Students at Bergen are encouraged to participate in student government, various student clubs and organizations, student publications and athletics.
The Office of Student Life provides and promotes campus programming that is representative of the student population and is consistent with the mission of the College and the Division of Student Services. The programs enhance student success, enrich the College experience, and help encourage a sense of community while providing opportunities for leadership and personal development.
The Office of Student Life is located in Room L-123, in the Student Center of the Pitkin Education Center building, and can be reached at studentlife@bergen.edu and at (201)-447-7215.
Detailed information about the Office of Student Life can be found at https://bergen.edu/student-life/
Student Government Association (SGA)
All full-and part-time students attending Bergen Community College are eligible to be members of the student government.
The SGA is the student governing body at Bergen Community College. It is comprised of an Executive Board of the president, vice president, treasurer and chief-of-staff, as well as a general membership of club representatives and class senators. They serve as a link between the student body and the College administration. If students want a challenging and rewarding extracurricular option, this is it.
Elections of the Executive Board of the Student Government Association are held at the end of the spring semester.
The SGA office is located in Room A-101, Pitkin Education Center, at the College’s main campus .
More information on Student Government Association can be found at https://bergen.edu/student-life/studentgovernment-association-sga/
Student Activities Board (SAB)
The Student Activities Board (SAB) plans and provides programming for an active social environment for Bergen Community College students. Programs offered include musical events, lectures, dances, movies, field trips to Broadway plays, sporting events, and ski trips.
In addition, SAB works with clubs and organizations to provide other diversified programs including World Week, Women’s History Month and Black History month.
Students wishing to participate in SAB should contact the Office of Student Life at (201) 447-7215 or visit Room L-123.
Student Organizations
Students are encouraged to enrich their college experience through participation in a variety of activities including Student Government, Student Activities Board, and a rich array of registered clubs and organizations. There are many active groups on
campus that appeal to a variety of student interests.
To find out how to become involved in a registered student organization, call the Office of Student Life at (201) 447-7215 or visit Room L-123.
Joining a Student Organization
- Check the bulletin boards around campus for information about club meeting times.
- Ask about the club at the Office of Student Life (Room L-123), on the College’s main campus in Paramus.
- Sign up with the group at Club Days, held every semester.
- Follow up with the groups you’ve chosen.
New members are always welcome!
Student Organization Meeting
Registered Student Organization meeting times will be posted on bulletin boards in the Student Center, on the web, and in the Student Leadership Commons (Room L-127).
Forming a New Organization
Bergen Community College also provides students with the opportunity to start new student organizations.
Before a new organization can be officially recognized, the organization must have an advisor, a constitution, a membership list, and an organization leadership roster (president, secretary, treasurer, etc.).
Assistance in preparing this paperwork can be obtained from the staff in the Office of Student Life (Room SC-110).
Detailed information about student Clubs, Associations, and Organizations can be found at https://bergen.edu/studentlife/clubs-associations-and-organizations/
New Student Orientation
Prior to the start of classes, an orientation program is held to provide an opportunity for new students to become acquainted with college objectives, facilities, and programs. Students also can tour the campus and attend various social functions. Information pertaining to the orientation program is mailed to all new students.
Noise and Sound
Bergen Community College values an environment conducive to learning. It is expected that students respect and support that concept. Noise created by electronic devices cannot and will not be tolerated. Students who disturb the normal operation of the College may be subject to disciplinary action.
Petitions
If a petition is circulated on campus, a copy must be approved by the Office of Student Life. Each copy must bear the words “Bergen Community College,” the name of the group or groups sponsoring the petition, and the petition itself. The Office of Student Life will provide guidelines for this activity to the individual organizing the event.
Art Facilities
The Art Program maintains several studios and labs for teaching traditional and electronic media. (See: Computer Graphics Lab , Fine Arts Studio , Multimedia Lab, and Photography Labs ).
Club and Student Organization Policy
Clubs are open to all Bergen Community College students, and special interests of students are served by many clubs that are oriented to particular student groups and academic majors.
Financial support is provided to clubs and organizations in order to build an active campus life that will have a broad appeal across the student population.
Funds are distributed to clubs and organizations in a manner that assures fair, nondiscriminatory allocations that are devoid of conflict-of-interest
- All clubs and other student organizations must be chartered by the Office of Student Life.
