Academic Policies & Information

Class Schedule

Morning classes start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 12:40 p.m. Afternoon classes start at 1:00 p.m. and end at 5:40 p.m. Evening classes start at 5:45 p.m. and end at 10:25 p.m. Weekend classes:

Friday, 6:00 pm to 9:45 pm
Saturday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Each class period (hour) is equal to 50 minutes of instruction plus a short break. Weekday classes meet four days a week, Monday through Thursday. Weekend classes meet three days per week, Friday through Sunday. Students who do not maintain satisfactory progress and good attendance may be required to attend on Friday or Saturday to make-up work or for tutoring.

Although the College will attempt in good faith to offer the courses as listed in the course outline without interrupting the students’ enrollment period, the College reserves the right to:

1. Cancel any class because the minimum enrollment has not been met.
2. Change the time or location of any course offering.
3. Limit the enrollment in any class.
4. Change instructors.

When class schedules are developed, priority will be given to the students who have not interrupted their training (Re-enter, Repeat, LOA, etc.). All students may use the College facilities on a space available basis when they are not attending their scheduled classes.

Class Sizes

The average class size at the College is approximately 15 students per instructor. The class size for lecture classes does not exceed 40 students per instructor. The class size for a laboratory class will not normally exceed 20 students per instructor. If laboratory classes are larger than 20 students, laboratory assistants will be assigned to provide the individual attention necessary to maintain a conducive learning situation. Lab classes will not exceed 40 students; lab classes for the medical assistant students will not exceed 36 students.

Definition of a Quarter Credit Hour

One “Quarter Credit Hour” is equivalent to a minimum of 10 class hours of instruction with appropriate homework and study, or 20 class hours of laboratory instruction, or 30 hours of externship.

Effective July 1, 2011 for Federal Student Aid award calculation only, for Welding and Fabrication and, HVAC/R students, one “Quarter Credit Hour” is equivalent to a minimum of 25 class hours of instruction, laboratory instruction, or externship and appropriate outside coursework.

Attendance Policy & Make-Up Work

Regular class attendance is considered essential. The cultivation of professional work habits is just as important as the acquisition of knowledge and the development of skills in a given occupation. Students should train themselves to be present for all classes. By forming this important business habit during your training program, you will find it easier to satisfy the employer who demands regular and punctual attendance. The student’s attendance record becomes a part of his/her permanent college record.

It is recognized that reasons beyond the control of the student may make it impossible for every student to attend class every day. When an absence is necessary, it is the student‘s responsibility to notify their instructors of each absence, in advance of the absence if possible. Students should contact the instructor for approval of make-up work, notes, assignments, and labs, in an effort to remain caught up with the class. Tutoring is offered by the college for students who regularly attend class but may not be available to help students get caught up for missed class time. In some instances, make-up work is not possible. i.e., projects requiring interaction with other students, guest speakers, and demonstrations.

Proof of the reason for an absence may be required. The instructor may give a grade of “zero” on a missed examination, project, or homework if the student did not gain prior approval and/or provide documentation for the extenuating circumstances relative to the absence.

Students who miss the final of any class without gaining prior approval to make up the exam will be dismissed from class (see appeals process for extenuating circumstances).

Students enrolled in the Monday through Thursday sessions must attend a minimum of one day by the third day of the phase during week one in order to remain enrolled in the course. Any student who does not attend class for six (6) consecutive days will be dismissed from that course for violating the attendance policy.

Weekend students must have attended class for one day by Sunday of the first weekend of class to remain enrolled. Any student enrolled in weekend courses missing class hours according to the following criteria will be dismissed from that class for attendance violation:

• 24 clock hour class: 6 consecutive hours
• 48 clock hour class: 12 consecutive hours
• 72 clock hour class: 18 consecutive hours
• 96 clock hour class: 28 consecutive hours
• 120 clock hour class: 30 consecutive hours

Absences will not be classified as excused or non-excused. Any student who misses more than 4 days for weekday students or misses 16.67% of total hours for weekend students in any course will be placed on attendance probation for the following phase, regardless of the student‘s grade point average. A student placed on attendance probation will be notified and counseled no later than the beginning of the following phase. While a student is on Attendance Probation, the student must not have more than 4 absences for weekday students or 16.67% of total hours absent for weekend students, must maintain a 2.5 GPA for that phase and must complete all classes attempted. At the end of the probationary phase the student will be re-evaluated and if:

1. the student fails only one of the three conditions set forth (2.5 GPA, more than 4 (or 16.67%) absences or withdrawal from any course) the student will remain on attendance probation for the next phase; or
2. the student fails more than one of the conditions set forth the student will be dismissed for violation of the attendance probation unless approval is obtained by the Academic Dean. In order to gain approval to remain enrolled a student must provide evidence of mitigating circumstances that caused the failure and evidence of academic improvement as well as a plan to remain academically on track to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
3. the student passes all three conditions (2.5 GPA, no more than 4 (or 16.67%) absences and does not withdraw from any course) the student will be removed from attendance probation.

If the student later re-starts in the program after being dismissed for attendance violation or if the student withdrew while on attendance probation, the student will remain on attendance probation for the entire phase that he or she returns.

Students on attendance probation will remain a regular student and eligible for Title IV Federal Student Aid and courses will be certified for Veterans Benefits. The last date of actual eligible attendance will be used in computing tuition due or refunded, in notifying government agencies and lenders, and in determining whether term grades are issued.

Note: The number of classes a student is actively attending and the student’s enrollment status can affect that student’s Financial Aid eligibility.

