GENERAL INFORMATION

Bulletin Board:  Important announcements are made in assembly.  However, it is the student’s responsibility to check school bulletin boards regularly for other information.

Classification of Students: A college student with less than 27 semester hours is classified as a freshman; one with 27 semester hours is classified as a sophomore. Special students are those taking less than 12 semester hours.

Department of Campus Security:  The Pearl River Community College Security Office is located in the Student Center on campus.  Some of the services of campus security includes patrolling of the campus, enforcement of traffic rules and regulations, supervision of students, enforcement of all college rules and regulations, enforcement of all local, state and federal laws, checking and supervising of college properties and facilities, and providing information to visitors and guests as they visit the campus. The Pearl River Community College Security Department consists of six full-time security officers and one part-time officer. Supportive assistance is available upon request   from the local police department as well as the Pearl River County Sheriff’s department. Campus Security makes every effort to provide for and maintain a safe environment by performing   their assigned tasks in a consistent and professional manner. 

Pearl River Community College prides itself in having one of the safest campuses in the state of Mississippi. The College and Campus Security is concerned about the safety and welfare of all   students, faculty, staff, and guests and is committed to continuation of providing a safe and secure campus environment.  The    number of crimes committed each year on campus is one of    the lowest of all institutions in the state of Mississippi (based on   Right-to-Know information which is maintained in the Dean of   Student Affairs Office). Campus Security is directly responsible to the Dean of Student Affairs at Pearl River Community College. For additional information regarding campus security call Dr.   Miller Hammill, Dean of Student Affairs, at (601)403-1217.

Federal Crime Awareness & Campus Security Act, Statistical Data:

Classification of Offense Reported (Criminal Offenses)
 

	1999-2000	2000-2001	2001-2002
Homicide	0	0	0
Forcible Rape (Including attempts)	0	0	0
Robbery	0	0	0
Aggravated Assault	1	0	1
Burglary	3	4	5
Larceny/Theft	7	9	10
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	2	1
Total	11	15	15
.	.	.	.
Arrests	1999-2000	2000-2001	2001-2002
Liquor Law Violations	8	7	10
Drug Abuse Violations	4	3	3
Weapon Possessions	2	3	2
Total	15	13	15

VIOLATIONS OF THE STUDENT CODE OF conduct rules and regulations not criminal in nature and where arrests were not made were handled through the stated disciplinary policies and procedures of PRCC. Any violation criminal in nature will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Detailed rules and regulations of PRCC for resident and non-resident students are published in the 'Cat Country Guide. Orientation sessions are held at student registration, as well as resident hall meetings to review these in detail. Additional information is published in the Friday Report. Memos are sent to resident hall students from the Dean of Student Affairs as deemed necessary. Handbooks are given to each student at registration as well as the Official Substance Abuse Policy for Students and Employees are given to students at registration and to each faculty/staff member. These publications are also   available in the office of Student Affairs.

A Safety/Emergency Plan publication is posted in all classrooms and buildings on campus and are also available to students and employees upon request in the Office of Student Affairs.

Elections

Requirements for Election: Any student seeking an elected position at Pearl River Community College must have a 2.0 or above grade point average and be in good standing with the college. Freshman students must have a 2.0 or above grade point average from high school. A student is in good standing if he or she is not on probation, social or academic, and not in default in payment of fees (must be full-time).

Class Organizations: The sixth week of school is designated to elect class officers by ballot.  The classes elect a president, vice-president, secretary-treasurer, and two representatives. The president and the two representatives will serve on the Student Government Association for the current school year.

Homecoming Court and Favorites: The student body of Pearl River Community College shall select one female student from the Sophomore Class to serve as Homecoming Queen. The Freshman Class shall select three female students from the Freshman Class to serve as Freshman Maids to the Queen, and the Sophomore Class shall select three female students from the Sophomore Class to serve  as Sophomore Maids to the Queen.  Nominations for the  first primary shall be made by write-in vote.  Each member of the student body shall write in the name of the one girl (from    the Sophomore Class) and the names of three girls from their own class as the persons whom they wish placed as candidates. The varsity football team at Pearl River Community College selects two Football Maids (one black and one white).   The Forrest County campus in Hattiesburg will elect a Student Body Maid (freshman or sophomore).

