Student Handbook

Introduction

The Student Handbook is intended as a guide to assist students during their time at Southside Virginia Community College. The Student Handbook provides important information about the College’s various services, procedures and policies.

Bookstore

The College bookstores are operated by Follett. Books, supplies and miscellaneous items may be purchased in the campus bookstore. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday except for summer hours, which may be shortened. The bookstore is also open extended hours for evening classes during the Fall and Spring semesters and during the first week of summer classes for your convenience. Extended hours will be posted prior to the start of the semester. Books and other merchandise can be ordered from our web store at https://www.bkstr.com/southsidevccstore/home/en using financial aid and credit/debit card payments and mailed to you. Financial aid will only be available for a limited time at the beginning of each semester for books and approved supplies. Financial aid cannot be used to purchase clothing, electronics or other restricted items. Contact your campus store for more details on restrictions.

General Return Policy

Standard Return Policy:

A valid receipt and/or packing slip are required for all refunds or exchanges. All items (except Course Materials and Hardware/Software) unopened and in original condition returned within 30 days of purchase may be exchanged or refunded to the original form of tender.

Course Materials and Hardware/Software Details: Course Materials (textbooks):

• A full refund will be given for textbooks (excluding Final Sale items) returned prior to your campus specific refund deadline. Materials purchased after the campus specific deadline (but before the final week of class) must be returned within two business days of purchase. Materials purchased during the last week of classes or final exams are not returnable/refundable.
• Final Sale items include the following: Inkling Digital Textbooks, Study Guides, Test Prep Books, Bar Charts, Cliff Notes, Professional Reference Study Aids, clearance items and magazines. All these items are not returnable/refundable.

Hardware & Software:

• Unopened (unless defective) computer hardware and software may be refunded or exchanged within 14 days of purchase.

Two Easy Ways to Return:

1. Return to original bookstore.
2. Return by mail. Note: we do not refund shipping and handling fees.

Library

Library–learning Resource Services (LRS)

Mission Statement
To collect, preserve, and provide access to information resources which support the instructional, educational, outreach programs, and mission of Southside Virginia Community College, as well as enhancing the student’s skills in locating, evaluating and using all types of information including print, audiovisual, online databases and the Internet. With these skills students will be successful in the programs of their choice: academic, technical, and vocational and workforce development, as well as becoming lifelong learners.

Description
The SVCC LRS supports college instruction and the learning community with a skilled and professional staff that:

• provides materials (books, ebooks, videos, digital information, computers, iPads, (John H. Daniel Campus Only-Laptops) etc.) which enhance and enrich course-work and help students gain core competencies;
• promotes effective use of information resources and instructional technology;
• cooperates and collaborates with groups inside and outside of SVCC to maximize access to instructional resources for students, staff and community patrons.

General Information
The Julian M. Howell Library on the Christanna Campus and The John H. Daniel Library on the Keysville Campus are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, and when classes are not in session (between the academic semesters), the libraries are open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Both libraries are closed on weekends. For more information about our services, go the Library website at www.southside.edu/learning-resource-center.

Circulation Policies
All patrons must have a SVCC library card or student ID with barcode attached. Library cards are free. All LRS materials must be checked out before removal from the library. Patrons must have their library card to check out or renew items. Patrons may have up to 25 items checked out at any time. Patrons are responsible for all items checked out on their card. Patrons with overdue items or fines cannot check out items until their account is cleared. In-library-use reserves, periodicals, and newspapers cannot be checked out.

Borrowing Privileges
SVCC students, ODU students, Governor’s School students, and community patrons have the following loan periods:

 SVCC faculty/staff have the following loan periods:

SVCC faculty/staff may renew items with no limit. Exceptions to the above loan periods can be made for special circumstances.

Fines
The libraries at Southside Virginia Community College no longer charge fines for overdue materials; however, after two overdue notices, you will be charged $50 for each overdue book, DVD, videotape, audiotape, and CD. If you lost part of a set of books or part of a set of audiovisual materials, you are responsible for the replacement cost of the entire set. InterLibrary Loan materials borrowed from other institutions are subject to the fine policies of that institution. SVCC students may have their academic records encumbered until items are returned or fines are paid in full. In addition, the Virginia Tax Loss Act requires the LRS to report replacement fees not paid to the state. Patrons put on the tax loss list will have the amount owed taken out of their state taxes or lottery winnings until all fines are paid.

