Student Services

Indian Hills has an open-door admissions policy and welcomes applications from all prospective students who desire, and can benefit from, programs offered by the college.

How to Apply for Admission

1. Students should go to the college’s website (www.indianhills.edu) to apply online.
2. Hover over the “Admissions” button on the home page.
3. Choose the “Apply Now” link from the drop down menu.
4. Create an account with your e-mail address and a password. 
5. Complete and submit the online application. 
6. Students may be required to provide the college with an official high school transcript or High School Equivalency diploma.
7. Provide IHCC with an official transcript from any other college(s) attended in order for the evaluation of any applicable transfer credit.
8. All prospective students in specific Health Sciences programs (Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Dental Assisting, Early Childhood Education, Emergency Medical Services, Health Informatics, Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Pharmacy Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, Surgical Technology and Therapeutic Massage) are required to take the ACCUPLACER test or the ACT test and have a minimum score. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into a program.  See specific program admissions criteria for additional information.
9. To be considered for a Health Sciences program, a prospective student must have at least a 2.0 grade point average or a specified score on the High School Equivalency Diploma. Students must meet the specific criteria for each Health Science program including a pre-determined minimum score on the ACCUPLACER, ACT or SAT.
10. A letter of acceptance will be sent as soon as all needed information is received by the college and it is determined that the program admission requirements are met.
11. Acceptance may be determined by the total number of openings in a program at the time the application is received.​

Please send all requested documents to:

Admissions & Orientation
Indian Hills Community College
623 Indian Hills Drive
Ottumwa, Iowa 52501-1398
(641) 683-5262
(800) 726-2585, ext. 5262

Records submitted to the College as partof the admissions procedure become part of the official file and cannot be returned to the student or forwarded to another institution.

Residency Policy

Residency Requirements

Requirements for proof of Iowa residency are established for community colleges by the Iowa Department of Education.

Residency is determined based on the address information provided at the time of application and will not be changed except in the case of unusual circumstances. If you feel you should be considered for an exception, please submit a letter of explanation along with the documents described below to the Registrar’s Office.

Please note that a student cannot be a resident of two states at the same time. If your home is in another state and you are living in Iowa for the purpose of attending school, you are a resident of your home state and not a resident of Iowa.

You will be considered a resident of Iowa for IHCC tuition and fee purposes if you are:

1. Permanently domiciled in Iowa (not living in Iowa primarily for educational purposes); and
2. Have resided here for a period of not less than ninety (90) days prior to the first day of the beginning of the first term for which you are enrolling; and
3. You provide supporting documentation issued/dated on or before the appropriate date on the timeline below to prove your Iowa residency. (See list of acceptable documents under Application Process below.)

If you are classified as an out-of-state student, it is your responsibility to submit the appropriate documents needed to prove Iowa residency to the IHCC Registrar (follow steps below). In-state residency status is not automatically changed after a certain period of time. If you seek to be reclassified after the term begins, your new classification will be effective beginning with your next term of enrollment. In no case will the reclassification to residency status be made retroactive for tuition and fee purposes, even if you could have previously qualified for residency status had you applied.

Residency Application Timelines

To meet the 90-day requirement, you must provide documentation proving that you began residing in Iowa on or before the following dates:

Residency status cannot be re-classified once the semester begins.

Minors

Students enrolling at Indian Hills Community College will be considered minors until the legal age of 18. Proof of parents’ residency will be required for these students.

Students Age 18 and Over

Students age 18 and older must provide proof of their residency, rather than that of their parents.

Veterans, Federal Personnel and Their Dependents

A veteran of U.S. military service or National Guard, or their spouse or dependent child shall be classified as a resident if the veteran is domiciled in Iowa and one of the following conditions is met:

1. The veteran has separated from a U.S. military force with an honorable discharge or a general discharge, is eligible for benefits, or has exhausted benefits, under the federal Post-9/11 Veterans Assistance Act of 2008 or any other federal veteran educational benefits program.
2. The individual is an active duty military person, or activated or temporarily mobilized National Guard member.

To be eligible for the exemption, a dependent child must be claimed as a dependent on an eligible veteran’s Internal Revenue Service tax filing for the previous year.

A person, or their spouse or dependent child, who has moved into the state of Iowa as the result of military or civil orders from the U.S. Government, and the minor children of such persons, are entitled to immediate Iowa residency status.

For more information, visit our Veterans Affairs site.

International Students

International students who are in the United States on any type of student visa (e.g. an F-1 or F-2 visa) cannot establish in-state residency while studying in this country.

Application Process for U.S. Citizens

To apply for reclassification from nonresident to resident status, follow these steps and submit items to IHCC Registrar:

1. Submit written explanation detailing your reason (other than educational purposes) for moving to Iowa.
2. Submit supporting, dated documentation demonstrating residency in Iowa. To show that your purpose for living in Iowa is for more than attending school and to show that you have been a resident of Iowa for 90 days or more prior to the date of initial enrollment, you must provide one of the items listed below: 
   1. Iowa state income tax return, signed and dated
   2. Written and notarized documentation from an employer that you have been employed in Iowa for a minimum of 90 days prior to the start of the term or a signed and notarized statement from you describing employment and sources of support.
   3. Proof of Iowa Homestead credit on property taxes
3. Submit a second document, which may be another from the above documents or one of the documents listed below:
   1. Iowa vehicle registration form
   2. Iowa driver’s license
   3. Iowa voter registration card
   4. Other indicators of Iowa residency, such as apartment lease dated and signed by both you and the manager, utility bills, bank​

Application Process for Non-U.S. Citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States or an approved refugee, you may apply for residency status. Follow the steps below and submit all items to the IHCC Registrar. International students who are in the United States on any type of student visa (e.g. an F-1 or F-2 visa) cannot establish in-state residency while studying in this country.

1. Submit written explanation detailing your reason (other than educational purposes) for moving to Iowa.
2. Submit proof of your legal immigration status in the form of:
   1. A copy of an I-94 card showing political asylum, refugee or other appropriate status. OR
   2. A copy of your U.S. Permanent Resident Card. If you have applied for but have not yet received a Permanent Resident Card, you have not been approved to permanently reside in the U.S. and may not apply for residency status regardless of how long you have lived in Iowa.
   3. Submit supporting, dated documentation demonstrating residency in Iowa. To show that your purpose for living in Iowa is for more than attending school and to show that you have been a resident of Iowa for 90 days or more, you must provide one of the items listed below as evidence.
      1. Iowa state income tax return, signed and dated
      2. Written and notarized documentation from an employer that you have been employed in Iowa for a minimum of 90 days prior to the start of the term or a signed and notarized statement from you describing employment and sources of support.
      3. Proof of Iowa Homestead credit on property taxes
   4. The second document you provide may be any of the following:
      1. Iowa driver’s license
      2. Iowa vehicle registration form
      3. Other indicators of Iowa residency, such as apartment lease dated and signed by both you and the manager, utility bills, bank statements, etc., dated and showing your Iowa address.

In all events, to be determined a resident of Iowa, the individual must document residing in the state of Iowa for at least 90 days prior to the beginning of the first term for which they are enrolling, and not be enrolled in any Iowa college or university.

Appeal of a Residency Decision

Students wishing to appeal a residency decision need to contact the Executive Dean, Student Development & Athletics, (641) 683-5152 or [email protected]

International Student Admissions

Non-immigrant international students wishing to attend Indian Hills Community College on an F-1/M-1 visa are welcome to apply at Indian Hills Community College. Non-immigrant international students may find admission information and apply online on the Indian Hills International Student webpage at www.indianhills.edu/internationalstudents. Questions may be emailed to the International Affairs Office at [email protected]. All application documents should be mailed to the International Affairs Office. Records submitted to the College as a part of the admission procedure become part of the official file and cannot be returned to the student or forwarded to another institution.

The student’s application will be reviewed for an admissions decision upon submission of all required international student admissions documents. An acceptance letter will be mailed to the student at the address provided on the application form, along with the SEVIS I-20 form and other pertinent information.

The student will need to present the following documents when applying for an F-1/M-1 student visa: signed I-20, proof of having paid the SEVIS fee, financial support documentation, a valid passport, Form DS-160 “Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application,” high school transcript, and a current photograph.

F-1/M-1 international students are charged non-resident tuition, and must provide financial proof of a full academic year (9 months) of cost of attendance prior to acceptance. If an applicant wishes to bring a dependent (spouse or child) with them, an additional US $3,000 per dependent must be shown in the Financial Letter requirement.

All costs are estimated. Please see the International Student webpage at www.indianhills.edu/internationalstudents for current academic year tuition and fees. Tuition is charged on a per credit hour basis, and tuition rates are determined by the IHCC Board of Trustees each Summer. Note that some specific academic programs require year-round enrollment (enrollment during the Summer term) and/or additional fees for the program could be required. The costs for these programs are not reflected on the webpage at www.indianhills.edu/internationalstudents. For any questions, please contact the International Affairs Office.

Please note the following:

New International Student Applicants

Application documents required for new (non-transfer) international students:

1. International Student Application for Admission. Apply online at www.indianhills.edu/internationalstudents.
2. Financial letter from bank/government sponsorship (must provide an official letter on official letterhead written in English showing sufficient funds in U.S. dollars for one year of study at Indian Hills Community College that is dated within 60 days of submission)
   1. If using a sponsor other than parents, please include a notarized, signed, sponsorship letter from the individual sponsoring you.
3. Copy of passport photo page
4. If the applicant has completed high school, send a copy of the final high school transcript showing date of graduation or High School Equivalency Transcript showing date of graduation (send the transcript in its original language and a second transcript translated into English).
   1. If the applicant is still enrolled in the final year of high school, send a copy of a current in-progress high school transcript (send the transcript in its original language and a second transcript translated into English). In addition, after graduation from high school, send the final high school transcript showing proof of date of graduation. The final high school transcript with proof of graduation must be provided to the International Affairs Office in order to attend orientation and prior the start of the student’s first term at IHCC.

International Student Transfer Applicants

Application documents required for international students transferring from a U.S. institution:

1. International Student Application for Admission. Apply online at www.indianhills.edu/internationalstudents
2. Official college/university transcript from the institution you are currently attending
3. International Student Transfer-In Form
4. High school transcript (official document in original language and translated into English)
5. Financial letter from bank/government sponsorship (must provide an official letter on official letterhead written in English showing sufficient funds in U.S. dollars for one year of study at Indian Hills Community College that is dated within 60 days of submission) If using a sponsor other than parents, please include a notarized, signed, sponsorship letter from the individual sponsoring you
6. Copy of passport photo page
7. Copies of current student visa and I-20 Form
8. Transfer-In Form

All Health Sciences Applicants must also submit:

1. Official ACT, SAT or ACCUPLACER score
2. Health Sciences applicants (who have graduated high school outside of the US) are required to have their final high school transcript evaluated by an accredited evaluating agency. The evaluation must include a grade point average. Indian Hills can provide a list of approved evaluation companies upon request. Evaluations from a non-approved evaluation agency will be rejected.
3. Nursing programs applicants must also pass the TEAS exam. Information about the TEAS can be found on our Testing Center webpage at www.indianhills.edu/testingcenter and obtain a complete Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) from the state of Iowa and submit their Iowa Direct Care Registry CNA card prior to admission consideration.
4. Dental Hygiene program applicants must also pass the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam.

Aviation Pilot Training Applicants must also submit:

1. Prior to being admitted, applicants must be approved by the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP). Please visit www.flightschoolcandidates.gov/ for more information.
2. Due to the higher tuition costs associated with this program, students are required to show a higher available amount on the Financial Letter. Please contact the International Affairs Office with questions.

All international student “guest students” (students whose home institution is not Indian Hills Community College, but who would like to take a class at the college) in the Arts and Sciences program, must submit:

1. International Student Application for Admission. Apply online at www.indianhills.edu/internationalstudents. Please select the “Guest Student” option for program of study.
2. Transcript from the U.S. institution you are currently attending (unofficial copy is acceptable)
3. Copies of current student visa and I-20 Form

Note to ALL applicants: At the discretion of the Director of International Affairs, students may be required to submit documents to an Education USA Advisor for certification prior to mailing materials to the Indian Hills International Affairs Office, or they may be required to have their high school transcript evaluated by an accredited agency (even if they are not a Health Sciences applicant). Evaluations from a non-approved evaluation agency will be rejected.