In the first primary, the Freshman Class ballot will have, in alphabetical order, the names of three sophomore girls that received the highest number of write-in votes for queen (freshman and sophomore votes counted together and five freshman girls that received the highest number of freshman write-in votes for maids. Each freshman will vote for one sophomore girl for queen 
 and three freshman girls for maids. The Sophomore Class ballot will have, in alphabetical order, the names of the three sophomore girls that received the highest number of write-in votes for queen (freshman and sophomore votes counted together) and five sophomore girls that received the highest number of sophomore write-in votes for queen (freshman and sophomore votes counted together)   and five sophomore girls that received the highest number of sophomore write-in votes for maids.  Each sophomore will vote for one sophomore girl for queen and three sophomore girls for maids. 

In the second primary, the Freshman Class ballot will have, in alphabetical order, the names of the two sophomore girls that received the highest number of votes for queen in the first primary (freshman and sophomore votes counted together) and the four freshman girls that received the highest number of votes for maids in the first primary.  Each freshman will vote for one sophomore girl for queen and three freshman girls for maids. The Sophomore Class ballot will have, in alphabetical order, the names of the two sophomore girls that received the highest number of sophomore votes in the first primary (freshman and sophomore votes counted together) and four sophomore girls that received the highest number of sophomore votes in the first primary. Each sophomore will vote for one sophomore girl for queen  and three sophomore girls for maids. The sophomore girl with the highest number of votes (freshman and sophomore votes counted together) will be named Homecoming Queen. The three sophomore girls with the highest number of votes (sophomore votes only) will be named Sophomore Maids. The Homecoming Queen and her Maids shall be selected at least two weeks prior to the Homecoming Day celebration. Election of Queen and Maids shall be conducted by the Student Government Association. The runner-up in the Queen election will be named Student Body Maid (Poplarville campus). The   same procedure will be followed in the election of Class Favorites.

Student Government Association: In April the student body elects a Student Government Association President, a Vice-President, and a Secretary-Treasurer for the next school year. These students are required to be from the present freshman class. The campaign and election are held in the same manner as the election at the beginning of the year.

Who’s Who Among Students In American Community Colleges: The basic concept of Who’s Who 
Among Students In American Community Colleges is to provide a national basis for the recognition of outstanding students. 

 How nominees are selected:

 (1) Only second year college students (27 semester hours or 633 clock hours) are eligible for nomination.

 (2) Nominations are submitted to Dean of Student Affairs in December by departments of the college and sponsors. Departments of the college: Department of Business, Department of Fine Arts, Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation; Department of Humanities, Department of Nursing, Department of Science and Mathematics, Department of Social Science, Department of Technical Education, and Department Vocational Education.

 (3) Students are evaluated on:

  (A) Scholastic standing.
  (B) Service to the community.
  (C) Leadership in extra curricular activities.
  (D) Future potential.

 (4) The number of students selected cannot exceed the quota assigned to Pearl River Community College each year.  This quota is based on current enrollment.

Selections are made during the first semester and are confined  to sophomores. Selections are made by a faculty committee from the academic, technical and vocational departments at PRCC.

Health-MEDICAL ServiceS: A full-time registered  nurse is on duty seven hours a day in the Health Clinic (located in the CrosbyHall) from 8:00 a.m. until 3:15 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Students, faculty members, and staff members are entitled to medical attention for minor illnesses and injuries. Medical cases of more serious nature are referred to a physician. The student, faculty member or staff member is responsible for any expense by physicians or hospitals.

Homecoming: Homecoming is a tradition at Pearl River Community College. The highlights of this day include class   reunions, homecoming displays by campus organizations, an Alumni Banquet at noon, followed by the crowning of the Homecoming Queen and recognition of the court preceding the afternoon football game.

Laundry and Dry Cleaning: The college does not operate a laundry, but students who live in the resident halls have coin-operated facilities available for doing their own laundry.

