Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, prescribes the conditions under which information about students can be released. It is the policy of York Technical College to follow the guidelines in order to protect the privacy of its students. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is the following: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-4605.
Directory information is defined to be student name, address, electronic mail address, telephone number, dates of enrollment, full time/part time status, program of study, anticipated date of graduation, awards, honors, degree, diploma, or certificate conferred. Students who wish to request non-disclosure of the above items should submit an electronic request through WebAdvisor to the Academic Records Office for each semester in which non-disclosure is requested. Contact the Academic Records Office at 803-327-8008 for more information.
Faculty must be cautious when sharing information concerning a student’s class schedule, grades, course progress, behavior, personal information, and more. The following guidelines should help you avoid unintentionally violating that confidentiality:
- When considering sharing student information, ask the question: “Is the reason for sharing this information in the academic best interest of the student?” If the answer is no, do not share the information.
- Do not post grades publicly using names or any portion of the social security number or CID number (it is best to not post grades publicly AT ALL). Desire2Learn (D2L) provides a “Grades” tool which should be used to give students individual access to their grades.
- Do not leave graded student work where it can be seen by others.
- Do not leave your computer screen visible or accessible when you leave your desk. Also, be vigilant about what students see on your computer screen when they are in your office.
- Do not give information about students to parents or other family members unless:
- The student has signed a waiver allowing these conversations. The parent will have to give you a password that you must confirm with academic records before you can discuss the student’s progress. It is best to check with your department chair before disclosing any information.
- Do not share any personal information that students may have communicated to you as a member of the class. However, please note that:
- If a student shares information about sexual harassment or sexual violence, you are compelled to report this information under Title IX. You can report to the Title IX Coordinator and the Director of Counseling and Support Services. The interim AVP HR, Brittany Burton is the Title IX coordinator; her email is: bburton@yorktech.edu. Additionally, the Dean of Students, James Robson, is the Deputy IX coordinator may be contacted at jrobson@yorktech.edu.
- Do not discuss student progress with department colleagues in locations where other students, including work-study students, can overhear you. Also, remember that communication with colleagues, even in a private setting, should be avoided unless you are acting in the student’s best interest.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, along with the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAA), require that educational institutions provide equal access by implementing reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations include the following:
- Working collaboratively with the individual
- Considering the challenges provided by the condition
- Considering what professionals have diagnosed and suggested
- Considering what has been done in the past
- Implementing reasonable accommodations to minimize the impacts in the learning environment while also maintaining the integrity of the class
Copyright & Intellectual Property Rights
There are two aspects to copyright laws and potential violations: 1) ensuring materials used for instructional purposes do not violate copyright laws, and 2) the ownership / copyright of materials developed by faculty for instructional purposes.
Intellectual Property Rights - Employees
York Technical College maintains copyright and ownership of all works developed within the scope of employment, with an exception for certain instructional materials and scholarly works, as defined below in 1 and 2. Intellectual property created by the College or employees of the College may be shared between all institutions which are members of or affiliated with the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education System, as outlined in the SCTCS Procedure 3-0-100.
- As it relates to instructional materials, shared ownership and use of materials are provided for class lectures and notes developed by employees within the scope of their employment. Upon termination of employment, the College retains copyright privileges, and both the College and the former employee may utilize and/or modify these materials for academic purposes.
- Employees retain the copyright and ownership of scholarly works which are not created within the scope of employment or to those which are not created using College resources; however, the College is free to continue utilizing these works for academic purposes.
Copyright Compliance
All employees are expected to adhere to educational copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code), including Fair Use (Section 107 of the Copyright Act) and requirements of the Technology, Education, and Copyright Harmonization Act (TEACH Act).
All employees are expected to follow copyright laws when reproductions of copyrighted materials are made available to students, including posting of copyrighted material to the learning management system, or any other online platform, or site associated with a course.
As required by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, York Technical College will designate an agent to receive notification of claimed infringement. As of May 2021, this agent is the Associate Dean for the Institute for Teaching Excellence.
Title IX
York Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, veteran status, national origin or disability in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies. The Title IX and Section 504 Compliance Officer is the Interim Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, Britany Burton, York Technical College, 452 South Anderson Road, Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730. Telephone: 803-981-7259 or email: bburton@yorktech.edu. The Deputy IX Coordinator is the Dean of Students, James Robson, who may be reached at jrobson@yorktech.edu.
Sexual harassment and domestic violence are also covered under Title IX. If a student shares any information that you think falls under Title IX, you are legally obligated to report this information to our Title IX coordinator (Brittany Burton) and you should refer the student (with compassion) to one of the college’s trained counseling staff.
If you suspect that a student is about to share this kind of information, it is recommended that you explain that you are glad to listen to their concerns, but that there are certain types of information that you are obligated to report. Mention that if they would like to talk through something with someone, they may want to speak to one of the licensed counselors in Counseling and Support Services, because they can help the student process their thoughts and feelings but are not required to report most issues.
