Landmark College’s mission is to transform the way students learn, educators teach and the public thinks about education. We provide highly accessible approaches to learning that empower individuals who learn differently to exceed their aspirations and to achieve their greatest potential. Through the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training, the College aims to extend its mission across the nation and throughout the world.
Landmark College is a two-year liberal arts institution of higher education, serving students with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders, which fosters the capacity for independent creative thought, and engaged and responsible world citizenship. Integrating principles of universal design and strategic learning within a technology-rich, learning-centered environment, Landmark’s faculty and staff bring unprecedented experience and expertise to their work with students. In the classrooms and residence halls, through the advising model, and through an extensive network of support systems, students receive a high degree of individual attention as they develop self-understanding, self-advocacy, and lifelong learning skills, and learn to function autonomously in mainstream settings.
In recognition of the great societal need for effective educational programs and practices, the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training engages in and supports research relevant to the field, and provides consultancy and professional development opportunities to educators and educational systems, both nationally and internationally, extending our mission across the nation and throughout the world.
Through programs for high school and visiting college students, on our Vermont campus and in other settings, Landmark seeks to reach a broader population of students than it can serve in its degree programs alone, providing short-term courses of study focused on self-understanding and strategy development, with the goal of preparing students to better succeed in their own academic settings.
Landmark College acknowledges but does not accept the societal practice of labeling and stigmatizing students who learn differently. Every aspect of the campus environment is designed to promote individual development and peer interactions that challenge the fundamental assumptions inherent in these labels and that build on the strengths and talents that accompany different ways of learning. The College provides a collaborative teaching and learning environment that supports students in finding their own educational uniqueness and in confidently engaging with and contributing to society and the world. Simply put, we approach every student as a distinctive individual learner with enormous potential and promise.
Landmark College is a unique community of students, teachers and staff, each committed to fostering both the skills and enthusiasm necessary for personal growth and continuing education. The specific policies and procedures contained in this Student Handbook originate from the basic concept of recognizing each person as an individual worthy of respect, trust, dignity and fair treatment. All students who have enrolled at Landmark College agree to abide by these policies and procedures which are intended to promote mutual respect, safety, ethical awareness and a congenial environment, conducive to effective living and learning.
The student handbook is published by Landmark College at the beginning of each academic year. The College reserves the right to add, modify or amend any part of this handbook between publication dates. The College will inform students, faculty and staff through various means when any changes to this handbook are made. These changes will supercede any previously published policies on the same topic.
All students and staff of Landmark College are members of a unique educational community, whose goal is to enable each student to tap his or her full potential for success. Such a challenging goal requires tremendous individual effort on the part of each student and cooperative effort on the part of each member of the Landmark community. The guiding principles of the Landmark community include hard work, respect for others and oneself, honesty, personal accountability, and careful organization of time and materials. The following standards of conduct are examples and general expectations for all student members of the Landmark College community:
It is expected that all members of our community will conduct themselves responsibly in accordance with the policies and regulations outlined in this handbook. Actions that are inconsistent with the ideals of this community or are prejudicial to the best interests of the College will be addressed by the College through the disciplinary process.
Landmark College reserves the right to impose disciplinary sanctions, up to and including expulsion, for violations of College policies or for the commission of illegal acts (on or off campus) or for any action it deems to be detrimental to the student’s performance, or which would be harmful to the welfare of the College, which would disrupt the academic process of the College.
When the College becomes aware that criminal charges have been brought against a student by local, state, or federal authorities, the College reserves the right to suspend or expel that student from the College.
The College reserves the right to address all matters through its disciplinary process. Any disciplinary proceedings and resulting sanctions, either before or after the findings of a court of law, do not constitute double jeopardy. The principle of ‘double jeopardy’ or the principle of being tried twice for the same offense, does not apply to the College’s disciplinary proceedings.
Landmark College’s disciplinary system relies on the standard of proof of ‘a preponderance of the evidence’ or ‘more likely than not’. This means that an administrative hearing or conduct board must believe that there is more than a 50% likelihood that the actions or behavior in question did occur.
The description of disciplinary procedures set forth below is not intended to require progressive discipline. Disciplinary intervention may begin at any level. There is no requirement that interventions follow the levels in sequence, or that all levels must be used in the process.
The determination of the appropriate discipline, including suspension or expulsion from the College, shall be at the discretion of the President of the College, Dean of the College, Vice President of Student Affairs or their designees as appropriate. Each incident will be considered individually. The procedures set forth should not be considered to be a promise for specific treatment in specific situations.
The College may immediately suspend or dismiss a student who poses a continuing danger to self, persons or property, or who poses an ongoing threat of disruption to the academic progress of the College prior to or subsequent to the disciplinary procedures described in this Handbook.
The President of the College has the ultimate decision-making authority in all matters relating to carrying out the College’s policies, including matters relating to discipline and suspension or expulsion.
Re-affirm community standards
Align student behavior with standards
Hold students accountable
Assist in making future choices
Consider the consequences in advance
Determine, with the student, the reasons for misconduct.
Difficulties experienced by a student in the classroom or in the residence hall may be addressed by a Faculty member, Academic Advisor, or Resident Dean through formal or informal intervention meetings. Such intervention meetings typically occur when difficulties arise, such as inappropriate behavior and/or language, lack of attendance, or poor social decision-making.
The outcomes of an intervention between the student and the facilitator may range from verbal agreements to written mandatory structures, meant to address the issues or behaviors being addressed. The facilitator of an intervention meeting may also recommend that a student be required to attend an Administrative Hearing.
A student who is alleged to be involved in violations of College policy, in repeated violations of College policies after interventions have occurred, or who needs to be held more strictly accountable for behaviors agreed upon in previous interventions may be required to attend an Administrative Hearing.
Typically, an Administrative Hearing is convened and facilitated by the Academic Dean, Resident Dean, Director of Residential Life, Director of Judicial Affairs, or the Dean of Students. Other staff and faculty with relevant information may be invited to attend Administrative Hearings. Parents may not participate in Administrative hearings. Legal counsel may not appear as support persons in Administrative hearings unless the respondent is concurrently facing criminal prosecution for the conduct which is the subject of the College procedure. In that circumstance, the counsel may be present and advise the student or respondent, but will not be allowed to directly address the College.
The outcomes of an Administrative Hearing may include (but not be limited to) an initial or amended articulation of support and intervention measures, including placing a student on sanctions such as Warning, Probation or Deferred Suspension from the College. The facilitator of an Administrative Hearing may also recommend that a College Conduct Board hearing be convened to address the issues presented.
A student who is charged with violating any College policy that may result in their suspension or expulsion from the College may be required to appear before a College Conduct Board. In addition, students who, in the opinion of the Dean of Students, have failed to adequately implement previous interventions, or have failed to abide by previously imposed disciplinary sanctions, may be required to appear before a College Conduct Board.
A College Conduct Board is convened by the Dean of Students or his/her designee. Members of the Board may include the Director of Judicial Affairs, Residential staff, Faculty and students. A student’s Academic Advisor or other college official may also be present to help facilitate the student’s understanding of the Conduct Board hearing process, and to assist the student in communicating his or her position. Academic Advisors do not take part in College Conduct Board hearing deliberations or decisions.
The charge of a Conduct Board is to determine if a violation of the College’s policies or standards of conduct have occurred, and to recommend sanctions for students found in violation of these policies or standards to the Dean of Students, who holds final approval of all Conduct Board recommendations.
At any appearance before a College Conduct Board hearing, a student who is the subject of the hearing, or the complainant or respondent in hearings addressing complaints of sexual harassment and sexual assault, may bring an Academic Advisor or one other member of the College faculty or staff as a support person. Parents, guardians and family members may not appear as support persons.
