoking of computer access.

Diversity Policy Statement: Manhattan Area Technical College is committed to providing a positive and productive learning

and working environment that is free from discrimination, including harassment on the basis of

gender, race, color, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age,

genetic information, parental status, military status, or veteran status.

Rationale: The college environment should promote understanding and appreciation of others

while encouraging students to grow as individuals.

Procedure: In accord with this philosophy, MATC has developed Principles of Community that

affirms the college’s commitment to maintaining a respectful environment for all dedicated to

teaching and learning. These principles are:

Manhattan Area Technical College is an environment dedicated to the teaching and learning of

professional and technical skills in an increasingly diverse and ever-changing environment.

MATC is a place where all people, regardless of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation,

ability, marital or family status, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, and military or

veteran status may learn a living. Students, staff, faculty, and administration seek to empower all

persons to contribute to their families, communities, and societies. In the spirit of creating and

maintaining a professional and respectful space for all who come here to learn and teach, we—

students, staff, faculty, and administration—acknowledge the following:

We come to MATC with different experiences, expectations, values, and practices;

Some of our differences are visible, others are not;

Our differences may create misunderstandings, fears, and hurt feelings;

We must work together to create mutual understanding;

We strive to overcome the negative consequences of our differences;

We seek to celebrate our shared humanity and shared goals;

We accept responsibility for creating a learning/work environment where our differences are

valued and mutually accepted;

We agree to respect everyone’s right to have and to share personal beliefs and opinions without

fear of public condemnation;

We agree to reject prejudice, discrimination, and intolerance in the MATC community.


To view this policy in its entirety reference policy number 3.7.1 at www.matconline.net.

Food and Beverages

Instructional Facilitators will determine if food or beverages are allowed in the classrooms in

their individual course syllabus. Absolutely no food or beverages are allowed in the testing

center at anytime. Food and/or beverages, not in spill proof containers, are not allowed in the

MALC at any time. The MALC’s policy on workspace cleanliness is to “leave it better than you

found it.” Individuals are responsible for cleaning up their own spills and disposing of all trash.

All spills in the classrooms, lobby, hallways, and restrooms must be cleaned up immediately. If

necessary, students should ask the instructor for assistance in cleaning up the spill.

Vending and pop machines are located in the commons area of the MATC Campus. Refunds will

not be given, as the Adult Education, MATC does not assume responsibility for lost money.

Graduation Requirements

High School Equivalency Programs at the ALC (KBOR oversight)

Students enrolled in high school equivalency programs at the ALC are eligible to participate in

MATC graduation ceremonies. After successfully completing all modules of the high school

equivalency test (GED) and notifying the ALC of those scores, students will receive a high

school equivalency diploma from KBOR by requesting their transcripts from GED.com.

Students who wish to participate in graduation ceremonies must submit GED scores to the ALC

to verify with KBOR before they will be invited to participate in graduation activities.

Inclement Weather Policy Policy Statement: As a condition of employment, all employees of Manhattan Area Technical

College, whether of the main campus or instructors of off campus courses, are expected to work

at their assigned times and schedules regardless of weather conditions unless a Declaration of

Inclement Weather has been issued.

Rationale: It is recognized that severe weather conditions may prevent employees from reporting

to work, cause some to report late, or require others at work to depart earlier than scheduled.

In an emergency or inclement weather situation, Manhattan Area Technical College may cancel

classes. If Manhattan Tech should close because of inclement weather, the notice will be

available through Rave Wireless (an emergency alert system) to your cell phone and/or email

address, on the MATC website, and local radio and television stations, as well as the campus

answering machine. If classes are cancelled, dates/times will be schedule as necessary for make-

up of instruction time.


http://www.matconline.net/



Lost and Found

The Adult Learning Center does not assume any responsibility for lost or stolen items. The ALC

does not maintain a lost and found area for students, although students are requested to turn in all

found items to the director’s office to enable the owner to claim them. Students are encouraged

not to bring valuables to school.

