Tuition & Financial Aid

ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE FOR 2020-2021 AWARD YEAR

**Tuition is for 36 trimester credit hours at 12 credit hours per trimester

Students at GCNYC are eligible to apply for only the federal Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans.

Direct Unsubsidized Loan

A federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is not based on the student’s financial need, but students must also meet specific eligibility requirements. Interest is charged throughout the life of the loan. The borrower may choose to pay the interest charged on the loan or allow the interest to be capitalized (added to the loan principal). Direct Unsubsidized Loan is not based on credit history.

The annual loan limit is $20,500.

Grad PLUS Loan

The federal Grad PLUS loan is not based on the student’s financial need, but students must also meet specific eligibility requirements. The annual limit is equal to the student’s cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid the student is receiving. Applicants are required to pass a credit check. PLUS loans carry a fixed rate and an origination fee. Certain borrowers may also be required to complete a federal PLUS loan counseling before the loan is originated and disbursed.

Before you can receive a Grad PLUS Loan, you must complete a Direct PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN), which explains all the terms and conditions of the loan and constitute your legally binding agreement to repay all the Grad PLUS Loan you receive. Someone with an adverse credit history can qualify for a Grad PLUS Loan by securing an endorser.

Aggregate Loan Limits

Period of Enrollment

The period of enrollment for which a direct loan is intended must coincide with an academic period established by the College for which institutional charges are generally accessed. Therefore, the period of enrollment for GCNYC is fall, winter and spring trimesters.

Scholarships

Scholarships: At GCNYC we believe that a college education is an investment for a brighter future. Our institutional commitment to furthering our mission For the Common Good and our equally strong desire to build a diverse academic community made up of passionate students— regardless of financial circumstances—means that GCNYC makes every reasonable attempt to help qualified students.

In this spirit we are proud to offer a number of merit-based scholarships:

1. Common Good Scholarships
2. Fair Fashion Fellowships Scholarship Opportunities

There are a number of scholarships offered in the names by the College and these have specific criteria attached to them. The Admissions team can help determine if you are eligible for these.

• FAFSA Completion: The first step in applying for federal student aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Must be admitted to a graduate degree program
• Must be enrolled in at least 8 trimester credit hours for loans
• Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen (permanent residents and certain refugees)
• Must be registered for selective service (only applies to males aged 18 or older)
• Must not be in default on a federal student loan, or owe a refund on a federal student aid grant
• Must have a valid social security number
• Student must be meeting the Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) policy

1. Create your FSA ID
2. Complete the FAFSA
3. Add GCNYC School Code: 042828
4. Complete the Entrance Counseling for Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS Loan Here
5. Sign Master Promissory Note for Direct Unsubsidized Loan Here
6. Sign Master Promissory Note for Grad PLUS Loan Here

1. FAFSA Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) is received from the federal processor and reviewed for completeness and correctness.
2. Student eligibility for federal student aid is evaluated
3. Award of Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Grad PLUS Loan is made
4. Award information is sent to student via the assigned College e-mail account
5. Loan cancellation and Reduction form is attached with the Award Letter

What is Entrance Counseling?

If you have not previously received a federal Direct Loan or a Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL), the federal government requires that you complete an entrance counseling to ensure that you understand the responsibilities and obligations that you are assuming.

If you are completing the entrance counseling to borrow a loan as a graduate or professional student, the entrance counseling will fulfill counseling requirements for the Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS Loans.

Click here for Entrance Counseling

What is Exit Counseling?

Exit counseling provides important information to prepare you to repay your federal student loan(s).

If you received a subsidized, unsubsidized or PLUS or Grad PLUS loan under the Direct Loan Program, or the FFEL Program, you must complete the exit counseling each time you:

• Drop below half-time enrollment
• Graduate
• Leave school

Click here for Exit Counseling

• Federal Direct loan Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans are originated with Common Origination and Disbursement (COD)
• Entrance Counseling completion is verified
• Attendance is verified. Student must be enrolled in at least 8 trimester credit hours, and currently be in attendance when loan funds are credited to the student’s account
• Student account is credited after verification of attendance
• Credit balance check is issued to the student within 14 days of the credit balance date
• First time loan recipients may have to wait for 30 days after classes start to receive loan proceeds

A student has the right to cancel all or a portion of the federal Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans at any time before the loan is disbursed. Student must notify the College within 14 days before the loan is applied to your charges and a credit balance check disbursed to you. Complete the Loan Cancellation and Reduction Form, and send it to the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@gcnyc.com

Federal Title IV regulations governing the administration of the federal student financial assistance require schools to establish a reasonable satisfactory academic progress (SAP) policy for determining whether an otherwise eligible student is making satisfactory progress in his or her educational program, and may receive assistance under the Title IV, HEA programs.

The standard of satisfactory academic progress policy has three component parts, qualitative (GPA), quantitative (% of completion), and maximum timeframe.

Qualitative: The Cumulative GPA requirement for graduate programs at GCNYC is 3.0.

Quantitative: Students must complete at least 50% of all courses attempted every trimester of enrollment.