Legal counsel may not appear as support persons in Conduct Board hearings unless the respondent is concurrently facing criminal prosecution for the conduct which is the subject of the College procedure. In that circumstance, the counsel may be present and advise the student or respondent, but will not be allowed to directly address the Board.
Failure to cooperate in a College Conduct Board hearing may result in suspension.
The outcomes of a College Conduct Board hearing may include:
the continuation, amendment and/or augmentation of existing interventions and sanctions,
a decision to impose a disciplinary status and/or other sanctions,
a decision to suspend or expel a student from the College on a deferred basis while imposing further sanctions,
a decision to suspend or expel a student from the College.
A student who wishes to appeal the decision of an administrative hearing may do so with the Dean of Students. Appeals of this nature must be submitted in writing to the Dean within seven (7) days of the administrative hearing. Appeals at this level will be considered only on the grounds that the evidence was insufficient to warrant the action or the decision was inconsistent with existing College policy. The Dean will determine if the decision and sanctions will be upheld, reversed or modified. The Dean’s decision on appeals is final.
A student may appeal a decision of suspension or expulsion to the President of the College (or designee). Appeals must be submitted in writing to the President within seven (7) days of the effective date of the College Conduct Board’s decision of suspension or expulsion. The President will consider an appeal only in the event that a decision by the conduct board was erroneous. The President’s decision on appeals is final.
In the formal intervention process, a range of sanctions may be imposed by the College. Depending on the behavior pattern or incident being addressed, a combination of administrative and educational sanctions may be issued.
When violations of College policy or any behavior where the College’s Standards of Conduct are violated occur, the College will use the following criteria to determine the appropriate level of sanction.
Furthermore, while engagement in the academic program is not an explicit factor in the determination of a sanction, the College may consider the documented level of commitment the student has made to their academic program in making a final determination. Similarly, a student’s honesty and cooperation with College staff throughout an incident may also be considered in a determination of final sanction.
Students who do not follow the structures and requirements of any sanctions issued by the College may be subject to further disciplinary action.
Notice: Notice is a level of sanction that expresses concern about a specific behavior, and the measure that the College and the student have taken to ensure that this behavior will not happen in the future. A letter of Notice also acts as a formal method to record patterns of behavior with students.
Warning: A Warning is intended to remind a student of the obligation that he/she accepts to adhere to the standards of conduct established by Landmark College and/or any other policy, procedure or rule.
Probation: Probation is an official notification that any further violations of the standards of conduct or any other college policy, procedure or rule may result in one’s suspension or expulsion from the College.
Deferred Suspension: Under certain circumstances, a student may be suspended from the College and have said suspension placed in abeyance. This may be done with the agreement that no further violations of college policy or standard of conduct will occur. Should a student be responsible for additional policy violations, the original sanction of suspension from the College would take effect.
Suspension from the College: When suspended from the College, a student is not permitted to be on campus, enter any buildings or attend any classes for a specified period of time, generally not less than one semester. Suspension from the College is imposed when students violate a College policy that warrants their removal from campus. In addition, when a student is suspended from the College, he/she may be required to complete educational sanctions before they can request to reapply for admission to the College.
Expulsion: Under certain severe circumstances, a student may be required to leave campus and not be allowed to return. A student who is expelled from the College may not reapply for enrollment at any time in the future, and may not be present on campus grounds, or enter any buildings.
NOTE: A student who is suspended or expelled from the College is not eligible for a refund of his/her tuition, room charges, board charges or any other fees.
At the discretion of a hearing officer, a student may be assigned additional sanctions intended to support the educational dynamic of the intervention process. Possible alternative and educational sanctions are listed, but not limited to, the items below.
Community Service: Under certain circumstances, students may be required to complete a stated number of community service hours, special projects or educational programs.
Educational Programming: Students may be required to attend and report on an educational program addressing a specific issue (i.e. drug & alcohol use, sexual respect, etc).
Change of Residency: Re-assignment of an individual to a different room or residence hall.
Residential Restrictions: The restriction for a student to enter a particular residential room, floor or building.
Loss of Privilege: The revocation of specific privileges existing on campus.
Restitution: Cost of repairs, replacements, and reimbursements to the College or community members.
Fines: Assessments to students as a result of disciplinary action. The amount of a fine is at the discretion of the College.
Students who fail to complete any alternative or educational sanctions will be subject to further disciplinary action by the College that may include an extension of the original sanctions, assessment of additional fines in lieu of community service, or a student’s record being placed on hold status until the sanctions are complete and/or fines are paid.
The following represents a selected list of academic policies. For a full list of academic policies, please see the current issue of the Landmark College Bulletin.
The following is provided to satisfy the notice requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“FERPA”), and is not intended to create contractual or other rights or remedies beyond any created by FERPA itself.
FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:
There are many circumstances under which FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. Some examples of such circumstances include:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
As an academic community, Landmark strives to instill and foster intellectual honesty and integrity. Effective evaluation of student work can occur only in an environment where intellectual honesty is respected. Academic dishonesty, which includes the inappropriate giving or receiving of aid during any test situation, is a clear violation of academic integrity.
To plagiarize is to give the impression that a thought or a piece of writing is original, when, in fact, it was borrowed from another. A form of academic dishonesty, plagiarism is a violation of intellectual integrity and academic responsibility.
The individual student is responsible for ensuring that his or her work does not involve plagiarism. Ignorance of the nature of plagiarism or of Landmark rules may not be offered as a mitigating circumstance. Students with questions on matters of plagiarism should consult their English course instructor and the instructor of the course for whom they are preparing work.
The minimum penalty for plagiarism is no credit (recorded as a zero for the purpose of determining the student’s course grade) in the unit of work in which plagiarism has occurred. The maximum penalty for first offense plagiarism is failure for the course in which the plagiarism occurred; in cases of repeated offense, suspension or expulsion from Landmark may be imposed. No opportunity may be granted to make up or otherwise fulfill the requirements of the unit of work involved. A student suspended from Landmark may not transfer to Landmark any course credits earned at other institutions during the period of suspension.
Instructors should report any suspected cases of academic dishonesty and plagiarism to the Academic Dean.
The policy statements below outline the steps leading to Academic Probation and that may result in suspension from the College. The policy applies to students who attempt nine or more credits in a given semester at Landmark College.
If a student’s cumulative GPA at the end of a semester falls below 2.0 (or below 1.8 for a student completing the 1st semester), the student will begin the next semester on Academic Warning.
If the student’s cumulative GPA remains below 2.0 at the end of the next consecutive semester, the student will begin the next semester on Academic Probation.
If the student’s cumulative GPA remains below 2.0 at the end of the next consecutive semester, the student will be liable for Suspension from the College for one year.
A semester is defined as the fall or spring term. Summer credit courses and study abroad do not constitute semesters, although grades earned during these programs are factored into the cumulative GPA.
Students who enter the program at the non-credit level in the partial-credit program are expected to earn passing grades of C- or better in EN and FY courses within two attempts. Students who unable to earn the minimum grade following two attempts at each course may be asked to leave the college and must petition the Academic Dean to continue enrollment at the College.
Students may add credit courses during the first two weeks of the semester, and may drop credit courses prior to the end of the fourth instructional week of the semester without having the course appear on their record.
Students may drop credit courses for any reason prior to the end of the eighth week of classes and receive a W (withdraw) on their transcript. This will not affect the grade point average.
After the eighth week of classes, students will receive a WP (withdraw passing) or WF (withdraw failing) on their transcript. A WF will be factored in to the grade point average as an F.
To add or drop a course, students should consult with their advisor, obtain the permission of the faculty member(s) involved, consult with their advisor, and receive the approval of the appropriate Department Chair.
