General Information / College Policies

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Accreditation and Oversight

Aims Community College is authorized to operate by Colorado Revised Statutes - C.R.S. 23-71-Part 1: The Junior College Organization Act. Degree and certificate programs are reviewed by the Colorado Department of Higher Education and the Colorado State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education. The College is governed by the elected, five-person Aims District Board of Trustees. Trustees are elected in odd-numbered years, serve four-year terms and are held to a two-term limit.

Aims Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Comments about the College can be addressed to the Higher Learning Commission at 230 South LaSalle Street, Ste. 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604. Instructions for filing a complaint with the Commission can be found at http://www.hlcommission.org/Student-Resources/complaints.html.  For more information about Accreditation, please visit www.aims.edu/about/accreditation.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Annual Notification 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day Aims Community College receives a request for access. 

   A student should submit to the Registrar a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. 

   A student who wishes to ask Aims to amend a record should write the Registrar, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.

   If Aims decides not to amend the record as requested, they will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to provide written consent before Aims discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

   Aims discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official typically includes persons employed by Aims in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the board of trustees; or a student serving on an official committee. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of Aims who performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent.A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for Aims.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of education concerning alleged failures by Aims to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Non-Discrimination

Aims Community College does not discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices, based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, ancestry, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification. Employees and participants who have an inquiry or complaint of harassment or discrimination, or who observe acts of discrimination or harassment, should contact the Executive Director of Human Resources, Cornerstone, at (970) 339-6434.

Student Informal Complaint

A student who has a complaint, issue, concern or problem with a college employee, department, another student or an instructional situation should attempt to visit with the individual or office to find a resolution. 

If a student has attempted to resolve a situation and feels they need support to resolve a situation they should complete the online Student Informal Complaint report. Once a report has been submitted, the student will be contacted to set up a meeting with a complaint process liaison. More information about the Student Informal Complaint process can be found here.

If working with and through the Informal Complaint process does not lead to a resolution, the student will be referred to another institutional process.

Children on Campus

All children on campus under the age of eighteen (18) must be under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian unless they are involved in a specific College approved and supervised activity. Children on Campus Policy. 

Smoking Policy

Smoking is prohibited in all buildings owned and operated by the College. Tobacco Policy. 

Drugs and Alcohol Policy

Aims Community College is a drug-free workplace. Drug and Alcohol Policy. 

Prohibition Against Enrollment in State-Supported Institutions of Higher Education of Persons Convicted of Rioting Offenses

Under Colorado law, no person shall be enrolled in a state-supported institution of higher education for a period of twelve months following the date of a guilty verdict, guilty plea, no contest plea, or a deferred judgment and sentence for inciting riot, arming rioters, or engaging in a riot.

An Alcohol and Drug Free Education Institution

I. Background

The National Drug Control Strategy issued in September 1989, proposed that the Congress pass legislation requiring schools, colleges and universities to implement and enforce firm drug prevention and education programs as a condition of eligibility to receive Federal financial assistance. On December 12, 1989, President Bush signed the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (PL 101-226) which requires institutions of higher education to implement a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by their students and employees on school premises or as part of any school activity.

This law, in addition to the Drug Free Workplace Act (PL 100-690, 5151-5160), which requires applicants for federally funded grants and contracts to certify that they will institute affirmative steps to prohibit the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, and use of controlled substances in the workplace, establishes the foundation on which Aims Community College has established its drug and alcohol policy.

II. Standard of Conduct

Aims Community College complies with both the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act. In compliance with these Acts all students and employees are prohibited from the unlawful manufacturing, possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on any of the Aims’ campuses or at any Aims sponsored activity.

III. Legal Sanctions

Students and employees are reminded that local, state, and federal laws provide for a variety of legal sanctions and penalties for the unlawful manufacturing, possession, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. These sanctions include but are not limited to incarceration and monetary fines.

The Federal Controlled Substances Act specifies penalties, for a first offense individual involved in the unlawful manufacturing, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute narcotics, of not fewer than 10 years or more than life imprisonment and a fine up to 4 million dollars, or both. The penalty for simple possession, knowingly or intentionally possessing a controlled substance, is imprisonment up to one year and a minimum fine of $1,000, or both. Penalties for unlawful distribution of a controlled substance to a person under twenty-one (21) years of age is imprisonment or a fine, or both, up to twice that established for distribution offenses.

The Colorado Criminal Code relating to controlled substances (Title 18, Article 18) establishes penalties for the unlawful distribution, manufacturing, dispensing, sale, or possession of a controlled substance ranging from six months imprisonment or $500 fine, or both, to 16 years imprisonment and/or $750,000 in fines, depending on the classification of substance. Penalties under the Colorado Beer Code (Title 12, Article 47) relating to unlawful manufacturing, distribution, and possession of alcoholic beverages range up to one year imprisonment and/or up to $5,000 in fines, or both.