Maximum Timeframe: A student cannot receive Title IV, HEA funds at GCNYC if current enrollment may exceed or the student has already exceeded the maximum timeframe of the length of the program of study as defined by the College. The College defines maximum timeframe as 150% of the program, or 54 trimester credit hours. A student exceeding the maximum timeframe has the right to appeal the denial of the federal student aid.

A SAP evaluation for federal Title IV, HEA program purposes will be completed at the end of every spring trimester. Students not meeting the published SAP policy may no longer be eligible to receive the federal student financial assistance unless the student completes the appeals process, and the appeal is approved.

Financial Aid Probation: A student who did not meet the published SAP policy requirements at the end of spring trimester, must file an appeal, and have the appeal approved to continue receiving federal student financial aid assistance. The student is placed on Financial Aid Probation upon approval of his or her appeal. The probation period is for term only. A student may be placed on an Academic Plan as part of the appeal process. Such academic plan must ensure that the student meets the SAP policy in a short amount of time.

Financial Aid Suspension: A student who was placed on Financial Aid Probation as a result of the appeal process, and who did not meet the terms of the approval, and also did not meet the published SAP policy will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension. The student will no longer be eligible to receive the federal student financial assistance at the College. To regain eligibility and reinstatement, the student must pay for own College costs, meet the published SAP requirements, then re-appeal for reinstatement.

Maximum Timeframe: A student who has exceeded the maximum timeframe, or will exceed the maximum timeframe with current enrollment will no longer be eligible to receive the federal student financial aid assistance. The student must appeal and state the reason why he or she failed to complete the program by the allowable maximum timeframe period. The appeal must be approved for the student to continue receiving federal student financial assistance.

It is the responsibility of the student to initiate the appeal process after receiving notification from the College that he or she is no longer eligible to receive federal student financial assistance by completing the Appeal Form.

• All course work taken at the College whether a course grade was received or not will be counted as part of the attempted course work, and it will be used in determining the maximum timeframe eligibility used.
• A student whose financial aid has been suspended can appeal that decision by going through the appeal process by completing the appeal form.
• The appeal form must be supported with acceptable documentation showing extraordinary circumstances beyond the student’s control as a reason for not meeting the published SAP policy.
• Death, serious injury or the hospitalization of an immediate family member may be an acceptable reason for not meeting the SAP policy
• Loss of job, loss of transportation, found a job after classes start, childcare issues, or lost interest in the course are not acceptable reasons for not meeting the SAP policy.

The appeal must include the following:

1. Why the student failed to meet the published SAP policy.
2. What has changed, and what the student has done to ensure that henceforth, he or she will meet the published SAP policy.

The decision of the Financial Aid Officer is final.

A student whose financial appeal was denied can regain reinstatement by paying for his or her own Colleges costs and meet the published SAP policy. The student must re-appeal and the appeal approved to gain reinstatement.

Tuition refunds are determined and made on a course-by-course basis. They are based on a percentage of fees due up until the census date (28th day of term). In order to qualify for a refund, the student must provide official notice of withdrawal from a course to the office of the Provost during regular College business hours.

Refunds are based on the following schedule:

• By 5pm on the Friday prior to the first class meeting 100%
• By 5pm on the Friday of the first week of classes 75%
• By 5pm on the Friday of the second week of classes 50%
• By 5pm on the Friday of the third week of classes 25%
• Thereafter 0%

Federal student financial aid is awarded to a student with the expectation that the student will complete all the courses for the trimester for which financial aid was received. If the student completely withdraws from all the courses, whether officially, or unofficially, before the 60% point of the trimester, the College is required to perform a Return of Title IV Funds calculation to determine what percentage of the financial aid the student received was earned by the student. A student may have to return a portion of the financial aid received if he or she was not in attendance up to the 60% point in the trimester.

In line with federal regulations, unearned Title IV funds will be returned to these programs in the following order:

1. Direct Unsubsidized Loan
2. Grad PLUS Loan

Any unearned portion of the previously disbursed federal student aid will be charged back to the student as a debt owed to the College.

Please note that the Return of Title IV Funds is separate from the College’s Tuition Refund Policy.

Official Withdrawal

Students who are considering withdrawing from GCNYC are strongly encouraged to discuss their situation with their Academic Advisor first. Should a student decide to withdraw then they must notify the Student Learning Coordinator and fully complete the withdrawal form (including gaining all necessary signatures) available on the College’s website.

Unofficial Withdrawal

If a student begins to attend class(es), receives federal Title IV aid, but then stops to attend “all” the courses he or she had enrolled in that trimester without officially withdrawing from the College, the US Department of Education considers that to be an Unofficial withdrawal. The student has not unofficially withdrawn from the College if he or she is still attending at least a class.

Any unearned portion of the previously disbursed federal student aid will be charged back to the student as a debt owed to the College.

Please note that the Return of Title IV Funds is separate from the College’s Tuition Refund Policy.

General Information

• College Administration
• College Catalog
• Academic Calendar

Instructional Facilities

Glasgow Caledonian New York College
64 Wooster Street, Ground Floor
New York, NY 10012

Located in Manhattan’s historical SoHo neighborhood, GCNYC’s Wooster Street campus is a newly designed and renovated 8,500 square feet space spread over two floors. The facility includes offices and classrooms and the layout is designed to be flexible and adaptable to accommodate a range of teaching strategies.