Students may be administratively withdrawn from a course at the discretion of the instructor if they are absent from the course for the equivalent of two weeks. The instructor must also determine that the student:
Is no longer able to participate effectively in the course.
Is mathematically unable to pass the course due to missed material.
Has missed too many scheduled opportunities to demonstrate effectively that meaningful learning has taken place and has been sustained over time, in accordance with the course’s leaning objectives.
Prior to withdrawing the student, the instructor will:
Document the student’s attendance difficulties and communicate them in a timely manner to both the students and the student’s academic advisor.
Issue at least three current status notices documenting the accumulation of absences and the related academic performance difficulties that could eventually justify administrative withdrawal.
Attempt to meet with the student and his/her advisor to provide guidance and support.
Any student who is administratively withdrawn from a course has the right to make an appeal. The following broad guidelines govern the appeal process:
The appeal must be made in writing to both the instructor and the department chair.
The written appeal must be submitted within five working days of notification of administrative withdrawal.
During the appeal process, the student may continue to attend the course.
The department chair will make the final decision on the appeal based on some or all of the following:
Students generally intend to fulfill all of their academic obligations and perform effectively in their program. However, absences may occur for a variety of reasons during a semester and impact a student’s performance in a course. Research has found a direct correlation between student performance on both planned and unplanned exams and the consistency of a student’s attendance in that course. This research shows that any absence, regardless of reason, impacts student performance.
It is the policy of Landmark College not to discriminate in its admissions program, student services or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, age or disability. Inquiries regarding discrimination should be made to the Compliance Coordinator, Landmark College, Putney, VT 05346 (802) 387-6712. Students and employees are encouraged to use Landmark’s internal grievance procedures, but are not required to do so before filing a complaint with the agencies listed below as well as in the Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault complaint procedures of the College.
Students have recourse to file complaints of discrimination to:
Vermont Attorney General’s Office, Civil Rights Unit, 109 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05602, tel: (802) 828-3171 (voice/TDD).
U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Region One, 707 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109, tel: (voice) (617) 223-9662.
Complaints should be filed within 180 days of adverse action, unless filing time is extended by the responsible Department of Education official or his/her designee.
As an institution devoted to the education of students with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders, Landmark College fully supports and recognizes the standards set forth in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and similar state laws (“applicable law”), which are designed to eliminate discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities.
Covered disabilities may include physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more of a student's major life activities, and which require modifications to the facilities, programs, or services of the College. The College is committed to making the campus and its facilities accessible as required by applicable law. The College cannot make accommodations that are unduly burdensome or that fundamentally alter the nature of the College’s programs.
Given the College’s unique mission, many academic accommodations that might be customary or required at traditional institutions would not be appropriate at Landmark, because they would alter the College’s academic program. Therefore, while all students are encouraged to make inquiries or requests regarding disability issues through the following procedure as necessary, students should recognize that there is usually no need for them to use the procedure to address learning disability or attention deficit disorder-related issues. Such issues are not ordinarily viewed as within the scope of this policy, because they are addressed with faculty, faculty advisors, or otherwise, as part of the College’s core curriculum and academic and residential programs.
All requests for accommodation, inquiries about the scope of this policy, and related procedural questions should be directed to the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students administers this policy and procedure, and is the College’s designated Section 504 Coordinator. The Dean of Students will address accommodation requests through the following two-stage process.
The first step in the process requires that students provide information from which the College can determine whether the student is a person with a disability within the scope of this policy. Such certification is a prerequisite to the reasonable accommodation dialogue described in section I.A.2. below. Students seeking certification must fill out a Special Needs Identification Form and provide the information and documentation requested on the form. The form requests, among other things:
The Special Needs Identification Form and documentation should be submitted to the Dean of Students as far in advance of the period for which the accommodations are requested as possible. The College may not be able to arrange for accommodations that are not requested in a timely manner.
The Dean of Students reviews the Special Needs Identification Form and the accompanying documentation, and pursues one of the following courses of action:
Once a student has been certified as a student with a disability within the scope of this policy and is therefore deemed eligible for accommodation within the scope of this policy, the Dean of Students:
reviews the student’s request for accommodation(s); and
consults and works with the student and other appropriate members of the College community to formulate and communicate a proposed course of action that would constitute a reasonable accommodation of the student's disability, given the nature and extent of the disability, the student’s compensatory skills, course or program requirements (to the extent applicable, given the scope of this policy and the College’s unique curriculum), and College resources.
In reaching certification and accommodation decisions, the Dean of Students may, in his or her discretion, consult discretely and/or confidentially with appropriate professionals within and/or outside the College regarding the interpretation, appropriateness and validity of requests and documentation submitted in connection with this procedure.
Note: The College reserves the right to recommend accommodations that differ from the specific approaches suggested by the student or individuals documenting the student’s disability, so long as the accommodations proposed by the Dean of Students achieve the objective of program accessibility as required by law.
Agreed-upon accommodations will be documented in a written accommodations plan that will be signed by the student and the Dean of Students or designee. If accommodations are not agreed upon, the Dean of Students will provide to the student a written (or e-mail) description of what accommodations were deemed reasonable and offered by the College.
If accommodations acceptable to the student cannot be developed through cooperative dialogue, the student may appeal the decision of the Dean of Students through the Appeals Process described in Section III below.
Landmark College neither imposes accommodations on its students nor pre-empts their responsibilities, as legal and social adults, to identify their special needs within the scope of this policy and to ensure that these needs are being met.
It is the student's responsibility to initiate the certification process described above by:
A student who has received disability certification must work cooperatively with the Dean of Students and other designated staff and faculty to determine and sustain reasonable and appropriate academic accommodations. Once a written accommodation plan has been agreed upon by the student and the Dean of Students, the student is responsible for taking reasonable steps to ensure that the plan is meeting his or her special needs. Students are therefore responsible for: (1) communicating with faculty; (2) keeping appointments with faculty and designated staff to avoid delays in implementation; and (3) conferring with faculty and the Dean of Students as necessary regarding the effectiveness of accommodations.
If a student perceives a need for additional accommodations or for the modification of existing accommodations, the student must request, in writing, a revision of the accommodation plan. Such requests should be addressed to the Dean of Students. Providing reasonable accommodations requires timely student input. It may be impossible to arrange accommodations that are not requested in a timely manner.
The College requires appropriately current documentation of any disabilities for which accommodation is requested under this policy, provided at the expense of the student requesting accommodation, prior to making certification or accommodation decisions. Documentation of impairments furnished by the student will be handled discretely, and will only be shared with faculty and faculty advisors in a manner consistent with other College policies and practices and student authorizations regarding student medical or psychoeducational records. Since insufficient information may jeopardize the accommodations process, the College reserves the right to request additional documentation considered necessary to the formulation of a reasonable and appropriate accommodation plan. The cost of obtaining any such additional documentation shall be borne by the student. The College also reserves the right to request an independent evaluation by a professional of its choosing. The cost of obtaining any such independent evaluation shall be borne by the College.
Generally, documentation must:
The Dean of Students determines whether the documentation submitted is adequate to support certification or a requested accommodation and whether the individual preparing the documentation is qualified to make the diagnosis at issue.
A student may appeal any decision made under this policy by the Dean of Students that is communicated in writing or by e-mail. Appeals may be based upon, for example: newly discovered evidence; a challenge to a decision not to certify a student as a person with a disability within the scope of this policy; a challenge to a decision not to provide a particular accommodation; and/or issues regarding documentation of disabilities.
Any appeal must be submitted to the Office of the President of the College within 10 calendar days of the written (or e-mail) decision appealed. The appeal should state the grounds for the appeal in detail. A copy of the appeal must also be provided to the Dean of Students at such time. The President will either decide the appeal personally, or will designate another administrative official to do so. Temporary relief pending appeal, in the form of the accommodations sought or otherwise, may be requested in writing along with the appeal. Such relief may be granted by the President or designated administrative officer, at his or her discretion.
