8000 Academic, Student Development & Athletics Policies

8010 Academic Calendar

Policy Number: 8010
Policy Name: Academic Calendar
Responsibility for Maintenance: Provost

1. Policy Statement
   RBC shall set an academic calendar and include it on the College website and in the College Catalog.
2. Reason for Policy
   The policy is designed to ensure that the Academic Calendar, which provides useful dates to help navigate through the semester, is available to students and faculty. Important dates include days to register and withdraw from classes, examinations, college closings, and breaks. The Academic Calendar must include the requisite number of class meetings for each academic course exclusive of holidays and other closings.
3. Applicability of the Policy
   All members of the College community should be familiar with this policy.
4. Related Documents
5. Contacts 

6. Procedures
   The Provost, in consultation with the Faculty Assembly and the department chairs, will set the Academic Calendar. Changes to the Academic Calendar will be posted online.

Policy History
Approved November 20, 2015
Updated January 11, 2017
Updated August 1, 2019

8020 Approval of Curricula

Policy Number: 8020
Policy Name: Approval of Curricula
Responsibility for Maintenance: Provost

Responsibility for Maintenance: Provost

1. Policy Statement
   RBC College curricula shall be changed in accordance with this policy.
2. Reason for Policy
   The policy is designed to ensure that changes to RBC curricula are made with due consideration of academic, college, and administrative concerns.
3. Applicability of the Policy
   All members of the College community involved in formulating changes to academic curricula should be familiar with this policy.
4. Related Documents
   None
5. Contacts 

6. Procedures
   Procedure for Adding a Course to the Curriculum
   1. The faculty member proposing the addition of a new course will fill out a Proposal for New Course form and sign it.
   2. Copies of the proposal will be distributed to all members of the Department where the course will be taught, and a Department meeting will be held to discuss the proposal.
   3. After the proposal has been discussed in the Department, the faculty member will submit it to the Instructional Program/Curriculum Committee.
   4. The Instructional Program/Curriculum Committee will set a meeting date and distribute a copy of the Proposal for New Course form to all members of the faculty as part of the agenda for the meeting.
   5. The Instructional Programs Committee will approve or disapprove the proposed course and submit such recommendation to the Faculty Assembly.
   6. The Faculty Assembly will submit their recommendations to the President’s Council.
   7. The President’s Council will recommend to the President either approval, with any appropriate modifications, or disapproval of the course.

   Procedure for Adding a Program to the Curriculum

   1. The faculty member proposing the addition of a new program will fill out a Proposal for New Program form and sign it.
   2. Copies of the proposal will be distributed to all members of the Department where the program will be offered, and a Department meeting will be held to discuss the proposal.
   3. After the proposal has been discussed in the Department, the faculty member will submit it to the Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee.
   4. The Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee will set a meeting date and distribute a copy of the Proposal for New Program form to all members of the faculty as part of the agenda for the meeting.
   5. The Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee will approve or disapprove the proposed program and submit such recommendation to the Faculty Assembly.
   6. The Faculty Assembly will submit their recommendations to the President’s Council.
   7. The President’s Council will recommend to the President either approval, disapproval, or approval with appropriate modifications.
   8. All new programs are subject to approval by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and any substantive changes are recorded with the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
   9. All programs leading to an Associate Degree will contain a minimum of 60 credit hours. All programs leading to a Certificate will contain the minimum number of hours necessary to ensure competency in the area as defined by academic or industrial standards.
   10. The process for adding a new course is similar. SCHEV approval is not required and no substantive change is recorded with SACSCOC when a course is added to the curriculum.

   Procedure for Prioritization of Academic Disciplines for Curtailment or Discontinuance
   During times of financial and enrollment constraint, it is essential that institutions of higher education periodically review their academic disciplines in order to make reasonable and educationally sound decisions regarding the overall allocation of funds and personnel for their particular institution.

   Decisions of this nature that affect the viability and financial well-being of the institution may be necessary due to a substantial decline in student enrollment, a reduction in State allotments or appropriations, loss of other income received from non-State sources, or an internal reallocation process.

   Guidelines for the Review of Academic Disciplines:
   Listed below are several broad areas that shall be used for the purpose of making decisions involving academic discipline curtailment or discontinuation. Each of the areas is followed by questions illustrating some specific kinds of inquiry that should be developed.