Interlibrary Loan
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that enables a library to borrow and lend materials to other libraries. The LRS provides ILL services to patrons who have a valid library card and are in good standing with the library. ILL materials can be requested by completing the ILL request form available at  the circulation desk. The LRS’ ILL policies are based on the American Library Association’s National ILL Code for the United States.

Materials requested through ILL must not be available at either campus library or through any of the LRS electronic databases. ILL requests for textbooks or for faculty reserve materials will not be honored. ILL materials usually arrive within a week to four weeks, depending on many uncontrollable circumstances. The loan period and fees for lost or damaged items are set by the lending library. The cost to obtain ILL materials is usually free. In some cases the lending institution may charge a fee. It is the responsibility of the patron to indicate the amount that they are willing to pay (if any) for the item on the ILL request form. When the requested material arrives, the patron will be notified and must pay any fees at that time. Borrowed ILL materials must be returned on time to the circulation desk. The LRS charges $1.00 per day for overdue ILL materials.

Electronic Resources Policies
The LRS provides full access to the Internet for academic and research purposes. Children under sixteen are not permitted to access the Internet without parental supervision. The LRS does not monitor or control information accessible through the Internet and is not responsible for its content. Patrons are encouraged to critically evaluate information found on the Internet. At times when Internet usage is heavy, the LRS reserves the right to limit the time a patron may take for a single session. The LRS may also close the computer labs for bibliographic instruction, equipment failure, or other reasons without notice.

Patrons must comply with SVCC’s Computer Ethics Guidelines as found in the College Catalog. In addition, the LRS prohibits:

• Distributing unsolicited advertising
• Damaging hardware or software including propagating viruses
• Violating another person’s privacy including slandering or harassing
• Violating copyright
• Any illegal activity

Patron Behavior
The LRS is open to all with the understanding that an atmosphere conducive to research and study is maintained. Therefore:

• Food and drinks are allowed in the study areas of the libraries but not near the computer workstations.
• No talking on a cell phone in the Library.
• Activity or behavior that is considered distracting or disturbing to other patrons is not permitted. Threatening or dangerous behavior will immediately be reported to security.
• The College does not permit smoking of any kind in any campus building (this includes e-cigarettes and vaporizers.)
• Damaging any Library material or resource in any way is not allowed.
• Violations of LRS policies may result in the suspension of library privileges and expulsion from the College.

Checks
The college accepts checks for registration, fees, books, and supplies in the exact amount of purchase. Personal checks will need to be cashed off campus. College policy does not allow the business office to make change. There is a $35 charge for returned checks.

Laptop Policies – John H. Daniel Campus Only

• Laptops may not be removed from the library
• Only current faculty, staff, and students may check out a laptop
• Patron must have a valid library account in good standing
• The laptop will be checked out at the circulation desk
• The working condition of the laptop will be assessed before checkout and upon its return. Users are responsible for damage to and/or loss or theft of loaned units. Users are required to report any problems experienced with the laptop during their borrowing period.
• The replacement cost for a lost or stolen laptop is up to $2,000. A charge of $40 will be assessed for a lost power cord. Damage charges will be assessed based on the actual repair costs. Patrons who lose or damage laptops must pay either the replacement fee or the repair cost whichever is deemed to be less costly. If these fees are not paid in a timely manner, Southside Virginia Community College will garnish any state issued payments made to the patron.
• Patrons with a laptop not returned will have a hold placed on their record. This will prevent students from receiving transcripts and registering for classes in subsequent semesters.

iPad Policies

• Library use only (not to be used in the cyber café)!!!
• Only current faculty, staff, and students may check out an iPad.
• Patron must have a valid library account in good standing.
• The iPad will be checked out at the circulation desk.
• The working condition of the iPad will be assessed before checkout and upon its return. Users are responsible for damage to and/or loss or theft of loaned units. Users are required to report any problems experienced with the iPad during their borrowing period.
• The replacement cost for a lost or stolen iPad is up to $600.00. A charge of $40 will be assessed for a lost power cord. Damage charges will be assessed based on the actual repair costs. Patrons who lose or damage an iPad must pay either the replacement fee or the repair cost whichever is deemed to be less costly. If these fees are not paid in a timely manner, Southside Virginia Community College will garnish any state issued payments made to the patron.
• Patrons with an iPad not returned will have a hold placed on their record. This will prevent students from receiving transcripts and registering for classes in subsequent semesters.