As soon as practicable following receipt of the copy of the appeal from the student, the Dean of Students will provide to the President’s Office a copy of the student’s Special Needs Identification Form, attached documentation, and record of other communications with the student or other documents that might be relevant to the appeal. The President or designated official may review such documents in reaching a decision on the appeal.
The President or designated administrative officer may, at his or her discretion: 1) grant the appeal and order that the requested accommodation be provided as requested; 2) propose an alternative accommodation, and remand the matter to the Dean of Students so that an accommodation dialogue may be had regarding the proposed alternative (another appeal may follow if that does not resolve the matter); 3) request more information from the student, the Dean of Students, and/or other appropriate individuals; 4) deny the appeal, which would be the College’s final decision; or 5) take other action deemed appropriate at the discretion of the President or administrative officer.
In addition to the above-stated appeals process regarding accommodations decisions, students who feel that they have been harassed or discriminated against on the basis of their disability, in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or other applicable law, may file a formal or informal complaint with the College or otherwise, as described in the harassment policy found elsewhere in the Student Handbook.
While not required by applicable law or this policy, the Dean of Students may be able to arrange limited assistance for temporarily impaired students at the discretion of the Dean of Students and other College offices or programs. It must be understood that the Dean of Students’ voluntarily providing or arranging such help does not mean the temporarily injured or impaired student qualifies or is certified as an individual with a disability under applicable law or within the scope of this policy. If you have questions about what assistance the College may be able to provide in the event of a temporary impairment, you should contact the Dean of Students.
Landmark College recognizes the problems associated with substance use and abuse and has a policy that addresses the following two areas:
Alcohol and other drugs profoundly affect learning and performance by interfering with perception and memory. For this reason, and the reasons stated above, the possession or use of alcohol or illicit drugs by students on the campus is inconsistent with Landmark’s educational mission and is not permitted.
At the same time, Landmark provides a professionally trained counseling staff for students. Students with alcohol/drug-related problems are encouraged to seek the help of counselors on a voluntary basis to deal confidentially with those issues. (Counselors at Landmark College follow the rules and regulations of confidentiality as defined and required by law). Health Services and Counseling staff are experienced in working with issues of substance abuse and can assist the student directly as well as provide information about off-campus assessment and/or treatment and a wide variety of support groups available in the local area.
While the College will hold students accountable for violations of the alcohol and other drug policies noted below, it is also committed to supporting any student who makes the responsible decision to address his or her substance use. Students should feel confident in knowing that Resident Deans, Advisors, Deans, Faculty and Staff will support any student who is struggling to address his or her substance use. This support may include referrals to counseling, educational programming or intervention plans on or off campus to assist a student in meeting his or her goals.
The College will address any behavior relating to drugs and alcohol outlined below:
The College prohibits the possession, use, distribution or transportation of alcohol on campus. The following behaviors regarding alcohol will be met with disciplinary action by the College.
Possession, use, distribution, or transportation of alcohol on campus (regardless of age)
Providing alcohol to students of minority age (under 21 years old)
Being under the influence of alcohol on campus, to any extent, as a minor (under 21 years old)
Being under the influence of alcohol and the cause of disruption to the campus community or otherwise drawing attention to oneself (regardless of age).
Students found to be in violation of the alcohol policy may be met with sanctions including a disciplinary status ranging from Disciplinary Warning to Expulsion from the College. Other sanctions may include, but not be limited to fines, community service, educational programs or residential relocation.
The legal drinking age in Vermont is 21. In accordance with the laws of the State of Vermont, anyone under the age of 21 who purchases, possesses or procures alcohol or misrepresents his or her age or alters a form of identification with the intent to purchase alcohol may upon conviction be fined, sentenced to jail, or both. Violators of these laws are subject to criminal prosecution, and to disciplinary action by Landmark College.
While the College cannot prohibit students of legal drinking age from consuming alcohol off campus, abstinence from the use of alcohol is still recommended for maximum academic performance and development. For those of legal drinking age who choose to consume alcohol off campus, the College encourages moderate, responsible use for the safety of self and others.
Empty alcohol bottles, cans, bottle tops, and other containers are not allowed on campus, even for decorative purposes. The Resident Dean will confiscate containers, and students found in possession of the containers may be subject to disciplinary action.
The College prohibits the possession, use, distribution, transportation or being under the influence of illicit drugs on campus. If a student is found on campus with illegal drugs that student is liable for sanctions, ranging from probation to expulsion from the College. Other sanctions that may accompany disciplinary status include attending educational seminars, alcohol assessments, engaging in a substance free contract or community service.
The following are considered to be evidence of drug policy violations and sufficient grounds for full disciplinary action:
Landmark fully supports the federal and state statutes prohibiting the possession, use, and distribution of illicit drugs on or off campus. Violators of these laws are subject to criminal prosecution, and to disciplinary action by Landmark.
Students who are found to be sharing, selling, or trading prescription medications on campus, or abusing or misusing their own prescription medications on campus will be subject to sanctions ranging from Disciplinary Probation to suspension or expulsion from the College.
Drug paraphernalia, regardless of intended use, is not allowed on campus. ‘Hookahs’ are considered to be drug paraphernalia. Even though a Hookah may be used for non drug related smoking of flavored tobacco, due to their frequent use in the smoking of other substances, the use of Hookahs anywhere on campus is prohibited.
When found, the Resident Deans and other college officials will confiscate the items, and students found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia will be subject to sanctions ranging from Disciplinary Probation to suspension or expulsion from the College.
The operation of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other illicit substance poses a danger not only to the operator, but to passengers and other members of the community. It is for this reason that students who are found by the College to be driving while impaired by alcohol or other drugs will be subject to disciplinary action ranging from Deferred Suspension to Expulsion from the College.
Landmark College joins many national organizations and other colleges and universities in support of the elimination of hazing. Landmark College supports only those activities which are educational, constructive, and contribute to the intellectual and personal development of students. The College unequivocally opposes any situation created intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.
Landmark College interprets hazing as any act, whether physical, mental, emotional, or psychological, which subjects another person, voluntarily or involuntarily, to anything that may abuse, mistreat, degrade, humiliate, harass, or intimidate him or her, or which may in any fashion compromise his or her inherent dignity as a person.
Landmark College is committed to maintaining a campus environment where students are not subjected to bigotry and discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, age, or other characteristics as protected by applicable law. Such harassment is against College policy and may be illegal under state and federal laws and regulations.
Landmark College defines harassment as verbal or physical conduct which has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational or living environment on the basis or because of a student’s sex, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, or age, or other characteristics as protected by applicable law, and which would create such an environment for a reasonable person under the circumstances. Such harassment may include, for example, repeated slurs, taunts in the guise of a joke, disparaging remarks, or physically threatening or inappropriate conduct, when such is directed at a person or group of persons because of their sex, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, physical ability or age. Retaliation against a student for filing a complaint in good faith under this policy is strictly prohibited, and, if proven, would be considered a violation of this policy.
Landmark College recognizes that the protection of free and open speech and the open exchange of ideas are important to any academic community. This recognition is therefore an important element in the “reasonable person” standard used in judging whether harassment has occurred. This policy is meant neither to proscribe nor to inhibit discussion, in or out of the classroom, of complex, controversial or sensitive matters, when in the judgment of a reasonable person they arise appropriately and with respect for the dignity of others. Landmark College also recognizes, however, that verbal conduct can be used specifically to intimidate or coerce and to inhibit genuine discourse, free inquiry and learning. Such abuses are unacceptable. If someone believes that another’s speech or writing is offensive, wrong or hurtful, he or she is encouraged to express that judgment in the exercise of his or her own free speech or to seek redress under the noted procedure(s) when appropriate.