Tardiness

Because of the quantity of material presented in each class, it is in the student’s best interest to arrive in a class prior to the starting time. If you arrive late for class, please enter as quietly as possible and ask the instructor at the end of the class for materials or assignments missed. Being late for class or leaving class early will result in missed minutes being recorded and accumulated. Accumulated minutes missed will be converted to absences using the following criteria:

• 24 clock hour class: 25 minutes of accumulated missed minutes will equal an absence
• 48 clock hour class: 50 minutes of accumulated missed minutes will equal an absence
• 72 clock hour class: 75 minutes of accumulated missed minutes will equal an absence
• 96 clock hour class: 100 minutes of accumulated missed minutes will equal an absence
• 120 clock hour class: 125 minutes of accumulated missed minutes will equal an absence

Note: Missing more than half the scheduled class time will result in an absence regardless of the number of missed minutes accumulated.

Tutoring

Tutoring is available to students in the courses they are currently enrolled. Tutoring is not meant to be used as a substitute for attendance in class. Students requesting tutoring will follow the procedure listed below:

1. Request tutoring from their instructor.
2. If unable to schedule a time with their instructor, request assistance to obtain tutoring from the department chairperson.
3. If unable to receive the assistance needed with either of these people, request assistance to obtain tutoring from the Academic Dean or the Evening Education Supervisor.

Tutoring is normally scheduled on Friday or Saturday. However, in special circumstances, other arrangements can be made, dependent on the availability of the tutor.

Student Status

Students that are accepted into a program of study, meeting all admissions requirements, will be considered to be a ‘regular student’. Students who maintain an academic load of 7.5 quarter credits or more per 6 week phase are considered to be ‘full time’ students. Students are considered to be ‘active’ if they are currently enrolled and attending classes on a regular basis (except for absences allowed under ‘Leave of Absence” (described below). Students who have completed the didactic and lab or clinical portions of their training, and are awaiting assignment of an externship, are considered to be enrolled as a regular student until a suitable externship site is secured and the student begins the externship portion of the training program. Students must be actively working with the placement department to secure the externship site or they will be dismissed. Students who fail to begin the externship as assigned or stop participating in the externship (except for absences allowed under Leave of Absence” described below) will be considered to be a ‘drop’ student and subject to the withdrawal policy outlined below.

Leaves of Absence

The College realizes that extenuating circumstances may arise in which a student may need to temporarily leave school. In some instances, a leave of absence may be granted. The rules governing such leaves are as follows:

1. Reasons for a LOA include (but not limited to): Health (documented by recommendation from a medical professional responsible for your care), military assignments (documented by military orders), anything covered by FMLA, Jury Duty (documented by jury summons), Financial or Job Related, Day- Care, Transportation, Personal, etc. The reason for the LOA must be temporary in nature and the student is expected to resolve the issue before the expected return date.
2. All Leaves of Absence (LOA) must be requested by the student in writing, must be signed and must be dated, and all leaves must be approved by the Academic Dean. The student must specify the reason for the Leave of Absence in the request.
3. Students may have no more than one LOA in any 12- month period, not to exceed 180 days. One subsequent LOA may be granted for unforeseen circumstances, and the justification for the leave will normally be limited to jury duty, military reasons, or circumstances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), however, both LOAs combined cannot exceed the 180 days.
4. A student who is granted a Leave of Absence must specify an expected return date and must return and be in attendance within 3 days of the expected return date.
5. If the student does not return within 3 days following LOA period, the student will be considered to be withdrawn from College and a Return to Title IV calculation will be completed to determine the amount of Student Aid the student has earned prior to the LOA. Any excess funds will be returned according to the Return of Aid Policy. The student’s status as a withdrawn student and Last Day of Attendance will be reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and will affect the student’s grace period on Student Loans.
6. In order for a LOA request to be approved by the school the student must be able to return at a point where the student was, academically, before the leave begins. Any course work completed prior to the LOA begin date must be accepted towards the courses when the student returns. Due to this rule, it is impractical to begin an LOA any time other than the first day of a new phase due to the way the college schedules classes. We normally cannot guarantee that a student will be able to return at the same point they were in the classes when they left.

Withdrawal Policy

Students who officially withdraw from the College must complete the “Exit Interview” form, available from the Academic Dean’s office. Notification of withdrawal made to an instructor or college staff member does not constitute an official withdrawal.

The Academic Dean will automatically dismiss students who are in violation of the attendance policy outlined on page 6 of the College Catalog. Students withdrawing who have received any form of Federal Student Aid are also required to complete an Exit Interview with the Financial Aid Office.

Military Withdrawals/Leaves of Absences

Career College of Northern Nevada is committed to assisting students who serve in the military. When a student serving in the military is informed of a deployment or other official military commitment that will prevent the student from attending classes or completing the phase, the student will promptly inform their Department Chair and then contact the Academic Dean to discuss possible options available to complete required coursework. A copy of the deployment orders will be required to document the military leave. Students who must withdraw due to military active duty commitments will be granted a military leave of absence from Career College of Northern Nevada. “Active duty” is defined as full-time enlistment in the active military service of the United States. This policy includes full- time training duty, annual training duty, active state duty for members of the National Guard or reserves, and members of the armed forces in a retired status, called back to active duty.

Students approved for a military leave will also have any withdraw charges posted to their account reversed. If the college does not receive prior notice of a required military leave of absence, the student will be withdrawn from classes per the college policies set forth in this catalog.

Re-Enrollment Policy

Upon re-enrollment, students will have the same academic standing as they had at the time they left College. A student who was previously dismissed for failure to make satisfactory progress may reestablish satisfactory progress by remaining out of College for one phase, gain approval from the College President or Academic Dean to restart and, during the first restart phase, demonstrate academic improvement by successfully completing 100% of all credits attempted, and achieve a 2.5 GPA for that phase. Students who reenter under unsatisfactory conditions will not be eligible for Federal Student Aid during the restart phase. If at any time a student has dropped out, retaken courses, or taken less than a full class load, the College cannot guarantee the original graduation date.