Local ordinances for the City of Greeley, relating to illicit drugs and alcohol, coincide with the State of Colorado statutes.

IV. College Sanctions

Students and/or employees (full or part-time) who violate the standards set forth under the Aims Drugs and Alcohol Policy will be subject to disciplinary actions. Sanctions include, but are not limited to, reprimand, probation, suspension, expulsion or termination and/ or referral to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.

V. Health Risks

Health risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse encompass physical and psychological effects, including but not limited to: malnutrition, brain damage, paranoia, psychosis, hepatitis, convulsions, coma, depression, heart disease, death, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, damage to the central nervous system, elevated blood pressure, respiratory failure, low birth weight babies, babies with drug/alcohol addictions, and an increased probability of intravenous drug users contracting AIDS. It is recommended that anyone having specific questions relating to their health and drugs/ alcohol should consult their physician. 

Consumer Information

In addition to information contained in this catalog and in compliance with the Higher Education Opportunities Act of 2008, Aims Community College posts a wide variety of Consumer Information on the College website. This information may be accessed at https://www.aims.edu/about/consumer-information.

Catalog Changes

Aims Community College reserves the right, whenever it judges it necessary or advisable to meet changing academic, instructional, student, or fiscal needs, to cancel or modify, without notice, any course or program described in this catalog. The College also reserves the right to change any provision or requirement of this catalog, including tuition and fees.

Emergencies

As always, in the event of an emergency, call 911. Please don’t hesitate to contact Campus Security directly at (970) 539-2171.

How to Contact Security

Security on the Greeley campus can be reached 24 hours/day at (970) 539-2171. Additionally, the Campus Safety and Security Officer or School Resource Officers can be e-mailed at security@aims.edu or by calling x6650 from an on-campus phone. Please leave a message if we miss your call.

Security at the Loveland campus can be reached by calling (970) 518-5137.
Security at the Fort Lupton campus can be reached by calling (303) 591-3164.
Security at the Windsor campus can be reached by calling (970) 744-0322 or (970) 339-6544.

If unable to reach, call (970) 539-2171 or (970) 888-2582.

Safety Escort Services

Any student, visitor, faculty or staff member can request an escort to their vehicle anytime by calling the security officers directly for the campus location where you are requesting an escort.

How to Report a Crime (Behavior/Conduct/Crime)

If it is an emergency, remain calm and dial 911 or 9-911 from an on-campus phone. Be prepared to inform the operator of your location and the nature of the emergency.

For non-emergency situations, on any of the Aims’ campuses, you can report incidents by calling one of our School Resource Officers or Campus Security Officers. They can be reached by calling the appropriate contact number listed under “How to Contact Security.” Additionally, you can call the campus Safety and Security Coordinator at (970) 888-2582. In addition to the above options, an incident may be reported using our automated incident reporting system on the Aims web page. These complaints can be made anonymously.

Anonymous Reporting

On-campus non-emergency criminal activity or other security related incidents or concerns may also be reported anonymously by accessing the online report form or calling the Campus Safety Officers/Security at (970) 539-2171 or (970) 888-2582.

Lighting Concerns

Sufficient and effective lighting is important to the College and its visitors. If you find an area where the lighting is either off or is inadequate, please send an email to security@aims.edu. You can also call Facilities and Operations at (970) 339-6243. We have a team of dedicated individuals who constantly review lighting concerns throughout the campus, and lighting projects are always being evaluated. Recommendations are always welcome. 

Lost and Found

To turn in an item or inquire about a lost article, please contact Security at the campus location.

Vehicle Assistance

If any student, visitor, faculty or staff member needs assistance with vehicle breakdowns, Campus Safety representatives will be happy to respond by helping the vehicle owner make contact with a service provider and staying with the owner until help arrives. Officers can be contacted by calling the Campus Security Officer for the campus where the help is needed. See How to Contact Security for the correct security contact numbers.

*Aims Security Officers are not authorized under any circumstances to offer vehicle assistance.

Parking 

Students at Aims are required to have a parking permit for all cars or motorcycles they will be parking at the Greeley, Fort Lupton, Loveland and Windsor campuses. The permit is free to the student and provides an added level of security for our campus population. Additional information about the permit program can be obtained through the Campus Safety and Security Office at (970) 339-6474 or security@aims.edu.

Daily Crime Log

In accordance with Clery regulations, Aims Community College keeps a daily crime log that records all reported criminal incidents and alleged criminal incidents. These reports are collected from Campus Resource Officers, Security Services personnel, or the Safety and Security Office and include incidents occurring on Aims campuses and adjacent public property.

The Daily Crime Log can be reviewed in the Safety and Security Office.

Campus Sexual Violence Elimination (SAVE) Act

Aims Community College is committed to providing a safe learning and working environment. In compliance with federal law, specifically the Clery Act and the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (SAVE), Aims Community College has adopted policies and procedures to prevent and respond to incidents of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. These guidelines apply to all members of the Aims Community (students, faculty, and staff) as well as contractors and visitors. Aims Community College encourages any member of the Aims Community who has experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, or know of another member of the community who has experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking to report the incident to the Aims Community College Safety and Security Office, Aims Title IX Investigator (John Fults, Director of Campus Safety and Security, Human Resources CNST 109, Greeley Campus, (970) 339-6650, john.fults@aims.edu), or local law enforcement. The Safety and Security Office can be contacted by using one of the contacts listed under How to Contact Security, How to Report a Crime or Anonymous Reporting.

Annual Clery Crime Statistics

As part of the annual Campus Safety and Security Report, all institutions of higher education must report three years’ worth of statistics for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on campus or on public property immediately adjacent to the campus. The Crime Statistics report can be viewed on the Campus Safety and Security home page. For the purpose of this report, the following definitions apply:

On Campus:
Any building or property owned or controlled by an institution within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of, or in a manner related to, the institution’s educational purposes, including residence halls; and any building or property that is within or reasonable contiguous to paragraph (1) of this definition, that is owned by the institution but controlled by another person, is frequently used by students, and support institutional purposes (such as a food or other retail vendor).

Public Property:
All public property, including thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks, and parking facilities, within the campus, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. Note: Include sidewalks and streets surrounding the campus as well as the sidewalk across the street from campus, but do not include public property beyond the sidewalk.

Aims Community College Alerting & Notification System

Rave Alerts

Rave Mobile Safety is the most trusted software partner for campus and public safety. Used by leading Institutes of Higher Education and State and Local Agencies, the award winning portfolio of RaveAlert, RaveGuardian, Eyewitness, Smart911, and SmartPrepare enables millions to feel safe, secure and connected.

Rave does not charge subscribers to send or receive SMS messages. Standard or other messaging charges apply depending upon your wireless carrier plan and subscription details. Once registered, you can opt out of SMS messages at any time by texting STOP to 67283 or 226787.

How do I access Rave Alert?

• Go to www.getrave.com
• Select your school
• You will be directed to your school’s Rave Alert homepage.
• Enter username and password.

How do I register for Rave Alert?

• Go to www.getrave.com
• Enter your school email address.
• Click on the link “Join Now!”
• Follow steps for creating your Rave user account.

Wall Mounted Alert Beacons and Computer Screen Pop-ups

Alert Beacons:
These boxes are part of the alerting system intended to inform our community of an emergency. They will sound an alarm and light up and flash to grab you attention. Additionally, there will be a message in the beacon window with information informing you about the emergency and actions you need to take. Above each beacon is also a set instructions on how to silence the alarm and more information. Please direct any questions you have to the Safety and Security Office at security@aims.edu.

Computer Screen Alert Pop-up Notifications:
Aims uses the Alertus Desktop notification software to get the attention of computer users immediately during an emergency. When an emergency occurs, we may activate a warning and a computer desktop alert will pop up a full-screen alert on all the College administered PCs and Macs for all our campus locations. The alert will take over the whole screen with a warning. Once the alert is sounded, students, faculty, and staff should follow the instructions displayed on the screen.

Title IX (9) Official

Title IX (9) questions or concern should be directed to:

Food Service

Aims Food Services offers a variety of options for your nutritional needs at various sites across the Greeley and Windsor campus’, ranging from full service options at Arty’s Bistro to vended options.  Vending machines are located in all buildings, including our Fort Lupton, Loveland, and Windsor locations.  In the event of machine malfunctions, please call (970) 339-6448 for assistance.

Arty’s Grind Coffee Cart is located in the lobby of the Student Commons building.  Offering a variety of your favorite coffeehouse style beverages, baked goods, and other grab-n-go food items.  Arty’s Bistro is located on the main level of the Student Commons Building, offering a variety of food choices including: grilled items, fresh salads, sandwiches, snack items, and beverages.

Arty’s Underground is located in the PSI Building and Arty’s Eatery is located in the Gateway Building on the Windsor Campus.  Arty’s Eatery will offer a variety of food choices including: grilled items, fresh salads, sandwiches, snack items, and beverages.

Arty’s Corner is located in the Prairie Building on the Fort Lupton Campus and Arty’s Cafe is located in the ATTC Building on the Greeley Campus. They all offer hot and cold drinks, and grab-n-go food options.

For your convenience all Arty’s locations accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Mobile pay, and Arty’s gift cards. 

Communication Media Production Services

Communication Media staff provide support to Aims Community College faculty, students, staff, and administrators in the design, development, and production of informational and instructional materials for distribution via television, internet, and/or other media.  Services include program design, instructional design, script writing, pre-production planning and budgeting, program production, post-production editing, animation, and graphic development.