- The Office of Student Life does not charter a club or other organization unless:
- There is ample evidence that it has a meaningful place in student life;
- It will observe college rules and regulations;
- It can maintain an active membership;
- It does not use the College name to own, rent, borrow or in any other way permanently or temporarily acquire offcampus facilities for housing, meetings, social events, and other causes. However, in certain cases, special events may be conducted off-campus with the approval of the Office of Student Life;
- It does not purchase any items in the name of the College;
- It does not discriminate according to sex, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability;
- It has a faculty advisor;
- The members of each club or other student organization are duly enrolled students of Bergen Community College in “good academic and social standing;”
- Each club or other student organization submits its constitution to the Office of Student Life;
- Each club or other student organization to be considered must register each academic year by submitting a list bearing the names and student ID #’s of its officers to the Office of Student Life. If officers change during the academic year, that information must be updated with the Office of Student Life when the change occurs.
- College facilities will only be granted to an organization that has correctly registered, whose treasurer’s books have been audited and approved, whose debts have been cleared, and whose constitution is on file.
A policies and procedures manual is available through the Office of Student Life.
Social and Educational Functions Policy
As a matter of policy, scheduling of all social and educational functions other than regular classes and field trips must be cleared and approved through the Office of Student Life.
Off-Campus Trips
An officially registered college club or organization that wishes to sponsor an off-campus trip must file a written application and receive approval through the Office of Student Life at least one month prior to the event.
All trips must be appropriately chaperoned and are governed by college rules and regulations.
Notifications
The supervisor of Public Safety should be notified of all on-campus social or academic functions.
Hours
Persons must leave the College buildings and grounds by 11:00 p.m.
When use of the College facilities beyond the limits set above is deemed necessary, approval must be obtained from the appropriate cabinet officer, and arrangements made in writing through the Office of Public Safety.
Noise and Sound
Bergen Community College values an environment conducive to learning.
It is expected that students respect and support that concept.
Noise created by electronic devices cannot and will not be tolerated.
Students who disturb the normal operation of the College may be subject to disciplinary action.
This includes the entire property, parking lots and gym facilities.
Petitions
If a petition is circulated on campus, a copy must be approved by the Office of Student Life.
Each copy must bear the words “Bergen Community College,” the name of the group or groups sponsoring the petition, and the petition itself.
The Office of Student Life will provide guidelines for this activity to the individual organizing the event.
Fundraising
An officially registered college club or organization that wishes to sell merchandise or sponsor a fund-raising event must request permission to do so by written application, submitted to the Office of Student Life one month prior to the date of the event.
All solicitation or fundraising activities must be directly related to and clearly supportive of the purposes and objectives of the club or organization.
Solicitation
There is no solicitation of commercial items on campus including the outside areas.
In the case of special events, approval must be given by the Office of Student Life.
Children on Campus
Children are not authorized on campus property at any time unless under the immediate supervision of a parent/guardian or enrolled in some special program supervised by the College.
Students who bring small children to the campus may not leave them unattended at any time, especially in the Student Center, Library, and lounge areas.
Children will not be admitted to instructional classrooms, while classes are in session, without prior approval by the instructor.
Veterans Affairs
Contact the Veteran and Military Center for specific information concerning veteran’s benefits. Veterans are required to contact the Veteran and Military Center at the beginning of each semester to verify enrollment information and during the semester to report any changes in semester hour loads. Failure to do so may result in interruption of VA benefits.
Posters, Notices, Circulars
Posters and notices are not to be sent to instructors to read in class.
If a group wishes to distribute flyers of any kind to students, approval must be received directly from the Office of Student Life.
Approved notices for students are to be distributed in such a fashion so as not to interfere with student traffic or with the regular functioning of the College.
Pressure is not to be exerted upon individuals to accept notices.
General postings must be approved by the Office of Student Life.
More information on posting procedures can be found under Bulletin Board Posting Guidelines and Procedures
Violations
Postings that do not comply with this policy may be removed and discarded without notice.
Any individual(s) or organization(s) that post items in violation of this policy may lose campus posting privileges and be denied approval of future postings. Any student who posts items in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct.
All requests for posting approval must be submitted to the Office of Student Life at least two (2) weeks in advance of the desired posting date. The Office of Student Life must authorize any special considerations that do not adhere to these policies. Such special consideration requests must be submitted in
writing to the Office of Student Life at least two (2) weeks in advance of the desired posting date.
Bulletin Board Posting Guidelines and Procedures
Bulletin Board Posting Guidelines
- Only bulletin boards may be used for approved postings. Postings may not be placed on any interior or exterior walls, floors, doors, windows, signage, or without the approval of the Department or Organization that controls the bulletin board.
