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  • General Administrative Policies

    General Administrative (100.00)

    Policy 101.00 Notice of Non-Discrimination

    Northwest Kansas Technical College gives equal consideration to all applicants for admission, employment and participation in its programs and activities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, veteran status or limited English proficiency (LEP). Northwest Tech respects the legal rights of each person to work and learn in an environment that is free from unlawful sexual discrimination including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

    Concerns regarding disability or race, color, or national origin should be referred to Section 504 Coordinator/ADA Coordinator/Title VI Coordinator, Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs at 785.890.3641. All other concerns should be referred to the Title IX Coordinator/Age Act Coordinator, Dean of Students at 785.890.3641. Both offices are located at 1209 Harrison, Goodland, KS 67735.

    Policy Approval Date: May 12, 2017
    Publication Date: May 17, 2017

    Policy 105.00 Clery Act Disclosure Policy

    Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and CampusCrime Statistics Act, Northwest Kansas Technical College provides notification to the college community in the form of Timely Warnings (crime alerts) and Emergency notifications when a significant criminal incident occurs on campus or in an area surrounding campus that represents a continuing public safety threat.

    Decisions to disseminate a communication will be decided on a case-by-case basis in light of all the facts surrounding the crime and the continuing danger to the campus community. The purpose of the notification is to aid in the prevention of similar crimes by alerting the community about the incident and providing information on what actions people can take to diminish their chances of being victimized.
     
    Timely WarningsIn the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgment of the Dean of Students or his/her designee, constitutes a serious or continuing threat to students and employees or the greater institution community, a campus wide “timely warning” will be issued.  The warning will be sent as a Crime Alert using the institution’sMailBlaster system.  It will also be posted after the initial mailing on the College’s website at www.nwktc.edu. 
     
    These Crime Alerts contain a brief description of the incident; the date, time, and location of the incident; and precautions to take.   They will not provide you details of an incident as you might find in a press release or news article.  The amount and type of information presented in the warning will vary depending on the circumstances of the crime. A warning that could jeopardize a criminal investigation will not be distributed.  Significant criminal incidents that might elicit a timely warning include, but are not limited to, crimes of violence or patterns of property crimes.  Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should report the circumstances to the Dean of Student Services, by phone 785.890.1584 or in person at the Office of Academic Affairs.

    Policy 110.00 Concealed Carry Policy

    Introduction

    Northwest Kansas Technical College prohibits the possession and use of firearms, explosives, and other weapons on college property, with certain limited exceptions, as provided below. This policy is in accordance with the Kansas Board of Regents (“Board”) Policy and state law, K.S.A 75-7c01, et seq.

    Definitions

    For purposes of this policy:

    A. The term “weapons” includes:

    1. Any object or device which will, is designed to, or may be readily converted to expel bullet, shot or shell by the action of an explosive or other propellant.
    2. Any handgun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun or other firearm of any nature, including those that are concealed or openly carried;
    3. Any BB gun, pellet gun, air/C’O2 gun, stun gun or blow gun;
    4. Any explosive, incendiary or poison gas (A) bomb, (B) mine, (C) grenade, (D) rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, or (E) missile having an explosive or incendiary charge;
    5. Any incendiary or explosive material, liquid, solid or mixture equipped with a fuse, wick or other detonating device;
    6. Any tear gas bomb or smoke bomb; however, personal self-defense items containing mace or pepper spray shall not be deemed to be a weapon for the purposes of this policy;
    7. Any knife, commonly referred to as a switch-blade, which has a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife, or any knife having a blade that opens or falls or is ejected into position by the force of gravity or by an outward, downward or centrifugal thrust or movement;
    8. Any straight-blade knife of four inches or more such as a dagger, dirk, dangerous knife or stiletto; except that an ordinary pocket knife or culinary knife designed for and used solely in the preparation or service of food shall not be construed to be a weapon for the purposes of this policy;
    9. Any martial arts weapon such as nun chucks or throwing stars;
    10. Any longbow, crossbow and arrows or other projectile that could cause serious harm to any person;
    11. No student shall possess, handle, use, or threaten to use any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon, explosive, destructive device, or hazardous substance on College owned or operated property, and any College activity, function or event. This policy includes any item being used as a weapon or destructive device or any facsimile of a weapon.
    12. Any explosive or destructive device, including but not limited to dynamite, nitroglycerin or any other combustible, blasting caps, fireworks, firebombs, grenades, plastic charges or devices intended for detonation purposes, and/or any other similar devices or compounds used for detonation or blasting.
    13. Any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument of like character.

    B. The term “handgun” means:

    1. A pistol or revolver which is designed to be fired by the use of a single hand and which is designed to fire or capable of firing fixed cartridge ammunition; or
    2. Any other weapon which will or is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive and which is designed to be fired by the use of a single hand.
    3.  The term “firearm” includes any handgun, rifle, shotgun, and any other weapon which will or is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.
    4.  The term “adequate security measures” shall have the same meaning as the term is defined in K.S.A. 75-7c20, and “building” shall have the same meaning as the term “state building” is defined in K.S.A. 75-7c20.
    5. The term “campus” means any building or grounds owned by the college or the Board and any building or grounds leased by the college or the Board for college use.