   1. Mission
      1. What is the relationship of the discipline to the mission of the College?
      2. How is it related to the mission of the Department?
   2. Quality
      1. What is the overall quality of the discipline at present in terms of instruction?
      2. What is the performance of the students currently enrolled in the discipline?
      3. What is the quality of the faculty affiliated with the discipline in terms of their academic preparation, teaching, and professional service?
      4. What is the quality and quantity of library holdings for the discipline and how do they compare with established standards?
      5. What is the quality of equipment, facilities, and laboratories dedicated to the program?
   3. Cost and Revenues:
      1. What are the direct and indirect costs associated with the discipline per year/biennium?
      2. How much revenue does the discipline generate from tuition, fees, and other sources of funding?
      3. What is the cost effectiveness of the discipline?
      4. What resources will be required to maintain the discipline at its present level or to raise it to a desired level of excellence within a reasonable period of time?
      5. What is the cost per student credit hour in the discipline? How does it compare with the College average and similar disciplines at other institutions?
      6. What revenue loss will be anticipated if the discipline is discontinued?
      7. What is the cost of continuing employment for faculty members, both tenured and non-tenured, as well as for clerical and other non-faculty personnel directly associated with the discipline for the next two biennia?
      8. What is the significance of the discipline’s curtailment or discontinuation on the College’s financial situation?
   4. Enrollment and Productivity:
      1. What is the pattern of the discipline’s current and past (5 years) enrollment in terms of numbers and types of students?
      2. What are the enrollment projections for the discipline for the next five years?
      3. Can the discipline’s enrollment be improved by some simple efforts?
      4. What has been the discipline’s retention rate over the past five years?
   5. Relationship with Other Programs:
      1. How does the discipline relate with others offered or planned by the College?
      2. To what extent is the discipline’s faculty involved with those of other disciplines in joint instructional activities?
   6. Distinctive Program Features:
      1. Is the discipline unique in concept, design, or implementation?
      2. Does the discipline address specific local or regional needs that cannot be met in any other manner?
      3. Does the discipline have a demonstrable significant value to the area and population served by the College?
   7. Comparable Disciplines:
      1. Are there disciplines comparable to the one being considered for curtailment or closure offered by other institutions in Virginia?
      2. If such disciplines are offered by other institutions in Virginia, can they respond adequately to the needs of the College’s service area residents?
   8. Impact of Discontinuation:
      1. What would be the impact of the discipline’s curtailment or discontinuation on other College units and programs?
      2. What will be the effect of curtailing or closing the discipline on the educational opportunities available in the College’s service area?
      3. Will the curtailment or closure of the discipline have an adverse effect on the recruitment efforts of the College?
      4. How will the discipline’s curtailment or closure affect the College’s affirmative action goals?
   9. Alternatives to Curtailment or Discontinuation:
      1. As an alternative to the discipline’s curtailment or closure, what are the possibilities of cost reduction, merger with another discipline, or development of a joint or cooperative offering with another institution?
      2. Is there a viable educational or fiscal alternative to discipline curtailment or closure that can be recommended?
      3. Have any of the following been considered: voluntary early retirements, voluntary reductions in salary, outside funding, or summer teaching as a part of regular load?

   The procedures detailed below shall be followed in the review of academic disciplines for the purpose of possible curtailment or discontinuance:

   1. The Provost shall charge the Instructional Program/Curriculum Committee to undertake the review of any discipline or disciplines that may fall under the purview of this policy.
   2. After a thorough review, the Instructional Program/Curriculum Committee recommendations shall be communicated to the Faculty Assembly and the Provost.