This policy is intended to protect all Landmark College students and applies to the conduct of Landmark College students, faculty, administrators and staff. Any person who feels that they have been harassed or retaliated against as defined in this policy may file a formal grievance with the Dean of Students, in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Grievance Policies and Procedures below. Students should note that sexual harassment is also separately addressed in the College’s Sexual Harassment Policy and Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Procedure.
Landmark College recognizes that many students want and need on-campus access to a car (or motorcycle) for personal use and offers parking privileges to all students. The College is also responsible for the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors. To facilitate vehicle use by students and assure safety, the College has established the following Vehicle Regulations.
All motor vehicle operators who bring a vehicle onto the campus are responsible for understanding and following the parking and traffic regulations of the campus.
This booklet is made available in order for operators to familiarize themselves with the regulations of Landmark College.
All vehicles, including motorcycles, ATVs and snowmobiles, on Landmark College property must be registered with the Department of Safety & Security within 24 hours of the vehicles arrival on campus.
Being issued a permit does not guarantee that a space will be available. The lack of an appropriate parking space is not an excuse for parking illegally.
Registration forms are available at the office of the Department of Safety & Security, Student Life, or the Business Office. Submit the completed form, along with copies of the valid state registration, insurance, and operator’s license to the Department of Safety & Security.
Any false or incorrect information given at the time of registration will automatically void the permit.
Permits will be displayed on the lower left (driver’s side) corner of the windshield. Permits must be visible whenever the vehicle is on campus.
Guests who wish to park a vehicle on campus must register their vehicle with the Department of Safety & Security upon arrival on campus.
Registered owners are responsible for their vehicle. Citations issued are the responsibility of the register owner despite the operator at the time of the citation.
Landmark College parking and traffic regulations are enforced by the members of the Department of Safety & Security, Residential Life, and Facilities.
Student permits are issued at the beginning of the fall semester, or if there is a change in vehicle. Employees will be required to register their vehicles once. If a change in vehicle occurs, then the new vehicle needs to be registered within 24 hours.
All expired permits must be removed prior to the new permit being installed.
Permits will be displayed on the lower left (driver’s side) corner of the window. Permits must be visible whenever the vehicle is on campus.
Vehicles are assigned parking in specific parking lots. If a vehicle is found in a lot other then the one assigned, than the registered owner of the vehicle will receive a citation.
A vehicle is considered parked any time it is stopped, other than at a stop sign, whether the vehicle is attended or unattended by driver or passenger.
At no time should a vehicle be parked on any walkway or sidewalk.
In all areas where there is designated parking, the driver must park within the marked space, so that the painted lines show on either side of the vehicle.
In parking areas where there are no painted lines, the driver must park in a manner as to allow other vehicles to be parked uniformly.
Vehicles must be parked in a way that does not obstruct the flow of traffic.
Employees will be issued a permit that corresponds with the assigned parking lot. Lot assignment will be based on the employee’s office location.
Students will be issued a permit based on their length of time as a student at the college. At no time should a student’s vehicle be parked in an unassigned lot.
Lot A is the small parking lot at the Admissions building. Parking for this lot is for employees assigned to the Admissions Building or the Day Care center. Students may park in one of the visitor spaces only if they have business in the Admissions Building.
Lot B is comprised of the marked spaces along Perseverance Lane. Both employees and students will be assigned to this lot. Students assigned to Lot B will have completed a minimum of three semesters at the college. At no time should any individual be parked within the fire lane.
Lot C is comprised of the designated spaces within the Main Campus. This includes the parking spaces between the Administration Building and the Sports Center and near the Tennis Courts. This lot will be assigned to both employees and students. Commuting students will be assigned to Lot C.
Lot D is comprised of both the upper and lower FAB parking lots. First year students will be assigned to this lot. Employees who work in the FAB and EAB will also be assigned to this lot. This is a gravel lot so it is the responsibility of the operator to park his or her vehicle in a responsible manner.
Any guest wishing to park a vehicle on campus is required to register that vehicle with the Department of Safety & Security upon arrival to campus. The individual will be issued a temporary permit that will be displayed on the driver’s side dash board so that the writing can be read from the outside of the vehicle. The permit shall be returned to the Department of Safety & Security upon the individuals leaving campus. All guests are required to park their vehicle in Lot C.
On occasion an individual will need to have a short term permit. These are to be displayed in the same manor as a regular permit. Vehicles with temporary permits will be assigned to a lot based on the circumstances for the permit.
Any individual with a handicap permit from his/her state of registration is allowed to use any of the available handicap designated spaces. On-campus handicap parking is granted only with approval from Heath Services. Misuse of an on-campus handicap permit will result in the permit being revoked.
There are several types of reserved parking around campus. Individuals are not allowed to park in reserved spaces without prior approval from the Department of Safety & Security. The only exceptions are the spaces marked for visitors. These are designated for guests of the college.
Allowance is made for the parking of delivery and College owned vehicles along the jersey barriers on Perseverance Drive for the purpose of unloading or job duties. The operator of the vehicle must be within the immediate vicinity of the vehicle in case of emergency. A designated space for service and delivery vehicles has been established at the Administration Building east entrance.
Multiple violations can be added onto one citation.
Illegal parking
Parking on the grass or landscaped areas
Parking in an unauthorized lot
Parking in a reserved space
Parking hillside (jersey barrier side) of Perseverance Drive
Parking in a “No Parking” zone
Blocking any loading zone or the kitchen drive
Parking on a service road
Blocking any walkway or driveway
Not properly registering a vehicle
Operating a vehicle under the colonnade
Operating a vehicle on the grass or in landscaped areas
Driving at an excessive speed
Driving recklessly
Parking in a handicap space without authorization
Parking in a fire lane
Driving at excessive speed and/or driving recklessly on campus are considered to be serious violations of the Landmark College’s Student Code of Conduct. Students who violate this policy may, in addition to a fine, be referred for immediate disciplinary action.
Payments of citations are due within 10 days of the date of issue. After the 10 days the fine will double.
Payments are to be made at the Business Office, in the Administration Building.
All citations issued to students that remain unpaid at the end of the semester will be billed to the student’s account.
All citations issued to employees that remain unpaid after 20 days will be handled through the Human Resources Office and the individual’s supervisor.
Individuals who received a citation and believe that the citation was issued in error or that there were mitigating circumstances may petition for reconsideration.
An appeal form may be obtained at the Office of Safety & Security, Aiken Hall.
The appeal form must be submitted prior to the date the citation is due to be paid. Any appeals received after the due date will not be accepted.
Continuous violations of the Parking and Traffic Regulations may result in the registered owner losing parking and driving privileges on campus.
When a vehicle has received three citations in one semester a written warning, advising that upon receiving a fourth citation the vehicle is subjected to booting or towing, will be sent to the registered owner. If the registered owner is a student a copy of the letter will be sent to the student’s Resident Dean. If the registered owner is an employee a copy will be sent to Human Resources.
When a vehicle has received four citations in one semester a written warning, advising that upon receiving a fifth citation the vehicle will be banned from campus, will be sent to the registered owner. If the registered owner is a student a copy of the letter will be sent to the student’s Resident Dean as well as the Director of Residential Life. If the registered owner is an employee then a copy will be sent to Human Resources who will speak with the employee’s supervisor.
The vehicle will also be subject to either having a vehicle restraint device applied or being towed off campus at the owner’s expense.
Upon receiving five citations in one semester the vehicle is banned from campus for a minimum of 30 days that classes are in session. The registered owner is also banned from operating any other vehicle on campus. Any additional violations during the ban period will restart the ban period.
