Amarillo College is an equal opportunity community college. It is the policy of Amarillo College not to discriminate on the basis of gender, disability, race, color, age, religion, or national origin in its educational and vocational programs, activities, or employment as required by Title IX, as amended, Section 504, Title VI, and Age Discrimination Act of 1978.

For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact Mychal Coleman (Human Resources) SLCC 260, (806) 371-5044, who has been designated the compliance coordinator for Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, as amended, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the related regulations.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. Additionally, rights under FERPA transfer from the parent to the student once the student enrolls in courses at Amarillo College.

These rights include

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

   A student should submit to the Registrar a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

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

   A student who wishes to ask Amarillo College to amend a record should write the Registrar, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.  If Amarillo College decides not to amend the record as requested, Amarillo College will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to provide written consent before Amarillo College discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
   
   Amarillo College discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official typically includes a person employed by Amarillo College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person serving on the board of regents; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of Amarillo College who performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent or a student volunteering to assist another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for Amarillo College.
   
   FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in § 99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the student, § 99.32 of FERPA regulations requires the institution to record the disclosure. Eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A post-secondary institution may disclose PII from the education records without obtaining prior written consent of the student:

• To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as a State post-secondary authority that is responsible for supervising State-supported education programs. Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal or State supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf.
• In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.
• To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction.
• To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions.
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.
• To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency.
• To a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, subject to the requirements of § 99.39. The disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that alleged crime or offense, regardless of the finding.
• To the general public, the final results of a disciplinary proceeding, subject to the requirements of § 99.39, if the school determines the student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense and the student has committed a violation of the school’s rules or policies with respect to the allegation made against him or her.
• Upon request, Amarillo College also discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

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

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
 400 Maryland Avenue, SW
 Washington, DC 20202

Directory information within a student’s record may be released in accordance with Public Information Act or Solomon Amendment requirements and at the discretion of the College includes:

• Student Name
• Address
• Date of Birth/Age
• Dates of Attendance
• Enrollment Status (e.g., Full-time or part-time)
• Degrees Received
• Electronic Mail Address
• Major Field of Study
• Telephone Listing
• Honors and Awards Received
• Participation in Officially Recognized Activities and Sports
• Weight, Height, and Other Demographic/Background History on Athletic Team Members
• Photograph
• Most Recent Educational Agency or Institution Attended
• Place of Birth
• Grade Level

Students who do not wish to have this information released publicly must notify the Registrar’s Office either in person—at the AC Enrollment Center on the Washington Street Campus—or by downloading, completing, and submitting the Request To Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information Form (pdf). Student-athletes should also inform their team coach.

Distribution of Literature

Written or printed materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory materials not sponsored by the College shall not be sold, circulated, distributed, or posted on any College premises by any College student or registered student organization, except in accordance with this policy.

The College shall not be responsible for, nor shall the College endorse, the contents of any materials distributed by students or registered student organizations that is not sponsored by the College.

Materials distributed under the supervision of instructional personnel as a part of instruction or other authorized classroom activities shall not be governed by this policy.

Materials distributed by student organizations will be approved by the Student Life Office. All other materials are approved by the Office of Student Affairs – including individual students.

Limitations on Content

Materials shall not be distributed by students or registered student organizations on College property if:

• The materials are obscene.
• The materials contain defamatory statements about public figures or others.
• The materials advocate imminent lawless or disruptive action and are likely to incite or produce such action.
• The materials are considered prohibited harassment.
• The materials constitute non-permissible solicitation.
• The materials infringe upon intellectual property rights of the College; and
• The materials contain antisemitic speech. Antisemitism means a certain perception of Jews that may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. The term includes rhetorical and physical acts of antisemitism directed toward Jews or non-Jewish individuals or their property or toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.

See also AC Board of Regents Policy Manual Section FFDB: Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation.

Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions

Distribution of the materials shall be conducted in a manner that:

• Is not disruptive;
• Does not impede reasonable access to College facilities;
• Does not result in damage to College property;
• Does not coerce, badger, or intimidate a person;
• Does not interfere with the rights of others; and
• Does not violate local, state, or federal laws or College policies and procedures.

