Nov 22, 2024  
The Elmira College Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog 2024-2025 Academic Year 
    
The Elmira College Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog 2024-2025 Academic Year

General Elmira College Information, Policies, and Procedures


 


Charter and Curricula

Founded in 1855, Elmira College is chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York. Curricula are registered with the New York State Education Department and are approved for the education of veterans and dependents of deceased and one hundred percent disabled veterans. The College is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.

Accreditations and Memberships

Elmira College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-2680, (267) 284-5000. Elmira College is registered for teacher education by the New York State Education Department and it is a member and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), P.O. Box 7511, Fairfax Station, Virginia 22039, (301) 276-5106. Pursuant to §52.21 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, the educator preparation programs offered by Elmira College are considered to be continuously accredited for purposes of meeting the New York State requirement that all such programs maintain continuous accreditation.

Additionally, Elmira College is a member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Council of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium and other national and regional councils and associations.

Faculty

Courses are conducted by members of Elmira College’s full-time faculty and well-qualified part-time faculty of recognized attainment in their fields, enabling the College to provide a considerable breadth of course selection. Part-time faculty include professionals from education, business, and industry.

Advising

The principal function of academic advising is to assist both current and prospective students in developing and attaining their educational goals. Advisors interpret College policy and aid in the students’ educational and personal development. The advisors help to make sure that students fulfill the College’s goals, and advisors approve all registrations before they will be accepted by the Office of the Registrar.

Appointments for advising may be made by calling the Graduate Studies office at (607) 735-1825 or by emailing graduate@elmira.edu. Advisement concerning financial aid is handled by the College’s Office of Financial Aid, which may be contacted by telephone at (607) 735-1728 or by email at finaid@elmira.edu. Additional information regarding financial aid matters is also provided in this Catalog.

Student Responsibility

While the College will do all it can to assist students in planning programs that meet all of the graduation requirements, the ultimate responsibility for knowing and complying with these regulations and for meeting all requirements rests with the students.

Attendance

Because specific class attendance policies vary from one instructor to another, students are encouraged to be certain they clearly understand the policy of each of their instructors and program. Regular attendance at all classes, both in-person and virtual, and other scheduled appointments is expected of all students. Student’s individual classes should refer to the Distance Education Policy on Attendance and Participation below for information specific to asynchronous learning.

Any student who, in the view of the instructor, is absent from class excessively, may be required to withdraw from the class with a grade of “W,” or if after the withdrawal deadline, the grade calculated is based on work submitted as of that date. The instructor may assign a portion of the grade based on attendance and participation.

Absence from scheduled tests and examinations automatically incurs a grade of zero for that test or examination, unless other arrangements have been made with the instructor.

Faculty members may not change the time of final examinations without permission from the Director of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Distance Education Policy on Attendance and Participation

Elmira College believes that attendance and class participation are essential to student success. It also recognizes that student attendance impacts the use and/or need to return federal funds. Elmira College abides by the recommendations in the Federal Student Aid Handbook with regard to student attendance in distance education courses.

The Federal Student Aid Handbook indicates that acceptable measures for student attendance in distance education courses are:

  • Student submission of academic assignment(s)
  • Student submission of an exam
  • Documented student participation in interactive tutorials or computer-assisted instruction
  • A posting by the student showing the student’s participation in an online study group that is assigned by the institution
  • A posting by the student in a discussion forum showing student participation in an online discussion about academic matters
  • An email from the student or other documentation showing that the student has initiated contact with an instructor to ask a question about an academic subject studied in the course

According to the Federal Student Aid Handbook documenting that a student has logged into the Course Management System (CMS) by itself is not sufficient to demonstrate academic attendance by the student. This measure does not satisfy institutional requirements for the use of Federal Student Aid.

Elmira College aims for student success. To that end, instructors in the distance education program are encouraged to include at least one academic-related activity each week to ensure course quality and compliance. Likewise, students are expected to provide proof of attendance as indicated above or their Federal Student Aid may be impacted.