- Postings on Department or Organization bulletin boards must be approved by the designated Department/Organization that controls the respective bulletin board. Any bulletin board that is not specifically designated for a Department or Organization is a Student Life bulletin board and are numbered and listed in the Office of Student Life.
- All postings at the College must be approved and stamped by the Office of Student Life in L-123. Postings for Department or Organization bulletin boards must receive written approval from the Department or Organization that controls the bulletin board and provided to the Office of Student Life.
- Postings on mobile bulletin boards will be at the sole discretion of Student Life.
- Only authorized personnel or their designees may issue a stamp.
- The stamp will be valid for one (1) month or until the day after the event, whichever comes first.
- Individuals or organizations posting materials are responsible for removing any and all postings when their stamp is no longer valid. Failure to remove postings in a timely manner may result in having future postings denied.
- All posted information must include the name of the responsible individual(s)/sponsoring organization(s), as well as the date, time, and location of the event or program.
- Posters may not exceed 11” x 17;”
- Postings from outside organizations sponsoring events or services will be allowed to post 15 copies, 1 for each Student Life bulletin board.
- Posting and removal of materials from any designated bulletin board (advertising for a specific academic department or service branch) will be the sole responsibility of that department.
- Individuals and organizations are responsible for their own printing and distribution of postings in accordance with this policy.
- Advertisements placed over other postings (valid or expired) may be removed without notification. If the board is full, you may rearrange (not remove) advertisements to fit yours.
- Thumbtacks or pushpins may be used for postings. Masking tape, paste, glue, nails, or staples are not permitted to hang materials.
- The Office of Student Life and Facilities reserves the right to remove postings at any time without prior notice.
Fitness Center
The Fitness Center for student use is located in Room S-128, on the main campus in Paramus, and is open weekdays at specified times. These hours are posted each semester. Diverse exercise workouts are made possible by a variety of exercise equipment.
Food Services
Beginning with the Fall Semester through the Spring Semester, the Cafeteria provides a variety of menu options, including a Subway Station, Nathan’s Station, Panini Station, Bakery Concept Station, Jersey Farm Fresh Station, Entrée/Pasta/Soup Station, Grab and Go, Pizzeria, and a Vegan/Vegetarian Station.
Food Service is available in four locations at the College. The main Cafeteria is located on the second floor of the Pitkin Education Center. Dunkin Donuts is located on the first floor in the Student Center. Bergen Pizza is located in the Student Center next to Dunkin Donuts. There is a Cyber Cafe in Ender Hall that is newly renovated.
Regular Hours of operation - when classes are in session - are detailed below:
Main Cafeteria:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Notes: Grab and Go, Salad bar open Monday to Friday, from 2:30 p.m to 6:00 p.m.
Dunkin Donuts:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ender Hall:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bergen Pizza - Student Center:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
*During Summer Sessions and when classes are not in session, all food service outlets observe reduced hours of operation and offerings.
Additionally, when the College is closed on Fridays during the summer, there will be no food service on Fridays.
Athletics
At Bergen Community College, the institution believes that athletics is an integral part of the educational experience. The Athletics Department offers programs that provide students with the opportunity to participate in intercollegiate and intramural athletics in a wide variety of sports including basketball, baseball, track and field, soccer, golf, softball, cross country, volleyball, tennis and wrestling. The Bergen Community College Bulldogs regularly place student-athletes on All-Conference, All-Region and All-American athletic and academic teams.
Bergen believes that athletics is an important way in which students can maintain good health, learn, and grow. In order to benefit from the athletic experience, the athletics department is committed to the following concepts and principles:
The Student-Athlete - at Bergen, the College firmly believes that each participant is a student first, then an athlete. Bergen provides each student-athlete with the best educational opportunities and support programs to help them grow and succeed in the classroom as well as on the playing field.
Bergen values competitive athletic and academic experiences that build self-esteem, a sense of responsibility, civility and an understanding of how to interact with others.
Integrity - positive attitude and good sportsmanship characterizes every aspect of policy, performance, and competition in athletics at Bergen. All participants are expected to exemplify honesty and integrity whether they are athletes, coaches, fans, administrators, or support staff of the Athletics Department.
Respect for the individual - Bergen reinforces and enhances the climate of mutual respect as outlined in the student-athlete code of conduct. Bergen values the contribution of individuals in all the organized team sports and encourages open communication and participation for all.
