Students’ Rights and Responsibilities
Students who accept an offer of admission to Vaughn College are expected to be responsible citizens of the College community. Vaughn’s community is guided by core values which are to: demonstrate integrity, embrace diversity, practice collaboration, achieve impact, and choose courage. Students have a corresponding right to expect that their freedom to learn and develop as individuals will be respected. To preserve these rights and to delineate responsibilities, policies and procedures have been developed to shape the life of the campus community. These policies and procedures are defined in the student handbook, available online.
Nondiscrimination/Harassment
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology is committed to maintaining an environment in its educational programs and activities that is free from discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Consistent with this commitment, it is the policy of Vaughn College not to tolerate unlawful discrimination based on age, race (including traits historically associated with race), color, creed, ethnic origin, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, disability, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), gender (including actual or perceived sex, gender identity and gender expression including a person’s actual or perceived gender-related self-image, appearance, behavior, expression, or other gender-related characteristic, regardless of the sex assigned to that person at birth), actual or perceived height or weight, sexual orientation, marital or partnership status, military or veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, unemployment status, pregnancy, familial status, caregiver status, sexual and reproductive health decision, prior criminal convictions, or status as a victim or witness of domestic violence, sex offenses, or stalking, or on any other legally protected basis. Such behavior is unlawful and undermines the character and purpose of Vaughn College.
This policy is not intended to abridge academic freedom, the open expression of ideas, or the College’s educational mission, and does not extend to statements or written materials that are relevant and appropriately related to the subject matter of courses.
For more information about this policy, or to learn about the procedure for addressing violations of this policy, you may contact the vice president of student affairs via studentaffairs@vaughn.edu or (718) 429-6600, extension 371, or the assistant vice president of human resources via hr@vaughn.edu or (718) 429-6600, extension 105.
Athletics and Recreation
The overall mission of Vaughn College’s athletics and recreation department is to provide opportunities for all students that will enhance the overall student experience. Our emphasis is to create an atmosphere that encourages personal growth while balancing academic and athletic distinction. The staff is dedicated to serving our students, while fostering an environment in which mutual respect, a strong work ethic, honesty, integrity and diversity prosper. We strive to maintain and exhibit the highest moral and ethical standards as well as honor the mission, core values, and traditions of Vaughn College.
The intercollegiate athletics and recreational programs at Vaughn College are built upon a philosophy that everyone should enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle. For some students, that will mean competing in intercollegiate athletics. For others, recreational activities will create engagement for students and allow them to build relationships. The athletics and recreation department strives to create a successful balance of academic and athletic excellence, as well as build pride and passion for our student-athletes. Combined with exceptional coaching and mentoring, the plan is to contribute to helping our student-athletes realize their full potential as individuals and as team members.
In addition to intercollegiate athletics, the department of athletics and recreation manages fitness, intramural, and recreational sports program. The college partners with local gym BQE Fitness to provide all registered students free membership from September 15 - May 15. The intramural program is determined by student interest. Intramurals are an opportunity for students to have short term commitments in a competitive yet collegial environment. Typical intramural activities include 3-on-3 basketball, coed volleyball, and flag football. Additionally, the department provides recreational opportunities for students. Popular events include billiards/pool tournaments, bowling outings, video game tournaments.
Clubs and Organizations
Vaughn College supports a variety of student organizations. There are professional societies with chartered student chapters who sponsor industry-related field trips and lectures. There are clubs that unite students with similar interests, and there are groups to encourage social interaction.
Clubs and organizations that are officially recognized by the Student Government Association will be extended the opportunity for leadership development through hosting meetings, planning activities, and management of a club budget. Each club and organization is moderated by a full-time member of the faculty and staff who serves as an adviser. The advisers ensure, in conjunction with the student affairs staff, that the clubs remain aligned with the mission and vision of the student organization and the College.
During the first few weeks of the fall and spring semesters, a club and activity fair is held so that students may join existing organizations or inquire how to establish new ones. A current listing of active clubs and organizations may be found on the Vaughn College website.