Please recognize that these matters can be very emotional for students, and despite your level of discomfort, they are looking to you for help. Your response should be compassionate and empathetic. Don’t ask too many questions, but try to get them to our counseling staff without making them feel cast off.
COVID-19 Procedures
York Technical College’s (YTC) procedures, guidelines and protocols for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic will be rooted in a “people first” principle with safety for our faculty, staff and students and for the public in which we interact at the forefront of our planning. The primary goals for YTC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic are to protect public health and continue the institution’s vital mission to provide citizens of our service area with opportunities for educational and workforce development. YTC’s plans will also be aligned and consistent with local orders and ordinances of the State of South Carolina’s Phased Re-entry Model. Plans will also follow recommendations from the federal government (Opening Guidelines), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), and the College’s Crisis Management Team (CMT). YTC has undertaken reasonable steps to lessen the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in connection with operations. York Technical College is not responsible for any risks related to COVID-19 in connection with operations and services. This plan does not cover all aspects of business operations, instruction, student services, leave, Child Development Center, etc. Additional procedures, guidelines, and protocols will be developed as necessary. Our knowledge and understanding of the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, and our procedures, guidelines, and protocols will be updated as more information becomes available.
August 2021 Update
York Technical College has reopened for business, with additional precautions in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Many meetings on campus are still being held through Zoom or Microsoft Teams classrooms are social-distanced. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, facemasks are required for all faculty, staff, and students when indoors, or when 6’ of space cannot be observed. Hand sanitizer can be found at the entrance of and throughout all campus buildings. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to use hand sanitizer when hand washing is not available.
Symptom Monitoring Requirement
Employees must conduct symptom self-monitoring every day before reporting to work are expected to complete a daily symptom self-assessment and certify through the COVID-19 Daily Self-Assessment Form and is also available in the Employee Portal.
COVID Testing Requirement
All faculty and staff at York Technical College are required to submit the results of a COVID-19 test every 7-10 days. Test results must be reported using the COVID-19 Testing Results Form (a link is also available in the Employee Portal). If an employee elects to provide proof of vaccination to Human Resources, the testing is not required.
Faculty Exposure, Symptoms, or Illness
If, at any time, you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and notify your immediate supervisor and Human Resources (Lymisha Dickerson at ldickerson@yorktech.edu). Human Resources will provide guidance on a return-to-campus date based on all applicable factors (exposure, acute illness, etc.), and information about any other requirements or recommendations.
Student Exposure, Symptoms, or Illness
If a student reports exposure, symptoms, or illness, please contact Counseling and Support Services (CASS@yorktech.edu) and provide the student’s name, student I.D., course and section, and last date of in-person attendance, if applicable. Reports must be submitted even if the student is taking an online course.
Harassment & Discrimination
York Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, age, including pregnancy and childbirth (or related medical conditions), veteran status, or disability in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies. The Title IX and Section 504 Compliance Officer is the Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, York Technical College, 452 South Anderson Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730. (803) 981-7259 | Bburton@yorktech.edu.
If you feel that you have been harassed or discriminated against for any reason, please complete the Harassment and Discrimination Reporting Form in the Employee Portal or contact Human Resources.
Workplace Attire
York Technical College strives to project a professional image for our students, potential employees, and community visitors. Business casual dress is the standard for appropriate dress for College employees. This is a general overview of appropriate business casual attire and not intended to be all inclusive. This information provides generally acceptable business casual attire and what is generally not acceptable as business casual attire. Actual attire should be based on an employee’s specific job duties and work environment. No dress code can cover all contingencies so employees must exert a certain amount of judgment and discretion in their choice of clothing to wear to work. Supervisors/managers should also exercise appropriate judgment and discretion when it is determined that an employee is inappropriately dressed. If you experience uncertainty about acceptable, professional business casual attire for work, please contact a representative from the Human Resources Office.
Slacks, Pants, and Suit Pants: Slacks that are similar to Dockers and other makers of cotton or synthetic material pants, wool pants, flannel pants, and nice looking dress synthetic pants are acceptable. Examples of Inappropriate dress: jeans, sweatpants, exercise pants, pants worn below waist, Bermuda shorts, short shorts, shorts, capris, leggings, and any spandex or other form-fitting pants . (Please note that jeans may be acceptable within certain departments/shop areas within the College).
Skirts, Dresses, and Skirted Suits: Casual dresses and skirts, and skirts that are split at or below the knee are acceptable. Dress and skirt length should be at a length at which you can sit comfortably in public. Examples of Inappropriate dress: Mini-skirts, tube, beach dresses, and spaghetti-strap dresses.
Shirts, Tops, Blouses, and Jackets: Casual shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, tops, golf-type shirts, and turtlenecks. Most suit jackets or sport jackets are also acceptable attire for the office. Examples of Inappropriate dress: Tank tops; midriff tops; shirts with potentially offensive words, terms, logos, pictures, cartoons, or slogans; halter-tops; tops with bare shoulders; sweatshirts, and t-shirts unless worn under another blouse, shirt, jacket, or dress.