Veterans’ Information

Veterans or Veteran’s benefit member who wish to enroll at Elmira College should contact their local Veterans Administration field office or local office of the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs at the Veterans Affairs main web site at http://www.va.gov, or phone 1-888-GIBILL-1 or 1-888-442-4551, VA Regional Office, P.O. Box 4616, Buffalo, New York 14240-4616. Elmira College participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), Elmira College adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA, for all Elmira College student VA benefit recipients, who have been identified as eligible by the VA, Elmira College will not:

*Prevent nor delay the student’s enrollment;
*Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
*Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
*Deny the student access to any resources available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution, including but not limited to access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities.

For all new Elmira College students, VA benefit student recipients, who are attending Elmira College for the first time will qualify for this provision, when students provide:

*Copies of original and updated Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class;
*Respond to all written requests asking if you wish to be certified with the VA, to be sent from your Elmira College email address. The request to respond to will come from the Registrar@elmira.edu email by an Elmira College School Certifying Official.
*Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies, such as change in course registrations and changes in majors.

For all returning Elmira College students, VA benefit student recipients, who are attending Elmira College after their first term will qualify for this provision, when students:

*Respond to all written requests asking if you wish to be certified with the VA, to be sent from your Elmira College email address. The request to respond to will come from the Registrar@elmira.edu email by an Elmira College School Certifying Official.
*Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies, such as change in course registrations and changes in majors.

Elmira College also partakes in the Tuition Assistance (TA) Program for Active Duty, National Guard and Reservist within their branch of service. Please contact your service branch Education Counselor or Education Services Specialist (ESS), or Education Services Officer (ESO) for more information.

The Department of Defense requires the return of unearned TA funds on a proportional basis through at least the 60 percent portion of the course regardless of the reason for withdrawal (service-related or otherwise). The return of any TA funds will be returned directly to the military service, not to the service member. The requirement to return unearned TA funds on a proportional basis applies to the TA portion only. Any calculation performed by the institution would consider only TA program funds.

Elmira College is a member of Service members Opportunity Colleges (SOC), a consortium of national higher education associations and institutional members. SOC functions in cooperation with the Department of Defense, the Military Services, including the National Guard and the Coast Guard, to help meet the voluntary higher education needs of service members. Certification is ultimately handled through the Office of the Registrar, McGraw Hall, room 113, (607) 735-1895.

“GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

New York State Immunization Requirement

Public Health Law 2165, passed in 1989, requires that college students show adequate protection against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR). The purpose of the legislation is to eliminate outbreaks among college and university students. All students born on or after January 1, 1957 are required to show proof of immunity unless exempt for medical or religious reasons.

In addition to the MMR verification, students must show proof of Meningitis vaccine or sign an informed consent to waive the vaccine.

Information of required documentation for the above-referenced vaccines may be obtained by contacting The Office of the Graduate Studies at (607) 735-1825, graduate@elmira.edu.  Alternatively, students may contact the Clarke Health Center directly at (607) 735-1750 or clarkehealth@elmira.edu.

All students must be in compliance prior to enrollment. The grace periods for new registrants are 30 days for New York State residents and 45 days for out-of-state residents after the first day of the term. Students failing to be in compliance by the end of the grace period will be withdrawn. In conjunction, the College reserves the right to withhold grades and course credit. There is a fee of $100.00 for re-registration once immunization requirements have been met.

Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 permits current or former students to inspect college educational records pertaining to them as individuals and to obtain copies for their personal use. Consent from a student is required before personally identifiable information can be released from the individual educational record in all cases except those specifically exempt by law.

There is certain directory information which Elmira College may release without the student’s permission: name, address, date and place of birth, major field of study, degree program, dates of attendance, degree received, and telephone number. However, students may withhold directory information via MyEC within two weeks after the first day of each term. Requests for non-disclosure of directory information will be honored by the institution for only one academic year; therefore, authorization to withhold directory information must be filed annually via MyEC. In the case of graduating students wishing to have directory information withheld subsequent to their graduation, a request for non-disclosure should be filed at the time of graduation.