Sexual Harassment Policy Statement: Manhattan Area Technical College is committed to providing a positive and

productive learning and working environment, free from discrimination on the basis of sex,

including sexual harassment. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated at MATC. Sexual

harassment of employees or students of the College by board members, administrators, faculty,

support personnel, students, vendors, and any others having business or other contact with the

College is strictly prohibited.

Rationale: Sexual harassment is unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex under Title IX of the

Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Kansas Act

Against Discrimination. All forms of sexual harassment are prohibited on MATC’s campus, on

any property being used by the College, and at all College-sponsored activities, programs, or

events. Sexual harassment against individuals engaged in College-directed activities is

prohibited, whether or not the harassment occurs on College owned grounds.


Student Conduct

The safety and well-being of MATC employees, students, and visitors are high priorities at

Manhattan Area Technical College. Disruptions in the classroom or other workspaces will not be

tolerated and must be dealt with in a manner that ensures safe and reasonable resolution of the

situation.

Rationale: The following procedures have been put in place to ensure MATC remains a safe,

friendly, and welcoming environment for faculty, staff, students, and visitors.


Suspected Drug or Alcohol Misuse by Students Policy Statement: This policy will be followed when an MATC employee has reasonable suspicion of student

substance misuse. Whether a student is on the MATC campus, or at an MATC sponsored event,

including field work, when behaviors that indicate the probability of drug or alcohol misuse are

observed the procedures listed in policy 5.9.4 will be followed.

Rationale: MATC abides by Federal Law P.L. 102-226 to provide a Drug Free Workplace. This

policy pertains to employees and students. The policy prohibits the unlawful manufacture,

distribution, dispensing, possession or use of controlled substances or alcohol on college

property or during college activities. The 1989 amendment to the Drug Free Schools and




Communities Act provides that it is unlawful for students or employees to possess, use, or

distribute illicit drugs and/or alcohol on MATC’s premises or as a part of any MATC activity

with the exception of alcohol as part of specific institutionally approved events. Possession, use,

misuse, exchange, sale, or being under the influence of alcohol and/or controlled substances on

college grounds is illegal and expressly forbidden. Violation of this policy is cause for

disciplinary action including dismissal.


Tobacco Usage Policy Statement: The purpose of this policy is to comply with Manhattan City Ordinance 6737: smoking in public

places and places of employment and also to contribute to the health and well-being of all

students, employees, and visitors at Manhattan Area Technical College. MATC shall be smoke

free except as designated in policy 6.5.0. Additionally, the use of all tobacco products, including

chewing tobacco, is banned from the MATC workplace except as designated in this policy.





Emergencies

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

MATC provides campus security services in the evenings. If you need the assistance of our

security guard during an emergency or an escort to your vehicle, call 785-212-1086.

Receiving Emergency Messages: Notification will be sent through the RAVE alert system and

public address system if available.

Sounding the Alarm: Anyone may notify emergency services by calling 911 and then calling the

front desk at 587-2800 or dialing zero (0) from an on-campus phone.

During an emergency, your sole responsibility is to act quickly and in a pre-determined manner

to separate yourselves from potential harm. The time to provide details, discuss options, and

philosophy about procedures is before the need to act arises, and of course afterward to

continually improve processes.

Therefore, during an emergency, you will be given one of three specific commands:

1. Lock-Down

2. Evacuate, or

3. Shelter in Place

The only difference between these commands would be when the words “This is an Exercise”

are added to the beginning and end of the command. With this in mind, it is important to think

ahead and imagine how you would react to the command listed above. This includes, of course,

how you would protect yourselves as well as those around you.

The time to become familiar with evacuation routes, shelter areas, or lock-down procedures is

today. Notification to initiate any of the procedures listed below will be given via a text message

alert, the telephone voice system, or by use of a runner, if safe.