    Policy

    General Rules on Open Carry and Concealed Carry on Campus

    Open carry of firearms and possession of weapons other than concealed handguns shall be prohibited on campus, while concealed carry of handguns is permitted on campus, subject to the rules stated in this policy. All weapons are prohibited at all off-campus College sponsored or supervised activities, except that, as required by law, the College does not prohibit employees, who are legally qualified, from carrying a concealed handgun while engaged in the duties of their employment outside of Northwest Tech’s place of business, including while in a means of conveyance.

    Nothing in this policy shall be read to prohibit possession of weapons on campus as necessary for the conduct of Board-approved academic programs or College-approved activities without the advance written approval of the college president or his/her designee.

    Except in those instances where necessary for self-defense or transferring to safe storage and except as otherwise provided in the preceding paragraph, it shall be a violation of Board and College policy to openly display any lawfully possessed concealed carry handgun while on campus.

    There are no College locations that have been designated as prohibiting concealed carry with permanent adequate security measures. The College may from time to time designate a specific location as temporarily prohibiting concealed carry and use temporary adequate security measures as defined and required by law. Appropriate notice will be given whenever this temporary designation is made.

    In addition, areas of buildings that have no public access entrances and are limited to restricted access entrances only may be off-limits to concealed carry, as determined by the College. ‘‘Restricted access entrance’’ means an entrance that is restricted to the public and requires a key, keycard, code, or similar device to allow entry to authorized personnel. “Authorized personnel” means employees of a state agency or municipality and any person granted authorization pursuant to K.S.A. 75-7c20(d)(2), who are authorized to enter a state or municipal building through a restricted access entrance.

    Prohibitions Based on State Law

    Beginning July 1, 2017, any individual who is 21 years of age or older and who is lawfully eligible to carry a concealed handgun in Kansas shall not be precluded from doing so on campus except in buildings and areas of buildings for which adequate security measures are provided, and except as otherwise prohibited by law.

    Regardless whether the individual is otherwise lawfully eligible to carry a concealed handgun, the following restrictions apply to the carrying of a firearm by Kansas law, and the violation of any of the following restrictions is a crime under Kansas law and a violation of this policy:

    • An individual in possession of a concealed firearm must be at least 21 years of age [K.S.A. 21-6302(a)(4)];
    • A firearm cannot be carried by an individual under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or both, to such a degree as to render the individual unable to safely operate the firearm [K.S.A. 21-6332];
    • A firearm cannot be carried by an individual who is both addicted to and an unlawful user of a controlled substance [K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(10)];
    • A firearm cannot be carried by an individual who is or has been a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment [K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(13)];
    • A firearm cannot be carried by an individual with an alcohol or substance abuse problem subject to involuntary commitment [K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(13)];
    • A firearm cannot be carried by an individual who has been convicted of a felony crime [K.S.A. 21-6304];
    • An automatic firearm cannot be carried [K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(5)];
    • A cartridge which can be fired by a handgun and which has a plastic-coated bullet with a core of less than 60% lead by weight is illegal [K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(6)];
    • Suppressors and silencers cannot be used with a firearm [K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(4)]; and,
    • Firearms cannot be fired in the corporate limits of a city or at a dwelling, or at a structure or vehicle in which people are present, except in self-defense [K.S.A. 21-6308, 6308a].

    It shall also be a violation of this policy to otherwise possess, store, transport, trade, sell, or in any other way use a firearm in violation of any applicable law.

    Carrying and Storing Handguns

    Each individual who lawfully possesses a handgun on campus shall be wholly and solely responsible for carrying, storing and using that handgun in a safe manner and in accordance with the law and Board policy. Nothing in this policy shall be interpreted to require individuals who lawfully possess a handgun to use it in defense of others.

    Beginning July 1, 2017, each individual who lawfully possesses a concealed handgun on campus shall at all times have that handgun in their custody and control, and shall either:

    1. Carry it concealed on or about their person in a manner that complies with this policy, or;
    2. Keep it securely stored at their residence or in their privately owned or leased vehicle.

    Individuals who carry a handgun on campus must carry it concealed on or about their person at all times. With respect to this policy, “concealed” means completely hidden from view and does not reveal the weapon in any way, shape, or form. “About” the person means that an individual may carry a handgun if it can be carried securely in a suitable carrier, such as a backpack, purse, handbag, or other personal carrier designed and intended for the carrying of an individual’s personal items. Moreover, the carrier must at all times remain within the exclusive and uninterrupted control of the individual. This includes wearing the carrier with one or more straps consistent with the carrier’s design, carrying or holding the carrier, or setting the carrier next to or within the immediate reach of the individual.

    Every handgun carried by an individual, whether on their person or in a carrier, must be secured in a holster that completely covers the trigger and the entire trigger guard area and that secures any external hammer in an un-cocked position. The handgun must be secured in the holster with a strap or by other means of retention. The holster must have sufficient tension or grip on the handgun to retain it in the holster even when subjected to unexpected jostling. Handguns with an external safety must be carried with the safety in the “on” position. Semiautomatic handguns must be carried without a chambered round of ammunition. Revolvers must be carried with the hammer resting on an empty chamber.

