General Policies and Operating Procedures

Campus Safety

The Office of Campus Safety is located on the second floor of the Whitaker Campus Center, and can be reached by calling 301- 696-4548. To locate an officer on campus when the Security Office is closed, dial 0 for the College switchboard or stop by the Information Desk in the Whitaker Campus Center.

Emergency Canceling of Classes

During inclement weather, the College will activate its emergency notification system, which alerts community members of time-sensitive information during unforeseen events or emergencies. This system uses voice, email, and text messaging options. By default, all active students, faculty and staff are registered in the system to receive the email option. To receive the other options, you may log into your account, through the campus safety website and update it. You may also receive the latest information on weather related announcements at www.hood.edu or contacting the weather hotline at 301-696-3131 ext. 9.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-380) extends to students the right of access to their education records maintained at the College. The provost, the dean of the Graduate School and the registrar maintain these records for enrolled and former students. Information and notification as to the type of record; the accessibility of and policies for maintaining, reviewing and expunging the record; and the procedures for inspecting, reviewing, obtaining copies of or challenging the record are established by the appropriate offices.

Financial Obligations and Future Registrations

Students with financial holds due to unpaid fees will not be able to register for coursework until the balance is cleared. Questions about billing should be directed to the accounting office at accounting@hood.edu.

Parking

Parking is permitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Given the 24/7 nature of campus life, the number of vehicles on campus and the number of available spaces fluctuate throughout the day and evening. Additional parking can typically be found on the streets surrounding the College. When parking in the surrounding community, be courteous and respectful of neighbors. Do not block driveways or park in such a way as to inhibit another driver's ability to maneuver in or out of a parking space. Whether parking on or off campus, pay attention to all parking signs, especially those that identify restricted or reserved spaces, fire lanes and no parking areas. Hood College does not have parking jurisdiction in the community. Frederick City Police Department will ticket and/or tow vehicles at the owner's expense.

Parking permits are required for cars parked in all campus lots. Vehicle registration can be completed through Self Service and students can submit their email confirmation receipt to the Office of Campus Safety in the Whitaker Campus Center, room 108, where they will be issued a parking hangtag.

Religious Observance

Hood College recognizes individual student choice in observing religious holidays that occur during regularly scheduled classes. Students are responsible for work missed.

Students with Disabilities

Hood College actively supports the rights of students with disabilities to have equal access to education. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Hood makes every reasonable effort to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities.

Students who have a disability are asked to notify the director of accessibility services (the Student Success Center) as soon as possible. Early notification prevents delays in initiation of services and ensures the student full access to educational activities. The director, in consultation with the student, prepares a plan for services and forwards authorization for specified services (such as note taking and interpreting) to the appropriate offices on campus. Students requiring ASL interpreters should visit the ASL Interpreter Requests webpage at https://www.hood.edu/academics/josephine-steiner-student-success-center/asl-interpreter-cart-services-requests. 

Transcripts

Hood College has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide official transcript ordering. This service provides 24/7 access to ordering site; secure transactions; secure electronic transcript delivery worldwide; automatic order updates via mobile text alerts and email; and online order tracking.

All orders for official transcripts may be placed via Self Service (no log-in necessary) or www.getmytranscript.com.

Please note: we are unable to process transcript orders for students with a hold for failure to complete the required sexual assault prevention training. Please resolve the hold and task with the graduate school (gofurther@hood.edu).

Use of Facilities

Graduate students may use the academic facilities of the College in a manner consistent with the requirements of the courses in which they are enrolled and only during hours when the academic phase of the College is in operation. Graduate students may use their Graduate Student Identification Cards to gain admission to the pool and fitness center.