LOCKDOWN

A crisis situation may arise when it is prudent to lock MATC buildings while still occupied. The

purpose for this action would be to protect students and staff by preventing entrance into

building and program areas by person or persons identified as dangerous. Lockdown procedures

may be implemented in an event such as a civil disturbance, hostage situation, or person(s)

wielding dangerous weapons. Anyone witnessing a dangerous person has the authority to initiate

a lockdown at any time deemed as necessary. Faculty and staff should follow the building

lockdown procedures when instructed to do so or immediately in the event of an obvious

imminent threat.

While MATC has no authority to prevent students from leaving the campus, all students will be

asked to stay and report to safe areas in the event of a crisis.

Imminent Danger

If you hear gunshots or witness an armed person,


Isolate yourself and others from the suspect.

Close, lock and barricade doors, close curtains, turn off lights

Move to a wall or corner out of sight from the door or window.

DO NOT respond to anyone at the door.

Ignore all bells and alarms unless otherwise instructed.

If in open space, hide to the maximum extent possible – get behind something solid (a wall,

desk, etc).

Call 9-1-1 if it is safe to do so. Provide as much detail as you know. Follow police instructions.

Do not expose yourself or others until notified by police that the danger has passed.

Call extension 4100 or 4458 (front desk) if it is safe to do so. Provide as much detail as you

know and what action you have taken

Do not speculate. Depending on circumstances, the responding Security Officers will

coordinate efforts with the law enforcement officers.

The President or his designee will make other notifications as necessary.

EVACUATION

When a building on campus must be evacuated, the evacuation must be done quickly, calmly,

and without panic. Special attention should be given those individuals requiring additional

assistance to evacuate a building. Ideally, faculty and staff should inform students that the

building must be evacuated and should summarize the events to follow as listed here.

Evacuate immediately if you hear an alarm or are asked to evacuate by a college official.

Take your personal belongings with you.

Classrooms and offices – close, but do not lock, all doors.

Laboratories – turn off all gas (cylinders, fuels), and other equipment or machines in use that

may pose a hazard or source of ignition or fuel.

Follow the evacuation route posted in your building.

Walk quickly and calmly to the assembly point designated by your Faculty Member and alert

others to do the same.

During non-earthquake or fire evacuations, reserve elevators for non-ambulatory individuals.

Wait at the designated outdoor assembly point.

Do not leave the assembly area until you have checked in with the Faculty Member. If the

primary assembly point is unsafe, go to an alternate assembly point identified by a college

official.

Notify your Faculty Member if anyone is unaccounted for from your classroom or area.

After evacuating, DO NOT ENTER A BUILDING FOR ANY REASON until you are told it is

safe or a college official announces an “All Clear”.

SHELTERING

Sheltering may be necessary on campus, depending on the magnitude of an incident. College

facilities may be used to “shelter-in-place” staff, faculty, students and visitors, to provide shelter

for displaced individuals during a campus evacuation, or to provide shelter to the community. If

public officials send out a message that a major incident has occurred that makes it unsafe for the

public to move about outdoors, all MATC building occupants in the affected area will be notified


via telephone public address function, email (if possible), or runners inside each building.

Everyone will be asked to remain in the building for his/her own safety. However, no one will be

held against his/her own will. When public officials give the “all clear” to the College

Administration, building occupants will be notified.

General Complaint and Grievance Policy

Manhattan Area Technical College administration, faculty, and staff attempt, in good faith, to

resolve complaints and problems as they arise, in a timely manner and at the lowest possible

level. However, if a matter remains unresolved, the purpose of the grievance procedure is to

provide a process for resolving complaints between students, faculty, and staff. These procedures

apply to all complaints including but not limited to, academic issues, student services or

administrative concerns, and working conditions. For matters involving any form of

discrimination or harassment refer to MATC Policies 3.7.1, 3.7.2, or 7.1.1.