Policy History
Approved November 20, 2015
Updated February 26, 2018

8030 Determination and Assignation of Academic Credit

Policy Number: 8030
Policy Name: Determination and Assignation of Academic Credit
Responsibility for Maintenance: Provost

1. Scope:
   This policy defines academic credit hours awarded by Richard Bland College of William & Mary (RBC) at all levels and in all programs. This policy does not address non-credit instruction.
2. Purpose:
   This document provides general definition and school-specific requirements for the awarding of academic credit hours. It includes requirements articulated by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
3. Policy:
   Federal Definition of the Credit Hour (from USDOE): For purposes of the application of this policy and in accord with federal regulations, a credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates:
   1. Not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
   2. At least an equivalent amount of work as required outlined in item 1 above for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

   In the document “Regulations Governing Certification of Certain Institutions to Confer Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates,” the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) further notes: “Emerging delivery methodologies may necessitate determining a unit of undergraduate … credit with non-time-based methods. These courses shall use demonstration of competency, demonstration of proficiency, or fulfillment of learning outcomes to ensure these courses are equivalent to traditionally delivered courses.”

   RBC adopts the federal and state definitions of credit hour as outlined above, regardless of the mode of delivery including, but not limited to, self-paced, online, hybrid, lecture, seminar, and laboratory. RBC further acknowledges credit-hour stipulations required by accrediting agencies for specific schools and levels.

4. Responsibilities:
   1. The Provost and department chairs are required to ensure that credit hours are awarded appropriately in accordance with this policy and federal guidelines.
   2. In the process of approving courses, faculty committees governing educational policy shall ensure that the proposed instruction, required learning activities, and stated learning outcomes meet this credit-hour standard.
   3. In the process of building the schedule, the Provost and department chairs are responsible for ensuring that credit hours are accurately established.

Policy History
Approved May 2, 2017
Updated August 1, 2019

8040 Substantive Change Policy

Policy Number: 8040
Policy Name: Substantive Change Policy
Responsibility for Maintenance: Director of Institutional Accreditation and Compliance

1. Policy Statement
   Richard Bland College’s accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) requires that it report substantive changes in accordance with the Commission’s substantive change policy (https://sacscoc.org/app/uploads/2019/08/SubstantiveChange.pdf). Substantive change is defined by SACSCOC as “a significant modification or expansion in the nature and scope of an accredited institution.”
2. Reason for Policy
   Richard Bland College requires this policy and accompanying procedures to remain in compliance with accreditation standards.
3. Applicability
   The policy applies to all employees of the College who are in a position to institute applicable programs, degrees, credentials, procedures, or to propose or implement changes to same.
4. Related Documents
   SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy: https://sacscoc.org/app/uploads/2019/08/SubstantiveChange.pdf
5. Contacts 

1. Definition of Substantive Change
   Richard Bland College’s accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) requires that it report substantive changes in accordance with the Commission’s substantive change policy. Substantive change is defined by SACSCOC as “a significant modification or expansion in the nature and scope of an accredited institution.”  These modifications, as they apply to a 2-year college, include the following:

1. • Substantially changing the established mission or objectives of the College or its programs.
   • Changing the legal status, form of control, or ownership of the College.
   • Changing the governance of the College.
   • Merging/consolidating the College with another institution or entity.
   • Acquiring another institution or any program or location of another institution.

• o Initiating/establishing, relocating, or closing off-campus instructional sites, including a branch campus, where at least 25% of a program is offered.

1. • Offering courses or programs at a higher or lower degree level than currently authorized.
   • Changing the way the College measures student progress, whether in clock hours or credit hours; semesters, trimester, or quarters, or time-based or non-time-based methods or measures.
   • Adding a program that is a significant departure from the existing programs, or method of delivery, from those offered when the College was last evaluated.
   • Initiating programs by distance education or correspondence courses.
   • Adding an additional method of delivery to a currently offered program.
   • Initiating programs or courses offered through contractual agreement or consortium
   • Entering into a contract by which an entity not eligible for Title IV funding offers 25% or more of one or more of the accredited institution’s programs
   • Substantially increasing or decreasing the number of clock hours or credit hours awarded or competencies demonstrated, or an increase in the level of credential awarded, for successful completion of one or more programs.
   • Adding competency-based education programs.
   • Adding each competency-based education program by direct assessment.
   • Adding programs with completion pathways that recognize and accommodate a student’s prior or existing knowledge or competency.
   • Awarding dual or joint academic awards.
   • Re-opening a previously closed program or off-campus instructional site.
   • Adding a permanent location at a site at which the College is conducting a teach-out program for students of another institution that has ceased operating before all students have completed their program of study.
   • Closing an institution, a program, a method of delivery, an off-campus instructional site, or a program at an off-campus instructional site.
   • Participating in the federal Prison Education Program providing Pell Grant access to confined or incarcerated students.