A vehicle restraint device may be applied for the following reasons:
Receiving four violations in one semester
Parking on the hillside of Perseverance Drive
Parking on or blocking loading docks/areas
Parking in or blocking the kitchen drive
Parking on or driving under the colonnade
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Excessive speeding or reckless driving
Parking on the lawn or gravel anywhere on campus
Written notification will be sent to the registered owner advising that the vehicle has had a restraint device applied. If the registered owner is a student a copy of the letter will be sent to the student’s resident dean and the Director of Residential Life. If the registered owner is an employee a letter will be sent to the employee and a copy to the Human Resources Department.
If a vehicle is booted twice in one semester, the operator will lose the ability to park or operate a vehicle on campus for no less then 30 days that classes are in session.
Arrangements for removal of a restraint device need to be made with the Department of Safety & Security duty officer. A vehicle restraint device will be removed only after the registered owner agrees in writing that he/she will pay the college the amount of $60.00.
Tampering with the vehicle restraint device or attempting to remove the device from a vehicle without proper authorization will result in the loss of on-campus driving and parking privileges for a minimum of 30 days that classes are in session. Any repair or replacement required for a damaged device will be charged to the registered owner of the vehicle on which the device was installed.
Vehicles may be subject to towing at the owners expense for violations as listed under the vehicle restraint device section of these regulations, impeding the removal of snow, or receiving five or more citations in one semester. A vehicle may be towed at the College’s expense if the vehicle is in the way of emergency work, or if the car may sustain damage from work being conducted near the vehicle. In these cases a full attempt to locate the registered owner will be conducted first.
Upon a vehicle being towed a letter will be sent to the registered owner advising which company towed the vehicle and contact information for retrieval. If the registered owner is a student a copy of the letter will be sent to the student’s Resident Dean and to the Director of Residential Life. If the registered owner is an employee a copy of the letter will be sent to Human Resources.
Vehicles that appear to be nonfunctional, abandoned, or unregistered that are left on campus for more then seven days will be towed to a local facility for storage at the owner’s expense. The owner will be informed in writing that the vehicle has been towed and the location to which it is towed. Landmark College assumes no responsibility for damage or loss resulting from the removal of such vehicles from campus.
All student vehicles left on campus over any break are to be parked in the Facilities extended lot. Vehicles parked in other areas of the campus may be towed at the owner’s expense. Students who leave their vehicles on college property assume the risk for any damage to or theft of their vehicle.
Vehicles may park along the jersey barriers on Perseverance Lane for no more than 10 minutes for the purpose of loading or unloading substantial items from the vehicle. The vehicle must have the four-way flashers activated and the driver available in case of an emergency.
Upon accrual of five parking citations and/or two speeding/reckless driving citations, parking and driving privileges will be revoked for a minimum of 30 days that classes are in session. If the vehicle is found to be on campus, or the banned operator driving a vehicle on campus, during the ban period, the ban will be re-started.
If a vehicle is towed twice during the revocation period, or a continuation of violations occurring after the ban period, the registered owner will have all parking and driving privileges revoked for the remainder of the semester as well as the following semester.
If a registered owner loses his or her right to operate a motor vehicle in the State of Vermont then all parking and driving privileges on campus will be revoked.
If a registered owner is arrested on campus for a Driving While Intoxicated or Driving Under the Influence charge then the registered owner’s privilege to operate or park a vehicle on campus will be revoked pending the judicial outcome. If convicted of the charge the operator’s vehicle will be permanently removed from campus and the operator will not be allowed to operate or park a vehicle on campus for the remainder of the semester and the following semester.
When significant snowfall requires snow removal by facility personnel notices will be posted and an e-mail sent to the community advising of such. It is the responsibility of the registered owner to be aware of the need to move the vehicle. Any vehicle found to be in the way of snow removal will be towed at the owner’s expense. Vehicles that are moved while snow removal operations are in effect will be charged $40.00.
All students of Landmark College are expected to comply with all requests and directives made by College staff members who are appropriately exercising their responsibilities. This includes, but is not limited to residential staff, Security staff, building managers, Facilities staff, faculty members, program directors and deans.
This acceptable use policy governs the use of computers and the network at Landmark College. As a user of these resources, you are responsible for reading and understanding this document. It is the policy of Landmark College that all members of its community act in accordance with these responsibilities and rules of conduct in the context of all existing laws (federal and state) and College regulations.
Computing and networking resources at Landmark College are provided for academic and administrative purposes in support of the College mission. The College network and the Internet can provide access to resources on and off campus and the ability to communicate with other users worldwide. Such open access is a privilege and requires that individual users act responsibly. Users must respect the rights of other users, respect the integrity of the systems and related physical resources, and observe all relevant laws, regulations, and contractual obligations. Since electronic information is easily copied and reproduced, users must exercise care in acknowledging and respecting the work of others through strict adherence to software licensing agreements and copyright laws.
All existing laws (federal and state) and College regulations and policies apply, including not only those laws and regulations that are specific to computers and networks, but also those that may apply generally to personal conduct.
Users do not own the computer accounts provided to them by the College, but are granted the privilege of exclusive use. The College does not intend to act as a censor of information but reserves the right to inspect files or e-mail and take appropriate action without notification if there is reasonable belief that there has been intentional or inadvertent disruption to the College’s network or other shared resources or if there is suspected violation of College policies or applicable laws.
For example, system administrators may examine or make copies of files that are suspected of misuse or violation of these policies or that have been corrupted or damaged. User files may be subject to search by law enforcement agencies under proper procedures or when properly requested, subpoenaed or ordered by a court. In addition, all messages created, sent, or retrieved over the Internet or the College's systems, including its mail system, GroupWise, are the property of the College.
Any computer, networking device, telephone, copier, printer, fax machine, or other technology which is owned, licensed or leased by the College is subject to College policies. In addition, any technology which connects directly to College data or telephone networks, connects directly to a computer or other device owned or operated by the College and/or otherwise uses or affects College information technology facilities is subject to this computer and network policy.
Misuse of computing, networking or information resources may result in the loss of computing and/or network access. Additionally, misuse can be prosecuted under applicable statutes. Users may be held accountable for their conduct under any applicable College policies and procedures. Illegal production of software and other intellectual property protected by U.S. copyright law is subject to civil damages and criminal punishment including fines and imprisonment.
Other organizations operating computing and network facilities that are reachable via the Landmark network or intranet may have their own policies governing the use of those resources. When accessing remote resources from Landmark facilities, users are responsible for obeying both the policies set forth in this document and the policies of the other organizations.
Repeated minor infractions or misconduct may result in the temporary or permanent loss of computer access privileges or the modification of those privileges. In addition, offenders may be referred to the appropriate College office for further action.
Any offense, which violates local, state, or federal laws may result in the immediate loss of all College computing and network privileges and will be referred to appropriate College offices and/or law enforcement authorities.
The College reserves the right to limit or restrict access to the Internet or to its network-based information technology resources on the basis of institutional priorities, bandwidth constraints, or College policies. The College also reserves the right to examine material stored on or transmitted through its facilities if there is cause to believe that the standards for acceptable and ethical use are being violated by a member of the College community.
Faculty, staff, and students should be aware that even when a message is erased or a visit to a Web site is closed, it is still possible to recreate the message or locate the Web site. Accordingly, all communications, including text and images, may be disclosed to College administrators or law enforcement officers without prior consent of the sender or the receiver.
It is not acceptable for faculty, staff, and students . . .
To use a login name and password assigned to someone else.
To use excessive network bandwidth. Bandwidth use is considered excessive when it significantly affects the speed of the network for other users, or is well above average usage for extended periods of time.
To violate copyright laws and their fair use provisions through inappropriate reproduction and/or distribution of copyrighted music, especially MP3 files, movies, computer software, images, etc.
