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Benedict College Class of 2022
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 8
Message from the President ............................................................................................ 9
Message from the Vice President of Student Affairs ................................................... 11
Vision and Mission Statements ....................................................................................... 13
A Brief History of Benedict College ............................................................................... 14
Alma Mater ..................................................................................................................... 16
Accreditations .................................................................................................................. 17
Environmental Ethos Project ........................................................................................... 18
Student Core Values ........................................................................................................ 19
The Family Education Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) .................................... 21
Benedict College Smoke-Free Campus Policy ............................................................... 22
Benedict College Litter-Free Campus Policy ................................................................. 23
“Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act” (Public Law 101-226) ................................. 23
Student Right to Know & Campus Security Act (Public Law 101-542) ........................ 24
Student-Faculty/Staff Relationship ................................................................................. 25
Americans with Disability Act ........................................................................................ 25
Service Animal & Support Policy ................................................................................... 26
Bicycle Policy ................................................................................................................. 26
Hoverboard Policy........................................................................................................... 27
Skateboard Policy ............................................................................................................ 27
Visitor Policy ................................................................................................................... 27
Lost & Found .................................................................................................................. 28
Revised COVID-19 Guidelines....................................................................................... 28
Social Media Policy ........................................................................................................ 28
Division of Student Affairs ............................................................................................. 31
Vice President for Student Affairs .................................................................................. 32
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Disciplinary Process ........................................................................................................ 32
Class Attendance (Excused Absence) ........................................................ 40
Student Limited & Theft Assistance Plan .................................................. 40
Residential Life ............................................................................................................... 41
Student Health Services .................................................................................................. 77
Campus Police ................................................................................................................. 78
Campus Emergency Procedures ...................................................................................... 80
Student Activities ............................................................................................................ 82
Clubs, Organizations, Fraternities and Sororities ....................................... 84
Religious Services ........................................................................................................... 86
Campus Minister ............................................................................................................. 87
Food Services .................................................................................................................. 87
Counseling & Self-Development Services ..................................................................... 88
Admissions and Student Marketing ................................................................................ 90
Student Financial Aid & Scholarships ............................................................................ 91
International Programs (OIP) .......................................................................................... 95
Upward Bound ................................................................................................................ 97
Class & Campus Rules .................................................................................................... 98
Dress for Success .......................................................................................................... 100
Student Decorum Policy Disciplinary Procedures ........................................................ 102
Written Student Complaints and Grievance Procedures ............................................... 107
Title IX Policy Statement .............................................................................................. 108
Title IX – Sexual Discrimination and Misconduct Policy and Resource Guide .......... 109
Student Support Services .............................................................................................. 109
Campus Buildings .......................................................................................................... 111
Learning Resources Center (LRC) ................................................................................. 114
Student Financial Services ............................................................................................. 115
College Bookstore .......................................................................................................... 115
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Campus Post Office ........................................................................................................ 115
Career Pathways Initiative and Service-Learning Programs ......................................... 116
Student Success Center .................................................................................................. 116
Service Learning & Leadership Development Program ................................................ 118
Service Learning ............................................................................................................ 118
New Student Orientation ................................................................................................ 119
Open Access Computer Laboratories............................................................................. 119
Athletic Department ....................................................................................................... 120
Service Organizations .................................................................................................... 121
Benedict College Intellectual Property Rights Policy ................................................... 123
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INTRODUCTION
Benedict College Student Handbook
The Student Handbook was prepared for the Board of Trustees of the College by and under
the auspices of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
The Student Handbook is applicable to all Benedict College students. The Code of Conduct
and Standards, regulatory policies, and procedures, apply to all full-time students, part-
time students, special students and students in the School of Continuing Education and
Graduate School.
The Student Handbook provides pertinent information about student life at Benedict
College, and the applicable policies and procedures, including behavioral standards.
It is the responsibility of all students to become familiar with the contents of this
Handbook, to act with careful consideration of its requirements, and to seek assistance
whenever necessary and as directed. In some instances, regulations governing a subject
matter in the Handbook are also contained in the College catalog or on the College’s
website. The provisions of this Handbook are subject to revision by posting or otherwise
published notice during the academic year.
In the event of discrepancy between information contained in this Handbook and another
College publication or document, the terms of this Handbook will apply.
Disclaimer
No claim is made that this document covers all rules and regulations now in effect at Benedict
College. Students are referred to the Benedict College Catalog, Student Life publications and
other department policy documents for further information.
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BENEDICT COLLEGE
1600 Harden Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29204
Office of the President
Welcome from the President
FROM TRESIDEN
Dear Students:
Benedict College was founded in 1870. Benedict College is a private, co-
educational liberal arts institution and is currently home to over 2,200 students
in its 32 baccalaureate degree programs. The College, affiliated with the Baptist
Church, is located on 220 acres nestled in the heart of Columbia, SC. Benedict
College has high-quality programs that support teaching, research, and public
service. Over the last seven years, Benedict College has been ranked as one of
the top baccalaureate Colleges in the nation by Washington monthly for creating
social mobility, producing cutting-edge scholarship and research.
I arrived at Benedict College in September of 2017 and have been continually
inspired by the brilliance of our faculty, dedication of our staff and the talents of
our students. Each of these constituencies exists to support you in your journey
and is tasked with the awesome responsibility of helping you to develop into
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Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis
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#TheBESTofBC. Embrace the resources available to you and put forth your
best quality of effort.
Benedict College produces graduates who can compete anywhere in the world.
In short, you have made the right choice and we are excited about your
decision to attend Benedict College. I welcome you to our BESTofBC Family!
Sincerely,
Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, J.D., Ed.D.
President
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BENEDICT COLLEGE
1600 Harden Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29204
Division of Student Affairs
Welcome from Vice President of Student Affairs
Dear Students:
We are pleased that you have selected Benedict College as the place to complete
your undergraduate studies. As a Benedict College student, you are a valued
member of our “Tiger Family” with proud traditions of achievement and service
which foster personal growth and produce viable scholars. Opportunities are
limitless when you apply your personal best to achieve your goals. We are
hoping you take full advantage of all the Benedict College community has to
offer and commit yourself to being the best you can be.
The Student Handbook is designed to provide you with valuable knowledge of
the College life. Please take time to review its contents and familiarize yourself
with the information. Accordingly, you are expected to adhere to Benedict
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Mr. Gary E. Knight
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College policies and procedures, the Student Code of Conduct, and the laws of
State of South Carolina, City of Columbia and in Richland County. The student
Code of Conduct is thoroughly outlined and directs expectations of proper dress,
behavior, and academic responsibility. As part of our Benedict College Tiger
Family, you are expected to positively represent Tiger Pride on and off campus.
These policies, codes, and laws define the character of our community, and as a
citizen of the community, it is your responsibility to uphold them.
We challenge you to take advantage of all opportunities available to you at
Benedict College and let us know if we can be of any assistance to help foster
your success in the College and community.
Best wishes in your endeavors.
Sincerely,
Mr. Gary E. Knight
Vice President for Student Affairs
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VISION STATEMENT
Benedict College will be a leader in providing transformative learning experiences for a diverse student body, defined
by superior cultural and professional competencies that are nurtured and developed by faculty, staff and stakeholders
who value innovation, customer service, community, and industry engagement.
Benedict College is a college where each student’s experience in academic, residential, and co-curricular activities is
transformative and customer-service focused; at the same time, Benedict faculty and staff-work in a collaborative,
transparent environment where data-based decisions are also girded in compassion.
Benedict College is a place of full-time learning from the classroom to the playing field, to the residence hall and out
into the community where the legacy of “BC” as inclusive, pioneering, and “family” is respected and cherished.
Transformative education, innovation in technology and enterprise, and commitment to community all merge in a
dynamic environment where students receive an education that prepares them to enter the global marketplace with
exceptional cultural and professional competencies that will empower them to contribute to the sustainability and
economic growth of the communities where they live, work and play.
Therefore, Benedict College is not only a power for good in society, but Benedict is committed to providing a
transformative learning environment, created by highly trained and equipped professionals, that empowers all
students to realize their highest potential.
MISSION STATEMENT
Benedict College will be a power for good in society.
Benedict College will be a full opportunity college with high quality programs of teaching, research, and public
service.
These programs will provide our students and community with the knowledge, skills, understandings, and values
required to empower them to be powers for good in society to create a better world.
We seek geographic, international, and racial diversity in our student body while continuing to facilitate the
empowerment, enhancement, and full participation of African Americans in a global society and to maintain our
historic affiliation with the Baptist Church.
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Benedict College, originally Benedict Institute, was founded in 1870 under the auspices of
the American Baptist Home Mission Society. Mrs. Bathsheba A. Benedict of Pawtucket,
Rhode Island, provided financial support for the establishment of Benedict. Adding to a
small bequest from her husband, Mrs. Benedict provided $13,000 towards the purchase of
an eighty-acre plantation near Columbia, South Carolina, as the site for a new school for
the recently emancipated people of African descent.
Benedict Institute set out from humble beginnings in a dilapidated former slave master’s
mansion to prepare men and women to be “powers for good in society.”
During the first quarter century of its existence, Benedict Institute’s educational program
addressed the severely limited economic and social conditions of the black population in
the South. The Institute’s original objective was to train teachers and preachers.
On November 2, 1894, the institution was chartered as a liberal arts college by the South
Carolina Legislature and the name “Benedict Institute” was changed to “Benedict College.”
From 1870 to 1930, Benedict College was led by seven northern white Baptist ministers,
all college trained. On April 10, 1930, the Reverend John J. Starks, who earned his
bachelor’s degree from the College in 1891, became the first African American President
of the College. Five African American presidents have succeeded him.
Maintaining a liberal arts tradition, Benedict College now offers degree programs in
twenty-four major areas of study to meet the needs of a complex and technological society
at home and world-wide as the twenty-first century sets new parameters for our students
and graduates.
The College is currently undergoing an extensive campus improvement plan, which
includes land acquisition and the completion of a comprehensive athletics complex which
includes the Charlie W. Johnson Stadium. Campus facilities improvements since 2000: the
installation of air-conditioning, fire sprinkler systems, and security systems in residence
halls; completion of an activities field and community park; renovation of Bacoats Hall,
Alumni Hall, Starks Center, and historic Antisdel Chapel; and restoration of historic
Morgan, Pratt, and Starks Halls, the latter of which houses the Student Leadership
Development Center. During this period, new construction has included three residence
halls, a parking garage, a campus center/dining hall, an Administration Building, a
Business Development Center, and perimeter fencing. Additionally, buildings were
acquired to house a fitness center, the Division of Community Development/Center for
Excellence, the Child Development Center, the Visitor’s Center/Admissions Office, and
A BRIEF HISTORY OF BENEDICT
COLLEGE
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the Lamar Building which is used to house the Continuing Education/Evening and
Weekend Program. Three apartment complexes have been purchased for student housing.
The College is celebrating 151 years of providing quality education to its students and
meritorious service to this community. Across the years, more than 17,000 graduates of
Benedict College have succeeded in all areas of human endeavor.
Benedict College is a place where “Learning to Be the Best: A Power of Good in the
Twenty-First Century” characterizes its commitment to quality and continuous
improvement in its role as one of the nation’s premiers historically black Colleges.
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ALMA MATER
Where the golden sunshine falls,
Rustling leaves about her,
Breezes whispering round her walls
Stands our Alma Mater.
Students all a sturdy band,
Loud our voices ringing,
Of her kindly helping hand,
Of our love we're singing.
We'll remember in the years
Coming swiftly towards us,
All the smiles but not the tears
Alma Mater brought us.
If the path of life be dim
And the way be dreary,
Alma Mater points to Him,
Who will guide the weary.
(CHORUS)
Alma Mater strong and true,
Alma Mater ever!
Benedict, we sing to you,
Faithful we forever.
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ACCREDITATIONS
Benedict College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Contact the
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern
Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the
accreditation of Benedict College.
The School of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator
Preparation (CAEP), This accreditation covers the initial teacher preparation program at
Benedict College.
The Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
(CSWE).
The Environmental Health Science Program is accredited by the National Environmental
Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC).
Benedict College is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design
(NASAD).
The Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship is accredited by
the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Documents describing accreditation may be reviewed upon request in the President’s
Office or the Office of Academic Affairs.
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ENVIRONMENTAL ETHOS PROJECT
Purpose
Benedict College presents The Five Pillars of Success. The purpose of this environmental ethos
project is to affirm the College’s historic mission to provide a collegiate environment that cultivates
academic achievement, engagement, and persistence among Benedict College students. Through this
initiative, we seek to clearly define the core values of Benedict College to our students, the Benedict
College family, and our various community partners to acknowledge our sustained commitment to
preparing students to be “powers for good in society.”
Success = Personal Accountability
Success begins and ends with the individual. Personal accountability entails taking ownership of
one’s choices and actions. Persons who are accountable do not allow themselves to be victims nor do
they seek to cast blame. He or she bears the responsibility of seeking out resources and plausible
solutions rather than surrendering to obstacles.
Success = Commitment to Excellence
Excellence is a standard that successful people seek to achieve. Those who are committed to excellence
consistently take pride in all they do. Their conduct, appearance, and work reflect the esteem and
belief they have in themselves and their abilities.
Success = Effort
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” (Robert Collier) Effort is consistent
action toward achieving one’s goals. In an academic context, effort is attending and preparing for
class, completing all assignments, and seeking out additional assistance as needed.
Success = Tiger Pride
Pride is an attitude that separates excellence from mediocrity. Tiger Pride is respect, love and
commitment to Benedict College, its legacy, and its future.
Success = Community Engagement
“The true aim of education is not knowledge but action.” (Herbert Spencer) Community
Engagement is a sense of responsibility to contribute to society through individual and/or collective
action to positively impact the community.
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STUDENT CORE VALUES
Benedict College is committed to academic excellence, building character and
service to others. To achieve our mission, we must cultivate an environment of
honesty, kindness, respect, self-discipline, school pride, trustworthiness, and
academic integrity. Therefore, Benedict College has adopted the following Student
Core Values our students in becoming #TheBESTofBC!
1. I will love and respect knowledge.
2. I will strive to learn to be the best.
3. I will attend, participate in, and contribute my best in every class.
4. I am committed to continuous improvement.
5. I am committed to developing all my talents, skills, and abilities to their full
potential.
6. I will always be a Power for Good in society.
7. I am committed to helping all other students to succeed academically and
personally.
8. I am committed to helping the less fortunate.
9. I will always respect and protect Benedict College’s property and will refrain
from any willful acts of destruction and debasement.
10. I will strive to make the world a better place.
11. I shall accept responsibility and leadership for conditions on campus and in
the community.
12. I shall respect all campus officials, faculty, staff, students, and legitimate
authority.
13. I shall refrain from any fighting, insulting, disrespecting or verbally abusing
students.
14. I shall love, respect, help, care for and value every single Benedict College
student.
15. I am committed to providing quality service to society, the community, and
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the college.
16. I am fully committed to sharing the responsibility for making Benedict College
the best it can be.
17. I believe that at Benedict College there should be no “you” or “me,” just us.
18. I will always use respect in conversation and discussions with my fellow
students and everyone else.
19. I will never use profanity or loud abusive language when communicating with
others.
20. I will refrain from accepting unsubstantiated opinions and base my beliefs and
conversation on objective reasoning, research, analysis, and verified facts.
21. I will always deport myself in speech, dress, and behavior to bring honor and
respect to myself, my family, and Benedict College.
22. I will refrain from needless complaints, criticisms, gossip, and rumor
mongering or making any negative remarks about my fellow students, faculty,
staff, officials, and Benedict College.
23. I will refrain from making excuses or blaming others for my personal failures.
24. I will study, do my homework, complete my assignments, and otherwise use
my best effort to succeed.
25. I will speak positively of Benedict College when speaking to high school
students or any other external constituents.
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THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974
(FERPA)
Students at Benedict College have the right of privacy with respect to personal information.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA or the Buckley
Amendment) is a federal law that governs access to students’ educational records, which
are records that contain information directly related to a student and are maintained as
official working files by the College. Under FERPA, students have the right to gain access
to their educational records, and such access includes the right to inspect and review the
records, the right to obtain copies of the records (a copying fee may be charged), and the
right to challenge or supplement information on file. Public or “directory” information
about a student that may be released to anyone upon request includes the student’s name,
address, telephone listing, academic major, dates of attendance, awards received,
participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and weight and height of a
member of an athletic team. Students may request that the College not release directory
information by completing a FERPA block form in the College’s Registrar’s Office.
Pursuant to FERPA, once a student reaches 18 years of age or attends a postsecondary
institution, parents no longer have access to their children’s educational records, unless the
student is claimed as a dependent as defined by Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 or the student provides the College written consent to allow such disclosure. The
only exception to this rule is in the case of violations of the College’s alcohol and drug
policies by students under age 21. In such cases, information regarding the violation may
be released to parents, regardless of whether the student is considered a dependent or
independent student.
In general, the College will not release information contained in a student’s educational
records to a third party without written consent of the student. Prior written consent from
the student is not required under the following circumstances:
❖ In the event the College’s directory information is published and the student has not
requested that such information be withheld.
❖ A student is classified as dependent under the Internal Revenue Code, and the
parents are requesting information.
❖ A student has violated the College’s alcohol or drug policies and was under age 21
at the time of the violation, parents can be notified.
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❖ A College Official with a legitimate educational interest has requested information
on the student.
❖ In the event, an Official at another Institution in which the student seeks to enroll,
has requested information.
❖ In the event a health or safety emergency occurs, and it is necessary to protect the
student or others.
❖ In the event financial aid lenders seek to check the enrollment status for loan
purposes.
❖ In the event, authorized representatives of the: Secretary of the United States
Department of Education, Office of the United States Comptroller General, and
State and Local Education authorities request information as part of an audit or
program review.
❖ In response to a court order and/or subpoena after reasonable effort to notify eligible
student (unless ordered not to contact the student by the Court); or
❖ In the event an alleged victim of any crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense
requests the results of the College’s judicial proceedings regarding such an alleged
offense.
BENEDICT COLLEGE SMOKE-FREE CAMPUS POLICY
The Tobacco-Free Policy applies to all Benedict College facilities, property, and vehicles,
owned, or leased, regardless of location on the main and extended campus.
Smoking and the use of tobacco products shall not be permitted in any enclosed place,
including, but not limited to all offices, classrooms, hallways, waiting rooms, restrooms,
meeting rooms, community areas, performance venues and private residential space within
Benedict College housing. The use of electronic cigarettes and tobacco products shall also
be prohibited outdoors on all Benedict College campus property, including, but not limited
to, parking lots, paths, fields, sports/recreational areas, and stadiums to include the Leroy
T. Walker Health and Wellness Complex. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff,
and other persons on campus, regardless of the purpose for their visit.
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BENEDICT COLLEGE LITTER-FREE CAMPUS POLICY
Benedict College takes great pride in the beauty of our campus. Littering is strictly
prohibited and a violation of the College Code of Conduct. Littering shall include, among
other things, the throwing of debris such as cigarette butts, food wrappers, paper, cans,
bottles, or other trash on the ground. No student shall intentionally dispose of refuse of
any kind in or near any building owned or operated by the College except in receptacles
provided for the purpose.
Intentionally discarding of such will be seen and adjudicated as a violation of the College
Littering Policy
Fines for littering may be imposed in an amount not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200.00).
“DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES ACT” (PUBLIC LAW
101-226)
The use of illegal drugs and alcohol at the College workplace, on college property or at
college activities both on and off campus impairs the safety and health of College
community members, inhibits the personal and academic growth of students and
undermines the public’s confidence in the College. Only in an environment free of illegal
drugs and alcohol abuse can the College fulfill its mission of developing the professional,
social, cultural, and intellectual potential of each member of its community. For these
reasons, it is the policy of Benedict College that all College activities, College property,
and the College workplace must be free of the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol.
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STUDENT RIGHT TO KNOW AND CAMPUS SECURITY ACT (PUBLIC
LAW 101-542)
Federal law requires the College to produce an annual report of its safety and security
procedures as well as crime statistics. This report is available for review via internet.
Additional copies are available in the Campus Police Department. Information regarding
graduation rates may be obtained in the Office of Registrar and Student Records. Safety
and security information is cited in this Handbook and in the additional publications
developed and dispersed by the Campus Police Department.
Rape Prevention/Personal Safety
The following is a list of Rape Prevention Safety Tips:
❖ Prevention is being alert and prepared.
❖ Ensure that your room door is always locked.
❖ Use the peephole in your door.
❖ Avoid poorly lighted streets, alleys, and pathways.
❖ Keep alert. If you see a person acting suspiciously, head for bright lights and
people.
❖ Never jog alone. Stick to a planned route and jog with a friend.
❖ Be aware of your surroundings.
❖ Your first defense is noise. Scream! Screaming “fire” not “help” may attract
more attention.
❖ Always lock your car. Place valuables where they cannot be seen.
❖ Do not get in an elevator if there is someone suspicious getting on or already
in the elevator.
❖ Convey confidence through body language.
❖ Walk with your head up and be alert.
❖ Do not mark your room key or key chain with your name, address, or
telephone number.
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❖ If a person at a party insists or pressures you to accept a ride home, become
suspicious and do not accept the offer.
❖ If you use alcohol, do so responsibly. Legal age for consumption is 21 years
of age.
❖ In a dating situation, define exactly what you want from a relationship.
❖ Always strive to say what you really mean. Be assertive. Maintain control
over your personal life.
❖ Trust your instincts. If you feel it is not right, it probably is not.
STUDENT-FACULTY/STAFF RELATIONSHIP
Benedict College students are its most valued assets, and their welfare is its highest
concern. The College expects its employees to conduct themselves in a professional and
appropriate manner, particularly when dealing with students. Benedict College
discourages employees from engaging in inappropriate romantic or sexual relationships
with any of its students or from engaging in activities which give the appearance of such
inappropriate conduct.
In particular, the College believes it is highly inappropriate and unprofessional for an
employee to engage in a romantic or sexual relationship with a student when the employee
and student are working together or the employee is involved with the student in an
administrative, coaching, counseling, teaching, supervisory, or other authoritative role.
Under certain circumstances, such conduct may result in disciplinary action.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT
Benedict College is committed to welcoming diversity within the College community and
individual rights. In accordance with the provisions of Section 504 in which prohibits
discrimination based on disability in programs or activities that received Federal Financial
Assistance (FFA) to include public schools and institutions of higher education state or
local government from the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Benedict College seeks to
provide students with disabilities the support services and other reasonable
accommodations needed to ensure equal access to programs and activities of the College.
All students must provide current documentation of their disability by an appropriate
licensed professional. This documentation must indicate a specific diagnosis, information
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regarding onset, longevity, and severity of symptoms, and must state how the disability
and/or related medications and treatments interfere or limit functioning in any major
activity, including participation in courses, programs, services, or any other activity of the
College. Disabilities may include, but not limited to, sensory, mobility, psychological or
medical conditions, or learning disabilities and Attentional Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Individual with a disability is a person who has a physical or mental impairment that limits
one or more major life activities and has a record of such impairment
In additional Benedict College makes reasonable provisions to accommodate disabled and
special needs students. Facilities to accommodate students with physical handicaps include
Alumni Hall, Starks Hall, Morgan Hall, Pratt Hall, Learning Resources Center, the Human
Resources Center, Fine Arts/Humanities Center, Mather Hall Dormitory, Oak
Street Dormitory, and Haskell Dormitory. Services are available through the Office of the
Coordinator of Special Student Services located in BC C.A.R.E.S. (803) 705-4560.
SERVICE ANIMAL AND SUPPORT POLICY
Except for Service Dogs for the disabled, no pets are permitted on the Benedict College
campus. Qualified students with supporting documentation for disability will receive a
reasonable accommodation and the animal must be related to the disability.