Food Services
Vaughn’s cafeteria is located on the first floor of the Main Building. Vaughn’s cafeteria provides breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for students, faculty and staff, six days per week. Menu options include hot entrees, grilled items, sandwiches made to order, fruit, home-made soups, and more. Please see the cafeteria for hours of operation. Students with questions or concerns about food services should contact the vice president of student affairs at studentaffairs@vaughn.edu.
International Students
The associate director of admissions is available to assist international students in their personal and social adjustments to the College and American culture. Each new international student is expected to contact the associate director as soon as possible after their arrival. The adviser is available in the Office of Admissions and is the essential source of information regarding immigration. The adviser should also be consulted for help with any special problems that international students may encounter.
Locker Rental
A limited number of lockers are available for rent from the office of student affairs. There are lockers in the lower level of the Main Building. The lockers are intended to be used for academic purposes, i.e. to store heavy books and tools; though, they may be used to store jackets, boots, and umbrellas during inclement weather. The use and the contents of the lockers are bound by the code of conduct as found in the student handbook. Rentals are annual as long as a student remains continuously enrolled. During the first two weeks of each semester, the office of student affairs will email the rental application and instructions. Commuter students are given priority access to locker rentals.
On-Campus Housing
Our three-story residence hall offers all suite-style accommodations for approximately 185 students. Most rooms are double occupancy located in suites, with two rooms sharing a semiprivate bath. Residence hall rooms are supplied with a bed, dresser, closet, desk, and chair for each individual student. Each room is also equipped with phone and cable TV hookups and computer port. The residence hall has a laundry room, study room, fitness room and kitchen facilities within the building. Additionally, there is a common lounge in the lobby. Students interested in living in the residence hall can visit the residence life and housing website to complete a housing application. All students who reside on-campus are expected to select a meal plan to support their nutritional needs.
Student Activities and Engagement
Vaughn promotes a large and varied program of extracurricular and co-curricular activities that offer students a means of supplementing their formal classroom education. Through an array of academic, cultural, social, recreational and educational programs, students are provided with an important opportunity for enriching their college experience.
The office of student activities works with the student government association, student clubs and organizations, and collaborates with other areas of the college to plan programs and opportunities for engagement for the student community. The programs and events provided to the students are an integral part of the educational and leadership development experiences at the College. Because of our location in New York City, students should expect a diverse array of opportunities to explore the rich diversity of the region which may include cultural museums, houses of worship, music and the arts, etc.
Students are encouraged to check their Vaughn emails and the Vaughn instagram account regularly so that they are aware of activities that are available for their participation, learning, growth, and development.
Student Government Association
The Student Government Association (SGA) is an opportunity for students to participate in self- governance. The SGA leadership is elected by student peers during the Spring semester to serve the student body for the following academic year (Fall and Spring). The SGA is primarily concerned with the quality of student life on campus. It carries the concerns of its constituency, the student body, to the administration and is the voice of the student body. It serves students as the liaison to the administration, coordinates social programming, and provides a system for co-curricular involvement through recognition of, and support for, many clubs and organizations. The SGA encourages all students to become involved.
Student Discipline
Students at Vaughn College shall conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the College’s mission as an educational institution. Vaughn seeks to foster the transmission of knowledge and the pursuit of truth. Freedom of inquiry and expression are indispensable components in the attainment of these goals. An assertion of rights or freedoms, however, is balanced by a readiness to assume concomitant responsibilities. Students are expected to recognize the institution’s academic purposes, respect the rights of others in the community and accept responsibility and accountability for their own behavior.
Vaughn has developed standards of conduct, as published in the student handbook, to govern student behavior, policies and procedures, and to deal with specific conduct issues (computer use, drugs and alcohol, sexual misconduct, incivility); a judicial code that sets forth the procedures for adjudicating charges of misconduct; a general grievance procedure; and the applicable sanctions for misconduct. Students whose conduct is not in accord with the College’s standards of conduct shall be subject to disciplinary measures. Students are required to familiarize themselves with these policies, rules and regulations. The vice president of student affairs and staff designee(s) are responsible for adjudicating all student disciplinary concerns, including accepting reports, pursuing investigations, conducting hearings, imposing sanctions, and notification of outcomes.