The full College policy and procedure for exercising student rights under this law is published in The Elmira College Code of Conduct.

Student Conduct Matters

Student conduct is an area which straddles the line between autonomy for individual expression and interdependence of community membership. We believe that each student is a responsible member of the community and, therefore, subject to the consequences of choices of behavior. We think that ideal conditions for development are created when each individual in a community guides behavior by balancing the need for individual expression against the rights of peers. The primary desired outcome from any conduct incident is educational in nature. It is the goal of the conduct system to be supportive of the curricular and co-curricular environment at the College.

Students are expected to abide by local, state, and federal laws. The institution will not provide sanctuary for those who violate such laws, and the College reserves the right to go through the discipline process with those students charged with civil violations. While most disciplinary action will result from alleged infractions of College rules that occur while the student is on the campus, students involved in off-campus incidents may also be charged through the College’s disciplinary procedures if it is judged that the alleged incident adversely effects members of the College community, interfered with the rights of local residents, jeopardized the College’s positive relationship with the local community, or if there are grounds to believe that the student may pose a threat to the safety of others or to the integrity of the educational function of the College.

More specific, detailed information about the College’s conduct system is provided in The Elmira College Code of Conduct, which is available online at www.elmira.edu and on MyEC. Questions about the conduct system or expectations of students should be directed to the Chief Conduct Officer.

Safety and Security

In Compliance with The Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 as amended in 1992, the Elmira College Safety and Security Report is published annually. The report provides detailed information about the Elmira College Security staff, relationships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, crime prevention education programs, procedures for reporting crimes and other emergencies, campus resources for victims of assault, including sexual assault, fire safety, and general campus safety. Statistics concerning crimes on campus for the most recent three calendar years are included in this report. A copy of the Elmira College Safety and Security Report may be obtained from the Office of Admissions. In compliance with Article 129-A of New York’s Education Law, the Advisory Committee on Campus Security will provide on request all campus crime statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education.

Illegal Drugs

Possession, consumption, provision, or sale of illegal drugs or possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited. Penalties associated with drug violations range up to and including suspension or dismissal. Additional information on this topic is available in the Policies and Procedures section of The Elmira College Code of Conduct.

Alcohol

New York State law prohibits the possession or consumption of alcohol by anyone under twenty-one years of age. There is an institutional expectation that all members of the College community will abide by the State law. Violators of the law will be subject to disciplinary action by the College up to, and including, the possibility of suspension and dismissal. Additional information on this topic is available in the Policies and Procedures section of The Elmira College Code of Conduct.

Smoke-Free Policy

To provide a healthy environment that promotes health, well-being and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors on university-owned or rented property by minimizing the negative effects of secondhand smoke; to improve fire safety; and to encourage a more sustainable and clean environment tobacco use, marijuana use, and the use of vaping products is prohibited everywhere within the perimeter of Elmira College property, both indoors and outdoors, as well as in college-owned vehicles and in any vehicle on Elmira College property.

The use of smoking products or devices is prohibited at all College-sponsored, off campus events.

The College will not accept advertising, marketing, distribution, or promotion of tobacco products.

Weapons

All potentially dangerous weapons (e.g., firearms, replicas of firearms, bows and arrows, paint ball guns, air rifles, pyrotechnics, knives, air pistols, firecrackers, pellet guns, martial arts equipment, etc.) are prohibited everywhere on campus. Possession of a dangerous weapon anywhere on the College campus except by an individual with recognized peace officer status while on duty is a violation of New York State law. Furthermore, the use of any objects (causing them to be a weapon or to place others at risk) directed at people or buildings (e.g., throwing water balloons, snowballs, cans, bottles, swinging objects, etc.) that could result in injury to others or damages will not be tolerated by Elmira College. Violations will result in disciplinary action.

General Social Guidelines

The Elmira College Code of Conduct is considered to be an extension of both The Elmira College Undergraduate Catalog and The Elmira College Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog and, therefore, part of the series of documents intended to govern life on campus. The College expects all students to be familiar with the information provided in this publication and to govern their conduct by the guidelines in it. A copy of The Code of Conduct is available on the Elmira College website and MyEC.