Shoes and Footwear: Conservative athletic or walking shoes, loafers, clogs, sneakers (as appropriate), boots, flats, dress heels, and leather deck-type shoes. Examples of Inappropriate dress: Flip-flops and slippers. Closed toe and closed heel shoes may be required in certain departments within the College for safety reasons.
Body Jewelry and Tattoos: Limited visible body piercing is suggested unless it is an expression or requirement for religious purposes. Tattoos should not be visible, particularly those that are large in size and could be perceived as offensive by others.
Perfume and Cologne: Wear these substances with restraint. Remember, some employees and students are allergic to the chemicals in perfumes and colognes.
Hair, Hats, and Head Covering: Hair should be neatly styled and should be of natural human hair colors. Hats are not appropriate in the office unless for safety or health reasons. Head coverings that are required for religious purposes or to honor cultural tradition are allowed/permitted.
Please view the Business Dress Guidelines on SharePoint.
Regroup
Regroup is an instant notification system that can send automated or scheduled announcements. The College utilizes Regroup for emergency notifications and sharing unexpected campus closures, such as those due to weather. All faculty are expected to sign up for Regroup notifications and can do so by using the hyperlink or visiting https://yorktech.regroup.com/signup.
Tobacco Use & Smoke - Free Campus
York Technical College has a responsibility to provide a safe and healthful environment. In response to feedback from students, faculty, and staff, the College implemented the tobacco-use guidelines below effective September 1, 2010. Revised: April 16, 2015
Tobacco-Use Guideline: The use of tobacco products in any form, including the use of all electronic cigarette or vaping dispensers, is permitted only within the passenger compartment of personal vehicles. York Technical College prohibits the use of these products in any form elsewhere on campus and in college vehicles.
Clarification of Prohibited Areas: Tobacco use including electronic cigarette or vaping dispensers is prohibited in all campus buildings, including shops and restrooms, at all off-campus centers, at off-campus college-sponsored activities, and in all York Technical College vehicles. Additionally, such use is prohibited on campus grounds (except in the passenger compartment of personal vehicles), in all partially enclosed areas such as covered walkways, and on curbs and public road right-of-ways.
Additional information on these guidelines can be found on the York Technical College website.
College Closures
In the event of an emergency during normal business hours or in the event of campus closings due to inclement weather or other events, all faculty, staff, and students will be notified through Regroup. You will need to sign up for York Tech Alerts and select your notification preference (email, phone, or text) to receive these messages. You can sign up for Regroup on the York Tech website under “Employee Resources.”
In the event of inclement weather, the College will typically make a decision regarding a delayed opening or cancellation of classes and services by 6 AM for day classes and 4 PM for evening classes.
Campus Safety
The York Technical College Department of Public Safety maintain the safety of the campus. Within the Department of Public Safety are Campus Police and Campus Safety. Campus Police is staffed by three armed and certified law enforcement officers with full arrest and investigative authority within the state of South Carolina. The York Technical College Department of Public Safety works closely with local law enforcement where campus locations are within local jurisdictions. Campus Safety personnel are located on main campus, as well as the Chester Center. Campus Safety assists the campus community with parking management, lost and found, escorts, vehicle assistance, and minor emergency medical comfort aid and assistance. The main Public Safety Office is located on the second floor of the A Building.
You may need to contact Public Safety if there is a safety concern in your classroom, or if a student or faculty member needs medical attention. They will assess the situation and call an ambulance if necessary. You may also call Public Safety if you need help starting a vehicle or if someone needs an escort to their vehicle to ensure safety. It is recommended that you program the Public Safety phone number into your cell phone for easy access (803-327-8013).
Public Safety Officers are First Aid, CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) certified. The Chief of Public Safety urges the campus community to provide feedback that might help the department enhance its services to students and to the York Technical College community in general. E-mail comments and ideas to: BMcDougald@yorktech.edu.
Parking
Open parking in authorized areas is available to all employees with a York Tech parking permit. Unauthorized areas are fire zones, handicapped spaces, visitor parking, loading zones, and other marked “No Parking” zones. Temporary placards for those who provide appropriate medical documentation are available through the Human Resources Office.
The faculty-parking permit is a hangtag for the rear view mirror. To obtain your permit, follow these instructions:
- Log in to Web Advisor
- Click on the “Employee” tab.
- Under the “Communication” section, click the “Parking Permit and Automobile Description” link.
- Complete the requested fields about your vehicle.
- You may pick up your parking pass in the Public Safety office.
For more information about Public Safety or parking guidelines, please visit the York Technical College website.
Campus Emergencies
In the event of an emergency on campus, the College will send out notifications via Regroup, as appropriate. Safe areas for tornados are located on building maps, available inside each building.
In the event of an emergency in your classroom, please refer to the quick reference guide available in all classrooms (Appendix G ). It provides information for actions to be taken in a variety of situations: tornado, fire, suspicious individuals, chemical spills, and many more.
College Policies and Procedures
A full list of York Technical College policies and procedures are located in the Consumer Information section of the YTC website and are also available from Human Resources.
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