The distributor shall clean the area around which the literature was distributed of any materials that were discarded or leftover.

The vice president of student affairs or director of student life shall designate times, locations, and means by which materials that are appropriate for distribution, as provided in this policy, may be made available or distributed by students or registered student organizations to students or others in College facilities and in areas that are not considered common outdoor areas.

Posting of Signs

For the purposes of this policy, “sign” shall be defined as a billboard, decal, notice, placard, poster, banner, or any kind of handheld sign; and “posting” shall be defined as any means used for displaying a sign.

Except for signs that violate the restrictions in this policy and administrative procedures, a student or registered student organization may publicly post a sign on College property in common outdoor areas and in areas or locations designated by the vice president of student affairs or director of student life. No object other than a sign may be posted on College property.

Restrictions

• To a shrub or plant;
• To a tree, except by string to its trunk;
• To a permanent sign installed for another purpose;
• To a fence or chain or its supporting structure;
• To a brick, concrete, or masonry structure;
• To a statue, monument, or similar structure;
• On or adjacent to a fire hydrant; or
• In a College building, except on a bulletin board designated for that purpose.

Removal

A student or registered student organization shall remove each sign not later than 14 days after posting or, if it relates to an event, not longer than 24 hours after the event to which it relates has ended.

A sign posted in accordance with this section shall not be removed without permission from the vice president of student affairs or director of student life, the student, or the registered student organization.

Disclaimer

Materials distributed by a registered student organization must include a disclaimer indicating that the materials are not sponsored by the College and do not represent the views of the College or College officials, faculty, or staff. 

Use of Facilities and Grounds

The facilities and grounds of the College shall be made available to students or registered student organizations when such use does not conflict with use by, or any of the policies and procedures of the College. 

The requesting students or student organization shall pay all expenses incurred by their use of facilities in accordance with a fee schedule developed by the Board.

Requests

To request permission to meet or host a speaker in College facilities, interested students or registered student organizations shall file a written request with the vice president of student affairs or director of student life in accordance with administrative procedures.

The students or the registered student organization making the request shall indicate that they have read and understand the policies and rules governing use of College facilities and that they will abide by those rules. 

Approval

The vice president of student affairs or director of student life shall approve or reject the request in accordance with provisions and deadlines set out in this policy and administrative procedures, without regard to the religious, political, philosophical, ideological, academic viewpoint, or other content of the speech likely to be associated with the student’s or registered student organization’s use of the facility.

• The College facility requested is unavailable, inadequate, or inappropriate to accommodate the proposed use at the time requested;
• The applicant is under a disciplinary penalty or sanction prohibiting the use of the facility;
• The proposed use includes non-permissible solicitation;
• The proposed use would constitute an immediate and actual danger to the peace or security of the College that available law enforcement officials could not control with reasonable efforts;
• The applicant owes a monetary debt to the College and the debt is considered delinquent;
• The proposed activity would disrupt or disturb the regular academic program;
• The proposed use would result in damage to or defacement of property or the applicant has previously damaged College property; or
• The proposed activity would constitute an unauthorized joint sponsorship with an outside group.

The vice president of student affairs or director of student life shall provide the applicant a written statement of the grounds for rejection if a request is denied.

Common Outdoor Area Exception

Common outdoor areas are traditional public forums and are not subject to the approval procedures. Students and student organizations may engage in expressive activities in common outdoor areas, unless:

• The person’s conduct is unlawful;
• The use would constitute an immediate and actual danger to the peace or security of the College that available law enforcement officials could not control with reasonable efforts;
• The use would materially or substantially disrupt or disturb the regular academic program; or
• The use would result in damage to or defacement of property.
• The conduct or use promotes antisemitism or contains antisemitic speech.

Announcements and Publicity

In accordance with administrative procedures, all students and registered student organizations shall be given access on the same basis for making announcements and publicizing their meetings and activities.

Identification

Students or registered student organizations distributing materials on campus or using College facilities shall provide identification when requested to do so by a College representative.

Violations of Policy

Failure to comply with this policy and associated procedures shall result in appropriate administrative action, including but not limited to, confiscation of nonconforming materials, suspension of a student’s or registered student organization’s use of College facilities, and/or other disciplinary action in accordance with the College’s discipline policies and procedures.