Students who are dismissed or drop out for a second time or for violation of the attendance probation policy must petition the Academic Dean for reentry and gain approval from the Administrative Board and demonstrate that they are serious about their education before they are allowed to restart.

Substitution of Courses

The College reserves the right to approve the substitution of courses to aid the student in his or her vocational objectives when the Academic Dean deems it appropriate. Substitutions cannot exceed 25% of the student’s program. All students seeking to substitute a course must be counseled by Financial Aid.

Change of Program

A student who desires to transfer to a different curriculum may do so with the approval of the Academic Dean. Additional expenses will be incurred for a transfer into a different program of study for any classes taken that do not apply to the new program, and for additional books and supplies. A change of program may affect future class schedules, Federal Student Aid eligibility, and expected graduation date.

Transcript Requests

Transcripts that record academic progress throughout the student’s program of study are maintained on campus by the registrar and updated at the end of each phase of instruction. Transcripts are maintained indefinitely by the college.

A student who wishes to obtain a copy of his/her transcript must complete a transcript request and submit it to the Registrar. The student’s first transcript is free; a fee of $4 will be assessed for each additional transcript. Transcripts will not be released to graduates or former students with outstanding balances on their tuition account or who are delinquent on Federal Student Loans. Two weeks should be allowed for processing any transcript request.

Administrative Prerogatives

Career College of Northern Nevada reserves the right to make changes as and when necessary in the regulations, fees, and curriculum, and to cancel a course if registration does not justify continuance. If a student takes a Leave of Absence, or withdraws from a program, the student’s original course(s) or program may not be offered when the student returns.

Indemnification

The student releases and holds harmless the institution, Career College of Northern Nevada, its agents, and representatives from and against all liabilities, damages, and other expenses which may be imposed upon, incurred by, or asserted against it or them by reason of bodily injury or property damage which may be suffered by the student from any cause, while enrolled as a student in the institution. In consideration of the student being permitted to participate in individual or group tests, training, externships, or demonstrations of ability, techniques, commodities, equipment, or procedures relating to course or intramural activities under the auspices of the College, the student and parties executing the student enrollment contract with the student, authorize participation by the student and releases the institution, and its officers, agents and employees from any and all responsibility for injury and damage to person or property.

Disaster

In the event of labor disputes or Acts of God (i.e., fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, etc.), the College reserves the right to suspend training at the site affected for a period not to exceed 90 days or the time needed to locate a suitable substitute site.

Inclement Weather Procedure

In the event of inclement weather, CCNN will make decisions to cancel or delay class based on safety of the students and employees. The college will post those decisions to the social media sites and announce through text message blast. Please be sure to update your phone number with the receptionist or registrar’s office to be sure you receive those text messages. Students are encouraged to contact the front desk directly or visit the following web address for the most up to date information:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Career-College-of-Northern-Nevada/469595270555

Distance Education

Career College of Northern Nevada has in place a Distance Education platform for students to use while they are unable to attend class for unforeseen reasons related to Covid Pandemic declared in March of 2020, Military Leave, health issues such as childbirth, bed rest ordered by a physician or other FMLA protected issues and jury duty. The Distance Education platform will normally be for 2 weeks. Extension may be granted with documentation from a healthcare provider or military orders or court documentation.

The Distance Education platform is maintained on a Moodle server housed on campus at 1421 Pullman Dr., Sparks, NV. All support for distance education technology is delivered by our internal IT staff reached at 775-856-2266.

Distance Education Use Approval

Students who wish to utilize Distance Education will develop an individual progress plan with each instructor for each course. All Individual plans submitted must include an anticipated return to ground based education date. Assignment due dates will be documented in this plan. Lectures and didactic work required must be addressed in the plan. Because our programs have an emphasis on hands-on learning, all labs or other hands-on exercises need to be made up with due dates addressed in the individual progress plan.

In order to be approved for Distance Education the student must first request the accommodation with the Academic Dean, must submit evidence of need, must complete the CCNN Online Readiness Assessment,. The Online Readiness Assesment is designed to determine a student’s readiness and ability to study in an online format. Any obstacles identified through completion of the Online Readiness Assessment will be addressed to overcome the obstacle or the student will not be approved for Distance Education.

Distance Education Attendance Policy

Distance Education students are required to engage by logging in to the Moodle LMS server and complete an assignment, participate in lectures, or class discussion or otherwise submit academic work once each week. Any Distance Education student who fails to participate according to their plan for one full week will be placed on Attendance Probation and will be required to update a progression plan with the Student Success Coordinator. Any student who fails to engage as described above for 2 consecutive weeks will be dismissed.

Labs, hands-on activities must be made up prior to the end of the phase unless prior approval is obtained to submit those activities after the end of the phase. Labs may be performed with a qualified faculty or staff member other than the course assigned instructor but will be evaluated by the course assigned instructor for grading purposes. Make up labs normally will be scheduled outside of regular class time.

Conduct Policies

Violation of any of the following could result in, probation, suspension, or dismissal.(See disciplinary proceedings on page 12)

• Cheating on academic work is a violation of College policy.
• The use of indecent or profane language is prohibited.
• Verbal or physical threats of violence against students, staff, or visitors are prohibited.
• The use and/or possession of alcoholic beverages, marijuana or illegal drugs is prohibited at all times on College property.
• Food and beverages are not allowed in classrooms or labs that contain equipment.
• Students must adhere to good housekeeping and safety rules.
• Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times in class or on campus. Students who become disruptive to the learning process of other students will be asked to leave class and will be marked absent during the time they are not in class.

It is the responsibility of each student to become familiar with the posted regulations relative to fire exits, warnings, and drills. The noise level in hallways and other common areas must be kept to a minimum.

