NWIC College Policies
College Policies
Policies and Procedures
The following policies and procedures are intended to guide you in your journey through Northwest Indian College. Please take some time to read through the policies listed in below and then refer back to it as a reference for the future.
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In order to promote the condition whereby both the student and the instructor may have the freedom to search for the truth and its free expression, Northwest Indian College adopts the following principles expressed by the American Association of University Professors:
- The College instructor is entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing his/her subject matter, but he/she should be careful not to introduce into his/her teaching controversial subject matter, which has no relation to his/her subject.
- The College instructor is a citizen, a member of a learned profession, and an officer of an educational institution. When an employee of the College speaks or writes as a citizen, he/she should be free from institutional censorship or discipline, but his/her
special position in the College community imposes special obligations. As a person of learning and an educational officer, he/she should remember that the public may judge his/her profession and institution by his/her utterances. Hence, he/she should show respect for the opinions of others, and should indicate that he/she is not an institutional spokesperson.
In addition, Northwest Indian College adopts a policy of respectful practice and responsibility regarding cultural information that requires all instructors and students to refrain from:
- Inappropriate use of culturally sensitive information, especially spiritual information;
- Unauthorized commercial or other exploitative use of Tribal and cultural information;
- Unauthorized infringement of individual, family, or group ownership rights for songs, stories, or other information; and
- Potential conflicts or harm resulting from cultural research, specifically coming from inappropriate interpretation of cultural information, inappropriate intrusions into community life, and breaches of confidentiality and friendship (adapted from Tribal College Journal, fall 1996, p.19).
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Academic integrity is a shared responsibility at Northwest Indian College. Therefore the faculty, staff, and administration promote a high standard of academic honesty and strive to educate students by creating an ethical learning environment that accepts only the highest quality of academic work.
For more information on the institional policy for Academic Integrity and Academic Dishonesty, visit the NWIC College Catalog.
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Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement. Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or statutory damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For willful infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorney fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505. Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.
For more information, please see the website of the US Copyright Office atwww.copyright.gov.
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Northwest Indian College acknowledges all employees and students as role models representing the College and is therefore committed to maintaining the Lummi campus and all Tribal sites served as environments that are free of alcohol and drugs.
To ensure the safety and well being of all employees, students, and members of Tribal communities, Northwest Indian College endorses a drug and alcohol free workplace and campus(s) in support of academic excellence, work performance and quality of life, as well as the future well being of all members in the communities the college serves.
The Northwest Indian College policy for a drug and alcohol free workplace encompasses these principles:
The safety and well-being of all employees, students, and members of Tribal communities, Northwest Indian College endorses a drug and alcohol free workplace and campus. Unlawful possession, manufacture, use or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol by students or employees on Northwest Indian College property or as part of college activities is prohibited. Any violation of Tribal, local, state, or federal law regarding the unlawful possession, manufacture, use or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol may result in referral for prosecution and imposition of penalties.
The college will impose sanctions consistent with Tribal, local, state and federal law and adopted regulations on students and employees found to have violated this policy. Such sanctions may include recommendation for completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program, expulsion from the college or termination of employment and referral for prosecution. Student disciplinary action will be initiated in accordance with these laws.
The College adheres to a “Zero-Tolerance” policy. The definition of Zero-Tolerance is providing the employee one opportunity for rehabilitation; should the employee choose to
use alcohol/drugs after the initial intervention, the employee will be terminated. Drug and alcohol issues are not part of the grievance process. This policy is in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, P.L. 102-226.Board of Trustees Approved 3/29/04
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Northwest Indian College is committed to and practices equal opportunity in education and participation in college activities without regard to race, color, gender, age, religion, political ideas or affiliation, national origin or ancestry, marital status, and physical or mental handicap. With regard to employment, Northwest Indian College supports and practices equal opportunity and the Indian Preference Act as authorized by Title 25, US Code, Section 473, and respective Tribal laws and or regulations.
The Northwest Indian College Sexual Harassment Policy forbids sexual harassment of students by faculty, staff, or administration. Sexual harassment of employees by other staff, supervisors or students is also prohibited. Handicapped students should be aware that room assignments for classes will be changed and other appropriate accommodations made in order for them to take classes originally scheduled in non-accessible locations.
Inquiries or complaints regarding discrimination should be directed to: the Office of Human Resources at the Northwest Indian College, Main Campus.
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Northwest Indian College affirms a commitment to freedom from discrimination for all members of the College community. NWIC provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status or the presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. The responsibility for, and the protection of the commitment extends to students, faculty, administration, staff, contractors and those who develop or participate in college programs. It encompasses every aspect of employment and every student and community activity. The College complies with federal and state statutes and regulations. Northwest Indian College supports and practices equal opportunity and the Indian Preference Act as authorized by Title 25, US Code, Section 473, and respective Tribal laws
and or regulations.The Northwest Indian College Sexual Harassment Policy forbids sexual harassment of students by faculty, staff, or administration. Sexual harassment of employees by other staff, supervisors or students is also prohibited. Handicapped students should be aware that room assignments for classes will be changed and other appropriate accommodations made in order for them to take classes originally scheduled in non-accessible locations.
Inquiries or complaints regarding discrimination should be directed to: the Office of Human Resources at the Northwest Indian College, Main Campus.
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Complaint Resolution
Below is information on Northwest Indian College’s accreditation agency, internal complaint procedures, and a list of the agencies in each state responsible for complaints regarding out-of-state distance education programs in compliance with § 668.43 (b) Institutional Information:
(b) The institution must make available for review to any enrolled or prospective student, upon request, a copy of the documents describing the institution’s accreditation and its State, Federal, or tribal approval or licensing. The institution must also provide its students or prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with its accreditor, its State approval or licensing entity, and any other relevant State official or agency that would appropriately handle a student’s complaint.
Internal Complaint Procedures
Northwest Indian College’s Student Grievance Procedure is a recommended first step toward resolving any expression of dissatisfaction with the performance of a college employee or procedure. If you cannot resolve an issue internally, you may file a complaint with your state.
The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)
The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has the authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every students’ complaints. Visit the WSAC website (full URL: http://www.wsac.wa.gov/student-complaints) for information regarding the WSAC complaint process.
NWIC College Accreditation
Northwest Indian College is a public post-secondary educational institution that is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and chartered by the Lummi Nation.
Complaint Resolution Contacts by State
Students enrolled under SARA (i.e., out-of-state students enrolled in distance education courses) have the opportunity to appeal a complaint to WSAC after the student has exhausted the institutional complaint resolution process. Please visit NC SARA State Portal Entity Contacts web page to locate the contact in your state.
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Purpose of the Policy
There is an expanding reliance on electronic communication at Northwest Indian College. This is motivated by the convenience, speed, cost-effectiveness, and environmental advantages of using e-mail rather than printed communication. Because of this increasing reliance and acceptance of electronic communication, e-mail is considered one of the College’s official means of communication within the Northwest Indian College community.Implementation of this policy ensures that students have access to this critical form of communication. It will ensure that all students can access, and be accessed by e-mail as the need arises.
A NWIC student e-mail account is a privilege and must be treated as such. Any abuse of this privilege will have consequences.
Policy
- College use of e-mail
- E-mail is an official means for communication within Northwest Indian College. Therefore, the College has the right to send communications to students via e-mail and the right to expect that those communications will be received and read in a timely fashion. If you have an Internet Service Provider, you can access the College’s e-mail system from on campus and off-campus.
- E-mail communications expectations
- Students are expected to check their official e-mail address on a frequent and consistent basis in order to stay current with College communications. The College recommends checking e-mail once a week at a minimum; in recognition that certain communications may be time-critical.
- Educational uses of e-mail
- Faculty may determine how e-mail will be used in their classes. It is highly recommended that if faculty has e-mail requirements and expectations they specify these requirements in their course syllabi. Faculty may expect that students’ official e-mail addresses are being accessed regularly and faculty may use e-mail for their courses accordingly.
- Appropriate use of e-mail
- In general, e-mail is not appropriate for transmitting sensitive or confidential information unless an appropriate level of security matches its use for such purposes. The e-mail system is not designed to be a record retention system. In addition, it is suggested that important documents be sent with a return receipt. The following criteria relate to e-mail use:
- All use of e-mail will be consistent with local, state, and federal law, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). All use of e-mail, including use for sensitive or confidential information, will be consistent with FERPA. To ensure compliance with FERPA regulations, all correspondence which concerns confidential or sensitive information should utilize official Northwest Indian College e-mail addresses. E-mail correspondence from students that requests confidential or sensitive information will not be answered if the e-mail is not from a Northwest Indian College e-mail address.
- Communications sent to a student’s official Northwest Indian College e-mail address may include notification of College-related actions. E-mail shall not be the sole method for notification of any legal action. Official College communications sent by e-mail are subject to the same public information, privacy and records retention requirements and policies as other official College communications.
- A prepared statement of confidentiality is available for students to add to their e-mail messages if desired. The message below may be copied and pasted into the signature line of e-mail messages:
- CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
- In general, e-mail is not appropriate for transmitting sensitive or confidential information unless an appropriate level of security matches its use for such purposes. The e-mail system is not designed to be a record retention system. In addition, it is suggested that important documents be sent with a return receipt. The following criteria relate to e-mail use:
- Abuse of e-mail privileges
- A NWIC e-mail account is a privilege, not a right, and can be revoked if used for any unacceptable purpose. Unacceptable e-mail use includes, but is not limited to:
- unsolicited unauthorized mass e-mail (spam)
- offensive language or threats
- obscene material or language
- infringement on others’ privacy
- interference with others’ work
- copyright infringement
- illegal activity
- A NWIC e-mail account is a privilege, not a right, and can be revoked if used for any unacceptable purpose. Unacceptable e-mail use includes, but is not limited to:
Penalties for unacceptable e-mail use can range from deactivation of the account through college judicial action or referral to law enforcement authorities.
Approved by the Board of Trustees March 19, 2009
- College use of e-mail
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Under law, Northwest Indian College is required to protect the confidentiality of student records. As a result, in response to inquiries about students, NWIC will confirm only directory information including, name, address, phone number, dates of enrollment, area of study, and degrees or certificates earned, unless the student provides a signed release permitting disclosure of additional information. To protect student privacy, picture identification is required to view and/or receive copies of educational records. Students who do not want directory information released may contact the Enrollment Services Office.
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Northwest Indian College complies with the Student Right to Know Act, a federal mandate for colleges to publicly disclose graduation rates and safety statistics and other information. NWIC has provided this information annually since 1998 to the Integrated Post-Secondary Educational Data System, also known as IPEDS.
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Under Public law 104-208, Northwest Indian College is directed by the federal government to provide the armed forces such information as names, addresses, telephone numbers, date of birth, level of education, major and/or degrees received and prior military experience for all our students. Students who do not wish this information to be released should submit a written request to the Enrollment Services Office.
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NWIC complies with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) Teach-Out Plans and Teach-Out Agreements Policy which requires that a teach-out plan be submitted to the NWCCU and implemented in the event that the college ceases to operate or ceases instruction in a degree program.
In such an event, NWIC still submit a plan which will be approved if it:
- is consistent with applicable standards;
- provides that the institution will maintain the necessary experience, resources, and support services to provide an educational program that is of acceptable quality and reasonably similar in content, structure, and scheduling to that promised to the students upon enrollment;
- demonstrates the institution’s stability and the ability to carry out its mission and meet all obligations to existing students; and
- offers the program to students without additional charge over what had been previously in place, when the institution conducts the teach out without involving another entity, or if another entity is involved, provides notification to students of any additional charges.
Policies Repository Page
NWIC Central Repository of PDF documents for members of the college community.
NWIC is guided by its mission, vision, and core values.
NWIC Mission Statement:
- Through education, Northwest Indian College promotes Indigenous self-determination and knowledge.
NWIC Vision Statement:
- We are committed to our students, the Tribes we serve, and advancing Tribal sovereignty for the protection and enhancement of our homelands and future generations.
NWIC Core Values:
- Sәla-exʷ: Our strength comes from the old people. From them we receive our teachings and knowledge and the advice we need for our daily lives.
- Schtәngәxʷәn: We are responsible to protect our territory. This means we take care of our land and water and everything that is on it and in it.
- Xwlәmi-chosәn: Our culture is our language. We should strengthen and maintain our language.
- Leng-e-sot: We take care of ourselves, watch out for ourselves and love and take care of one another.
- Xaalh: Life balance/sacred
NWIC Policies & Procedures Repository
NWIC Central Repository of PDF Documents
Below you will find a comprehensive collection of the approved institutional-level Northwest Indian College (NWIC) policies, procedures, plans, manuals, handbooks, and related documents. The purpose of this webpage is to serve as a central repository for these documents so that members of the college community may use them in the daily conduct of NWIC business. Page updates will occur as policies, procedures, and other documents are created, reviewed, or revised. The information in parenthesis following a document’s name indicates the policy/procedure number (only for policies, procedure and other documents created since 2015) and the date when it was most recently approved by the Board of Trustees (for policies) or by the Administrative Team (for procedures and other documents).
Policies, procedures and other key documents are reviewed on an ongoing basis according to the following calendar:
DEFINITIONS AND NOTES:
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A policy is a statement of intent adopted by the Board of Trustees that influences and determines current and future major decisions and actions to achieve institutional outcomes. Adopted policies provide the operational framework within which the institution functions, and provide the formal guidance needed to coordinate and execute activity throughout the institution. The NWIC Administrative Team reviews and recommends policies for board review and approval. The NWIC Board of Trustees periodically reviews and revised policies.
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A procedure articulates the methods/operational processes used to implement policies in the day-to-day operations of the institution. While policies articulate the “what” the institution does operationally, procedures articulate the “how” it intends to carry out policies. Specific methods/operational processes can be formal or informal, specific to a department or applicable across the entire institution. Procedures are reviewed and approved by the NWIC Administrative Team and periodically reviewed and revised.
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A manual is a set of documents that may contain or reference a number of policies and procedures covering a broad discipline, pertinent rules, guidelines or other information covering an area in the institution. Examples include the Financial Manual, Personnel Policy Manual, and Library Policies Manual, each of which contain information on pertinent policies, rules, guidelines or other information covering their respective areas. Manuals are developed by the appropriate department/discipline area, are reviewed by the Administrative Team, and are periodically reviewed and updated by the appropriate department/discipline area and the Administrative Team.
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A handbook is a set of documents that may contain or reference a number of policies and procedures covering a broad discipline, or pertinent rules, guidelines or other information covering an area in the institution. Examples include the Faculty Handbook, Student Handbook, Financial Aid Handbook, Curriculum Committee Handbook, Athletic Handbook and IL Handbook. Handbooks contain information on pertinent policies, rules, guidelines or other information covering their respective areas. Handbooks are developed by the appropriate department/discipline area, are reviewed by the Administrative Team, and are periodically reviewed and updated by the appropriate department/discipline area and the Administrative Team. The terms “manual” and “manual” are sometimes used interchangeably.
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A plan articulates a concrete plan of work to achieve specific institutional goals and objectives, It may also articulate the overarching principles and guidelines for the plan. Examples include the Strategic Plan, Assessment Plan, Teaching and Learning Plan, Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, and the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. Like handbooks and manuals, plans are developed by the appropriate department/discipline area, are reviewed by the Administrative Team, and are periodically reviewed and updated by the appropriate department/discipline area and the Administrative Team.