Policy: Students and employees of Manhattan Area Technical College have the right to pursue

timely, legitimate grievances against other members of the college community. Therefore, the

administration shall establish, publish, and follow a procedure that delineates the rights and

responsibilities of the aggrieved party and the college employee or student against whom a

grievance may be lodged. The procedure shall provide for adequate time to file and investigate

allegations, for individuals to present information or evidence in support of his/her positions, and

for any party directly involved in a grievance to pursue an appeal of an adverse decision.

Students and employees of the Manhattan Area Technical College may file a complaint without

fear of reprisal. Any individual who supplies false or misleading information in conjunction with

a complaint or anyone who attempts to harass, intimidate, or retaliate against an individual for

filing a complaint or for providing information in connection with a complaint filed under this

procedure will be subject to disciplinary action consistent with the provisions on the college’s

disciplinary policy. A copy of the complete policy and appropriate documentation may be

obtained from the Student Services office.

Complaint Process (must be completed prior to moving on to the Formal Grievance Process)

Any individual, who believes that a wrong has incurred, should try to resolve the problem

through consultation with the individual(s) involved as soon as is reasonably possible. In

most cases, the Complaint Process must be completed prior to moving on to the Formal

Grievance Process. Exceptions must be approved by the appropriate Office of Primary

Responsibility (OPR):

• For students that is the Vice President of Student Services

• For faculty that is the Vice President of Academics

Formal Grievance Process

Once you have made an attempt to resolve your complaint through discussion, if you are

not satisfied with the outcome, you may begin the formal grievance process. A formal

grievance should be filed with the appropriate Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR)

not more than 21 days after the act(s) in question occurred. He/she may help you fill out

the Formal Grievance questions and will make a determination if your concern is truly a


grievance as defined by policy or not. If it is, he/she will begin the investigation process

after you turn in the form. The OPR will have up to 10 days to investigate and schedule a

solution meeting. Please note, if your grievance is with your assigned OPR, you may

meet with the College President to begin a formal grievance.

Student Records

A student may have access to his/her records during regular office hours. All student records at

the ALC are treated as confidential and primarily for ALC use. Student information and

educational records may be disclosed without consent of the student only to those entitled to

access under the Educational Records Management policy and BOE policies JR, JRB, and JRB-

R. Access to a student’s records by any other third party requires a written request by the student

or his/her parent or guardian if the student is less than 18 years of age.

Educational Records Management

The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with

respect to the student’s education records.

MATC complies with the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 by using the following policy

regarding access to, and protecting the confidentiality of, student records. For more information,

call 800-729-6222 (KS only) or 620-432-0302.

Upon written request to the Registrar, any student of MATC will be granted access to and review

of any or all records pertaining directly to said student. Access to records will be granted no

more than forty-five (45) days following such request. If information in these records is found to

be inaccurate, misleading, or detrimental to the student, the student can request in writing an

amendment to a record and clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed and

specify why it should be changed.

If the college decides not to amend the record as requested, the college will notify the student in

writing of the decision. The student can appeal this decision through the college appeal process.

No personally identifiable records from MATC will be released to parents, spouse, or others

without the expressed, written consent of the student. Within the provisions of the Family Rights

and Privacy Act, access will be granted to the following without the consent of the student:

a) school officials, including teachers and administrators, who have a legitimate educational

interest;

a. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative,

supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law

enforcement or security unit personnel and health staff); a person or company

with whom the College has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of

using College employees of officials (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection

agent); a person serving on MATC College Board; or a student serving on an


official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting

another school official in performing his or her tasks.

b. A school official has a legitimate education interest if the official needs to review

an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for

the College.

b) officials of schools to which the student wishes to transfer;

c) authorized representatives of the Comptroller General of the United States, the Secretary

of Education, or an administrative head of an education agency;

d) in connection with the student’s application, receipt or continued eligibility/status for

financial aid, or

e) court order.

Should a student owe the College any delinquent amount, official records will not be released

to the student or a third party. However, this does not preclude the student from personally

reviewing his/her records and challenging any of the information. Financial aid transcripts

may be sent at the request of other institutions.

Students have the right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning

alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and

address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office

US Department of Education

600 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20202

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