 A TOEFL/IELTS score is not required for admission into Indian Hills Community College.

Once your application is complete, your file will be reviewed. Careful attention must be given to the completion of all appropriate documents, as incomplete or improperly completed items will result in a delay in processing your application.

Official English translations are required for all documents.

ALL new Indian Hills Community College international students must:

1. Complete the Online Orientation prior to arrival
2. Report in-person to the multi-day Indian Hills International Student Orientation prior to registering for courses
3. Enroll full-time and attend Indian Hills Community College for a minimum of two 12–week terms
4. Be a high school graduate or have a High School Equivalency Diploma prior to the first day of classes at Indian Hills Community College
5. Present these original documents at International Student Orientation: Passport, student visa and I–20
6. Complete the ACCUPLACER or ESL ACCUPLACER test at Indian Hills prior to registering for courses
7. Have a Tuberculosis (TB) test during International Student Orientation
8. Health insurance is mandatory for all F-1 & M-1 students. International students will be required to enroll in the Indian Hills Community College health insurance program, even if the student has health insurance through another company or in their home country. Fees will be added to the student’s account each term of enrollment.
9. International students can apply for admission to both the Ottumwa and Centerville campuses.
10. Indian Hills Community College will provide the initial I-20 free of charge. In the event that a student is issued an I-20 and requests a deferral after the initial I-20 has been mailed to the applicant, the applicant will need to pay a $50 deferral fee prior to Indian Hills Community College shipping the I-20 document to their home country as well as provide an updated financial document.

International students are encouraged to apply for scholarships. Please visit www.indianhills.edu/internationalstudents and click on the “Scholarship Opportunities” tab for more information.

All correspondence and questions should be addressed to:

Indian Hills Community College
International Affairs Office
Trustee Hall
525 Grandview Avenue
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 683-5755 or (641) 683-5266
(800) 726-2585, ext. 5755 or ext. 5266
FAX: (641) 683-5274
Email: [email protected]

Proof of United States Status Required for Foreign-Born Applicants

Applicants to Indian Hills Community College whose country of birth is outside of the United States are required to provide proof of their status within the United States prior to being offered admission. If you have been asked to provide proof of your United States status, please submit at least one of the following documents that apply:

1. Copy of valid US Passport Photo page
2. Copy of US Naturalized Citizenship Certificate
3. Copy of US birth born abroad birth certificate
4. Copy of US Permanent Resident card
5. Copy of Work Authorization for DACA status
6. Copy of US Visa
7. Copy of I-94

Documents must be submitted to the International Affairs Office, and can be submitted via email, fax, or postal mail.

Indian Hills Community College
International Affairs Office
Trustee Hall
525 Grandview Avenue
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Email: [email protected]
FAX: (641) 683-5274

Foreign Transcripts

Any prospective international student who is applying for admission into a Health Sciences program who has attended a high school outside of the United States must have their transcript(s) translated (if necessary) and evaluated by one of the agencies listed below. All students seeking credit for coursework earned at a college/university outside the United States must have their foreign transcript(s) translated (if necessary) and evaluated by one of the agencies listed below. The transcripts must be sent from that agency directly to:

International Affairs Office
Indian Hills Community College
Trustee Hall
525 Grandview Ave
Ottumwa, Iowa 50251

The evaluation must include the results of any examinations required by the country of origin as proof of successful completion (Example: Ordinary Level and/or Advanced Level examination scores). Students applying for a Health Sciences program must request an evaluation that includes a Grade Point Average.

In the event that a student is unable to have their high school transcript translated (if necessary) and evaluated, then the student must successfully complete the High School Equivalency Diploma and submit appropriate documentation of completion to the above office/address.

Academic 38 Credential Records Evaluation Verification Service
1778 Clear Lake Avenue
Milpitas, CA 95035
www.acrevs.com

Career Consulting International
1304 SW 160th Avenue
Sunrise, FL 33326
www.thedegreepeople.com

Foreign Consultants Inc.
(Credential Evaluation Services)
10955 Westmoor Drive, Suite 400
Westminster, CO 80021
www.foreignconsultants.com

International Education Research Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 3665
Culver City, CA 90231
www.ierf.org

AACRAO
One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 520
Washington, DC 20036
www.aacrao.org

Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203
www.ece.org

Global Education Group Inc.
1205 Lincoln Road, Suite 218
Miami Beach, FL 33139
www.globaledu.com

World Education Services Inc.
P.O. Box 5087
Bowling Green Station
New York, NY 10274
www.wes.org

Academic 38 Professional International Evaluations Inc.
P.O. Box 5787
Los Alamitos, CA 90721
www.apie.org

Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute
P.O. Box 6098
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
www.aceil.com

American Education Research Corporation
P.O. Box 996
West Covina, CA 91793
www.aerc-eval.com

Education Records Evaluation Service
601 University Avenue, Suite 127
Sacramento, CA 95825
www.eres.com 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Students wanting to participate in Curricular Practical Training while enrolled at Indian Hills Community College must first obtain authorization from the International Affairs Office prior to the start of their internship and must be enrolled in an academic internship credit class for the term. CPT must be authorized by the International Affairs office for each term the student is enrolled in the internship credit.

On-Campus Employment

There are many job opportunities available to students on-campus. International students holding a F-1 visa may apply for on-campus employment. On-campus employment positions are available on all campuses, and are limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week. F-1 vixa holders are not allowed to work off campus except for approved CPT and OPT. After Associate degree completion, international students may apply to work for one full year in a position directly related to their area of study anywhere in the U.S.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

After completion of the  Associate degree, international students may apply to work for one full year (365 days) in a position directly related to their area of study anywhere in the U.S.  Students must apply and receive permission from the IHCC International Affairs Office and the US Federal Government in order to engage in OPT.  For more information contact the IHCC International Affairs Office.

Re-admission

Any student who is denied admission or re-admission to Indian Hills Community College may appeal the decision.

1. The appeal shall be a request for a hearing before the College Review Committee and shall be submitted to the Office of the Vice President, Student Development & Operations. The appeal of the admissions decision must be initiated by the student no later than 15 days after notification of the decision has been issued. The appeal must be in writing and must fully state the basis for the request for admission or re-admission and the basis for why the admissions denial is unwarranted.
2. The appeal shall be presented to the chairperson of the College Review Committee who will set a hearing date in consultation with the other members of the Review Committee. The student appealing the admissions decision will be notified in writing of the date of the hearing. At least five school days of notice must be given to the party appealing the admissions decision.
3. The review committee hearing will be held in closed session unless the student requests in writing to the Chair of the Review Committee that it be open.
4. The student initiating the appeal has the responsibility for presenting their case for appeal to the committee. The student may be assisted by any person at the time of the hearing. The admissions department or designated instructional department will present its reason(s) for denying admission.
5. After hearing the appeal, the Review Committee shall decide either to reject the appeal or to uphold it. The Office of the Vice President, Student Development & Operations will be notified of the decision in writing by the College Review Committee chairperson, who in turn will notify the appellant and admissions department of the decision. The decision of the College Review Committee is final. 

How to Register for Classes

The registration process includes: (1) the selection of courses to be taken, (2) entering the courses on-line and (3) paying or making arrangements to pay. All steps must be completed for proper registration.

Payment for Classes

All students must register and make arrangements to pay for their classes by the “Last Day to Register” date that is published in the current term registration schedule.

Failure to Pay

Students who have not completed registration or have not made arrangements to pay for classes by the end of the eighth day of the new term may be dropped from the enrollment lists and will not be re-admitted for the new term.

Change of Address

Entry of mailing addresses for Indian Hills students is made at the time of each term registration via the WebAdvisor contact information screen. Address changes after the close of registration can be accessed on WebAdvisor using the Contact Information option. It is strongly recommended that all address changes be processed through WebAdvisor.

Change of Program

A student transferring from one program to another will need to obtain proper forms and change procedures from the department into which they wish to transfer.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition

(Tuition and fees are subject to change by action of the IHCC Board of Trustees.)

Fees

Course fees, web fees or ICN fees may be assessed on the individual course level if applicable.

Continuing Education

Tuition charges for non-credit courses offered through the Continuing Education and Workforce Solutions Department are established on a course-by-course basis. Course listings are published three times per year and can be found at www.indianhills.edu/docs/customized_learning_schedule.pdf. You may also call (800) 346-4413 to find out more information on available courses.

IHCC Institutional Refund Policy

Students who formally withdraw from a class within the first eight class days of any 12-week term or the first four days of any six-week term may receive a 100% refund of tuition and fees.

Students who withdraw on or after the ninth class day of a 12-week term (or the fifth day of a six-week term) are entitled to no refund.

Refund dates are posted on the Indian Hills Community College Calendar each term.

The Federal Higher Education Funding authorization requires a return of Title IV funds (Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Direct and PLUS Loans) to the federal government if a student withdraws on or before 60 percent of the term has elapsed.

Students, please be advised that if you withdraw or drop from classes, it will impact your eligibility for financial aid grants and loans. The student will be required to return/repay the dollar amount calculated as unearned aid.

Students must complete all proper withdrawal papers and procedures to ensure they will not receive failing grades for all coursework during the term of withdrawal. Please refer to Academic Policies section, Schedule Changes/Withdrawal , for specific information.

Agencies and organizations sponsoring the payment of student tuition will be subject to the tuition refund policy.

Return of Student Federal Financial Aid Funds (Title IV Funds)

If a student withdraws completely or fails all courses (or any combination of the two), the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, Public Law 105-244, requires colleges to determine how much aid must be returned (repaid). Students could be required to return (repay) all or a portion of federal student aid (grants and loans) if they earned zero credit hours for the term.

Students will be notified if they must return (repay) federal financial aid (grant) funds. Failure to repay this, or to make satisfactory arrangements for payment, may result in becoming ineligible for Federal Financial Aid funds at any institution.

In addition, this regulation requires colleges to also return a portion of Financial Aid funds originally used to pay charges at Indian Hills Community College. When that occurs, students will then owe Indian Hills for the amount of tuition, fees, room and board, books, etc. paid for by the aid the school had to return to the Department of Education. Students will receive a statement if they owe Indian Hills Community College.

Completion of proper withdrawal papers and procedures ensures the student will not receive failing grades for all coursework during the term of withdrawal. Please refer to the section marked Schedule Changes/Withdrawal  for specific information.

Agencies and organizations sponsoring the payment of student tuition will be subject to the tuition refund policy.

For more detailed information on return of Federal Title IV Funds, go to www.indianhills.edu/finaid.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance for eligible students attending Indian Hills Community College is available in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study and loans. The Financial Assistance Office provides information services and counseling for students, parents, high school personnel and community agencies. Individual assistance is available on a drop-in basis during normal office hours.

Applying for Financial Assistance

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which is available online through www.fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA should be submitted no later than the last week in March so your application will receive priority consideration for state and federal assistance. If needed, a paper application can be obtained from FAFSA by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).
2. List Indian Hills Community College on the FAFSA so the IHCC office will receive your financial information. The number for Indian Hills Community College is 008298.  Complete the State of Iowa Application at www.iowacollegeaid.gov for state grants and scholarships available to Iowa residents.

Student Eligibility General Requirements

1. Must be a regular college student who is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a degree or diploma program
2. Must be a United States citizen or in the U.S. for other than a temporary purpose and with the intention of becoming a permanent resident.
3. Must have an official high school diploma, or
   1. have the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma such as a High School Equivalency Diploma certificate or a state certificate that is recognized as being equivalent to a high school diploma and certify receipt on the FAFSA.
   2. have completed homeschooling at the secondary level.
4. Must not be in default on any prior student loans.
5. Must not owe a refund to any Federal Title IV program.
6. Must be enrolled for a minimum of four credit hours to be considered eligible to receive a federal student loan.
7. Must re-apply for financial aid each academic year that you attend IHCC. Academic years begin each Fall term.
8. Transfer students must also supply information regarding financial aid received at all other “after high school” institutions they have attended.
9. Students may be subject to other eligibility requirements of federal, state, and program regulations, depending upon the student’s situation and the particular aid program involved. These regulations are subject to change by the governing bodies.