Service Animal is defined as any dog that is trained to do work or perform tasks for the
benefit of an individual with a disability. Individuals with disability utilize Support Animal
as emotional support, well-being, and comfort.
The “owner” is the student of a Service Animal must take responsibility for ensuring that
service dog is under their control, harnessed, leashed, and adhering to cleanup rules.
Accommodation is defined as any modification or adjustment in policies, practices,
procedures, or work/school/housing environment to permit a qualified individual with a
disability.
Additionally, before bringing the Service Animals onto College campus grounds, the
requesting individual must submit a request along with your appropriate supporting
documentations. All students with a documented disability as a reasonable
accommodation. The Service Animal must be related to the individual’s disability.
BICYCLE POLICY
All bicycles owned by students, faculty and staff and being used on campus must be
registered with Benedict College Campus Police and registration is free. It is imperative
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that everyone practice good safety when riding and storing your bicycle on campus. Students
are not allowed to ride their bicycles on campus once they are stored.
All bicycles on campus must be stored in a bicycle rack, bicycles cannot be secured to fire
hydrants, parking signs, parked by fences, stairwells, ramps (handicap and/or other), or path
of any buildings.
Registration can be completed at the Benedict College Campus Police Department Monday
– Friday between the hours of 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The registration decade is valid for two
(2) years. The registration decal must be affixed to the vertical part of the frame facing
forward.
Note: All bicycles left after the end of the academic year will be removed from campus
and donated.
HOVERBOARD POLICY
Benedict College prohibits Hoverboards on campus due to safety issues and concerns
following Hoverboard fires, the use, possession, or storage of Hoverboards or any similar
devices, are not allowed on campus. Because of the high-risk factor involving Hoverboard
fires, it is in the best interest of the College and the Community that we prohibit these devices
on college campus. Please know that you are not allowed to bring these devices on campus
under any circumstances and if found, it will be confiscated, and you will be fined.
SKATEBOARD POLICY
Students can use skateboards on college campus if you exercise with extreme care, no
skateboarding in hallways of the dormitories/campus buildings, avoid hills at all costs, roads,
sidewalks, and parking lots.
VISITOR POLICY
All visitors must obtain a visitor’s courtesy parking permit from the Campus Police
Department. Visitor permits for overnight parking will only be issued to the guest(s) of
students on Friday and Saturday nights or the night before any holiday. These permits
are free of charge. Visitors must park their vehicles in either the Gambrell or the Chapel
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parking lots unless directed otherwise by a member of the Campus Police Department.
Parking permits must be clearly visible through the vehicle windshield. Visitor permits
are not temporary substitutes for permanent decals.
LOST AND FOUND
The Campus Police Department is a repository for lost and found items. Many articles are
turned in every year and many go unclaimed. If an item is not claimed after a year, it is
donated to a local charity or disposed.
REVISED COVID -19 GUIDELINES
Benedict College Tiger Family, thank you for your cooperation as “campus life” was
adjusted in response to the global pandemic, COVID - 19. Students, Faculty and Staff
your demonstrated creativity and innovation during our attempts to reduce the spread of
COVID - 19 were recognized across the state and nation — the resilience of Benedict
College during COVID - 19 is well documented. We continue to be guided by recent
Center for Disease and Environmental Control (CDC) policies.
https://www.benedict.edu/revised-2021 - covid-19-guidelines/
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
Benedict College is committed to fostering an educational environment that allows for
freedoms of speech and expression in accordance with the First Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution. Free speech is important to us, however, the College will not tolerate any
activity or postings affiliated or referencing the College such as any unlawful, defamatory,
profanity, provocative language, negative post of any kind regarding the institution, videos
showing the College in a negative manner, activity or posting. The College supports free
speech and at the same time reserves the right to refer social media activity to the applicable
social media platform and/or appropriate authorities or personnel for appropriate action.
*Authorities refer to Benedict Campus police, local, state, and federal law enforcements.
Personnel refers to the Vice President for Student Affairs, designee, or Student Judiciary
Committee. Media contact for the College is the Communications and Marketing
Department. Students are prohibited from speaking on behalf of or for Benedict College
with any media organization or publication, or from inviting the media to any College-
owned or operated property, facility, or event without the permission and presence of an
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administrator, college official/authority, or member of the Communications and Marketing
team.
Social Media Policy Statement, Purpose, and Definitions
Social Networking Media is a popular and powerful mechanism for timely communications
to the entire world about news and events occurring at Benedict College and beyond. It has
also become common to integrate classroom instruction and assignments with these
technologies. BC recognizes the use of social media by its faculty, staff and students to
communicate factual information regarding the College.
Social Media Defined
Social media is defined as internet-based applications which support and promote the
exchange of user-developed content and allow for social, interactive, and connective
communication and learning. Examples include, but not limited to: • Social networking
(Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) • Video and photo sharing (YouTube, Flickr) •
Blogging, microblogging, etc. •
Social Media Platforms
Benedict College endeavors, always to be open and clear about how we communicate.
Sometimes we give people information using social media. Social media is talking to people
using the internet. This might be Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or our website. Social Media
can help us give information, which is a good thing. But we have to be careful.
So, we have to make sure we use social media in the right way. This policy is to make sure
we keep our community safe when we use social media. We do not want people to be hurt
from social media. We do not want the College to be hurt in any way. This policy tells the
Benedict community how to use social media properly and our expectations of appropriate
engagement.
Social Media in/and Higher Education
Social media is often used in the higher education setting and has demonstrated multiple
benefits including increase retention, socialization, collaborative learning, student
engagement, sense of control and ownership, along with other benefits for students and
instructors.
Social Media in Your Personal Life
Benedict College recognizes that many students make use of social media in a personal
capacity. While they are not acting on behalf of the College, students must be aware that
they can damage Benedict if they are recognized as being one of our students. Students are
allowed to say that they attend Benedict, which recognizes that it is natural for its students
to sometimes want to discuss their daily activities on social media. However, the students’
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online profile (for example, the name of a blog or a Twitter name) must not contain
Benedict’s name. If students do discuss their daily interactions/activities on social media,
they must include on their profile a statement along the following lines: "The views I express
here are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of Benedict College.
For the purposes of the Benedict College Social Media Policy, social media is any online
platform or app that allows parties to communicate instantly with each other or to
share data in a public forum. This includes social forums such as Twitter, Facebook,
Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Social media also covers blogs and video and
image-sharing websites such as YouTube. Our College community should be aware that
there are many more examples of social media than can be listed here as this is a constantly
changing area and should follow these guidelines in relation to any social media that they
use. Any communications that students make in a personal capacity through social media
must not:
• Bring Benedict into disrepute, for example by:
➢ criticizing or arguing with peers, professors, staff, or rivals;
➢ making defamatory comments about individuals or other organizations or groups; or
➢ posting images that are inappropriate or links to inappropriate content;
• Breach confidentiality, for example by:
➢ revealing trade secrets or information owned by Benedict College;
➢ giving away confidential information about an individual (such as a peer, professor,
or coach) or organization; or
➢ discussing Benedict’s internal workings (e.g.. work study students access and
handling of confidential information);
• Breach copyright, for example by:
➢ using someone else's images or written content without permission;
➢ failing to give acknowledgement where permission has been given to reproduce
something; or
• Do anything that could be considered discriminatory against, or bullying or harassment of,
any individual, for example by:
➢ making offensive or derogatory comments relating to sex, gender reassignment, race
(including nationality), disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief or age;
➢ using social media to bully another individual (such as an employee of the
organization); or
➢ posting images that are discriminatory or offensive or links to such content.
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Definition of misconduct:
The definition of misconduct at Benedict College is set forth in this Code in order to give
students general notice of prohibited conduct and is not designed to define misconduct in
exhaustive terms.
Disciplinary action over social media use
All students are required to adhere to this policy. Students should note that any breaches of
this policy may lead to disciplinary action. Serious breaches of this policy, for example
incidents of bullying or social media activity causing serious damage to the College may
constitute misconduct and lead to summary dismissal.
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
The purpose of the Division of Student Affairs is to meet the contemporary needs of
Benedict College students. While honoring the College’s mission and heritage, the division
works to bring the established institution and the changing student body into a productive
relationship. The significant part of this relationship is, of course, the classroom. The
business of the College is fostering intellectual growth, and students enroll to obtain
academic credentials. The priority of the Division of Student Affairs is to complement and
supplement the academic enterprise, maintaining both a climate on campus and a range of
programs that foster students’ academic growth.
It is the responsibility of the Vice President for Student Affairs to ensure that students’
social, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs are met in accordance with the policies
and procedures outlined in the Benedict College Student Handbook. The Office of Student
Affairs is in Suite 100 of the Administration Building and can be reached at (803) 705-4624.
A variety of services and programs in the Division of Student Affairs serves the needs and
interests of all students enrolled at Benedict College. Student Affairs is comprised of the
following areas:
❖ Office of Admissions & Recruitment
❖ Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships
❖ Office of Residential Life
❖ Office of Student Health Services
❖ Office of Campus Police
❖ Office of Student Activities
❖ Office of Religious Services
❖ Food Services
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❖ Office of Counseling & Self-Development
❖ Office of International Programs
❖ Office of Upward Bound
VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS
The Vice President’s Office operates to maintain the welfare of the Campus Community.
The Vice President for Student Affairs is responsible for overseeing the following
Departments: Admissions & Recruitment, Student Financial Aid & Scholarships,
Residential Life, Student Health Services, Campus Police, Student Activities, Religious
Services, Food Services, Counseling & Self-Development, International Programs and
Upward Bound and facilitating the Student Judiciary Committee, which serves as the
central clearinghouse for all non-academic violations. The Student Judiciary Committee
hearing process holds students accountable and responsible for inappropriate actions. The
Student Judiciary Committee hearing process provides an opportunity for committee
members to work with students; promote positive behavior; offer guidance; and steer
students towards the goal of academic achievement. The Vice President for Student Affairs
is in the Administration Building, Suite 100 and can be reached at (803) 705-4559 or 4624.
DISCIPLINARY PROCESS
Students and student organizations are subject to the disciplinary procedures prescribed
in this code contingent on the infraction(s). If a student, allegedly involved in a violation
of the Student Conduct Code, separates or graduates from the College prior to a hearing
being held, the disciplinary process can continue at the discretion of the College. If a
hearing is not pursued upon the separation of the student, the pending charges will be
resolved, at the discretion of the College, prior to any future readmission.
A. Initiation of Charges - The Division of Student Affairs bears the responsibility for the
initiation of disciplinary procedures against a student for alleged misconduct which
could result in expulsion or suspension from the College. The Division of Student
Affairs will review instances of reported misconduct to determine if disciplinary
proceedings should be initiated. Any member of the campus community may
register a complaint in writing with the Division of Student Affairs against a student
for alleged violation of college policy. Students also have an opportunity to register
a complaint in writing against another student. In the absence of sufficient
information as determined by the Vice President of Student Affairs or designee, a
complaint will be dismissed.
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B. Notification of Charges - Once it is determined that disciplinary proceedings will be
initiated, the Division of Student Affairs will provide a notification of the charges
and a hearing date to the accused student by student’s email address, and/or delivery
to the student’s on-campus or off-campus address as indicated in the most current
Student Directory. The Division of Student Affairs may also, but is not required to,
provide written notification by hand-delivery to the accused student. Notification
will specify the alleged violation of this respective code. Students are responsible for
providing the college with proper mailing addresses, checking their email, and
mailboxes on a regular basis. The failure of a student to receive notification is not
grounds for an appeal, provided the Division of Student Affairs has attempted to
provide the student with written notification by either method stated above. Upon
receipt of written notification, the accused student should immediately arrange a
pre-hearing interview with the Vice President of Student Affairs or designee.
Students are responsible for reviewing the judiciary process to ensure that they are
sufficiently familiar with the disciplinary procedure in order to adequately prepare
and present a response at the hearing.
C. Failure to Respond
If the student does not respond to the notification of charges and the scheduled
hearing, the Student Judiciary Committee will proceed on the scheduled date and
time of the hearing. If a student does not attend the scheduled hearing, the hearing
will be conducted, and a determination will be made based on the available
information. The student is considered properly notified when the formal hearing
notification has been delivered to the student by the methods indicated in the
Notification of Charges.
D. Dismissal of Charges
If the Vice President of Student Affairs or designee determines that insufficient
information exist to justify a hearing, the charge will be dismissed.
E. Options for Resolution of Disciplinary Charges - It should be clearly understood
that there is a fundamental difference between the nature of student discipline and
that of criminal law. Regardless of the options exercised for resolution of charges,
the discipline of students within the College community must be consistent with the
educational mission of the institution. The letter from the Vice President of Student
Affairs or designee shall consist of a written confirmation of the decision and any
sanction imposed or the decision to drop the case due to insufficient information. As
the College’s judiciary process is a disciplinary proceeding and not a criminal
prosecution, third-party individuals/organizations seeking to represent the student
or case are not approved to attend any judicial hearings, interviews, testimonials, or
any other process of the disciplinary process.
F. HEARING PROCEDURES – Student Judiciary Committee
1. During a hearing, the accused student is entitled to:
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a. Appear in person, hear all information presented and present any relevant
information, call witnesses, and ask questions of witnesses present at the
hearing.
b. Elect not to appear at the hearing, in which case the hearing shall be conducted
in the accused student’s absence.
c. Refuse to answer any questions or make a statement, in which case the
hearing authority shall make its decision solely based on information
presented at the hearing.
d. Challenge the presence of a Student Judiciary Committee member for cause.
Cause is defined as personal bias, prior involvement, or inappropriate access
to information concerning the incident. The removal of a Student Judiciary
Committee member for cause will be at the discretion of the remaining
committee members as determined by majority vote.
e. All hearing shall be conducted in private session. All students’ information,
or comments given during hearings are to be held in confidence by
members of the Student Judiciary Committee, College Staff, witnesses, and
advisers before, during, and after deliberation.
2. The hearing authority will exercise control over the hearing to avoid needless
consumption of time, repetition of information, and/or prevent the harassment or
intimidation of participants. The hearing can be recessed at any time in the hearing
officer’s discretion.
3. All hearings shall be conducted in an informal manner and technical rules of evidence
will not be applied. The taking of statements of witnesses may be done by discussion,
though the testimony of each witness may be subject to question and rebuttal.
Witnesses (except for the accused) shall be present during a hearing only during the
time they are testifying. While written statements are admissible, the accused shall
have the opportunity to question and rebut the testimony of the principal party,
unless extenuating circumstances preclude this option.
4. The Office of Student of Affairs or designee is responsible for scheduling and
coordinating all cases.
a. The Committee Chair/Co-Chair, at the request of the Vice President of
Student of Affairs or designee, will make a tape recording of all hearings where
a student pleads not responsible or when a charged student request it. The
accused shall have the right, upon request, to listen to the recording in the
presence of a staff member of the Division of Student Affairs.
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b. The letter from the Vice President of Student Affairs shall consist of a written
confirmation of the decision and any sanction imposed or the decision to drop
the charge due to insufficient information.
c. Students may not bring tape recorders or other recording devices into the
hearing. Video, audio, stenographic, or photographic recording of hearing
proceedings are prohibited, except as authorized by the Vice President of
Student Affairs or designee. Any recording or other verbatim recording of
any hearing in which suspension or expulsion is imposed shall be maintained
in the Division of Student Affairs.
d. As the College's judiciary process is a disciplinary proceeding and not a
criminal prosecution, third-party individuals/organizations seeking to
represent the student/case are not approved to attend any judicial hearings,
interviews, testimonials, or any other process of the disciplinary process.
Procedural Differences
A. Evidence:
State or Federal rules of evidence need not be followed in a campus judicial
proceeding.
B. Burden of Proof:
In a criminal court, the charges against a defendant must be proven “beyond a
reasonable doubt.” If any reasonable doubt as to whether the defendant committed
the crime or not exists, the defendant must be found to be not guilty of the offense
charged.
Unlike criminal proceedings in courts of law, College hearings do not require
conclusive proof or “guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.” Instead, the “preponderance
of the evidence” is sufficient for the hearing officer or committee to decide if a
violation has occurred and to impose a sanction.
“Preponderance of evidence” means that the evidence shows that the fact sought to
be proved is more probable than not. This is the standard used in adjudicating all
disciplinary cases within this Student Conduct Code.
Abuse of the Judicial System or Legal Authority
All members of the College community are expected to fully follow all College regulations
and policies, as well as South Carolina and federal laws. They are additionally expected to
cooperate fully with all agents of the College in the performance of their duties and to
uphold the expectations of the community through individual behavior, as well as not
shielding others from the consequences of their actions.
Abuse of the legal system or failure to support legal authority includes, but is not limited
to:
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❖ Violating the Student Code of Conduct
❖ Failing to comply with the instructions or directions of college agents acting
in their official capacities. This includes members of the residence hall staff
❖ Failing to provide truthful information to a judicial body or agent of the
College.
❖ Failing to produce Benedict College ID for College authorities if requested
❖ Failing to obey the summons to provide testimony before a judicial body or
agent of the college
❖ Disrupting the orderly conduct of a judicial proceeding
❖ Knowingly instituting a judicial proceeding without cause
❖ Aiding another student in committing an act in violation of the Code of
Conduct
❖ Attempting to discourage another student’s participation in or cooperation
with a judicial proceeding
❖ Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a judicial body
❖ Failing to comply with the sanctions imposed by a judicial body or an
administrative decision
❖ Failing to respect applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Rights of Victims of Alleged Student Misconduct
Throughout his or her involvement in the conduct process, the victim has the following
rights:
1. To be informed about what steps can be taken by the victim if the accused, or
a third party acting on behalf of the accused, intimidates or harasses the
victim.
2. To be informed of the outcome of the conduct proceedings to the extent
allowed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as
amended by the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, and the Campus
Security Act as Amended by the Higher Education Amendments of 1992. See
the section on Release of Disciplinary Information for more details.
3. To provide a victim’s impact statement for consideration during the conduct
proceedings.
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4. To be provided during the formal hearing, whenever practical, a waiting area
that does not require the victim to be near the accused or such person’s family,
friends, or witnesses.
5. When a student appears before the Student Judiciary Committee, he or she
has the right to be assisted by in all matters within the College Judicial System
by a member of the College Community or the Executive Officers of the
Student Government Association. The advisor or Executive Officers of the
Student Government Association are to help students prepare a case, but not
to present it.
Investigation Procedures:
1. Investigation procedures for rights of victims of alleged student misconduct
when the misconduct is a violation of State and Federal laws, is conducted by State
and Federal Law Enforcement. The Judiciary Committee relies upon the evidence
gathered and shared by Law Enforcement Officials of Benedict College and other
State and Federal agencies. This investigative information supplied from Law
Enforcement in the form of “Victim Statements”, “Victim Impact Statements”,
“Witness Statements”, “Crime Scene Investigation Reports”, “Court Documents”
and other documents that serve as official fact-finding information is used in
investigation procedures for the College’s Judiciary Committee.
2. Investigation procedures for rights of victims of alleged student misconduct,
when the misconduct is not a violation of State and Federal laws, is conducted by
Benedict College’s Residential Life Department and the College’s Judiciary
Committee. This investigative information is received by way of written or oral
statements given by witnesses or College Officials to include Faculty and Staff.
Disciplinary Measures and Sanctions
A student disciplinary hearing committee, Student Judiciary Committee, is established to
provide a review process representing a cross section of the College, including a peer
review. The members of the Student Judiciary Committee are chosen by the Vice
President of Student Affairs or the designee. The members range from Faculty, staff, and
students. “This peer review process determines student accountability for alleged
violations of general student conduct regulations in a manner which ensures fundamental
fairness and protects the charged student(s) or student organization(s) from the unfair
imposition of severe penalties and sanctions”. Disciplinary Measures include the
following and are not subject to succession depending on the level of infraction:
1. Oral Reprimand - a verbal warning intended to provide an opportunity to
change behavior.
2. Letter of Reprimand - a written statement of the behavior on record which
may be used as evidence in case of further infractions.
3. Disciplinary Probation - a letter which stipulates that any further major
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disciplinary infraction on the part of the student(s) will result in his/her/their
suspension. Disciplinary probation may also include restriction and/or
restitution.
4. Restriction - the exclusion of the student from enjoying or participating in
specified privileged and/or extracurricular activities for a given period.
5. Restitution - the reimbursement for damage to or misappropriation of
property. Restitution may take the form of appropriate service or other
compensation and may be assessed in addition to other penalties.
6. Suspension - the temporary severance or exclusion of the student from the
College for a specified period. The suspended student automatically receives
the grade of “W” in each class, and he/she is banned from the campus and its
facilities unless written permission is granted by a college official for a specific
reason. A suspended student may not participate in any activities sponsored
by the College or recognized student organization during his/her suspension.
If a student decides to attend another institution while on suspension, his/her
grades are non-transferrable to Benedict College.
7. Expulsion - the permanent severance or exclusion of the student from the
College.
Reserve Powers
In all institutions involving the security of many persons, key officials are empowered with
emergency and/or reserved powers to act upon matters requiring immediate action. The
President, Vice President for Student Affairs or designee is such a person at the College.
When, in the opinion of the President or Vice President for Student Affairs, the welfare of
the College will be adversely affected while awaiting the outcome of the Judiciary or review
process, he/she is empowered to resolve the matter in the most expeditious manner.
Immediate Separation of the Student from the Campus
Any student suspended or expelled for disciplinary reasons must vacate the campus
within forty-eight (48) hours from the date the notice of suspension or expulsion is
presented to the student by email, and/or delivery to the student’s on-campus or off-
campus address. If an infraction is deemed severe by the Vice President of Student Affairs
or designee, the student may be required to vacate campus premises immediately.
Students may not return to campus, any College property, or its vicinity during the term
of the suspension without prior written permission of the Vice President of Student
Affairs or designee.
Appeal Process
A student has the right to request an appeal of disciplinary actions taken by the Student
Judiciary Committee at the discretion of the Vice President of Student Affairs. Upon
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receipt of the outcome of the hearing, a student has two business days (Monday – Friday
to file a written appeal.
A student may appeal only on the following grounds:
1. Evidence of procedural irregularity.
2. Evidence of mitigating circumstances (additional evidence).
3. Evidence of undue severity of sanction.
4. Evidence of bias on the part of the hearing officer or Committee.
5. Evidence that the decision is arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable, and that
the charges are not supported by the evidence.
The student who fails to appear for a disciplinary hearing cannot appeal the sanction
rendered unless the student can present clear and convincing evidence of extenuating
circumstances that made the attendance impossible.
A student’s appeal must comply with the following guidelines:
The written appeal must state the grounds and the rationale for claiming that
an appeal is warranted.
If the appeal does not meet one of the criteria above, the student will be
notified in writing that the request for appeal is denied and that the initial
decision and sanction will remain in effect.
If the appeal meets one of the criteria above, the Vice President for Student
Affairs may choose to review the evidence presented and/or remand the case
back to the Judiciary Committee for re-evaluation. The student will be
notified in writing by the Vice President for Student Affairs of the appeal
decision within four working days from receipt date of the appeal request.
Upon receipt of the outcome of the hearing, ja student has two business days
(Monday – Friday) to file a written appear.
Final Appeal
Students may appeal a disciplinary decision of the Student Judiciary Committee to the Vice
President of Student Affairs. The Vice President of Student Affairs shall hold the authority
of the final appeal body for cases initiated.
NOTE:
In instances where a student fails to comply with the sanctions imposed by the
Vice President for Student Affairs or designee, additional and more severe sanctions may
be imposed without the benefit of a hearing. Further, a student may not appeal based on
not having received proper notice unless he or she notifies the hearing officer or panel
prior to the beginning of the hearing that sufficient notice was not received and, in the
judgment of the hearing officer or panel, there is a reason to believe that proper notice
may not have been given. Students who fail to check their email or mailboxes, fail to pick
up correspondence as instructed, or who, due to negligence on their own, fail to receive
proper notice, may not use “insufficient notice’ as the basis for an appeal.