Relation to Civil Law

Elmira College cannot protect students or other members of the College community from prosecution under the law when there is a clear violation of Federal, State, or local laws. At times, Elmira College will also take disciplinary action when such violations have been committed.

Complaints Procedure

Elmira College students have the right to feel safe and productive in a learning environment. Information on the formal procedures for candidates filing complaints and seeking redress of grievances are as follows:

  • A student may express a complaint to a Graduate and Professional Studies advisor. The Graduate and Professional Studies advisor will provide appropriate procedural steps or make suggestions to assist the student to resolve the complaint. If the complaint relates to harassment or discrimination based on age, color, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or disability, the student may be guided by the procedures outlined in the Elmira College Code of Conduct.
  • Subsequently, if the student believes that the complaint has not been satisfactorily resolved, the student may meet with the Director of Graduate Studies. The student must provide a written statement that describes the nature of the complaint. The Director will either make a decision, communicated in writing, or forward the complaint to an appropriate individual, college official or committee. Information from other individuals involved with the complaint may be requested if necessary. The outcome will be documented and communicated to the student.

Non-Discrimination Statement

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and other state, federal, and local laws, Elmira College does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, race, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy, familial status, sex, sexual orientation or expression, religion, national origin (ancestry), citizenship, military status, genetic information or disability in any phase of its employment process, and of its admission or financial aid programs, or any aspects of its educational programs or activities.

For concerns related to students contact the College’s Title IX Coordinator, Larry Parker II, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion/Title IX Coordinator, Campus Compliance Officer at (607) 735-1748. For concerns related to employees contact Jessica Carpenter, Associate Vice President of Human Resources, (607) 735-1810 or e-mail jcarpenter@elmira.edu, McGraw Hall, room 115, the College’s compliance officer for employees. More detail can be found in the Student and Employee Handbooks.

Academic Honesty

Honesty is essential to the proper functioning of an academic community and is the responsibility of each individual member. Therefore, this academic community has established and enforces rules governing violations of the principles of academic dishonesty.

Academic dishonesty is any treatment of or representation of work as if one was fully responsible for it, when it is in fact the work of another or works in which one has received unacknowledged assistance from others. Academic dishonesty is also any collusion or cooperation in the academically dishonest activities of someone else; an accomplice in academic dishonesty is also guilty of academic dishonesty.

Definition and Examples of Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty is any treatment of, or representation of work as if one were fully responsible for it, when it is in fact the work of another or work in which one has received unacknowledged assistance from others. Academic dishonesty is also any collusion or cooperation in the academically dishonest activities of someone else; an accomplice in academic dishonesty is also guilty of academic dishonesty and subject to the same sanctions. Academic dishonesty is a serious violation that is counter to the purposes and aims of Elmira College. Ignorance of what constitutes academic dishonesty is no excuse for violating the policy.

Examples:

Submitting any fraudulent or plagiarized academic work, or knowingly cooperating in such activity.

Specific examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Verbatim use of a quotation without quotation marks
  • The use of another person’s idea or work in one’s own work without acknowledging its use
  • Submission of a paper prepared by another person as one’s own work
  • Submission of the same piece of work (or significant portion thereof) for credit in more than one course without the approval of all instructors
  • Knowingly providing work to another person for submission as his or her own work
  • Materials plagiarized from the Internet
  • Giving or receiving answers and-or using or knowingly providing any materials pertinent to an examination without the permission of the instructor
  • Stealing, manipulating, or interfering with any academic work of another student
  • Falsification of attendance at any event required for a course
  • Use of Artificial Intelligence in assignments without citations

Procedure for Reporting Alleged Incidents of Academic Dishonesty

a. When academic dishonesty is suspected, the instructor shall attempt to ascertain the facts and meet with the accused student(s).
b. If the instructor believes that academic dishonesty has occurred, a written report of the incident shall be made, with one copy for the student and one for the Director of Graduate Studies to be forwarded to the Provost.
c. The instructor’s report shall indicate whether the student admits or denies responsibility for the incident; it shall be accompanied by all relevant information (i.e., crib notes, copy of plagiarized materials, exams, statements of witnesses, etc.) and summarize the circumstances surrounding the incident.
d. The instructor’s report shall indicate what sanctions will apply regarding the assignment of grade (see III below) and status in the course.