This includes:

• 4 formal classrooms
• Open areas for large lectures and college events (1579 sq ft, 444 sq ft)
• Open area for student lounge and study space (1359 sq ft)
• Ancillary accommodation (pantry, rest rooms, etc.)

Educational Programs

GCNYC has three post-graduate programs registered with the New York State Education Department:

• Master of Science (M.S.) in International Fashion Marketing (NYSED Program Code: 38990; HEGIS: 0501.00).
• Master of Science (M.S.) in Risk, Resilience and Integrity Management (NYSED Program Code: 38992; HEGIS: 0501.00).
• Master of Science (M.S.) in Impact-Focused Business and Investing (NYSED Program Code: 38989; HEGIS: 0501.00).

Program registrations can be viewed here

Accreditation, Approval, and Licensure of Institution and Programs

Glasgow Caledonian New York College (GCNYC) was granted a provisional charter and degree granting authority by the Board of Regents of the State of New York in June 2017.  The minutes of the Board of Regents providing our degree granting authority can be viewed here. Requests for a copy of our charter should be directed to the Secretary to the Board of Trustees.

Our founding institution, Glasgow Caledonian University, is accredited in the UK by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) of Scotland.

Accreditation

Glasgow Caledonian New York College (GCNYC) is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000). GCNYC’s candidacy status was approved by the Commission at its meeting of June 21, 2018.  Our next evaluation visit will be in Academic Year 2020/2021.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Candidate for Accreditation is a status with the Commission that indicates that an institution has achieved membership and is progressing toward, but is not assured of, accreditation.

Copyright Infringement – Policies and Sanctions Federal Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA)

The Federal Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA) imposes various requirements on higher education with respect to illegal sharing of copyrighted material by network users. Among these requirements, the College is to provide information to its community regarding legal and policy implications of illegal file sharing, as well as provide legal alternatives for acquiring copyrighted material.

General Statement:

The unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material by any electronic method, including peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject you to disciplinary action as well as civil and criminal liabilities.

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 attorneys’ 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 Web site of the U.S. Copyright Office.

Computer Use and File Sharing P2P and Copyright Infringement

GCNYC considers the use of peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing of copyrighted material, including music and videos, to be an inappropriate use of the College IT network. All students must comply with all federal, New York, and other applicable law; all applicable College policies; and all applicable contracts and licenses.” This includes copyright laws, including the DMCA. The DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) makes it illegal to download and/or share unauthorized copyrighted materials, which are usually accessed through file sharing software, commonly known as peer-to-peer (P2P) networking software. The illegal (unauthorized) sharing of copyrighted material exposes the perpetrator to civil, criminal, and GCNYC penalties.

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.

Constitution Day

In accordance with federal regulations, GCNYC will celebrate the United States Constitution on every September 17 of each year by providing an educational program on the Constitution of the United States of America. If September 17 falls on a weekend or a religious holiday, the celebration may be celebrated the preceding week or the following week.

Student Complaints Handling

The Complaints Handling Procedure (CHP) reflects GCNYC’s commitment to valuing student needs. Students, recent students, applicants and members of the public should feel free to raise matters of concern without risk of disadvantage. GCNYC’s goal is to resolve issues of dissatisfaction as close to the initial point of contact as possible and to conduct thorough and fair investigations of complaints so that, where appropriate, we can make evidence-based decisions on the facts of each individual case and will ultimately contribute to the continued positive experience of our students and members of the public.

Definition of a Complaint

A complaint may be defined as an expression of dissatisfaction by one or more individuals about the standard of service, action or lack of action by or on behalf of the Institution. A complaint may relate to:

• the quality and standard of service
• failure to provide a service
• the quality of facilities or learning resources
• treatment by or attitude of a staff member, student or contractor
• inappropriate behavior by a staff member, student or contractor
• the failure of the College to follow an appropriate administrative process
• dissatisfaction with the College’s policies (although it should be recognized that policy is set at the discretion of the College)

The definition of a complaint is very broad and the list above is not exhaustive. However, not every concern raised within the College is a complaint. For example, the following are not complaints:

• a routine, first-time request for a service
• a freedom of information request
• a request for information or an explanation of policy or practice
• a response to an invitation to provide feedback through a formal mechanism such as a questionnaire or committee membership will generally not be treated as a complaint
• an insurance claim
• an issue which is being, or has been, considered by a court or tribunal
• a request for compensation only
• an attempt to have a complaint reconsidered where the College’s procedure has been completed and a final decision has been issued
• a grievance by a member of staff which is eligible for handling through an applicable staff complaint resolution policy
• an appeal about an academic decision on assessment or admission

These issues will be dealt with under the alternative appropriate processes rather than the CHP. It should be noted, however, that some situations can involve a combination of issues. While some are complaints and others are not, each case will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Complaints Handling Procedure

Full details of the GCNYC Complaints Handling Procedure will be available on GCNYC’s website. If you wish to formally submit a complaint, please email full details to complaints@gcnyc.com.

A student can also file a complaint with the College’s accreditation body, The Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Student Financial Assistance

Rights and Responsibilities of Students Receiving Financial Aid.