Interference with Expression

Faculty members, students, or student organizations that interfere with the expressive activities permitted by this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the College’s discipline policies and procedures.

Appeals

Decisions made by the administration in accordance with this policy may be appealed in accordance with the College’s student complaint policy.

Amarillo College prohibits all employees and students from engaging in sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. All of these behaviors constitute sexual misconduct. The prohibition encompasses conduct occurring on-campus or in connection with a College activity or program. Prohibited conduct that occurs off-campus is encompassed by these rules if the conduct creates a sexually hostile environment on campus or in a college activity or program or adversely affects another student’s educational opportunities at the College. Prohibited conduct may be verbal or physical and proof of force or physical injury is not required. The parties may be the opposite sex or the same sex. In determining whether sanctionable conduct has occurred, the College may consider the on-campus impact of incidents that occurred off campus.

Students who believe that they have been subjected to sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking are encouraged to report their complaint to the police department as soon as possible after the incident occurs.

Reports of alleged sexual misconduct by a student should be directed to the Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Denese Skinner, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives.
 
Reports of alleged sexual misconduct by an employee or campus visitor should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator, Mychal Coleman, Vice President of Human Resources.

For a comprehensive description of Amarillo College’s Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation: Sex and Sexual Violence policy - including reporting procedures and available remedies, refer to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual Section FFD: Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation: Other Protected Characteristics.

The College prohibits discrimination, including harassment, against any student on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, religion, age, or any other basis prohibited by law. Retaliation against anyone involved in the complaint process is a violation of College policy and is prohibited.

Prohibited Conduct

The College strictly prohibits any conduct that falls under the following categories:

• Discrimination: Any actions directed at a student based on race, color, national origin, disability, religion, age, or any other legally protected basis that adversely affects the student.
• Harassment: Severe, persistent, or pervasive physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct based on a protected category that limits or denies a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from College programs.
  • Examples: Slurs, offensive jokes, derogatory comments about accents or beliefs, physical aggression, or the display of offensive materials.
• Retaliation: Threatening, ostracizing, punishing, or lowering the grades of any student who makes a good-faith report of discrimination, serves as a witness, or participates in an investigation.

Intentionally making a false claim or refusing to cooperate with an official investigation is also subject to disciplinary action.

For a comprehensive description of Amarillo College’s Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation policy—including reporting procedures and available remedies, refer to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual Section FFD: Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation: Other Protected Characteristics.

The College encourages students to address concerns by first discussing them with the appropriate instructor or campus administrator who has the authority to resolve the issue. Concerns should be raised as promptly as possible to facilitate resolution at the lowest appropriate administrative level.

Informal resolution is encouraged; however, it does not extend any deadlines outlined in this policy unless agreed to in writing by all parties involved.

A student may initiate the formal complaint process by submitting a written complaint form (pdf) within the established timelines. Even after beginning the formal process, students are encouraged to continue seeking informal resolution. A student may withdraw a formal complaint at any time if the concern is resolved.

For detailed policy information and a comprehensive description of the student complaint process, refer to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual Section FLD: Student Complaints.

Amarillo College is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Bullying in any form is not tolerated and is strictly prohibited. Students are encouraged to report concerns promptly so that appropriate action can be taken to support those affected and to preserve a positive campus environment.

For detailed policy information, including definitions of bullying and retaliation, reporting procedures, and the College’s process for investigating and resolving complaints, refer to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual Section FFE: Freedom from Bullying.

Student Right-To-Know Act of 1990

Title I of the Act, known as the “Student Right-to-Know Act”, requires Amarillo College to disclose institution-wide graduation rates and transfer rates of certificate-seeking or degree-seeking, full-time students entering the institution. This information is updated on a regular basis and can be found on the Institutional Research 4-Year Average Rates page.

Voter Registration

Amarillo College encourages good citizenship practices for students. Students can register to vote online at the RocktheVote.org website.