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Disciplinary Records Policy
A Student’s disciplinary record is maintained in the Office of Student Affairs. School’s
policy for the use of this confidential record is governed by the Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) for colleges and universities.
Class Attendance (Excused Absences)
Students may secure an official excuse for class absences caused by school sponsored extra-
curricular activities, personal illness, death in family, severe family illness, and court
summons (not incarceration). Excuses may be obtained in the Office of Student Affairs in
the Administration Building, Room 100. Satisfactory documentation is required.
Satisfactory documentation must be in the form of an “official” document of the issuing
agency. That is, an official seal, letterhead and signature must appear on the document.
Absolutely no copies will be accepted as satisfactory documentation. Any evidence of
alteration of an official document will not be accepted, and the student may be subject to
the appropriate disciplinary actions if alteration of the official document is proved. (Notes
from relatives, friends, etc., are not accepted as "official" documentation for
absences.) The Student Health Center is delegated to issue excuses to students who
receive services from the Student Health Center staff based on the students’ health
assessment.
Student Limited Fire and Theft Assistance Plan
All students are required to purchase a Fire and Theft Assistance Plan. The purpose
of this plan is to assist students in recovering the allowable coverage of their individual
property on college campus for loss through their property insurance. Students must
keep their room doors locked - even if you are going to be “right back.” Student must
protect their belongings with insurance, either by checking their parent/guardian’s
homeowner’s insurance or purchasing renter’s insurance. Note... Benedict College
will not be responsible for any individual property due to theft neglective on your
behalf. For more information, please visit the Office of Residential Life located in
Mather Hall or the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs located in the
Administration building Room 100.
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RESIDENTIAL LIFE
MATHER HALL FEMALE ROOM
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JENKINS HALL MALE ROOM
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Residential Life is passionately committed to the concept that residence halls are to provide
a place where students grow, experience the richness of community living and engage in
learning outside the classroom. Resident living at Benedict College is designed with the
student in mind. The goal is to provide a clean, comfortable, and safe “home” in which the
student can live, work, study, and build relationships. Living on campus can give the
student a tremendous opportunity to interact with students from many different
backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Also, on campus living provides the proper
balance of challenge and support for residents, which allows them to take responsibility for
themselves and for their development. It also can allow them to enrich themselves by
taking part in many social, intellectual, emotional, physical, cultural, and spiritual events.
Residential Life Philosophy
Living in college housing is one of the special experiences associated with academic
growth. While the primary function of Benedict College’s residence halls is to provide
students a place to sleep, socialize and study while attending Benedict College, the
Residential Life staff at Benedict College is committed to making our residence halls
genuine living/learning centers for today's students. Your residence hall is your home, a
place to relax and enjoy yourself. It is important, however, that an atmosphere for
studying prevails.
You will find that living on campus is unlike any experience you may have had. Residents
must be conscience of their behavior and how it may affect others who are living around
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you. It is toward this end of maintaining this atmosphere that you, as residents, must
continually strive. Your tolerance and respect for your fellow students, and regard for
standards of good citizenship will assure this atmosphere.
It is the college's philosophy that students are responsible for themselves. This means you,
the student, are responsible for knowing and maintaining the college rules and policies.
The college staff will enforce the regulations if you fail to do so. It is to your advantage to
avoid problems before they begin. An attitude of "How does what I'm doing affect others?"
will build a community of residents who regulate themselves, therefore ensuring that
everyone's rights are protected.
It is the desire of the Residential Life staff to facilitate the personal development and
learning of the students. By planning programs, activities of interest, and by advising and
counseling students, we hope to assist you in your personal growth. We encourage you to
stop by and talk with your Residential Advisors. The Residential Advisor (RA) is a helper;
use him/her to help you in any number of ways. Your RA can help you solve a problem or
answer a question about campus life. Your RA can also help make your experience in
campus living a rewarding one by encouraging developmental and social activities.
When you occupy a room at Benedict College, you become a member of a unique and
interesting community. Learn from this community and give something back to it. You
will have the opportunity to meet people of all races and backgrounds. These people have
much to offer you, as you have much to share with them. Learn to appreciate the
"uniqueness" of the people who live around you. Learn from them; share your life with
them. And by the time your stay with us is complete, you will be a different person; more
confident and better informed.
Student Housing
The college-housing program sets the stage for student learning by providing a living
environment that is conducive to academic pursuits, personal growth, and the development
of friendships within each residential area. Because the living experience is an integral part
of the educational process, all students except local commuters live on-campus and
participate in a college meal plan through the institutions dining services.
The campus residential facilities house approximately 1,597 full-time students. Each
residential area has a different staffing pattern but is generally supervised by the Director
of Residential Life, Assistant Director of Residential Life, an Area Coordinator, a
Residential Life Coordinator and a Residential Life Assistant and a team of Residential
Advisors.
Expectations of Benedict College Residents
Consistently agreeable interaction among members of a residential community is
dependent upon mutual respect and appreciation. Dependability, competence, and
consideration are necessities in the development of a positive community. Residents can
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establish and maintain respect by functioning as independently and effectively as the
resident's ability allows; by being mature and knowledgeable about their own care; by
managing time and items in a way that "fits" the schedule; and by treating people as they
want and expect to be treated with honesty, fairness, kindness, patience, and respect.
As a resident, you can:
Become more a part of the College community. Studies conducted nationally show that
students living in campus residence halls typically perform better academically.
Residents have opportunities for personal growth not available to commuting students.
Living on-campus provides an environment designed to help you experience independence.
The residence halls become communities with student involvement. Social and recreational
events in the residence halls enable students to live and study together, share experiences,
and make friends.
Living in the residence halls makes getting to early morning classes easy and makes late
evenings in the library manageable. You do not have to worry about traffic jams or trying
to find a parking space. On-campus dining service and laundry room makes living on-
campus convenient.
The Office of Residential Life offers many computer options. There is a computer lab that
is open to all residents in each residence hall. These computer labs allow you to type papers,
etc. without having to walk outside of the residence hall. So, with living on-campus, there
is better access to computers.
Student Responsibility for Residential Living
Residence halls promote a cooperative community living environment and teach students
to respect the rights of others. Residence halls also recognize the academic atmosphere and
protect the health, safety, and security of all residents.
➢ The right to study, read, relax, and sleep without unreasonable interference, noise
or distractions, and the responsibility to help others have this right.
➢ The right to feel safe in the residence halls as well as have free access to one’s room
and other facilities in the building, and the responsibility to help ensure the safety
for others in the building.
➢ The right to have respect shown for one’s privacy, and the responsibility to respect
the privacy of others (outside of probable cause cases).
➢ The right to have respect shown for one’s personal property, and the
responsibility
➢ to respect other’s personal property as well as community property.
➢ The right to live in an area that is free of intimidation, physical or emotional harm,
and the responsibility to ensure this right for others
➢ The right to a clean-living environment, and the responsibility to help keep it clean.
➢ The right to maintain one’s personal beliefs and values, and the responsibility to
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respect other beliefs and values.
Please keep in mind that an individual’s rights end when exercising those rights infringes
on others. The residence halls at Benedict College are a place for fun but also a place for
studying. In keeping with the mission of Benedict College, the residence halls must have
an atmosphere conducive to academic development. Students whose behavior violates the
rights of other members of the community may be subject to disciplinary action and/or
removal from college housing.
Staffing
The Director of Residential Life or Designee is responsible for comprehensive
administration of student housing, which encompasses (a) the process of admission of
students to campus housing; (b) the application and assignment process; (c) residential Life
staff training and supervision; and (d) departmental decision-making.
The Assistant Director of Residential Life or Designee is responsible for assisting the
Director of Residential Life in overall administrative management of the department.
He/She directly supervises all residential life staff to include oversight for the
paraprofessionals of the department, Residential Advisors, and work-study students.
The residence halls are staffed by an Area Coordinator, Residential Life Coordinators,
Residential Life Assistants and Residential Advisors (RAs) who are full-time
upperclassmen students who reside in the residence hall.
Residential Advisor’s Program
The task of the Residential Advisors (RAs) Program is to accommodate student input
within regard to policies, procedures, and social functions. Participation assures that the
needs of the group are met in an efficacious manner.
RAs must have the willingness to discuss issues, problems, or concerns with student
residents, the Director of Residential Life, Assistant Director of Residential Life, Area
Coordinator, Residential Life Coordinators, and/or the Residential Life Assistants. The
fastest way to destroy a positive community is through gossip and accusations. Issues
brought to the attention of residents and staff will be resolved in a manner that considers
the needs of the residents and staff and the statutes of the College.
Residents are responsible for assisting in keeping the residence clean and sanitary.
Residents must attempt to prevent room odors and unsanitary conditions by assuring that
personal hygiene equipment is cleaned, and by having soiled clothes taken to the laundry.
Additional information about the student-housing program, including information about
residential guidelines and the student life judicial system, is available in The College
Student Handbook.
HOUSING APPLICATION AND AGREEMENT
An individual must be admitted to the College before an application for housing can be
accepted. The housing application must be renewed each year. During the specified period
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for renewal of housing applications, the student is expected to review the “Housing
Application and Agreement” and, if he/she desires housing and concurs with the terms and
conditions, to review and sign the housing application. Signing the agreement constitutes
an agreement by the student to comply with the terms and conditions accompanying the
housing assignment.
Application for Housing
1. Housing application should be submitted as soon as a student is accepted for
admission to the College. Students must pay an annual housing application fee which
is outlined in the Housing Application and Contract to make a room reservation.
Room reservations are not a guarantee of a room assignment. The room fee is non-
refundable unless a room is unavailable.
2. On-campus housing is provided to all eligible students on a first-come, first-served
basis. The preference of students in the room assignment process and roommate
choices will be given consideration within reasonable limits. All assigned rooms will
be held for (5) days only after the first day of the student’s specific registration date.
After which, the room will be assigned to the next eligible person on the waiting list.
If a student cannot claim his/her room within the time provided, he/she may apply
for an extension, showing justified cause to the Director of Residential Life or
designee. Reasonable requests for room changes and reassignments may be made to
the Director of Residential Life during the week after registration ends.
3. Room assignments are made for each semester (fall and spring semesters) unless a
student plans to terminate enrollment and/or unless a student is suspended or
expelled before the semester ends. Financial responsibilities for room charges begin
once a student officially registers as a boarding student. No refund of room and
board charges will be issued after five weeks of the official residence hall opening
date for the semester.
4. While the College provides janitorial service for hallways, bathrooms and public
places, students must always accept responsibility for the cleanliness and appearance
of their rooms and general environment. All rooms must be kept neat, clean, and in
sanitary condition. They may be decorated to suit the taste of residents, but walls
may not be defaced, or spray painted by residents.
5. When students vacate their rooms for any reason, they will be held liable for any
discrepancies and/or damages discovered in the rooms during the official checkout
procedure. The process by which a room is vacated is described below:
a. The student requests an inspection of his/her room by the Residential Life
Coordinator, Residential Life Assistant, and/or a Residential Advisor.
b. Then the student turns in his/her room key to the Residential Life Assistant,
or Residential Life Coordinator. The Office of Business Affairs will receive
moneys for any charges levied against the student at that time. Any charges
remaining unpaid after the student has departed will be added to his/her bill.
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c. The student then requests a copy of the withdrawal form which will indicate
whether there are any charges against him/her for damages, losses, etc.
(Damages may include breakage of furniture, doors, windows, etc., and
defacing of walls or doors. Losses would include any item that has been
removed from the room.)
FRAUDULENT APPLICATION OR ELIGIBILITY
If there is any reason to believe that a person or resident has fraudulently gained access to
or is no longer eligible for housing, the resident of the unit will be contacted to review the
matter. If it is verified that the individual is fraudulently living in the unit, or the resident
fails to respond to the inquiry, eviction procedures will begin immediately.
SCHEDULE
Residence halls normally open on the day prior to the beginning of orientation for new
students and on the day prior to registration for returning students. They close on the day
following the last scheduled class for intercession holidays and at noon on the day
following graduation exercises. Unless special permission has been granted by the Director
of Residential Life for students who must arrive early or remain late because of College
responsibilities. Housing units will not be open to students before or after the established
opening and closing times announced.
CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT
Residents are to check in at their respective residence halls. Residents will be issued keys
and required to sign a residence hall check-in/check-out record as soon as possible.
Students/roommates are held jointly responsible for all damages to the College facilities,
which they occupy. When moving into a room, a student should check carefully and report
any damages noticed in the room to the Residential Life Coordinator as soon as possible.
To move out of the residence halls during the semester, you must first obtain clearance
from the Office of Residential Life. When the term of the housing/dining agreement has
ended, approval is not necessary. However, before you check out at any time you must:
1. Clean room thoroughly-dust, sweep, etc.
2. Empty Trash.
3. Turn down heating/air-conditioning unit
4. Close and lock window(s).
5. Return borrowed items.
6. Remove all belongings from room.
7. Lock room door.
8. Return key
9. Must receive check-out clearance from a Residential Life staff member before leaving
the residence by having a final room/living space inspection. Any student failed to
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do so, is subject to fines that are associated with dirty rooms, damages, etc.
A staff member must inspect the room for damages using the resident's check-in/check-
out record. The resident can claim any damages to the room that are attributed solely to
the resident. Any damages, which a resident does not attribute to him/herself, will be split
between the residents of the room. The Residential Life Coordinator will go through each
room after all the residents have checked out to assess damage cost. Damages will then be
billed to the resident.
The residents must then return the keys assigned them (room) to their Residential Life
Coordinator or Residential Life Assistant. The resident and Residential Life staff person
must sign and date the room check-in/check- out record.
Residents who leave at the end of the fall semester must be checked out of their room by
assigned date and time.
Residents are responsible for any damage fees assessed following inspection by a
professional staff member.
Residents who check out later than their assigned date, either at the end of the fall semester
or the end of the academic year, will be charged.
ROOM CHANGES
Residents who desire a change of room or hall must consult with your Residential Life
Staff to be considered. The ability to relocate is based upon space limitations and an
educational philosophy that residents have tried in good faith to solve any differences. See
your Director of Residential Life, Assistant Director of Residential Life, Area Coordinator,
and Residential Life Coordinator/Residential Life Assistant if you wish to change rooms.
INSURANCE
It is recommended that students have some type of renter’s insurance to cover their
property while they are living in the residence hall.
Property insurance
The college is not responsible for personal property that is lost, stolen or damaged at any
time or when it is left behind at the time the student vacates the residence hall. Students
are encouraged to carry personal property insurance.
KEYS
One room key is issued to each resident at check-in. If a key is lost or needs to be replaced,
there will be a charge per key that needs to be replaced.
If you are locked out you may: 1) contact your roommate and/or wait for their arrival, or
2) contact a member of the residence life staff and prepare for a 1-hour max response time.
(Unless noted an emergency)
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DUPLICATION OF KEYS
Each key is clearly marked "Duplication of Key Prohibited." The renewal of cores and the
provisions of keys must be done solely by the Office of Physical Plant. No student,
therefore, may take it upon himself/herself to have the key duplicated by any other means
or at any other establishment.
In the event a key becomes inoperative through no fault of the student, a new key will be
issued without charge. If a key is lost or if the failure of the key to function properly is the
fault of the student, a new key will be issued at the student's expense.
The procedure for obtaining duplicates of lost or stolen keys is to be followed in two steps:
1.
Reporting the loss of the key to the Residential Life Coordinator or Residential
Advisor.
2.
Payment to the Office of Business Affairs of the costs of the core/lock and/or
New key(s).
If you get locked out of your room, you must contact a Residential Life staff person and
show a picture ID to gain access to your room. You are permitted three lockouts per
semester. After three lock outs you may then need to meet with the Residential Life
Coordinator. In addition to being locked out, there is a (1) hour response time of the
Residential Life staff to address the issue.
ROOM FURNISHING
All the residence hall rooms are furnished with beds, mattresses (and mattress covers as
appropriate), and chairs. Suites in some residence halls are furnished with dining room and
living room furniture. All the furniture in the room must remain in the room. The College
will hold students liable for any furniture removed from the room or any damage to the
furnishings beyond usual wear and tear.
PUBLIC AREA FURNITURE
Each public lounge in the residence hall is furnished for the use of all residents. As such,
all furniture must remain in the lounges. Removal of any of the furnishings from their
assigned locations, including lounge furnishings moved into a student’s room, is considered
theft of college property, and the student(s) involved will be referred for judicial action.
STORAGE
No storage facilities are available for people living in the residence halls.
CABLE
If your television is "cable ready," attach the cable to your TV set and
to the receptacle and you will receive cable. The resident is responsible
for purchasing the TV cable cord. Premium cable channels are available
to you. You must contract directly with Cable for this service.
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
To make your heating/air-conditioning unit works best, do not place anything in the
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units, such as potpourri, air fresheners or other items such as these. They only create mold
and cause bad odors.
Please keep A/C Units on 72 degrees or above.
Please keep Heating Units on 72 – 76 degrees or below
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND OUTLETS
Due to overloading of electrical circuits, the total wattage of all electrical appliances in use
at any one time should not exceed 1800 watts. Refrigerators and microwaves are only
authorized for Oak Street Living and Learning Academic Complex and Haskell Street
Residence Hall. Refrigerators are only permitted in other residential facilities if the student
submits a doctor’s excuse to Student Health Services indicating they have a medical
condition that requires a refrigerator, and it is approved. Electrical appliances with heating
coils are not permitted. Electrical surge protectors are recommended for students who
bring their own personal computers, printers, televisions, or stereos. Electrical appliances
must be UL-approved and in good working condition. Any multiple outlets must have
surge protectors.
Illicit Appliances
Examples of illicit appliances are as follows:
Broiler Ovens, Crock Pots, Deep Fryers, Electric Heaters, Grills, Hot Plates, Rotisserie,
and any other electrical cooking appliances.
All unauthorized appliances are subject to be confiscated and the resident may be dismissed
from the residence hall.
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LAUNDRY ROOM –FEMALE DORM
The laundry facilities are provided for residents only. If you lose money in a machine, or
notice a machine needs repairs, please report it to the front desk or office.
It is essential that those using the laundry rooms are considerate of others when using the
facilities. Please remember to remove your clothes immediately upon completion of
washing and drying cycle. Others may be waiting! Also, when someone is folding clothes
on the table, please do not put dirty clothes, hangers, detergent, or bleach on it. Remember
to wipe up anything you spill, especially bleach. It can ruin clothes. All who use the facility
are responsible for helping keep the laundry rooms clean.
RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT/GAMES
Recreational equipment is available at the designated area for each Residence Hall for
residents to check out with their student ID. Items available must be returned in the
specified amount of time. Please contact the front office/desk staff for equipment usage.
SECURITY
Several security features exist in the residence halls, including doors into room that lock
automatically when closed, surveillance cameras, and random monitoring by residential
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staff. Despite the efforts of the Residential Life Office and Department of Campus Police,
in the final analysis, security begins with you.
All fire exit doors and wing doors, except for the main lobby, must always be locked. Be
sure to take your keys always.
To ensure a safe environment, you should never prop open a fire exit or wing door.
Additionally, it is important that all students enter and exit through main lobby doors and
ensure that others do the same. If you have a concern with door security, please report it
promptly to a member of the Residential Life staff.
*Additionally, it is important to make sure you close your blinds in the evening.
SEARCH POLICY
Because a college is viewed as an educational community with special behavioral
requirements, the courts have upheld the College’s right to enter and search student rooms
and suites with just cause. However, the entry and search must not be done in an arbitrary
and capricious manner, which unnecessarily deprives a student of fundamental
constitutional protection. The College housing staff will also make periodic inspections of
students’ rooms and suites for safety and health reasons. Violations observed during
routine inspections and/or building evacuations may be referred to the Office Residential
Life The intent of this policy is to provide protection for the rights of each student while
at the same time, providing staff members and College officials the means to maintain and
protect the educational environment necessary for the College to fulfill its primary
purpose.
Rights of Entry
The College reserves the right to enter any room:
a) With or without notice for the purpose of inspection, maintenance, or repair.
b) Without notice to or permission of the resident thereof, for the purpose of
i. Inspecting for dangerous drugs or narcotics
ii. Inspecting for firearms, fireworks, explosives, weapons; or
iii. Any other substances, material, or goods the possession of which is a breach
of the Housing Agreement, the standards, and regulations of the College
iv. Such entry and inspection, however, should be made only when the College
has reasonable cause to believe that such items are present in the room
and when there is reason to believe that the occupants of the room are in serious
physical or psychological distress.
Emergency Entry
A staff member may, without verbal or written authorization from a higher authority, enter
a student’s room or suite either forcibly or with a building master key in cases of fire,
explosion, bomb threats, attempted or suspected suicide, or other situations which calls for
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the immediate entry in the interest of safety and security both for the residents of the room
or suite and the physical plant.
In the event of suspected vandalism, arson, assault, or other violations of major College
policy, which may have occurred in a room, Campus Police will be called in to investigate.
The results of such an investigation may result in disciplinary action or criminal
prosecution.
Authorized Entry
In the case of a known violation of a college policy, a non-residential staff member may
request permission to make an authorized entry into a student’s room or suite. The request
will be made to the Director of Residence Life or designee who will determine the merits
of the request and either approve or disapprove the entry.
The staff will then notify those residing in the room that authorization has been obtained
to enter the room by use of whatever means necessary. When a room or suite is entered by
means of an authorized entry, the purpose will be to make a visual inspection of the room
and observed violations may be referred to the Office of Student Affairs. The staff member
also may look in the bathroom, in the closet, under the bed and in dressers.
Search and Seizure
The College reserves the right for appropriate officials to search dorms or individual rooms
without a written notice whenever there is reasonable suspicion that illegal items are in
the room(s), which violate College rules and regulations. Local, state, and federal laws or
in cases of emergencies when there is suspicion of danger or injury to individuals or College
property. If such property is discovered, the College may confiscate it until proper
disposition of the case has been made.
Search Warrant Entry
In those cases where an individual has personal knowledge or other information of a
violation of a criminal nature, such as theft or acts of violence, Campus Police are to be
contacted. The Campus Police officer will then determine whether sufficient evidence
exists to request a search warrant.
HEALTH AND SAFETY INSPECTION
Living conditions that could adversely affect residents' health and safety are prohibited.
Residents are responsible for maintaining reasonable standards of cleanliness and safety in
their rooms, hallways, lounges, bathrooms, and lobby areas including proper
garbage/trash disposal and securing of cable, and electrical wiring. The housing staff
reserves the right to inspect rooms to ensure that residents comply with health and safety
regulations. Upon vacating a room, the resident must ensure that the space is clean and in
condition for the next student to occupy.
The purpose of health and safety inspections is to ensure that each student’s room, all
common spaces, and public areas of the residence halls are in reasonably clean condition,
and that all terms associated with the safety regulations and policies of the College are
being met. These inspections are conducted at least once per week.
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The Residential Life staff will inspect the general condition of the room, which includes
closets, appliances, extension cords, ceilings, and wall hangings. Violations will be noted
and called to the attention of the student. Serious violations or failure to remedy the
condition may result in loss of housing and other penalties may apply. During the room
inspection, Residential Life staff will look for such violations as presence of pets and
animals, excessive dirt, open food containers, overloaded outlets and alcohol and drug
containers and paraphernalia. However, items seen in the room that are in violations of the
Residential Life policies will be confiscated.
Procedure
These inspections are for the life safety of each of our residents and are to begin almost
immediately.
1.
The date and time of inspections for your residence hall is unannounced. There will
be no notification to building residents regarding the time or date of the inspection.
2.
The process involves the inspector accessing all occupied rooms and common-use
area. There are no exceptions.
3.
A copy of the Notice of Violations and/or charge document will be completed by
the Residential Life staff and forwarded to the Assistant Director of Residential
Life.