To use applications that hinder or interfere with the use of the network by others. For example, excessive use of applications that use an unusually large portion of bandwidth for extended periods of time (e.g., peer-to-peer network file sharing applications such as Napster, Gnutella, iMesh, Scour, etc. and network game servers such as Quake, Unreal Tournament, etc.).
To use the campus network to gain unauthorized access to any computer systems.
To connect unauthorized equipment to the campus network, this includes web or other servers, hubs, switches and wireless access points.
To attempt to circumvent data protection schemes or uncover security loop holes. This includes creating and/or running programs that are designed to identify security loopholes and/or decrypt intentionally secure data.
To associate an unapproved domain name with a Landmark owned IP address.
To knowingly or carelessly perform an act that will interfere with the normal operation of computers, terminals, peripherals, or networks.
To knowingly or carelessly run or install on any computer system or network, or give to another user, a program intended to damage or to place excessive load on a computer system or network. This includes, but is not limited to, programs known as computer viruses, Trojan Horses, and worms.
To install personal software on a college-owned computer including applications, screen savers, and other utilities not sanctioned by the College
To deliberately waste or overload computing resources, such as printing too many copies of a document on College owned printers.
To violate terms of applicable software licensing agreements or copyright laws.
To use College resources for commercial activity, such as creating products or services for sale or hosting commercial web sites.
To use electronic mail to harass or threaten others. This includes sending repeated, unwanted email to another user.
To run, play, or download games on a public computer.
To send unauthorized broadcast messages to all or part of the Landmark community. Example: Sending a mass message to all faculty, staff, or students that bypasses the compiled Faculty, Staff, and Students Messages that are sent in digest form.
To forge the identity of a user or machine in an electronic communication.
To transmit or reproduce materials that are slanderous or defamatory in nature, or that otherwise violate existing laws or College regulations.
To display sexually explicit or sexually harassing images or text in a public computer facility or location that can be in view of others.
To attempt to monitor or tamper with another user's electronic communications, or read, copy, change, or delete another user's files or software without the explicit agreement of the owner.
To use the system after employment has ended, student status has been terminated or system privileges have been suspended, curtailed or terminated, unless specifically authorized in writing.
To damage, deface, alter, or remove any College computing equipment from campus without authorization.
To leave a public lab or Library computer without logging out.
The following constitute unauthorized forms of access:
Permitting anyone to send e-mail using an account owned by someone else
Sending e-mail using another user's account
Attempting to disguise the e-mail address from which an e-mail account holder’s message is sent or the identity of the sender
Acceptable use of e-mail is based on common sense, respect for others, and civility applied to the electronic communications environment. The e-mail system may not be used to transmit sexually explicit images or messages that may be reasonably construed as harassment nor may it be used for any communications that contain ethnic slurs, racial epithets, or anything that may be reasonably construed as disparagement of others based on race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or religious or political beliefs. Moreover, it is important to note that the perception or reaction of the recipient is a major factor in determining if a specific communication is harassing, offensive, defamatory, or abusive. Various federal and state laws and College policies apply to this requirement.
Additionally, an e-mail message is, for legal purposes, treated as a written record, and is therefore subject to all the normal legal restrictions on such records, including copyright and intellectual property laws. Any e-mail message which exposes the sender and/or the College to legal action may also result in corrective action by the College.
If an e-mail account holder receives an e-mail message that he or she considers offensive, he or she may direct his or her concerns to the supervisor for the operational unit in which the suspected violation occurs or to Director of Human Resources. Students may direct concerns to their Residential Dean. The appropriate College authorities and/or law enforcement agencies will investigate violations.
If an e-mail account holder has been requested by another account holder (via e-mail or in writing) to refrain from sending e-mail messages to him or her and the request is reported to the appropriate authority or to helpme@landmark.edu , the recipient of this request is prohibited from sending any further messages to the requester until such time as he or she has been notified by the appropriate authority that such correspondence is permissible. Failure to honor such a request shall be deemed a violation of this policy.
Although the College does not monitor or read e-mail of users as a matter of course, if possible misuse is reported or if there is reason to suspect any use of e-mail which violates this Policy or any other College Regulation or which seems to represent a threat to the security or performance of the system or the network, the appropriate College authority reserves the right to examine mail messages without authorization from sender or recipient.
If an e-mail account holder receives e-mail from outside the College that he or she regards as offensive or potentially illegal, he or she should report the matter to helpme@landmark.edu. The Help Center will refer the matter to appropriate authorities.
College policy and secure passwords provide good but not complete assurance of the privacy of users e-mail messages. Since the confidentiality of e-mail cannot be assured, and such confidentiality may be compromised by unintended redistribution or forwarding, users should exercise extreme caution in using e-mail to communicate confidential or sensitive matters, and should not assume that their e-mail is private or confidential.
The College does not monitor or read e-mail of users as a matter of course. However, the College reserves the right to examine mail messages without authorization from sender or recipient where there is reason to suspect a breach of this Policy. In compliance with state and federal law and College policies, the College may permit the inspection, monitoring, or disclosure of e-mail in situations when there are reasonable expectations that violation of policy or law have occurred.
As it is often difficult to accurately determine degrees of culpability, all residents of the room where a violation is found may be held responsible to some level for that violation. Additionally, students who remain at an event or in a situation when they know a violation is occurring may also be held responsible. Students are advised, therefore, to avoid such situations that may put them at risk of unwanted interventions.
Fireworks are a fire hazard and their use may result in personal injury. Therefore, fireworks of any type (including firecrackers and sparklers) are not permitted in the State of Vermont or on the Landmark campus. Those found in possession of or using fireworks will be subject to disciplinary action and may be subject to criminal charges.
In accordance with Vermont State law, gambling is not allowed on campus. A permit may be obtained, via the Office of Student Life and the State of Vermont authorities, to facilitate gambling at on-campus charity events. Students violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.
If the College determines that a student has engaged in behavior or appears to be in circumstances indicating that the student may potentially pose a risk of harm to him/herself or others, the College will exercise its discretion to take steps that it deems reasonable and necessary in the best interests of the student and/or the College community. Such steps may include, by way of example but not limitation: interim or longer-term disciplinary or administrative withdrawal from the College (either with or without the invocation of the College’s student disciplinary process, as deemed appropriate under the circumstances); psychological assessment(s); parental notification; periodic assessment requirements; and/or related documentation requirements.
Ordinarily, an appropriate representative or representatives of the College will meet or otherwise communicate with a student and/or his or her representatives or parents as soon as practicable following the determination described above. This will usually occur within 24 hours of the student’s being available on campus, or a shorter period if that seems necessary under the circumstances.
The College will reserve its right to modify steps taken or requirements imposed under the circumstances described above, where modifications appear to be necessary in the best interests of the student and/or the College community.
All students will be issued a Landmark College identification card during the registration process and are required to carry a valid I.D. card with them at all times. A valid Landmark College I.D. card is required for entry to the Dining Hall. In addition, this card is also used to access College bookstore and Strauch Family Student Center café debit accounts.
In an effort to maintain safety and security of students on campus, students must present this card when requested by any College official, including Campus Security, Residential Life staff, dining hall staff and building managers.
Lost cards should be reported to the Office of Student Life. There is a $10 fee for replacement cards.
Students found tampering with or altering identification cards will be subject to disciplinary action.
Only non-automatic pocket knives with blades less than three inches will be permitted on campus. All knives not fitting these requirements will be confiscated. Knives and weapons of any sort may not be brought into classrooms or spaces used for teaching and community assembly. Firearms and ammunition of any kind, including BB guns, pellet guns, paintball guns, or any instruments that discharge projectiles such as bows and slingshots, and any other weapons are prohibited from campus. Students possessing such weapons will be subject to immediate disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion.