AS A STUDENT, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW:

• What financial aid programs are available and how to apply for them
• Procedures and deadlines for submitting the FAFSA and any additional forms for financial aid
• All records and information submitted with your application for financial aid are confidential, and is subject to legal requirements (FERPA) concerning disclosure of such information
• Cost of attendance and how financial need is determined
• The type and amount of assistance you will receive, and how and when you will be paid
• The eligibility criteria for awarding aid
• The terms and conditions of any loan you accept
• How Satisfactory Academic Progress is determined
• That you can appeal your Satisfactory Academic Progress status
• Requirements in the case of withdrawal, refunds, and repayment of financial aid

AS A STUDENT, YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:

• Establish plans to meet your educational and living expenses
• Obtain and complete any necessary financial aid application forms and submit them in a timely manner
• Read, understand, and retain copies of all information and/or forms that are sent to you and all other documents you sign
• To provide complete and correct information. Reporting false or misleading information may result in you being fined up to $20,000, sent to prison, or both
• To contact the Financial Aid Office if you want your loan reduced or canceled. Once you have completed the Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note, and completed Loan Entrance Counseling if you are a first-time borrower, the semester portion of the requested loan amount will disburse to your selected refund preference. You must contact our office in writing within 14 days of the disbursement if you want the loan reduced or canceled, unless a refund of loan funds has already been disbursed by GCNYC
• To meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress policies and standards of GCNYC in order to maintain financial aid eligibility
• Read, understand, and retain copies of all information and/or forms that are sent to you and all other documents you sign
• Comply with the provisions of any aid received, as well as any promissory note(s) and all other agreements you sign
• Use aid only for educational expenses related to attending GCNYC
• Register and attend classes for at least 8 trimester credit hours required for your loan

Disbursement of Financial Aid Funds

• Federal Direct loan Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans are originated with Common Origination and Disbursement (COD)
• Entrance counseling completion is verified
• Attendance is verified. Student must be enrolled in at least 8 trimester credit hours, and currently be in attendance when loan funds are credited to the student’s account
• Student account is credited after verification of attendance
• Credit balance check is issued to the student within 14 days of the credit balance date
• First time loan recipients may have to wait for 30 days after classes start to receive loan proceeds

Financial Aid Forms

• Financial Aid Appeal Form
• Loan Reduction/Cancellation Form

Health and Safety

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

The College discloses information on standards of conduct and disciplinary sanctions for violations, legal sanctions regarding unlawful use, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages and illicit drugs, health risks of drug and alcohol use and abuse and where to get assistance

Health Insurance

All students are required to have up-to-date health insurance for the time of their enrollment at GCNYC.

Health Services

First Aid kits are on campus and available to all students. Select staff members have been trained in professional first-aid and can give appropriate referrals to those in need of urgent care.

Urgent care services are not provided on campus. Students can visit the closest City MD to campus, which is located at 331 6th Avenue, New York City, NY 10014.

International Students seeking support for health services should contact the Director of Recruitment and Admissions.

Immunization Policy Statement

In accordance with New York State law (Public Health Laws 2165 and 2167), all students registering for more than 6 credits at GCNYC (and born after January 1, 1957) must provide a certificate from a health practitioner or other acceptable evidence of such student’s immunization against measles, mumps, and Rubella. Students who request an exemption to this rule on medical or religious grounds, must provide appropriate documentation as specified by the New York Department of Health.

GCNYC is also required to maintain a record for each student of either a certificate of immunization for meningococcal meningitis within the past 10 years; OR an acknowledgement of meningococcal disease risks and refusal of meningococcal meningitis immunization signed by the student (or their parent or guardian if under 18).

Students must provide this documentation on or before the first day of class.

Campus Safety

At GCNYC, campus safety is specifically the responsibility of the Vice President and Provost and the Director of Operations & Student Services, Title IX Coordinator—to whom any questions or concerns should be directed. They are responsible for the campus’ annual safety report, as well as all initiatives to increase the safety and security of our campus.

In compliance with relevant regulation (including the Clery Act, the Violence Against Women Act, Title IX, and New York State Educational Law article 129-B), the Vice President and Provost of GCNYC, or the Title IX Coordinator, will be responsible for identifying those faculty and staff who qualify as “Campus Security Authorities.” The Vice President and Provost will also be responsible for issuing a letter to each of those individuals informing them of those responsibilities and informing them of scheduled training session. Training sessions will be scheduled within two weeks of the beginning of Trimester A; letters to CSAs will be sent at least two weeks prior to scheduled training dates. Individuals hired in at other times during the academic year whose roles require that they be CSAs will receive their letter informing them of that status and their responsibilities when they are appointed, and the training will be incorporated into their induction. A copy of our Clery Handbook is kept in the Director of Operations & Student Services, Title IX Coordinator’s office.