The Notice indicates that repairs are necessary. When violations are found, a
re-inspection will be conducted approximately seven days after the initial inspection.
COMMON AND PUBLIC AREA DAMAGE/COLLECTIVE FEE POLICY
There are specific acts of damage or vandalism that occur in the residence halls for which
the responsible party cannot be identified. The College has a collective fee policy for
assessing vandalism and other damage charges. If the responsible party is not established
within a specified period, the cost for repair or replacement of the area or item vandalized
will be divided equally among all residents of the affected area (an estimate of the damage
and cost will be given by Physical Plant including parts and labor). The
student will be notified of the charge, and payment must be made within (30) days to the
Business Office. Failure to pay damage fees will result in loss of housing and other penalties
may apply. Prior to assessment of damage fees, every effort will be made to identify the
parties responsible for the damage, including hall meetings and announcements on the
bulletin boards. Excessive damage may also result in the loss of housing.
CARE OF ROOMS AND FACILITIES
College property is inventoried according to location and is not to be moved without the
expressed written permission of the Director of Residential Life. Vandalism of and graffiti
on college property/facilities is prohibited, and students will be held responsible for such
damage.
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Residents are prohibited from painting rooms. The stacking of beds, or other furniture, on
tops of desks and dressers is prohibited.
Students may not alter or add attachments to their rooms. These items include, but are not
limited to, room door locks, outside radio and television antennae, additional wiring,
window shades, or awnings. Students are responsible for damaged or missing property.
RELEASE FROM CONTRACT
A student wishing to be released from a room and board contract must apply within five
weeks from the official opening date of the residence hall.
A student withdrawing from the College, who has filed an application for release from
contract, will be released from the room and board contract 24 hours after the application
has been received.
A student may be released during a semester for the following reasons:
(a) academic dismissal, (b) disciplinary expulsion from the College, (c) marriage (a copy of
the marriage certificate must be filed), (d) induction into military service, (e) health, upon
recommendation of the Student Health Service, or (f) death of either parent or legal
guardian.
A student who is released from the room portion of the contract is automatically released
from the board, social dues, and maintenance fee portions of that contract.
RESIDENCE HALL MEETINGS
Residential Life Coordinators are responsible for holding residence hall meetings monthly.
These meetings are designed to keep the residents informed of any policy changes as well
as to talk about programs and activities for the residence hall. These meetings are
mandatory, and it is the responsibility of every resident to be aware of what takes place at
these meetings. The mandatory meetings will be posted in advance. There will, however,
be certain meetings throughout the semester that are not mandatory for all residents to
attend.
FALSIFICATION OF OFFICIAL INFORMATION
• No student shall alter, replicate, or have in his or her possession an altered College
identification card (BC Access Card), nor shall he or she alter, replicate, or enter false
information on an official College document.
• No student shall provide false information or fail to provide current information to
the College for the purpose of defrauding the College.
IDENTIFICATION CHECKS
IDs must be presented when entering any of the college residence halls. College ID cards
must always be carried and must be presented when requested by any College faculty or
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staff. Transfer of ID cards and/or residence hall stickers is prohibited and can result in loss
of housing and dinning services.
GUEST POLICY
Only residents and their guests of the same gender are permitted in the residence halls
living areas. Students from another residence hall are considered guests as well. You are
always expected to accompany guests while they are in the building. You will be held
responsible for the behavior of your guests. As a result of the unique nature of a residence
hall community, residential students have a high responsibility to other residents. Students
who bring guests into this living environment must be willing to assume responsibility for
the behavior of their guests. Residents are allowed only two guests per visit.
While you cannot absolutely control another person's behavior, you can control whom you
choose to have as a guest. The fact that you are responsible for those you allow visiting
should foster more judicious decision-making on your part. It is your responsibility to
inform guests of residence hall and College policies and to encourage compliance.
Residents may have overnight guests of the same gender with the prior knowledge and
consent of all roommates and the approval of the Residential Life Coordinator. Overnight
guests are to be occasional and therefore guests may stay no more than three nights
consecutively in one month. Opposite gender guests must visit in the student lounge in
accordance with the designated hours for each residence hall. Members of the opposite
gender may not be in non-public areas of the residence halls during these designated guest
hours.
HOUSING DURING SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND VACATIONS
Room fees do not include these vacation periods. Any students remaining on the campus
during vacation periods without authorization will be considered trespassers.
Since the College does not permit students to remain in the residence halls when school is
not formally in session, students are not permitted access to the residence halls after
closing. Also, the College is not responsible for items left in students’ rooms. If a student
is unable to go home during the break, he/she must take the responsibility for arranging
off-campus temporary accommodations. Because of time constraints necessary to prepare
for succeeding obligations, late checkouts are not allowed.
As a rule, residence halls close within 24 hours of the last final exam and by 6:00
p.m. on the day of the last class period before holidays and breaks. Closing and opening
dates and times will be posted in advance and all students must conform.
NONCOMPLIANCE WITH AN OFFICIAL REQUEST
No student shall fail to comply with reasonable and lawful requests or directions by
members of the faculty, administrative staff, residence Residential Life staff or other
employees acting in the performance of their official duties. A request for proper
identification from a student is a reasonable expectation.
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No student shall fail to answer promptly lawful requests from faculty members or
administrative officers of the College.
No student shall intentionally provide false information, verbally or in writing, to faculty
or staff members acting in the performance of their official duties.
The student has the responsibility to act in a manner that is conducive to learning by the
student and by other students by: being prepared, prompt, attentive and courteous in all
academic settings (including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, advising centers,
departmental and faculty offices, etc.) and complying with requests made by a faculty or
staff member in an academic setting. To maintain fairness and uniformity in the assignment
of sanctions for certain first-time offenses the following guideline has been established:
disciplinary probation and educational program.
HARRASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, THREATENING OR USE OF FORCE
College Housing/Residence Education prohibits any person, either singly or in concert
with others, from willingly causing injury to another, willfully threatening the well-being
of another, verbally abusing others, or intimidating others (including College officials and
student staff acting in performance of their duties).
Violence to Persons
No student shall engage or attempt to engage in any form of violence directed toward
another person or group of people. Responding to violence with violence is a violation of
this policy. To maintain fairness and uniformity in the assignment of sanctions for certain
first-time offenses the following guideline has been established: disciplinary probation and
one semester suspension.
Sexual Misconduct
Student sexual misconduct is defined as unwelcome acts of a sexual nature committed by
a student against another student without consent. This includes sexual advances, requests
for sexual favors and/or other verbal or physical conduct, including written
communications of an intimidating, hostile or offensive nature, or action taken in
retaliation for the reporting of such behavior. Student sexual misconduct may include, but
is not limited to:
1. Unwelcome touching - either of the victim or when the victim is forced to touch
another person's body, directly or through clothing - such as patting, pinching,
brushing against the body, attempted or actual kissing or fondling, and any other
inappropriate and/or unwelcome touching or feeling.
2. Coerced sexual intercourse (e.g., rape, attempted rape, sodomy, or other sexual acts
or misconduct).
3. Unwelcome sexual propositions, invitations, or other pressure for sex.
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4. Implied or overt threats of a sexual nature.
5. Making gestures of a sexual nature.
6. Unwelcome sexual remarks about clothing, body, or sexual activities; and humor
and jokes about sex that denigrate women or men in general. Acts of physical
student sexual misconduct are commonly considered to constitute a form of
sexual assault when occurring without consent. To constitute lack of consent,
the acts must be committed either by threat, force, intimidation, or using the
victim's physical or mental inability (of which the accused was aware or should
have been aware) to understand the situation, the consequences of his/her choices,
or to express his/her desires.
Weapons
The use or possession of fireworks, firearms, or other dangerous weapons or materials are
prohibited. Firearms are defined as any gun, rifle, pistol, or handgun designed to fire
bullets, BB's, pellets, or shots regardless of propellant used. Weapons include, but are not
limited to, knives, razors, metal knuckles, blackjacks, hatchets, bows and arrows,
nunchankas foils, or any explosive or incendiary device.
Windows
Throwing objects, including pouring liquids from windows and/or walkways is prohibited
and is grounds for a charge fee and suspension from the residence halls. Residents of a
room from which objects are thrown will be held responsible for this conduct.
Objects may not be placed on windowsills as they may fall out or be knocked out of the
window accidentally, causing harm and/or damage to persons or property. Sitting on
window ledges and leaning out of windows are violations of state and campus fire and
safety regulations and are prohibited.
False Reports
Falsely reporting the presence of an unlawful explosive or incendiary device with the intent
to mislead, deceive or disrupt the operation of the residence halls; falsely reporting a fire
or other emergency; or falsely activating the fire alarm system is strictly prohibited and
will result in suspension from the residence halls. Those found in violation of this policy
will fully be prosecuted of the law.
When does my Residential Life Coordinator need to be notified of an incident?
The general philosophy of Residential Life if "when in doubt... call." If you have a feeling,
you should be calling someone at home about an incident... you should call. Incidents where
you should always notify your Residential Life Coordinator include:
1. Student Arrest
2. Suicide Attempt
3. Medical Emergency
4. Building Damage such as fire, serious water damage, power outage, etc.
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Resolution Procedures
Any student who feels that he or she has been the victim of student sexual misconduct is
encouraged to report the incident and pursue recourse through this Policy. Informal
complaints of student sexual misconduct filed under the policy may be verbal or in writing.
Formal complaints must be submitted in writing. All complaints should be submitted to
the Vice President of Student Affairs. Complaints of student sexual misconduct should be
filed as soon as possible following the event or occurrence giving rise to the complaint to
insure a complete investigation and prompt resolution of the problem. A complaint filed
more than two days after an incident or event generally will not be considered to have been
filed in a timely fashion. Complaints will generally be handled expeditiously; however,
certain circumstances (e.g., illness, travel, holidays, etc.) may cause delays. Any
administrator, supervisor, or other College official to whom a complaint of student sexual
misconduct is made or who otherwise is made aware of incidents that might constitute
student sexual misconduct, as defined in this Policy, should refer such matters to the Vice
President of Student Affairs.
Informal Resolution Procedures
Any student who feels that he or she may have been the victim of acts of student sexual
misconduct may file a verbal or written complaint with the Vice President of Student
Affairs. Within ten (10) working days of receiving the complaint, the Vice President of
Student Affairs will undertake an investigation. Additional staff members may assist in the
investigation and will meet with the accuser and such other persons who may be deemed
necessary, including the accused. An attempt will be made to complete the investigation
and/or consultative process within an additional thirty (30) working days. The primary
goal or objective of the informal complaint process is to resolve the conflict. In addition,
resolution at the informal complaint process level may include an agreement in which one
or more of the parties involved agrees to accept discipline in the form of a warning, censure,
probation, or other such disciplinary action as may be warranted by the circumstances of
each case, administered by the Vice President of Student Affairs.
To the extent the parties can achieve a satisfactory resolution of the complaint through the
informal resolution process; the complaint will be considered resolved. The accused and
accuser will receive written notification of the outcome and disposition of the complaint.
In those cases, in which a mutually satisfactory resolution of an informal complaint of
student sexual misconduct cannot be achieved, either the accused or the accuser may
request in writing to advance the complaint to the formal complaint or resolution process.
The fact that a complaint of sexual misconduct may be concluded at the request of the
accusing party does not preclude the filing of a formal complaint by others, including
appropriate College officials. In addition, students who wish to pursue a formal complaint
of student sexual misconduct may do so without first filing an informal complaint.
Formal Resolution Procedures
Formal complaints of sexual harassment must be filed in writing with the Vice President
of Student Affairs. Upon receipt of a formal complaint, the Vice President of Student Affairs
within ten (10) working days of receiving the complaint will undertake a preliminary fact-
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finding investigation to determine whether further investigation or proceedings appear to
be warranted. In those situations, in which the Vice President of Student Affairs determines
that the alleged conduct does not fall within the definition of sexual harassment or does
not appear to be supported or substantiated, the accuser will be so informed. When the
Vice President of Student Affairs determines that there is reasonable evidence to support
the complaint, the Vice President of Student Affairs will investigate as described above.
In instances where a formal complaint of student sexual misconduct is made without first
filing an informal complaint, the Vice President of Student Affairs will, upon completing
an investigation, consult with other appropriate College officials. Formal complaints may
be resolved through actions such as a warning, censure, probation, public service and/or
educational experience, restitution, suspension, or dismissal as may be warranted by the
circumstances and administered by the Vice President of Student Affairs or another
appropriate College official. If the accuser and the accused accept the action taken to resolve
the complaint, the complaint will be considered resolved. The accused and accuser will
receive written notification of the outcome and disposition of the complaint. If either the
accuser or the accused rejects the action taken to resolve the complaint, upon written
request of either party, the complaint will proceed to the formal hearing process.
1. The Vice President of Student Affairs will forward the complaint to the
administrator designated to receive charges against students as provided in the
Judicial Process and Procedures. The administrator will immediately refer the
charges to the College Judicial Committee without additional investigation. The
College Judicial Committee, in addition to the usual procedures specified for
Hearings and Procedural Due Process, will observe the following special procedures
for charges of student sexual misconduct.
2. The past sexual conduct of either the accused or accuser is not admissible in a
hearing or appeal conducted under the Rules & Procedures.
3. Hearings related to charges of student sexual misconduct will be closed, unless both
the accused and the accuser agree to admitting observers. If the accused and the
accuser agree that observers may be admitted, each may select up to four observers.
No hearings of charges related to student sexual misconduct will be open to the
College community.
4. All members of the College Judicial Committee are required to hold all information
regarding hearings and deliberations confidential in accordance with the Rules &
Procedures. In addition, all other persons present at the hearing will be required to
sign a statement indicating that each agrees to hold in confidence all statements and
evidence presented at the hearing.
5. Any violation of the provisions of the Rules & Procedures shall be subject a student
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to additional charges. It should be noted that conduct that "harasses or intimidates
any person" (including witnesses to a hearing) or "causes physical injury or
threatens any person with force or violence" is prohibited.
Penalties
A formal complaint of student misconduct that is referred to the College Hearing Board
will be handled in accordance with the provisions of the Rules & Procedures, and persons
found guilty of such charges will be subject to the penalties as provided therein, including
Censure, Probation, Public Service and/or Educational Experience, Separation and
Dismissal, Interim Suspension, and Restitution. Action that results in charges of student
misconduct may also subject a student to civil and/or criminal liability under state law, in
addition to the sanctions provided by the Rules & Procedures.
Appeals
Any student who is found by the College Judicial Committee to have violated the Student
Misconduct Policy may appeal such findings and sanctions to the Vice President for
Student Affairs in accordance with the procedures specified in the Student Handbook.
Frivolous or False Charges
The accused, the accuser, and all other parties to a complaint are reminded that it is a
violation of Rules & Procedures for any member of the College community to bring charges
against a member of the College community that are spurious, or that are intended
primarily to harass or maliciously defame, or that are designed to intentionally overburden
the ad judicatory system."
Retaliation Prohibited
The accused, the accuser, and all other parties to a complaint are reminded that it is a
violation of the Rules & Procedures for any member of the College community to harass
or intimidate any person, or to lie in making statements in connection with a charge under
the provisions of this policy. The Vice President of Student Affairs will investigate any
reported acts of harassment or intimidation, including any act of reprisal, interference,
restraint, or penalty - overt or covert - against any student or employee who is a party to
a complaint under this policy.
THEFT AND LOSSES
No student shall steal, attempt to steal, or assist in the theft of any money, property or
item of value not belonging to him or her.
No student shall illegally use or appropriate any property not belonging to him or her. To
maintain fairness and uniformity in the assignment of sanctions for certain first-time
offenses the following guideline has been established: (items valued equal to or greater than
$25.00) disciplinary probation and one semester suspension.
The College does not assume any responsibility for loss of, damage to, or theft of students’
personal property anywhere in the residential facilities, whether by fire, theft, or otherwise
nor for the direct or consequential damages arising from loss of, or any interruption of, any
utility service provided by Benedict College or any other person or organization in
connection with residence services. The student assumes all risk of all such loss. Many
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family homeowners’ insurance policies provide coverage for the students’ belongings at
college. Residents may wish to consider purchasing additional insurance if their families’
policies do not cover their belongings on campus.
Incidents of theft should be reported promptly to both the Offices of Residential Life and
Campus Police.
MISSING STUDENT
If a student is reported missing contact your Residential Life Coordinator, Residential Life
Assistant, Assistant Director of Residential, the Director of Residential Life and
Department of Campus Police.
ILLNESSES/CRISES
If a student becomes ill during a time when the Student Health Center is not open or when
they otherwise experience a crisis, the student should contact the person on duty or the
Residential Life Coordinator responsible for the residence hall.
EMERGENCIES
Medical Emergencies
For any type of medical emergency:
1. Immediately contact the Department of Campus Police at 253-5400.
2. When you contact Campus Police, give them your name, location, name of injured if
known), and the nature of the injury.
3. After notifying Campus Police, contact a member of the Residential Life Staff.
Earthquakes
In the event of an earthquake, you should take the following steps:
1. If you are indoors-stay indoors. Get under a desk or table or stand in a doorway or
corner.
Stay clear of windows, bookcases, cabinets, and mirrors until the shaking stops.
2. If you are outdoors-stay outdoors. Get into the open, away from building, trees, walls,
and power lines.
Tornado/Severe Weather
A steady tone of the Civil Defense siren or other noise-making devices for a period of 3-5
minutes means that a tornado has been sighted and will probably hit within Columbia or
Richland County.
1. If you hear a siren, get a flashlight and a battery-powered radio. Evacuate to the nearest
residence hall stairwell or the bathroom.
2. After taking cover listen to the radio for weather updates and all clear signals.
Fire
When you have been alerted by the alarm, shouted warning, or the sensation of smoke or
fire, follow the instructions listed below:
• Put on a coat and hard-soled shoes.
• Take a towel with you to put over your face to prevent smoke inhalation.
• If there is smoke in the room, keep low to the floor.
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• Before passing through any door, feel the metal doorknob. If it is hot, do not
open the door.
• Before opening a door, brace yourself against the door and open it slightly. If
heat or smoke is present, close the door and stay in the room.
• If you cannot leave the room, open the window.
• To attract the fire department's attention if you are trapped, hang an object out
the window. If there is a phone in your room, call Campus Police (x-5400) and
report you are trapped; give the room number and specific location.
• If you can leave your room, close your windows and all doors behind you as
you exit.
• Go the nearest exit or stairwell.
• If the nearest exit is blocked by fire, heat, or smoke, go to an alternate exit.
• If all exits from a floor are blocked, go back to your room, open a window,
wave something out the window, and shout for help.
• After evacuating a building, move far away from it and stand clear.
Emergency apparatus will be maneuvering around the building. DO NOT
RE-ENTER THE BUILDING FOR ANY REASON!
• Follow the directions of Fire Department, Police Department, Campus Police
and Residential Life staff.
The College safety program requires a prescheduled fire drill for the residence halls. All
other alarms that you hear indicate that there is a threat of an actual fire within the
residence hall. The College requires all hall residents to adhere to the fire safety regulations
of the campus. Failure to evacuate is not only a safety hazard, but it is a violation of college
policy.
Procedures
a. When a fire occurs, activate the fire alarm immediately. Any delay in sounding
the fire alarm will delay getting help and could have serious consequences. All
the buildings' fire alarms are transmitted to the Campus Police.
b. Call the Campus Police 253-5400 and tell them the exact location of the fire
and what is burning.
c. The priority is evacuating the building and, if possible, assisting students or
other persons in immediate danger. Students and/or staff who are injured or
need medical attention are transported to the hospital by fire department
ambulance or Campus Police.
d. The Campus Police notify the Director of Residential Life, or any of the other
appropriate Coordinators in Student Affairs. The coordinator, in turn, notifies
the Vice President for Student Affairs. The Vice President for Student Affairs
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notifies other College officials, including the President, the Chief of Staff and
the Vice President for Business and Finance.
e. The appropriate the Director of Residential Life and the Vice President for
Students Affairs arrive on site, consult Campus Police and other on-site staff,
and assess immediate needs.
f. Depending on the nature of the emergency, the Vice President for Student
Affairs, the Director of Residential Life, or the Residential Life Coordinator
may call staff from Counseling and Psychological Services and/or the College
Minister and ask them to report on-site to meet with the students affected by
the emergency.
g. If the fire occurs in a residence hall and students cannot safely be housed in
the facility, the Coordinator of Dorms in consultation with the Vice President
for Student Affairs, the Director of Residential Life and Physical Plant are
responsible for developing and implementing a plan to temporarily house
students in another location.
Fire Safety Equipment:
Tampering with or misuse of fire-safety equipment is a violation of state and federal law
and is prohibited in the residence halls. Fire-safety equipment includes, but is not limited
to alarms, extinguishers, smoke detectors, heat sensors, door closers, and sprinklers.
Violation of this policy can result in suspension from the residence halls.
Flammable Items/Decorations:
Items that require an open flame to operate or that produce heat (e.g., Bunsen burners,
candles, incense, alcohol burners, and grills) are prohibited.
Decorative items including, but not limited to, fishnets, parachutes and live cut trees are
prohibited unless they have been fireproofed and approved by the Director of Residential
Life. Approved items may not be used in, on or around lighting, sprinkler heads, or
electrical fixtures. Only BC-approved lights may be used as decorations.
False Alarms and Fire Drills
No student shall pull a fire alarm except in case of an actual fire.
No student shall disregard a fire alarm signal or refuse to evacuate a building.
No student shall enter or exit from a fire escape except during a fire drill or in the case of
an actual fire. To maintain fairness and uniformity in the assignment of sanctions for
certain first-time offenses the following guideline has been established: False Alarms-
disciplinary probation and suspension from College Housing; Fire Drills-$100.00 fine,
educational program and disciplinary probation.
Fire Suppression/Detection Equipment
No student shall, without authorization, operate, tamper with, or otherwise misuse any fire
suppression equipment, except for the purpose of extinguishing a fire.
No student shall tamper with or otherwise misuse any fire detection or early warning
devices, emergency lighting or evacuation systems.
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To maintain fairness and uniformity in the assignment of sanctions for certain first-time
offenses the following guideline has been established: a fee to refill extinguisher,
disciplinary probation, and educational program.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND INCIDENTS OF FOOD POISONING
Student(s) become ill because of food poisoning or a communicable disease such as measles,
chicken pox or hepatitis.
Procedure
1. Suspected incidents of communicable diseases and food borne, or waterborne
illnesses should be reported immediately to the Coordinator of the Student Health
Service. The Director of the Student Health Services, in turn, contacts the Vice
President for Student Affairs.
2. Examples of communicable diseases (Class I and II) include the following: cholera,
diphtheria, food borne or waterborne illness, measles, meningitis, smallpox, typhoid
fever, typhus, whooping cough, hepatitis, mumps, polio, rubella, and tuberculosis.
3. The Student Health Department directs the College's response that may include
mass chemoprophylaxis, inoculation, or quarantining.
4. If it is necessary to temporarily relocate a roommate or suitemates, the Director of
Residential Life consults with the Residential Life Coordinator regarding the
availability of residence hall space on campus.
5. Depending on the situation, the Vice President for Student Affairs may request that
College Relations post a campus-wide announcement. Other internal
communication channels may be used to convey information to the campus
community.
REPAIRS
Students should report all needed repairs to their Residential Life Coordinator, Residential
Life Assistant or Residential Advisor. They should not attempt to make repairs themselves.
The Residential Life staff’s responsibility is to report the concern to the Physical Plant and
coordinate the repair.
PLUMBING CARE
The apartment drain system can be best maintained by allowing only wastewater to go
through them. Food, paper (other than toilet tissue), and other objects should not be
flushed down the commode. The sewer pipes are not made for these types of waste material.