Questions about whether a proposed change/academic action represents substantive change may be directed to the SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison. For further information about what constitutes substantive change, please see the SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy.

1. Responsibilities and Procedures
   • Responsibilities
     An academic department or unit that is considering what may possibly be a substantive change or program modification must discuss the potential changes with the SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison as soon as possible when the potential changes are being contemplated, as changes typically cannot be implemented prior to SACSCOC approval. Some examples of potential changes include:
     1. significant on-line program delivery;
     2. development of a new credential (i.e., degree programs, certificate program, etc.)
        • new credentials   may or may not require a substantive change, depending on whether or not it represents a significant departure from current offerings
        • new credentials may also impact the status of off-campus sites, i.e. whether or not they exceed certain thresholds (25% or 50% of courses toward a credential).
     3. addition of one or more courses to the offerings at an existing or new off-site location; and
     4. items directly related to any of the requirements specified in Section VI of this policy and as laid out in the SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy.

When adding one or more courses to the offerings at an existing or new off-site location, special attention must be paid to maintain compliance with the accreditation standards. Departments and units considering this type of change must follow the procedure as outlined in Procedure 4 of the Procedures section of this Policy.

Depending on the specific substantive change, notification to SACSCOC must be made between 3 and 9 months before the change is implemented. Many substantive changes will require the preparation of a comprehensive prospectus and prior approval from SACSCOC before implementation of the change may occur. Should an implementation be desired for the beginning of a fall semester, it should be expected that the substantive change prospectus is submitted to SACSCOC prior to January 1 prior to the fall of the desired implementation.

The SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison is responsible for ensuring that all such proposed changes comply with SACSCOC regulations regarding substantive change, for reviewing proposed changes in a timely fashion, for assisting academic departments and other units in identifying the best way in which to meet the regulations, and for ensuring that the College’s unit leaders, department chairs, and senior administrators) meet their responsibilities regarding substantive change.

In turn, the College’s administrators and the leaders of the academic departments and other units should:

1. be familiar with the basic tenets of substantive change;
2. understand how their areas and decisions might impact accreditation; and
3. keep the SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison informed of any potential substantive changes on the horizon to maintain compliance with the Commission’s Principles of Accreditation.

The SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison is responsible for notifying the president and others as appropriate about any changes in the SACSCOC policy on substantive change and regularly reports on such changes to the Institutional Effectiveness Committee.

1. • Procedures:

1. The SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison will be notified by the appropriate personnel of potential substantive changes such as those listed above that are under consideration, well in advance of when such changes shall need to be implemented, by appropriate College personnel. The SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison will determine if the proposed change is one that falls under the definition of Substantive Change
2. If the proposed change meets the definition of a substantive change according to SACSCOC policy, the SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison will determine, in consultation with the College’s SACSCOC Vice President and the SACSCOC Substantive Change policy, whether the substantive change requires submission of a full prospectus or whether the Commission simply needs to be notified of the substantive change.
   • If a substantive change does notrequire a full prospectus, the SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison will notify the department or unit proposing the change and will assist with preparing a letter of notification for submission, following the appropriate SACSCOC procedure.
     • The department or unit will submit the letter of notification to the Accreditation Liaison for review, who will submit the letter of notification to the President for final review. The Accreditation Liaison will upload the letter of notification to the SACSCOC portal.

• If a substantive change is of the type that doesrequire a full prospectus, the SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison will notify the department or unit proposing the change. That department or unit will complete the primary work in preparing the prospectus. The Accreditation Liaison is available to consult and assist during this process.

1. The prospectus will be submitted to the SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison for review, who will forward it to the President for final review. The Accreditation Liaison will upload the prospectus and other required materials to the SACSCOC portal.
2. For all proposed changes related to off-site locations,including adding one or more courses to the offerings at an existing or new off-site (including dual enrollment) location, the Program Director and the SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison must be consulted as soon as a change request is received.