    Handguns shall not be stored:

    1. in any College classroom, lab, office, or facility;
    2. in an on-campus residential unit, except in the residential unit of the individual who is at least 21 years of age, who legally owns the handgun, and when the handgun is secured in an approved storage device;
    3. in any non-privately owned or leased motor vehicle; or,
    4. in any other location and under any circumstances except as specifically permitted by this policy and by state and federal law.

    Handguns may be stored:

    1. in an individual’s privately-owned or leased motor vehicle when the vehicle is locked and the handgun is secured in a location within the vehicle that is not visible from outside the vehicle; or,
    2. in an individual’s on-campus residential unit when the handgun is secured in a holster and in an approved storage device. Handgun storage by any other means than specifically permitted in this policy is prohibited.

    For any on-campus residential unit that does not have adequate security measures, each resident who lawfully possesses a handgun on campus and elects to store the handgun they possess in the room to which they are assigned when not carrying it on their person in a concealed fashion shall secure the handgun in a secure storage device that conceals the gun from view. Such storage devices shall be provided by the individual who possesses the handgun and must meet minimum industry standards for safe-keeping of handguns.

    Northwest Tech does not provide approved handgun storage devices to any person under any circumstances. Each individual who stores a handgun in an on-campus residence must provide their own approved storage device. An approved storage device has each of these characteristics:

    1. it is of sufficient size to fully enclose the handgun while secured in an approved holster;
    2. it is constructed of sturdy materials that are non-flammable;
    3. it has a combination, digital, or other secure locking device that can only be unlocked by the individual using the storage device, but devices secured exclusively with a key lock are prohibited; and,
    4. the device is constructed specifically for the storage of a handgun and/or ammunition.

    All ammunition stored in an on-campus residence must be stored in an approved storage device.

    Additional Safety Measures

    Northwest Tech and its employees, staff, administration and trustees who do not provide adequate security measures in College buildings and by this Policy allows the carrying of a concealed handgun as authorized by the Personal and Family Protection Act (K.S.A. 75-7c01 et seq.) shall not be liable for any wrongful act or omission relating to actions of persons carrying a concealed handgun concerning acts or omissions regarding such handguns (K.S.A. 75-7c20(f)).

    Nothing in this Policy shall be interpreted to require individuals who lawfully possess a handgun to use it in defense of others.

    No person shall use the fact or possibility that he or she is carrying a concealed weapon with the intent to intimidate another person except in defense of self or others.

    Reporting and Temporary Actions

    All reports of suspected violation of the concealed carry policy are made to the Dean of Student Services, or the College President or his/her designee.

    Northwest Tech will conduct an initial investigation to determine whether the report describes a criminal matter and/or a policy violation.

    An employee who witnesses the unlawful handling of a handgun shall report the incident to the Dean of Student Services, or the College President or his/her designee.

    Upon receipt of a report, Northwest Tech will conduct an initial investigation to determine whether the report describes a criminal matter and/or a policy violation. Any report of weapons on the Northwest Tech campus will be investigated.

    Employees who fail to report complaints or incidents regarding unlawful handling of a handgun to appropriate college officials may face disciplinary action. College administrators who fail to investigate and take appropriate corrective action in response to complaints of unlawful handling of a handgun may also face disciplinary action.

    When a complaint contains evidence of criminal activity, the College President or his/her designee shall report such conduct to law enforcement.

    To the extent possible, confidentiality will be maintained throughout the investigation of a complaint. The desire for confidentiality must be balanced with the college’s obligation to conduct a thorough investigation, to take appropriate corrective action, or to provide due process to the accused.

    The filing of a complaint or otherwise reporting unlawful handling of a handgun shall not reflect upon the student’s status or grades. Likewise, initiation of a complaint of unlawful handling of a handgun in good faith will not adversely affect the job security or status of an employee, nor will it affect his or her compensation. Any act of retaliation against any person who has filed a complaint or testified, assisted, or participated in an investigation of unlawful handling of a handgun is prohibited. Any person who retaliates is subject to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion for a student or termination of employment for an employee.

    Sanctions

    Any individual violating this Policy or accidentally or irresponsibly discharging a weapon will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension/expulsion, termination of employment, immediate removal/trespass from the premises and/or arrest. Enforcement of this Policy will be administered by Northwest Tech Administration or the appropriate law enforcement agency and shall form a Student Code of Conduct violation. Those residing on campus shall honor these Policy provisions plus any and all conditions of housing written agreement. Likewise, any individual who violates one or more provisions of this policy may be issued a lawful directive to leave campus with the weapon immediately. Any individual who violates the directive shall be considered to be in trespass and may be cited accordingly. Any individual who violates state or federal law may be detained, arrested or otherwise subjected to lawful processes appropriate to the circumstances.