Learning Resouce Center (LRC): The LRC is composed of three components: the Library, the Learning Lab,and Media Services. The hours are from 7:45 a.m. until 9 p.m.   (Monday-Thursday) and 7:45 a.m. until 3 p.m. (Friday).

 (1) Identification: All users must show ID card when checking out LRC materials, both print and non-print. 
 (2)  Resources: The library and learning lab provide books, periodicals, indexes (both print and on line), newspapers, videocassettes, videodisks, word processing and computer programs, computerized tutorials, and audiocassettes, which supplement the academic program.

 (3)  Circulation/Books: Books are checked out for two weeks and may be renewed one time. Reference Books and Periodocials must be used in the library. If you need articles to take with you, make use of the copying machines.

 (4)  Reserve MATERIALS: Reserve materials are shelved at the circulation desk under each instructor's name. These books must be used in the library.

 (5)  Overdues: Fines for regular books accrue at the rate of 10 cents each school day. It is the responsibility of the borrower to return materials promptly. If the student owes an overdue fine, it must be paid before checking out another book.

 (6)  Lost Books: Lost books are the responsibility of the student who checks out the book.

 (7)  Clearance: Students must return all books and pay fines before the end of each semester.

 (8)  Conduct: In a college Library/Learning Lab, students are expected to be able to work quietly and independently without constant supervision. Socializing and visiting will not be permitted. All rules of the college are in effect in the library and learning lab. No study halls will be held in the LRC.

 (9)  Classes: Instructors wanting to bring their classes to the library or lab will need to check with the appropriate staff member about adequate materials and seating space.

PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S LIBRARY
WILL NOT BE USED AS A STUDY HALL
FOR ANY GROUP OF STUDENTS AT ANY TIME

Lost and Found:  A lost or found article should be reported to the Office of Student Affairs.

Mail: Mail service is provided by the college post office located in Crosby Hall. A post office box may be rented forr $11 per year. Your return address should be: Your name (John/Jane Doe), 101 Highway 11 North, your box number, Poplarville,   MS  39470. If you do not have a rented box, it should be General Delivery. Post Office hours: 7:00-9:00 a.m., 2:00-4:00 p.m.,   Monday through Friday. Outgoing mail is picked up at 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Mail is put up on Saturday; but   the is not open Saturday or Sunday.

Maintenance:  Should the plumbing, electrical or other fixtures in a student’s room need repair, it should be reported to the Head Resident of the Dormitory.

Nursing Education: These terms are defined as follows:

 Unsafe practice:

 (1) Student behavior or pattern of behaviors which causes harm or threatens the patient/client physically, psychologically or financially. Behavior includes psychomotor skills, knowledge-based acts or acts of judgment.

 (2) Failure to meet standards of care and/or critical criteria for student performance as defined in writing by the nursing program and the clinical facility being utilized.

 (3) Any behavior in which intervention by the instructor is necessary to prevent harm to the patient/client.

 Illegal conduct: Any violation of the Nurse Practice Act, Mississippi Code. If you wish to see a copy of the Nurse Practice Act, please contact your nursing program director or the Dean of Student Affairs. Copies will be given to all nursing students upon entering the program.

 Protocol for Above Violations:

 (1) For all unsafe practice, or illegal conduct, a Critical Incident Report will be completed in duplicate by the instructor. The report will be given to the student within three school days of the violation. The student will sign both copies indicating that he or she has received the report. The second copy will be filed with the Director of Nursing.

 (2) Following the violation, a conference between the student, clinical instructor, level coordinator, and nursing program director will be held to determine the appropriate action to be taken.

 (3) If dismissal is recommended by the nursing department, the matter will be referred to the Dean of Student Affairs (due process procedures will be adhered to at all times).

ANY STUDENT HAS THE RIGHT FOR AN APpeal before the Admissions Committee related to the above procedures.

Orientation:  New students entering Pearl River Community College are encouraged to participate in orientation programs which are scheduled prior to the beginning of each semester. Students are given an overview of the educational opportunities and services available to them at PRCC. Special sessions are planned during the summer for parents of new students. Additional information regarding orientation may be received by calling or writing to the Office of Recruitment, and Orientation (telephone 601-403-1267).