Training session for all CSAs include:

• Appropriate crime definitions for reporting
• Geographic definitions applicable to reporting
• Processes for passing information to appropriate individuals to allow timely warnings
• Campus Emergency Action plan
• Review of all university policies in health and safety
• Best practices for maintaining the safety of our students
• Best practices for speaking with reporters of sexual violence
• Legal and institutional reporting requirements
• Processes for reporting crimes to College officials
• Student rights
• College Code of Conduct and processes
• Familiarization with all appropriate laws and policies related to campus safety and crime including the Clery Act, Violence Against Women Act, Title IX, and Educational Law article 129 Geographic

Geographic Definitions

Glasgow Caledonian New York College is founded by Glasgow Caledonian University (Scotland) which is the flagship campus which owns and controls schools in multiple locations. GCNYC reported statistics refer specifically to Glasgow Caledonian New York College and do not include information from Glasgow or any other GCU campuses or partner campuses. For our annual Federal Campus Safety Report, GCNYC defines its campus geography as follows:

• On-Campus: The main and lower-level of 64 Wooster Street Glasgow Caledonian New York College
• Non-campus: Any additional facilities rented or controlled by GCNYC for the purposes of the delivery of classes or required student activities. These locations are only considered as part of our report during such times as GCNYC is actively using the site.
• Public Property: For our reporting purposes, the only public property which the GCNYC campus abuts is Wooster Street between Broome Street and Spring Street. The report includes reports of crime occurring on the street and either sidewalk.

For reporting to NYSED in compliance with Education Law article 129-B, geographic boundaries will not be used. Reporting will be based on the status of a reporting individual or respondent being enrolled as a student of GCNYC.

Crime Definitions

GCNYC defines the crimes listed in its Annual Safety Report based on New York State definitions. Items counted as hate crimes are those for which subjective evidence exists that said criminal acts were motivated by bias. Evidence of bias is determined by:

• Oral comments, written statements or gestures
• Drawings, markings, symbols, or graffiti
• Preponderance of incidents in a significant location
• Incidents on holidays or dates of significance
• Previous involvement in hate crimes by perpetrators
• Community perception that the incident was motivated by bias
• Dating violence includes sexual or physical abuse as well as the threat of such abuse
• Domestic violence includes felonies and misdemeanors involving individuals who have been intimate and/or shared a residence
• Stalking reported as related to campus are those incidents where the perpetrator engaged in the stalking course of conduct or the victim first became aware of the stalking (the latter particularly important for electronic stalking)

In compliance with the Clery Act, all other crimes will be defined in terms of Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) definitions and as reported by the New York Police Department (NYPD).

Offenses

Any suspected cases of minor or major misconduct should be reported to the Vice President and Provost or another member of faculty as soon as possible for consideration under the Code. Note: A number of minor offenses committed by one student or a group of students may constitute a major disciplinary offense.

Minor Offenses

The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples of Minor Offenses:

• Anti-social behavior and/or foul language
• Minor damage to, or unauthorized use of, College Property
• Minor breaches of safety regulations
• Refusing to fulfill minor contractual obligations
• Persistent Absenteeism
• Noise beyond socially acceptable norms for the time of day/night

Major Offenses

The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples of Major Offenses:

• Offenses in connection with examinations or assessments which allow and/or are intended to allow the student to obtain an unfair advantage
• Falsification, misrepresentation or misuse of documentation, prior qualifications and experiences, certifications, letters, e- communications, etc. presented or transmitted to any officer or student of the College or any person operating on behalf of the College
• Use of the work of other students, past or present, or substantial and unacknowledged use of published (electronic as well as physical) material or violation of copyright material presented as the student’s own work
• Acts of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault as defined by the Clery Act, the Violence Against Women Act, Title IX, or New York State Education Law, articles 129-A and 129-B
• A conduct violation that is equivalent to the definition of a Clery Act Part I Primary Crime (as set forth in 34 C.F.R. §668.46(c)
• Avoidance or attempted avoidance of security procedures to gain access to files and work done by users of College computing equipment
• Use or attempted use of College computing equipment to gain unauthorized access to any College computing facilities and/or unauthorized access to web or other IT related material or access to networked materials in violation of law
• Harassing, threatening or malicious behavior towards any member of the College community or any person acting on behalf of the College
• Impersonating another person or presenting oneself under false pretenses
• Theft, fraud, unauthorized possession, misapplication of and/or unauthorized access to or gross negligence in connection with funds or property of any kind
• Causing negligent or willful damage to or on College Property
• Causing negligent or willful damage to property owned by any member of the College community and/or any person acting on behalf of the College
• Deliberate and malicious misuse of safety equipment and/or contravention of safe working practices or procedures likely to seriously endanger the health and safety of another person
• Riotous or disorderly conduct affecting good order or persistently noisy or disruptive behavior anywhere within the College or on College Property, including student residences whether or not they are owned by the College
• Fighting, assault, threatening physical violence, aggressive behavior and/or use of foul and/or abusive language
• Harassment, discrimination or incitement including harassment discrimination or incitement on the grounds of race, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnic origin, religious, political or philosophical belief, disability, age, gender, marital status, mental condition or as detailed in the appropriate College policies available on the College’s website, of which you are deemed to have made yourself aware and understood
• Possession of weapons (defined as instruments designed to cause injury, intended to cause injury, or imply a threat to cause injury), including simulated weapons, are not allowed on the GCNYC campus (see 16.21 ‘Weapons Policy’)
• Possession, supply, use, abuse or touting of controlled substances and/or abuse of alcohol or prescription medication
• Contravention of the United States Fair Use Doctrine (Section 107 of the Copyright Act) provides the statutory framework for determining whether something is a fair use and identifies certain types of uses—such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research—as examples of activities that may qualify as fair use
• Unauthorized use of the College’s internet and e-mail facilities and connections as defined in College Regulations pertaining to the use of Information Technology Facilities
• Contravention of established procedures, working practices codes of practice and/or regulations dictated by current legislation or authorities
• Non-return of any equipment or property loaned from the College
• Any conduct or activity of any nature which may bring the College into disrepute whether such conduct or activity takes place either in the College or outside the College, including violent behavior, threatening violence, misrepresentation and immoral or obscene conduct