Student Enrollment Status - Title IV Funds and Disbursements

Title IV eligibility, based on enrollment status (full-time, ¾ time, ½ time and less than ½ time), will be determined after the Pell census date (at the end of the add/drop period).

If full-time, ¾ time or ½ time status hinges on compressed coursework (courses less than 12 weeks in length) for any term, then the Pell census date for that particular student for that term will be the add/drop date for the full session - per Federal Student Aid guidelines. Funds will not be disbursed until after Pell census dates in respective terms based on the above criteria.

NOTE: For Pell eligibility, students must be enrolled in each course by the Pell census date regardless of the start date of the course.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy

Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) is required to establish satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards for students receiving federal and state financial aid in accordance with U.S. Department of Education regulations. The standards addressed below are applicable to all students receiving federal and state financial assistance administered by the IHCC Financial Assistance office. Some scholarships may be governed by more stringent criteria specific to those awards. These are the minimum standards.

THE PURPOSE FOR SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS STANDARDS is to ensure that only those recipients demonstrating satisfactory progress toward the completion of their educational programs, in a timely manner, continue to receive financial aid.

Student SAP will be assessed at the end of each academic term (all summer sessions will be assessed at the completion of the full summer term, with all courses combined as one term). Students must meet all the requirements listed below at the end of each term to be considered satisfactory.

1. Successful Credit Hour Completion (See Additional Notes for attempted/completed details and determination of cumulative progression towards program requirements.)
   1.  Full-time students must successfully complete at least 6 credit hours per term
   2.  Three-quarter-time students must successfully complete at least 4 credit hours per term
   3.  Half-time students must successfully complete at least 3 credit hours per term
   4.  Less-than-half-time students must successfully complete at least 2 credit hours per term (or 1 credit hour if enrolled for just 1 credit hour)
2. Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement (See Additional Notes for standards regarding zero term GPA progress.)
   1. All students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative (overall) 2.0 GPA based on the number of credit hours completed (some programs or scholarship standards may be higher).
   2. Grades adding any point value (or indicating successful completion) to the cumulative GPA include: A, B, C, D and P. Grades adding no point value to the cumulative GPA include: F and I. Grades not considered in the Cumulative GPA include: J, L, M, N, O, T and W.
3. Pace – is the measurement of the progression of a student through educational programs at Indian Hills as well as transfer credits accepted toward their declared major (please see Transfer Credit Policy  in the IHCC Catalog). The calculation of Pace must be at least 67% (to achieve the 150% limit described in Maximum time limit below).
   1. Cumulative number of credit hours completed divided by the cumulative number of credit hours attempted = Pace
4. Maximum time limit to complete program of study (See Additional Notes for information regarding program changes.)
   1. Per federal regulations, students must complete their educational program in a reasonable length of time, which is defined as no more than 150% of the credit hours required for graduation, regardless of major changes.
   2. Hours attempted are the sum of all credit hours recorded at IHCC, for which tuition was charged (census date enrollment) whether or not financial aid was received as well as all transfer hours accepted for credit towards the applicable program of study, all developmental education credits, all ESL credits and all courses passed by examination.
   3. All repeats, withdrawals, failures, incompletes and academic renewals/requitals will be included in the sum of all term-equivalent, credit hours attempted.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

1. Warning Status followed by Ineligibility (No Aid) Status - Any student failing to maintain the above requirements will be placed on Satisfactory Academic Warning for the next enrolled term. A Warning status may not prevent the student from receiving financial aid. The Warning period is meant to inform the student of potential academic problems and provide time for corrective action and intervention. If a student does not meet the satisfactory academic progress standards after the Warning period, Ineligibility status will be imposed. Ineligibility status will prevent the student from receiving any Title IV or state financial assistance for future enrollment until such time as the student meets all satisfactory academic progress standards.
   1. Students are encouraged to utilize the services at IHCC’s SUCCESS Center for tutoring, testing and other assistance designed to greatly increase their ability to persist with their educational goals.
   2. Academic advisors are also available to review IHCC educational opportunities for individual student needs and assist students in the development of an appropriate Academic Plan.
2. Attempted/Completed Credit Hours – Only grades of A, B, C, D and P are counted as meeting the required successful completion of credit hours attempted. Courses passed by examination (T), courses transferred in (L), courses audited (N) and high school articulation credits (M) do not satisfy the successful completion Pace requirements. Failed courses (F), withdrawn courses (W), incomplete grades (I, J) and academic renewals/requitals (O) do not indicate successful completion of credit hours and may negatively impact Satisfactory Academic Progress.
3. Zero Academic Progress in Any Term of Enrollment – In addition to the cumulative standards as addressed above (GPA and percentage completed), a student will be placed on immediate financial aid ineligibility (no financial assistance eligibility) if any term results in zero academic progress. Zero academic progress could result from total withdrawal, total failure of all enrolled courses or a combination of both. Eligibility must be reinstated before further financial aid will be available. (Refer to Appeal and Reinstatement policies shown below.)
4. Cumulative Zero Academic Progress – Students with zero cumulative academic progress may be required to prove ability-to-benefit before an appeal will be considered. The IHCC Testing Center administers the ACCUPLACER Test that may be used to indicate whether the student has the ability to benefit from additional, regular college coursework or whether remediation is recommended. An appeal may be considered in which an Academic Plan may be required to assist the student toward college readiness.
5. Appeal – If there were extraordinary circumstances contributing to the lack of academic progress, the student may appeal their Ineligibility status by submitting an appeal letter and any other requested documentation to the Financial Assistance office for review. Some circumstances, such as medical problems, illness or death in the family, relocation or employment changes, can be considered as extraordinary for an appeal.
   1. The appeal must contain information regarding WHY the student failed to make satisfactory progress; and WHAT HAS CHANGED in the student’s situation that will allow them to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation (student’s next enrollment period).
   2. Some appeal letters may not be considered until the subsequent term’s mid-term grades are evaluated and deemed successful.
   3. The appeal may require an approved Academic Plan each student can obtain with the assistance of the Academic Advising Office on a case-by-case basis. The Academic Plan will be required if SAP is not feasible at the next measurement period (student’s next period of enrollment).
   4. Failure to adhere to the Academic Plan will result in ineligibility until such time the student regains SAP without the assistance of federal and state funds.
   5. The student will be notified in writing of the decision of the Appeal Committee. Ineligibility for financial assistance does not preclude the student from enrolling in subsequent terms and paying out of pocket. 
   6. The student is responsible for charges on their account if the appeal determination is negative and the ineligibility status remains in effect.

6. Reinstatement – Students will have their financial aid reinstated by the Financial Assistance office once all satisfactory academic progress standards are met, providing all other eligibility requirements remain the same. These SAP standards may be met at the student’s own expense or through the appeal process.
7. Repeated Courses – Students are allowed to repeat courses at IHCC, but only the highest grade will be counted in the cumulative GPA (appropriate paperwork must be filed with the Registrar’s Office); however, all credits will be included in the total attempted credit hours for measurement of the 150% maximum time limitation on Title IV aid. Please note that there are limits on the number of times a course may be repeated and financial aid received to pay for that course.
8. Remedial Courses – A student may receive Federal Title IV aid for up to one academic year’s worth of remedial coursework. For IHCC, one academic year is 24 credit hours in 36 weeks (3 terms), so a total of 24 credit hours will be considered towards federal assistance enrollment eligibility. However, eligibility will be monitored to determine the 150% point, which includes remedial courses and may be monitored on a case-by-case basis (for effects of remedial courses) to establish progression towards graduation.
9. Transfer Students – After evaluation of a transfer student’s loan records on the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), IHCC may request official transfer transcripts before a student’s SAP eligibility can be determined. Only credit hours completed at IHCC will be used in calculating the cumulative GPA requirement. The sum of all transfer credits accepted toward their program of study, as well as IHCC credits will be included in total hours completed for the measurement of the 150% maximum time limitation on Title IV aid. (See Attempted/Completed Credit Hours above.)
10. Withdrawal and Re-Enrollment at IHCC – A student who withdraws from IHCC and re-enrolls at a later date will re-enter with the same financial aid status in effect at the end of the term for which they withdrew.
11. Program Changes – Students are allowed to make program changes within the scope of financial aid eligibility; however, if they are on academic warning/ineligibility, that status remains in effect. Program changes will be considered in the appeal process. All IHCC credits already completed will be counted towards the measurement of the 150% maximum time limitation on Title IV aid.
12. Consortium Agreements – SAP will be monitored by the institution administering the student’s Title IV aid.
13. Completion of All Required Coursework – Once a student has satisfied all the required coursework for their program of study, eligibility for financial aid ends, whether or not the student has received the actual degree or certificate.

The Federal Higher Education Funding authorization requires a return of Title IV funds (Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Direct and PLUS Loans) to the federal government if a student withdraws completely on or before the 60 percent (60%) mark of the term.

Students please be advised that if you withdraw or drop from classes it will affect your eligibility for financial aid grants and loans. The student will be required to return/repay the dollar amount calculated as unearned aid. (see Return of Title IV Funds)

Completion of proper withdrawal papers and procedures ensures the student will not receive failing grades for all coursework during the term of withdrawal. Please refer to the section marked Schedule Changes/Withdrawal   for specific information. 

Agencies and organizations sponsoring the payment of student tuition will be subject to the tuition refund policy.

Federal Programs

For additional information on federal grants, scholarships and loans, please visit our website at www.indianhills.edu/finaid.

Federal Pell Grant

The Pell Grant Program provides gift funds to eligible students who have not yet earned their first bachelor’s degree. To be eligible for a Pell Grant, a student must be admitted to the college and be in good standing in a program leading to a certificate or degree. You may only receive a total lifetime eligibility of 600% (one full-time term at IHCC equals 33.33% of a grant).

To apply for a Pell Grant, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must include the Indian Hills Community College code number (008298) on the FAFSA. Students will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Federal Processors.

The Pell Grant award ranges from $657 to $6195 per academic year. The award amount for any student is determined by information on the FAFSA application. (Awards dependent on Federal authorization.)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program provides gift funds to eligible students with exceptional need. To be eligible for FSEOG, students must be admitted to the college and be enrolled in a program leading to a certificate or degree. The maximum FSEOG at IHCC is $300 per academic year. To apply for this program, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This grant is not available for the Summer term.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Subsidized and Unsubsidized)

The Federal Direct Loan program provides funds that must be repaid through the U.S. Department of Education. Eligible students must be admitted to the college and be enrolled at least half-time in a program leading to a diploma or degree.

Federal interest subsidies are available to qualifying students. To apply for the Direct Loan, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The student must also “accept” any loan eligibility online via their WebAdvisor. For first-time student loan borrowers, there are two additional online steps that must be completed: Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling. These are both available at www.studentloans.gov.

FSA Ombudsman: If you have made a resonable effort to resolve a problem or dispute with your student loan through normal processes and it is not resolved, you can contact the Ombusdman Office. This free service is offered by the U.S. Department of Education. To contact the FSA Ombudsman: Phone  (877) 557-2575, Fax (606) -396-4821, Mail FSA Ombudsman Group, PO Box 1843 Monticello, KY 42633.

Federal PLUS Loan

The PLUS loan program provides funds, which must be repaid, through the U.S. Department of Education to parents of dependent undergraduate students. Students must be admitted to the college and be enrolled at least half-time in a program leading to a diploma or degree.

The college determines the amount parents of dependent students may borrow, according to federal regulations, up to the cost of attendance for the academic year. To apply for a PLUS loan, regulations require students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and the parent-borrower must complete a PLUS application online at www.studentloans.gov or fill out a paper application, which is available in the Financial Assistance Office. The parent-borrower must also complete a Master Promissory Note at www.studentloans.gov.