    1. Students

    Students in violation of this policy are subject to suspension or expulsion from the college with loss of all credit for the current semester and no refund of tuition or fees for the semester, as well as prohibition from future enrollment or participation in College or College-sponsored activities. The suspension or expulsion may be appealed under the Northwest Complaint and Grievance Policy. The President may recommend the suspension or expulsion be modified on a case-by-case basis. Students violating this policy will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency or agencies and if a juvenile to SRS. Those residing on campus shall honor the provisions of this policy plus all conditions of the housing agreement.

    1. Employees

    Prior to applying sanctions under this policy, employees will be afforded all rights of due process to which they are entitled under their contracts or in the provisions of the laws of the State of Kansas. Nothing in this policy is intended to diminish the rights of Northwest Tech to take any other disciplinary action as deemed necessary.

    Policy Approval Date: May 12, 2017
    Publication Date: May 17, 2017

     

  • Policy 101 Notice of Non-Discrimination

    Fort Hays Tech | Northwest gives equal consideration to all applicants for admission, employment and participation in its programs and activities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, veteran status or limited English proficiency (LEP). Northwest Tech respects the legal rights of each person to work and learn in an environment that is free from unlawful sexual discrimination including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

    Concerns regarding disability or race, color, or national origin should be referred to Section 504 Coordinator/ADA Coordinator/Title VI Coordinator, Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs at 785.890.3641. All other concerns should be referred to the Title IX Coordinator/Age Act Coordinator, Dean of Students at 785.890.3641. Both offices are located at 1209 Harrison, Goodland, KS 67735.

    Policy Approval Date: May 12, 2017
    Publication Date: May 17, 2017

  • Policy 105.00 Clery Act Disclosure Policy

    Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and CampusCrime Statistics Act, Fort Hays Tech | Northwest provides notification to the college community in the form of Timely Warnings (crime alerts) and Emergency notifications when a significant criminal incident occurs on campus or in an area surrounding campus that represents a continuing public safety threat.

    Decisions to disseminate a communication will be decided on a case-by-case basis in light of all the facts surrounding the crime and the continuing danger to the campus community. The purpose of the notification is to aid in the prevention of similar crimes by alerting the community about the incident and providing information on what actions people can take to diminish their chances of being victimized.
     
    Timely WarningsIn the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgment of the Dean of Students or his/her designee, constitutes a serious or continuing threat to students and employees or the greater institution community, a campus wide “timely warning” will be issued.  The warning will be sent as a Crime Alert using the institution’sMailBlaster system.  It will also be posted after the initial mailing on the College’s website at www.fhnw.edu. 
     
    These Crime Alerts contain a brief description of the incident; the date, time, and location of the incident; and precautions to take.   They will not provide you details of an incident as you might find in a press release or news article.  The amount and type of information presented in the warning will vary depending on the circumstances of the crime. A warning that could jeopardize a criminal investigation will not be distributed.  Significant criminal incidents that might elicit a timely warning include, but are not limited to, crimes of violence or patterns of property crimes.  Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should report the circumstances to the Dean of Student Services, by phone 785.890.1584 or in person at the Office of Academic Affairs. 
  • Policy 110.00 Concealed Carry Policy

    Introduction

    Fort Hays Tech | Northwest prohibits the possession and use of firearms, explosives, and other weapons on college property, with certain limited exceptions, as provided below. This policy is in accordance with the Kansas Board of Regents (“Board”) Policy and state law, K.S.A 75-7c01, et seq.

    Definitions

    For purposes of this policy:

    A. The term “weapons” includes:

    1. Any object or device which will, is designed to, or may be readily converted to expel bullet, shot or shell by the action of an explosive or other propellant.
    2. Any handgun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun or other firearm of any nature, including those that are concealed or openly carried;
    3. Any BB gun, pellet gun, air/C’O2 gun, stun gun or blow gun;
    4. Any explosive, incendiary or poison gas (A) bomb, (B) mine, (C) grenade, (D) rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, or (E) missile having an explosive or incendiary charge;
    5. Any incendiary or explosive material, liquid, solid or mixture equipped with a fuse, wick or other detonating device;
    6. Any tear gas bomb or smoke bomb; however, personal self-defense items containing mace or pepper spray shall not be deemed to be a weapon for the purposes of this policy;
    7. Any knife, commonly referred to as a switch-blade, which has a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife, or any knife having a blade that opens or falls or is ejected into position by the force of gravity or by an outward, downward or centrifugal thrust or movement;
    8. Any straight-blade knife of four inches or more such as a dagger, dirk, dangerous knife or stiletto; except that an ordinary pocket knife or culinary knife designed for and used solely in the preparation or service of food shall not be construed to be a weapon for the purposes of this policy;
    9. Any martial arts weapon such as nun chucks or throwing stars;
    10. Any longbow, crossbow and arrows or other projectile that could cause serious harm to any person;
    11. No student shall possess, handle, use, or threaten to use any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon, explosive, destructive device, or hazardous substance on College owned or operated property, and any College activity, function or event. This policy includes any item being used as a weapon or destructive device or any facsimile of a weapon.
    12. Any explosive or destructive device, including but not limited to dynamite, nitroglycerin or any other combustible, blasting caps, fireworks, firebombs, grenades, plastic charges or devices intended for detonation purposes, and/or any other similar devices or compounds used for detonation or blasting.
    13. Any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument of like character.