Also, DO NOT pour grease or food stuff down the bathroom drains. When stoppage is due
to carelessness or negligence, you will be billed a service charge. If your drain is slow or
backed up, call the Residential Life Coordinator, and report the problem. If it is an
emergency and the office closed, report the emergency to Campus Police.
Do not use any type of household drain cleaner in your drains because some are not
compatible with the chemicals that are used by the Physical Plant and may cause harmful
chemical reactions.
EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
The Office of Residential Life in conjunction with the Office of Student Activities works to
develop and fund a diverse array of educational and cultural programs each year. The
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types of activities are numerous and vary from year to year but generally include speakers,
fine arts performances, musical performance, artists-in-residence and van and bus trips.
Many of these events are scheduled to complement the content of academic classes or the
celebration of theme months and weeks. Theme months and weeks vary each year and may
include African Heritage and Culture Month, Alcohol Awareness Week, AIDS Awareness
Month, Black Heritage and Culture Month, Women's Heritage and Culture Month.
RESIDENTIAL MEDIATION PROCESS
The mediation process gives residential students the opportunity to discuss the
violation/charges against them. Residential students are subject to a mediation process
with a Residential Life designee for violating a residential life regulation or receiving a
residential life charge. However, in the event that a violation/charge is deemed severe, a
student may not be eligible for mediation, be subject to a Judicial Hearing, and/or be
immediately suspended from campus housing. Severe cases will be assessed by the Vice
President for Student Affairs or the designee. A notification to meet with the mediation
designee will be sent to the student’s campus email address or a student may be notified by
a Residential Life Staff member. If a student misses a scheduled mediation, the charges will
automatically be applied to the student’s account.
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1 Students may not enter the living areas or visit the rooms of the opposite gender.
2.
Locked doors and fire doors must not be propped open. Do not tamper
with fire alarms, fire extinguisher, emergency lights or other safety
equipment. Violators will be subject to the following charges:
Removal of fire extinguisher from the building
$500
Broken fire extinguisher cabinet/damage, breakage, or removal of single station
battery-powered smoke detector
$500
Smoke detectors damaged or removed from the room
$500
Removal of batteries/covers from smoke detectors
$500
Tampering with or unraveling fire/standpipe hose
$500
Damaging fire extinguisher cabinets
$500
Removal of fire hose/nozzles from the building
$500
Tampering with or causing a fire sprinkler to activate phones
in Elevators
$500
Activation of fire alarms due to use of illegal cooking appliances
$500
Deliberate activation of a false alarm
$500
Failure to evacuate building during an alarm
$ 50
Deliberate damage to uilding fire alarm system
$500
Extinguisher (removal of safety pin/identification tags)
$500
Pets are not allowed in the residence halls
$ 50
All students must vacate the residence halls at the sounding of fire
Alarms fire Drills
50.00
3.
A $10 dollar charge will be assessed to each student for excessive
lockouts (more than two). The charge must be paid by the student in the
Business Office.
4.
Water fights, fireworks, intentionally setting fires, conspicuously
unsanitary conditions and other acts that may create hazards to the
safety and/or health of students and/or cause damage to the property of
the College, are not permitted. Violators will result in suspension and/or
dismissal from the College.
5.
Loud music is prohibited within the residence hall. After two
warnings, the equipment will be confiscated, and the person shall be
subject to disciplinary action.
6.
Benedict College is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage of the
personal possessions of any student. The student assumes all risk of all
RESIDENCE HALL REGULATIONS AND CHARGES
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such lost/damaged property. Residents may wish to consider purchasing
additional insurance if their family’s policy does not cover their
belongings on campus. Incidents of theft should be reported to the Office
of Residential Life and the campus police promptly.
7.
Possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs
are strictly forbidden. Weapons of any kind are disallowed.
8.
During visiting hours, guest of resident must be entertained in the
lounge if visitation rules do not allow room visitation . All visitors must
vacate the premises by 10:00 p.m. Visitation is allowed between the
hours of 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
9.
The Student Health Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30
a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.
10.
Residents must keep their room clean or be subject to a fine on the 1
st
and 2
nd
offenses. On the 3
rd
offense, the resident is subject to housing
suspension.
11.
No intimate sexual relationships shall transpire in the residence halls
(immediate suspension). Appropriate behavior must be exhibited in the
lounge and lobby areas. Also, inappropriate behavior such as sitting on
laps, caressing, passionate kissing, etc., will not be allowed. Violators
will be referred for disciplinary action.
12.
Students wishing to accommodate overnight guests must report them to
the Residence Coordinator. Visitors reported in a room after visiting
hours will be charged $75.
13.
Residents and their guest are prohibited from hanging clothes or other
objects outside or in front of windows, on pipes or venetian blinds.
14.
Residents and their guests are prohibited from putting foreign
objects (cans, food items, etc.) in the bathroom sinks and commodes. Do
not leave clothing in the sinks at any time. Persons who misuse sinks,
commodes, showers, or hallways for the deposit of human waste shall be
administratively disciplined.
15.
Trash should not be placed on the staircase, hallways, or in the
bathrooms. Each student is responsible for dumping his/her trash in the
green dumpsters. Violation of this rule will result in $25 fine first offense
and dismissal from the residence hall second offense.
16.
All problems, illnesses, grievances, etc., should be reported to the
Residential Life staff first and then to Student Health Services.
17.
Yelling out of windows is prohibited. Violators will be referred for
disciplinary action.
18.
Students must pick up his/her mail from their mailbox at the Benedict
College Post Office.
19.
Students must always be properly dressed in residence halls.
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20.
Furniture is not to be removed or disassembled at any time. Furniture is
not allowed on the porches or on the yard.
21.
Do not use nails or tacks on walls. Violators will be referred for
disciplinary action.
22.
Students are always required to carry (their) validated ID cards and must
present it upon request by a College official.
23.
Curfew. Each residence hall will be secured at 12 midnight. Freshmen
residents must be in their rooms and/or dorms, as appropriate, by 12
a.m., the Director of Residential Life or the Residential Life Coordinators
or College authority approved by the President may grant exceptions.
24.
Children are not allowed to reside in the residence halls. Babysitting is
prohibited. Violators must remove the child/children .
25.
immediately and will be charged $25 for each child and each offense.
26.
Pregnant students should report to the Student Health Center for
counseling. The Student Health Center will refer you to the appropriate
medical facility for proper medical care.
27.
Residents are prohibited from aiding or abetting any conduct code/policy
violation.
28.
Students may not conduct any private business operations from the
College residence or use residence telephones for such activity. This is
considered a violation of the solicitation policy.
29.
Cleanliness is imperative. Residents are not permitted to sweep dirt,
trash, or waste out of doors or throw such items from windows or
balconies. Additionally, letting dirty dishes/laundry pile up. Spoiled or
otherwise inedible foodstuffs accumulate, or creating any unsanitary
condition that may attract vermin, are prohibited. Clotheslines are not
permitted on apartment balconies.
30.
The Office of Residential Life, as stated in your "Housing Agreement,"
reserves the right to consolidate residents. This consolidation is
performed to maximize the use of space and allow for the most people to
obtain the living option they desire and can afford. Consolidation usually
occurs through the first eight weeks of each semester.
General Regulations and Procedures
a. These general regulations and procedures apply to students
living in all
b. Residence Halls.
c. Students wishing to live on campus must complete application
forms and send or deliver them to the Office of Residential Life at
Benedict College. Applicants seeking accommodations on campus
are required to pay room deposits with the Office of Business
Affairs.
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d. Each boarding student receives a key to his/her assigned room
when he/she registers for his/her room at the front desk of the
residence hall. Students should always keep their keys on their
persons and may not lend their keys to friends to enter any room
when the residents are not present.
e. Students may not install ovens, deep fryers, or other electrical.
f. appliances for cooking or storing food in their rooms.
g. Daily study or quiet hours are observed in each residence hall from
9:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday. Fridays
and Saturdays, study or quiet hours are from 11:00 p.m. to 9:00
a.m.
h. Students must enter residence halls through the main/front
entrance only and may welcome and receive guests only through
the foyer/lobby and in the lounge area of the residence halls.
i. The residence halls will be locked at 12:00 midnight. All resident
students must always keep their room keys and an ID card in their
possession.
j. Radios, stereos, tape players, television sets, and some quiet
musical instruments may be used for the personal pleasure of the
students. However, they should not be played in a manner that
would disturb roommates or neighbors who might wish to study,
sleep, or enjoy their own pleasures.
k. The highest standards of decorum must always be observed. All
students must be properly dressed, appropriate to the destination
and duration of their visits when they leave their rooms. Students
must not hang clothes out of the windows of their rooms or do
anything else that offends the standards of decency.
l. The College has a policy against solicitation in the residence halls.
No salesman, agent, or collector in any residence hall should be
encouraged at any time. Violations must be reported to the
Residential Life staff.
Housekeeping and Safety Regulations
1.
By law, a person commits aggravated arson when by means of fire or
explosive he or she knowingly damages, partially or totally, any
building, and he or she knows or reasonably should know that one or
more persons are present therein. Aggravated arson is a Class X felony;
imprisonment of not less than 6 years, without probation, must be
sentenced upon conviction.
2.
Room assignments are always “first-come, first-serve.” Meaning, that when a
student applies for housing and completes all appropriate clearance items
(registration, financial clearance, health clearance, etc.), that student will receive
priority over a student who has not completed all appropriate clearing items.
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3.
Room assignments are based on a student’s gender identification. Residential Life
is supportive of all students including those who identify as transgender and those
with a gender identity that is not traditionally associated with their birth sex.
Current and incoming students with concerns relating to their gender
identity/expression are urged to speak to Residential Life staff to be assisted with
navigating housing options.
4.
Daily study and quiet hours are observed in each residence hall from 9:00 p.m. to
10:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.
5.
The housing code forbids the use or storage of appliances for cooking
or heating foods, and heating beverages inside of the residents’ rooms.
or beverages inside of residents’ guests rooms.
6.
Smoking is prohibited in all rooms and common areas of all residence
halls. These areas include lounges, dining rooms, corridors, stairwells,
and washrooms. Smoking is prohibited in individual dorm rooms.
7.
Room decorations are permitted except for hanging blankets, rugs, or
fishnets. Combustible decorations must not be put on the ceiling, in the
entryway, on the door or near heat sources such as radiators or light
bulbs. Any method of affixing decorations that puts holes in or mars
walls, woodwork, doors, or furnishings is prohibited.
8.
Lighted candles, holiday lights, incense, fireworks, explosives, and
incendiary materials are prohibited. The possession or use of firearms
or other weapons of any description and for any purpose is prohibited.
9.
The installation of air conditioners by residents is prohibited.
10.
The removal of window screens by residents is prohibited.
11.
A resident may not use any facilities or areas of the residence halls,
including the room assigned to the resident, for any commercial
purpose or activity without a permit from the Director of Residential
Life.
12.
No surface of any room may be painted.
13.
Residents are prohibited from entering onto roofs for any purpose.
Miscellaneous Rules and Regulations
a. A resident may not unreasonably interfere with a roommate's or
any other resident's rights under a residence hall contract. Playing
musical instruments in any resident's room and engaging in
physical games of any kind in the common areas is prohibited.
Infractions, which cannot be resolved by the residence Residential
Life staff, will be referred to the office of the Director of
Residential Life, who will have discretion to resolve such problems
through administrative/disciplinary action.
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b. The housing code forbids the use or storage of appliances for cooking,
heating foods, and heating beverages inside of resident’s rooms.
c. Only residents assigned by the College may reside in their
assigned rooms; residents may not invite or permit any other
person to reside in their assigned room or in any other area of the
residence hall.
d. If any resident unreasonably refuses to accept a roommate or
hinders the College in the assignment of a roommate, the College
may, at its discretion, require that resident to be responsible for
the total rent for the room.
e. A resident may not have visitors in their residence between the
hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. A visitor is defined as a non-
resident of a residential space to which a person is not assigned to.
However, students of the same residential living space are allowed
to visit together provided the rules of gender visitation, i.e.,
opposite sex/gender visitation, etc.
f. Overnight guest or visitors may not use the residence hall's laundry
facilities.
g. Tampering with the jacks, lines, or equipment. In the case of such
damage, the College will perform the repair and charge the cost of
the repair to the person or persons responsible.
h. When it appears through reports of the Residential Life staff,
Campus Police, etc., that a student has broken the room and board
contract or has violated a residence hall rule or regulation as
specified herein, the College reserves the right to review the case
and take appropriate action administratively. When, in the
opinion of the Director of Residential Life, a student has broken
the contract, the Director may remove the student from housing
or apply a lesser sanction such as a required room or hall change,
or housing probation. The decision of the Residential Life
Director will be final. Contract violation cases will not be accepted
in the College Hearing and Appeals System unless additional
disciplinary action, such as disciplinary probation, suspension, or
dismissal from the College, appears warranted.
i. The Vice President for Student Affairs may act administratively
to maintain the residence hall living and learning environment by
moving a student to a room other than the one to which he or she
was initially assigned. Moving the student to another residence
hall, or, when required in the best interests of the College as
determined by the Vice President, by removing a student from
college housing. The Vice President's decision on such matters is
final. Administrative action taken in accordance with this
regulation is not and should not be construed as a determination
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by the vice president on the merits of any underlying disciplinary
charge filed by or against the affected student(s).
j. The College shall not be responsible for disruption or non-
performance because of a major campus disruption, strike, fire,
flood, wind or snowstorm, or other acts of God, or other events
beyond the College's control. In the event of such occurrences as
described in the preceding sentence or for the convenience of the
College for construction or other purposes, the College may at any
time, and at its sole discretion, close all or part of any residence
hall. If all or a part of any residence hall is prematurely closed, the
affected residents shall vacate that hall within 24 hours of such
closing and shall be relieved of all subsequent room obligations
for that building after the closing date.
k. At the College's sole discretion, construction may take place near
residential units. No adjustment will be made to any residence
charges at any time based solely on that construction.
l. No resident may remain in the residence halls during any
vacation period.
Application
These policies govern the conduct of all Benedict College students
on college premises; that is, on the campuses of Benedict College
and other property or facilities owned, controlled, or otherwise
being used by the College. This policy also governs and applies to
all programs offered by the College and to the conduct of students
in any location where the conduct and behavior significantly
impacts the College, its personnel, and students.
Loitering $ 25
Smoking or burning incense in dorm room $100
Yelling out of the windows $ 25
Trash in rooms, hallways, common areas and out of the windows
and grounds $ 50
Dirty room (during the semester) $ 50
Dirty room (end of semester/close out) $100
Lockouts (third time and thereafter) $ 10
Possession of alcoholic content $100
RESIDENTIAL LIFE VIOLATION CHARGES
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Drug Contents $100
Unauthorized Visitation (Opposite Sex or Same Sex) $ 75
Destruction of College Property (replacement or repair fee will be
added if deemed necessary) $100
Using nails or tacks in walls $150
Disrupting Study Hours $ 50
Excessive Loud Music/Noise $ 50
Activation of fire alarm due to use of illegal cooking appliances $ 50
Failure to evacuate building during an alarm $100
Unauthorized use of fire exit doors or locked doors $ 50
Failure to attend mandatory dorm meetings $ 25
Illicit electrical appliances $100
Pets in residence hall $ 50
Key replacement $ 30
Key and core replacement $ 85
Children in Residence Hall (per child) $ 75
Violating curfew (Freshmen Only) $ 25
Disrespectful behavior towards staff $100
Failure to show school identification upon entering the
Residence Hall $ 50
Weapons $100
Tampering with any emergency or fire equipment
(Smoke detectors, fire alarm system, fire Extinguishers,
Sprinkler System, Emergency Exit signs, etc.) $500
Any student who has an excessive number of fines(3) or more are subject but not limited to, housing
suspension and disciplinary sanctions. Note: If a fine is deemed severe, disciplinary succession may not
take place and a student could be automatically suspended from housing, the institution, or expelled.
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STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
Mission Statement
Benedict College Student Health joins with other academic and non-academic departments
in preparing students to lead productive lives after college including the ability to
effectively confront personal health and wellness questions. We take the responsibility for
initiating conversations with students and other divisions about major emotional and
physical health challenges. We seek to integrate our data about student wellness
performance with others and share this information with the campus community, the
students and use this information design programs and services.
1.
To provide quality and confidential health services to our students.
2.
To promote healthy lifestyles through health prevention activities.
3.
To establish partnerships with other health organizations to assist in providing
services.
4.
To assist students with chronic medical conditions to manage their illness with their
lifestyles and promote self-sufficiency whenever possible.
Note:
In ordinance with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with
Federal, State and Local government, and other health and risk organizations, the health
and safety of students while residing on campus is a priority. Mask/Face Coverings: all
students required inside classrooms, labs, offices, and elevators regardless of vaccination
status. Everyone must follow federal, state, and local laws that require mask/face covering,
including individual business that require it.
NOTE: It is Mandatory for All Students (new, transferring, or returning) to complete the
Students Health Record Examination Form.
Health Services
Consist of:
• Case Management
• Blood Pressure Screening
• Over the counter medication
• Lab Screening with doctor’s orders
• Doctors’ Referrals
• STD/STI/HIV/Testing
• Allergy Shot Administration(with physicians’ direction and orders)
Note: Services are confidential Free to low cost for services
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All students who are enrolled in the current semester and have paid their tuition and fees
are eligible to receive services from the Student Health Center. Services are rendered to
students who have and present a valid Benedict College Identification Card. The Student
Health Services Center is located at 2315 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29204 and can be
reached at (803) 705-4719.
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
After Hours and Weekends
Boarding students are to contact their Residential Life Coordinators (CLCs), who will
assist students in obtaining proper medical care and contact the parent(s) of the students.
For emergency situations, contact Campus Police at (803) 253-5400 for assistance. Please
note that students are responsible for their transportation from Emergency Room visits
and responsible for their hospital bill.
Transportation to Off-Campus Medical Appointments
Students are responsible for their transportation to and from medical appointments that
are off campus.
Student Health Records
Student health records are maintained in the Student Health Center. The school policy
for the use of these records is governed by the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
of 1974 (FERPA) for Colleges and Universities.
CAMPUS POLICE
In any large organization, there is always a concern for safety regulations, guidelines, and
policies that are designed to protect and assist the users of this diverse community. In this
area, the Campus Police Department plays an important role. All officers of the department
are sworn and commissioned police officers under the authority of South Carolina General
Law. Benedict College campus and resident areas are patrolled 24 hours a day by police
officers on foot and in a police cruiser. With twenty-four-hour (24) coverage, Campus
Police Officers can provide assistance at any time for any of the following emergencies:
❖ Fire (after sounding alarm)
❖ Injury
❖ Infraction of the law (theft, property damage, etc.)
❖ Major maintenance problem when maintenance staff cannot be reached
❖ Safety or (policy problems) which need immediate attention
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The Campus Police Department is located on 2400 Haskell Avenue and can be reached at
(803) 253-5400.
In Case of Emergency Call:
Campus Police Office (24 HOURS)
(803) 253-5400
Chief of Campus Police
(803) 705-4231
Vice President for Student Affairs
(803) 705-4624
Motor Vehicles
The Campus Police Department is responsible for parking regulations on campus. Parking
permits for commuter student spaces may be purchased for $50 per year at the Campus
Police Department during specified times at the beginning of each semester. These permits
are issued on a first come, first served basis upon application and presentation of car
registration, proof of insurance, valid college ID, and driver’s license. Parking permits for
resident students may be purchased through the Campus Police Department. Parking
permits make vehicles eligible to park on college property on a space available basis.
Students with proper parking decals may park in the following areas:
❖ Parking Garage upper level-3rd, 4th & 5th floors
❖ Residence Halls
❖ Chapel Parking Lot
Students are not allowed to park in any other campus parking areas (i.e., visitor lots or
faculty/staff lots) at any time. Parking on campus without a parking permit may result in
a vehicle being ticketed and/or towed. The College is not liable for any vehicles parked on
its property.
Search of Motor Vehicles
Searches of motor vehicles registered or operated on the campus may be conducted on the
grounds of reasonable suspicion that weapons (such as, but not limited to, rifles, shotguns,
ammunition, handguns, air guns, and other firearms; bowie knives, daggers, switchblade
knives, and metal knuckles); explosives (such as firecrackers, dangerous chemicals, etc.);
drugs; contraband, etc., are present in the vehicles, or when there is reasonable suspicion
that the person who owns, operates, or registers the vehicles is in violation of the College
polices and/or criminal law.
If a student fails to comply with a request from a college official to give access to his or her
vehicle for the purpose of conducting a search, the College may pursue disciplinary action,
up to and including immediate suspension or expulsion from the College.
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At the time of registration of one’s vehicle on the campus, the student gives the College
permission to “inspect” his or her vehicle on campus upon the reasonable suspicion that he
or she is in violation of college policies and/or criminal law, and/or that weapons,
explosives, drugs, contraband, etc., are present in the vehicle.
Student Identification Policy
All students at Benedict College are issued an identification card. This card serves as your
meal card (Resident Hall Students have a 19 meal per week plan to include Breakfast,
Lunch and Dinner, Monday – Friday) (Brunch and Dinner on Saturday and Sunday), as
well as your library card, and admission ticket to college events. All boarding students
receive Meal Card in the amount of $150 in exchange called Tiger Bucks: This allows
students to either dine in the Food Court or eat in the Dining Hall and has a $20 per day
limit. Meal plan options for non-boarding students are available which allows students to
purchase a certain number of meals per semester and there are 3 different choices Plans 1
– 3. This card must always be carried and be produced if requested by a college official or
faculty member. Erroneous identification or failure to comply with the above-mentioned
policies constitutes a conduct code violation and is subject to disciplinary action. ID cards
remain the property of the College and must be surrendered upon request. Lost cards
should be reported and can be replaced for a nominal fee in the MIS Department located
in lower level of Bacoats Hall.
Arrest of a Student
Students may be arrested by College Campus Police Department or by outside law
enforcement agencies, such as the Columbia Police or the Richland County Sheriff
Department for violating a law. Persons may be arrested by any law enforcement
personnel with the proper authority to affect the arrest.
CAMPUS EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Students should review and familiarize themselves with the following emergency
procedures to safeguard their health and welfare during a campus emergency.
Medical Emergency Procedures
A. For situations that are life threatening:
1. Call 911 if immediate attention is needed, and complete the following:
a. Identify oneself as a member of the BC faculty, staff, or student body.
b. Identify exact location of victim; and
c. Describe the situation, giving victim’s name, description of illness or
injury, and other information requested by dispatcher.
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2. Contact Campus Police and give the following information:
a. Identify oneself and give location; and
b. Identify victim by name and other descriptive information as requested.
NOTE: Campus Police will direct paramedics or another emergency care provider
to the scene of the medical emergency.
B. For situations that are not life threatening:
1. Contact the Health Center if during operating hours and comply with the
following:
a. Identify oneself and give location of emergency.
b. Identify victim, giving name and other information requested; and
c. Describe the situation; and
2. Call 911 as back-up if the situation warrants off-campus emergency medical
attention.
Fire Emergencies
Fire Alarms
Activation of a firm alarm is an indication that a fire emergency has occurred. If a fire alarm
is activated in a campus facility, the building must be evacuated immediately.
The same procedures for evacuation in fire emergencies must be followed during a bomb
threat evacuation (see Residential Life Handbook).
Disabled and Special Needs Students Emergency Evacuation Plan
Students whose means of mobility assistance is a wheelchair or walking cane will be
provided assistance with evacuating a residence hall or classroom building in the event of
a fire or other emergencies. A student who has an artificial limb, is hearing impaired, or is
visually impaired will be alerted immediately to evacuate by a Residential Life Employee,
Campus Safety Employee or a responsible faculty or staff. All College owned buildings
have an evacuation plan.