Student Information

Emergency Information

The College is not equipped to provide medical services on campus, but persons with minor injuries may find first aid supplies at Student Development and Buildings and Grounds offices on each campus. For emergencies on the Christanna Campus, call the Brunswick Rescue Squad at 911; on the John H. Daniel Campus call the Charlotte County Rescue Squad at 911.

Security/Police

Each main campus has a part-time security officer who can be identified by uniform. Should the security officer not be available, notify the Buildings and Grounds office on each campus or ask for assistance from any SVCC employee. The telephone number for requesting police assistance on the Christanna Campus is (434) 949-7541 (Alberta Police) or 911 and on the Daniel Campus (434) 542-5141 (Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office) or 911.

Facsimile Machine Use

The fax machine in each library is available for student or patron use. Patrons may use the fax machine by signing in on the fax log and paying $1.00 per page for fax use.

Lost and Found

Personal articles found should be turned in at the receptionist’s or information desk. The college does not assume responsibility for lost personal property.

Dress

Dress is a matter of individual taste until the choice of clothing infringes upon others or causes a disruption in the learning environment of the college. Profanity or sexually suggestive words on clothing is an example of such infringement. Shirt and shoes are required at all times. All students and staff are asked to dress in a non-offensive manner..

Commencement

Southside Virginia Community College shall have at least one formal commencement ceremony rotating between campuses each spring. Pending construction projects and other events, the location may not rotate between campuses each year. Attendance at this formal commencement is encouraged.

Encumbrances

Students who have an outstanding financial commitment to the business office, bookstore, or library at the end of a semester will not be permitted to complete registration, and their records will be encumbered, which means that recommendations, transcripts, certificates, diplomas, or degrees will not be issued.

If any debts are referred for collection to an attorney or to a collection agency, the debtor will be liable for additional collection fees of the unpaid balance. Requesting goods or services will be deemed to be acceptance of these terms.

Emergency Alert System

Southside Virginia Community College uses Southside Alert to immediately contact students, faculty and staff during a major crisis or emergency. Southside Alert delivers important emergency alerts, notifications and updates to you on your devices such as: email-accounts, cell phone, pager, smartphone/PDA.

When an incident or emergency occurs, authorized senders will instantly notify you using Southside Alert. Southside Alert is your personal connection to real-time updates, instructions on where to go, what to do, or what not to do, who to contact and other important information.

New users may register by sending a text message to 888777 keyword: svccalert or go to http://southside.edu/alert for more information.

Southside Alert is free service offered by Southside Virginia Community College. Your wireless carrier may charge you a fee to receive messages on your wireless device.

School Closings

In the event it is judged necessary to cancel classes or open the college or a campus late, that decision will be announced over television and the SVCC website, and radio stations serving the college region. The announcement will be called in to the following television and radio stations as soon as a decision is made:

Television Stations:

Radio Stations:

The recorded message on the main telephone lines (434) 949-1000 in Alberta and (434) 736-2000 in Keysville will also carry the pertinent information. When in doubt, please call this number. The college will be open unless an official closing is announced.

When classes are canceled, the Library and other college offices are also closed, unless it is announced otherwise. College staff do not report. When night or evening classes are canceled, “night” refers to those classes that begin at 4 p.m. or later. When classes are delayed or opening late, the classes scheduled for that hour are the classes that will meet then, and not any earlier classes.

Academic Honesty

Academic Honesty Statement

Southside Virginia Community College recognizes that the core value of academic integrity is essential to all activities of an academic community and provides the cornerstone for teaching and learning. It is characterized by upholding the foundational principles of honesty, equity, mutual responsibility, respect, and personal integrity.