Intellectual Property Rights

The intellectual property policy of Amarillo Junior College District (“Amarillo College”) seeks to protect and promote the traditional freedom of Amarillo College, its employees and students in matters involving intellectual property and trade secrets; seeks to balance fairly and reasonably the equitable rights of authors, inventors, sponsors, and Amarillo College; and attempts to ensure that any intellectual property in which Amarillo College has an equity interest is utilized in a manner consistent with the public interest.

For detailed policy related to intellectual property, refer to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual Section CT: Intellectual Property.

The minimum semester load for full-time status in a fall or spring semester is 12 credit hours. Students who wish to enroll in more than 21 hours must have the approval of their academic advisor.

A summer semester consists of a variety of variable length terms. The normal summer semester load is six to eight hours. Students who wish to enroll in more than nine hours must have the approval of their academic advisor.

Students are encouraged to review the specific academic requirements for the program in which they seek to enroll, including those related to practicum/internship, pre-qualifications for licensure (such as the need for a criminal background check) and whether or not completion of that program will qualify them to work in the state where they are located. Please visit the Licensures Disclosures page on the Amarillo College Website for more information.

Additionally, students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licensure are potentially ineligible for such licensure if they have been convicted of a criminal offense. Students can learn more, as well as receive guidance regarding their right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority (in order to clarify their particular situation), by contacting the AC Advising Center, or the academic department associated with the educational program.

Amarillo College shall excuse a student from attending classes or other required activities, including examinations for the observance of a religious holy day, including travel for that purpose. A student whose absence is excused for this observance may not be penalized for that absence and shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment from which the student is excused within a reasonable time after the absence.

Amarillo College may not excuse absences for religious holy days which may interfere with patient care.

If a student and an instructor disagree about the nature of the absence being for the observance of a religious holy day, or there is a similar disagreement about whether the student has been given a reasonable time to complete any missed assignments or examinations, either the student or the instructor may request a ruling from the President of Amarillo College or his or her designee. The student and the instructor shall abide by the decision of the President or the designee.

It is the responsibility of the student to officially withdraw from a course. A grade of “W” will be posted for student-initiated withdrawals that are submitted on or before the withdrawal deadline for a particular class. Please follow the path below to find the withdrawal deadline for a specific course:

• Log in to AC Connect 
• Locate the “My Courses” box
• After each course, click the blue “View Important Dates” button to see the deadlines and refund schedule for each course.

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must have permission from their instructor and can either email or meet with their instructor to begin the withdrawal process. Failure to withdraw may result in a grade of “F” for the course.

The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic careers, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. 

Certain types of coursework are exempt from the provisions of this policy. Please contact the Registrar’s Office for more information.

Students who are enrolled for credit may change to audit status no later than the census date for each semester or term (census date information is available via your ACConnect account). Permission of the instructor is required. The election to change to audit status will be irreversible. No credit will be awarded and a grade of “AU” (audit) will be assigned.

A student who has a grievance concerning an academic course in which he or she is enrolled should make an appeal in the following order:

1. Instructor
2. Department Chair/Program Director
3. Dean
4. Vice President of Academic Affairs
5. College President

Faculty must inform their students in writing at the start of the semester of the following:

• The grading policy
• The procedure for determining grades and course averages
• The attendance policy

A student may request current grade information at any time from his/her instructor. 

End of semester grades in all courses are filed in the Registrar’s Office and are maintained as official records of the College. A final grade will be reported at the close of each semester. A grade once earned and recorded, cannot be removed. If a student repeats a course, however, the higher grade earned is the one counted toward fulfillment of degree requirements. Refer to the Amarillo College General Catalog for further information regarding Amarillo College grading practices and reports.

A student will be placed on academic probation when the student’s semester grade-point average falls below a 2.0 and the student’s cumulative grade-point average is less than 2.5. In determining the grade point average, Amarillo College only considers the grades earned at Amarillo College. 

Academic probation is effective for at least one semester. For the purposes of determining academic probation, all coursework taken during the summer sessions in a given year will be considered as one semester. A student on probation is encouraged to meet with an academic advisor. 

A student is removed from academic probation when a 2.0 grade-point average or higher is earned on all work attempted at Amarillo College during the semester that the student is on probation. 