Process Flow:

• Request related to off-site offerings is received by Provost/Academics.
  • If off-site item is a new initiative that begins with RBC and is not initiated by the off-site location partner, the Program Director and the SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison should be included in the project discussion from the onset.
• Request presented to Program Director as soon as possible
• Program Director to evaluate SACSCOC Degree/Program limit impacts (25% or more; 50% or more thresholds)
  • Program Director consults with SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison
  • Two-week turnaround time for decision
  • Program Director reports to Chief Academic Officer on the impact of course addition

Policy History
Approved June 7, 2016
Revised January 23, 2019
Revised July 1, 2020

Revised August 15, 2023

Updated July 1, 2024

Revised September 1, 2024

8050 Reporting and Use of Assessment Results

Policy Number: 8050
Policy Name: Reporting and Use of Assessment Results
Responsibility for Maintenance: Provost

1. Policy Statement
   Academic programs and support services at Richard Bland College are evaluated to ensure their quality. In addition, students are surveyed to obtain information on their satisfaction with faculty and staff. Faculty members are evaluated on teaching methodologies and effectiveness annually. Students are surveyed upon graduation to measure their satisfaction with the College. The results of this process are used internally and are reported to the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools periodically. All data collected for assessment is held under strict confidence and is never used to evaluate or identify individual student performance.
2. Reason for Policy
   This policy is intended to ensure efficient and productive use of outcome assessment data.
3. Applicability of the Policy
   All members of the College community should be familiar with this policy.
4. Contacts 

Policy History
Approved November 20, 2015
Updated January 11, 2017
Updated July 1, 2020

8060 Faculty Handbook

Policy Number: 8060
Policy Name: Faculty Handbook
Responsibility for Maintenance: Provost

1. Policy Statement
   Policies and procedures relating exclusively to teaching faculty at Richard Bland College are located in the Faculty Handbook.
2. Reason for Policy
   The Faculty Handbook sets forth the College’s expectations regarding its teaching faculty and provides procedures that apply to instructional staff and related matters.
3. Applicability of the Policy
   All full- and part-time teaching faculty are covered by the Faculty Handbook.
4. Related Documents
   Faculty Handbook
5. Contacts

6. Procedures
   Amendments to the Faculty Handbook can be made in accordance with the procedures outlined in that document.

8070 College Off-Campus Trips or Classes

Policy Number: 8070
Policy Name: College Off-Campus Trips or Classes
Responsibility for Maintenance: Provost

1. Policy
   The College may sponsor off-campus trips or classes to enrich the learning experiences of students. Such experiences should be provided as economically as possible, while maintaining fiscal accountability. Students may be charged fees to cover costs of off-campus trips or classes sponsored by the College.  However, students will be informed at the time of registration if any off-campus trip or classes fees are required for participation in a course.
2. Procedures
   A member of the College faculty or staff, designated as the coordinator of the trip or class, must accompany the group off campus. The coordinator and applicable department chair/director, as well as the Chief Business Officer, are responsible for facilitating the off-campus trip or class for students.Coordinator Responsibilities:
   1. Secure permission from the organization in charge of the facilities to be visited, when applicable.
   2. Secure prior written authorization from the appropriate RBC senior administrator, with concurrence from the RBC President, to conduct the off-campus trip or class.
   3. For field trips, arrange for class and/or office coverage while on the field trip when applicable.
   4. Arrange for transportation and for authorization for the students to be absent (if necessary) from classes in order to make the trip. A list of participating students shall be left with the Director of Student Success or Department Chair.
   5. Require all participants to sign a waiver and release, as well as the applicable Notice and Warnings to Participants.
   6. Orient participants concerning the objectives of the off-campus trip or class, possible hazards, and highlights directly after they sign the Notice and Warnings to Participants.
   7. If using funding approved by the Student Assembly, follow the Campus Engagement Financing Guidelines available in the Office of Campus Engagement.
3. Contacts

Policy History
Approved November 20, 2015
Updated January 11, 2017
Updated July 1, 2020

8080 Use of Copyrighted Works

Policy Number: 8080
Policy Name: Use of Copyrighted Works
Responsibility for Maintenance: Head Librarian