Requirements for Graduation:

 l Associate in Arts: Complete a minimum of 64 semester hours to include the 31 semester hour basic core curriculum and 33 semester hours of transferable electives (a maximum of four activity hours may be applied toward graduation); and, attain an overall grade point average of 2.0 or higher.

 l Associate in APPLIED SCIENCE: The Associate in Applied Science Degree is awarded to students who complete the prescribed technical courses of study in their chosen field as outlined in the college catalog and attain an overall grade point average of 2.0 or higher.

Policy Governing Resident Halls

Policy:

Pearl River College operates student residence facilities.

Procedure: 

Rules and regulations governing residence facilities are listed in the Pearl River Community College Handbook “Cat Country Guide.”

Residents Halls Rules and Regulations: Pearl River Community College reserves the right to inspect the living quarters of any student residing on PRCC property at any   time that the administration officials deem necessary in the best interest of the school. Resident Hall students must be classified as full-time students (12 hours) unless special permission is given by Dean of Student Affairs. These 12 hours must be courses taken on campus the traditional way (not on-line classes). Group living situations require that every individual conduct his/her affairs with consideration for others. Reasonable quiet that is conducive to academic pursuits, as well as allowing for sleep and relaxation, must be observed at all times. Residents violating the rights of others or causing disruption in the group living situation may be dismissed from residing in the resident hall. The resident halls are under the supervision of the Head Resident and resident assistants. Resident assistants are appointed by the Dean of Student Affairs; therefore, any student   who refuses to cooperate with the assistants will be subject to disciplinary action. Any changes in regulations will be announced or posted in the resident halls. Students are held 
 responsible for any announcements posted. Bulletin boards   should be checked daily.

 (1) Radios and Record Players: Radios and record players may be played at times, providing they do not disturb others. They must be turned down and may not be placed in or near a window or door while in operation.

 (2) Room Decorations: Room decorations such as pictures, pennants, and calendars may be posted only in such a manner to avoid  damage to the walls, doors,etc.  Any damage resulting from improper posting will be assessed to the occupants of the room. Obscene pictures will not be allowed. Empty bottles and cans are not allowed to accumulate in the dormitory rooms.Traffic signs are not allowed in the dormitory rooms. (This matter may be referred to law officials).

 (3) Vacation Periods: All dormitories will be closed during the designated holidays and semester breaks. The college is not  responsible for providing student housing during these periods as room charges do not cover vacation periods.

 (4) Keys: If a key is lost, an additional key can be purchased for $5 from the Office of Student Affairs.  It is suggested that each student have a key and keep the  room locked.

 (5) Financial Responsibility: The assigned occupants of a resident hall are financially responsible for all property that is part of their room. Residents will be checked in, checked out, and held accountable for any damages that occur while living there. Damage done to halls or bathrooms will be charged to students living on the floor on which the damage occurs. If the person responsible admits to the damages, that person will be held responsible.

 (6) BarBells and Weights: Barbells and weights may not be used or kept in Resident Halls.

 (7) Illness: If a student is ill, report at once to the Head Resident or College Nurse. Trays will be served only when requested by the Nurse or Head Resident.

 (8) Guests: A student may have overnight guest on Friday and Saturday nights. Other guests or visitors must leave resident halls no later than 11 p.m. each night (obtain permit from Dean of Student Affairs).

 (9) Resident Halls: All students shall be governed by the same rules and regulations related to resident halls.

  (A) Furniture: Furniture is inventoried in the rooms and must not be removed without permission of the Head Resident.

  (B) Incense: The burning or use of incense in any form in college housing is prohibited.

  (C) Room Check: Rooms should be clean and in order each day.  Requirements for room check will be discussed in resident hall meetings. Room check will be made by the Head Resident  twice a week.

  (D) Resident Hall Hours: If a resident hall is closed for the weekend or for a holiday, it will be     opened by 3 p.m. on Sunday or by 3 p.m. on the day before class will resume.  Lobby hours for dorms will be posted and reviewed in dorm meetings.

  (E) Female students will not be allowed to visit male resident halls or rooms. Male students will not be allowed to visit female resident halls or rooms.

  (F) Tobacco products of any type are not allowed.