Failure to comply with the decision of the Vice President and Provost in relation to a minor offense or failure to comply with the decision of the Select Disciplinary Committee in the case of an appeal against a decision of the Vice President and Provost of School in relation to a minor offense.

Campus Safety Procedures

Minor Offenses

If a student is accused of a minor offense, the Vice President and Provost who shall conduct an investigation to determine whether the minor offense was committed.

• Where a minor offense has occurred, the Vice President and Provost will consult records to ascertain if the student has a previous offense recorded on the central register of student disciplinary offenses.
• Where a previous offense has been recorded the second/subsequent offense will then be reported to the Vice President and Provost of GCNYC to determine whether or not the repeated misconduct should be treated as a major offense.
• Where an alleged first minor offense has occurred the Provost may apply one or more penalties (see Section 8 ‘Penalties’).

Major Offenses

Upon the advice of the Title IX coordinator, the alleged major offense will be reported to the Vice President and Provost of GCNYC.

• All major offense issues are overseen by the Title IX Coordinator.
• Except in cases of student suspension as described below, the Select Disciplinary Committee shall normally convene within 28 days of notification of the allegations to determine whether the Major Offense occurred and to take any further action in accordance with the Code.

Suspension

Where the matter is remitted for action to the Select Disciplinary Committee, the Vice President and Provost shall have the authority to suspend the student. Whether a student is suspended pending disciplinary action will depend on the circumstances of the case. Where a student has been suspended, the Select Disciplinary Committee will meet within 14 days. This timescale may be modified if the allegations are complex and/or involve detailed investigation and/or a number of witnesses.

No Contact Orders

In issues where there is a reporting individual and a Respondent, the Vice President and Provost, on the recommendation of the Title IX Coordinator, has the right to issue a “No Contact Order.” Under such an order, the respondent is to have no contact with the reporting person, in person, by voice technology or electronic communication. Should both parties appear in the same public space, it is the responsibility of the respondent to depart. In the event that it a “No Contact Order” is issued, the Select Disciplinary Committee must convene within 7 days to determine whether the order is to be extended and for how long or to rescind the order.

Violation of No Contact Orders

Willful or repeated violations of “No Contact Orders” will be considered a threat to the health and safety of the community and will result in suspension by the Vice President and Provost, pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings. Individuals wishing to appeal such suspensions must do so by submitting a written appeal to the Vice President and Provost for GCNYC.

Investigation

Prior to any disciplinary action being taken, the allegation(s) will be investigated by the Title IX Coordinator, who will forward evidence, as appropriate, to the Select Disciplinary Committee.

Notification of Allegations

Prior to the hearing of the disciplinary matter by the Select Disciplinary Committee, the respondent will be provided with a written statement of the alleged offense or circumstances, which have led the College to consider taking disciplinary action. Prior to the disciplinary hearing, the respondent will receive a copy of all relevant evidence presented to the Select Disciplinary Committee, which will be referred to during the hearing. All written communications with the respondent shall be made to the last address notified to the College by the student and will be delivered by both first class and recorded delivery. In appropriate circumstances, written communication may be hand delivered by an officer of the College or, if the address is overseas, by the most effective form of official delivery.

Respondent Withdrawal during Investigation

If a respondent withdraws from the College while an investigation is in process, or if a respondent chooses not to re-enroll, if an investigation overlaps more than one term, the respondent has the right to request a completion of the investigation and the entire process including all appeals. An individual who completes the process agrees to be subject to the appropriate penalties if such are determined by the Select Disciplinary Committee.

Disciplinary Hearing and Evidence and Procedures

The student must take all reasonable steps to attend meetings at which they are requested to be present. If the student is unable to attend a meeting, they must explain this immediately and in advance to the person who invited them to the meeting or the person who is conducting the meeting.

For any disciplinary meeting, the timing and location of meetings will be reasonable, and the meetings will be conducted by the Select Disciplinary Committee in a manner that allows both parties to explain their respective cases. The Select Disciplinary Committee has the right to call for all relevant information including the right to call and hear witnesses and can take any necessary step under the procedures listed below without unreasonable delay:

• The Vice President and Provost shall not be a member of the Select Disciplinary Committee.
• The respondent will have the right to fully state their case, present relevant documentation and other information, submit a written statement to the Select Disciplinary Committee and lead evidence from witnesses at the disciplinary hearing. Any documentation, submissions or witness statements should be delivered to the Director of Operations & Student Services, Title IX & Disability Services Coordinator in advance of the hearing either by hand or by recorded delivery or registered post.
• At the meeting, the respondent will have the right to be accompanied at the meeting by a chosen representative. The respondent should advise the Title IX Coordinator who their representative will be in advance of the disciplinary hearing. The representative will be able to make submissions and ask questions on behalf of the respondent but is not permitted to answer questions for the respondent.
• The Select Disciplinary Committee may adjourn the disciplinary hearing and delay making a decision where it is decided that further investigation into the allegations is required.
• All information obtained during the conduct of the Select Disciplinary Committee’s process will be treated as confidential and protected from public release until such time as all appeal possibilities have been exhausted and a final resolution has been reached, unless otherwise required by law.