Children on Campus

Students are not allowed to bring their children to school with them during their scheduled class hours or make-up hours. Children are not allowed to be in the classroom or lab during scheduled class time. Students are expected to find suitable childcare for their dependents so that they can attend class regularly. Career College of Northern Nevada does not provide for daycare but can provide referrals to agencies that can help you locate suitable daycare arrangements or provide a list of other students who are willing to help each other out. Children will not be allowed to be on campus without adult supervision.

Computer and Network Usage Policy

The computers, computing resources, and Internet access on campus are the property of CCNN. They are provided for use by the students, faculty, and staff for research, academic, and other authorized college-related purposes.

This policy applies to anyone who uses the College’s information technology resources. The resources covered by this policy include, but are not limited to computer hardware and software; electronic devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), smart phones, and cell phones; telephone and data networks; and electronically stored data. Use of these resources includes access from off campus and on campus, as well as access from privately owned computers and electronic devices.

Prohibited Use of Information Technology (IT) resources include but are not limited to:

1. Purposeful and without authorization intent to access, modify, damage, destroy, copy, disclose, print, or take possession of all or part of any computer, computer system, network, software, data file, program, database, or any other IT resource.
2. Downloading, installing, creating, modifying or transmitting any computer program, file, or instruction intended to gain unauthorized access to, or making unauthorized use of, any computer network or software.
3. Attempting (even if unsuccessful) to gain unauthorized access through fraudulent means or by circumventing system security, uncovering security loopholes, or “cracking” passwords/access codes.
4. Gaining access by using another person’s name, password, access codes, or personal identification.
5. Give or publish a password, identifying code, personal identification number, or other confidential information about a computer, computer system, network or e-mail account, database, or any other college technology resource.
6. Load any third-party software on computer systems in the computer labs unless authorized by an IT employee or an authorized faculty member.
7. Transfer copyrighted materials to or from any system, or via the College network, without the express consent of the owner of the copyrighted material.
8. Provide unauthorized external access to college developed or commercially obtained technology resources.
9. Use any college resource for commercial gain; political gain; personal financial gain; harassment of any kind; or illegal purposes.
10. Display of obscene, lewd, or otherwise offensive images or text.
11. Intentionally or negligently using computing resources in such a manner as to cause network congestion and performance degradation.

Where it appears that the integrity, security or functionality of the College’s computer or network resources are at risk, or in instances of suspected abuse of College policies, codes, local, state or federal laws, the College reserves the right to take whatever actions it deems necessary (including, but not limited to monitoring activity, scanning specific machines, and viewing files) to investigate and resolve the situation.

There is to be no food or drinks in any computer lab.

Academic Honor Code

Academic honesty, integrity and ethics are required of all students attending Career College of Northern Nevada. Academic integrity and acting honorably are essential parts of professionalism that continue well beyond the courses you will take at Career College of Northern Nevada. They are the foundation for ethical behavior in the workplace. You are expected to conduct yourself in a manner reflecting the ideals, values, and educational aims of the college.

Ignorance of the college’s honor code is not accepted as a valid excuse for prohibited conduct. The following lists include some examples of honor code violations; they are not intended to be exhaustive.

Cheating

• Copying, in part or in whole, from someone else’s test;
• Submitting work presented previously in another course, if contrary to the rules of either course;
• Altering or interfering with grading;
• Using or consulting, during an examination, any sources, consulting with others, use of electronic equipment including cell phones and PDAs, or use of materials not authorized by the instructor; or
• Committing other acts that defraud or misrepresent.

Plagiarism

• Incorporating the ideas, words, sentences, paragraphs, or parts of another person’s writings, without giving appropriate credit, and representing the product as your own;
• Representing another’s artistic or scholarly works such as musical compositions, computer programs, photographs, paintings, drawings or sculptures as your own;
• Submitting a paper purchased from a research or term paper service, including the Internet; or
• Undocumented Web source usage.

Other Specific Examples of Academic Dishonesty

• Purposely allowing another student to copy from your paper during a test;
• Giving your homework, term paper or other academic work to another student to plagiarize;
• Having another person submit any work in your name;
• Lying to an instructor or college official to improve your grade;
• Altering a graded work after it has been returned, then submitting the work for re-grading;
• Stealing tests;
• Forging signatures on college documents; or
• Collaboration without permission of instructor.

Copyright Policy

Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.

Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or “statutory” damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For “willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys’ fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.

Students found to be in violation of the copyright policy will be dismissed from the College. Classwork, projects, homework or assignments found to be related to such violation will be scored a zero.

CCNN faculty, staff, and students are expected to comply with all local, state, and federal copyright laws and abide by this policy. Failure to do so may result in individual liability for copyright infringement and/or disciplinary action.

Drug Testing Policy

Overview

Career College of Northern Nevada is concerned with the health, safety and welfare of the students who are enrolled at the college and who will represent the college upon graduation as they enter the workforce. Illegal drugs, marijuana, prescribed narcotics, and alcohol are one of the most important issues facing society today. Substance or drug use and abuse can compromise the student’s academic success and become an obstacle to seeking and maintaining employment in field.

Purpose

Career College of Northern Nevada believes that random drug and alcohol testing, as well as drug and alcohol testing based on reasonable suspicion, ensures the health, safety and welfare of our students. In addition, through drug and alcohol screening, both reasonable and based on suspicion, Career College of Northern Nevada is conforming to the industry standards of the occupations in which training is provided.

Consent to Participate

Conditional to enrollment, each student will be required to sign a consent form agreeing to undergo random and suspicion drug and alcohol testing. A copy of the signed consent form will be maintained in the student’s academic file. Each student, upon enrollment will be given the school catalog containing the policy on drug and alcohol testing.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Education.