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STUDENT ACTIVITIES
The Student Activities Department is responsible for planning and coordinating
extracurricular activities to meet the needs of students for relaxation and enjoyment during
their leisure hours. The Office of Student Activities provides a broad-based program of
educational, social, cultural, spiritual, and recreational programs and activities for students,
faculty, staff, alumni, and guests on campus. Programs provide out-of-class informal and
formal learning opportunities that complement a curricular environment.
Students who wish to participate in activities, join an organization, pursue special interests,
or assist in the planning of campus events should contact the Director of Student Activities
or an officer or adviser of the respective organization. Activities are held during the week
from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Weekend activities end by 1:00 a.m. For additional
information, see the Student Activities Handbook. The Office of Student Activities is
located on the first floor of the David H. Swinton Campus Center and can be reached at
(803) 705-4408.
Use of the College Name
No student or student organization may use the Benedict College name in connection with
a personal or unofficial function if the use of the name may mislead someone into thinking
the function is College-sanctioned or sponsored.
No student or student organization has the authority to bind the College or to commit the
College to accept responsibility or liability for injuries or damages which may occur at
personal or unofficial functions.
College students and student organizations who, without appropriate authority, attempt
to bind the College or commit the College to accept responsibility or liability for injuries
to persons, damages to property, costs of goods and services, or other obligations --
financial or otherwise -- may be referred for appropriate disciplinary action. The College
may also take legal action against any such student or student organization.
Solicitations
Students should receive approval from the Office of Student Activities for any solicitation
to be conducted on campus or any solicitations to be made off campus in which the College’s
name will be used.
Publicity
The announcements, publications, and advertisements of an organization for off-campus
coverage by radio, television, newspapers, and other media must be cleared by the Director
of Student Activities, who is responsible for getting such information to the Office of
Communications for release.
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Poster Policy
All posters and flyers must be approved by the Office of Student Activities staff prior to
being displayed on the campus.
Day Student Affairs
The Office of Day Student Affairs performs two principal functions: (1) to coordinate and
develop programs or activities for non-boarding or commuting students, and (2) to serve
as the information link between the non-boarding students and the College. The Director
of Student Activities serves as the coordinator of Day Student Affairs, located in the David
H. Swinton Campus Center. For additional information call (803) 705-4408.
Campus Organizations
At Benedict College, there are several Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities and related
social organizations, in addition to other organizations that have applied for and received
charters to operate on campus. Persons wishing to establish a student organization must
secure, complete, and file an application for charter with the Office of Student Activities.
Membership in these organizations is open to students in good standing who meet the
common-interest objectives of the organization and their internal criteria and standards.
Most of the organizations are related to the academic interests of the student. When a
student is interested in one of these organizations, the main point of reference should be
the faculty advisor in the student’s major field of study. Another useful source
of information is the Benedict College Catalog, where these organizations are listed under
the respective divisions.
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BENEDICT COLLEGE
Clubs, Organizations, Fraternities and Sororities
Student Governance and Classes
Student Government Association (SGA)
Freshman Class
Sophomore Class
Junior Class
Senior Club
Honor Societies and Academic Club
Alpha Chi National College Honor Society
Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society
Art Club
Association of Continuing Education Students
(ACES)
Beta Kappa Chi Science Honor Society
Criminal Justice Club
Delta Mu Delta Honor Society
Economics Awareness Club
English Club
Foreign Language Organization
Honda Campus All Star Challenge (HCASC)
Honor Student Association
HPER Club
National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS)
National Society of Leadership and Success
(NSCS)
Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society
Pre-Health Club
Psychology Club
Recreation Club
Science and Mathematics Club
Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society
Social Work Club
Shared Interest/Social Organizations
Music Educators National Conference (MENC)
National Art Education Association (NAEA)
National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People (NAAP)
National Association of Aspiring Black
Psychologists (NAACP)
National Association of Black Engineers (NABA)
National Association of Black Social Workers
(NABSW)
National Association of Black in Criminal Justice
(NABCJ)
National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW)
National Political Science Honor Society
(NPSHS)
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
Pre-Alumni Council
South Carolina Association for the Education of
Young Children (SCAEYC)
South Carolina Education Association (SCEA)
Student Recreation Association
T.L. Duckett Student SC Education Association
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Fraternities and Sororities (NPHC)
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Gamma Pi
Chapter
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Psi Chapter
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Gamma Mu
Chapter
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Epsilon Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Gamma Upsilon
Chapter
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Gamma Lambda
Gamma Chapter
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Kappa Beta Chapter
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., Beta Epsilon
Chapter
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., Theta Kappa Chapter
Performing Groups
Concert Band /Wind Ensemble
Concert Choir
Gospel Choir
Marching Tigers Band of Distinction
Pep Band
Theatre Ensemble
F.E.M.A.L.E.S
Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship Inc.
International Student Association
Japanese Anima Culture League
Kappa Beta Theta
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band
Fraternity, Inc.
Ladies of Elegance
Other Clubs/Organizations
Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity, Inc.
B.C.A.R.T.I
Cheer Phi
Collegiate 100
Day Students Organization
M.A.L.E.S.
Peer Education Program (PEP)
Phi Beta Lambde Fraternity, Inc., Sigma XI Chapter
Phi Iota Phi Dance Fraternity, Inc.
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, XI
Beta Chapter
Residence Hall Association (RHA)
Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)
Sister Act
Student Activities Planning Group
Student Athlete Advisory Committee
Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship Inc.
Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority,
Inc.
Tiger News
WBCT-FM
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The Student Government Association (SGA)
The Student Government Association (SGA) provides excellent opportunities for students
to practice and experience the democratic process. Through the SGA, many students
assume responsible roles in helping to make decisions and determine policies relevant to
student life at Benedict College, academic regulations, and the general administration of
the College. The Office of the Student Government Association is located on the 2nd floor
of the David H. Swinton Center and can be reached at (803) 705-4408. For additional
information, see Student Activities Handbook.
Purpose
A. To serve as a liaison between the student body and the administration in the
presentation of students’ opinions on matters affecting student life, affairs, and the
formation of college policies and regulations
B. To promote, in the interest of the College community, a program of social,
recreational, religious, cultural, and educational projects and activities
C. To further the students’ appreciation of the privileges and benefits enjoyed and the
obligations entailed at Benedict College
D. To provide experience in and the skills of democratic citizenship
E. To support the observance of college policies and regulations
F. To assist College officials and student organizations in their fundraising efforts
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
The role of Religious Services is to help facilitate an environment of spiritual growth and
development in an interfaith population of students. Whether the growth is sought in the
areas of ethics, values, morals, and understanding of religious choices and conversion, our
comprehensive ministry assists to make campus life a richer and more meaningful
experience. Students are invited to become involved in the following programs: Sunday
Worship, Bible Studies, Prayer Services, Counseling, Antisdel Chapel Choir,
(B.A.S.I.C.) Brothers and Sisters in Christ, (F.C.A.) Fellowship of Christian Athletes and
Educational Seminars. Many of these fellowship activities are student led and guided by
adult spiritual advisers. The Office of Religious Services is in Antisdel Chapel and can be
reached at (803) 705-4687 or 705-4373.
Our Mission
The mission of Religious Services Department is to help the Benedict College family be
#TheBESTofBC, by providing an environment for spiritual & moral development
through worship, guidance, outreach, development, and administration.
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CAMPUS MINISTER
The Campus Minister oversees all campus religious activities except for the Gospel Choir
and Church Relations. He or she provides face-to-face and virtual Sunday Worship and
other activities to address the spiritual development of the student body. The Campus
Minister is available to pray at all major official College functions and manages the
scheduling and upkeep of Antisdel Chapel. There are times when the Campus Minister is
called upon to serve as Chaplain for the College’s Athletic teams.
FOOD SERVICES
All boarding students are eligible to dine in the College’s dining facility by presenting a
valid Student Identification card for the current semester. Commuter students either pay
daily or purchase a meal plan during registration. The Food Services Department ensures
that the student receives balanced dietary meals served three times a day: breakfast, lunch,
and dinner. The Food Services Department is in the David H. Swinton Center and can be
reached at (803) 253-5412.
Campus Dining Operating Hours:
Monday through Friday
Breakfast 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Lunch 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Dinner 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday
Brunch 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Dinner 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tiger’s Corner Café
Monday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday closed
Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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COUNSELING & SELF-DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Our Mission
The Office of Counseling and Self-Development Services provides a broad range of quality
programs to assist students at the college. All the services reflect our strong commitment
to the individual needs of students enrolled in Benedict College. To accomplish its mission,
Counseling and Self-Development has a well-developed set of goals that are consistent
with the College’s mission.
Goals
Provide high quality individual counseling and group sessions to students who may be
experiencing psychological, academic, or behavioral difficulties.
Provide programming and outreach focusing upon the developmental needs of students
and to assist students with maximizing their potential to benefit from the academic
environment.
Provide professional development opportunities for staff including in-service training
programs, workshops, and other continuing education activities.
Provide consultative services to the College to make the environment as beneficial as
possible for the intellectual and emotional growth of students. The Office of Counseling
and Self-Development is located on the second floor of the Benedict College Student Health
Center at 2315 Laurel Street and can be reached at (803) 705-4741.
Our Services
Individual Counseling
Please call the office to request a phone assessment. The counselor will listen to your
concerns and evaluate the optimal service for you depending on the nature of your
concerns.
Group Counseling
Please call the office to request a phone assessment. The counselor will listen to your
concerns and evaluate the optimal service for you depending on the nature of your concerns
and help you figure out which group best fits your needs.
Crisis Services
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For students struggling with emotionally urgent concerns, please call or walk-in and
request a same-day appointment. Some examples of crises include: a recent death, sexual
assault, having thoughts of suicide or homicide, experiencing hallucinations (seeing or
hearing things), being the victim of crime, or any other debilitating concerns. Crisis
services are focused on providing immediate emotional support and resources. If you have
concerns about yourself or someone you know, please do not hesitate to call.
Consultations about a student of concern:
Provide individuals consultations for faculty, staff or RHA’s regarding difficult mental
health situations with students. Please call and request to speak with the Director of
Counseling Services.
Psychiatric Services
The Office of Counseling and Self-Development Services make referrals with psychiatrists
who collaborate with Benedict College staff counselors to provide short and long-term
mental health services for students. If you are considering psychiatric treatment, call the
Counseling office and request to schedule a consult appointment to discuss your needs with
a counselor. Access psychiatric service is only by referral from the Director of Counseling
and Self -Development or the Director of Student Health Service at Benedict College.
Referral Information
The Office of Counseling and Self-Development Services help with referral to off-campus
mental health professionals when you need, or prefer, long-term or specialty care. Please
contact our office at (803) 705-4741 and request an appointment with the Director of
Counseling who will assess your needs and provide appropriate referrals.
Resources
In addition, so speaking with our staff for support about a referral, we provide additional
information to assist you in selecting the best provider given your needs and preferences.
Outreach Programs
We offer educational programming for student organizations, residence halls, fraternities
and sororities and academic departments on several topics, such as: Adjusting to college,
conflict resolution, crisis intervention, diversity, eating disorders and body image, grief
and loss, stress management and many more.
We can also facilitate debriefings in these settings following a campus tragedy. To request
an outreach programming and for further questions, please contact the Director of
Counseling and Self-Development at (803) 705-4741 or Tanya.Bolton@benedict.edu
Please provide at least two-week’s notice.
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Consultations for Faculty & Staff
We provide individual consultations for faculty, staff or RHA’s regarding difficult mental
health situations with students. For consultation about concerns you have about a student,
call (803) 705-4741.
Feeling better foes do not mean that counseling will end abruptly. You and your counselor
can discuss options for increasing time between sessions, preparing to end counseling,
adding a group or workshop, or finding alternative supports. Ultimately the goal of
counseling is to help you function better and to see changes that are sustained outside the
therapy office. Your health information is private and completely confidently and will only
be shared with others if you give permission.
Make an Appointment
During business hours, please call (803) 705-4741 and indicate that you are in a crisis and
would like an appointment.
ADMISSIONS AND RECRUITMENT
Admissions and Recruitment provides services pertaining to general recruitment,
admissions, marketing, and enrollment of new students (new freshmen, readmits, readmit
with transfer credits, and transfer students). The Office of Admissions and Recruitment
participates in productive recruitment events and programs and works collaboratively with
staff and faculty of the College to ensure that accurate information is disseminated to
students, parents, guidance counselors, alumni associations, and the community regarding
admissions requirements.
Benedict College gives serious consideration to every applicant who has met his/her state
requirements for a high school diploma or GED and who is committed to taking full
advantage of the opportunities the College provides him/her to obtain a college education.
Our mission is to help make the process of enrolling at Benedict College simple and to treat
each application with respect and dignity.
The College recommends that students earn units from the College preparatory track.
Earn at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale in high school and meet
one of the following requirements: Earn 850 on the SAT (combination of critical reading
and math) Earn 17 composite on the ACT Possess a General Education Development
Examination (GED) State Certificate. Students who do not meet the requirements for
admission to the College will be admitted in the Summer Bridge Program. Summer
Bridge Admission is considered for applications who demonstrate potential for college
success and may be granted to applicants who do not meet preferred minimum grade point
average requirements, SAT, or ACT score requirements.
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Request that Sat and/or ACT scores be sent to Benedict College: The Code numbers are
SAT (5056) and ACT (3834). Should these tests not be offered at a local high school,
contact the College Entrance Examination Board, Box 592, Princeton, New Jersey 08540
for further information on testing dates and sites. Applicants are accepted on a first come,
first served basis, until the freshman class is full.
Contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment with questions regarding the
application process at 803-705-4910 or the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
regarding the process of applying for financial aid at 803-705-4418. We welcome all high
schools, students, families, churches, and community organizations to tour our beautiful
campus or to attend Open House in the Fall or Spring semester.
Benedict College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association
of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commissions on
Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia, 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for
questions about the accreditation of Benedict College. Eight (8) of our programs/majors
are nationally accredited. Our faculty and staff strive to enrich our students’ lives and help
enhance their personal and professional growth. We prepare our students to engage in
public service, internships, and study abroad programs.
STUDENT FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
The Financial Aid & Scholarships staff is available to advise and assist students with
obtaining funds to attend Benedict College. All students attending Benedict are advised
to apply for financial aid. Financial aid administrators are available for individual
assistance in such areas as grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. Students who
believe their resources are inadequate to meet their educational expenses at Benedict
should see a financial aid administrator.
Definition of Financial Aid
Financial aid is any money that helps students attend college. It may include grants,
scholarships, loans, savings, job earnings, or help form parents, spouse, family, and friends.
HOW TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID
All students who wish to apply for financial aid (grants, scholarships, loans, or work-study)
must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students can apply
online at www.fafsa.gov. Students may contact the Benedict College Office Student
Financial Aid & Scholarships for assistance with this application process. Once the
application has been processed, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). This
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report will be submitted to the Financial Aid Office if Benedict’s School Code (0034200) is
listed on your application.
Once Financial Aid receives the results of the FAFSA, these results will be reviewed. Some
students’ applications will be selected for a review called verification: this is where the
government randomly selects some student’s financial aid information for the school to
review. These students will be requested to submit additional documentations before their
financial aid award can be processed. Once all necessary documentation is received, the
student will be able to get his financial aid processed. Students whose financial aid award
includes loan, the student will need to complete the master promissory note, entrance
counseling, if a first-time borrower and parent plus if a dependent student. Instructions for
completing all required forms are included with the award package.
Financial aid funds (including student loans) will not be applied to the student’s account
until after the students completes the registration process and if chosen for verification all
documents are submitted. All new students who are first time borrowers must attend
classes at a minimum of half-time status for 30 days before receiving any loan proceeds.
Students will be notified when their financial aid funds (including loans) are disbursed, and
(if applicable) when a refund of excess funds is available.
Financial Aid Qualifications
Eligibility for need-based financial aid programs is determined by the cost of attending a
college of the student’s choice, minus the amount the student and his/her family can
reasonably afford
COLLEGE COSTS
- EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION
______________________________________
= FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY (OR “NEED”)
College Costs
Include tuition, fees, book, travel, and estimated living expenses while at the College.
EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION
This is determined from the income, assets, and other information the student the student
and his/her family report on the Fee Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The
federal methodology formula is used to determine the amount the student and his/her
family will be expected to pay.
FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBLITY (OR” NEED”)
This represents the maximum amount of financial aid the student is eligible to receive from
federal, state, and college programs.
Types of Financial Aid
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Once eligibility for financial assistance has been determined, students may be offered one
or more types of aid in what is called a Financial Aid Award package. The Financial Aid
Award and package may include the following:
Scholarship Aid
Awards usually based on academic excellence and not necessarily on financial need.
Grant Aid
Award based solely on financial need.
Loan Aid
Awards offered at a low interest rate, which must be repaid after the student leaves college
or drops below half-time enrollment.
Federal Work Study Aid
An award of a part-time job from which, earnings are given directly to the student
and does not have to be repaid. Additional information about each of these programs are
listed below on the following pages.
SCHOLARSHIP AID
Scholastic achievement, extracurricular accomplishments, financial need, and career
objectives are taken into consideration in the scholarship award process. The amount of
an award is determined annually. Visit www.benedict.edu for a list of the scholarships
available through Benedict College or to students of Benedict College through other
sponsoring organizations. In addition, other agencies and clubs offer scholarships for
outstanding achievement. Information about scholarships is available in the Office of
Student Financial Aid & Scholarships for new and returning students.
GRANT AID
Several grant programs are available for eligible Benedict College Students. Grants need
not be repaid.
South Carolina Tuition Grant
Students from the state of SC pursuing their first degree at an eligible SC institution may
be eligible to receive a grant from the state of South Carolina based on financial need, as
demonstrated by completion of the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Students
must complete the State of South Carolina questions on the FAFSA to receive
consideration. The South Carolina Tuition Grant applies only to independent colleges such
as Benedict College. The amount of the funds available is announced annually by the SC
Tuition Grants Commission. Students can see the eligibility requirements by going to the
agency’s website at www.sctuitiongrants.com.
LOAN AID
Federal Direct Loans are available to all students, regardless of financial need. Students
must attend college at least half-time to be eligible for any type of loan. Remember, these
loans must be repaid. There are two types of Federal Direct Loans available: Federal
Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Plus Loans. Additional information about federal
loan programs are available at www.benedict.edu.
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Students who request a loan are required to complete Entrance Loan Counseling before
the release of their first student loan. In addition, student loan borrowers are also required
to complete Exit Loan Counseling when they withdraw, drop below half-time enrollment,
or graduate. This loan counseling is designed to provide information about
student loans (i.e. repayment, deferment, forbearance, disbursement, and debt management
strategies). This counseling can be completed online at www.mappingyourfuture.org.
Regulations require schools to establish a Code of Conduct Policy. You can access our Code
of Conduct Policy at www.benedict.edu.
Federal Direct Stafford Loans
Federal Direct Stafford Loans are available to student borrowers at a low, fixed interest
rate. There are two types of Federal Stafford Loans:
SUBSIDIZED STAFFORD LOAN
Eligibility is based on financial need. Subsidized loans are available only to undergraduate
students. Under this loan program, the student is not required to make payments while
he/she is in school at least half-time, and no interest will accumulate during this time.
Beginning July 2013, new regulations were enacted which limit a first-time borrower’s
eligibility for Direct Subsidized Loans to a period not to exceed 150% of the length of the
borrower’s educational program.
UNSUBSIDIZED STAFFORD LOAN
Eligibility is not based on financial need. Under this loan program, the student is not
required to make payments while he/she is in school; however, interest will accumulate if
not paid by the borrower.
Students cannot take out Stafford Loans which exceed the cost of their education less
financial aid received. Listed below are the maximum Stafford Loan amounts students may
borrow, based on grade level:
Grade Level 1 $5,500.00
Grade Level 2 $6,500.00
Grade Level 3 or 4 $7,500.00
The maximum aggregate loan limit for Stafford Loans is $31,000.00n for undergraduate
students.
Independent, and dependent students whose parents were denied a parent PLUS loan may
be eligible for additional loan amounts in the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
program. Listed below are the maximum additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan amounts
students may borrow, based on grade level.
Grade Level 1 or 2 $6,000.00
Grade Level 3 or 4 $7,000.00
The maximum aggregate additional Stafford Loan limit is $34,500.00 for undergraduate
students.
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FEDERAL DIRECT PLUS LOANS
Federal Direct PLUS Loans are available for parents of eligible dependent students at a
fixed rate. Under the Federal PLUS loan program, students are eligible for their cost of
education, minus any financial aid they will receive.
FEDERAL WORK-STUDY
Work-study provides job for students with financial need, as demonstrated on the FAFSA.
In addition to work-study jobs on campus, Benedict College offers some off-campus work-
study jobs. Students usually work 12 to 20 hours a week. Selection of work-study students
will be made by the Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships and the department
supervisor based on financial need, class schedule, and academic progress of the student.
FINANCIAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Students have the right to accept or decline any part of their financial aid award. If the
student declines any part of his/her financial aid award, it may affect other aid offered.
Students may not receive financial aid from more than one school while enrolled at two or
more schools for the same time. Classes the student takes outside of his/her declared
program of study does not qualify for most forms of financial aid.
Students must attend college at least half-time (six credit hours) to be considered for most
financial aid. Withdrawal form classes or failure to attend all classes may result in a loss
or reduction of financial aid and a balance may be due to the College.
It is the student’s responsibility to inform The Office of Student Financial Aid &
Scholarships of any changes to information provided on the financial aid application.
Financial aid offered to the student is dependent upon the availability of funds. Any change
in the availability of funds or a student’s academic performance may change the award
package.
If a student’s financial aid application is estimated or incomplete, the student will be
responsible for any changes that may occur if the estimated financial aid indicated is
incorrect or the application remains incomplete.
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
The mission of the Office of International Programs (OIP) is to expose students to the
international dimensions of undergraduate education and to help expand the
international component of Benedict’s teaching, research, and service mission. The OIP
also seeks to prepare students to fully participate in the socially conscious aspects of U.S.
society and to continue the struggle to move the U.S. closer to global justice through
equality for all.
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Established in 2000, the OIP functions under the Office of the President, working closely
with the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of Student Affairs.
What We Do
• Advise students interested in study abroad and international internships.
• Maintain updated lists of approved study abroad and summer internship
placements.
• Advise students applying for scholarships, many of which fund study and
research abroad.
• Provide on-going support for students participating in international
programs, from pre-departure to re-entry.
• Process courses for approved semester and summer programs abroad.
• Develop and support study and internship programs abroad in conjunction
with academic departments and programs.
• Educate the campus community about college travel policies and emergency
procedures abroad.
• Advise students interested in applying for Optional Practical Training
(OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
• Benedict College is committed to providing undergraduates with high
quality opportunities to enrich and expand their education through approved
travel and interaction with the peoples, cultures, and contemporary concerns
of other regions around the world.
Who is an International Student?
If you are not a United States citizen, and you will be entering, or have already entered,
the United States with an F-1 or J-1 student visa, you should apply as an international
student. Students who already reside in the United States and hold other non-immigrant
visas (E2, H2, or L2, for example) are also considered international students.
Permanent residents of the United States, naturalized U.S. citizens, and U.S. citizens
residing abroad and attending school outside the United States are not considered
international students.
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UPWARD BOUND
Benedict College Upward Bound Program
Upward Bound is a federally funded, pre-college program that has existed at Benedict
College for more than 40 years. Students are accepted on the premise that they are college-
bound and have the potential to successfully matriculate in a post-secondary institution of
their choice.
The purpose of the Upward Bound Program is to foster the skills necessary for success in
education beyond high school. This project is geared toward students who meet income
guidelines and are from families whose parents have not earned a bachelor’s degree. Upward
Bound is for students who have the academic potential for doing college work but lack the
educational preparation and/or resources needed to enter college.