  (G) Any student who does not properly check out of room, does damage to room, or fails to return key,  will forfeit reservation fee. PRCC is not responsible for any items left in dormitory rooms.

 (10)  PETS: Pets are not allowed on campus. This includes college housing.

 (11) GRADES: A student must have a specific GPA  to reside in college housing.

 (12) CURFEW: See Page 13.

Schedules: All schedules — cafeteria, class, football, and   library — can be found on Page 9 of this handbook.

Sponsors and Chaperons: All approved school activities and organizations are supervised by faculty members. Frequently, student officers of social, religious, or academic organizations ask faculty members to supervise a trip, picnic, or other activity. A sponsor of the organization must be chairman of the total activity, including clean-up procedures for campus activities.    Three additional faculty members are necessary to complete chaperon requirements for most activities. Permission for less chaperons   may be given for trips, etc.

Student Activity Card: It is necessary that the student’s identification card be presented at all functions of the school  which require students to identify themselves.

Crosby Hall: The Student Center is located in Crosby  Hall and houses the Counseling Center, Security Office, Bookstore, Grill, Health Services, and Post Office for the convenience of the students.

Student Conduct: Instead of detailed regulations designed to cover matters of student conduct, all students enrolled in Pearl River Community College will be expected to conform to ordinary rules of polite society; to be truthful; to respect the rights of others; to have regard for the preservation of state and college property, as well as the property of others; and to conform to all other stated rules and regulations of this institution. Some acts or misconduct which are unacceptable and subject the student to disciplinary action  include:

 (1) The possession, sale, consumption, manufacture, distribution, or creation of a controlled    substance (illegal drugs) as stated in Section 41-29-139 of the Miss. Statute is unlawful on campus or at any activity or social event sponsored by an organization of the college. A controlled substance was defined in Schedules I and II of Section 41-29-113 and 41-29-115 and in Schedules III and IV of Section 41-29-117 and 41-29-117 amd 41-29-119 of the Miss. Statute includes, but is not limited to narcotics, LSD, marijuana, cocaine, barbituates, or pep pills.

 (2) Possession of paraphernalia as defined in Section 41-29-105(v) and 41-29-139(d) on campus or at any activity or social event sponsored by an organization of the college.

 (3) Under the influence: Possession, consumption, or indication by and of the senses or otherwise evidence of being under the influence of any intoxicating beverage on campus or at any activity or social event sponsored by an organization of the college.

 (4) Cheating: Cheating on tests, examinations, term papers, etc. or stealing.

 (5) Vandalism: Destroying, damaging, or defacing of college, state, federal, public or private property.

 (6) Firearms: Possession of or keeping firearms, explosives, or fireworks on campus as defined in Section     37-11-18 and 97-37-17 of the Mississippi Code.

 (7) Traffic Violations: A repeat of a traffic violation or    failure to register a motor vehicle.  All motor vehicles    must be equipped with a muffler sufficient to prevent    disturbing noises. Special attachments for noise will    not be permitted.

 (8) Financial Irregularities: Giving bad checks, failing to pay bills, or deferring tuition.

 (9) Riotous Conduct: Students that are involved in a    disorderly crowd or mob that prevents the normal activities of the college will be dismissed.

 (10) Identification: Failure or refusal to present I.D. Card    upon request to any official of the college at any time.

 (11) Profanity: Use of profane or obscene language (this    includes the playing of music on campus of this type).
 (12) Hazing: Hazing in any form. This includes cutting of hair.

 (13) Gambling: Any form of gambling.

 (14) Appearance: Poor standards of dress and appearance    which may be detrimental to the educational process of    this institution.

 (15) Library violations: Any student found guilty of taking 
  a library book, reserve or otherwise, without proper 
  authority shall be subject to dismissal.

 (16) State and Federal Laws: Any conduct which constitutes a violation of state or federal laws is also a     violation of college policies.

 (17) Public display of affection is not considered appropriate in the resident halls, on campus, or at any activity of the college.

 (18) Acceptable standards of conduct while resting    or relaxing on campus must be adhered to.

 (19) Indecent exposure is prohibited on campus.

