Access to Campus Facilities

The Chipola College campus is open to the public during normal class hours and at other times upon special notice. The public is invited to the college to pursue educational opportunities and to attend college functions and activities. The pursuit of educational opportunities may include attending classes, registering for classes, visiting with instructors or advisors, obtaining information about college programs, or simply becoming familiar with the college facilities and its amenities. When the college is officially closed, any person found on college property without authorization may be considered a trespasser and will be reported to campus security. Loitering and soliciting on college property are strictly prohibited and any person found loitering or soliciting will be asked to leave, or upon refusal will be reported to campus security. NOTE: During Summer Semesters I and II, the college is closed on Friday.

Campus Security

Chipola College maintains campus security through an agreement with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. College facilities fall within the jurisdiction of local law enforcement officials and any criminal activity occurring on campus is referred to campus security and/or local law enforcement officials for investigation and prosecution.

Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act Notice

Pursuant to Sections 775.21, 943.0435, and 944.607, Florida Statutes requiring notification to institutions of higher education if a sexual predator or sexual offender is enrolled, or carrying on a vocation at an institution of higher education in this state, the Florida Department of Corrections will notify such institution. Information regarding such offenders attending Chipola College may be accessed online via the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website at http://offender.fdle.state.fl.us or by phone at 1-855-352-7233.

Crime Awareness and Prevention Programs

All new Chipola students (and transfer students with less than 12 semester hours of transferable credit) are required to attend student orientation taught each fall and spring semester (students beginning during a summer semester attend a session during the following fall term). As part of the Orientation Program, students are given information about crime prevention and specific tips on personal safety and protection from crime. Students also receive instruction about how and where to report suspected criminal activity.

Drug Free Campus

In compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989, Chipola College:

Prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by all students and employees;

Enforces sanctions, including those applicable under local, state, and federal law, for unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol, including but not limited to suspension, expulsion, termination of employment, and referral for prosecution which may result in arrest, appropriate fines, and imprisonment.

Believes that there are many detrimental health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol, including but not limited to psychological and physical addiction, insomnia, disorientation, depression, hallucinations, hypertension, increased anxiety and paranoia, damage to unborn babies, convulsions, cancer, psychosis, respiratory failure, brain damage, and death;

Reminds students that by registering at Chipola, they assume the responsibility of becoming familiar with and abiding by the regulations and rules of conduct of the college;

Encourages anyone with a drug or alcohol problem to seek help at one of the local agencies which include but are not limited to the following: Alcoholics Anonymous (850) 769-0335, Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort, Inc. (850) 526-3133, and Life Management Center of NW Florida (850) 482-7441.

The college provides drug and alcohol abuse educational programs annually.

Student Right to Know

This link to the Chipola College website provides prospective students, current students and community members with information, facts and figures about Chipola College. http://www.chipola.edu/legal/right/right_to_know.htm 

Crime Statistics

The Annual Campus Security Report contains campus crime statistics for years 2018, 2019, and 2020. Statistics concern criminal offenses as reported to campus security or local police agencies. Additional information can be found at OPE Campus Security Statistics website (http://ope.ed.gov/security) brought to you by the U.S. Department of Education. Students can access this information at https://www.chipola.edu/studentservices/student-right-to-know/annual-security-report/.

The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) addresses the violence women face on campus. Incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking are disclosed in the Annual Security Report that maintains crime statistics.

In addition, Chipola College maintains a Crime Log in the Student Services Office, A 107. The Crime Log contains crimes and investigated incidents of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office on Chipola College campus.

Campus Safety

Students and employees are encouraged to take the following precautions to help make the campus safer:

1. Carry your Student ID card with you at all times while on campus.
2. Keep car doors locked and all valuables out of sight and park only in designated areas.
3. Never leave your purse, bookbag, laptop computer, palm pilot, math calculator, etc., unattended. Carry your money, driver’s license, and credit cards on your person if possible.
4. Keep your Residence Hall room locked at all times; keep room key in your possession. Students should never leave laundry or other personal property unattended.
5. Mark all books and personal property for identification. Students should not leave them unattended.
6. Stay in well-lighted areas at night.  Students should try to avoid traveling across campus alone and report any poorly lighted areas.
7. Stay on sidewalks as much as possible and watch for protruding roots and fallen limbs when traveling across campus.
8. Report any suspicious activities or persons by calling 911 or by contacting any college official.
9. Keep to the right at blind corners and use a handrail when using stairs.
10. Keep bicycles, roller blades, etc. off sidewalks, grass, tennis courts, or inside any building. Skateboards are not allowed on campus.
11. The possession, use, or storage of electronic equipment such as Hoverboards, Swagways, IO Hawks, Skywalkers, Segways and any similar devices is prohibited anywhere on the Chipola College Campus, including in residence halls and apartments. This applies to all members of the campus community, and has been enacted to mitigate potential on-campus safety hazards. 
12. Use caution when approaching cross-walks, and remember, the pedestrian has the right of way. Campus speed limit is 15 mph.
13. In case of fire, immediately evacuate the building in an orderly fashion. Reentry to the building will not be permitted until properly authorized by the fire department or College administration.
14. In case of bomb threat, immediately evacuate the building in an orderly fashion. If the campus is to be totally evacuated, leave campus at once in a safe and orderly manner. If you see any unusual object, notify the proper authorities, but do not touch it.
15. Report any violence immediately by calling 911 and then notify the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs at 850-718-2451 or 850-718-2222 or any other employee.
16. In case of hurricane or other disaster, the decision to close the College will be based upon whether a life threatening situation is determined to exist or is projected to exist during the time classes are scheduled. For information concerning school closure, call (850)526-2761 or tune in to one of the local television or radio stations.
17. For incidents of seizure or other medical emergencies call 911 and then report immediately to the Human Resources Office at 850-718-2269 or 850-718-2205 or the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs at 850-718-2451 or 850-718-2222 for assistance.

Classroom Safety

The college seeks to prevent disease and accident by maintaining a healthful environment. Students are furnished with safeguards to reduce or eliminate accidents and injuries. Faculty responsible for supervision of students and student activities take precautions to protect the health and safety of every student. Students who work or study in areas where accidents are more likely to happen will be properly oriented in the use of equipment, safety procedures to help protect fellow students, and proper action in case of an emergency.

Students are required to wear safety devices and protective clothing and take such safeguards as are necessary to reduce or eliminate accidents and injuries. Refusal or failure by a student to use or wear such devices or protective clothing or equipment shall be grounds for appropriate disciplinary action. Students who work or study in areas where accidents are more likely to happen (i.e., pool, drama workshop, science labs) will be required to follow instructions regarding potential dangers (i.e., tools, chemicals). Students should note the location of fire extinguishers, etc.

Eye protective devices - Florida Statute 1006.063 requires eye protection devices be worn by any student, instructor or visitor involved in an activity likely to cause injury to the eye.

Foot protection - Bare feet are not allowed on campus. Sandals or footwear exposing the feet are not permissible during activities requiring foot protection, such as chemical laboratory work, shop work and photo processing.

Student ID Cards

All students currently enrolled in at least one college, technical (PSAV) or preparatory credit course are required to obtain a Chipola College Photo Identification Card by the end of the first week of class for each academic term. Students must carry their ID cards at all time while on campus; present the card to campus security or campus personnel when requested for identification purposes; and must have the card to check out library materials, use computers in the Library and Tech Center, and to take many final exams. Keep your student ID with you at all times while on campus. Staff and/or security may ask for your ID; if you cannot produce it, you may be asked to leave campus. Students must provide their student account statement verifying that they are registered for the term and do not owe tuition or fees. Students can print a student account statement online at chipola.edu. The student ID card is valid for the academic term identified by the sticker located on the back of the card. Students must have their card validated for each subsequent semester of enrollment. New ID cards are required annually, beginning with the fall semester of the academic year. Identification cards are made daily during each registration period and are available in A-107 during posted hours. A $10 fee will be charged for each replacement ID card.

Children on Campus

Chipola College values family life and is supportive of families. However, Chipola College employees, students, and visitors should not use the college in lieu of a childcare provider. Accordingly, minor children of employees, students, or visitors may be on campus only under the special circumstances below.

1. Minor children are permitted on campus when the purpose of their visit is to participate in activities, classes, or events specifically scheduled for their benefit (e.g. children’s theatre programs/workshops, athletic camps, etc.).
2. Minor children are permitted on campus when with a parent or responsible adult who is conducting routine business at the college. Courtesy to other campus visitors is important; therefore, please leave young children in the care of others when visiting campus for activities such as advising, registration, seeking financial aid assistance, attending class, conducting research, participating in labs or study groups, or using the Library.
3. In no case are minor children permitted in labs, shops, construction/repair sites, classrooms, offices, or other areas where potential hazards exist, unless enrolled in classes or activities scheduled at the site.