State Programs

For additional information on specific State of Iowa Grants and Scholarships, please visit www.iowacollegeaid.gov.

State of Iowa Grants and Scholarships

To receive consideration for any of the state programs, Iowa residents must first complete and submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and then complete their State of Iowa application at www.iowacollegeaid.gov. For priority consideration, students should complete the applications no later than March 1.

IHCC Programs

Indian Hills Community College Foundation Scholarship Program

IHCC Foundation Scholarships are awarded by the Indian Hills Community College Foundation to eligible students based upon academic performance and other demonstrated qualities and needs of the students. Several hundred scholarships, ranging from $600 to full tuition, are awarded each year.

To apply for IHCC Foundation scholarships, students must complete a Foundation Scholarship Application available online at www.indianhills.edu/payingforcollege/scholarships and click on “Apply Now”.

Payment of Tuition and Fees

Payment dates for tuition and fee payments can be made online in WebAdvisor. These payment dates may be found in in the calendar on the Indian Hills website.

There are three options available for the payment of tuition and fees:

1. Online by ACH, Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Login to WebAdvisor, click “Students”, under Financial Information, click “Studednt Account Suite”, then click “Payments” in the toolbar.
2. At the Bennett Student Services Center - OneStop 7:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. - via cash, check, cashier’s check, money order or Visa, MasterCard or Discover.
3. By mail to:

Indian Hills Community College
Business Office - Student Accounts
525 Grandview Ave.
Ottumwa, IA 52501

OR

Indian Hills Community College
Business Office - Student Accounts
721 N. 1st St.
Centerville, IA 52544

Indian Hills Community College Payment Plan

This payment plan assists students in the payment of tuition, fees and/or books on a short-term basis.  You must be enrolled in a current term and sign-up for the payment plan before the tuition and fee due date to avoid late fees.  To sign-up, login to WebAdvisor and click “Students”, under Financial Information, click “Student Account Suite”, then click “Payment Plans” in the toolbar.  

The payment plan provides three equal installments to be paid each term. Due dates will be specified on registration materials and must be met to avoid late payment charges. Payment in full must be made before the student will be allowed to enroll in a future term.

Note: Indian Hills Community College participates in the State of Iowa Offset Program established by Section 8A.504 of the Code of Iowa. The Offset Program is a method used by the State of Iowa to Collect money owed to the State and other Iowa governmental agencies by matching records of past due claims to out-going tax refunds, vendor payments, Iowa Treasure Hunt payments and Iowa Lottery winnings. Please be aware your account my be subject to the Offset Program processing if not paid in full.

Additional Student Resources

Indian Hills Community College offers many financial aid options to pay for college. All students, including military/veteran students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Links to the FAFSA can be found under Paying for College or Veteran Checklist on the college website. Application deadlines can be found on the main page of the FAFSA application. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA several weeks prior to the start of a term so a financial aid package can be provided and the student be made aware of the financial aid options that would be available to them. Students can locate the college Cohort Default Rates (CDR) at the National Center for Education Statistics. 

Additional sources of financial assistance are available to students depending upon individual needs. Some programs may provide allowances for tuition, fees, books, child care and/or transportation expenses. Contact the following agencies in the area in which you reside. Local telephone numbers have been provided for Ottumwa area residents.

1. Vocational Rehabilitation Services
   (641) 682-7569 or (641) 683-5276
2. Veterans Administration
   (888) 442-4551 or (641) 683-5328
3. IowaWORKS - Southern Iowa
   (641) 684-5401

Financial Assistance Office

OneStop Service Center
Bennett Student Service Center
Indian Hills Community College
623 Indian Hills Drive
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 683-5262 or (800) 726-2585, ext 5262
[email protected]

Office Hours: 7:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Monday through Thursday 

Veterans

Indian Hills Community College degree programs are approved by the Iowa Department of Education for education benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Information concerning eligibility and application for these benefits may be obtained from the VA Regional Office in St. Louis, Mo., on the internet at www.gibill.va.gov or the Veterans Affairs Office at IHCC. Veterans or eligible dependents planning to enroll at IHCC should contact the Veterans Affairs Office at least six weeks prior to their anticipated enrollment date to establish eligibility and to avoid delays in payments by the VA. Veterans Affairs is located in the Admissions Office at the Bennett Student Services Center on IHCC’s Ottumwa campus. Contact may also be made by telephone at (641) 683-5328 or (800) 726-2585, ext. 5328, or by emailing [email protected].

IHCC is a member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium. SOC Consortium members subscribe to principles and criteria ensuring that quality academic programs are available to military students, their family members, civilian employees of the Department of Defense and Coast Guard, as well as veterans. A list of current SOC Consortium member institutions can be found at www.soc.aascu.org.

Indian Hills Community College has many military/veteran students that utilize some form of military benefits to pay for their college expenses. IHCC refrains from providing any commission, bonus and/or other incentive payments based directly or indirectly on recruitment of military/veteran students. Any form of these payments are not allowed in securing enrollments or federal financial aid (including Tuition Assistance (TA) funds) to any persons, contractors, or entities engaged in the recruitment of students. This includes using admission activities or person making decisions regarding the awarding of any financial aid assistance.

Indian Hills Community College will refrain from using high-pressure recruitment tactics to secure enrollments of military/veteran students. Tactics, such as making multiple unsolicited contacts (not to exceed 3 or more), via phone, e-mail or in-person contact. IHCC will avoid engaging in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing a military/veteran student.

Academic Policy for Veteran Students

Academic Standing

To utilize educational benefits from the Veterans Administration, students must meet “pursuit of education and academic standards” established by the VA and college policy. A student is expected to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 each term. After each term, students will have their GPA reviewed to determine if this standard is met.

Academic Warning

Students who complete a term with a cumulative GPA below 2.0 will receive a notice that they have been placed on warning for the following term for which they register; they will also be informed of the support services that are available, and are encouraged to utilize those services. Students will receive a second notice if they are, again, below a 2.0 for the following term. Academic notices do not result in any additional restrictions or loss of benefits; however, they are intended to inform students of their current academic standing so that necessary action can be taken to correct it. If a students does not meet the cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher after the second notice, they will be placed on academic probation.

Academic Probation

Students who finish the term with a cumulative GPA below the 2.0 standard, after being put on warning status, will be placed on academic probation. Students placed on academic probation will be required to write an appeal letter, outlining what has prevented them from maintaining a 2.0 GPA and the actions they will take to raise their GPA to the required 2.0. Students may remain on academic probation for a maximum of two terms, during which time they cannot fail or withdraw from any of their courses. Students who do not bring their cumulative GPA above a 2.0 during the academic probation period will be subject to academic suspension.

Academic Suspension

Once placed on academic suspension, the student will be dismissed from the current program at Indian Hills Community College. The VA will be notified of the academic suspension, and the student will lose all VA educational benefits; it is the student’s responsibility to work with the VA to have their benefits reinstated. The student will be required to sit out one term, at which time IHCC will determine if the student will be allowed to return to any other programs from which they were not suspended.

Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is one form of military benefit that military/veteran students can use to help pay for college. If an eligible service member decides to use TA, the student will need to receive approval from an Educational Service Officer (ESO) or counselor within the Military Service prior to enrolling in classes. Students will need to provide an authorization form to the college to show approval has been granted for the term the student is enrolled. Students will need to refer to deadline requirements when submitting their form to the college.

Return of Military Tuition Assistance Funds

Military Tuition Assistance (TA) Return of Funds Policy

Military tuition assistance (TA) is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws (officially or unofficially) on or before 60 percent of the course(s) meeting period has been completed, Indian Hills Community College will comply with the Department of Defense policy to return unearned TA funds on a proportional basis through the 60 percent portion of the period for which the TA funds were provided. After a student completes 60 percent of the term, all TA funds are considered fully earned. 

If a service member stops attending due to a military service obligation (deployed or temporary duty), the college will work with the affected service member to identify solutions that will avoid student debt for the returned portion of TA funds. 

Institution’s Policy for Returning Unearned TA Funds

The return of unearned military TA funds will follow the same guidelines as the Department of Education Title IV funding http://www.indianhills.edu/payingforcollege/finaid.php category: Withdrawing/Failing and its Impact on Financial Aid.

If student drops the course during established drop period for the term, 100% TA funds are returned.  If student goes past the drop date, there will be a return of unearned funds until the student has 60% of the course completed.  The calculation is completed for each course individually.  Once the completion (earned) percentage is calculated, the college will multiply the percentage by the amount of TA funds awarded to determine the amount of TA funds earned. The unearned TA funds will be returned to the government, not to the service member, within 45 days of the determination of withdrawal.

Example:  Summer term 2019 has 80 days with a start date of 05/28/19 and an end date of 08/15/19.  Student withdrawals from a course and the college calculates student completed 17 days of the 80 days based on the last date of attendance.  College uses the following calculation 17/80 = 21.25% to determine completion percentage and concludes student did not meet the 60% requirement.  College received $528 in TA funds for this course.  College calculates earned amount 21.25% * $528 = $112.  Unearned TA fund amount is $528-$112 = $416 which the college will return.

Tuition Credit for Students Called to Active Military Duty

Indian Hills Community College is supportive of a student who is a member, or the spouse of a member if the member has a dependent child, of the Iowa National Guard or reserve forces of the United States and who is ordered to National Guard duty or federal active duty. Upon verification of orders requiring active duty, you may select from several tuition credit options. Additional information regarding tuition credit may be obtained by contacting the Registrar’s office (www.indianhills.edu/Registrar)

Options available to qualified students: Upon meeting with the Registrar to verify orders, the college will work with you to determine the best plan for your circumstances. The college has three options to review and consider with you.  

1. Withdraw from the student’s entire registration and receive a full refund of tuition and mandatory fees.
2. Make arrangements with the student’s instructors for course grades, or for incompletes that shall be completed by the student at a later date. If such arrangements are made, the student’s registration shall remain intact and tuition and mandatory fees shall be assessed for the courses in full.
3. Make arrangements with only some of the student’s instructors for grades, or for incompletes that shall be completed by the student at a later date. If such arrangements are made, the registration for those courses shall remain intact and tuition and mandatory fees shall be assessed for those courses. Any course for which arrangements cannot be made for grades or incompletes shall be considered dropped and the tuition and mandatory fees for the course refunded.

These rules are in compliance with Iowa Code 261.9(1)(g)

Late Fee Policy

Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018

Section 103 of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 is for recipients of Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 of the G.I. Bill.  Section 103 establishes Indian Hills Community College will not impose any penalty including: 1) the assessment of late fees; 2) the denial of access to classes; 3) libraries or other institutional facilities and/or 4) the requirements that a Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 recipient borrow additional funds to cover the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of payment by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  This would only apply if the payments have not been received within 90 days of the beginning of the term or have an approved waiver for this requirement. 

The restriction on penalties would not apply in cases where the student owes additional payment to the school beyond the amount of the tuition and fee payment from VA to the school. VA would have to make payments to schools no later than 60 days after receiving the tuition and fee certification from the school, and they would have to report semiannually to Congress any cases in which VA fails to make such payments within 60 days of certification.  Indian Hills Community College would be allowed to require students to provide documentation to ensure that they are entitled to GI Bill benefits.

Division of Rehabilitation Services

The Rehabilitation, Education and Services Branch office is located at the campus in Ottumwa. Those who qualify for Rehabilitation Services can receive counseling and financial assistance to help them achieve an occupational objective through programs offered at Indian Hills.

Academic/Career Advising

Academic/career advisors are available to assist students in the development of a meaningful education plan consistent with their life goals.

IHCC recognizes the importance of a joint effort between the advisor and student to plan their academic path, select courses needed and complete their educational goals. The academic/career advisors will also facilitate a seamless transfer for those students wishing to continue their learning at another educational institution.

Orientation

Accepted students are required to complete online orientation and a mandatory advising session before enrolling in their first term at Indian Hills.  The online orientation module is designed as a go-to source of information for students entering the college.  We believe that the information provided in the online orientation module will prepare you to be successful as you begin your journey at Indian Hills. 

Please complete the following steps to begin the orientation and advising process:

Step 1: Change Your Password in WebAdvisor

Log In to WebAdvisor and change your password.