Student Handbook
The student handbook is a publication of the division of student affairs. The handbook provides current information regarding college expectations, policies, procedures, and the code of conduct. Students are responsible for reading, understanding and abiding by the policies outlined in the handbook available on the College’s website.
Student Health Records and Insurance
It is the goal of the college to maintain a safe environment for learning and living on campus that adheres to both legal compliance and public health guidance.To comply with New York State Public Health Law $ 2165, all students taking six (6) credits or more in a degree-granting program must provide proof of immunization to measles, mumps, and rubella. It is the responsibility of the college, to distribute information to students regarding meningococcal meningitis and the benefits of immunization, and the acknowledgement that students have received and reviewed the information. Vaccination against meningococcal meningitis and is required for students residing in the residence hall. Vaccination against COVID-19 is trongly recommended for students residing in the residence hall.
Vaughn College expects all students to have health insurance coverage because in the event of an illness of accident, inadequate or no coverage could cause a disruption in educational pursuits and a financial burden. Out-of- state students with health insurance policies are urged to ensure that they have adequate coverage available while living in New York. Resident students will be required to provide a copy of their health insurance information at check-in each year.
Student Policies, Procedures and Protocols
Crime Statistics
In accordance with the United States Department of Education regulations that require the disclosure of crime statistics, the College compiles and makes available all reports. For more information, please visit the campus safety information website.
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology is committed to creating an environment that is not adversely affected by drug and alcohol abuse, and that complies with local, state and federal law. We strongly support a combination of preventive education about drug and alcohol abuse and counseling services for those with drug- and alcohol-related problems as the most effective means to achieve and maintain this environment. The College’s respect for individual dignity and commitment to social justice, however, must be balanced by the importance of providing for the safety and wellbeing of the community as a whole and by its responsibility to fulfill its educational mission. At the same time, the College expects that students will conduct themselves in accordance with basic principles of personal responsibility, respect for order and consideration of the rights of others. Implied in these expectations is the recognition that students are responsible for making their own decisions and accepting the consequences of those decisions. To assist members of the College community to make informed choices, students should educate themselves about the consequences of drug and alcohol use.
Vaughn College will not tolerate the unlawful possession, use, abuse or distribution of illegal drugs or alcohol on its property or at its events, or at off-campus activities or business that has a connection to the College. Accordingly, the College sets forth the following basic campus conduct standards for students, faculty and staff which are in addition to the applicable civil and criminal laws and regulations: Vaughn College has established a drug- and alcohol-free workplace policy in order to reaffirm its long- standing opposition to the unlawful or abusive use of controlled substances and alcohol. Vaughn College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation or possession on the premises. Vaughn College requires that students, faculty and staff not be under the influence of illegal drugs, prescription drugs (unless as directed by a doctor) or be impaired by the use of alcoholic beverages while on campus for the conduct of his or her education, or the performance of his or her job, or while engaged in College business or activities elsewhere.
To the extent it ever occurs, the possession, use, sale, service or consumption of alcoholic beverages on College premises or at college-related events or activities must be in full compliance with New York state and local laws. For example, persons under the age of 21 are prohibited from possessing any alcoholic beverages at the College campus or any College related or affiliated event, on or off campus. No person shall be sold or served alcoholic beverages if the person is, or appears to be, under the legal drinking age of 21, seems to be intoxicated or is known to be a problem drinker. Similarly, no one under the age of 21 should present or use fraudulent proof of his or her age in order to purchase, or try to purchase, alcoholic beverages or to gain admittance to an activity for which the person must be 21 years of age or older.
The College’s policy governing the use of alcohol applies to recognized student groups as well. Any violation of the policy can result in sanctions against the group, including loss of privileges and sanctions against the individual members of the group involved in the violation of policy. The student affairs division and the assistant vice president/dean of students maintain detailed standards of student conduct and resources that are outlined in the student handbook. The associate vice president of human resources has further information for faculty and staff.
Bias-Related Crimes and Incidents
New York State law requires that Vaughn College inform students about the Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2000 (Article 485) (the “Act”) and how hate crimes, also known as bias-related crimes, can be prevented on campus. The College strives to bring together students from all types of cultural backgrounds, and to provide an environment in which they might interact and learn from one another. To help promote an environment free of hateful acts, the College has policies and procedures to report and prevent bias-related crimes and incidents.