    B. The term “handgun” means:

    1. A pistol or revolver which is designed to be fired by the use of a single hand and which is designed to fire or capable of firing fixed cartridge ammunition; or
    2. Any other weapon which will or is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive and which is designed to be fired by the use of a single hand.
    3.  The term “firearm” includes any handgun, rifle, shotgun, and any other weapon which will or is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.
    4.  The term “adequate security measures” shall have the same meaning as the term is defined in K.S.A. 75-7c20, and “building” shall have the same meaning as the term “state building” is defined in K.S.A. 75-7c20.
    5. The term “campus” means any building or grounds owned by the college or the Board and any building or grounds leased by the college or the Board for college use.

    Policy

    General Rules on Open Carry and Concealed Carry on Campus

    Open carry of firearms and possession of weapons other than concealed handguns shall be prohibited on campus, while concealed carry of handguns is permitted on campus, subject to the rules stated in this policy. All weapons are prohibited at all off-campus College sponsored or supervised activities, except that, as required by law, the College does not prohibit employees, who are legally qualified, from carrying a concealed handgun while engaged in the duties of their employment outside of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest’s place of business, including while in a means of conveyance.

    Nothing in this policy shall be read to prohibit possession of weapons on campus as necessary for the conduct of Board-approved academic programs or College-approved activities without the advance written approval of the college president or his/her designee.

    Except in those instances where necessary for self-defense or transferring to safe storage and except as otherwise provided in the preceding paragraph, it shall be a violation of Board and College policy to openly display any lawfully possessed concealed carry handgun while on campus.

    There are no College locations that have been designated as prohibiting concealed carry with permanent adequate security measures. The College may from time to time designate a specific location as temporarily prohibiting concealed carry and use temporary adequate security measures as defined and required by law. Appropriate notice will be given whenever this temporary designation is made.

    In addition, areas of buildings that have no public access entrances and are limited to restricted access entrances only may be off-limits to concealed carry, as determined by the College. ‘‘Restricted access entrance’’ means an entrance that is restricted to the public and requires a key, keycard, code, or similar device to allow entry to authorized personnel. “Authorized personnel” means employees of a state agency or municipality and any person granted authorization pursuant to K.S.A. 75-7c20(d)(2), who are authorized to enter a state or municipal building through a restricted access entrance.

    Prohibitions Based on State Law

    Beginning July 1, 2017, any individual who is 21 years of age or older and who is lawfully eligible to carry a concealed handgun in Kansas shall not be precluded from doing so on campus except in buildings and areas of buildings for which adequate security measures are provided, and except as otherwise prohibited by law.

    Regardless whether the individual is otherwise lawfully eligible to carry a concealed handgun, the following restrictions apply to the carrying of a firearm by Kansas law, and the violation of any of the following restrictions is a crime under Kansas law and a violation of this policy:

    • An individual in possession of a concealed firearm must be at least 21 years of age [K.S.A. 21-6302(a)(4)];
    • A firearm cannot be carried by an individual under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or both, to such a degree as to render the individual unable to safely operate the firearm [K.S.A. 21-6332];
    • A firearm cannot be carried by an individual who is both addicted to and an unlawful user of a controlled substance [K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(10)];
    • A firearm cannot be carried by an individual who is or has been a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment [K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(13)];
    • A firearm cannot be carried by an individual with an alcohol or substance abuse problem subject to involuntary commitment [K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(13)];
    • A firearm cannot be carried by an individual who has been convicted of a felony crime [K.S.A. 21-6304];
    • An automatic firearm cannot be carried [K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(5)];
    • A cartridge which can be fired by a handgun and which has a plastic-coated bullet with a core of less than 60% lead by weight is illegal [K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(6)];
    • Suppressors and silencers cannot be used with a firearm [K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(4)]; and,
    • Firearms cannot be fired in the corporate limits of a city or at a dwelling, or at a structure or vehicle in which people are present, except in self-defense [K.S.A. 21-6308, 6308a].

    It shall also be a violation of this policy to otherwise possess, store, transport, trade, sell, or in any other way use a firearm in violation of any applicable law.

    Carrying and Storing Handguns

    Each individual who lawfully possesses a handgun on campus shall be wholly and solely responsible for carrying, storing and using that handgun in a safe manner and in accordance with the law and Board policy. Nothing in this policy shall be interpreted to require individuals who lawfully possess a handgun to use it in defense of others.

    Beginning July 1, 2017, each individual who lawfully possesses a concealed handgun on campus shall at all times have that handgun in their custody and control, and shall either:

    1. Carry it concealed on or about their person in a manner that complies with this policy, or;
    2. Keep it securely stored at their residence or in their privately owned or leased vehicle.