If you need help changing your password in WebAdvisor, read these instructions or watch this demo.

Step 2: Complete your New Student Orientation in MyHills

• Open the “MyHills Login” page.
• Type your “Username” and new “Password” in the provided fields.
• Click “Login.”
• Select your New Student Orientation from the “My Courses” module.
• Complete your New Student Orientation.

Step 3: Begin Course Registration Process

• Follow the instructions in the Final Step of your New Student Orientation to begin the course registration process. This step will instruct you to schedule an Academic Advising Appointment, register for an Academic Program Session, or email your Academic Program Contact.

If you have questions about your advising appointment, please contact our OneStop Office at 641-683-5262 or [email protected] and we will be happy to assist you!  If you will be taking classes on the Centerville campus, you may also call 641-856-2143 for assistance with your appointment.

Placement

Placement services are available in most departments to assist students, graduates and alumni in obtaining employment. Contacts with business, industry, education and government are maintained to help the student find employment. Interviews by employers may be conducted at the college. Every reasonable effort is made to assist the student in finding satisfactory job opportunities.

Housing and Residence Halls

Indian Hills Community College provides housing for students with five residence halls located on the Ottumwa Campus and two on the Centerville Campus. Each residence hall is supervised by resident assistants and a residence hall supervisor. IHCC’s facilities provide rooms for approximately 670 students in a variety of room styles ranging from single occupancy to traditional doubles and apartment-style housing. Wireless internet access is available in all residential rooms, as well as central air, cable, and telephone service on the floor. All residence halls are located within short walking distances from student classrooms, the library, and all campus offices.

Ottumwa Campus

On campus housing is available year-round. Residence hall stays are available during official college breaks for an additional charge. Arrangements must be made in advance with the Student Development Department.

Meal plans are required with each residence hall contract, and are based on a meals per week system. Several options are available on the Ottumwa campus.

To apply for housing, students must complete and submit a Housing Application, and pay a $325 deposit ($300 deposit/$25 non-refunadable application fee) through their student WebAdvisor account.

For more information, contact the Student Development Department in Trustee Hall on the Ottumwa Main Campus at (641) 683-5304 or (800) 726-2585, ext. 5304, or visit the college’s website.

Centerville Campus

Centerville Campus offers both double occupancy and apartment-style options. Residential housing is available Fall through Spring Term. Residence hall stays are available during official college breaks for an additional charge.

Meal plans are required with each residence hall contract, and are based on a meals per week system. Several options are availabe on the Centerville Campus. 

To apply for housing, students must complete and submit a Housing Application, and pay a $325 deposit ($300 deposit/$25 non-refunadable application fee) through their student WebAdvisor account.

For more information, contact the Student Development Department in Trustee Hall (Ottumwa Main Campus), at (641) 683-5304 or (800) 726-2585, ext. 5304, or visit the college’s website.   

Student Identification Card

Student identification cards are required of all Indian Hills Community College students. They are used for admission to all athletic events (with the exclusion of post-season tournaments), social events sponsored by Student Senate and community events offering free student admission. Identification cards serve as a student’s library card, a meal card in the college’s dining facilities, for use of the Hellyer Student Life Center and the Tom Arnold Net Center on the Ottumwa campus, for use with Student Development Department on the Ottumwa Campus, and in the Success Center labs, as well as for identification purposes with campus staff and local businesses. Student ID cards must be produced when seeking services in all departments within the college. Students are required to carry their Student ID on their person at all times while on campus. Student’s should not give their ID to any other persons nor should a student possess another student’s ID. 

Student identification cards are available in the IHCC Library (Ottumwa and Centerville) and the Bennett Student Services Building and are issued at no cost to a student at their initial registration. Students must present a photo ID in order to be issued an IHCC identification card. Replacement cards will be issued at a cost of $10.00 to the student, which needs to be purchased at the Library.

Safe and Healthy Environment

Safety and Security

At Indian Hills Community College, having a safe campus is a cooperative effort of students, staff, faculty, visitors and professionals. Indian Hills’ Safety and Security Department is staffed 24-hours a day, 365 days a year and spearheads the effort to maintain a safe and secure environment. Security works closely with local law enforcement and emergency response agencies to accomplish this mission. The college strives to maintain open, secure campuses that all can enjoy and benefit from. Security personnel assist with problems of any type and can be contacted at (641) 683-5300. People can also call the Ottumwa Police Department at (641) 683-0661 or the Centerville Police Department (641) 437-7100, in the event of an emergency or fire, 911.

Drug and Alcohol Policies

Indian Hills Community College is committed to providing a drug-free environment for all students and staff. In support of this effort, the college holds membership and affiliation with these organizations: Iowa Safety Council, Will Rogers Institute, Presidents Drug and Alcohol Free Colleges and the Department of Educations’ Drug Free Schools and Campuses (The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 – Public Law 101-226).

Indian Hills prohibits the use of illegal drugs on or around its property at all times.  Indian Hills also prohibits the use of alcohol at any time except for those areas licensed under the laws of the State of Iowa. Areas where the use is prohibited include residence halls, student campus activities, classrooms, school parking lots, roadways and leisure activity areas.  Indian Hills Community College reserves the right to search residence hall rooms and cars in any college-owned parking lots using a canine trained to detect illegal substances.

Any violation of this policy will result in prosecution under Iowa law when applicable, as well as disciplinary action by the college deemed appropriate within the policies of conduct prescribed and approved by the Indian Hills Community College Board of Trustees.

This policy addresses alcohol, drugs and other intoxicants. The purpose of this policy is to clarify the rules regarding possession, consumption and distribution of intoxicants within college-owned or operated buildings, property and grounds. The policy applies to all college employees, students and visitors. This policy supplements Iowa Administrative Code Section 681-13.17(2). In all instances, this policy will be construed to comply with federal and state law. 

Indian Hills Community College acknowledges its legal obligation to conduct a biennial review of compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and authorized an administrative review to be conducted to determine if the college fulfills the requirements of the previously mentioned Federal regulations. The Vice President, Student Development and Operations, along with the Institutional Research Office and the Student Development Office, is responsible for conducting the review and reporting on the findings. The purpose of this report is to comply as best as possible, using data collected over the past two years, and to give evidence of the procedures in place for subsequent biennial reports.  A copy of the Biennial Review can be found on our website. 

Communicable Disease Responsibility

Indian Hills Community College believes students or employees with communicable diseases should be allowed to attend to their regularly assigned duties as long as they are physically able to perform the tasks assigned them and as long as their attendance does not create a substantial risk of transmission of the illness to students or employees in the college. The college will make every effort, in light of the individual’s circumstances, to provide the least restrictive environment for continued attendance. A complete policy is available upon request.

Education and Awareness 

Indian Hills provides quality educational programs for its students and staff on the subjects of drugs, alcohol, and sexual violence. Guest lectures, video presentations, and seminars are held to provide information to our college community about such areas as peer pressure resistance, health concerns, rehabilitation, and awareness.

When applicable, instructors provide educational information concerning drugs and alcohol within the academic environment. These areas may include: health, physical education, human service, and the behavioral science offerings.  Indian Hills Community College recognizes that use of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse may lead to severe health risks.

Campus Sexual Violence Elimination (SaVE) Act and Women Against Violence Act (VAWA)

The Campus SaVE Act is an update to the Clery Act, expanding the scope of this legislation in terms of reporting, response, and prevention education requirements. In 2013, President Obama signed a bill that strengthened and reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Included in the bill was the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (Campus SaVE), which amends the Jeanne Clery Act and affords additional rights to campus victims of sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. This bill requires colleges to adopt certain institutional policies to address and prevent campus sexual violence, such as training students on awareness topics relating to sexual misconduct, including domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. 

Indian Hills cares about student safety, therefore, all students are provided the opportunity to complete an online educational course which discusses sexual violence, bystander intervention and Title IX.  This content has been added to the mandatory online orientation beginning in April 2018.

Emergency Notification System - Indian Hills Alert

Indian Hills Alert is the emergency notification system of Indian Hills Community College. Indian Hills Alert allows the college to communicate timely emergency information quickly to students, faculty, staff and interested members of the community.  To sign up to receive alerts, click here and create an account to receive information via phone, email, and/or text message about college–related emergencies, college closings or delayed openings due to inclement weather, or other urgent campus communications.  Indian Hills Alert will only be used to send you messages related to college emergencies or safety issues, never to send you advertisements.

AlertUs

Truly effective mass notification must reach users in more than one way. In addition to IHCC Alert, AlertUs Desktop gets the attention of computer users immediately.  When an emergency occurs, IHCC will activate a warning, AlertUs Desktop will pop up a full-screen alert on all PCs owned by Indian Hills Community College, taking over the whole screen with a warning that’s impossible to miss.

Clery Act

Indian Hills Community College is required by law in Section 485 of the Higher Education Act (also known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Act) to submit crime and fire statistics to the Department of Education and compile an annual security and fire safety report for distribution to current students and staff. 

The 2021 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASR) for Indian Hills Community College includes statistics for both the Ottumwa campus and the Centerville campus for 2018, 2019 and 2020 concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Indian Hills Community College; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. 

The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, reporting crimes on campus, confidential reporting, sexual assault, drug and alcohol policies, missing students, fire safety information, and other safety matters.  You can obtain a paper copy of this report by contacting the Student Development Department on the Ottumwa campus, Safety and Security Department, or by accessing report on the following web site: www.indianhills.edu/security

In addition, Indian Hills Security maintains a public log of all crimes reported.  This crime log is available for inspection through the Safety and Security Department on the Ottumwa Campus during normal business hours.  

Questions about this report should be directed to the Director, Safety and Security 641-680-9980.

Tobacco-Free Environment

Indian Hills is committed to providing a tobacco-free environment for our staff, students, constituents and visitors to our campuses. Tobacco use, including the use of electronic cigarettes and vaporizers, is prohibited on college property including in its buildings, college-owned vehicles, outdoor areas or any vehicle located on college grounds. This policy is consistent with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Fines are issued by IHCC Security and Student Development Staff for non-compliance: 1st offense is a warning, any additional offenses would be eligible for further fines. 

Photographic/Videotape Productions

IHCC maintains the right to photograph and/or videotape students and staff for promotional and instructional purposes. Persons with questions can contact the Director of Marketing, (641) 683-5302.

Counseling and Prevention Resource Center

Mental health services are available through the Counseling and Prevention Resource Center (CPRC), which is located on the first floor of Trustee Hall on the Main Campus. Sessions are scheduled by appointment only. Students can make appointments online by visiting the CPRC website.  Students can also call 641-683-5152 or email [email protected].

Students can access health and wellness services at:

Easy Care Walk-In Clinic
2453 N. Court St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
641-684-3200
Easy Care Website 

MercyOne
1 St. Joseph’s Drive,
Centerville, IA 52544
641-437-4111
MercyOne Website

Student Activities

In keeping with the philosophy of the college, co-curricular activities are designed to provide an environment conducive to student growth. Planned programs provide for experiences that lend enrichment to career-oriented activities and assist in the development of social skills and social responsibility.

Co-curricular activities, such as athletics, intramurals, entertainment, concerts, student clubs, film series, drama groups and field trips, provide a meaningful complement to academic programs.

Indian Hills is proud of its Performing and Visual Arts program. The mainstays of an impressive calendar of events are the student, faculty and professional art exhibits and music recitals that appear throughout the year. Also highlighting the program are three annual dramatic productions and the IHCC Jazzfest. Aspiring writers are given the opportunity to read their material to public audiences. Many of these events take place in St. John Auditorium, located in the Arts and Sciences Building. The college’s’ uniquely designed Art Gallery is located within the Learning Resources Center on the Ottumwa campus.

Indian Hills offers men and women an opportunity to participate in intercollegiate competition in baseball, men’s basketball, co-ed competitive cheer, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, co-ed sports shooting, men’s and women’s track and field, men’s and women’s wrestling and volleyball. In past years, IHCC has received state and national recognition in these sports. Many athletes from IHCC programs have continued athletic participation at four-year colleges and universities after completing their eligibility at Indian Hills. The college maintains membership in the National Junior College Athletic Association and competes as a member of the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference.