Observing academic integrity involves:

• Maintaining the standards of the college’s degrees, certificates, and awards to preserve the academic credibility and reputation of the college;
• Communicating expectations, best practices, and procedures in order to promote the principles of academic integrity and ensure compliance;
• Providing environments, instruction, and access to resources necessary for maintaining integrity in learning;
• Taking responsibility and personal accountability for the merit and authenticity of one’s work;
• Giving proper acknowledgement and attribution to those who directly contribute to a project, or whose work is used in the completion of a project;
• Recognizing what compromises academic honesty and integrity, whether intentional or unintentional (plagiarism, cheating, uncivil behavior, etc.).

It is the shared duty of faculty, students and staff of the college to understand, abide by and endorse academic integrity.

Clubs and Student Organizations

Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) encourages the development of a student activities program designed to promote educational and cultural experiences and complies with all policies set forth by the State Board of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). These policies may be found in Section 6 of the VCCS Policy Manual at www.vccs.edu.

Student activities are out-of-classroom activities that support the mission of the colleges and provide students avenues for personal growth and enrichment. Through participation in clubs and organizations, or other planned activities, students develop a wide range of abilities, including intellectual, communication, athletic, and leadership skills. Students develop self-confidence, interpersonal skills, and an appreciation for other cultures and lifestyles. Finally, students develop a sense of integrity, purpose, and social responsibility that empowers them to be productive within and beyond the college community.

SVCC shall recognize and encourage honorary, scholastic, service organizations, and sports clubs that do not restrict membership based on race, color, gender, age, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. Private clubs, private associations, social fraternities, and social sororities shall not be recognized by the Virginia Community College System. The following regulations and procedures apply to all student activity programs in the community colleges of the VCCS:

1. The entire program of student activities shall be under college supervision.
2. There shall be a faculty or staff sponsor for each student organization.
3. All student activity funds shall be deposited with and expended through the college business office, subject to State Board policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to such funds.
4. Each college, with the approval of its local board, shall adopt its own regulations and procedures to implement the above policy.
5. All student activity programs and recognized organizations must comply with the VCCS’s nondiscrimination policy, except as follows: Any recognized religious or political student organization shall be authorized to limit certain activities only to members who are committed to furthering the mission of such organization. Such activities include ordering the organization’s internal affairs, selecting the organization’s leaders and members, defining the organization’s doctrines, and resolving the organization’s disputes.

Admission to Student Activities Functions

Admission to student activities is limited to students, faculty, staff, and their guests. Student ID may be required.

Campus Activities Team

The Campus Activities Team started in the spring semester of 2008. Formally known as Student Forum a name change was proposed to express the team-centered purpose of C.A.T. Members of the C.A.T. give suggestions of preference for student events and express their opinion about other campus issues. Membership is open to all SVCC students. This club meets monthly and often provides assistance during student activities.

Criminal Justice Club

Provides a means for students to strengthen their knowledge of the mission and mandates of law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels, and of the United States Constitution, the Commonwealth of Virginia Constitution, and the laws governing both. Open membership. (Based on Christanna Campus)

Environmental Club

The main goal of the Environmental Club is to encourage activities, which lead to a more sustainable campus environment. Special attention is given to Arbor Day in the fall term and Earth Day in the spring term. The Club meets monthly during the academic year and is open to all students, faculty and staff on both campuses. A major focus of the organization is protecting our natural resources through activities that can make a difference on the campuses and college centers, such as recycling.

Fitness Club

The Fitness Club was founded on the John. H. Daniel Campus of SVCC as the Wellness Club in the Fall of 2013. The name has changed but the purpose remains the same! The Fitness Club wants to improve SVCC student health. This group holds weekly work-out meet-ups. They also set up organized “play” event including dodge ball, soccer, and volleyball. Membership is open to all students.

Gaming Club

The Gaming Club is a college-wide student club. Members of the clubs gather to play console and board games. The club sponsors gaming competitions throughout the school year. Membership is open to all currently enrolled students.

Human Services Club

The Human Services Club has been established for but not limited to Human Services majors. Annual dues allow students to take field trips, attend professional conventions, and to purchase gifts for the needy. Special concerns of the organization are centered on the elderly, preschool and school age children, and mentally ill and mentally challenged people.

Page Turners (Book Club)

The Page Turners book club meets on the Daniel Campus once a month. Membership is open to all SVCC students. The club purpose includes literary awareness and reading a monthly book.