    Individuals who carry a handgun on campus must carry it concealed on or about their person at all times. With respect to this policy, “concealed” means completely hidden from view and does not reveal the weapon in any way, shape, or form. “About” the person means that an individual may carry a handgun if it can be carried securely in a suitable carrier, such as a backpack, purse, handbag, or other personal carrier designed and intended for the carrying of an individual’s personal items. Moreover, the carrier must at all times remain within the exclusive and uninterrupted control of the individual. This includes wearing the carrier with one or more straps consistent with the carrier’s design, carrying or holding the carrier, or setting the carrier next to or within the immediate reach of the individual.

    Every handgun carried by an individual, whether on their person or in a carrier, must be secured in a holster that completely covers the trigger and the entire trigger guard area and that secures any external hammer in an un-cocked position. The handgun must be secured in the holster with a strap or by other means of retention. The holster must have sufficient tension or grip on the handgun to retain it in the holster even when subjected to unexpected jostling. Handguns with an external safety must be carried with the safety in the “on” position. Semiautomatic handguns must be carried without a chambered round of ammunition. Revolvers must be carried with the hammer resting on an empty chamber.

    Handguns shall not be stored:

    1. in any College classroom, lab, office, or facility;
    2. in an on-campus residential unit, except in the residential unit of the individual who is at least 21 years of age, who legally owns the handgun, and when the handgun is secured in an approved storage device;
    3. in any non-privately owned or leased motor vehicle; or,
    4. in any other location and under any circumstances except as specifically permitted by this policy and by state and federal law.

    Handguns may be stored:

    1. in an individual’s privately-owned or leased motor vehicle when the vehicle is locked and the handgun is secured in a location within the vehicle that is not visible from outside the vehicle; or,
    2. in an individual’s on-campus residential unit when the handgun is secured in a holster and in an approved storage device. Handgun storage by any other means than specifically permitted in this policy is prohibited.

    For any on-campus residential unit that does not have adequate security measures, each resident who lawfully possesses a handgun on campus and elects to store the handgun they possess in the room to which they are assigned when not carrying it on their person in a concealed fashion shall secure the handgun in a secure storage device that conceals the gun from view. Such storage devices shall be provided by the individual who possesses the handgun and must meet minimum industry standards for safe-keeping of handguns.

    Fort Hays Tech | Northwest does not provide approved handgun storage devices to any person under any circumstances. Each individual who stores a handgun in an on-campus residence must provide their own approved storage device. An approved storage device has each of these characteristics:

    1. it is of sufficient size to fully enclose the handgun while secured in an approved holster;
    2. it is constructed of sturdy materials that are non-flammable;
    3. it has a combination, digital, or other secure locking device that can only be unlocked by the individual using the storage device, but devices secured exclusively with a key lock are prohibited; and,
    4. the device is constructed specifically for the storage of a handgun and/or ammunition.

    All ammunition stored in an on-campus residence must be stored in an approved storage device.

    Additional Safety Measures

    Fort Hays Tech | Northwest and its employees, staff, administration and trustees who do not provide adequate security measures in College buildings and by this Policy allows the carrying of a concealed handgun as authorized by the Personal and Family Protection Act (K.S.A. 75-7c01 et seq.) shall not be liable for any wrongful act or omission relating to actions of persons carrying a concealed handgun concerning acts or omissions regarding such handguns (K.S.A. 75-7c20(f)).

    Nothing in this Policy shall be interpreted to require individuals who lawfully possess a handgun to use it in defense of others.

    No person shall use the fact or possibility that he or she is carrying a concealed weapon with the intent to intimidate another person except in defense of self or others.

    Reporting and Temporary Actions

    All reports of suspected violation of the concealed carry policy are made to the Dean of Student Services, or the College President or his/her designee.

    Fort Hays Tech | Northwest will conduct an initial investigation to determine whether the report describes a criminal matter and/or a policy violation.

    An employee who witnesses the unlawful handling of a handgun shall report the incident to the Dean of Student Services, or the College President or his/her designee.

    Upon receipt of a report, Fort Hays Tech | Northwest will conduct an initial investigation to determine whether the report describes a criminal matter and/or a policy violation. Any report of weapons on the Fort Hays Tech | Northwest campus will be investigated.

    Employees who fail to report complaints or incidents regarding unlawful handling of a handgun to appropriate college officials may face disciplinary action. College administrators who fail to investigate and take appropriate corrective action in response to complaints of unlawful handling of a handgun may also face disciplinary action.

    When a complaint contains evidence of criminal activity, the College President or his/her designee shall report such conduct to law enforcement.

    To the extent possible, confidentiality will be maintained throughout the investigation of a complaint. The desire for confidentiality must be balanced with the college’s obligation to conduct a thorough investigation, to take appropriate corrective action, or to provide due process to the accused.

    The filing of a complaint or otherwise reporting unlawful handling of a handgun shall not reflect upon the student’s status or grades. Likewise, initiation of a complaint of unlawful handling of a handgun in good faith will not adversely affect the job security or status of an employee, nor will it affect his or her compensation. Any act of retaliation against any person who has filed a complaint or testified, assisted, or participated in an investigation of unlawful handling of a handgun is prohibited. Any person who retaliates is subject to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion for a student or termination of employment for an employee.