Assignment of Grade When Academic Dishonesty is Involved 

a. Should the course end before an instructor can meet with the student(s) to reach a decision on dishonesty, or before the appeal process is completed, an “I” shall be assigned for the course.
b. A grade of “F” may be assigned for a course in which academic dishonesty has been substantiated, but an instructor may also assign a zero (“0”) to the piece of work, assignment, or exam in question, in which case the appropriate course grade may be assigned. The student may be asked to redo the assignment or retake an exam if the circumstances warrant, in which case, an “I” would be the appropriate grade. 
c. When the instructor believes that academic dishonesty has taken place but the student denies the allegation, the student should be allowed to continue in the course without prejudice, pending appeal.

Appeal and Hearing Processes

a. If a student disagrees with the instructor’s determination of dishonesty or appropriate sanctions, the student may appeal in writing to the Provost.
b. The Provost or the Provost’s designee shall review the instructor’s report and the student’s written appeal. The Provost or designee may consult with the parties involved and collect other relevant material. The Provost or designee will provide copies of any added materials to the student and instructor and invite further comment as appropriate.
c. The Provost or designee shall communicate to the student and the instructor any conclusions relating to the student’s appeal. 

Documentation Concerning a Case of Academic Dishonesty 

a. If a student is found not responsible for academic dishonesty, all documents concerning the case shall be destroyed. 
b. If a student does not appeal, or, following an appeal is found responsible, the documents shall remain on file in the Office of the Provost for six years after a dismissed student leaves the College, or until the student graduates.
c. The Provost shall maintain a list of the students for whom academic dishonesty was determined.
d. In the event of a second substantiated violation, the Provost may refer the matter to an ad hoc committee for consideration of further sanctions; this committee would be comprised of the Provost or designee, the Chair of the Educational Standards Committee or designee, and a third member, agreeable to both, drawn from the Faculty. This committee will review the records and make a recommendation to the President regarding further sanctions. Sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion could be applied. Substantiated violations beyond the second would be handled in an identical manner.

Copyright Policy

Elmira College complies with the United States Copyright Act of 1976 as amended, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, and Technology, Education, and Copyright Harmonization Act of 2002. These laws recognize that all intellectual works in all media (books, articles, programs, data, pictures, music, video and the like) are automatically covered by copyright unless it is explicitly noted to the contrary, as in the case of licensing agreements or written permissions from copyright holders. Fair Use is a legal principle that provides certain limitations on the exclusive right of copyright holders, allowing reproduction of copyrighted works under certain conditions for educational purposes, such as criticism, comment, news reports, teaching, scholarship, and research. Unauthorized use of intellectual works is a federal crime and subject to civil damages and criminal penalties, which may include fines and imprisonment.

Elmira College administrators, faculty, staff, and students who make, acquire, or use unauthorized copies of intellectual works shall be disciplined as appropriate under the circumstances. Such discipline may include termination or dismissal. Elmira College faculty, administrators, staff, and students learning of any misuses of intellectual works within the College should notify College officials. Administrators, faculty, and staff should notify the Director of the Gannett-Tripp Library or the Manager of IT Department or the Director of IT User Services.

Additional information on United States Copyright laws and Fair Use is available at the Gannett-Tripp Library, the Nathenson Computer Center or the McGraw Bookstore.

Acceptable Computer and Network Use Policies

(Please note: Updates to these policies may be made throughout the year. Information Technology will disseminate announcements of any policy changes that take effect during the academic year, but it is the responsibility of the user to remain informed of the policies posted at this site. Anyone connected to the network is expected to abide by these policies at all times.)