The program is year-round and consists of three components: academic, summer residential,
and bridge. The Academic Year Component consists of Saturday sessions on the campus of
Benedict College. During the entire project year, students receive individualized instruction
in science, mathematics, English, and foreign languages. Students also engage in career,
financial aid, academic and personal counseling; tutorials; and a wide variety of enrichment
activities to include tours, seminars, and recreational activities.
The Summer Residential Component allows participants to experience college life. All
participants live in the dormitory, eat in the campus dining facilities, attend regular classes
and activities (like college students), and adhere to the regulations unique to Upward Bound
students as prescribed by the program. Adult dormitory supervisors are hired during the
summer months to counsel and supervise participants. College students are also hired and
act as tutor-counselors and as dormitory assistants.
The Bridge Component is part of the summer residential phase in which participants who
have successfully graduated from high school enroll in college courses for college credit
during the summer before they enter college. The purpose of the Bridge component is to
assist participants with the transition from high school to college. It also gives Upward
Bound participants the opportunity to be one step ahead of their non-participant peers.
There are two Upward Bound programs housed on the Benedict College campus. Upward
Bound Program I serve 107 students from 5 area target schools which include Airport High
School, Brookland-Cayce High School, CA Johnson Preparatory Academy, Fairfield
Central High School and WJ Keenan High School. Upward Bound Program II serves 64
students from Camden High School.
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SERVICES OFFERED
· Academic, Career, and Personal Counseling
· Financial Aid Counseling and Workshops
· Assistance with College Selection and Admission
· SAT/ACT Preparation Seminars
· Student Leadership Development
· Career Exploration Workshops/Career Fairs
· Elective Classes in Life Skills, Crafts, Computers, Drama, Music and Journalism
· Intensive Individualized Instruction
· Individualized Tutorials
· Cultural Enrichment Activities/Tours
· Parenting Workshops
· Community Service Opportunities
CLASS AND CAMPUS RULES
Student Code of Academic Responsibility
Strength of character is as important as academic achievement; therefore, the College
expects everyone in the academic community to maintain personal integrity and avoid any
conduct designed to gain unfair advantage in obtaining a grade. Academic dishonesty may
include but is not limited to plagiarism, cheating, falsification of records, and collusion with
others to defraud. Any student found guilty of academic dishonesty will be subject to
disciplinary action which may include loss of credit, suspension, or dismissal.
Student Appeal of Final Grade
A student may appeal a final grade in a course if he or she is convinced that the grade issued
is not consistent with the quality of his/her work done in the class. A student who appeals
a grade must show that the composite of grades and/or credit given for tests, papers, class
attendance and participation, and other requirements specified on the course outline is not
consistent with the final grade issued in the class. The student is responsible for presenting
all work contributing to the final grade. If the instructor has retained any or all the
student’s work, the instructor is responsible for presenting this work. The instructor must
provide a written statement which shows the computation of the grade in question.
All appeals must be initiated no later than the date specified as the last day to change grades
and remove Incompletes in the regular academic semester following the semester in which
the contested grade is issued. The resolution of the appeal is to be reached by the end of
the semester which the appeal is initiated.
The student who wishes to appeal a grade is required to follow the procedure given
below.
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1. The student sets up a conference with the instructor and presents the evidence that
the final grade-received is undeserved.
2. If the student is not satisfied with the results of the conference with the teacher, the
student may request a conference with the chair of the department in which the
instructor teaches. The Department Chair will arrange a meeting with the student
and the instructor. The student must present evidence that the grade received is
undeserved, as indicated in paragraph one above. If the department head determines
that the grade is undeserved, he/she will so advise the faculty member and
recommend that the grade be changed appropriately. The student will be apprised
of the department chair’s recommendation. If the department chair determines that
the grade is just, he/she will apprise the student of this disposition. Copies of the
department head’s disposition will be forwarded to the Dean.
3. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the conference with the department
head and the instructor, the student may set up a conference with the Dean of the
school in which the faculty member teaches. The student must present evidence that
the grade received is undeserved. If the dean determines that the grade is
undeserved, he/she will so advise the faculty member and recommend that the grade
be changed appropriately and will apprise the student of the recommendation. If the
dean determines that the grade is just, he/she will apprise the student of this
disposition. The dean will forward to the Associate Vice President for Academic
Affairs a copy of his/her disposition and all documents involved.
4. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the dean, the student may set up a
conference with the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. The student must
present the evidence that the grade in question is undeserved.
5. The Associate Vice President reviews the information, decides based upon the
evidence, and apprises the faculty member and student of his/her decision. If the
Associate Vice President advises the faculty member to change the grade and the
faculty member refuses to comply, the Associate Vice President initiates a grade
change for the student. The grade change is signed by all applicable administrators.
6. If the student is dissatisfied with a grade issue by a faculty member who is no longer
employed at the College, the student presents the evidence to the department chair.
The department chair makes a recommendation and forwards all documents to the
Dean. The Dean makes a recommendation and forwards supporting documentation
7. to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Associate Vice President
reviews the documents and decides. If the decision is made to change the grade and
the faculty member cannot be contacted, the Associate Vice President initiates a
grade change for the student. The grade change is signed by all applicable
administrators.
8. If the student is dissatisfied with the determination issued by the Associate Vice
President for Academic Affairs, the student may appeal to the Vice President for
Academic Affairs.
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9. The reviews all material involved in the dispute and render a decision. The decision
of the Vice President for Academic Affairs is final.
Class Attendance/Excuses
Students may secure an official excuse for class absences caused by school sponsored extra-
curricular activities, personal illness, death in family, severe family illness, court summons
(not incarceration). Excuses may be obtained in the Office of Student Affairs in the
Administration Building, Room 100. Satisfactory documentation is required. The Student
Health Center is delegated to issue excuses to students who receive services from the
Student Health Center staff based on the students’ health assessment.
Cellular Phones, iPad, etc.
It is the instructor’s responsibility to keep the learning environment at an optimum level.
Therefore, cellular phones, etc. must be in silent mode and cannot be used during class.
This includes talking, texting, etc. Students caught using their devices in class may be
subject to discipline, up to and including, being excused, and/or suspended from class.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Students’ dress at Benedict College should reflect high standards of personal self- image
so that each student may share in promoting a positive, healthy, and safe atmosphere within
the College community. The dress code is limited in time and place to college functions
and educational facilities, including classrooms, the Cafeteria, the Campus Center, and the
Chapel. Students are expected to follow the Benedict College Dress Code.
Female:
• Do rags, stocking caps, hair wraps, sleep caps, bandanas and skull caps shall not be
worn outside dorm rooms by any student enrolled at any time
• Baseball caps or hoods are not to be worn in buildings
• Clothing which allows undergarments to be visually observed is not permitted
• Sagging or unbelted pants is prohibited
• Shirts/tops must always be worn while in public or common areas of the College.
Sports bras, bathing suit tops and undergarments must be covered.
• Midriffs or halters, mesh or netted shirts, tube tops, cut-off t-shirts, or “wife beaters”
are not permitted
• Attire must not display obscene, profane, lewd, illegal, or offensive images or words.
• Pajamas, stocking caps, hair wraps. hair rollers and bedroom slippers shall not be
worn while in public or in common areas of the College
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• Dresses, skirts, or pants while are slit more than six inches above the knee are not
permitted
• Short shorts or skirts that reveal buttocks are not permitted
• All students must wear shoes, boots, or other types of footwear made for outside
wear
Males:
• Do rags, stocking caps, bandanas and skull caps shall not be worn outside dorm
rooms by any student enrolled at any time
• Baseball caps, hoods or other head covering are not to be worn in buildings
• Clothing which allows undergarments to be visually observed is not permitted
• Sagging or unbelted pants is prohibited
• Shirts must always be worn while in public or common areas of the College.
• Netted shirts, cut-off t-shirts, or “wife beaters” are not permitted
• Attire must not display obscene, profane, lewd, illegal, or offensive images or words
• Pajamas, stocking caps, and bedroom slippers shall not be worn while in public or in
common areas of the College
• Clothing associated with women’s garb (dresses, skirts, short shorts, blouses, purses,
pumps, etc., is prohibited
Some examples of appropriate dress and/or appearance include the following:
• Classroom, Cafeteria, Campus Center, and College offices- neat, modest, casual,
or dressy attire
• Formal programs in the Campus Center, Little Theater and Antisdel Chapel-
business or dressy attire
• Career Placement Activities/Interviews-business attire
• Social/Recreational Activities, Residence Hall Lounges (during visitation
hours)- modest, casual, or dressy attire
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STUDENT DECORUM POLICY DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
Students who violate the Student Decorum Policy will be subjected to disciplinary actions
as outlined below:
First Offense - A verbal warning will be issued to the student by the College official who
witnessed and/or received information regarding a conduct violation. A written record
will be placed in the student’s file documenting the time, date, and details of the occurrence.
The student may provide a written response (of reasonable length) to detail the occurrence
from his/her viewpoint. The student’s written response will also be placed in the student’s
file.
Second Offense - The student will be referred to the Vice President of Student Affairs
in the Office of Student Affairs. The Vice President of Student Affairs will then review the
information and proceed as outlined in the Benedict College Student Handbook, Student
Code of Conduct.
Academic Responsibility
It is the responsibility of every student at Benedict College to adhere steadfastly to
truthfulness and to avoid dishonesty, fraud, or deceit of any type in connection with any
academic program. Any student who violates this rule or who knowingly assists another
to violate this rule shall be subject to discipline. Whenever a student is uncertain as to
whether conduct would violate this rule, it is the responsibility of the student to seek
clarification from the appropriate faculty member or instructor prior to engaging in such
conduct. This Rule is intended to prohibit all forms of academic dishonesty and should be
interpreted broadly to carry out that purpose.
Accomplice
Students must report any crimes that they are a witness to the Campus Police Department.
Any student at the scene of a crime on campus who stands by and watches the crime occur
and does not report the crime immediately to the Campus Police Department will be held
as an accomplice to the violation.
Alcoholic Beverages
No student shall possess, consume or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage while
on campus, or while representing the College off campus, or entertain any guest on campus
who possesses any alcoholic beverage.
Compliance with General Laws
Students or student organizations involved in violations of any federal, state, or local laws
may be subject to disciplinary action. Any disciplinary action imposed by the College may
precede and be in addition to any penalty imposed by an off-campus authority.
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Property Damage
Students are responsible for the proper utilization and preservation of all College
furnishings, equipment, grounds, and facilities. Damage to or destruction of property
owned or operated by the College, its students, faculty, administration, and staff, or of
another institution is prohibited. Students who damage school property will be required to
pay the full cost of repair and or replacement for such property. Conduct which threatens
to damage, or create hazardous conditions such as dropping, throwing, or causing objects
or substances to fall from windows, doors, ledges, balconies, or roofs is also prohibited by
this regulation.
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct includes any act that disrupts the peace. It includes, but is not limited
to, assault, misconduct, threats to personal safety, fighting, throwing dangerous objects,
throwing any object in a College dining facility or from the window of a College housing
facility, making excessive noise and any other type of interference with the normal
operations of the College or any type of disruption or conduct that interferes with the
rights and opportunities of those who attend the College for the purposes for which the
College exists.
Drugs
The unauthorized possession, use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of any counterfeit,
illegal, or controlled substance/drug is prohibited.
Firearms and Other Deadly Weapons
The unauthorized possession or use of firearms or weapons of any other kind (including
but not limited to dirks, slingshots, metal knuckles, razors, BB guns, and air pistols) is
prohibited. The use or display of any object or instrument in a dangerous, provocative, or
threatening manner is prohibited. Students found to be in possession of a firearm on
campus – including but not limited to weapons found inside a dorm room, building or inside
a vehicle parked on campus will be subject to immediate, permanent expulsion – no
exceptions.
Flammable Materials and Fireworks
The ignition or detonation of anything which could cause damage to persons or property
or disruption by fire, smoke explosion, noxious odors, stain, corrosion, or similar means;
or possession of anything in fireworks, explosives or chemical explosives is prohibited on
any property owned or operated by the College.
Fire Hazards and Arson
No person shall start a fire or create a fire hazard on college property without college
authorization. Willful damage to property (as described in the Student Code of Conduct
above) by fire shall be prosecuted as arson when appropriate. This regulation is also
intended to prohibit the possession and/or use of candles, torches, incense burners, other
open flame apparatus, as well as extension cords and other devices or materials which may
create a fire hazard if used without authorization or in unauthorized areas, such as residence
hall rooms.
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Fire Alarms and Safety Equipment
No person shall make, or cause to be made, a false fire alarm or emergency report of any
kind. No person shall tamper with, damage, disable or misuse fire safety equipment.
Likewise, failure to promptly and completely evacuate any campus building or facility once
a fire alarm has been sounded, or when directed under such circumstances to do so by a
college staff member is prohibited. Students who cause a false alarm will be responsible
for paying all fees associated with the response, including but not limited to fire and rescue
services.
Health or Safety Directive
Failure to Comply with Health or Safety Directive Failure to comply with any directive of
any Benedict College administrator/employee issued on behalf of the College, any
Executive Order from the Governor of the State of South Carolina, or any local, state of
federal law, regulation or mandate to address a health or safety concern including but not
limited to natural disasters (e.g., tornado, earthquake, flood, hurricane, etc.), war, terrorist
act, strike, public health outbreak (e.g., pandemic or wide-spread and/or infectious disease
outbreak), fire, release of nuclear material or dangerous substance into the environment or
other catastrophic event or major disruption of the College operations.”
Fraud or Lying
Lying or fraudulent misrepresentation in, or regarding, any transaction with the College,
whether oral, written or by other means, is prohibited, including misrepresenting the truth
before a hearing of the College or making a false statement to any College official.
Hazing
The term "Hazing" as used in this section shall mean any conduct or method of initiation
into a student organization whether on public or private property, which willfully or
recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such
conduct shall include, but not be limited to: whipping, beating, branding, forced
calisthenics, prolonged exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor,
beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity
which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other
person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including
extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation. Consent shall not be available
as a defense to any violation of this section.
Misuse of Keys
No student may use or possess any College key without proper authorization from the
Physical Plant designated for staff. No student is allowed under any condition to
have a college key duplicated.
Misuse of Telephones
No student shall make or assist in making annoying telephone calls, or otherwise misuse
or abuse telephone equipment at the College.
Misuse of College Documents
Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any College document or record is forbidden, including
furnishing false information, or withholding material information from the College.
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Official Requests
Students must comply with the reasonable and lawful requests of Benedict College officials
acting in the performance of official duties. Students are expected to respond to official
written or verbal requests directing them to meet with college officials or to appear at
disciplinary hearings to respond to allegations or testify as witnesses when reasonably
notified to do so. A failure to properly comply with or complete a sanction or obligation
resulting from a disciplinary hearing or adjudication may be considered a violation of an
official request.
Thefts or Misappropriation
Theft of any kind is forbidden, including seizing, receiving, or concealing property with
knowledge that it has been stolen. Sale, possession, or misappropriation of any property,
including Benedict College property, without the owner’s permission is also prohibited.
(Property that is found shall be turned in to the Campus Police Department).
Use of College Facilities
Unauthorized entry into, presence in or use of college facilities, equipment or property that
has not been reserved or accessed through appropriate College officials is prohibited.
Students or student organizations authorized to use a building, or any area of the Benedict
College campus must have in their possession, while occupying the building or area, the
written authorization of the Director of Student Activities. The authorization must be
presented to the Campus Police Department or to administrative officials upon request,
and the users must ensure that the building is secure when they leave.
Violation of College Policies or Procedures
Failure to abide by any published College policy contained within the Student Handbook
is prohibited.
Behavior at Athletic and Social Events (e.g., football games, concerts, etc...)
Benedict College students are expected to conduct themselves in a reasonable and
inoffensive manner at all events. The use of offensive language and/or vulgar chants or
signs is unacceptable and may result in the confiscation of Benedict College ID's, ejection
from the facility and the possibility of additional disciplinary action.
Hate Crime
A Hate Crime is any form of crime (e.g., assault, battery, vandalism, etc.) that is committed
against an individual because of his or her race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, gender, or
sexual orientation. A Hate Crime of any form is forbidden and subject to disciplinary
action.
Physical Violence
Respect for the human dignity of the individual is an essential cornerstone of Benedict
College. Students expect to be free from violence, and threats or abuse and they have an
obligation to respect these expectations in relation to fellow students. Physical violence in
any form except self-defense, and then only to the limited degree necessary for self-
protection, cannot be tolerated in a civil, educational environment. This category of
misconduct encompasses but is not limited to rape, sexual assault, indecent assault/battery,
assault/battery (simple and/or by means of a dangerous weapon), fighting/brawling, and
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relationship violence (girlfriend/boyfriend). Under no circumstance is physical violence
an acceptable means to resolve problems, disputes, or interpersonal relations.
Violations in these areas of physical violence will be subject to review within the College's
Student Judiciary System aside from civil or criminal Court actions and may result in
sanction up to and including a College Restraining Order or College Dismissal.
Violations of Criminal Law
In instances where a student is charged with a violation under the local, state, or federal
law, the Vice President of Student Affairs, or designee, will review the nature of the
criminal charges against the student and determine whether the matter warrants being
referred to the College's judicial system for a hearing. A finding of guilty or an admission
of sufficient facts in criminal court may be used as evidence against a student at an on-
campus judicial hearing. In some instances, however, the on-campus proceedings may be
heard concurrent with or prior to the criminal proceedings.
Protecting Confidentiality
No user is to disclose confidential information unless disclosure is a normal requirement
of that user's position and has been so authorized. All users with access to confidential data
are to safeguard the accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality of that data by taking the
precautions, and performing the office procedures, necessary to ensure that no
unauthorized disclosure of confidential data occurs. Such precautions and procedures
include the secure storage of data backups and the protection of sensitive data with access
codes.
Off-Campus Criminal Violations
The College reserves the right to charge a student with misconduct that arises off-campus
if the individual is in violation of local, state or federal laws which materially or adversely
affects the individual's suitability as a member of the Benedict College community and
violates College student codes of conduct.
Off-Campus Disturbances
Students who reside in off campus apartments have a responsibility as members of both the
Benedict College community and the neighborhood community, to demonstrate respect
and concern for all members of the local community. As a result, Benedict College
imposes an obligation upon all its students to demonstrate responsible citizenship in the
local neighborhood. Excessive or unreasonable noise, the illegal use and/or sale or
distribution of alcohol or drugs, objects being thrown out of apartment windows,
excessively large parties and/or rude and abusive language or behavior are not in concert
with this obligation. Therefore, the College reserves the right to refer any student or
students identified as being involved in this type of behavior to the Benedict College
Student Judicial System for disciplinary action.
Direct Threat
A “direct threat” is a significant risk of causing substantial harm to the health or safety of
the student or others that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level through
the provision of reasonable accommodations. A significant risk constitutes a high
probability of substantial harm and not just a slightly increased, speculative, or remote
risk.
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WRITTEN STUDENT COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
A student who expresses a complaint about a personnel matter, policy, procedure, or action
of the College and is not able to get the complaint resolved through conference with the
applicable unit will be advised to state his/her complaint in writing and submit it to
the Office of Student Affairs through the online complaint form located on the College's
website, https://www.benedict.edu/written-complaint-and-resolution-form/?. The written
complaint must be stated clearly, to include:
❖ Student information
❖ Nature of the complaint
❖ Pertinent information to detail name(s), date(s), witness (es), address (es),
specifics and dates.
❖ Proposed Resolution
The written complaint must be signed by the student and filed with the Office of Student
Affairs as close to the actual incident as possible. Complaints not filed within 90 days will
be considered on a case-by-case basis. Complaints will then be assigned to an
Administrative Department for resolution. Involved parties will have an opportunity to
provide additional information to address the matter. A written resolution (if
appropriate) will be prepared by the assigned administrator and forwarded to the
complainant. If the student who expressed the complaint still feels the complaint has
not been adequately resolved, the student may wish to have the complaint heard by
the Student Grievance Committee. The student can request a grievance committee
meeting through the Office of Student Affairs. Once the Student Grievance Committee
determines a resolution, the student has the option to appeal to the Vice President
of Student Affairs, where the final determination will rest.
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TITLE IX POLICY STATEMENT
Benedict College adheres to all federal, state, and local civil rights laws prohibiting
discrimination in employment and education. Benedict College does not discriminate in
its admissions practices, in its employment practices, or in its educational programs or
activities on the basis of age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, race,
color, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, national origin, military or veteran
status and forbids retaliation against anyone for engaging in protected activity.
This policy extends to all students, employees, and applicants for admission and/or
employment. Further, it extends to all programs and activities supported by the College;
including but not limited to the College of Extended Learning Services and College
sponsored internships.
As a recipient of federal financial assistance for education activities, Benedict College is
required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to ensure that all of its
education programs and activities do not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender. Sex
includes sex, sex stereotypes, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation and
pregnancy or parenting status.
Benedict College also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or
participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internal or external
to the College. Sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and
stalking are forms of sex discrimination, which are prohibited under Title IX and by
Benedict College policy.
Any member of the campus community, guest, or visitor who acts to deny, deprive, or limit
the educational, employment, residential, or social access, opportunities and/or benefits of
any member of the Benedict College community on the basis of sex is in violation of the
Policy and Procedures on Sexual Discrimination and Misconduct.
Any person may report sex discrimination (whether or not the person reporting is the
person alleged to have experienced the conduct), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by
email, using the contact information listed below for the Title IX Coordinator. A report
may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by contacting Campus
Police at 803-253-5400.
Questions regarding Title IX, and/or concerns about noncompliance, should be directed
to the Title IX Coordinator. To view a complete copy of the Title IX Policy, contact the
Title IX Coordinator.
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SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY
https://www.benedict.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/BC-Title-IX-Sexual-
Misconduct-Policy-Draft-Update-eb09282021-Copy-final-Copy.pdf
Student Grievance Committee
The Student Grievance Committee, which is comprised of faculty, staff, and students,
reviews grievances concerning currently enrolled students, and when appropriate,
facilitates resolution of such grievances. A grievance is a complaint arising out of any
alleged unauthorized or unjustified act or decision by a member of the College
community that in any way adversely affects the status, rights, or privileges of any
student. Grievances are not adjudications or appeals for the judiciary process. The
judiciary process is specifically handled by a separate committee, Student Judiciary
Committee. The burden of proof rests with the person making the complaint. Once the
Student grievance Committee determines a resolution, the student has the option to
appeal to the Vice President of Student Affairs, where the final determination will rest.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
This section includes additional helpful information about the College and various
Student Support Services:
❖ A listing of Campus Buildings
❖ Learning Resources Center
❖ Student Financial Services
❖ Student Transportation
❖ Counseling and Testing Services
❖ College Bookstore
❖ Campus Post Office
❖ Career Pathways Initiative and Service-Learning Programs
❖ Educational Support Services
❖ Special Student Services
❖ Service Learning and Leadership Development Program
❖ First-Year Experience
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❖ Open Access Computer Laboratories
❖ Athletic Department (including Intramural Sports)
❖ Service Organizations
❖ Benedict College Intellectual Property Rights Policy
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LEARNING RESOURCES CENTER (LRC)
Benedict College, through ownership or formal arrangements or agreements, provides
and supports student and faculty access and user privileges to adequate library
collections and services and to other learning/information resources consistent with the
degrees offered. Collections, resources, and services are sufficient to support all its
educational, research, and public service programs.
Learning Resources Center (LRC) Operating Hours:
First and Second Semesters
Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 3:00 p.m. – 11:00p.m.
Intercession
Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday Closed
Summer School Sessions
Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. 9:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday Closed
Sunday 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Instructional Media Center Hours
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
1:00 p.m. – 5:00p.m.
Saturday – Sunday Closed
Archives Department Hours
Available Upon Request
The library, an intrinsic part of Benedict College, observes certain holidays. Inquiries as to
holidays observed and any for further information about the services offered may be made
by calling the library at (803) 705-4773.