Intramural sports are planned around student interests to provide maximum opportunity for participation.

The Hellyer Student Life Center and Tom Arnold Net Center on the Ottumwa Campus and the Multi-Purpose Building on the Centerville Campus provide optimum opportunities for the college to offer a variety of activities that contribute to the physical, social, and educational growth of the student.

Access to Activities

Indian Hills Community College provides activities that contribute to the growth and enjoyment of all students.  To ensure that all students have access, it is the policy of Indian Hills Community College not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age (employment), sexual orientation, political party affiliation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential parental, family, or marital status in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code §§216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C §§ 1681 – 1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.). Read the full policy here.

Student Government 

The Student Senate organizes and coordinates the many student activities at Indian Hills on both the Ottumwa and Centerville campuses. The Director of Student Life serves as the staff advisor. 

The Student Senate functions as the executive body for students. It holds general meetings once a month to discuss campus concerns and to plan activities.

Student Senate membership is open to all students. Officers are elected by students, ensuring that the best interests of the student body and Indian Hills Community College are served.

Student Clubs and Organizations

The following student clubs and organizations have been recognized by the IHCC Student Senate:

• Active Minds Club
• Aero Club
• Ag Club (Centerville Campus)
• Allies for Equality
• Art Club
• CLS (Clinical Lab Sciences) Club
• Computer Networking Club
• Computer Programming Club (Code Warriors)
• Criminal Justice Club
• Culinary Arts Club
• Dental Defenders Club
• Diesel Power Systems Club
• Drama Club
• Education Club
• EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Club
• E-Tech (Electronic Engineering Tech) Club
• Horticulture Club (Centerville Campus)
• HOSA (Future Health Professionals) Club
• Indian Hills Action Shooting Club
• Interactive Media Club
• International Student Organization
• Laser Optics Club
• Latino Club
• New Life Campus Fellowship
• OTA (Occupational Therapy Assistant) Club
• Phi Theta Kappa
• PTA (Physical Therapist Assistant) Club
• Renewable Energy Club
• Science Club (Centerville Campus)
• Scrub Club (Nursing) 
• Skeleton Crew Club (Radiologic Technology)
• Smile Squad (Dental Assisting)
• Student Senate
• Warrior Zone (IHCC Spirit Club)

Student Code of Conduct

Indian Hills Community College is an academic community built on the principles of mutual respect, integrity, and honesty. The college strives to provide a community wherein individuals have the right to express their opinions and ideas, to assemble peacefully, and to associate freely in a manner that does not interfere with the rights of others and is in the confines of intellectual honesty. In order to thrive as an educational institution, the college has adopted this Student Code of Conduct to promote and preserve its educational mission for the benefit of all who are invited to be a part of the community.

Non-Discrimination Policy: It is the policy of Indian Hills Community College not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, political party affliliation, age (employment), sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential parental, family, or marital status in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code §§216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C §§ 1681 – 1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.).

If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Human Resources/Equity Coordinator (staff), 525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501, (641) 683-5282, [email protected]; Associate Dean, Student Development (students), (641) 683-5155, [email protected]; Executive Dean, Centerville Campus & Learning Services (students with disabilities), (641) 683-5174, [email protected]; U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475. Chicago, IL 60661, phone number (312) 730-1560, fax (312) 730-1576. Read the full policy here.

Purpose

It is in the best interest of the college and all those who are students or who may desire to become students at the college that the disciplinary procedure be defined. This document prescribes procedures to be followed in disciplinary cases in order that cases may be handled in a timely manner while serving the interests of the college community and safeguarding the rights of all students. Administrative responsibility for the establishment and enforcement of policies governing non-academic student conduct and disciplinary action has been delegated by the Indian Hills Community College President to the Associate Dean, Student Development. The Dean has, in turn, delegated considerable authority for the establishment of rules and handling of violations to the Director, Student Life as well as other other bodies as designated in this policy.

Article I: Definitions

1. The term “Respondent” means any student who has been formerly or informerly accused of violating this Student Code of Conduct.
2. The term “business days” means all days except Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and college holidays. When counting days, the day a complaint is received at any point in the procedure shall be considered “day one.”
3. The term “college” means Indian Hills Community College.
4. The term “college premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the college (including adjacent streets and sidewalks).
5. The term “college official” includes any person employed by the college or any person performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities on behalf of the college.
6. The term “Complainant” means any person who submits a charge alleging that a student violated this Student Code of Conduct. When a student believes that they have been a victim of another student’s misconduct, the student who believes they have been a victim will have the same rights under this Student Code of Conduct as are provided to the Complainant, even if another member of the college community submitted the charge itself.
7. The term “faculty member” means any person hired by the college to conduct classroom or teaching activities or who is otherwise considered by the college to be a member of its faculty.
8. The term “staff member” means any person employed by the college who is not a faculty member or student employee.
9. The term “student organization” means any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for college recognition as a club or organization.
10. The term “policy” means the written regulations of the college as found in, but not limited to, the student code of conduct, residence life handbook, academic program handbook(s), college catalog, and college website.
11. The term “student” includes all persons taking courses at Indian Hills Community College, either full-time or part-time, pursuing degree or non-degree programs including customized learning and distance courses. Persons who withdraw after allegedly violating the Student Code of Conduct, who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the college or who have been notified of their acceptance for admission are considered “students,” although not enrolled in this institution.
12. The term “student conduct administrator” means a college official authorized by the Vice President, Student Development & Operations to determine whether a student has violated the student conduct code and to impose sanctions which may include the Director, Student Life  as well as other other bodies as designated by the Dean.
13. The term “sanction board chairperson” means an individual selected by the Dean or designee to facilitate Sanction Board.
14. The term “sanction board” means any person or persons selected by the Sanction Board Chairperson, to serve as participants on the student conduct board, which may review any appeals concerning suspension or expulsion from the college.  

Article II: Student Code of Conduct Authority

1. The Vice President, Student Development & Operations along with the Chairperson of the Sanction Board will determine the composition of Sanction Board.
2. The Vice President, Student Development & Operations will develop policies for the administration of the student conduct system and procedural rules for the administration of Sanction Board Hearings that are not inconsistent with provisions of the Student Code of Conduct.
3. Decisions made by the Sanction Board and/or a Student Conduct Administrator are final, pending the normal appeal process.

Article III: Prohibited Conduct

1. Jurisdiction of the Student Code of Conduct
   The Student Code of Conduct will apply to conduct that occurs on college premises, at college-sponsored activities, and to off-campus conduct, including, but not limited to, activities on college partners’ premises, that adversely affects the college community and/or the pursuit of its objectives. Each student will be responsible for their conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree.  Although conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during periods between terms of actual enrollment (and even if their conduct is not discovered until after a degree is awarded). The Student Code of Conduct applies to a student’s conduct even if the student withdraws from school while a disciplinary matter is pending.
2. Conduct - Rules and Regulations
   Any student found to have committed or to have attempted to commit the following offenses is subject to the full range of disciplinary sanctions outlined in Article IV including warning, probation, suspension, or expulsion:
   1. Acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to the following:
      1. Furnishing false information to any college official, faculty member, or office.
      2. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any college document, record, or instrument of identification.
   2. Violations of non-discrimination policy.
   3. Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, other college activities, including its public service functions on or off campus, or of other authorized non-college activities when the conduct occurs on college premises.
   4. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, bullying, coercion, and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the physical/mental health or safety of any person.
      1. Verbal abuse includes but is not limited to: derogatory remarks directed at another person or use of foul language that is excessive and pervasive on college property or at a college sponsored event.
   5. Telephone (cell, landline or social media apps that use a phone number) or Internet harassment, which shall include:
      1. Making calls containing lewd or obscene remarks.
      2. Making calls intended to harass or harm whether or not conversation ensues.
      3. Making the telephone ring repeatedly with intent to harass or harm.
      4. Making repeated calls in which conversation ensues solely to harass or harm.
      5. Sending text, picture or video messages with intent to harass or harm.
      6. Sending text, picture, video, or audio messages over electronic forums, including, but not limited to, social media websites, instant messenger or chat services, message boards or any other electronic format with intent to harass or harm.
   6. Violation of the Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Policy, which prohibits sexual misconduct in any form and includes any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that is committed without consent, by force, intimidation, coercion, or manipulation.
   7. Attempted or actual theft of and/or damage to property of the college or property of a member of the college community or other personal or public property, on or off campus.
   8. Hazing, defined as an act which, intentionally or recklessly, endangers the physical health or safety of a student, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, any organization operating in connection to the college.
   9. Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any college premises or unauthorized entry to or use of college premises.
   10. Violation of any college policy, rule, or regulation published in hard copy or available electronically on the college website.
   11. Violation of any federal, state or local law.
   12. Manufacturing, selling, distribution, use, or possession of marijuana, heroin, narcotics, or other controlled substances except as expressly permitted by law or possession of a device (drug paraphernalia) used to ingest or inhale an illegal drug or narcotic.  Indian Hills Community College reserves the right to search residence hall rooms and cars in any  college-owned parking lots using a canine trained to detect illegal substances.
   13. Manufacturing, selling, distribution, use, or possession of alcoholic beverages (except as expressly permitted by college regulations), or public intoxication. Alcoholic beverages may not, in any circumstance, be used by, possessed by, or distributed to any person. 
   14. Participating in an on-campus or off-campus demonstration, riot or activity that disrupts the normal operations of the college and/or infringes on the rights of other members of the college community; leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any campus building or area.
   15. Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on college premises or at college sponsored or supervised functions.
   16. Conduct that is disorderly, lewd, or indecent; breach of peace; or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on college premises or at functions sponsored by, or participated in by, the college or members of the college community.
   17. Any unauthorized use of electronic or other devices to make an audio or video record of any person while on college premises without their prior knowledge, or without their effective consent when such a recording is likely to cause injury or distress. This includes, but is not limited to, surreptitiously taking pictures of another person in a gym, locker room, or restroom.
   18. Theft or other abuse of computer facilities and resources, including but not limited to:
       1. Unauthorized entry into a file, to use, read, or change the contents, or for any other purpose.
       2. Unauthorized transfer of a file.
       3. Use of another individual’s identification and/or password.
       4. Use of computing facilities and resources to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member or college official.
       5. Use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene or abusive messages.
       6. Use of computing facilities and resources to interfere with normal operation of the college computing system.
       7. Use of computing facilities and resources in violation of copyright laws.
       8. Any violation of college policies pertaining to use of information technology, including computer use policies.​
   19. Abuse of the Student Code of Conduct, including but not limited to:
       1. Failure to obey the notice from a Student Conduct Administrator or college official to appear for a meeting or hearing as part of the Student Conduct System.
       2. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a Student Conduct Administrator.
       3. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a conduct proceeding.
       4. Establishment of a student conduct code proceeding in bad faith (e.g. filing a false complaint).
       5. Attempt to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the conduct system.
       6. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a victim or other person who files a student conduct complaint or any participant(s) of a conduct proceeding, including but not limited to, their family members, friends, or acquaintances, witnesses, panel members, or advisors, prior to, during, and/or after a student conduct proceeding.
       7. Retaliation against a victim or other person who files a student conduct complaint or any participant(s) of a conduct proceeding, including but not limited to, their family members, friends, or acquaintances, witnesses, Board members, or advisors, prior to, during, and/or after a student conduct proceeding. This includes any form of intimidation, threats, harassment (verbal or physical) or knowingly filing a false complaint.
       8. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Student Code of Conduct.
       9. Influence or attempt to influence another person to commit an abuse of the student conduct code system.
   20. Intentionally sounding a false alarm or tampering with fire safety equipment.
   21. Use or possession on the campus or at or during any college-authorized function or event of firearms, ammunition, or other dangerous weapons, substances, or materials, except as expressly authorized by the College, or of bombs, explosives, or explosive or incendiary devices prohibited by law or any other violation of the college weapons policy.
       1. Weapons include, but are not limited to, any offensive weapon; a firearm of any kind such as a pistol, revolver, or other gun; BB or pellet guns; knives such as daggers, razors, stilettos, switchblade knives or knives with a blade exceeding five inches in length; bows and arrows or crossbows; tasers, or other portable devices that have projectable electric current capabilities that are designed to immobilize a person; explosives or incendiaries such as bombs, grenades, or fireworks; or simulations of any such items (devices that appear to be real such as a realistic toy, replica, paint-ball gun, etc.).
       2. Possession means that the person has actual physical control of the weapon because it is on or in the person’s body, or in an item of personal property belonging to the person (including, but not limited to, a backpack, briefcase, or handbag), or in a locker or other space individually assigned to the person.  “Possession” also means that the person knows, or should know, of the presence of a weapon within a vehicle which the person owns or operates, and that the person has the ability or right, either alone or with any other person, to maintain control of the weapon.
       3. This policy applies to all College campuses, attendance centers, dining facilities, and office buildings, whether owned, leased, or rented by the College, and anywhere that the College provides a service, including all housing owned by the College or that lies within the boundaries of a College campus. This includes personal vehicles located on College property, College vehicles, and College streets and walkways.
       4. Any individual who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or expulsion.
   22. Undue or willful neglect to meet financial obligations to the College when properly notified by the College. Failure to comply with directions of college officials or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so.
   23. Misuse of college identification – Transferring, lending, borrowing, or altering a college identification.
   24. Violation of the Student Code of Conduct while on disciplinary probation, or violation of the terms of one’s probation.​