In support of Elmira College’s mission of teaching, research, and public service, Information Technology provides access to information resources, including computer networks and computer equipment to the College community. Computers and networks provide powerful communication tools and access to resources on campus and around the world. When used appropriately, these tools increase the open exchange of information and advance the mission of the College. Inappropriate use of these tools, however, can infringe on the rights of others.

Appropriate use must always be legal and ethical, reflect academic honesty, uphold community standards and prevent the overconsumption of shared resources such as network bandwidth. Appropriate use must demonstrate respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, system security mechanisms, and individuals’ right to privacy and to freedom from intimidation, harassment, and unwarranted annoyance.

Users who connect to the Elmira College network must abide by the appropriate use policies described here and all relevant State and Federal laws, regulations, and contractual obligations. The use of the College’s technology resources is a privilege that may be revoked if users fail to comply with these policies.

Elmira College supports freedom of expression and an open environment to pursue scholarly inquiry. The open sharing of information is encouraged, supported and protected. The College does not limit access to information due to its content, provided that such information is accessed and used in compliance with applicable law and Elmira College policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

As a member of the Elmira College community you must abide by the general guidelines listed above, as well as the specific responsibilities listed below.

You are responsible for:

  • Registering your connection: Every computer, mobile device, or gaming device that connects to the Elmira College network must be properly registered with Information Technology and be properly configured for the network.
  • Protecting Your Computer: Your computer must have current and updated antivirus software and system updates installed before it can connect to the Elmira College network. For specific information on how to protect your computer go to https://www.elmira.edu/welcome-to-elmira/about-ec/offices/information-technology/overview
  • All network activity originating from your equipment: Every bit of information that comes from your computer, whether you generate it or not, is your responsibility.
  • Protecting the privacy of your accounts: Never release your personal account information to friends, relatives, roommates, or others. Never share your password. Likewise, never use a computer account that you are not authorized to use or obtain a password for a computer account not assigned to you.
  • Ensuring the security and integrity of your computer system: In cases where a computer is compromised (“hacked into” or “virus-infected”), the user’s computer may be temporarily disconnected from the campus network to prevent an extension of the attack. Every effort will be made to inform the owner of the computer when such action is taken. Information Technology will provide the user with instructions on how to fix the compromised computer. Verification of problem resolution by Information Technology staff is required before the computer is reconnected to the network.
  • Appropriate compliance with all copyright laws.

I. Policy Enforcement and Possible Penalties

Minor infractions of these policies are generally resolved informally by Information Technology staff with a written record retained. Repeated minor infractions or misconduct that are more serious will be referred to the Provost for disciplinary action, or for faculty and staff, the appropriate College administrative authority. Cases that involve violation of the law may also be referred to local law enforcement agencies.

Misuse of computing, networking, or information resources will result in the loss of computing privilege and may include disciplinary action under College regulations and criminal prosecution under applicable statutes. In addition, illegal reproduction of material protected by U.S. Copyright Law is subject to civil damages and criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment. The Department of Information Technology reserves the right to terminate a network connection or user account in order to prevent expansion of a threat to network security or in cases where a user’s account is seriously degrading network performance. Information Technology staff will attempt to give advanced warning in these situations, but does not guarantee it.

II. Network Security and Privacy

Network data to and from your computer connection may be monitored to protect the network and users from viruses, hackers, and other malicious attempts to compromise the security of Elmira College’s computing infrastructure. System administrators may access user files in order to protect the integrity of computer systems or to provide for the safety of any member of the campus community. For example, following organizational guidelines, system administrators may access or examine files or accounts that are suspected of unauthorized use or misuse, or that have been corrupted or damaged.

Furthermore, network administrators reserve the right to monitor traffic on the network for troubleshooting and statistical analysis. Network administrators reserve the right to ensure that systems connected to our network meet some minimum standard of security through the use of, but not limited to, active system scans across our network. This policy is in effect to preserve the integrity of our network and the safety of our users.