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STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES
The Office of Student Financial Services assists students in registering for each academic
semester and provides different payment options to finance their education. Throughout
the fall and spring semester, Student Financial Services staff meet with the seminar classes
to speak to the freshmen and sophomores about the importance of submitting
documentation on time, loan repayment, consequences of default, and staying in touch with
the College and their counselors to ensure all funds awarded are received and posted. The
Office of Student Financial Services is in Pratt Hall and can be reached at (803) 705-4547.
COLLEGE BOOKSTORE
The College Bookstore carries all required and recommended new and used textbooks for
college courses. Students can pick up their textbooks from the bookstore with their college
ID’s during the first month of classes. After this time, the bookstore begins to return books
to the publishers to clear the shelves for the next semester.
Textbooks and other supplies required for your classes may be purchased at the bookstore,
which also stocks other items, including toiletries, stationery, a variety of T-shirts,
sweatshirts, jackets, umbrellas, Caps & Gowns and Class Rings. Benedict College
mementos, etc. Bookstore is owned and operated by Follett Higher Education Group and
is located at 2300 Haskell Avenue, the corner of Oak Street & Haskell Avenue. For
additional information, please call (803) 705-4812.
CAMPUS POST OFFICE
The Post Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30a.m. to 4:00p.m. Postage stamps,
stamped envelopes, and stamped postcards may be purchased from the Post Office, which
is located on the second floor in the David H. Swinton Campus Center. Letters and small
packages may also be mailed from the Post Office, which wraps packages properly for
mailing for a small fee. Every student is assigned a box number for the duration of his or
her stay at Benedict College. For additional information, please contact the Campus Post
Office at (803) 705-4434.
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CAREER PATHWAYS INITIATIVE AND SERVICE-LEARNING
PROGRAMS
The Career Pathways Initiative and Service-Learning Programs provide services for
students, faculty, alumni, and employees. Our services include career coaching, resume
development, experiential learning coordination, career readiness workshops, career
assessments, field studies, and a variety of other services.
The Career Pathways Initiative enhances students’ personal and professional growth and
development through their matriculation and into their career field of choice by the
plethora of care services that are afforded to students and by establishing business and
community partnerships for the college.
This new initiative was made possible through funding from the United Negro College
Fund and Lily Foundation allows the college to combine Career Services and the Service-
Learning Program to form the unit. Additionally, Dr. Roslyn Clark-Artis, who brings
progressive leadership and a culture of inclusion for students on campus and for all
community stakeholders, has supported this initiative from its inception.
The Benedict College Career Pathways Initiative and Service-Learning Program supports
faculty, staff, students, and community partners in the implementation of career pathways
and career mapping. The goal of career pathways and career mapping is to help students
become career ready through intentional services and activities that support career growth,
career development, and career transition.
Purple Briefcase Ambassadors (PBAs) are those selected Benedict College leaders who will
help support the Career Development Center initiatives as it relates to training,
implementation, and maintenance of the career management system, Purple Briefcase.
Oversight and training will be provided by the Career Development Center staff. The
Office of Career Pathways Initiative and Service-Learning Programs is in the Business
Development Center located at 2601 Read Street and can be reached at (803) 705-4815.
STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER
The Student Success Center (SSC) provides a one-stop service center for academic and
technological support for students. The SSC seeks to assist students in college-level work,
thereby creating positive outcomes and improving the student retention rate. It also seeks
to make academic provisions to accommodate disabled and special-needs students. Thus,
the SSC endeavors to reinforce and accommodate students' performance beginning with
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the freshman year of the general education curriculum and extending to coursework
through the senior year.
The Student Success Center is in the lower level of the Learning Resources Center
and will be coordinated by the new position of Director of Retention.
The Student Success Center provides the following services to students:
Academic Support Labs (English/Writing Lab and Mathematics Lab)
The English/Writing Laboratory and Mathematics Lab are resources for all students.
Professional learning specialists and student tutors support students with assignment
completion, examination preparation, study skills, and test-taking skills, as well as
assistance in using computers with writing or math assignments.
Tutoring Services and Student Success Sessions
Facilitated by the Office of Educational Support Services, tutoring services are
coordinated for students on a variety of subjects in support of academic achievement.
Students may also arrange for group and project support. Exam proctoring and sites;
student tutorial programs; workshops; and orientation sessions for special academic
activities are also coordinated for students. In addition, special Study Nights are
provided during a time close to the mid-term and final examination periods to prepare
students for successful completion of academic requirements in all subject areas. Students
are assisted by volunteer faculty, staff, and peer tutors and technology support staff.
Special Student Services
The Office of Special Student Services provides reasonable assistance and services for
students who need special accommodations that will aid them in achieving academic
success. If a student has a documented disability, it is a student’s responsibility to self-
disclose as a student with special needs as soon as possible and provide appropriate and
current documentation to request accommodations through the Office of Special Student
Services.
Instructional Technology Training and Support
Instructional Technology support staff are available to assist faculty and students in
effectively utilizing various applications and platforms in support of our academic
programs.
Academic Advising Services
The SSC also seeks to engage students in a collaborative and supportive relationship that
will assist them in achieving their education, career, and personal goals. Information about
the academic programs, learning resources, academic policies and procedures is available
to assist students in successfully utilizing support resources and services.
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The SSC’s advising services also include the Academic Probation Management Program
(APMP), designed to help students meet the college’s Satisfactory Academic Progress
(SAP) requirements. Through one-on-one advising sessions, academic enhancement
workshops, and goal-specific programming, students receive specific, individualized,
assistance with their academic goals.
SERVICE LEARNING AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Service-Learning and Leadership development unit is designed to enhance students’
collegiate experiences by bridging their academic, personal, professional, and cultural
development to cultivate an ethic of leadership and citizenship through curricular and co-
curricular activities. Through academic study of leadership, developmental programs, and
service-learning, students develop a sense of personal responsibility for finding solutions
to the concerns of society. The unit works cohesively to effectuate the theme of success
through personal accountability, commitment to excellence, effort, “Tiger Pride” and
community engagement.
The units in the Service-Learning and Leadership Development Program are:
❖ New Student Orientation
❖ Leadership Development Seminars
❖ Leadership Development Institute
❖ Service-Learning Program
SERVICE LEARNING
Benedict College students are required to engage in service-learning activities designed to
effect change and build leadership through academic-based opportunities that enhance
students’ intellectual growth, civic responsibility, and career exploration. Students engage
in service-learning via Leadership Development Seminar Courses and designated
departmental courses. Each student is required to complete a minimum of 120 hours of
service learning for graduation, except for transfer students. The Service-Learning
Program is in Stark’s Hall (Gressette Leadership Center) and can be reached at (803) 705-
7426.
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NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
New Student Orientation is an intensive program of activities that is initiated at the
beginning of each semester to prepare new students for their collegiate experience. The
orientation program is at the core of the College’s efforts to retain students through
Graduation, and students are encouraging to be active participants in the process. The
New Student Orientation program is in Stark’s Hall (Gressette Leadership Center) and can
be reached at (803) 705-4763.
OPEN ACCESS COMPUTER LABORATORIES
The general open computer laboratories are provided for all students regardless of specific
disciplines and maintained by the Management Information Systems (MIS) Department.
The open computer labs are in the following areas:
Open Access Computer Labs
Hours of Operation
Bacoats Hall
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Starks Student Center
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Duckett Hall 303B
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Living and Learning Labs
Hours of Operation
Gambrell Hall
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Goodson Hall
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Haskell
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Jenkins Hall
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Mather Hall
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Mini Dorm
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Oak Street
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Stuart Hall
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
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ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
Benedict College provides high-quality educational and athletic experiences for its
student-athletes through successful competition in intercollegiate athletics in the
Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), while simultaneously maintaining
and enhancing the academic profile and achievements of the student-athletes. The
College’s athletics programs are run in strict compliance with the SIAC, National
Intercollegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and Benedict College policies and
procedures. Students may participate in 16 regular male and female sports teams as
follows:
Male Teams
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Tennis
Indoor Track and Field
Outdoor Track and Field
Volleyball
Female Teams
Basketball
Cheerleader Squads
Cross Country
Softball
Tennis
Indoor Track and Field
Outdoor Track and Field
Volleyball
Intramural Program
Benedict College offers an Intramural Program designed to provide a wide variety of
activities and sports for participation by all students. We currently offer for men and
women: Basketball, Flag Football, Recreational Volleyball and Softball. This provides
free play and recreational opportunities for all students, faculty, staff, and families, on a
limited basis.
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SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
Listed below are some of the local organizations that students may find helpful.
HIV/AIDS Information
2000 Hampton Street, Columbia, South Carolina, (803) 576-2980. For more information
about HIV infection and AIDS call toll free (800) 322-2437.
Alcoholics Anonymous
For more information on local meetings, contact (803) 254-5301 (24 hours). Information
is also available at their office at 3014 Devine Street, Columbia, South Carolina.
Women’s Shelter
3425-1/2 North Main Street, (803) 779-4706. Provides counseling and shelter for abused
women, as well as legal and medical advocacy.
County Clerk
Courthouse, 1701 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina, 29201, (803) 576-1950. The
County Clerk issues marriage licenses. They can also provide you with a form to register
as a South Carolina voter.
Consumer Affairs
2801 Devine Street, Columbia, South Carolina, (803) 734-4200. Mediates
consumer/business problems and landlord/tenant problems. Helps individuals to
understand their rights.
Employment Commission
1550 Gadsden Street, Columbia, South Carolina, (803) 737-2400. Staffed by professional
placement interviewers and is a good resource for students who are looking for summer,
part-time, or full-time jobs.
Health Department
2000 Hampton Street, Columbia, South Carolina, (803) 576-2980. The Code
Enforcement Officer inspects off-campus apartments and issues Certificates of
Occupancy. When renting an off-campus apartment, you should make sure it has a
Certificate of Occupancy. A building will have this certificate if the Code Enforcement
Officer has inspected the apartment in accordance with Chapter 2 of the State Sanitary
Code.
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Legal Services
2109 Bull Street, Columbia, South Carolina, (803) 799-9668. Specializes in poverty law.
You must be income eligible to use this service.
Department of Mental Health
2414 Bull Street, Columbia, South Carolina (803) 898-4800. This agency provides many
services including individual, group and family therapy, marriage counseling, a chemical
dependency unit, vocational services.
Rape Crisis
3700 Forest Drive, Suite 350, Columbia, South Carolina, (803) 771-7273. This agency
provides crisis counseling; support through hospital, police, and court procedures for
victims of rape, molested children, and individuals in relationships with rape victim; as well
as educational services on rape/sexual assault.
Palmetto Health Richland Hospital
Located at Five Richland Medical Park, Columbia, South Carolina, (803) 434-7000.
Students utilize the emergency room for medical emergencies and when the College Health
Services are not available.
Department of Motor Vehicles
955 Park Street, Columbia, South Carolina, (803) 896-8623 (24 hours).
Planned Parenthood
2712 Middleburg Drive, Columbia, South Carolina, (803) 256-4908. The agency provides
gynecological diagnostic services, birth control supplies, and all types of counseling
concerning contraceptives, problem pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and other
areas of human sexuality. For schedules of service, please call for information regarding
appointments.
Social Services
1535 Confederate Avenue, Columbia, South Carolina, (803) 898-7462. You can apply for
food stamps and Medicaid at this office. You may be eligible if you: 1) have college work
study, 2) work at least 20 hours a week at a part time job, 3) are the head of a household
with one or more dependents, or 4) are disabled. When you go to your appointment be
sure to bring all personal financial statements (bank books, checking accounts, etc.) a
financial aid statement from the College, positive ID, and either your driver’s license or
something with your social security number on it.
Victim Assistance League
1213 D Avenue, West Columbia, South Carolina 29169, (803)796-7357. Victim Assistance
League contacts and assists persons identified as victims in police reports.
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BENEDICT COLLEGE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS POLICY
Introduction
The Intellectual Property Rights Policy at Benedict College is intended to clarify
ownership of intellectual property rights, establish an opportunity for commercialization
of works, inventions, and discoveries, and provide for equitable distribution of resources,
monetary and other benefits accruing from Benedict College exploitation of these works,
inventions, and discoveries.
This Intellectual Property Rights Policy at Benedict College is applicable to all faculty
(including visiting faculty) and staff, as well as full-time and part-time students at Benedict
College.
Definitions (as used in this Policy)
“Intellectual Property” at Benedict College is defined as all materials subject to copyright,
patent, trade secret, and/or trademark laws.
Copyright laws protect original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of
expression. Examples of works that are potentially copyrightable include original
writings, works of visual art, musical compositions and recordings, scholarly articles,
tests, syllabi, computer programs, photographs, movies and other audiovisual works,
dramatic works, compilations, and other artistic creations.
Patent laws protect useful and novel inventions and discoveries, including processes,
machines, and articles of manufacture, compositions of matter, product designs, and
improvements thereof. Examples of inventions and discoveries that are potentially
patentable include computer programs, electronic devices, chemical compositions,
manufacturing processes, and pharmaceuticals.
Trademark laws protect words, symbols, logos, names, and other devices (whether
registered or not) that are used to identify and distinguish one person's, company's,
or institution's goods or services from those of others. Benedict College owns several
trademarks including registrations at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the
marks BENEDICT COLLEGE®, the Benedict Tiger logo, and the Benedict College
Seal.
Trade secret laws protect economically valuable information, including formulas,
processes, methods, compilations, techniques, systems, and other matter which is not
generally known or reasonably ascertainable, and which is the subject of efforts that
are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain secrecy of the information.
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"Creator" is defined as the person (being a Benedict College employee or student) or
persons who invent, author, or otherwise create the Intellectual Property. Please note that
the Creator of Intellectual Property, depending on the circumstances, will not necessarily
be the owner of such Intellectual Property.
"Net Adjusted Income" in relation to specific Intellectual Property is defined as equaling
the gross revenue received by Benedict College from licensing or exploitation of such
Intellectual Property, minus the current and projected expenses that Benedict College
deems necessary to defend, enforce, maintain, register, and/or exploit the Intellectual
Property.
"Significant Use of Benedict College Facilities or Resources" is the extensive use of
Benedict College facilities (e.g., laboratories, studios, etc.) or human resources.
"Significant Use of Benedict College Funds" means funds provided by Benedict College
more than $5,000 and used for developing Intellectual Property.
A "Work Made For Hire" is a potentially copyrightable work: (a) prepared by an employee
of Benedict College within the scope of the employee's employment, or (b) specially ordered
or commissioned by Benedict College as set forth in a written agreement and that falls
within one of nine enumerated categories of works that qualify as a "work made for hire"
under the U.S. Copyright Act. Under U.S. copyright law, the owner of a Work Made for
Hire is considered the employer—not the employee who may have created the work. An
employee of Benedict College can include faculty, staff, and students that are employed by
Benedict College.
Ownership of Intellectual Property Rights
Intellectual Property may be owned by Benedict College, by the Creator of the Intellectual
Property, or by shared ownership. The policy guidelines below are used to determine who
owns Intellectual Property that is created by Benedict College faculty, staff, and students:
I. Circumstances Where Benedict College Owns Intellectual Property
Except where specific exemptions are made, Benedict College will own Intellectual
Property created by Benedict College employees or students in the following
circumstances:
• A Work Made for Hire; or
• Works, inventions, and discoveries within the scope of the employment with
Benedict College or resulting from the Significant Use of Benedict College
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Facilities or Resources or resulting from the Significant Use of Benedict
College Funds. Where a work, invention, or discovery is created within the
scope of employment, or through the Significant Use of Benedict College
Facilities or Resources or the Significant Use of Benedict College Funds, the
Creator agrees to execute any and all written agreements/documents
necessary
to transfer all right, title, and interest in the work, invention, or discovery to
Benedict College; or
• Discoveries, inventions, and works subject to agreements that grant Benedict
• College rights of ownership; or
• Trademarks and other indicia that signify Benedict College as the source of
goods or services.
II. Circumstances Where the Creator Owns Intellectual Property
The Creator will own Intellectual Property created where all the following circumstances
are met:
• A written agreement does not specifically transfer the rights or ownership in
the Intellectual Property to Benedict College or a third party; and
• The discoveries, inventions, or works were made without the Significant Use
of Benedict College Facilities or Resources, without the Significant Use of
Benedict College Funds, and made outside the scope of employment; and
• The work created is not deemed to be a Work Made for Hire under U.S.
copyright law; and
• The Intellectual Property, if a trademark, does not signify Benedict College
as the source of goods or services suggest a sponsorship or endorsement by
Benedict College where none exists, or otherwise infringe any rights that
Benedict College may have.
All Creators at Benedict College will retain any copyrights in the creation of original works
textbooks, research papers, and scholarship consistent with copyright laws, except:
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• Where performed as a part of contractual obligations or specially
commissioned by Benedict College or a third party; or
• When constituting a Work Made for Hire; or
• When created with Significant Use of Benedict College Facilities or
Resources, or the Significant Use of Benedict College Funds. However,
extensive use of a Benedict College facility ordinarily available to most or all
employees and/or students (e.g., library, personal office space, office
computers) and used in the creation of original copyrightable works in the
nature of textbooks, research papers, and scholarship will not constitute
Significant Use of Benedict College Facilities or Resources.
Creators who choose to use materials in which they claim rights, in the course of creating
Intellectual Property at Benedict College, will automatically grant Benedict College a free,
perpetual, non-exclusive, and irrevocable license for use (including reproduction,
distribution, display, performance, preparation of derivative works, and transmission) of
such materials and Intellectual Property for educational and research activities.
Benedict College will continue to encourage faculty, staff, and students, whose works,
inventions, and discoveries are made on their own time, outside of the scope of their
employment, and without the Significant Use of Benedict College Facilities
or Resources or the Significant Use of Benedict College Funds, to work with the College
to further develop such works, inventions, and discoveries. Works, inventions, and
discoveries not owned by Benedict College are considered the property of the Creators and
if the Creators choose, they may avail themselves of the opportunity to submit the works,
inventions, or discoveries to Benedict College for consideration of possible patenting
and/or commercialization and management under terms to be agreed between the
Creators and Benedict College.
III. Circumstances Where There is Shared Ownership of Intellectual Property
Benedict College and the Creator may, by written agreement, decide to share
ownership of Intellectual Property.
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IV. External Sponsorship/Funding
The ownership of Intellectual Property resulting from research that is sponsored or
funded (in whole or in part) by the federal government will be governed in
accordance with federal law, including the Bayh-Dole Act. The ownership of
Intellectual Property resulting from research or activities funded by other third
parties will be determined by the agreement in place between Benedict College and
the funding source. Where practicable, Benedict College will attempt to ensure that
any external sponsorship/funding agreements explicitly enumerate Intellectual
Property ownership issues.
Income from Certain Intellectual Property/Revenue Sharing
Benedict College will share revenue that it receives from exploitation of patents or
inventions with the inventors of such patents or inventions who are Benedict College
employees, or as agreed upon. In some cases, specific provisions of grants or contracts may
govern rights and revenue distribution regarding inventions or other Intellectual Property
made in connection with sponsored research. As necessary, Benedict College may contract
outside persons or organizations for managing, exploiting, enforcing, and/or defending
patents or inventions, and any royalty shares of expenses contractually committed to such
persons or organizations may be deducted as expenses to calculate Net Adjusted Income.
Distribution of Income from Patents or Inventions
The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research will use the distribution formula listed
below as a baseline to calculate and distribute the Net Adjusted Income from each license
or other exploitation of the patent or invention. However, the final determination of net
distribution will be commensurate with the College resources used to establish, maintain,
and exploit such patent or invention.
Subject to final determination of net distribution as discussed above, Net Adjusted Income
shall be distributed to persons other than Benedict College as follows:
• 30% to the employee-inventor,
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• 10% to the Department(s) that supported the creation of the patent or
invention, and 10 % to support the inventor’s research group.
In the case of co-inventors, the percentage share allocated to the inventor as listed above
shall be subdivided equally among the co-inventors, or as otherwise determined by
Benedict College. In some cases, certain laws, regulations or provisions of grants or
contracts may require that a lesser share be paid to the inventor, and Benedict College will
honor such requirements. Distribution of Net Adjusted Income will occur on an annual
basis.
Equity Interest and Income Received from Exploitation of Certain Intellectual Property
Benedict College, in licensing or otherwise exploiting patents or inventions, may elect to
accept equity in lieu of cash payments, licensing fees, royalties, or other consideration.
Benedict College may also incur the payment of commissions, other fees or charges and
other expenses when such equity interests are disposed. All such expenses are considered
development expenses to be subtracted from gross revenue in determining the Net
Adjusted Income.
Trademarks
Benedict College retains all rights to control the use of its name, trademarks (whether
registered or unregistered), and other indicia of Benedict College. This reservation of
rights includes use of the Benedict College name, trademarks, and other indicia that is on
or in connection with materials not owned or created by Benedict College. Faculty, staff,
students, and alumni may not use Benedict College's name, trademarks, and other College
indicia in a way that would be likely to suggest sponsorship or endorsement by Benedict
College, where none exists. Benedict College reserves the right to prohibit the use of its
name, trademarks, and other College indicia in its sole discretion.
Intellectual Property Disclosure, Evaluation, Protection and Commercialization
The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research is responsible for protecting, marketing,
negotiating, and licensing of Intellectual Property at Benedict College. To protect the
interests of the Creator and Benedict College, all creation of Intellectual Property in which
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Benedict College or a third-party sponsor may have an ownership interest must be
disclosed timely.
Therefore, before notifying outside parties (including sponsors) and for
any Intellectual Property in which Benedict College or a sponsor may
have an ownership interest, all Creators must submit a complete
disclosure form in an approved format to the Office of Sponsored
Programs and Research to ascertain if inventions, discoveries, works or
other Intellectual Property have commercial value.
The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research will then determine how to protect,
develop, market and/or commercialize Intellectual Property on behalf of Benedict College.
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs will provide a timely response to creators
and may employ outside evaluators and other consultants to review the disclosure, as well
as to assist in the licensing, commercialization, and protection of the Intellectual Property.
Dispute Resolution
Benedict College shall appoint an Intellectual Property Committee ("IPC") consisting of
no fewer than three members with a Vice President or designee as the chairperson of the
IPC. The IPC shall be responsible for the following:
• Review and recommend resolution on any Intellectual Property issues or disputes
• Decide upon appropriate disposition of Intellectual Property disclosures
• Resolve questions of Intellectual Property ownership
• Recommend expenditures associated with invention royalties
• Review and recommend changes in this Intellectual Property Rights Policy
If a Creator believes that the creation of Intellectual Property was made outside the general
scope of his or her duties as an employee at Benedict College, or made without the
Significant Use of Benedict College Facilities or Resources or the Significant Use of
Benedict College Funds, and does not believe that the rights in the Intellectual Property
vest in or must be assigned to Benedict College, the Creator shall, in the disclosure form,
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request that the IPC determine the respective rights of Benedict College and the Creator.
In reviewing the request, the IPC evaluation of the request may be based upon criteria
including:
• The circumstances under which the Intellectual Property was created and
developed.
• Time overlaps if any, between the Creator's official duties and when the Intellectual
Property was created.
• The relationship between the subject-matter of the Intellectual Property and the
Creator's scope of employment and job duties; and
• Procedures for patent application and Benedict College's involvement, if any.
Use of Third-Party Copyrighted Material
Benedict College respects the valid intellectual property rights of third parties. Benedict
College faculty, staff, and students shall not make reproductions, derivative works, public
performances, distributions, or public displays of a work owned by a third party, unless
the copyright holder has granted prior written permission, the work is in the public
domain, or the use of the work qualifies as "fair use" under the U.S. Copyright Act.
NOTE:
This document may be superseded by legal instrument pertaining to a specific
Intellectual Property agreement between the Creator and the authorized
representative of the College.
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