Legal Compliance

It is the belief and intent of GCNYC that all of our practices are in compliance with appropriate City, State and Federal Law. If an individual observes that the facility or practices are outside standards, they should make that known to the appropriate University official as well as the appropriate government agency, if they feel that the violation is serious enough to warrant such.

Keeping Students Informed

The Director of Operations & Student Services and Title IX Coordinator will have responsibility for regular review of student safety information posted on the website. This includes validating that information is up-to-date, that all links work, email links work, and responsible individuals and their phone numbers are correct and functional.

Emergency Actions

The appropriate practices for emergency situations are covered in the GCNYC Emergency Action Plan in Section 15.8. All employees and students should familiarize themselves with that plan and its requirements. In addition, all fire alarms are visual as well as auditory, and all fire exits are clearly indicated. For special events during which we have large number of attendees, we have hired fire marshals in attendance—their directions and instructions should be followed at all times. A first aid kit and defibrillator are available and fire extinguishers are located throughout the building.

Timely Warning Policy

At any point at which the Vice President and Provost, or the Director of Operations & Student Services, Title IX Coordinator has information about a Clery category crime which represents or reflects an ongoing threat to the campus or its people, a “Timely Warning” will be issued to all students and staff of GCNYC.

A Timely Warning will be initiated when a criminal act has occurred, has been reported to Police or to a campus CSA, and it is determined that there is a risk of the same crime occurring again by the same individual, agent, or circumstance.

The Timely Warning may be sent by the Vice President and Provost, the Title IX Coordinator or a designee who is directed in writing to assume that responsibility. The individual launching the timely warning is permitted to do so upon receipt of relevant information.

Timely Warnings will be issued to all students and staff via some combination of text message, email, web posting, and/or public placards. Every effort should be made to ensure that reach of the warning is comprehensive.

The issuing of a Timely Warning will be recorded as an incident in the campus’ Incident log.

Emergency Notification Policy

For instances where a significant emergency or potentially dangerous situation is confirmed, an Emergency Notification will be issued to relevant staff and students. These include all incidents identified in the GCNYC Emergency Action Plan, but the Vice President and Provost and/or the Title IX Coordinator have the right to expand those definitions based on their own discretion. These include, but are not limited to terrorist attack, active shooters, natural disasters, environmental phenomenon, weather, and infectious disease.

The Emergency Notification upon confirmation of the report of danger, will be sent without delay. Confirmation can include and be based on information from civil authorities, public media, or direct report or witnessing of situations.

Emergency Notifications will be issued to students and staff via some combination of text message, email, web posting, in building announcements, and/or public placards. Every effort will be made to ensure that students and staff are adequately informed.

An Emergency Notification may be sent by the Vice President and Provost, the Director of Operations & Student Services, Title IX Coordinator, or a designee who is directed in writing to assume that responsibility in their absence from campus at the required time of the Notification. The College has developed a library of potential messages to be used for Emergency Notifications.

The issuing of an Emergency Notification will be recorded as an incident in the campus’ Incident log.

Information in Warnings and Notifications

Information in direct communication should never release identifiable information about individuals but should provide appropriate information to allow others to be safe and to avoid potentially dangerous situations. First notifications will provide specific actions (i.e., do not come to campus) and indicate that there will be a follow up message with additional information within 24 hours. Within 24 hours, the college officer who sent out the message will provide an explanation or resolution; suggest specific follow up actions, or ways to achieve assistance or accommodation based on potential results from the situation; and update of the situation or incident if continuing.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All crimes, accidents or incidents should be reported to the appropriate college official within 24 hours of the incident occurring using the incident reporting form, available in the office of the Title IX Coordinator. Our published materials for students and staff reflect our policy that the decision to report a crime is an individual choice; that the College commits itself to not revealing any details which would make victims or witnesses identifiable and provides ways in which individuals can confidentially make reports.

Crime Statistics and Campus Incident Log

The campus will keep a copy of all incident reports and from them generate a Campus Incident Log which will be available upon request. The Incident Log will present information about incidents without information that may in any way violate the confidentiality of any individual.

College Survey

GCNYC will conduct a bi-annual survey on the campus environment. The survey will include an assessment of student familiarity and satisfaction with GCNYC judicial and safety policies, adjudication and reporting procedures, and resource support in the area of campus safety. Results of the survey will be sent to the GCNYC Board of Trustees for review and determination of appropriate action.

Annual Safety Report

GCNYC will publicly release an Annual Safety Report (ASR) on or before October 1 of each year. The ASR will include a copy of all crime and safety related policies, practices, and a report on the safety of the campus for the three previous years. GCNYC will also file a certificate of compliance with New York State Education Law article 129 on or before the 1st of July each year. The Provost of GCNYC or the Director of Operations & Student Services, Title IX & Disability Services Coordinator will be responsible for this report.