III. Technical Support and Liability Release

For student owned computers or other computers not owned by the college, Information Technology staff will make every effort to support your computer’s connection to the Elmira College network. You must accept the following liability release before a member of Information Technology staff is authorized to physically touch your computer:

“By accepting technical support from Information Technology staff, I expressly waive all claims against Information Technology and its agents for any damages to my computer system or data that are incidental to the technical support rendered by Information Technology. I understand that technical support I receive from Information Technology may void manufacturer warranties and I understand that Information Technology offers no verbal or written warranty, either expressed or implied, regarding the success of this technical support. I understand that I have the right not to accept support from Information Technology staff and to seek technical assistance elsewhere.”

IV. Harassment

You may not use Elmira College’s computing and network facilities to harass, threaten or defame others. For example, repeated and unwanted email messages, instant messages, text messages, or any other electronic means of contact may constitute harassment. Likewise, email containing discriminatory material - for example, race-related or sex-related material is prohibited. If the College discovers that discriminatory, harassing, or other prohibited material is being sent on the email system, the College will take appropriate action, including any appropriate disciplinary action.

V. Email

Elmira College students are required to review their elmira.edu email on a daily basis. Critical information from faculty and administration offices will be communicated to students using this email address. The College is not responsible for a student’s not being aware of critical information sent by email and not accessed by the student. Internet communications are inherently not secure. The confidentiality of electronic mail (email) cannot be assured for legal, policy, and technical reasons. Technical reasons may include misaddressed mail, excessive mail storage, and corrupt mailboxes.

You are expected to respect the privacy of others by not attempting to access their email or other personal and confidential information.

Elmira College reserves the right to access email messages sent or received on its system in order to enforce the provisions of this policy, monitor compliance with the anti-discrimination and harassment laws and for other operational and compliance purposes. Email messages on the College’s systems at elmira.edu are the property of Elmira College. No individual or group of individuals have any rights with respect to those messages.

When corresponding with others, you must clearly identify yourself. You may not alter electronic communications to hide your identity or impersonate another person. It is appropriate to use email to communicate with other users and to create mailing lists. However, because available computer capacity is finite, it is not appropriate for individuals to use email for mass communication to a large number of people (e.g., all Elmira College students).

VI. Nathenson Computer Center

People who use College computers for recreation such as games, social correspondence by email, and casual use of the Internet must readily give up the computers when they are needed by others for academic work.

Please bring your Elmira College ID card to the Computer Center to ensure that our facilities and resources remain available only to those enrolled at Elmira College.

Software that generates sound may disrupt others working in the Computer Center. Please check out headphones from the Information Technology Help Desk when you want to listen to computer-generated sound.

VII. Guidelines on the World Wide Web

The Internet is an important resource for communication, teaching, learning, scholarship, and student life. Elmira College provides Internet services to divisions and individuals for legitimate College business and for educational activity.

VIII. Revisions

The College reserves the right to change this policy if the need arises. You will be notified if revisions occur.

Accessibility Services (Accommodations)

Elmira College is committed to providing access and accommodations to all students with documented academic, medical, emotional, and/or physical disabilities, who require temporary or permanent accommodation. Students must provide current documentation in a timely manner attesting to the specific nature of their disability to the Academic Accommodations Coordinator, at accommodations@elmira.edu. We encourage you to schedule a meeting with the coordinator to review documentation, discuss accommodations, and receive assistance with the process. For additional information or questions concerning accommodations, please contact your instructor, academic advisor or the Academic Accommodations Coordinator via e-mail at: accommodations@elmira.edu.

Student Identification Card

Student photo identification cards are issued by the office of Campus Safety. Students may obtain an identification card at the Office of Campus Safety during business hours. Identification cards grant a student use of the Gannett-Tripp Library and the Nathenson Computer Center, free admission to Elmira College theatre productions (student only), and student rates to Elmira College home athletic events (for the student and immediate family members). The card is also affixed with a magnetic strip, making it possible for students to participate in a Dining Services meal plan. This I.D. card may not be used as a charge card on campus. There is a fee of $25.00 for replacing lost cards and a $5.00 replacement charge for cards with visible damage. The student identification card must be presented upon the request of a College official.