Phi Beta Lambda

The primary goals of the organization are to develop competent, aggressive business leadership; encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty; assist students in the establishment of occupational goals; facilitate the transition from school to work; and develop character, prepare for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism. Membership is extended to all business students. Joining the local chapter will provide membership in the state and national chapters. (Based on Christanna Campus)

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Membership is extended by invitation. To be considered for membership a student must: (1) be enrolled in a two-year college, (2) have accumulated 12 semester credit hours, (3) have achieved a cumulative grade-point average of not less than 3.2, (4) have established academic excellence as judged by faculty, and (5) be of good moral character and possess recognized qualities of citizenship.

PN Club

The PN club was founded on the Christanna Campus of SVCC in 2014. Membership is open to all those currently enrolled in the Practical Nursing program. Members of the club hold awareness events and fundraiser for different charities.

RN Nursing Club

The purpose of the Nursing Club is to assume responsibility for contributing to nursing education in order to provide for the highest quality healthcare; to provide programs representative of fundamental and current professional interest and concerns, and to aid in the development of the whole person, and his/her professional role, and his/her responsibility for the health care of people in all walks of life. The Nursing Club also sponsors different programs including health fairs that are open to the local communities in a spirit of “giving back” to all who are supportive of the college. Membership is open to those students currently enrolled in the nursing program on the Christanna Camps of SVCC.

So-Bo LifeSavers

The So-Bo Life Savers was founded at the Higher Education Center location of SVCC located in South Boston, VA. Membership is open to current nursing students. Members of the club hold annual awareness programing and fundraise for charitable organizations.

Southside Student Veterans

Veterans share a bond of service that is very strong and with a student veteran club that bond can be fostered in educational pursuits. Southside Student Veterans club will foster a veteran friendly environment at SVCC where veterans, spouses and dependents of veterans will feel welcomed and valued. This organization will bring student veterans together to bond and share a common purpose, and that purpose is to excel at and complete their higher education program.

Student Ambassadors

The Student Ambassadors Organization will empower our students to realize the value of giving back to the community through outreach and volunteer projects. The members of the organization will also represent SVCC in a positive light at various community events. Members will also foster positive team building and leadership development experiences.

The Bible Study Club

Founded in 2007 at the J. H. Daniel Campus as the Crusade for Christ; this interdenominational, Christian organization seeks to provide a spiritual environment to students. Membership is open to all interested students.

The Heartbeats

This organization was originally founded in 2003 as The Nursing Club. It is open to students currently enrolled in the RN program on the Daniel Campus. Members of this organization participate in campus awareness events, charitable fundraisers, and express opinions about current nursing practices/issues. Students who are interested in getting involved with the Heartbeats should contact an RN nursing instructor.

The SVCC Automotive Club

The SVCC Automotive Club was started on the John H. Daniel campus of SVCC. Members of this club share the passion of cars. Membership is open to all SVCC students. In addition, they sponsor car care clinics and various activities throughout the year. Interested students should talk to their Student Activities Coordinator.

Teen C.N.A. Club

Founded in 2008, the Teen C.N.A. club. Membership is open to all dual enrollment students taking certified nurse aide classes on the Daniel Campus. Members of this club participate in one fundraiser a year to benefit a charitable organization and take a field trip to the Board of Nursing.

Transfer Club

To provide a means for students to broaden their knowledge of transfer procedures by attending various events, encouraging participation in activities, on and off campus, and extending their knowledge of transfer procedures. Open membership.

WISE (Women in Search of Excellence)

Formally known as the Empowered Women’s Organization. WISE is a mentoring program for women. The mission of WISE is to empower women through professional and academic enrichment while improving self-esteem and self-advocacy. WISE is open to any female student enrolled at SVCC who is dedicated to the mission of the program. WISE activities and events are open to all academically eligible students, faculty and staff, without regard to race, gender, national origin or other characteristics.

Wise Words Book Club

The Wise Words Book Club was founded on the CHR campus of SVCC in 2017. Membership is open to all students at SVCC. Each month members select a book to read and discuss. The Wise Word Book Club also sponsors field trips and other enrichment activities focused on reading and literacy.