1. Policy Statement
   All members of the College community must respect and comply with U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 of the United States Code). This obligation exists whether the original work is in a fixed, tangible medium, or consists of digital materials or software. Works protected by copyright include writings, recordings, photographs, videos, movies, digital works, and software.It is against College policy for an employee (faculty or staff) or students to use College equipment or services to access, use, copy or otherwise reproduce, or make available to others any copyright-protected materials (tangible, digital, or software) except as permitted under copyright law (especially with respect to “fair use”).
   Responsibility for the determination of the copyright status and securing permission rests with those persons wishing to reproduce, distribute, adapt, perform, or display the materials.Generally, a fair use is any copying of copyrighted material done for a limited and “transformative” purpose, such as to comment upon, criticize, or parody a copyrighted work. Such uses can be done without permission from the copyright owner. Fair use requires a fact-specific analysis that should be considered carefully whenever deciding whether or not permission is required.
2. Reason for Policy
   This policy exists to prevent copyright infringement. The exceptions to a copyright owner’s exclusive rights provided by law, especially the fair use provision, are integral to the balance between exclusive rights and productive, socially beneficial new uses of works.
3. Applicability of the Policy
   All College employees and students must comply with this policy.
4. Related Documents
   http://www.copyright.gov/
   http://www.copyright.gov/reports/studies/dmca/dmca_executive.html
   http://www.educause.edu/library/digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca
   http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf
   Employee Computing and Communications Networks Usage Policy
   Student Computing and Communications Network Usage Policy
5. Contacts

6. Definitions
   “Copyright” means the rights granted to the author of an intellectual or artistic creation. The author of the work has the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, adapt, perform, or display the work.“Fair Use” provides a limited exception to the obligation to obtain permission of the copyright owner in order to use the copyrighted work. Whether a particular use is a fair use is a fact-specific judgment, and not a bright-line test.
7. Procedures.
   Allegations of violations of this policy should be reported to the Policy Contact listed above. If the alleged violator has made use of the College’s information technology network, the College reserves the right to remove the material prior to any determination that a violation has occurred.Repeat violations of this policy making use of the College’s information technology network may result in a loss of privileges. (See policies on Employee Computing and Communications Network Usage and Student Computing and Communications Network Usage.)

Policy History
Approved November 20, 2015
Updated January 11, 2017
Updated August 1, 2019
Updated July 1, 2020

8090 Protection of Human Subjects Committee (PHSC)

Policy Number: 8090
Policy Name: Protection of Human Subjects Committee (PHSC)
Responsibility for Maintenance: RBC PHSC Chair

1. Policy Statement
   This policy establishes and provides guidance for the College’s Protection of Human Subjects Committee.
2. Reason for Policy
   According to the Code of Federal Regulations, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) has mandated that HHS-related research that involves human subjects must be approved by an Institutional Review Board to ensure the safety and the appropriate use of humans as subjects in research studies.
3. Applicability of the Policy
   This policy applies to all employees, students, and external researchers who seek to conduct research involving human subjects at Richard Bland College.  ALL protocols involving human subjects must be submitted to the Protection of Human Subjects Committee at Richard Bland College for exemption or approval.
4. Related Documents
   Protection of Human Subjects, 45 C.F.R. 46
   Guidelines and Procedures for the Richard Bland College Protection of Human Subjects Committee (PHSC)
5. Contacts
   

Policy History
Approved August 1, 2019
Revised August 23, 2019
Updated July 1, 2020

8100 Honorary Degrees

Policy Number: 8100
Policy Name: Honorary Degrees
Responsibility for Maintenance: The President of Richard Bland College of William & Mary

1. Policy Statement 
   Awarded by the Board of Visitors, the honorary associate degree is the highest form of recognition offered by Richard Bland College to persons of exceptional distinction.
2. Reason for Policy
   The purpose of this policy is to honor demonstrated meritorious and outstanding service to Richard Bland College, to the Commonwealth of Virginia, and/or to the community at large, and to recognize persons whose lives serve as examples of the College’s aspirations for its students.
3. Applicability of the Policy
   Nominees shall meet one or more of the following Criteria:
   • Individual who has made a significant, noteworthy contribution to Richard Bland College, the Commonwealth of Virginia, or the community at large.
   • Individual who has demonstrated an enduring commitment of commendable service to Richard Bland College.
   • Current faculty, staff, and members of the Board of Visitors are not eligible. Faculty, staff, and board members who have been separated from the College for at least five years are eligible.
   • Generally, the College will award no more than two honorary degrees in any academic year.
4. Contacts