 (20) Radios and tape players must not cause disturbance on campus. They cannot be played in the Student Center or on college buses.

 (21) Children: Students are not allowed to bring children 
  on campus (including college housing and classrooms).

 (22) Card playing is not allowed in the Crosby Hall.

 (23) Smoking or use of any tobacco products is not    allowed in the CrosbyHall or resident halls, as well as other designated buildings on campus.

 (24) Loitering: Students are not allowed to loiter around    buildings, block walkways on campus or block entrances to buildings.

 (25) Sitting in vehicles: Students are not allowed to sit    in parked vehicles on campus for an extended period    of time, especially at night.

 (26) Gang symbols: Students are not allowed to wear or display any gang symbols, the act or speech showing gang affiliation, and/or any conduct which may further gang activity. Any dress or behavior which is not considered appropriate will not be tolerated.

 (27) Beepers, cellular telephones, etc., may not be used which disrupt any class or activity on campus.

ANY STUDENT VIOLATING THE REGULAtions is subject to being suspended from Pearl River Community College.

Student Housing: Pearl River Community College provides housing accommodations on the campus for students. Students desiring to reserve living facilities on the campus must complete a housing application and pay a $50 room reservation fee. Any student changing rooms without prior permission from   the Dean of Student Affairs will automatically forfeit his or her room reservation fee. This fee will also be forfeited if a student fails to properly check in or out of dorm.

Telephone & cable television: Each dormitory room has a telephone outlet available for each student, as  well as cable television outlets. You should notify your family of the telephone numbers where you can be reached. In case of emergency during class hours, a student can be reached by calling the Office of Student Affairs at (601)403-1215. Students must provide their own telephones.

Veterans Benefits: Veterans or dependents on Chapter 34 and 35 of the G.I. Bill must report to the Office of Student Affairs if they wish to get certified.The school maintains a written record of the previous education and training of the veteran or eligible person and clearly indicates that appropriate credit has been given and the training period shortened proportionately. The veteran and the VA are both notified.

FAILURE BY A STUDENT TO ADHERE TO THE rules and stated policies of this institution will 
lead to the student forfieting the right to attend Pearl River Community College and to reside in college housing!

Sanctions Related to Violations of Code of Student Conduct

The enforcement of the stated code of student conduct, as stated in The 'Cat Country Guide (Student Handbook) will adhere to due process at all times. However, listed are minimum 
 disciplinary sanctions for the violation of certain code of student conduct rules at Pearl River Community College:

Violation and Recommended Disciplinary Sanctions

Alcohol: Disciplinary probation for a minimum of nine weeks and dismissal from college housing for no less than six weeks.

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR: Immediate suspension from PRCC pending hearing before discipline committee. Also civil action will be taken if violation is a felony.

FIREARMS OR DEADLY WEAPONS: Immediate suspension from PRCC pending hearing before discipline committee.Also civil action will be taken.

Substance abuse: Immediate suspension from PRCC pending hearing before discipline committee. Also civil action will be taken if violation is a felony.

profane, vulgar language: First offense will be a   $25 fine. Second offense (during same semester) will result in a   $50 fine. Third offense in the same semester will result in immediate suspension pending a hearing before the discipline committee. This includes the wearing of attire with  profane or vulgar language, as well as vulgar or profane bumper stickers on vehicles.

Coed visitation (Being in dorm room of opposite sex): Immediate dismissal from college housing for minimum of 17 weeks (equal to one semester) and strict disciplinary probation for the same period of time.

Campus Curfew: First offense is a written warning. Second offense is dismissal from college housing for no less than six weeks.

Vandalism: Immediate suspension from college pending   hearing before the discipline committee as well as paying for cost of damage.

These are by no means all the rules of student conduct and disciplinary sanctions which may be   taken. All students are expected to adhere to all the rules and regulations as stated in the Student Handbook. All rules related to student conduct will be strictly enforced by the college and sanctions may range from disciplinary probation to dismissal from college (due process procedures will be adhered to at all times).

Any student placed on disciplinary probation may not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities of the college which includes athletic events. This decision will be made by the Dean of Student Affairs in conjunction with the PRCC Judicial Council.