    Sanctions

    Any individual violating this Policy or accidentally or irresponsibly discharging a weapon will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension/expulsion, termination of employment, immediate removal/trespass from the premises and/or arrest. Enforcement of this Policy will be administered by Fort Hays Tech | Northwest Administration or the appropriate law enforcement agency and shall form a Student Code of Conduct violation. Those residing on campus shall honor these Policy provisions plus any and all conditions of housing written agreement. Likewise, any individual who violates one or more provisions of this policy may be issued a lawful directive to leave campus with the weapon immediately. Any individual who violates the directive shall be considered to be in trespass and may be cited accordingly. Any individual who violates state or federal law may be detained, arrested or otherwise subjected to lawful processes appropriate to the circumstances.

    1. Students

    Students in violation of this policy are subject to suspension or expulsion from the college with loss of all credit for the current semester and no refund of tuition or fees for the semester, as well as prohibition from future enrollment or participation in College or College-sponsored activities. The suspension or expulsion may be appealed under the Northwest Complaint and Grievance Policy. The President may recommend the suspension or expulsion be modified on a case-by-case basis. Students violating this policy will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency or agencies and if a juvenile to SRS. Those residing on campus shall honor the provisions of this policy plus all conditions of the housing agreement.

    1. Employees

    Prior to applying sanctions under this policy, employees will be afforded all rights of due process to which they are entitled under their contracts or in the provisions of the laws of the State of Kansas. Nothing in this policy is intended to diminish the rights of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest to take any other disciplinary action as deemed necessary.

    Policy Approval Date: May 12, 2017
    Publication Date: May 17, 2017

  • Policy 504.00 Nepotism

    It is the policy of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest to employ and retain the best qualified people available without bias. College personnel who are employed in the same instructional department, office, or administrative unit of the college with a relative or someone they have a familiar relationship with shall not participate in recommendations or decisions such matters as appointment, retention, dismissal, salary, promotion, leave of absence, evaluation, and sabbatical leave. No person shall be assigned to a department or unit under the chain of command of a relative. This policy also applies to romantic relationships. If a candidate for employment is related to a member of the Board as defined above, the President will make this fact known to the Board before any recommendation is made to fill a vacancy.

    Publication Date: January 30, 2017

  • Policy 506.00 Time Clock Policy

    All nonexempt employees are required to use the time clock system to record their hours worked. Nonexempt employees are required to clock in and out for payroll and attendance purposes.

    Each employee has a code assigned to the clock. Employees are required to clock in and out using the designated device. If there is a problem with the time clock, employees should notify their supervisors, and the supervisor will direct Fiscal Control as to employee’s time.

    Employees should clock in no sooner than 10 minutes before or after the schedule hours and clock out no later than 10 minutes before or after the scheduled time. Nonexempt employees are required to clock in and out for lunch breaks (including on campus breaks) and anytime the employee leaves the college grounds in addition to at the beginning and end of the day. Employees may not clock another employee in or out.

    OVERTIME
    Nonexempt employees are only allowed to work overtime with prior written authorization from direct supervisor. Overtime includes clocking in early or late or working through the scheduled lunch period. Nonexempt employees who work overtime without prior authorization will be subject to disciplinary procedures. Any overtime will be considered for comp time. Comp time must be scheduled and approved by supervisor and taken the following 30 days in which the overtime has occurred. Any time spent working while not clocked in (a.k.a. “working off the clock”) is strictly prohibited.

    ENFORCEMENT
    Supervisors are free to use discretion in disciplinary actions when employees have various, albeit repeated offenses to the timekeeping policy or procedure. Situations include when employees may have clocked in, but are repeatedly absent from their workstations during work hours or have missed time clock entries in addition to working unscheduled overtime.

    Publication Date: January 30, 2017

  • Policy 508.00 Personal Leave Policy

    [Note this policy applies to all full-time employees]

    Personal leave shall be granted to qualifying faculty/staff and may not be taken until earned. Leave must be submitted on form acquired from the Chief Financial Officer to immediate administrative supervisor for approval 5 days prior to the proposed leave. Such leave for faculty cannot be taken within 10 days of the start or end of the instructor’s program of study or within 10 days of the start or end of the instructor’s downtime. Leave may not be carried over from one year to the next year.

    • 4-7 employment contract years – .5 day
    • 8 or more employment contract years – 1 day

    Publication Date: January 30, 2017

  • Student Affairs Policies

    Policy 307.00 Limited English Proficiency Policy

    Fort Hays Tech | Northwest will take reasonable steps to ensure that persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access and an equal opportunity to participate in coursework, programs, and activities. The policy of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest is to ensure meaningful communication with LEP students involving their education.

    The policy also provides for communication of information including but not limited to, FERPA, financial aid, etc. All interpreters, translators and other aids needed to comply with this policy shall be provided without cost to the person being served, and their families will be informed of the availability of such assistance free of charge.

    Language assistance will be provided through use of competent bilingual staff, staff interpreters, or translation services, or technology and telephonic interpretation services. All staff/faculty will be provided notice of this policy and procedure, and staff that may have direct contact with LEP individuals will be trained in effective communication techniques, including the effective use of an interpreter.