All students enrolled at Career College of Northern Nevada will be educated on the dangers of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs through the presentation on Prevention and Security Awareness Practice taught within the first two phases of each program. This presentation is taught in Student Success Skills (SSK100, SSK101), Introduction to Welding (WEL100) and Foundations of HVAC/R (ACR152).

Reasonable Suspicion or Probable Cause Testing:

Career College of Northern Nevada may ask any student to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test at any time it feels that the student may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including, but not limited to, the following circumstances: evidence of drugs or alcohol on or about the student’s person or in the student’s vicinity, unusual conduct on the student’s part that suggests impairment or influence of drugs or alcohol while on campus, negative performance or impaired performance patterns during class and laboratory activities. The CCNN campus includes the campus facility and the all parking lot areas.

Drug and Alcohol Screening:

All students selecting to pursue training in the Medical Assistant program will be subject to the following drug testing policy as stated in the school catalog:

Medical Assistant students who complete their didactic training will be required to pass a final drug screen before they will be eligible to be placed on any externship site”.

Students in programs other than Medical Assistant may be required to pass a drug screen in order to participate in externships based on the employer’s policy.

Positive Test Result:

A positive test result will automatically be sent to an independent Medical Review Officer (MRO). The MRO will evaluate the test result, often in consultation with the student, to determine whether there is a medically valid reason to overturn the results. If the MRO determines that there is no medically valid reason to overturn the test results the student shall be considered to have tested positive as set forth in the test result.

Students who are unable to obtain a negative drug screen result while enrolled will be dismissed from the college and will not be eligible to reapply for acceptance back into the program until a minimum period of 90 days has elapsed. Students who are dismissed for violation of this policy must petition the Academic Dean for reentry and gain approval from the Administrative Board by meeting with the board and demonstrating that they are serious about their education before they are allowed to restart.

Students who are accepted back into the program after failing a drug screening evaluation will be subject to additional random testing every 30 days at the expense of the student to be paid in advance per test. The current cost for drug screening can be found in the tuition and fee schedule of the college catalog. Fees are subject to change at any time based on vendor availability and pricing.

Under the Influence:

Upon suspicion of being under the influence the college will allow the student to submit to an in-house testing unit. If the result of the in-house unit determines the breath alcohol level below .04ml/dl the student will be allowed to return to class. No further action will be taken.

If the result of the in-house testing unit is at or above .04 ml/dl the student will be allowed to admit guilt or submit to an approved vendor for an official lab test.

A student will be determined to be under the influence when results indicate:

1. A breath alcohol level that is at or above .04 ml/dl.
2. Results from either a test generated by reasonable suspicion, or random screening, with a detectable amount of illegal drugs, THC or controlled substances above the threshold limit in a student’s s blood or urine as reported by the laboratory.
3. Use of alcohol, illegal drugs, THC or controlled substances that results in any noticeable or perceptible impairment of the student’s mental or physical faculties or academic performance including laboratory activities.

Rehabilitation:

The College attempts to provide students the opportunity to deal appropriately with drug and alcohol related problems. Any student who voluntarily requests assistance in dealing with a drug and/or alcohol problem is encouraged to seek professional counseling for an assessment with an accredited alcohol and drug professional and, if appropriate, to enter a treatment program. Students who self-refer to such programs before academic performance problems or accidents arise will not be disciplined.

Information and resources on professional counseling and treatment programs for drug and/or alcohol problems may be available through the Academic Dean, Evening Education Supervisor and Weekend Education Supervisor. Any cost for these services is the student’s responsibility.

Confidentiality:

Drug or alcohol test results or will be treated as confidential information and will be accessible only to those College administrators and designated persons with a specific need to know. All test results will be stored in the student’s academic file.

Definitions:

Alcohol: Means ethyl alcohol (ethanol). References to use or possession of alcohol include use or possession of any beverage, mixture or preparation containing alcohol.

Authorized Drug: Prescribed drugs that are used as prescribed by medical professional or over-the-counter drugs used as intended by the manufacturer.

Controlled Substances: Means any substance (other than alcohol but including prescription medicine) that has known mind or function-altering effects that may impair or affect the ability to safely and effectively perform academic and laboratory activities, the access to which is controlled by law.

Students: Any full-time or part-time student enrolled in a course(s) on campus or on externship. Students on Leave of Absences (LOA), pending admissions or restarting with the college are considered students and are subject to all policies while on campus.

Illegal Drugs: Any form of drug, narcotic, hallucinogen, depressant stimulant, or other substances capable of creating or maintaining impairment or otherwise affecting one’s physical, emotional or mental state; the sale, purchase, transfer, use or possession of which is prohibited by law.

Medical Review Officer (MRO): Positive test results will automatically be sent to a licensed medical professional independent from the College and the testing laboratory. The role of the MRO is to review positive results from a medical viewpoint to look for a medically valid reason to overturn the results.

Immunization Records

All students enrolled in the Health Information Management program, and Medical Assistant program must provide proof of immunization upon enrollment into these programs. Students enrolled in these must provide documentation of immunization prior to enrollment in clinical courses and the externship courses. Students should meet with the college Clinical Coordinator to seek assistance in securing the required documentation. Student who do not provide proof of immunization as a prerequisite to clinical courses and externship may be dismissed from the college.

Dismissal

In case of dismissal for disciplinary reasons or falsified or erroneous Application process, the refund policy will be the same as for withdrawals. Students who are suspended for any reason may not be eligible for Federal Student Aid or for Veterans Assistance (VA) Education Benefits.

The College reserves the right to dismiss any student when his or her attitude, conduct, appearance, attendance, or academic progress is not consistent with the requirements of the College. The actual termination of a student may be based upon the recommendation of the instructor with approval of the Academic Dean. A student who has been dismissed from the College and later desires to reenter the College must apply for re-admission. The application to reenter must be approved by the Academic Dean or the College President.