Article IV: Student Code of Conduct Procedures

1. Charges and Student Conduct Hearings
   1. Any person may file charges against a student for violations of the Student Code of Conduct. A charge should be prepared in writing and directed to the Student Conduct Administrator or designee. Any charge should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place, preferably within 60 days. With respect to any complaint that is 1) by a person who is not a member of the college community, and 2) relating to non-college conduct, the College reserves the right to determine, in its sole discretion, whether the conduct described in the complaint constitutes a sufficient risk to the college community to warrant processing the complaint.
   2. The Student Conduct Administrator or designee may conduct an investigation to determine if the charges have merit. If the Respondent elects to acknowledge their actions and take responsibility for the alleged misconduct, the Student Conduct Administrator or designee will develop a resolution to the complaint and issue a sanction. If the Respondent agrees to the proposed sanction, the complaint is resolved without a hearing and without any further rights of appeal. In regards to a sanction of suspension or expulsion, if the Respondent objects to the sanction, the Respondent may file an appeal as distribed in Artcile IV,D.  All cases will be disposed of through an administrative hearing conducted by the Vice President, Student Development & Operations, or designee. 
   3. Complaints alleging conduct that includes sexual harassment and other forms of sexual misconduct will be handled according to the rules and procedures described in the Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Policy and the applicable sections of this policy.
   4. All charges will be presented to the Respondent in written form. A time will be set for a conduct meeting between the Respondent and the Student Conduct Administrator. If the Respondent does not attend the conduct meeting within 8 business days of being notified of the charge(s), the Student Conduct Administrator has the right to move forward with sanctions. 
   5. Formal rules of process, procedure, and/or technical rules of evidence are applied in criminal or civil court, are not used in Student Code of Conduct proceedings.
   6. The determination of whether or not a violation of the Student Code of Conduct occurred will be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the Respondent violated the Student Code of Conduct. This is more formally referred to as the, “Preponderance of the Evidence Standard.”
   7. During the conduct meeting the Respondent will have an opportunity to respond to the charges and to present evidence or witnesses contesting the charges. The Student Conduct Administrator will determine if a violation occurred and will issue appropriate sanctions.
2. Sanctions
   1. The following sanctions may be imposed upon any student found to have violated the Student Code of Conduct:
      1. Warning – a notice in writing to the student that the student is violating or has violated institutional regulations.
      2. Probation – a written reprimand for violation of specified regulations. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions if the student is found to violate any institutional regulation(s) during the probationary period.
      3. Loss of Privileges – denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time or location.
      4. Fines–previously established and published fines may be imposed.
      5. Restitution – compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.
      6. Discretionary Sanctions – work assignments, essays, service to the college, or other related discretionary assignments.
      7. Deferred Suspension – A serious and final notification that any violation of College policy may result in the immediate suspension of the student from the College for a specified period of time after which the student would be eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified prior to the student being eligible to return.
      8. Suspension – separation of the student from the college for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
      9. Expulsion – permanent separation of the student from the college.
      10. Revocation of Admission and/or Degree – admission to or a degree awarded from the college may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violation of college standards in obtaining the degree, or for other serious violations committed by a student prior to graduation.
      11. Withholding Degree – The College may withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the completion of the process set forth in this Student Conduct Code, including the completion of all sanctions imposed, if any.
      12. Delayed Registration – A student may be required to delay their course registration until a Complainant or any other student(s) involved in a conduct matter has completed course registration. Delayed registration is for a specified number of terms or may be required until the Complainant or other involved student(s) graduate.
   2. More than one of the sanctions listed above may be imposed for any single violation.
   3. Other than college expulsion or revocation or withholding of a degree, disciplinary sanctions will not be made part of the student’s permanent academic record but will become part of the student’s disciplinary record.
   4. In situations involving both a Respondent(s) (or group or organization) and student(s) claiming to be the victim of another student’s conduct, the records of the process and of the sanctions imposed, if any, will be considered to be the education records of both the Respondent(s) and the student(s) claiming to be the victim because the educational career and chances of success in the academic community of each may be impacted.
   5. The following sanctions may be imposed upon groups or organizations:
      1. Those sanctions listed above in article IV(B)(1)(a)–(k).
      2. Loss of selected rights and privileges for a specified period of time.
      3. Deactivation-loss of all privileges, including college recognition, for a specified period of time.
   6. In each case in which a  Student Conduct Administrator determines that a student and/or group or organization has violated the Student Code of Conduct, the sanction(s) will be determined and imposed by the Vice President, Student Development & Operations or Student Conduct Administrator.
3. Interim Suspension
   ​In certain circumstances, the Vice President, Student Development & Operations may impose an interim suspension prior to the disposition of a student conduct hearing.
   1. Interim suspension may be imposed only:
      1. to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the college community or preservation of college property; or
      2. to ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being; or
      3. if the student poses an ongoing threat of disruption of, or interference with, the normal operations of the college.
   2. During the interim suspension, a student will be denied access to the campus (including classes) and/or all other college activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible, as the Vice President, Student Development & Operations may determine to be appropriate.
   3. The interim suspension does not replace the regular process, which will proceed on the normal schedule, up to and through a conduct meeting, or Sanction Board proceeding, if required. However, the student should be notified in writing of this action and the reasons for the suspension. The notice should include the time, date, and place of a subsequent hearing at which the student may show cause why his or her continued presence on the campus does not constitute a threat and at which they may contest whether a campus rule was violated.
4. Appeals
   1. The Respondent(s) may only appeal when the final outcome sanction is suspension or expulsion. The Respondent(s) are required to submit a written appeal to the Vice President, Student Development & Operations by the deadline listed on the outcome letter (five business days from the decision). The Vice President, Student Development & Operations will determine if the decision and/or sanctions imposed will be upheld pending the outcome of the appellate decision. 
   2. Except as required to explain the basis of new information, an appeal will be limited to a review of the verbatim record of the student conduct hearing and supporting documents for one or more of the following purposes:
      1. To determine whether the conduct process was administered fairly in light of the charges and information presented, and in conformity with prescribed procedures. Deviations from designated procedures will not be a basis for sustaining an appeal unless significant prejudice results.
      2. To determine whether the sanction(s) imposed were appropriate for the violation of the Student Code of Conduct which the student was found to have committed.
      3. To consider new information, sufficient to alter a decision or other relevant facts not brought out in the original hearing, because such information and/or
         facts were not known to the person appealing at the time of the original hearing.
   3. The Sanction Board chairperson along with two members of the Sanction Board will oversee the private hearing. The case files are reviewed by the selected Sanction Board members and an evaluation of the Respondent(s) institutional records are completed to eliminate the possibility of bias.
      1. In hearings involving more than one Respondent, the Vice President, Student Development & Operations, in their discretion, may permit the Sanction Board Hearing(s) concerning each student to be conducted either separately or jointly.
   4. The Respondent has the option to be assisted by an advisor they choose, at their own expense. An advisor can be anyone of their choosing with the exception of possible witnesses. The Respondent is responsible for presenting their own information, and therefore, advisors are not permitted to speak or to participate directly in the Sanction Board Hearing. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to select an advisor whose schedule allows attendance at the designated date and time for the Sanction Board Hearing.  Delays will not be allowed due to the scheduling conflicts of an advisor.
   5. The Respondent and their (optional) advisor will be allowed to attend the entire portion of the Sanction Board Hearing at which information is received (excluding deliberations). Admission of any other person to the Sanction Board Hearing will be at the discretion of the Sanction Board chairperson.
   6. The Respondent, Vice President, Student Development & Operations, and the Sanction Board may arrange for witnesses to present pertinent information at the hearing. The College will try to arrange the attendance of possible witnesses who are members of the college community, if reasonably possible, and who are identified by the Respondent at least two business days prior to the Sanction  Board Hearing. Witnesses will provide information to and answer questions from the Sanction Board.
   7. Pertinent records, exhibits, and written statements may be accepted as information for consideration by a Sanction Board at the discretion of the chairperson. All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the chairperson of the Sanction Board.
   8. After the portion of the Sanction Board Hearing concludes in which all pertinent information has been received, the Sanction Board will determine by majority vote whether the Respondent has violated the section(s) of the Student Code of Conduct in which the student is charged. There will be a single verbatim record, such as a tape recording, of all Sanction Board Hearings. Deliberations will not be recorded. 
   9. The Sanction Board may accommodate concerns for the personal safety, well-being, and/or fears of confrontation during the hearing by providing separate facilities, by using a visual screen, and/or by permitting participation by telephone, videophone, closed circuit television, video conferencing, videotape, audio tape, written statement, or other means, where and as determined in the sole judgment of the Vice President, Student Development & Operations to be appropriate.
   10. The Sanction Board may uphold or reverse the decision regarding the violation and/or sanctions imposed. If the decision is reversed, the Sanction Board can propose alternative sanctions. The appeal decision of the Sanction Board is the final decision of the college, and no further appeals are permitted under this policy.
   11. All parties will be informed of whether the grounds for an appeal are accepted and the results of the appeal decision. The Vice President, Student Development & Operations will notify the Respondent of the outcome of the appeal hearing in writing within ten (10) business days of completion of the hearing.

Article V: Composition of Student Conduct Committee

1. The Sanction Board is appointed by the Vice President, Student Development & Operations and is composed of at least three (3) staff members nominated by the Director of Human Resources, at least three (3) faculty members nominated by the Vice President, Learning and Engagement, and at least one (1) faculty/staff chairperson appointed by the Vice President, Student Development & Operations. The Vice President will preside over all meetings of the Sanction Board and is appointed by the Vice President, Student Development & Operations and is composed of a variety of faculty and staff members from across the campus community.

Article VI: Training

1. The Associate Dean, Student Development will conduct annual training with persons involved in the administration of the student conduct system. This includes, but is not limited to, the Sanction Board members and other Student Conduct Administrators. Training will be conducted in a manner that is consistent with provisions of the Student Code of Conduct.

Article VII: Interpretation and Revision

1. Any question of interpretation or application of the Student Code of Conduct will be referred to the Associate Dean, Student Development  for final determination.
2. The Student Code of Conduct will be reviewed annually under the direction of the Associate Dean, Student Development and Director of Safety & Security.

Grievance & Appeals Procedures

Grievance Procedure for Discriminatory Practices

Purpose

The Grievance Procedure for Discriminatory Practice is intended to provide students, applicants for employment, and employees of Indian Hills Community College a process to address a grievance of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age (employment), sexual orientation, political party affiliation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential parental, family, or marital status in its programs, activities, or employment practices. 

Audience

The IHCC Grievance Procedure for Discriminatory Practice applies to students, applicants for employment, and employees of Indian Hills Community College.