    Fort Hays Tech | Northwest will conduct a regular review of the language access needs of our student population, as well as update and monitor the implementation of this policy and these procedures, as necessary.

    PROCEDURES:

    1. Identification
      Fort Hays Tech | Northwest will promptly identify the language and communication needs of the LEP person.  When documentation is kept of past interactions with student or family members, the language used to communicate with the LEP person will be included as part of the record.

    2. Obtaining a Qualified Interpreter
      (Identify responsible staff person), responsible for:

    (a) Contacting the appropriate bilingual staff member to interpret, in the event that an interpreter is needed, if an employee who speaks the needed language is available and is qualified to interpret;

    (b) Obtaining an outside interpreter if a bilingual staff or staff interpreter is not available or does not speak the needed language.

    Some LEP persons may prefer or request to use a family member or friend as an interpreter. However, family members or friends of the LEP person will not be used as interpreters unless specifically requested by that individual and after the LEP person has understood that an offer of an interpreter at no charge to the person has been made by the college. Such an offer and the response will be documented in the person’s file. If the LEP person chooses to use a family member or friend as an interpreter, issues of competency of interpretation, confidentiality, privacy, and conflict of interest will be considered. If the family member or friend is not competent or appropriate for any of these reasons, competent interpreter services will be provided to the LEP person.

    Children and other students will not be used to interpret, in order to ensure confidentiality of information and accurate communication.

          3. Providing Written Translations

    Fort Hays Tech | Northwest will provide translation of written materials, if needed, as well as written notice of the availability of translation, free of charge, for LEP individuals.

          4. Providing Notice to LEP Persons

    Fort Hays Tech | Northwest will inform LEP persons of the availability of language assistance, free of charge, by providing written notice in languages LEP persons will understand.

          5. Monitoring Language Needs and Implementation

    On an ongoing basis, Fort Hays Tech | Northwest will assess changes in demographics, types of services or other needs that may require reevaluation of this policy and its procedures. In addition, Fort Hays Tech | Northwest will regularly assess the efficacy of these procedures, including but not limited to mechanisms for securing interpreter services, equipment used for the delivery of language assistance, complaints filed by LEP persons, feedback from students and the community etc.

    Board Approved: May 12, 2017
    Publication Date: May 17, 2017

  • Personnel Administration Policies
    Policy 504.00 Nepotism

    It is the policy of Northwest Tech to employ and retain the best qualified people available without bias. College personnel who are employed in the same instructional department, office, or administrative unit of the college with a relative or someone they have a familiar relationship with shall not participate in recommendations or decisions such matters as appointment, retention, dismissal, salary, promotion, leave of absence, evaluation, and sabbatical leave. No person shall be assigned to a department or unit under the chain of command of a relative. This policy also applies to romantic relationships. If a candidate for employment is related to a member of the Board as defined above, the President will make this fact known to the Board before any recommendation is made to fill a vacancy.

    Publication Date: January 30, 2017

    Policy 506.00 Time Clock Policy

    All nonexempt employees are required to use the time clock system to record their hours worked. Nonexempt employees are required to clock in and out for payroll and attendance purposes.

    Each employee has a code assigned to the clock. Employees are required to clock in and out using the designated device. If there is a problem with the time clock, employees should notify their supervisors, and the supervisor will direct Fiscal Control as to employee’s time.

    Employees should clock in no sooner than 10 minutes before or after the schedule hours and clock out no later than 10 minutes before or after the scheduled time. Nonexempt employees are required to clock in and out for lunch breaks (including on campus breaks) and anytime the employee leaves the college grounds in addition to at the beginning and end of the day. Employees may not clock another employee in or out.

    OVERTIME
    Nonexempt employees are only allowed to work overtime with prior written authorization from direct supervisor. Overtime includes clocking in early or late or working through the scheduled lunch period. Nonexempt employees who work overtime without prior authorization will be subject to disciplinary procedures. Any overtime will be considered for comp time. Comp time must be scheduled and approved by supervisor and taken the following 30 days in which the overtime has occurred. Any time spent working while not clocked in (a.k.a. “working off the clock”) is strictly prohibited.

    ENFORCEMENT
    Supervisors are free to use discretion in disciplinary actions when employees have various, albeit repeated offenses to the timekeeping policy or procedure. Situations include when employees may have clocked in, but are repeatedly absent from their workstations during work hours or have missed time clock entries in addition to working unscheduled overtime.

    Publication Date: January 30, 2017

    Policy 508.00 Personal Leave Policy

    [Note this policy applies to all full-time employees]

    Personal leave shall be granted to qualifying faculty/staff and may not be taken until earned. Leave must be submitted on form acquired from the Chief Financial Officer to immediate administrative supervisor for approval 5 days prior to the proposed leave. Such leave for faculty cannot be taken within 10 days of the start or end of the instructor’s program of study or within 10 days of the start or end of the instructor’s downtime. Leave may not be carried over from one year to the next year.

    • 4-7 employment contract years – .5 day
    • 8 or more employment contract years – 1 day

    Publication Date: January 30, 2017

  • Sexual Assault Policy

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