A tradition of leadership - in all aspects of athletics, Bergen strives to nurture the inherent opportunities for leadership that come from playing a competitive sport. The College believes the qualities of leadership and goal setting reside within each individual athlete and strive to create the environment needed to allow these qualities to develop.
Bergen Community College is a Division III (non-scholarship) member of the Garden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) and Region XIX (comprised of two-year colleges in New Jersey, Delaware, and Eastern Pennsylvania) of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Individual teams also occasionally schedule games with two-year colleges from other states in the northeast. All students interested in trying out for a team must have a current college medical form on file in the Health Services Office (HS100) before participating in try-outs and/or practice sessions. More information is available from the Athletic Department at www.bergenccbulldogs.com or by contacting the Athletic Office (Room G201- 2nd floor above gym; Phone 201-447-7182).
The Bergen CC Athletics Department Offers Varsity Intercollegiate Programs in the Following 13 Sports
Fall Sports
Men’s Soccer
Women’s Soccer
Cross Country (Men and Women)
Women’s Tennis (Club)
Women’s Volleyball
Winter Sports
Men’s Basketball
Women’s Basketball
Wrestling
Spring Sports
Baseball
Softball
Track and Field (Men and Women)
Men’s Tennis (Club)
Golf (Club)
Policy for On-Campus Activity by Non-College Organizations
External groups or members of the campus community wishing to distribute or post flyers, circulars, or any other material on campus must apply for permission to do so at the Office of Student Life, Room SC-110, at least three days prior to any planned distribution. A copy of materials to be distributed must be submitted along with the application for permission to distribute. The College will identify locations on campus where materials may be distributed or posted to ensure that normal college operations or traffic are not adversely affected. Pressure is not to be exerted upon individuals to accept materials. Generally, these materials may not be distributed to faculty to be read in class. Any request to do so must be explicitly approved by the Vice President of Student Affairs. Placing flyers or other materials on car windows is prohibited.
College Name or Seal Usage
Students may not use the name or official seal of Bergen Community College in correspondence with other student groups, colleges or outside organizations, unless this is done in an official capacity by a recognized student organization and approved by the respective Offices of Student Life and Public Relations.
Dress Regulations
Students are expected at all times and in all places to exercise discretion and dress in accordance with propriety, good taste, and public health requirements. It is further expected that the students’ habits will reflect cleanliness, good grooming, and a concern for personal health.
Eating and Drinking
Eating or drinking in classrooms, lecture rooms, laboratories, gymnasium, swimming pool, or passageways is forbidden. Covered beverages only are permitted in the library. Eating and drinking are permitted in cafeteria and vending areas only.
Gambling
All forms of gambling are prohibited on the Bergen Community College campus and during all college-connected activities. Offenders are subject to disciplinary action that may result in suspension or dismissal.
Good Neighbor Policy
It has been previously stated that each student is expected to exercise discretion and act within the limits of decorum and propriety at all times and places. This statement cannot be too strongly emphasized in relation to property immediately adjacent or close to the College. Students are cautioned not to trespass on the neighboring golf courses; offenders will be subject to disciplinary action by the College.
Policy and Procedures for Displaying Flags on Campus
The main campus flag pole is located at the entrance of Bergen Community College (near Paramus Road) and is reserved solely for displaying the United States, State of New Jersey and Bergen Community College flags. The U.S. Flag will be lowered to half staff at the direction of the President of the United States or the state flag at the direction of the Governor of the State of New Jersey. In special circumstances, the College flag will be lowered to half staff at the direction of the President’s Office. Flags of countries will be displayed throughout the Bergen Community College campus as a symbol of Bergen Community College’s commitment to diversity and international understanding. Flags are symbols that identify people belonging to a group. The flags, especially those of a nation, embody the honor and pride of the people they represent and need to be treated with respect.
It is very important that the display of country flags be treated with consistency so as not to offend the very groups we intend to honor by displaying the flag. Flags are to be the same size. If possible, flags are to be hung or displayed horizontally. If flags must be hung vertically, they must all be hung in the same orientation. Given that many international members of the College community are interested in displaying on campus the flags of their home countries, the following procedures have been established by the College:
- The flags of countries that are recognized by the United Nations (i.e., those countries that are listed by the U.N. as member states, nonmember states with permanent observer status, or national “entities” with permanent observer missions) will be displayed in the hallways of the school. Determination of the flags to be displayed will be made by the Vice President of Student Services.