Policy

Level 1 – A person with a grievance of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age (employment), sexual orientation, gender identity, political party affiliation, creed, religion, and actual or potential parental, family, or marital status in its programs, activities, or employment practices may first discuss it with their instructor, immediate supervisor, administrator, or the person most directly involved in order to resolve it informally. If a resolution is achieved, the grievant should complete the electronic form on the IHCC website with the appropriate documentation. Should the grievant not be comfortable addressing the grievance with the person(s) directly involved or they are unsatisfied with the result of the Level 1 discussions, they may proceed to Level 2. Informal resolution will only be pursued when both parties voluntarily agree to informal resolution. Any party may request the complaint be handled under the formal complaint process at any time.  In no event will informal resolution be used in cases of sexual assault/abuse.

Level 2 – If the grievance is not resolved at Level 1 and the grievant wishes to pursue it further they may formalize it by completing the electronic form on the IHCC website. Complaints involving students are directed to the Vice President, Student Development & Operations. Complaints involving faculty, staff, and applicants for employment are directed to the Director, Human Resources. Upon receipt of a complaint, an investigator will be assigned to promptly and reasonably investigate the allegations in the complaint. If the investigator is the respondent, a witness, or otherwise has a conflict of interest in a particular case, an alternate investigator will investigate. The investigator will notify the respondent of the complaint that has been filed. The investigator will interview the parties and any witnesses, and collect and review any evidence submitted. IHCC employees and students are expected to fully cooperate in any investigation. Confidentiality will be respected to the extent possible consistent with legal obligations. During the pendency of the investigation, a safety plan may be implemented to provide protective measures as needed.

IHCC will make every reasonable effort to process a complaint to conclusion within 60 days of receipt. However, extenuating circumstances may alter this timeline. The parties will be informed regarding the progress of the investigation throughout the complaint process. A final written decision will be supplied to the grievant and respondent at the conclusion of the investigation.

This procedure in no way denies the right of the grievant to file a formal complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, the Federal Office of Civil Rights, or the Equal Opportunity Commission for mediation or rectification of civil rights grievances, or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination. No person filing a grievance will be subjected to coercion or retaliation for filing a grievance.

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and its implementing regulation at 34 C.F.R. Part 106:
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

Indian Hills Community College is dedicated to providing a learning, living, and working environment that is free from sexual assault and sex discrimination. We are committed to ensuring a safe campus climate for all of our students and the entire College community. We promote fundamental rights, advance individual and institutional integrity, and uphold the vital aims of Title IX.

Pregnant and Parenting Students

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including pregnancy and parental status—in educational programs and activities.

All public and private schools, school districts, colleges, and universities receiving any Federal funds (“schools”) must comply with Title IX.

Here are some things you should know about your rights:

1. Classes and School Activities – your school MUST:
   1. Allow you to continue participating in classes and extracurricular activities even though you are pregnant. This means that you can still participate in advanced placement and honors classes, school clubs, sports, honor societies, student leadership opportunities, and other activities, like after-school programs operated at the school.
      1. Allow you to choose whether you want to participate in special instructional programs or classes for pregnant students. You can participate if you want to, but your school cannot pressure you to do so. The alternative program must provide the same types of academic, extracurricular and enrichment opportunities as your school’s regular program.
   2. Allow you to participate in classes and extracurricular activities even though you are pregnant and not require you to submit a doctor’s note unless your school requires a doctor’s note from all students who have a physical or emotional condition requiring treatment by a doctor. Your school also must not require a doctor’s note from you after you have been hospitalized for childbirth unless it requires a doctor’s note from all students who have been hospitalized for other conditions.
   3. Provide you with reasonable adjustments, like a larger desk, elevator access, or allowing you to make frequent trips to the restroom, when necessary because of your pregnancy.
2. Excused Absences and Medical Leave – your school MUST:
   1. Excuse absences due to pregnancy or childbirth for as long as your doctor says it is necessary.
   2. Allow you to return to the same academic and extracurricular status as before your medical leave began, which should include giving you the opportunity to make up any work missed while you were out.
   3. Ensure that teachers understand the Title IX requirements related to excused absences/medical leave. Your teacher may not refuse to allow you to submit work after a deadline you missed because of pregnancy or childbirth. If your teacher’s grading is based in part on class participation or attendance and you missed class because of pregnancy or childbirth, you should be allowed to make up the participation or attendance credits you didn’t have the chance to earn.
   4. Provide pregnant students with the same special services it provides to students with temporary medical conditions. This includes homebound instruction/at-home tutoring/independent study.
3. Harassment – your school MUST:
   1. Protect you from harassment based on sex, including harassment because of pregnancy or related conditions. Comments that could constitute prohibited harassment include making sexual comments or jokes about your pregnancy, calling you sexually charged names, spreading rumors about your sexual activity, and making sexual propositions or gestures, if the comments are sufficiently serious that it interferes with your ability to benefit from or participate in your school’s program.
4. Helpful Tips for Pregnant and Parenting Students:
   1. Ask your school for help—meet with your school’s Title IX Coordinator or counselor regarding what your school can do to support you in continuing your education. Click here for Title IX contact information.
   2. Keep notes about your pregnancy-related absences, any instances of harassment and your interactions with school officials about your pregnancy, and immediately report problems to your school’s Title IX Coordinator, counselor, or other staff. 
   3. If you feel your school is discriminating against you because you are pregnant or parenting you may file a complaint:
      1. Using your school’s internal Title IX grievance procedures. Click here for more information about the Student Code of Conduct and making a complaint.
   4. Contact OCR if you have any questions. We are here to help make sure all students, including pregnant and parenting students, have equal educational opportunities!

If you want to learn more about your rights, or if you believe that a school district, college, or university is violating Federal law, you may contact the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, at (800) 421-3481 or [email protected]. If you wish to fill out a complaint form online, you may do so at: http://www.ed.gov/ocr/complaintintro.html.

Supporting Transgender Students

Schools are increasingly being called upon to include and support transgender students. Guidance from the Departments of Education and Justice is below.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Title IX staff. 

1. Terminology
   1. The term “gender identity” means an individual’s internal sense of gender; it may be different from or the same as the person’s sex assigned at birth.
   2. The term ”sex assigned at birth” means the sex designation recorded on an infant’s birth certificate.
   3. The term “Transgender” means an individual whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth.
      1. A “transgender male” was assigned as female at birth but identifies as male
      2. A “transgender female” was assigned as male at birth but identifies as female.
   4. The term “gender transition” means the process in which transgender individuals begin asserting the sex that corresponds with their gender identity instead of the sex assigned at birth. Individuals begin to live and identify as the sex consistent with their gender identity and may dress differently, adopt a new name, and/or use pronouns consistent with their gender identity. The gender transition may happen at any stage in their lives and can happen swiftly or over a long period of time.
2. Safe and Nondiscriminatory Environment
   1. If a student is being targeted or harassed based on their gender identity, transgender status, or gender transition, it falls under Title IX and must be handled accordingly.
3. Identification Documents, Names/Pronouns, and Education Records
   1. FERPA requirements apply to a student’s transgender status, birth name, sex assigned at birth, etc. Records can be kept regarding this information, but the records must remain private. Disclosure violates FERPA and Title IX.
   2. Education records must be updated to reflect a person’s gender identity and name when requested.
   3. Students must be addressed using the names and pronouns that are consistent with their gender identities.
4. Sex-Segregated Activities and Facilities
   1. When housing, restrooms, locker rooms, etc. are sex-specific, transgender students must have access to the facility or activity that matches their gender identities.
   2. The rules concerning athletics is slightly more complex. The NJCAA operates under the guidelines produced by the NCAA.  The NCAA has guidelines that are generally accepted; the NCAA guidelines can be found at http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/11INCL.pdf

Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Policy

Indian Hills Community College is dedicated to providing a learning, living, and working environment that is free from sexual assault and discrimination. We are committed to ensuring a safe campus climate for all of our students and the entire College community. We promote fundamental rights, advance individual and institutional integrity, and uphold the vital aims of Title IX.

 Indian Hills Community College prohibits sexual and gender-based misconduct in any form, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, sexual exploitation, stalking, intimate partner violence (domestic violence and dating violence), and retaliation, all as defined in Section VII of This Policy. The College will respond to reports of sexual and gender-based misconduct in accordance with This Policy. Read the full policy here.

Civil Rights

Indian Hills Community College is in compliance with all federal regulations pertaining to post-secondary institutions. Indian Hills Community College declares and reaffirms to its students, employees, and the public that it is firmly committed to a policy of recruitment, employment, and promotion in all job classifications and for all educational programs without regard to color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion or genetic information. Indian Hills Community College’s policy is in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended: No qualified individual with a disability shall, solely by reason of disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. As evidence of compliance, the following documents are available upon request:

1. the affidavit certifying compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
2. a detailed policy and procedure for compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974; and
3. an affirmative action plan in compliance with state and federal codes relating to civil rights and equal employment.

Student Complaint Form

Indian Hills students may need to pursue questions or concerns involving academic or nonacademic aspects of student life. A “complaint” is a statement that a student finds something to be unsatisfactory but the cause is not a violation or unequal application of a college policy or written procedure.  The student complaint form can be found here.  

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the college receives a request for access.
   1. Students should submit to the Registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The college official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the college official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
   1. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
      1. Students may ask the college to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write to the college official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. The validity of grades awarded is not subject to this policy.
      2. If the college decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the college will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing process will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
   1. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the college in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the college has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
   2. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
   3. Upon request, the college discloses educational records without consent to officials of another school in which the student has dual enrollment.
   4. Other exceptions which do not require the prior consent of the student to disclose information include:
      1. to federal, state and local authorities involving an audit or evaluation of compliance with education programs.
      2. in connection with financial aid.
      3. to organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of educational institutions.
      4. to accrediting organizations.
      5. to comply with a judicial order or subpoena.
      6. health or safety emergency.
      7. results of disciplinary hearing to an alleged victim of a crime of violence.
      8. to the student.
      9. directory information.*
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Indian Hills Community College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

*Directory Information: Indian Hills Community College has identified as directory information to include, but not limited to, the following: name, address, telephone listing, e-mail address, field of study, previous schools attended, photographs, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, dates of attendance, degrees and awards, full- or part-time status, expected date of graduation and weight and height of athletes.

1. Students have the right to refuse to permit the designation of any or all of the above identified items as directory information during the period of time the student is officially enrolled. To do so, the student must inform the Registrar in writing within 10 days of the beginning of the term of the student’s first enrollment or within 10 days of the start of Fall term, that such information is not to be designated as directory information for that student.
2. Compliance with this Act does not require IHCC to disclose directory information. In an effort to protect the privacy of current and former students, IHCC does not honor third-party requests for Directory Information, even though the college is permitted to do so, unless the release of information is required by law, court order or through data-sharing agreements.

Acceptable Use Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) Student Acceptable Use Policy is to establish acceptable practices regarding the use of IHCC Network Resources.  Students agree to comply with this policy by accessing the IHCC Network or any shared computing resources.

Policy

Acceptable Use

• Students should not purposely engage in activity that may
  • violate any IHCC Policy
  • degrade the performance of IHCC Information Resources
  • deprive access to any IHCC Information Resource
  • obtain resources beyond those allocated
  • or circumvent IHCC computer security policies or measures
• Students should not access network resources, files and/or other information that they not explicitly granted access to
• Students should not run utilities that reveal or exploit weakness in the security of a system
• Students are expected to respect and comply with all legal protections provided by patents, copyrights, trademarks, and intellectual property rights for any software and/or materials viewed, used or obtained using IHCC Information Resources

Hardware and Software

• All network devices must be formally approved by IT Management before being connected to non-public IHCC network segments
• Software installed on IHCC equipment must be approved by IT Management and installed by IHCC IT personnel

Privacy

Information created, sent, received, or stored on IHCC Information Resources and any access records related to that data are not private and may be accessed by IHCC IT employees at any time.

Enforcement

Students found to have violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, and related civil or criminal penalties.