Safety and Security Procedures Printed Version

8.0110 Children on Campus

Based on board policy number and Florida Statutes:F.S. 1001.64; 1001.65; FAC 6A-14.0261; College Policy 8.010
Effective Date:09/2015
Date of Review:---

Purpose

The purpose of this Procedure is to explain guidelines regarding supervision and responsibility for children on campus. Children under the age of 18 must be supervised on campus. This includes, but is not limited to, times when parents or others responsible for the child’s care engage in academic activities or College business. Seminole State College does not provide child care services of any type.

Definition

“Child(ren)” - Individuals under the age of 18 who are not enrolled at the College or attending an activity that reasonably allows for their involvement.

“Campus” -  Any Seminole State College campus, center, or instructional site including the Public Safety Training Complex and Driving Track in Geneva.

Procedure

  1. The College assumes no responsibility for the care or supervision of children on Campus.
  2. Children who are ill may not be brought to Campus under any circumstances.
  3. Individuals receiving College services may be refused service if accompanied by a child who will be left unattended during the time the individual is receiving services (including, but not limited to, testing or counseling.)
  4. Due to inherent safety and health hazards, children may not enter laboratories, Physical Plant shop areas, chemical storage areas, mechanical rooms, gun range, driving track, construction areas (including those for theatrical scenery), student computer laboratories, or similar restricted areas. An authorized representative of the College may grant an exception for a specific activity and may impose specific conditions.
  5. Students under the age of 18 who are enrolled at the College may attend class or activities unsupervised, as an exception to this procedure.
  6. Reporting Protocol
    1. An individual observing an unattended or unsupervised child on campus should immediately report the situation to Campus Safety and Security. The reporting individual should remain with the child until Campus Safety and Security responds.
    2. Campus Safety and Security will attempt to locate the child’s parent or other responsible party to remedy the situation. If the parent or responsible party cannot or will not remedy the situation in a reasonable amount of time, Campus Safety and Security may refer the situation to local law enforcement, the Florida Department of Children and Families, and/or other appropriate agency.
    3. Campus Safety and Security will determine whether the situation gives rise to the mandatory reporting requirements of Chapter 39, Florida Statutes, and stated in College Policy 8.050 Protection of Vulnerable Persons.
  7. Failure to comply with this procedure may result in disciplinary action for an employee (Procedure 2.1900) or a sanction imposed through the Student Code of Conduct for a student (Procedure 3.0900.)
  8. An individual who leaves a child unattended and unsupervised may be investigated by law enforcement.
Recommended byExecutive TeamDate09/02/2015
ApprovedPresident E. Ann McGeeDate09/02/2015

8.0200 Traffic and Parking Regulations/Enforcement

Authority:F.S. 1001.64; 715.07
Date Adopted:08/11
Date of Review:08/15; 11/16
Date of Revision:08/2015; 01/17
Related Policy:8.020

Purpose

To establish traffic and parking regulations for vehicles that are operated or parked on Seminole State College campuses and centers. Students, faculty, staff and visitors who drive vehicles on campus will be responsible for the proper registration, use and operation of their vehicles in accordance with the traffic and parking regulations set forth by the College.

The College reserves the right to regulate the use of vehicles on its campuses and to take appropriate actions against those who do not comply with the college’s regulations. The College is authorized and reserves the right to regulate the use of any of its parking lots for the exclusive use by designated groups or individuals.

In addition to the rules and regulations established by the College, all traffic laws of the State of Florida are in effect at all times on the campus.

Definitions

The term “motor vehicle” as used herein includes any automobile, truck, bus, motorcycle, motor scooter, moped, or any other motor-propelled vehicle.

The term “visitor” is intended for individuals conducting business with the College, including those seeking enrollment information or individuals who are invited guests of college members. It is not intended for faculty, staff, or currently enrolled students.

Procedure

For the safety of students, staff, faculty, and visitors to the campus, the following traffic and parking regulations are enforced by the Campus Safety and Security Department:

  1. Parking Enforcement
    1. The provisions within these regulations shall be applicable to all persons who operate or park motor vehicles on Seminole State College campuses at all times.
    2. The responsibility for locating legal parking rests with the operator of the vehicle. The lack of convenient parking is not a valid excuse for violating traffic and parking regulations.
    3. All students, faculty, and staff who park in College parking lots must display a current and valid Seminole State parking permit. Students may obtain a parking permit from any campus Business Office. Faculty and staff may obtain a parking hangtag from any campus Safety and Security office.
      - White lined parking areas – Student Parking.
      - Orange lined parking areas – Faculty/Staff Parking; no students at any time.
      - Green lined parking areas – Visitor’s only (do not need a parking permit).
      - Blue lined parking areas – Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible parking only.
      - Red lined areas – Designated Fire Lanes and Emergency Vehicle parking.
    4. All student-parking permits must be permanently affixed to the driver’s side rear bumper or rear windshield with the decal number clearly visible. Students with parking hangtags must display the hangtag from the rear view mirror with the permit number facing the windshield. Faculty/staff must display the parking hangtag from the rear view mirror with the permit number facing the windshield.
    5. While driving on campus, the operator of any motor vehicle is expected to obey all traffic laws. Drivers must observe all traffic signs, stop signs, yield signs, traffic safety personnel, and traffic control devices. Motorists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
    6. All drivers must cooperate with and follow the instructions of personnel designated by the college to assist with traffic control.
    7. The speed limit on the Seminole State College campus is 25 M.P.H., unless otherwise posted.
    8. Illegally parked motor vehicles may be warned, ticketed, and/or towed at the owner’s expense.
    9. The College assumes no responsibility for any damage to motor vehicles, its contents or for any loss while a motor vehicle is driven or parked on Seminole State College property.
    10. Only authorized motor vehicles may park in reserved parking spaces. All others will be towed at the owner’s expense. The College is not responsible for any loss to a towed motor vehicle or its contents.
    11. Overnight parking is prohibited except for college sanctioned and authorized educational or athletic activities. If your vehicle is disabled you must notify Campus Safety and Security. Overnight parking is typically between the hours of 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
    12. The Safety and Security Department should be immediately notified of all disabled motor vehicles. The owner of a disabled motor vehicle will be given forty-eight (48) hours to remove the vehicle from campus. Disabled motor vehicles remaining on campus beyond forty-eight (48) hours are considered abandoned.
    13. Abandoned vehicles will be towed. Towing and storage charges will be at the owner’s expense. The college assumes no responsibility for any damage to an abandoned motor vehicle or its contents.
    14. Parking in fire lanes, driveways, sidewalks, loading zones, on curbs or grass areas (except those areas designated by the college as temporary parking) is not permitted and may result in the vehicle being towed at the owner’s expense.
    15. Vehicles shall not be parked or stopped in a manner that blocks other vehicles or impedes the flow of traffic.
    16. ADA accessible parking is controlled by Florida law (FSS 316.1955, 316.1957 and 316.195). A valid disable/handicap parking permit (FSS 316.1958 or 320.0848) or license plate issued under FSS 320.884, 320.0842, 320.0843 or 320.0845 is required to park in designated accessible parking spaces. Violators are subject to a state-assessed fine of $250 written by law enforcement officers. Note: The Safety and Security Department does not issue handicap parking permits and is not authorized to give anyone permission to park in a handicap space.
  2. Violations and Fines
    1. All fines shall be paid in person at the Business/Cashier’s Office at each campus. Parking citations must be paid within 10 business days after posting.
    2. All fines are $10 for each offense unless otherwise specified:
      ViolationFine
      No decal/improper display of decal or permit$10.00
      Parked over lines$10.00
      Posted areas (No Parking, Visitor, College Vehicle Only)$10.00
      Driveways$10.00
      Double parked$10.00
      Service entrance/loading zones$10.00
      Students parked in Faculty/Staff parking lots$10.00
      Exceeding time limit in 15 minute loading/unloading zone$10.00
      Failure to comply with instructions and directions given by a Security Officer in the performance of traffic control and parking duties$10.00
      Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant or in a fire lane$10.00
      In a designated tow-away zone$10.00
      Parked in a reserved parking space$10.00
      Driving around or removing a barricade$10.00
      Parked in the Visitor’s parking lot$10.00
      Providing false parking or vehicle registration information$10.00
      Obstructing driveways, sidewalks, roadways, or other vehicles$10.00
      Parked in ADA accessible parking space$10.00*
      *May also be subject to a state-assessed fine of $250 written by law enforcement officers.
    3. Three or more unpaid parking citations will subject the vehicle to being towed at the owner’s expense.
    4. Unpaid fines will result in an immediate hold on student records, diplomas, transcripts, certificates, and future registrations.
    5. An employee who parks in a designated faculty/staff lot and receives a citation for not displaying a valid parking permit/hangtag may provide proof of his/her status as an employee to the Safety and Security Office within ten (10) business days and the ticket will be voided.
    6. Employees with unpaid parking citations will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Procedure 2.1900 Employee Discipline.
  3. Appeals Process
    If you receive a parking citation that you feel is unjust, you may initiate an appeal by completing the appeal form located on the Safety and Security’s website.
    1. You have ten (10) business days after receipt of the citation to file an appeal. No appeal will be accepted after ten (10) business days.
    2. The completed appeals form must be submitted to the Safety and Security Department, along with any supporting statements or documents the petitioner wishes to be considered.
    3. The completed form will be reviewed by the Director of Safety and Security or designee for completeness and the parking history, if any, will be attached to the form. If the Director of Safety and Security, or designee, agrees with the petitioner that the citation was issued in error, the citation may be voided and the petitioner will be notified by letter.
    4. If the Director of Safety and Security or designee denies the appeal, it will be forwarded to the Parking Citation Appeals Committee for review at their regularly scheduled meeting.
    5. Written notification of the committee’s findings will be provided to the petitioner by mail.
    6. Decisions rendered by the Parking Citation Appeals Committee are final; there is no further appeals process.
    7. Parking rules and regulations are available on the Safety and Security website.

Notice 
Any other College rule(s) which reference(s) the rule noticed herein shall be interpreted and enforced consistent with the new / revised rule upon its final adoption (unless otherwise indicated in the referencing rule(s)).

Recommended byExecutive TeamDate01/24/17
Signed by President E. Ann McGeeDate 01/25/17


8.0300 Timely Warnings

Purpose

This procedure describes the process to be followed and the conditions under which a Timely Warning will be issued. Such warnings are to alert all members of the College community to a Clery crime within the Clery geography to determine whether there is a serious or ongoing threat as defined by The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, also known as, The Clery Act.

Definitions

Clery Geography

On-Campus is any building or property owned or controlled by an institution within the same reasonable contiguous geographic area and use by the institution in direct support of or in a manner related to, the institution's education 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 supports institutional purposes (such as food or other retain vendor).

Non-Campus buildings or property is any building or property owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the institution; or any building or property owned or controlled by an institution that is used in direct support of, or in relation to, the institution's educational purposes, is frequently used by students, and is not within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area on the institution.

On-Campus Student Housing Facility is any student housing facility that is owned or controlled by the institution or is located on property that is owned or controlled by the institution and is within the reasonable contiguous geographic area that makes up the campus. The college does not have on­ Campus Student Housing.

Public Property is all public property, including thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks, and parking facilities, that is within the campus, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

Timely Warning - All reported Clery Act Crimes within Clery Geography are evaluated to see if they represent a serious or continuing threat to members of the campus community. The College's Clery Geography includes On-Campus, Non-Campus, and Public Property.

Clery Crimes evaluated for Timely Warnings are:

  1. Criminal homicide:  murder and non-negligent manslaughter, manslaughter by negligence
  2. Robbery
  3. Aggravated Assault
  4. Burglary
  5. Motor Vehicle Theft
  6. Arson
  7. Sex Offence (rape, fondling, incest, statutory rape)
  8. Domestic Violence
  9. Dating Violence
  10. Stalking
  11. Hate Crimes
  12. Arrest and/or referral for Drug, Liquor, Weapons law violation

Procedure

When a crime or other emergency or threatening situation is report to college officials, the Executive Director of the Office of Safety and Security, or designee may consult with the Emergency Response Team Chair and local law enforcement to determine on a case-by-case basis whether to communicate such information to the campus community via a Timely Warning. The college will evaluate all Clery Act crimes within the Clery geography to determine whether there is a serious of ongoing threat. If it is determined that there is a serious or ongoing threat a Timely Warning will be issued.

Timely Warning:  Considerations, Timing, Content, Distribution

  1. The decision to issue a Timely Warning will be decided on a case-by-case basis after considering aII of the facts related to the crime, including factors such as the nature of the crime, the continuing danger to the campus community and the possible risk of compromising law enforcement efforts to investigate the crime or apprehend suspects.
  2. A Timely Warning will be issued as soon as pertinent information is available by the Office of Safety and Security and/or Marketing and Communications. The intent of a campus Timely Warning is to alert the campus community of continuing threats, particularly those concerning safety, thereby enabling the campus community to protect themselves.
  3. A Timely Warning will include the date, location, and nature of the incident, prevention tips, and how to report a similar occurrence.
  4. Seminole State College uses multiple methods to reach members of the College community. A Timely Warning can be communicated to the College community in one or more of the following ways:
    Email
    Seminole State Alert
    Social Media
    Text Messaging
    Automated phone call
    Push notification
    College's Emergency Hotline at 407.708.2290

Rulemaking Authority and Law(s) Implemented:  Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC§ 1092(f)): Florida Statute 1001.64, 1004.65, Policies 8.010, 8.030

History:  Adopted date 6/2014, Revised 8/2015, 8/2024

Dr. Lorenz signature for procedure 8.0300 signed 9.3.24

8.0400 Emergency Notifications

Purpose

This procedure describes the process to be followed and the conditions under which an Emergency Notification will be issued.  Such notices are to alert all members of the College community when there is confirmation of an immediate threat.

Definitions

Emergency Notification: In the event of a significant emergency or dangerous situation occurring on the campus that involves an immediate threat to the health and safety of the students, faculty, and staff an Emergency Notification will be issued. The types of incidents can be criminal, weather related, or pose other types of emergencies such as:

An armed intruder
An outbreak of a serious illness
Approaching tornado, hurricane, or other extreme weather condition
Fire
Gas Leak
Explosion
Chemical or hazardous waste spill

Procedure

If a crime, emergency or threatening situation is reported to college officials, the Executive Director of the Office of Safety and Security, or designee, will confirm the situation and determine which segment of the College's population to notify.   The Executive Director or designee may also consult with members of the Emergency Response Team and local law enforcement to determine on a case-by-case basis to develop the content of the notification.  Any applicable notification will be delivered to the campus community via an Emergency Notification.

Emergency Notification:  Considerations, Timing, Content, Distribution

  1. An Emergency Notification will be issued when it is determined that a significant emergency or dangerous situation on campus poses an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees, unless notification will compromise efforts to assist the victim, or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency.

  2. An Emergency Notification will be initiated as soon as reasonably necessary and without delay.

  3. The Emergency Notification to the campus community will contain information about the nature of the emergency and what changes one needs to make immediately as a result; evacuation procedures if necessary; assurance that an all-clear will be sent when the emergency is over.

  4. The Emergency Notification will be distributed through the College's Emergency Notification System by the Office of Safety and Security and Marketing and Communications.

    1. The College disseminates Emergency Notices to the appropriate segments of the campus community via IP devices (phones, speakers, monitors) and to the larger community via its mass notification system.  This includes members of the campus activities, campus security, or local law enforcement via methods that may include but are not limited to:

      Email
      Seminole State Alert
      Social Media
      Text messaging
      Automated phone call
      Push notification
      Digital Signage
      College's Emergency Hotline at 407.708.2290

    2. Seminole State College will test its Emergency Notification System unannounced at least once each term (fall, spring, and summer).

    3. In connection with these tests, the college will publicize the emergency response and evacuation procedures to the campus community on an annual basis.

    4. The evacuation procedure can be found on the college's website.

Rulemaking Authority and Law(s) Implemented:  Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act Act (20 USC § 1092(f)); Florida Statues 1001.64, 1004.65, and College Policies 8.010, 8.030

History - Adopted 8/2004

Dr. Lorenz signature for procedure 8.0400 signed 9.3.24
Authority:F.S. 1001.64; 715.07
Date Adopted:08/11
Date of Review:08/15; 11/16
Date of Revision:08/2015; 01/17
Related Policy:8.020

Purpose

To establish traffic and parking regulations for vehicles that are operated or parked on Seminole State College campuses and centers. Students, faculty, staff and visitors who drive vehicles on campus will be responsible for the proper registration, use and operation of their vehicles in accordance with the traffic and parking regulations set forth by the College.

The College reserves the right to regulate the use of vehicles on its campuses and to take appropriate actions against those who do not comply with the college’s regulations. The College is authorized and reserves the right to regulate the use of any of its parking lots for the exclusive use by designated groups or individuals.

In addition to the rules and regulations established by the College, all traffic laws of the State of Florida are in effect at all times on the campus.

Definitions

The term “motor vehicle” as used herein includes any automobile, truck, bus, motorcycle, motor scooter, moped, or any other motor-propelled vehicle.

The term “visitor” is intended for individuals conducting business with the College, including those seeking enrollment information or individuals who are invited guests of college members. It is not intended for faculty, staff, or currently enrolled students.

Procedure

For the safety of students, staff, faculty, and visitors to the campus, the following traffic and parking regulations are enforced by the Campus Safety and Security Department:

  1. Parking Enforcement
    1. The provisions within these regulations shall be applicable to all persons who operate or park motor vehicles on Seminole State College campuses at all times.
    2. The responsibility for locating legal parking rests with the operator of the vehicle. The lack of convenient parking is not a valid excuse for violating traffic and parking regulations.
    3. All students, faculty, and staff who park in College parking lots must display a current and valid Seminole State parking permit. Students may obtain a parking permit from any campus Business Office. Faculty and staff may obtain a parking hangtag from any campus Safety and Security office.
      - White lined parking areas – Student Parking.
      - Orange lined parking areas – Faculty/Staff Parking; no students at any time.
      - Green lined parking areas – Visitor’s only (do not need a parking permit).
      - Blue lined parking areas – Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible parking only.
      - Red lined areas – Designated Fire Lanes and Emergency Vehicle parking.
    4. All student-parking permits must be permanently affixed to the driver’s side rear bumper or rear windshield with the decal number clearly visible. Students with parking hangtags must display the hangtag from the rear view mirror with the permit number facing the windshield. Faculty/staff must display the parking hangtag from the rear view mirror with the permit number facing the windshield.
    5. While driving on campus, the operator of any motor vehicle is expected to obey all traffic laws. Drivers must observe all traffic signs, stop signs, yield signs, traffic safety personnel, and traffic control devices. Motorists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
    6. All drivers must cooperate with and follow the instructions of personnel designated by the college to assist with traffic control.
    7. The speed limit on the Seminole State College campus is 25 M.P.H., unless otherwise posted.
    8. Illegally parked motor vehicles may be warned, ticketed, and/or towed at the owner’s expense.
    9. The College assumes no responsibility for any damage to motor vehicles, its contents or for any loss while a motor vehicle is driven or parked on Seminole State College property.
    10. Only authorized motor vehicles may park in reserved parking spaces. All others will be towed at the owner’s expense. The College is not responsible for any loss to a towed motor vehicle or its contents.
    11. Overnight parking is prohibited except for college sanctioned and authorized educational or athletic activities. If your vehicle is disabled you must notify Campus Safety and Security. Overnight parking is typically between the hours of 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
    12. The Safety and Security Department should be immediately notified of all disabled motor vehicles. The owner of a disabled motor vehicle will be given forty-eight (48) hours to remove the vehicle from campus. Disabled motor vehicles remaining on campus beyond forty-eight (48) hours are considered abandoned.
    13. Abandoned vehicles will be towed. Towing and storage charges will be at the owner’s expense. The college assumes no responsibility for any damage to an abandoned motor vehicle or its contents.
    14. Parking in fire lanes, driveways, sidewalks, loading zones, on curbs or grass areas (except those areas designated by the college as temporary parking) is not permitted and may result in the vehicle being towed at the owner’s expense.
    15. Vehicles shall not be parked or stopped in a manner that blocks other vehicles or impedes the flow of traffic.
    16. ADA accessible parking is controlled by Florida law (FSS 316.1955, 316.1957 and 316.195). A valid disable/handicap parking permit (FSS 316.1958 or 320.0848) or license plate issued under FSS 320.884, 320.0842, 320.0843 or 320.0845 is required to park in designated accessible parking spaces. Violators are subject to a state-assessed fine of $250 written by law enforcement officers. Note: The Safety and Security Department does not issue handicap parking permits and is not authorized to give anyone permission to park in a handicap space.
  2. Violations and Fines
    1. All fines shall be paid in person at the Business/Cashier’s Office at each campus. Parking citations must be paid within 10 business days after posting.
    2. All fines are $10 for each offense unless otherwise specified:
      ViolationFine
      No decal/improper display of decal or permit$10.00
      Parked over lines$10.00
      Posted areas (No Parking, Visitor, College Vehicle Only)$10.00
      Driveways$10.00
      Double parked$10.00
      Service entrance/loading zones$10.00
      Students parked in Faculty/Staff parking lots$10.00
      Exceeding time limit in 15 minute loading/unloading zone$10.00
      Failure to comply with instructions and directions given by a Security Officer in the performance of traffic control and parking duties$10.00
      Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant or in a fire lane$10.00
      In a designated tow-away zone$10.00
      Parked in a reserved parking space$10.00
      Driving around or removing a barricade$10.00
      Parked in the Visitor’s parking lot$10.00
      Providing false parking or vehicle registration information$10.00
      Obstructing driveways, sidewalks, roadways, or other vehicles$10.00
      Parked in ADA accessible parking space$10.00*
      *May also be subject to a state-assessed fine of $250 written by law enforcement officers.
    3. Three or more unpaid parking citations will subject the vehicle to being towed at the owner’s expense.
    4. Unpaid fines will result in an immediate hold on student records, diplomas, transcripts, certificates, and future registrations.
    5. An employee who parks in a designated faculty/staff lot and receives a citation for not displaying a valid parking permit/hangtag may provide proof of his/her status as an employee to the Safety and Security Office within ten (10) business days and the ticket will be voided.
    6. Employees with unpaid parking citations will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Procedure 2.1900 Employee Discipline.
  3. Appeals Process
    If you receive a parking citation that you feel is unjust, you may initiate an appeal by completing the appeal form located on the Safety and Security’s website.
    1. You have ten (10) business days after receipt of the citation to file an appeal. No appeal will be accepted after ten (10) business days.
    2. The completed appeals form must be submitted to the Safety and Security Department, along with any supporting statements or documents the petitioner wishes to be considered.
    3. The completed form will be reviewed by the Director of Safety and Security or designee for completeness and the parking history, if any, will be attached to the form. If the Director of Safety and Security, or designee, agrees with the petitioner that the citation was issued in error, the citation may be voided and the petitioner will be notified by letter.
    4. If the Director of Safety and Security or designee denies the appeal, it will be forwarded to the Parking Citation Appeals Committee for review at their regularly scheduled meeting.
    5. Written notification of the committee’s findings will be provided to the petitioner by mail.
    6. Decisions rendered by the Parking Citation Appeals Committee are final; there is no further appeals process.
    7. Parking rules and regulations are available on the Safety and Security website.

Notice 
Any other College rule(s) which reference(s) the rule noticed herein shall be interpreted and enforced consistent with the new / revised rule upon its final adoption (unless otherwise indicated in the referencing rule(s)).

Recommended byExecutive TeamDate01/24/17
Signed by President E. Ann McGeeDate 01/25/17


8.0500 Protection of Children and vulnerable Person: Reporting Known or Suspected Abuse, Abandonment or Neglect of Children

Based on board policy number and Florida Statutes:F.S. 39.001, .205; FAC 6A-14.099; College Policy 8.050
Effective Date:11/2015
Date of Review:---

Purpose

The College does not condone or tolerate the abuse, abandonment or neglect of children or other vulnerable persons committed on the property of the College or elsewhere, or during an event or function sponsored by the College. This Procedure describes the obligation of the College or any person to timely report any known or suspected incidents of this kind and the process for doing so.

Definitions

  1. For the purpose of this procedure, the terms “abuse,” “abandonment,” and “neglect” shall have the same meaning as in Section 39.001, F.S.
    1. "Abuse” means any willful act or threatened act that results in any physical, mental, or sexual abuse, injury, or harm that causes or is likely to cause the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health to be significantly impaired. Abuse of a child includes acts or omissions. Corporal discipline of a child by a parent or legal custodian for disciplinary purposes does not in itself constitute abuse when it does not result in harm to the child.
    2. "Abandoned” or “abandonment” means a situation in which the parent or legal custodian of a child or, in the absence of a parent or legal custodian, the caregiver, while being able, has made no significant contribution to the child’s care and maintenance or has failed to establish or maintain a substantial and positive relationship with the child, or both.
    3. “Neglect” occurs when a child is deprived of, or is allowed to be deprived of, necessary food, clothing, shelter, or medical treatment or a child is permitted to live in an environment when such deprivation or environment causes the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health to be significantly impaired or to be in danger of being significantly impaired. Neglect of a child includes acts or omissions.
  2. Administrator - Personnel at Seminole State College who have been assigned the responsibility of college-wide or campus-wide academic, student services, or administrative functions, such as: president, executive vice president, vice president, campus provosts, campus dean, associate vice president, executive director, director, dean, and campus safety and security officer.
  3. Child - Any person under the age of 18 years who has not been emancipated by order of the court.
  4. Law Enforcement  – The College employs Security Officers but does not have its own law enforcement agency. For the purpose of this procedure, “law enforcement” means local police and the county sheriff’s department.
  5. Vulnerable adult – A person 18 years of age or older whose ability to perform the normal activities of daily living or to provide for his or her own care or protection is impaired due to disability, brain damage, or the infirmities of aging.

Procedure

  1. Institutional Obligation
    1. Requirement. Florida law requires college administrators to report to the Department of Children & Family Services (DCF) any instances directly observed or reported to them of known or suspected child abuse, abandonment, and neglect committed on the property of the institution or during a college sponsored event. Failure to report, or knowingly and willfully preventing another person from reporting, is considered a violation of college policy, college procedure, and the law. A violation may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment as well as personal criminal and civil penalties. The College may also be subject to substantial fines in accordance with Florida Statute and Rule for the actions or inactions of its employees.
    2. How to report incidents
      1. All instances of known or suspected child abuse, abandonment or neglect must be reported to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Notification must be made by Calling, Faxing or E-Mailing the Florida DCF Abuse Hotline.
        Telephone: 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
        Fax: 1-800-914-0004
        Web report: http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline
      2. Notify the Campus Safety and Security Office of any incidents reported to DCF so that an internal Incident Report can be completed. Contact the Campus Safety and Security Office if immediate assistance is needed to deal with the problem at hand.
  2. Individual Obligation
    1. Requirement. Florida law requires any person who knows or reasonably suspects that a child is abused, abandoned, or neglected, to report such knowledge or suspicion to the Florida Department of Children and Family Services. Any person also may contact local law enforcement authorities to make a report of suspected child abuse at any time.
    2. How to report incidents 
      Notify the Florida Department of Children and Families. Notification must be made by Calling, Faxing or E-Mailing the Florida DCF Abuse Hotline.
      Telephone: 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
      Fax: 1-800-914-0004
      Web report: http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline
Recommended byExecutive TeamDate11/17/2015
Approved President E. Ann McGee Date 11/20/2015


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