Damage caused by misconduct or otherwise will be charged to the student.

Smoking or Tobacco use Policy

Career College of Northern Nevada is a smoke-free work place. Anyone desiring to smoke or use tobacco must do so outside the buildings in designated smoking areas. The use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (e-Cigarettes) is forbidden inside the campus buildings. Chewing tobacco products shall not be used or consumed inside the buildings or near any entrance to the buildings and must be disposed of or excreted in proper waste containers and disposed of properly. Anyone caught ‘spitting’ on the sidewalks, patios, parking lot pavement or inside the building will be asked to leave the college immediately.

Weapons Policy

Weapons such as firearms, knives, martial arts weapons, or any weapon or object designed to inflict bodily harm are not allowed on campus or at off-campus activities for any reason. Any person found to be in the possession of a weapon will be asked to leave the premises at once. Any threatening activity that involves the use of a weapon will be reported to the Sparks Police Department. For more detailed information in this area refer to the “Campus Security Report” that each student receives when they enroll.

Dress Code

The dress code for students attending Career College of Northern Nevada is that of a normal business office. Employers visit the College frequently, and it benefits all students when these employers view professional looking students. This is a good time to practice professionalism to the industry standards so it becomes part of your routine. The goal of each program is to provide students with training in both soft skills and trade skills meeting the specific industry standards for each program. Developing a habit of maintaining a professional appearance will greatly assist the student in the field upon graduation. Dress requirements at Career College of Northern Nevada are as follows:

Medical Assistant students wear scrubs Monday through Thursday. No open toe shoes are permitted. Hair below the ears for both male and female must be tied back during laboratory courses. Jewelry must be of professional nature, earrings are acceptable no larger than a dime. Jewelry must be removed while working in all areas of lab. Gauges are strictly prohibited while in class and on externship. No hats or any form of headwear are permitted. Tattoos are strictly prohibited and must be properly and professionally covered at all times. Facial / Body piercings are strictly prohibited and must be removed while in class and on externship. Hats of any fashion and bandanas are not permitted.

HIM students are to wear business casual attire. Acceptable apparel choices for men are collared button down dress shirts, or polo shirts, tucked in, and slacks or khakis or “Dockers” type trousers with pants beltline above the hips. Professional denim, in good repair may be worn and must not have holes, fit at the waist and be of length that it cannot drag on the ground. Professional denim must be paired with dress shirts for men and blouses for women. Options for women are blouses with sleeves, Dress capri pants, slacks or khakis, professional length skirts or dresses. Sweat pants, sweatshirts, hoodies, and legging are not considered professional dress. Gauges are strictly prohibited while in class and on externship. Tattoos must be properly and professionally covered at all times. Facial / Body piercings are strictly prohibited and must be removed while in class and on externship. NO MUSCLE SHIRTS TANK TOPS. Hats of any fashion and bandanas are not permitted. Closed toe professional shoes must be worn at all times.

IET students wear CCNN issued green shirts, buttoned up, tucked in, and full length pants or jeans that are in good repair. No open toe shoes are permitted.

ITS students wear business casual attire. Acceptable apparel choices for students are collared button down dress shirts, or polo shirts, CCNN black polo shirts, tucked in, and slacks, full length khakis or “Dockers” type trousers with pants beltline above the hips. No open toe shoes are permitted.

HVAC students wear CCNN issued work shirts, tucked in, with jeans that are in good repair with pants beltline above the hips. No open toe shoes are permitted. Ball caps should be worn while outdoors to protect the head from sun. Medium to long hair for both males and females must be tied back when in labs for safety.

Welding students wear CCNN issued work shirts, tucked in, with 100 % cotton jeans or 100% cotton workpants that are in good repair with pants beltline above the hips. Steel toe work boots are required. Only approved cotton welding caps are permitted for headwear. No polyester or polyester blend clothing is permitted as these materials present a fire hazard. Hair below the ears for both male and female must be tied back at all times.

Tank tops, T shirts, or muscle shirts, miniskirts, dresses with spaghetti straps, revealing or distracting clothing and torn or “holey” jeans, and shorts are not considered acceptable attire. Any clothing with offensive language, artifacts or graphics is strictly forbidden.

Students who fail to comply with the dress code will be advised to improve their appearance, or asked to leave College for the remainder of the day. Students who continue to violate the dress code will be considered for termination from the College.

Disciplinary Proceedings

Students who violate any of the school’s conduct policies are subject to discipline according to the following policy.

1. First offense will be handled by a Verbal Warning with a note to the student’s file indicating who issued the verbal warning, the date the incident occurred, and any resolution plan developed.
2. Second offense will generate a written warning. A written warning will reference the first (verbal) warning and document the date of the second offense along with a description of the penalty for continued offenses. (ie…suspension, termination, etc) Written warnings must be reviewed by the Campus President and a copy will be placed in the student’s permanent education file.
3. Third offense will go to the Disciplinary Review Committee, headed by the Campus President, for review. The student has a right to make statements to the Disciplinary Review Committee in his/her defense. Other witness/es may be part of the meeting. Written statements from those who were involved or witness to the incident will also be considered. The decision of the Disciplinary Review Committee will be final. If the review committee finds the student in violation of the conduct policy for the third time the student will be immediately dismissed from college (see dismissal policy on page 11)
4. Violations of certain conduct policies will result in immediate dismissal depending on the severity of the conduct.
   1. Use, possession or distribution of alcohol, illegal drugs (to include marijuana) will result in immediate dismissal, unless the student submits voluntarily to rehabilitation (see page 10).
   2. Weapons violation will result in immediate dismissal.
   3. Verbal or physical threats of violence against students, staff, or visitors will result in immediate dismissal.
5. The college reserves the right to elevate the warnings to a higher-level warning based on the severity of the violation. In case of elevation, the student will be notified by letter of why the college has chosen to skip a step in the Disciplinary Proceedings and the consequences of such action.