The College reserves the right to take appropriate disciplinary action against Landmark College students who are involved in any off-campus incidents of criminal activity or otherwise inappropriate non-criminal behavior, particularly when such incidents have implications for the safety of members of the campus or local community, or are detrimental to the welfare of the College. Examples of these behaviors include, but are not limited to driving under the influence of alcohol, underage possession or use of alcohol or other drugs, fighting or other violent episodes.
Landmark endeavors to involve the parents of dependent students as collaborative partners in a comprehensive educational approach, while respecting the need of students to develop independence and autonomy, and to take responsibility for their own actions, choices, and educational progress. In general, the College expects that the primary communication about a student’s program at Landmark will occur directly between the student and his or her parents.
At the same time, the College is required to maintain compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which is a federal law that affords students who have entered a postsecondary institution (eligible students) the right to have access to their education records, the right to seek to have the records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the education records. Before the age of 18 or the student’s attendance at a postsecondary institution, these rights belong to parents or legal guardians.
Even though FERPA rights transfer to students in attendance at Landmark, the College may disclose information from an "eligible student's" education records to the parents of the student if, for example, either of the following criteria is met:
The primary academic contact person for parents of dependent students is their son or daughter’s Academic Advisor, and parents are encouraged to communicate directly with the Advisor if they have any questions or concerns. The Academic Dean assigned to work with a given student may also serve as a contact person, as may the Dean of the College.
Because Landmark seeks to emphasize the role of choice and personal responsibility in students’ lives, in general, Academic Advisors or Deans will involve students before notifying parents of specific concerns regarding academic performance. Parents will be mailed a copy of the letter notifying the student of any formal disciplinary decision to place that student on academic probation.
It is against the policies of Landmark College, and may also be illegal under state and federal law, for any student or employee, male or female, to sexually harass another student or employee. Landmark College is committed to providing a campus free from such unlawful conduct.
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to the following, when such acts or behavior come within one of the above definitions:
either explicitly or implicitly conditioning any term of employment or educational decision on the provision of sexual favors;
touching or grabbing a sexual part of a student or employee's body;
touching or grabbing any part of a student or employee's body after that person has indicated, or it is known or should be known that such physical contact is unwelcome;
continuing to ask a student or employee to socialize on or off-campus when that person has indicated he or she is not interested;
displaying or transmitting sexually suggestive pictures, objects, cartoons, or posters if it is known or should be known that the behavior is unwelcome;
continuing to write sexually suggestive notes or letters if it is known or should be known that the person does not welcome such behavior;
referring to or calling a person a sexualized name if it is known or should be known that the person does not welcome such behavior;
regularly telling sexual jokes or using sexually vulgar or explicit language in the presence of a person if it is known or should be known that the person does not welcome such behavior;
retaliating in any way against anyone who has filed or supported a complaint of sexual harassment (e.g. ostracizing the person, pressuring the person to drop or not support the complaint, adversely altering that person's educational, shared living, or work environment, etc.);
communicating derogatory or provoking remarks about or relating to a student or employee's sex or sexual orientation;
directing harassing acts or behavior against a person on the basis of his or her sex or sexual orientation;
off-campus conduct which falls within the above definition and affects a person’s on-campus educational, shared living, or work environment.
Landmark College recognizes that the protection of free and open speech and the open exchange of ideas is important to any academic community. This recognition is therefore an important element in the “reasonable person” standard used in judging whether sexual harassment has occurred. This policy is meant neither to proscribe nor to inhibit discussion, in or out of the classroom, of complex, controversial or sensitive matters, when in the judgment of a reasonable person they arise appropriately and with respect for the dignity of others. Landmark College also recognizes, however, that verbal conduct can be used specifically to intimidate or coerce and to inhibit genuine discourse, free inquiry and learning. Such abuses are unacceptable. If someone believes that another’s speech or writing is offensive, wrong or hurtful, he or she is encouraged to express that judgment in the exercise of his or her own free speech or to seek redress under the noted procedure(s) when appropriate.
In the event Landmark College receives a complaint of sexual harassment, or otherwise has reason to believe that sexual harassment is occurring, it will take all necessary steps to ensure that the matter is promptly investigated and addressed. Landmark College is committed, and required by law, to take action if it learns of sexual harassment, even if the aggrieved student does not wish to formally file a complaint.
Every supervisor is responsible for prompt response to, or reporting of any complaint or suspected acts of sexual harassment. The supervisor should report these issues to the Dean of Students at (802) 387-6713. Failure by a supervisor to appropriately report or address such sexual harassment complaints or suspected acts shall be considered in violation of this policy.
Care will be taken to protect the identity of the person with the complaint and of the accused party or parties, except as may be reasonably necessary to successfully complete the investigation.
If the allegation of sexual harassment is found to be credible, the College will take appropriate corrective action. The College will inform the complainant and the accused person of the results of the investigation and what actions will be taken to ensure that the harassment will cease and that no retaliation will occur. Any employee, supervisor, student or agent who has been found by the College to have harassed another student or employee will be subject to disciplinary sanctions appropriate to the circumstances, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the College.
If the allegation is not found to be credible, the complainant and the accused person shall be so informed.
Any student who believes she or he has been the target of sexual harassment, or who believes she or he has been subjected to retaliation for having brought or supported a complaint of sexual harassment, is encouraged to directly inform the offending person or persons that such conduct is offensive and must stop. If the student does not wish to communicate directly with the alleged harasser or harassers, or if direct communication has been ineffective, then the complainant is encouraged to report the situation as soon as possible to the Dean of Students, a Resident Dean, or to his or her Academic Advisor. It is helpful to an investigation if the student keeps a diary of events and the names of people who witnessed or were told of the harassment, if possible.
If the complainant is dissatisfied with the College’s action, or is otherwise interested in doing so, she or he may file a complaint by writing or calling the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Region One, 707 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109, tel: (voice) (617) 223-9662. Complaints should be filed within 180 days of adverse action, or 60 days after the conclusion of internal College proceedings, unless filing time is extended by the responsible Department of Education official or his/her designee.
To understand how to file a complaint for sexual harassment at Landmark College, please see the section below on Complaint Procedures for Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault.
As an educational institution, Landmark College is committed to promoting, through educational and consciousness-raising activities (including the distribution of the following policy), a campus environment where sexual assault and exploitation are recognized as wholly intolerable, and where victims of sexual assault are provided with avenues of support and redress as appropriate. In accordance with this commitment, the College has developed the following policy on sexual assault. Other educational and consciousness-raising activities are conducted by the College’s offices of Student Life.
Committing sexual assault upon another person, either male or female, is against the law and violates College policies. Sexual assault is when a person engages in a sexual act with another person and compels the other person to participate in a sexual act:
Without his or her consent. (see definition below); or
By threatening or coercing the other person; or
By placing the other person in fear that any person will suffer imminent bodily injury; or
Knowing the other person’s ability to give or withhold consent is impaired by the consumption of drugs, alcohol or other intoxicants, or is subject to any physical or mental incapacity such as sleep or unconsciousness.
Engaging in a sexual act with a person who is under the age of 16 is also sexual assault. The College defines a sexual act as conduct between persons consisting of:
Contact between the penis and the vulva, whether clothed or unclothed.
Contact between the penis and the anus, whether clothed or unclothed.
Contact between the mouth and the penis, whether clothed or unclothed.
Contact between the mouth and the vulva, whether clothed or unclothed.
Any intrusion, however slight, by any part of a person's body or any object into the genital or anal opening of another.
Any fondling, groping or touching of the genitals, pubic area, buttocks or, if such a person be female, breast, whether clothed or unclothed.
In relation to the College’s policy, the College defines consent with the following three criteria:
