Policies

Discrimination and Harassment Policy for Students

Del Mar College, in its continuing effort to seek equity in education and in support of federal and state anti-discrimination legislation, provides a complaint procedure for the prompt and equitable investigation and resolution of complaints of unlawful discrimination or harassment of students based on their race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender, identity/transgender status, sexual orientation), age, disability, veteran or military status. This complaint procedure also constitutes the grievance procedure for complaints alleging unlawful sex discrimination required under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

The Discrimination and Harassment Complaint procedure provides a process through which the College may receive, respond to, and prevent incidents of alleged discrimination and/or harassment (includes sexual harassment).

Students who wish to submit complaints of discrimination or harassment should contact the District Student Complaint Coordinator.

Point of Contact: District Student Complaint Coordinator for student complaints of discrimination or sexual harassment.

Office of the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention

Harvin Student Center, Room 204

(361) 698-1277 • Fax (361) 698-1599

101 Baldwin Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78404-3897

Policy Prohibiting Sexual Violence

Del Mar College establishes this policy and related procedures in its continuing effort to seek equity in education and employment, and consistent with its legal responsibility and authority to take measures to address and prevent sexual violence, as required by Title IX of the Higher Education Act of 1964, as amended, and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (The “Clery Act”), as amended.

This policy is intended to inform students and employees of their rights if they are subjected to sexual violence, including the complaint procedures and support services that a survivor of sexual violence can access. This policy is also intended to inform students and employees of their responsibilities if they are aware that sexual violence has occurred to a Del Mar College student or employee.

Del Mar College (the “College”) will not tolerate and strictly prohibits sexual violence, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. The College will act to protect its students and employees from incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking committed by employees, students or outside third parties.

This policy applies to and may be used by all students and employees, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, to report incidents of sexual violence, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking occurring on or off campus.

For assistance with filing a complaint of sexual violence through College complaint procedures, obtaining assistance with accessing law enforcement and confidential counseling, emotional support and immediate emergency services, if not already accessed, students should contact the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention. Employees should contact the Director of Human Resources for the same assistance. In addition to contact information for the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention and the Director of Human Resources, the following contacts are for campus and local advocacy, counseling, health, mental health and legal assistance services.

Cheryl Sanders

Dean of Student Engagement and Retention

Harvin Student Center, Room 204

(361) 698-1277

Jerry Henry

Director of Human Resources

Heldenfels Administration Building

(361) 698-1088

Del Mar College Campus Security

(361) 698-1199

Del Mar College Counseling Center

Rita Hernandez, MA, LPC-S

(361) 698-1586

Smoking Policy

Del Mar College will comply with Board Policy B5.39 Smoking Control and subsequent local, state and federal requirements, which prohibits the use of tobacco, E-cigarettes, vaping pens and any other related products and devices by any employee, student, or visitor on all premises owned, rented, leased, or supervised by the College District, including all College District facilities, buildings, and grounds. In order to protect and promote the health, safety, and welfare of employees, students, and the public, Del Mar College will provide a smoke and tobacco free environment. This prohibition applies to property owned by others that the College District uses by agreement, and further applies to all District vehicles. All members of the Del Mar College community to observe the provisions and comply with the spirit and intent of this policy.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Del Mar College is committed to working to maintain a safe, healthy, lawful and productive working and educational environment for all employees and students. Studies have shown that use of illegal drugs and abuse of alcohol increases the potential for accidents, absenteeism, tardiness, unsatisfactory performance, inefficiency, poor employee morale and damage to the College’s reputation. 

The intent of this policy is to make Del Mar College a better place to study and work through upgrading the mental and physical health of the total College community. It acknowledges the freedom of choice for those individuals who require or seek information relative to Drug/Alcohol Abuse.

1. Definition of Legal Drugs
   • A “legal drug” is a prescribed drug or over-the-counter drug which has been legally obtained and is being legally used for the purpose for which it was prescribed or manufactured.
2. Definition of Illegal Drugs
   • An “illegal drug” is any drug or controlled substance which is (l) not legally obtainable or (2) is legally obtainable but was not legally obtained. The term “illegal drug” includes all illegal drugs, dangerous drugs and controlled substances defined and listed in Articles 4476-14 and 4476-15 (Texas Controlled Substances Act) Vernon’s Texas Civil Statutes. Marijuana, hashish, cocaine, PCP, LSD, heroin, Dilaudid, Quaaludes, steroids and methamphetamine are only a few of the dangerous drugs or controlled substances which are included within such terms.
   • This policy applies to all students and employees of Del Mar College, as well as College visitors, contractors and all other persons occupying space in/on conveyances, offices, buildings, facilities, or grounds over which Del Mar College has custody and control, including, but not limited to, rentals and leasing of auditorium and classroom spaces.
   • This policy does not cancel or supersede other laws, orders, instructions, or regulations which make the use, possession and/or distribution of dangerous drugs and controlled substances illegal.
   • When personal or behavioral problems begin to affect a student’s academic performance, and this appears to be the result of drug or alcohol abuse, the individual may be referred to the College Counseling Center for information on drugs/alcohol and/or to local community professionals. The student shall be responsible for any cost and/or fees incurred for professional services. Information concerning diagnosis, treatment and medical records will be kept strictly confidential.
   • It is recognized that a person’s job performance or academic studies may be affected by persons in the employee’s or student’s family who have alcohol, drug, or other emotional or behavioral problems. Therefore, the College will offer information services to these family members, but accepts no further responsibility.
   • Use, distribution, or possession of alcoholic beverages, dangerous drugs, or controlled substances while on College property or at any authorized activity sponsored by or for any College-related organization, whether on or off campus, is subject to disciplinary action.

AIDS Policy

Del Mar College recognizes that Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-related conditions such as AIDS-Related Complex (ARC) pose significant issues in an academic setting.

Because of the College’s commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe campus environment, the AIDS policy and other procedures emphasize the education of employees and students concerning AIDS and the management of each case of AIDS individually with sensitivity, flexibility and concern for the affected individual as well as other employees and students.

You may obtain educational pamphlets on AIDS at the Office of the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention, or the Office of Student Leadership and Campus Life and the Student Enrollment Center in the Harvin Student Center (East Campus) or the Coleman Center (West Campus). These pamphlets were developed by the Texas Department of Health.

Del Mar College, in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of l974, shall not give specific or detailed information concerning complaints or diagnosis without the expressed written consent of the affected student or employee.

You will not be denied enrollment or the right to attend classes or participate in College functions solely on the basis of diagnosis or suspicion of having HIV, AIDS, or ARC. If a physician’s evaluation demonstrates that you are unable to perform academically or that continued attendance presents a health or safety risk to yourself or others, the administration will make a decision solely on such medical evaluation about continuation of enrollment.

Immunization Policy

Meningitis Vaccination Requirement (SB 1107)

Del Mar College is fully committed to providing our students with a safe and healthy learning environment in which to pursue their studies and attain their academic goals. Del Mar College also strives to ensure access and equity for each and every student wishing to attend Del Mar for their academic endeavors.

The 83rd Texas Legislature approved Texas Senate Bill 62 which requires all new Del Mar College students 21 years of age or younger to provide proof of immunization against meningitis starting January 1, 2014.

The proof of meningitis vaccination requirement applies to:

• All first time freshmen
• All first time transfer students
• All students enrolling in courses located on any DMC campus who may have been previously exempt due to having been solely enrolled in 1) online or other distance education courses; 2) a continuing education course or program that was less than 360 contact hours, or a continuing education corporate training; or 3) a dual credit course, which was taught at a public or private K-12 facility not located on any DMC campus.

The proof of meningitis vaccination requirement does not apply to:

• Students who are 22 years of age or older by the first day of the start of the semester; or
• Students enrolled in a continuing education course or program that is less than 360 contact hours, or continuing education corporate training who are not otherwise enrolled in any other course located on any DMC campus

Deadlines

Students must submit proof of meningitis vaccination prior to registering for classes. Students who fail to submit this documentation will have a registration hold, preventing them from registering. Documentation must be submitted to the Del Mar College Student Enrollment Center located in the Harvin Student Center Room 127 (DMC East) or in the Coleman Center, Room 106 (DMC West).

Proof of Meningitis Vaccination

A student shall submit any of the following forms of documentation listed below as proof of having received a meningitis vaccination during the prescribed time period preceding enrollment.

1. Signed certification from a physician, a physician’s designee or public health personnel that shows the month, day and year the meningitis vaccination was administered.
2. An immunization record from a state or local health authority or an official record received from school officials.

All documentation must be submitted to the DMC Student Enrollment Center. Students may submit their documentation by fax, mail or in person.

Del Mar College

Student Enrollment Center, Rm 127

101 Baldwin Blvd.

Corpus Christi, Texas 78404-3897

Fax: (361) 698-1684

Failure to Provide Proof of Meningitis Vaccination

Students who fail to provide proof of meningitis vaccination will not be allowed to register until documentation has been submitted to the Student Enrollment Center.

Meningitis Vaccination Exemptions

A student is not required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis if the student submits to the institution one of the following:

1. An affidavit of certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, stating that in the physician’s opinion, the vaccination would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student.
2. An affidavit signed by the student stating that the student declines the vaccination for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. A conscientious exemption form from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) must be used. Affidavit requests can be found at https://corequest.dshs.texas.gov.
3. Confirmation that the student has completed the Internet-based Department of State Health Services form to claim an exemption for reasons of conscience. The form can be found on https://corequestjc.dshs.texas.gov.

Consultation with a Physician

Students are advised of the importance of consulting with a physician about the need for the immunization against bacterial meningitis to prevent the disease.

Additional Information

For additional information please contact the Del Mar College Student Enrollment Center at (361) 698-1290, by email at enroll@delmar.edu or in person at the Student Enrollment Center located in Harvin Center Room 127. Students may also visit www.delmar.edu/meningitis to learn more about SB 62 and the meningitis requirement or to access exemption forms.

Additional Immunizations

Senate Bill 1517 (effective Fall 1991) gives Texas institutions of higher education the option of requiring you to prove that you have been adequately immunized for diphtheria, rubeola, rubella, mumps, tetanus and poliomyelitis prior to admission.

The consequences of not being fully immunized are severe. An outbreak of any of these diseases can have a devastating impact on the campus community. Immunization is an integral part of preventive health care. Therefore, Del Mar College recommends that you be fully vaccinated prior to enrollment and that preventive vaccinations be taken when required.

If you are majoring in the health care fields, you must provide documented proof that you have been fully immunized.

For additional immunization information, you are encouraged to contact your family physician, the county health department, or the Immunization Division of the Texas Department of Health.

Health Care Students

These requirements apply to students enrolled in the health care majors who have direct or will have direct patient contact.

Immunizations and other requirements:

• Tetanus/Diphtheria: must have one dose within past 10 years.
• Measles: those born since January 1, 1957, must have two doses since 12 months of age. The two doses must be at least 30 days apart.
• Mumps: those born since January 1, 1957, must have at least one dose since 12 months of age.
• Rubella: at least one dose since 12 months of age is required.
• Hepatitis B: a complete series is required prior to beginning direct patient care.
• Tuberculosis test: must be performed annually.
• Criminal background check

Bacterial Meningitis Information

This information is being provided to all college students in the state of Texas. Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast - so take utmost caution. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that causes meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, including 100-125 on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths among college students every year.

There is a treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities.

What are the symptoms?

• High fever
• Rash or purple patches on skin
• Light sensitivity
• Confusion and sleepiness
• Lethargy
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Nausea
• Seizures

There may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. These can occur anywhere on the body.

The more symptoms, the higher the risk, so when these symptoms appear, seek immediate medical attention.

How is bacterial meningitis diagnosed?

• Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests.
• Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.

How is the disease transmitted?

• The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, or by sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions.

How do you increase your risk of getting bacterial meningitis?

• Exposure to saliva by sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils, food, kissing, etc.
• Living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or group home).

What are the possible consequences of the disease?

• Death (in 8 to 24 hours)
• Permanent brain damage
• Kidney failure
• Learning disability
• Hearing loss, blindness
• Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that requires amputation
• Gangrene
• Coma
• Convulsions

Can the disease be treated?

• Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and chances of recovery are increased. However permanent disability or death can still occur.
• Vaccinations are available and should be considered for:
  • Those living in close quarters
  • College students 29 years old or younger
• Vaccinations are effective against four of the five most common bacterial types that cause 70 percent of the disease in the U.S. (but does not protect against all types of meningitis).
• Vaccinations take seven to 10 days to become effective, with protection lasting three to five years.
• The cost of vaccine varies, so check with your health care provider.
• Vaccination is very safe - most common side effects are redness and minor pain at injection site for up to two days.
• Vaccination is available at your health care provider.

How can I find out more information?

• Contact your own health care provider.
• Contact your local or regional health department.