Bias-Related Crimes
Under the New York State Hate Crimes Act of 2000, a person commits a hate crime when he or she commits a specified offense in the Act and either: (a) Intentionally selects the person against whom the offense is committed or intended to be committed in whole or in substantial part because of a belief or perception regarding the race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation of a person, regardless of whether the belief or perception is correct; or (b) Intentionally commits the act or acts constituting the offense in whole or in substantial part because of a belief or perception regarding the race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation of a person, regardless of whether the belief or perception is correct.
Bias-Related Incidents
Bias-related incidents are acts or behavior that are in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and reasonably believed to be motivated by a person’s real or perceived race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, gender, national origin, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, or any other category prohibited by law.
Reporting Procedures
Individuals are encouraged to report all incidents immediately to campus security at (718) 429-6600 extension 130 and the division of student affairs at incidents@vaughn.edu. Non-felony hate/bias crime incidents can be adjudicated through the campus policies and procedures governing conduct as outlined in the student handbook. The victim can bring a complaint either through the College judicial system or in criminal courts, or in both. The College will make every reasonable attempt to help any individual who is a victim of an alleged bias-related crime or incident to provide interim accommodations as requested and appropriate.
Sanctions For Bias-Related Crimes
The College takes bias-related crimes and incidents very seriously. Criminal penalties may include prison and/or fines depending on the underlying offense. College sanctions may include suspension, termination, and/or expulsion from the College.
Missing Persons
Vaughn College community members who believe that a student is missing, or have been notified that a student is missing, should immediately report her/his concern to campus security at (718) 429-6600 ext. 130. Reports will be investigated and may include checking card access data, reviewing videotape, and verifying class attendance. Vaughn College officials will notify local law enforcement after a student is determined to be missing. If the student has designated an emergency contact person on file, the college will also notify the emergency contact person. Resident students are expected to provide an emergency contact person designated for the college to contact if they are reported as missing.
Title IX - Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology (“Vaughn College”) is a community dependent upon trust and respect among its members. The College is committed to promoting and maintaining a healthy and safe learning, residential and working environment that promotes responsibility and respect in all matters where no one is unlawfully excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any College program or activity on the basis of gender, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender identity, or gender expression (“sex discrimination”).
Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct, as defined below is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by federal and state law, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 that may deny or limit an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from College programs or activities. Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct offenses within the College community are a violation of trust and respect, are prohibited and will not be tolerated by Vaughn College. This prohibition applies to Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct incidents occurring between members of the College community (students, employees, and contractors, consultants, or vendors doing business or providing services to the College) on or off campus at any College academic, educational, co- curricular, athletic, study abroad, residential or other College sponsored program, as well as off- campus incidents not associated with College programs if the conduct has the effect of creating a hostile environment impacting members of the College community. This conduct and any retaliation or intimidation associated with it is prohibited by the College and may also violate federal and state law. The College is dedicated to preventing Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct offenses by providing:
- Education, prevention, and training programs that inform the community about the risks and myths that contribute to Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct;
- Assistance and support, including procedures sensitive to a person who has been the victim of a Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct offense; and
- A process for the prompt and equitable investigation and resolution of incidents of Sexual and Gender- Based Misconduct that includes appropriate disciplinary sanctions for those who commit Sexual and Gender- Based Misconduct offenses, as well as the imposition of remedial actions to address and remedy the effects of such offenses. The College is committed to eliminating Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct, preventing its recurrence, and addressing and remedying its effects and makes this Policy and accompanying information readily available to all students, employees and other members of the College community. Violations of this Policy may result in the imposition of sanctions up to and including termination, dismissal, suspension or expulsion. The full policy is available within the student handbook. The Title IX Coordinator is Elaine T. White, assistant vice president. She may be reached at elaine.white@vaughn.edu or (718) 429-6600 ext. 366
Grievance Policy
Vaughn College is a mission centered institution characterized by Core Values. It is expected that all members of the community treat each other with dignity, civility and respect. Furthermore, students should expect fair, ethical, and equitable treatment. The grievance process is enacted on occasions when students believe their treatment is contrary to our espoused ideals; though they may be rare. The College reserves the right to refer a grievance to another individual in the administration or faculty for a determination.