Reporting Individual Support

Beyond Code of Conduct Policies and Procedures, reporting individuals of sexual violence will be made aware of supporting resources. In compliance with the standards established by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and Education Law article 129, reporting individuals will be provided information on available resource on our website as well as print materials. This document is available in the office of the Director of Operations & Student Services and Title IX Coordinator.

Fire Inspection

GCNYC will maintain a schedule of regular fire safety inspections as required by City and State Law. The schedule and a reporting of results will be included in each ASR.

Conduct Issues—Non-Criminal

Issues of conduct which violate college policy but not federal, state, or city law will be handled according to the GCNYC Code of Student Conduct.

Education and Prevention of Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking

Each term’s student induction will include awareness of university Code of Conduct, appropriate safety procedures, university affirmation of consent to sexual activity, reporting structures, and student rights. As students go through induction each trimester, faculty should make every effort to build on and clarify student learning in regard to these topics.

Underage Drinking Policy

As GCNYC offers only postgraduate degrees, we do not anticipate that we will admit any students who are beneath the state drinking age. However, all state and federal laws, including the drinking age, will be fully enforced. Additionally, the GCNYC Code of Student Conduct, section 8, considers this a Major Offense.

Enforcement of Federal and State Drug Laws

GCNYC will handle all reports of violations of laws to NYPD, in compliance of Federal and State Law. Additionally, the GCNYC Code of Student Conduct considers this a Major Offense.

Smoke Free Campus

In alignment with New York State and GCNYC policy, smoking is not permitted anywhere on the GCNYC Campus.

Weapons Policy

Weapons (defined as instruments designed to cause injury, intended to cause injury, or imply a threat to cause injury), including simulated weapons, are not allowed on the GCNYC campus except when those possessed by Law Enforcement officials as recognized by appropriate governmental agencies. Those in possession of a weapon or a simulated weapon will be dealt with as a threat to campus safety and duly reported to NYPD and/or appropriate law enforcement agencies.

Class Cancellation (Weather) Policy

In the event of inclement weather or other acts deemed to make class meetings and university opening a safety risk for members of the community, the campus may be closed. Such decisions are made by the Vice President and Provost of GCNYC, or their designee. These announcements will be placed on the front page of the GCNYC web page. It will also be sent to current students who have registered to receive text message announcements.

Emergency Action Plan

Building Evacuation

If the fire alarm is triggered, all individuals should exit the building.

The fire alarm will be used for any threat to safety that requires evacuation of the building. Even if students or staff do not smell smoke or see flames, they are required to exit the building.

Upon exiting the building, turn left and head toward Broome Street. The meeting point will be the northwest corner of Broome and Wooster Streets:

1. Do not remain in front of the building as Emergency Vehicles will be arriving.
2. Do not depart until you have checked in with both GCNYC Incident Commanders, who will ensure that everyone is present after the evacuation. If you wish permission to depart, please ensure that you have informed both Incident Commanders.

If a student has important information about the incident or anyone still in the building, the student should report it immediately to one of the GCNYC Incident Commanders, who will communicate the information directly to Emergency Responders.

Once the students and staff have departed the building, no one may not re-enter until an Incident Commander, who after receiving clearance from Emergency Responders, says it is safe to return.

Seeking Shelter

If a safety threatening event occurs for which safe shelter is required, when directed, all individuals should go to the ground floor of 64 Wooster Street and remain as far to the east end as possible (inside Classroom 3).

While it is recommended that students and staff stay, they may assume the risk of departing; HOWEVER, before doing so, they must receive acknowledgement from both Incident Commanders.

Medical Emergencies

If someone should become seriously ill or injured, call or ask someone to call 911. Immediately report this to a College official. That College official will become the Incident Commander and will be the primary contact with emergency personnel. Be sure to pass on any and all relevant information to them.

Criminal Violence

In the event of a threatening situation, seek immediate shelter until instructed otherwise by an Incident Commander or Emergency Personnel. If it is safer for students and staff to evacuate instead of taking shelter, go to the meeting point at the northwest corner of Broome and Wooster Streets.

If a student can safely do so, dial 911 after taking shelter or evacuating. Do NOT try to determine the situation—it is better to have a false alarm than someone get hurt.

Active Shooter Preparedness

In the event of an Active Shooter situation follow the Criminal Violence procedures above. If such a situation arises the campus will send out a text message reading, “SOE” meaning Shelter or Evacuate. College Personnel will keep you updated and or provide further direction as they are able and as the situation warrants. At no time should students or staff accept directions from anyone other than a College Incident Commander, Campus Safety Officer or Law Enforcement Personnel.

Incident Commander Responsibilities and Actions

Incident Commanders will be the primary responsible parties for GCNYC in an emergency situation and are the primary contact for emergency personal. Incident Commanders will:

• Ensure that everyone has vacated the building in an evacuation situation
• Ensure that individuals exit the building in a timely manner
• Ensure that all individuals are in the appropriate areas in a seek shelter situation
• Ensure that everyone is accounted for