Motor Vehicle Registration Policy

All students who attend in-person class sessions on Elmira College’s campus are required to register any vehicle which they have at the College. This permits Campus Safety to recognize legally or illegally parked vehicles. Students who refuse to register their vehicles will be subject to disciplinary action. Vehicle registration also assists Campus Safety in notifying owners when they have left their lights on or damage has been done to their vehicle. The College has the right to ticket cars parked on city streets, especially in critical areas.

Vehicles must be registered within twenty-four hours after they are first brought to campus. Application for vehicle registration may be obtained at the Campus Safety Office location at the Cory House, 710 Park Place, Elmira, New York 14901.

The following requisites for registration must be met for a motor vehicle to be registered:

  1. The applicant and the vehicle must meet all requirements prescribed by the N.Y.S. Vehicle and Traffic Law for legal operation.
  2. The motor vehicle to be registered must be operated by the applicant and owned either by the applicant or a family member.

Parking Permits

Virtually all parking on campus (except visitor areas) is by permit only. A parking permit (sticker) does not guarantee the holder a reserved space, only an opportunity to park within a specified area. Within each permit eligibility category, permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and the College reserves the right to limit issuance so as to prevent exceeding the number of available spaces. Thus, it is important that those desiring parking privileges obtain their permits without delay. All vehicles except those with purple stickers (faculty and staff), must register annually with the College; vehicle registration runs from August to August. Parking stickers are valid only for the areas for which they have been specifically designated. They must be affixed (as designed) to the window behind the driver of the vehicle. Parking stickers are not transferable. Lost or stolen stickers must be reported and replaced within twenty-four hours. The parking stickers issued by the College are the property of Elmira College. Any changes, tampering with, or misuses of the stickers may result in the withdrawal of the stickers.

Parking Regulations

No vehicle may be parked in an area at a time for which it does not have the appropriate parking permit. Parking in the following places is prohibited at all times:

  1. On the sidewalk or a crosswalk.
  2. On the grass or lawn.
  3. In front of a driveway, doorway, or steps.
  4. In front or rear of Twin Towers.
  5. In all service driveways, loading zones, and access roads.

Also, no person shall park a vehicle on the grounds of the College in such a manner as to interfere with the use of a fire hydrant, fire lane, or other emergency zone; create any other hazard; or unreasonably interfere with the free and proper use of roadways.

Only authorized College vehicles and emergency vehicles (patrol cars, ambulances, fire trucks) are authorized to drive on the inner-campus roadways and walks. Insurance and safety regulations forbid parking of automobiles, motor scooters, and motor bikes inside or under cover of any building or extension of such building.

Enforcement and Penalties for Traffic and Parking Violations

All Elmira College students, staff, and visitors are expected to abide by the College and City rules and regulations with regard to traffic and parking or suffer the penalty as prescribed for any violation of these rules and regulations. All privileges may be withdrawn as the College may direct. The College has the right and will ticket cars parked on city streets.

The fines which may be imposed upon any person subject to these rules and regulations for any violations are listed on the parking ticket.

The registering of a vehicle at the College is held to constitute an agreement on the part of the registrant to abide by the College rules and regulations with regard to traffic and parking or suffer the penalty prescribed for any violations of these rules and regulations. All privileges may be withdrawn as the College may direct. The College has the right to ticket cars parked on city streets, especially in critical areas. The fines which may be imposed upon any person subject to these rules and regulations for any violation are listed on the parking ticket.

All fines are to be paid at the Business Office located in McGraw Hall. Tickets not paid within ten days of issuance will be charged a $10.00 late fee.

Violation Appeals

The imposition of fines and penalties set forth above may be initially appealed to the Director of Campus Safety. Such appeals must be made in writing within three days of the violation by the registrant on an appeal form available at the Campus Security Office located at the Cory House, 710 Park Place, Elmira, New York 14901.