Appeals

Students who are subject to disciplinary actions for any reason have a right to appeal the college’s decision that resulted in the disciplinary action. Appeals will be considered when the student submits evidence that the violation of the school’s policy was due to unforeseen and/or mitigating circumstances beyond the control of the student. Additionally the student will be required to show that the student was proactive in staying caught up with missed material and that the student’s instructor feels there is a likelihood that the student will successfully complete the class (documentation could include a plan developed by the instructor and the student to get the student caught up). Lastly, the student will be required to show evidence that the issue that led to disciplinary action has been resolved and will not cause the student to violate school policy again (exceptions would be military duty that would obviously be ongoing). When the student submits an appeal they are expected to maintain good attendance in their classes while the appeals committee considers the appeal. The student will be informed of the decision of the Appeals Committee in writing.

Student Grievance Procedures and Dispute Resolution

This grievance procedure is available to any student who believes that a College decision or action has adversely affected his/her status, rights or privileges as a student. The purpose is to provide a prompt and equitable process for resolving student grievances. Students with a grievance must first make a reasonable effort to resolve the issue on an informal basis with the instructor or staff member. If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily, he/she is to meet with the Academic Dean or the applicable Academic Department Chairperson and complete a written statement relative to the concern. If the grievance is not resolved with the Academic Dean, or the Department Chair, the College President will review the grievance with all parties concerned and attempt to resolve it. This resolution should normally take place within one week of the time the complaint was referred to the College President.

The College is also a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and has agreed to resolve disputes through the BBB’s binding arbitration procedure after the exhaustion of the informal grievance procedure listed above. Information on the Better Business Bureau’s arbitration process can be obtained from the College President.

Student Complaint/Grievance Procedures

The Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education may be able to help resolve complaints between you and the College. You have the right to file a formal complaint. Upon receipt of a formal complaint, staff will investigate your allegations and present the findings to the administrator. The administrator will review the complaint and the findings and render a decision.

Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education
2800 E. St. Louis, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Phone: (702) 486-7330
Website: http://www.cpe.nv.gov

Schools accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges must have a procedure and operational plan for handling student complaints. If a student does not feel that the College has adequately addressed a complaint or concern, the student may consider contacting the Accrediting Commission. All complaints reviewed by the Commission must be in written form and should grant permission for the Commission to forward a copy of the complaint to the College for a response. This can be accomplished by filing the ACCSC Complaint Form. The complainant(s) will be kept informed as to the status of the complaint as well as the final resolution by the

Commission. Please direct all inquiries to:

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 302
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: (703) 247-4212
Website: http://www.accsc.org

A copy of the ACCSC Complaint Form is available at the College and may be obtained by contacting the College President or online at www.accsc.org.

Comparable Program Information

Students are encouraged to seek comparable information related to tuition, fees and program length. A list of comparable information may be obtained by writing to our accrediting commission at:

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 302
Arlington, VA 22201

Graduation Requirements

To maintain satisfactory status leading to graduation, all students must complete the following requirements:

1. All applicants for graduation must submit an Application for Graduation to the Director of Placement four weeks prior to completion of his/her program of study.
2. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 for all courses.
3. Abide by all College rules and regulations.
4. Maintain a creditable attendance and department record and settle all financial obligations to the College.
5. Complete the minimum number of credit hours required in the degree or diploma program.
6. Successfully complete all courses with a “C” or better.

Commencement

Commencement exercises are normally held once each year. Graduates from each of the prior phases will be invited so that all graduates will have a chance to attend and participate in the formal commencement ceremony.

Satisfactory Progress

Career College of Northern Nevada has a single satisfactory progress policy that applies to both academic progress and progress for Federal Student Aid eligibility which applies to all students within categories of students, e.g., full-time, part-time, diploma and degree students and all programs offered at the college. In order to remain in College and to remain eligible for Federal Student Aid, students must meet the College’s satisfactory progress criteria as stated below, unless it is determined through the College’s appeals process that mitigating circumstances caused the student to fall below the minimum standards.  All students are considered to be making satisfactory progress when they begin College and during any probationary period. Satisfactory progress will be determined at the end of each phase

Grading Policy

Grades are recorded for each course as follows:

An individual progress record is maintained for each student. All grades reported by the instructors are included in the record and are available to the student upon request. Parents of students who are under the age of majority may also request grade information.

Incomplete and Withdrawal

Incomplete Grade. A grade of <I> Incomplete is given only with the approval of the student’s instructor and the Academic Dean. The make-up work needed to replace an incomplete grade must be completed by the date assigned by the instructor, and cannot normally exceed one week from the end of the phase in which the incomplete grade was received. An extension beyond the one week deadline noted above can only approved by the Academic Dean if mitigating circumstances are documented. Incomplete grades that are not satisfactorily completed by that date will result in a grade of <F> for the assignment, test or project.

Withdrawal/Passing. Any student who withdraws from class who has completed all required work, assignments and quizzes/tests due at the time of withdrawal and has a passing grade as determined by the instructor will be assigned a grade of <WP>. If no assignments were due at the time of withdrawal, the student will be assigned a grade of WP. No grade penalty will be assessed. <WP>’s will be counted as attempted units for determining the maximum time frame for completion.

Withdrawal/Failing. Any student who withdraws from class without a passing grade as determined by the instructor will be assigned a grade of <WF>. No grade penalty will be assessed. <WF>’s will be counted as attempted units for determining maximum time frame for completion standard.

Students withdrawing from a single course must do so in person with the Academic Dean. The student will be charged a prorated amount for tuition and fees for that course when the student attempts that course again.