6. Procedures
   Honorary degrees are awarded based on a recommendation from the RBC President. Coordination of the selection and nomination process for honorary degree recipients is the responsibility of the President, who may consult with representatives from the faculty, students, administrative staff, alumni, and other friends of the College.For awards to be made at Commencement, nominations should be received by the Richard Bland College Committee by the April meeting date and considered for action at the April Board of Visitors meeting.Honorary degrees are generally conferred at Commencement.

Policy History
Approved April 22, 2016

8110 Dual Enrollment Policy

Policy Number: 8110
Policy Name: Dual Enrollment Policy
Responsibility for Maintenance: Program Manager for Dual Enrollment

I. Policy Statement
This policy provides guidelines and information related to high school student eligibility to participate in dual-enrollment (DE) classes through Richard Bland College.

II. Reason for Policy
These guidelines, which clearly establish qualifications and eligibility for enrollment in dual enrollment courses at RBC, provide clear expectations and consistency to RBC’s dual enrollment programming, in accordance with the Principles of Accreditation of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

III. Applicability of the Policy

This policy applies to RBC employees, RBC’s high school dual enrollment partners, and students enrolled or wishing to enroll in dual enrollment coursework at Richard Bland College.

IV. Related Documents

Dual Enrollment Policy Details.pdf

 V. Contacts

Policy History
Approved November 1, 2019

8120 Intercollegiate Athletics Participation Responsibility for Maintenance: Director of Athletics and Recreation

I. Policy Statement
• The Athletics Department is committed to supporting the College’s mission by making a difference in the lives of student athletes. Athletics is an educational opportunity and experience that complements a student’s formal classroom education. Athletic participation helps to facilitate the development of young adults by teaching and reinforcing life skills. Collegiate athletics requires a special commitment and willingness to accept greater expectations and responsibilities. First and foremost, the College expects its student-athletes to be successful in the classroom. Additionally, student-athletes are expected to compete at the highest level while learning valuable life lessons by participating as part of a team and living, learning, and contributing to a diverse community. Participating in RBC athletics is a privilege, not a right.

• The College shall be recognized as having a nationally competitive athletics program dedicated to positively influencing the academic, personal, social, and athletic development of its student-athletes. The athletics program shall compete to win while teaching life lessons, reinforcing healthy behaviors, and providing opportunities to learn new skills and develop positive habits that collectively assist student-athletes in reaching their full potential.

II. Reason for Policy
This policy clarifies the nature of intercollegiate athletics participation as a privilege, not a right, and describes behavioral expectations for student athletes. This policy is not intended, nor shall it be construed, to limit coaching staff discretion as to team membership, participation, playing time, and similar decisions, subject to compliance with the specific minimum standards set forth above.

III. Applicability of the Policy
All Athletic Department staff, actual and prospective student-athletes, and Richard Bland College athletics boosters shall become familiar with this policy.

IV. Related Documents
NJCAA Handbook/Casebook
Clarification of Intercollegiate Athletics Policy Guidance: The Three-Part Test
Office of Civil Rights & Title IX Enforcing info from US Dept. of Ed

V. Contacts

VI. Procedures
Student athletes and members of the RBC Athletic Department, when applicable, must comply with:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws
• Richard Bland College Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures
• National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) rules and regulations
• Athletic Department procedures, rules, and regulations
• Team rules and coaching instructions

Each individual involved in intercollegiate athletics is obligated to know and act in full compliance with these requirements; and to report any violation of NJCAA, conference, and/or College policies or rules of which he or she is aware to his or her head coach or the Athletics Director.

If a student-athlete is involved in conduct that violates any or all of these requirements, he or she will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action to be determined at the discretion of the team’s Head Coach and/or the Athletic Director (or a designee). Such disciplinary action may include, without limitation, temporary or permanent revocation of athletic privileges, and is in addition to any other consequences that may apply pursuant to applicable laws and/or College policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

Policy History
Approved November 20, 2015
Updated January 11, 2017