- The flags of countries that are recognized by the U.N. (as defined above) may be displayed at campus events to recognize and represent international students studying at the College. Flags of Native American nations will be recognized as sovereign entities. Flags representing groups, cultures, or nations not specified above may not be displayed unless prior written approval is obtained from the Vice President of Student Services or the President’s designee whose decision shall be final. Inquiries about the flag policy should be directed to the Associate Dean of Student Services.
Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act
In compliance with Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act, Bergen Community College collects and publishes data which includes a list of varsity teams, the number of participants, budgets, gender participation, coaches’ salaries and total revenue generated. Copies of this report can be reviewed or obtained in the following offices: Research and Planning; Student Center; Library; Financial Aid; Admissions; Registration; Student Information Services; and the Athletic Department.
Alcohol and Drug Use Policy
As stated in the Bergen Community College catalog, “in accordance with public law 101-226, Bergen Community College declares that it will endeavor to provide its employees and students with an environment that is free of the problems associated with the unauthorized use and abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs.” Bergen Community College prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on college property or as part of any of its students and employees activities. Bergen Community College further prohibits the possession or consumption of alcohol on the College campus, with the exception of special, approved receptions in the meeting and training center. Violators may be subject to suspension or dismissal. Intoxication and/or disorderly conduct resulting from consumption of alcoholic beverages will be considered a serious violation of campus regulations and may result in disciplinary action. Local, state, and federal laws that apply to unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol will be enforced. Individuals and organizations in violation of college policy and regulations are subject to disciplinary sanctions. As appropriate, sanctions may range from
verbal warning up to dismissal. Sanctions may also include completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program or referral to appropriate legal authorities for prosecution. These policies apply to all Bergen Community College employees and students as well as visitors to the College. The possession or sale of illicit drugs is a violation of the law. Bergen Community College will uphold the law and render assistance and support to law enforcement agencies, while at the same time rendering assistance to employees and students when needed or necessary. Bergen Community College’s drug policy is as follows:
- Employees and students are asked to report or submit to the Vice President of Student Services or the Associate Dean of Student Services any knowledge or evidence directly or indirectly relating to the possession or sale of drugs anywhere on the College campus or at any time during a college-related activity.
- The Vice President of Student Services shall submit to the College president all information that she or he has knowledge of regarding the possession, or sale, or use of drugs on the College campus or during any college-related activity and will recommend a course of action.
- Bergen Community College students convicted of a criminal drug statute or who admit, in writing, to the possession or sale of drugs anywhere on the College campus or during any college-related activity will be subject to dismissal from the College.
- Information given to a counselor during the privacy of a counseling session will not be divulged by the counselor unless, in the judgment of the counselor, the student presents a danger to himself or others.
- Students should refer to the document “Bergen Community College student program to prevent illicit use of drugs and abuse of alcohol” available through the offices of the Vice President of Student Services, Health Services, Counseling, and the Department of Public Safety.
Discrimination and Harassment Policy
Bergen Community College is committed to providing its students and employees with an academic and work environment free from sexual harassment or discrimination.
- Discrimination, harassment or disrespect on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, (including gender identity or expression or disability), marital status, affection or sexual orientation, military service, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait or any other legally protected classification.
- Sexual harassment in any form constitutes prohibited, unprofessional, and unacceptable conduct and is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1990, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, established case law and State policies. The policy applies to all persons. Administrators, faculty, staff, and students are all covered.
Harassment of students by faculty and staff as well as by other students is covered, as is harassment of faculty and staff by students. The College will not tolerate, condone or allow sexual harassment of any of its students or employees, by any instructional, supervisory, managerial or administrative personnel, co-workers, students, independent contractors, vendors or others with whom the College does business. Bergen Community College will enforce this policy and expects all employees and students to be diligent in preventing, detecting, and reporting any incidents of sexual harassment. Bergen Community College expects each employee and student to avoid any acts or statements that may constitute sexual harassment and to ensure that his or her conduct complies with this policy. The College will take appropriate disciplinary action when an investigation reveals that an individual has engaged in any such prohibited conduct.
For purposes of this policy sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome, sexual advances or sexually explicit comments, requests for sexual favors, and/or other verbal or physical conduct based on the gender of the affected individual when:
- Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment or academic achievement;
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting that individual’s work or academic performance;
- Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or educational environment, including but not limited to:
- Generalized gender-based remarks and behavior.
- Inappropriate, unwanted, offensive physical or verbal sexual advances and comments.
- Solicitation of sexual activity or other sex-linked behavior by promise or reward.
- Coercion of sexual activity by threat of punishment.
- Gross sexual imposition such as touching, fondling, grabbing, or assaulting.
- An individual need not be a personal target of harassment to file a complaint. The individual instead may show that other individuals were sexually harassed and that this harassment created a hostile or intimidating work or academic environment.
Conduct under (a-e) above by any instructional, supervisory, managerial or administrative personnel, co-workers, students, independent contractors, vendors or others with whom the College does business constitutes prohibited sexual harassment when a reasonable person of the same sex as the aggrieved individual would consider it sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of employment or education or to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment. Members of the College community who believe they are being or have been sexually harassed or discriminated against in violation of the Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment should report the incident. Reports of sexual harassment should be made in writing, as soon as reasonably possible after the alleged incident(s), to the Manager of Training and Compliance, Room A-330, telephone number (201) 612-5331.
Requests for a complete copy of the Policies and Procedures should be directed to the Manager of Training and Compliance. Student-On-Student Harassment will be handled through the College’s policies that address student conduct, including the Rules and Regulations found in the College Catalog, not the Complaint Process for resolving Sexual Harassment Complaints.
Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment
Bergen Community College is committed to providing its students and employees with an academic and work environment free from sexual harassment or discrimination. Sexual harassment in any form constitutes prohibited, unprofessional, and unacceptable conduct, and may be a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1990, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, established case law or State policies. The policy applies to all persons: administrators, faculty, staff, students, guests and visitors are all covered.
The College will not tolerate, condone, or allow sexual harassment of any of its students or employees, by any instructional, supervisory, managerial, or administrative personnel, co-workers, students, independent contractors, vendors, or others with whom the College does business. The College will enforce this policy and expects all employees and students to be diligent in preventing, detecting, and reporting any incidents of sexual harassment. Every employee and student is expected to avoid any act or statement that may constitute sexual harassment and to ensure that his or her conduct complies with this policy. The College will take appropriate disciplinary action when an investigation reveals that an individual has engaged in any such prohibited conduct.
- For the purposes of this policy, Sexual Harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances or sexually explicit comments, requests for sexual favors, and/or other verbal or physical conduct based on the gender of the affected individual when:
- Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment or academic achievement;
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting that individual;
- Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an unreasonably intimidating, hostile or offensive working or educational environment. Hostile environment sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to:
- Generalized gender-based remarks and behavior.
- Inappropriate, unwanted, offensive physical or verbal sexual advances and comments.
- Solicitation of sexual activity or other sex-linked behavior by promise of reward.
- Coercion of sexual activity by threat of punishment.
- Gross sexual imposition such as touching, fondling, grabbing or assault.
- An individual need not be a personal target of harassment to file a complaint. The individual instead may show that other individuals were sexually harassed and that this harassment created a hostile or intimidating work or academic environment.
- C. Conduct under Section A, Paragraphs 1-3 above by any instructional, supervisory, managerial, or administrative personnel, co-workers, students, independent contractors, vendors, or others with whom the College does business constitutes prohibited sexual harassment when a reasonable person of the same sex as the aggrieved individual would consider it sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of employment or education or to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment.
- Student-on-student harassment is a violation of the Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment and must be reported to the Manager of Training and Compliance, Room A-330, telephone number (201) 612-5331. Unwelcome sexual conduct by one student that disrupts another student’s ability to learn, or conduct that creates a hostile learning environment, will be handled through the College’s policies that address student conduct, and not the Complaint Process for resolving Sexual Harassment Complaints.
- Every member of the College community should be aware of the fact that the College is strongly opposed to sexual harassment and that the College will take whatever action it deems necessary to prevent and correct such behavior, and if necessary, take disciplinary action against an individual whose behavior violates this policy. Disciplinary action for employees can range from reprimands to dismissal. Students violating this policy may be reprimanded, suspended, or dismissed from the College.
Campus Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights
A college or university in a free society must be devoted to the pursuit of truth and knowledge through reason and open communication among its members. Academic communities acknowledge the necessity of providing an intellectually stimulating environment where a diversity of ideas is valued. Its rules must be promulgated for the purpose of furthering and protecting the rights of all members of the College community in achieving these ends.
The boundaries of personal freedom are limited by applicable state and federal laws and institutional rules and regulations governing interpersonal behavior. In creating a community free from violence, sexual assault, and non-consensual sexual contact, respect for the individual and human dignity is of paramount importance. The state of New Jersey recognizes that the impact of violence on its victims and the surrounding community can be severe and long lasting. Thus, it has established this Bill of Rights to articulate requirements for policies, procedures, and services designed to insure that the needs of victims are met and that the colleges and universities in New Jersey create and maintain communities that support human dignity. The following rights shall be accorded to victims of sexual assault that occur:
- On the campus of any public or independent institution of higher education in the state of New Jersey, and
- Where the victim or alleged perpetrator is a student at that institution, and/or when the victim is a student involved in an off-campus sexual assault.
Human Dignity Rights
- To be free from any suggestion that victims must report the crimes in order to be assured of any other right guaranteed under this policy.
- To have any allegations of sexual assault treated seriously; the right to be treated with dignity.
- To be free from any suggestion that victims are responsible for the commission of crimes against them.
- To be free from any pressure from campus personnel.
- Report crimes if the victim does not wish to do so.
- Report crimes as lesser offenses than the victim perceives the crime to be.
- Refrain from reporting crimes to avoid unwanted personal publicity.
Rights to Resources On and Off Campus
- To be notified of existing campus and community based medical, counseling, mental health, and student services for victims of sexual assault whether or not the crime is formally reported to campus or civil authorities.
- To have access to campus counseling under the same terms and conditions as apply to other students in their institution seeking such counseling.
- To be informed of and assisted in exercising.
- Any rights to confidential or anonymous testing for sexually transmitted diseases, human immunodeficiency virus, and/or pregnancy.
- Any rights that may be provided by law to compel and disclose the results of testing of sexual assault suspects for communicable diseases.
Campus Judicial Rights
- To be afforded the same access to legal assistance as the accused.
- To be afforded the same opportunity to have others present during any campus disciplinary proceeding that is allowed the accused.
- To be notified of the outcome of the sexual assault disciplinary proceeding against the accused.
Legal Rights
- To have any allegation of sexual assault investigated and adjudicated by the appropriate criminal and civil authorities of the jurisdiction in which the sexual assault is reported.
- To receive full and prompt cooperation and assistance of campus personnel in notifying the proper authorities.
- To receive full, prompt, and victim-sensitive cooperation of campus personnel with regard to obtaining, securing, and maintaining evidence, including a medical examination when it is necessary to preserve evidence of the assault.
Campus Intervention Rights
- To require campus personnel to take reasonable and necessary actions to prevent further unwanted contact of victims by their alleged assailants.
- To be notified of the options for and provided assistance in changing academic and living situations if such changes are reasonably available.
Statutory Mandates
- Each campus must guarantee that this Bill of Rights is implemented. It is the obligation of the individual campus governing Board to examine resources dedicated to services required and to make appropriate requests to increase or reallocate resources where necessary to ensure implementation.
- Each campus shall make every reasonable effort to ensure that every student at that institution receives a copy of this document.
- Nothing in this act or in any “Campus Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights” developed in accordance with the provisions of this act, shall be construed to preclude or in any way restrict any public or independent institution of higher education in the State from reporting any suspected crime or offense to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
Violence Prevention and Response
The procedures for dealing with incidents of violence at Bergen is a follows:
Minor incidents such as argument, verbal assault, use of profanity, or any incident short of physical confrontation are primarily handled through referral from faculty or Public Safety officers to the Vice President of Student Services. The followup to such incidents may involve referral to the Center for Student Success or a community agency (which provides anger management, psychiatric, or medical screening). In those incidents where a student has been previously sanctioned for disruptive behavior, the student may be placed on disciplinary probation or suspension. Serious incidents involving sexual
harassment, physical violence, or destruction of property are immediately referred to Public Safety. In those instances where there is evidence of imminent danger, Public Safety will contact the Bergen County Police Department for assistance.
Smoking Policy
Introduction
The New Jersey State Legislature and the New Jersey Department of Health have found that tobacco smoke is a substantial health hazard to both the smoking and non-smoking public. As such, smoking on Bergen Community College property by any person at any time anywhere is still prohibited. The property of the College includes all College vehicles as well as real estate owned by the College.
The effect of this policy is to prohibit smoking in all buildings and areas of College property. This entails that smoking is prohibited on the grounds, playing fields, walkways, roadways, parking lots, in and around the perimeter of any building.
“Smoking Defined”
For purposes of this policy, “smoking” is defined as the burning of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, or any other matter of
substance that contains tobacco as well as the use of smokeless tobacco, snuff, or similar substance.