Any student who is repeating or withdrawing from a course may extend his/her graduation date by at least six weeks.

Dean’s List

A student who earns a 3.5 – 4.0 GPA for all courses taken in a phase and who has taken at least a half-time course load is eligible for the Dean’s List. The Dean’s List is published at the end of each six-week phase.

Standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students who wish to remain eligible for graduation and/or continue receiving financial aid must meet the following minimum standards:

1. All students must have achieved a 1.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) upon completion of their second phase of study in their program.
2. At the end of their fourth phase the students must have a 1.5 GPA.
3. Students in short programs that only have one academic year will be required to attain a 2.0 GPA by the end of their program in order to be eligible for graduation. All other students must have a 2.0 GPA by the end of their second academic year and maintain a 2.0 GPA throughout the remainder of their program to be eligible for graduation.

Maximum Time Frame for Course Completion

In order to remain eligible for Federal Student Aid and to be considered a graduate of the CCNN program, students must complete all required courses within 150% of the time it would normally take a student with the same enrollment status to complete the program, as measured by credit hours offered. Therefore, in order to meet this standard, the student must successfully complete 25% of all credits attempted in their first phase of study, 50% of all credits attempted by the end of their second phase and 66.667% of all credits attempted for the remainder of their studies.

If a student changes programs only credits attempted from prior program enrollment that transfer into the students new program choice will be counted as attempted credit hours.

Course Repeats

To be eligible for graduation, students must successfully complete all required course work. Any student receiving an <F> in a course will be required to repeat that course and receive a passing grade in order to qualify for graduation. The original grade will be changed to <R> Retaken and the most recent grade will be used in the computation of the student’s GPA.  Retaken courses will be counted as attempted units each time they are attempted and counted as completed only when they are successfully completed. Any completed course may be repeated one time free of charge. If a student withdraws from a course they are repeating the grade for that course will be a withdrawal and the grade from the previous attempt will be reinstated (changed from the “R” to the grade it was before being changed to the “R”).

Refresher Courses

Graduates of the college are welcome to return for refresher courses with no tuition charged, provided the classes from the program in which they graduated from are still offered and space is available in the classroom. This training is offered at the discretion of the Academic Dean. Graduates must pay for any books, fees, and supplies used during the refresher training. No credits will be awarded for refresher courses.

Course Test Out/Challenge by Examination

A student may attempt to Challenge a course by examination for selected courses offered at Career College of Northern Nevada. A student should contact the Academic Dean for information regarding which courses are available. Not all courses are available for Challenge by Examination.

The student must meet with a Financial Aid representative to determine if there are any financial aid implications to testing out of any classes. A student may attempt to test out only once per course and must score an 80 percent or higher on the exam to test out for the course. If a student attempts to test out of a course after sitting in that course, but prior to completion of the course, the student will be assigned a grade of Withdrawal from that course and will be counted as an attempted but not completed course in the student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress calculation.

Credit is granted for graduation requirements for the courses in which a student successfully tests out by examination and results in the recording of a “TOU” on the student’s transcript with a credit hour value of zero (0). Courses in which a student successfully tests out by examination will not be included in the student’s GPA nor will it be included in the calculation of “Satisfactory Academic Progress”.

An administrative fee of $20.00 will be assessed for each challenge examination attempted.

No more than 50% of the required credits for a program at CCNN may be granted through test-out and/or transferred from a different institution. The Administrative Fee and the 50% maximum mentioned above will be waived for credits transferred from a course previously taken at CCNN.

Students, who successfully challenge a class or transfer credit, prior to the first day of attendance in that class, may choose to receive a prorated tuition adjustment or substitute another course of equivalent length.

Effect on Satisfactory Progress.

Test-out credit is not counted toward satisfactory progress, either in credits earned or grade point average. However, such credit does apply to credits granted toward graduation. Transfer and test-out credits are not eligible for Federal Student Aid. Therefore, if students obtain such credit, their financial aid will be reduced proportionately.

Probation or Termination, Academic & Financial Aid

Satisfactory progress will be determined at the end of each phase. Students who fail to meet the grade average requirements and/or to earn the required number of credits will be subject to either probation or termination.

Students placed on probation will be notified in writing by the Academic Dean, with a copy of the letter to the student’s file. A probationary period extends for one phase. Students will be considered to be maintaining satisfactory progress during a probationary period; at the end of the probationary period, the student’s satisfactory progress will be evaluated and if:

1. The student has met the minimum standards, the student will be removed from academic probation and no further action will be taken; or
2. The student fails to meet the minimum standards but successfully completes 100% of the credits attempted for the phase with a 2.50 GPA for the phase, the student will remain on academic probation; or
3. The student fails to meet the minimum standards and does not meet the criteria described in (2) above, the student will be dismissed from College and will be ineligible for any additional Federal Student Aid at this time.

The Academic Dean will notify students who are academically dismissed by letter with a copy to the student’s file. For information on regaining eligibility, see Re-Enrollment policy.

Satisfactory Progress Appeal Procedures

Students may appeal probationary or dismissal status in accordance with the following procedures.

1. Within one week of being placed on probation or suspension, students must submit a written statement to the Academic Dean explaining why they feel they should not be placed on such status. The statement must explain why the student failed to make satisfactory academic progress, and what has changed in the student’s situation that will allow the student to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation. If available, documentation should be included.
2. The CCNN Appeals Committee will consider an appeal within one week (5 working days) of receipt of the student’s appeal statement.
3. Students will be informed in writing of the committee’s decision regarding the appeal. The committee will take one of the following actions:
   1. The student will remain under the original status.
   2. The original status will be rescinded.

Note: Should a student be suspended from College for failure to maintain Satisfactory Progress, and the suspension is rescinded, the student will remain on academic probation for the next phase.