What is a grievance?
A grievance by definition is an official statement of a complaint about process, or treatment that is believed to be inappropriate or unfair. For Vaughn College, a grievance is a written statement of complaint that details the alleged occurrence warranting a grievance. It is recommended that the student would first attempt to resolve the concern informally through direct communication with the person(s) involved. If initial dialogue is unsuccessful, does not resolve the concern, or if there are reasons that prevent the direct dialogue; then the grievance process for concerns not covered elsewhere should be invoked.
What is not covered in this grievance process?
The grievance procedure is designed to address concerns that are not detailed through separate policies or procedures. As such it is not intended to address:
- Disability Grievances - are handled separately, following the 504/ADA process
- Discrimination/Harassment - may be found within the Title IX - Sexual Misconduct policy
- Financial Appeal - covered in the College catalog, https://www.vaughn.edu/college-catalog/
- Grade Appeals - covered in the College catalog, https://www.vaughn.edu/college-catalog/
- Sexual Misconduct/Title IX - should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator and the process is detailed in a separate policy in the addendum of this Student Handbook.
Who can file a grievance?
Any currently enrolled student who believes that he/she has been treated unfairly by an employed member of Vaughn College community or by a process may file a grievance with the assistant vice president of student affairs.
Where should a grievance be filed?
The assistant vice president of student affairs may be reached in writing at elaine.white@vaughn.edu. The assistant vice president’s office is located in room F129 within the faculty offices located off the upper lobby of the main building. The student grievance form may also be used as a method of submission. Additionally, any Vice President may accept a grievance, particularly within their area of oversight, and inform the assistant vice president.
When should a grievance be filed?
The grievance should be filed as soon as possible after the concern has arisen. The grievance should be received by the assistant vice president within 10 business days of the last attempt to resolve the concern informally or from the occurrence of the concern, whichever event is later.
How to file a grievance:
The grievance is a specific and factual account of what has occurred and should minimally include the following:
- Student complainant information - Full name, SONIS identification number, email and phone number
- Information about the individual the grievance is about - Name, Title, Area/Department
- A detailed statement outlining the occurrence(s) including location, date and time
- Witnesses - Names of other students or employees who were present at the time of the occurrence or who may have pertinent information
- The grievance statement may also include as applicable:
- Steps taken by the student to resolve the concern
- An expected outcome of the grievance, i.e. relief sought by the complainant
- Supporting documentation attached to the grievance
How is the grievance managed?
Fairness, equity, and privacy guide the grievance process. The assistant vice president may manage the grievance directly or may refer the grievance to an AVP or Vice President responsible for a particular area for redress. A full investigation will ensue and an outcome will be conveyed to the AVP who will present it to the student complainant within 60 days of the original receipt of the complete formal written complaint. Though it is anticipated that most grievances will be resolved sooner than 60 days, there may be extenuating circumstances when this is not possible. In an event of extenuating circumstances, the AVP should communicate the delay within the 60 day period.
As part of the investigation, it is expected that the assigned administrator will meet with the named individual, gather information from any potential witnesses, and resolve the concern. While confidentiality is not possible to be granted in a situation where there is an investigation or unjust or unfair treatment, efforts will be made to maintain privacy. Furthermore, there is an expectation that there not be retaliation or threat of retaliation by or against the student filing the grievance; likewise, retaliation by witnesses or anyone involved in the grievance is not tolerated. Grievance decisions are final.
How long will grievance be retained?
The college will retain grievance dispositions for six years.
Voter Registration
In order for Vaughn College to encourage participatory citizenship and in compliance with federal law, the College will facilitate voter registration activities no less than once per academic year. Because Vaughn College educates students from many states, each with differing voting registration methods, we offer this higher education voting website as a resource to students: http://yourvoteyourvoice.org/.
Career Services
Vaughn’s career services team assists students and alumni in securing meaningful internships, full-time jobs, and successful careers within their desired paths. We continuously offer career counseling, industry updates, new prospective opportunities and company literature to help students gain success in their internship and career searches.
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