Legal Authority
This policy has been enacted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 383, Public Laws of 2005, and codified in N.J.S.A26:3D- 55et SCQ.
Sanctions against Violations
Any employee who violates this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Any student who violates the policy shall be subject to disciplinary measures, in accordance with the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct. Other individuals, including visitors to the College, who violate this policy, may be asked to leave the College premises. All violators are also subject to sanctions provided by applicable laws and regulations.
Policy
First offence will result in a 25.00 fine.
Second offence will result in a 50.00 fine.
Third offence will result in a 100.000 fine.
Students who continually violate the policy will be required to appear before the Bergen Community College Judicial Board.
Signage
Signs designating Bergen Community College a smoke free campus are posted. This policy also is noticed in appropriate publications of the College.
Available Assistance
For any student or personnel of the College who desires to stop smoking, assistance is available through staffs of the Health Services, Wellness Center and Counseling. In addition, there are programs that are provided throughout the semester which are well publicized and are accessible to everyone.
Alumni Affairs
The Bergen Community College Foundation Alumni Network was created to advance the mission of Bergen Community College by promoting ideas, leadership and personal relationships among alumni, current students, faculty, staff and administration of the College.
Bus Service
Regular bus service is provided to the Bergen Community College campus by several New Jersey Transit routes. To obtain a bus schedule, please stop by the Welcome Center for more information. For schedules, contact the Bergen Community College Information Center at (201) 447-7200 or the Bergen County Transit Information Center at (201) 488-0840.
Solicitation
There is no solicitation of commercial items on campus including the outside areas.
In the case of special events, approval must be given by the Office of Student Life.
Children on Campus
Children are not authorized on campus property at any time unless under the immediate supervision of a parent/guardian or enrolled in some special program supervised by the College. Students who bring small children to the campus may not leave them unattended at any time, especially in the Student Center, Library, and lounge areas. Children will not be admitted to instructional classrooms, while classes are in session, without prior approval by the instructor.
Veterans Affairs
Contact the Veteran and Military Center for specific information concerning veterans’ benefits. Veterans are requested to contact the Veteran and Military Center at the beginning of each semester to verify enrollment information and during the semester to report any changes in semester hour loads. Failure to do so may result in termination of VA benefits.
Posters, Notices, Circulars
Posters and notices are not to be sent to instructors to read in class.
If a group wishes to distribute circulars to the faculty, approval must be received directly from the Office of Student Life.
Notices for students are to be distributed in such a fashion so as not to interfere with student traffic or with the regular functioning of the College.
Pressure is not to be exerted upon individuals to accept notices.
General postings must be approved by the Office of Student Life.
Bulletin Board Posting Guidelines
- Only bulletin boards may be used for approved postings. Postings may not be placed on any interior or exterior walls, floors, doors, windows, signage, or without the approval of the Department or Organization that controls the bulletin board.
- Postings on Department or Organization bulletin boards must be approved by the designated Department/Organization that controls the respective bulletin board.
Any bulletin board that is not specifically designated for a Department or Organization is a Student Life bulletin board and are numbered and listed in the Office of Student Life.
- All postings at the College must be approved and stamped by the Office of Student Life in L-123. Postings for Department or Organization bulletin boards must receive written approval from the Department or Organization that controls the bulletin board and provided to the Office of Student Life.
- Postings on mobile bulletin boards will be at the sole discretion of Student Life.
- Only authorized Student Life personnel may issue an approval stamp.
- The stamp will be valid for one (1) month or until the day after the event, whichever comes first.
- Individuals or organizations posting materials are responsible for removing any and all postings when their stamp is no longer valid. Failure to remove postings in a timely manner may result in having future postings denied.
- All posted information must include the name of the responsible individual(s)/sponsoring organization(s), as well as the date, time, and location of the event or program.
- Posters may not exceed 11”x 17.”
- Postings from outside organizations sponsoring events or services will be allowed to post 15 copies, 1 for each Student Life bulletin board.
- Individuals and organizations are responsible for their own printing and distribution of postings in accordance with this policy.
- Postings that imply or promote the use of drugs or alcohol, promote illegal activity, violate copyright laws, or violate College policy will be denied.
- Advertisements placed over other postings (valid or expired) may be removed without notification. If the board is full, you may rearrange (not remove) advertisements to fit yours.
- Thumbtacks or pushpins may be used for postings. Masking tape, paste, glue, nails, or staples are not permitted to hang materials.
- The Office of Student Life and Facilities reserves the right to remove postings at any time without prior notice.
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