A student on probation who fails to bring the grade-point average up to a minimum of 2.0 will be suspended through the next semester. For the purposes of determining academic suspension, all coursework taken during the fall, spring, or summer term in a given year will count as one semester. 

• A student who is on suspension from Amarillo College will not be allowed to attend classes during his/her one semester of suspension. After the student sits out for one semester, the student can return to school on academic probation.
• Transfer students must be eligible for readmission to the institution in which they were previously enrolled. Transfer students who are not in academic good standing may be accepted on an ‘academic probation’ status until the successful (e.g., 2.0 or higher term GPA) completion of their first term at Amarillo College. If a transfer probation student does not earn a 2.0 during the first enrolled AC term, the student is subject to the AC academic suspension policy.

A complete description of graduation requirements is available in the College Catalog. In brief, students are required to fulfill all degree or certificate requirements, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, and meet all financial obligations to the College.

Graduation is an automatic process. Students in their final term of completing requirements will receive a notification email from the Registrar’s Office. Students should regularly check their Amarillo College email account for all official communications, including graduation notifications. Degrees are posted to student transcripts at the end of each term. Diplomas are available 7–10 days after the end of the term and may be picked up at the AC Enrollment Center on the Washington Street Campus.

Amarillo College reserves the right to post degrees and/or certificates for current and former students.

The Texas Education Code authorizes tuition rebates of up to $1,000 for undergraduate students who complete a baccalaureate degree with a minimal number of excess credit hours. Students may qualify for this rebate if they meet the following criteria:

• The student initially enrolled in college in Fall 1997 or later.
• The rebate is requested for the student’s first baccalaureate degree earned from a Texas public institution.
• The student was classified as a Texas resident while completing all coursework at Texas public institutions.
• The student attempted no more than three semester credit hours beyond the minimum required for the degree.

The rebate is awarded by the institution that grants the baccalaureate degree, not by Amarillo College. Some credit hours earned exclusively through examination may be excluded from the calculation.

In accordance with Texas Education Code Section 54.014, students who attempt a course with the same content more than twice will be charged an additional $50.00 per credit hour fee for that course.

Students affected by this policy are those who register for a course which they have already attempted twice since the fall 2002 term. The policy does not apply to courses taken at other institutions. Students enrolled by the official reporting date for any given course will be counted as having attempted the course, even if they later drop the course.

Certain types of coursework are exempt from the provisions of this policy. Please contact the Registrar’s Office for more information.

Additionally, resident students who have attempted hours beyond the amount required for their degree may be charged additional tuition, up to the level of out-of-state tuition. 

For a student who was initially enrolled in fall of 2023 and in an associate degree program, the excess hours limit is the required semester credit hours for the degree, plus 15;
  
A student initially enrolled in fall of 2023 but not enrolled in any program is treated as enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program and the excess hours limit is 150;
  
For an undergraduate resident student initially enrolled in the fall of 2006 or later, the excess hours limit is the hours required for the student’s degree, plus 30;
  
For an undergraduate resident student initially enrolled in the fall of 1999 through summer 2006, the excess hours limit is the hours required for the student’s degree, plus 45; and
  
For an undergraduate resident student initially enrolled before fall 1999, there is no excess hours limit.

Please contact the Registrar’s Office for more information.

Students who incur financial obligations to the College—such as unpaid loans, returned checks, or unpaid parking or library fines—may be subject to administrative or disciplinary actions.
These actions may include withholding transcripts or denying re-enrollment until the outstanding balance is paid, or the obligation is resolved.

Accounts that remain unpaid may be referred to a collection agency, and additional collection costs may be the responsibility of the student.

If a class does not materialize and is canceled by the College, 100 percent of all tuition and fees charged will be refunded. However, if a transcript received by Amarillo College after a student has completed enrollment shows that the student is suspended at the last college attended, the student is subject to being withdrawn with forfeiture of all tuition and fees. Likewise, any student who provides false information regarding TSI or other test scores will be subject to withdrawal and forfeiture of tuition and fees. Tuition and fees paid directly to Amarillo College by a sponsor, donor or scholarship shall be refunded to the source rather than directly to the student.

Please visit the Amarillo College Business Office website for more information regarding tuition/fee refunds.

Students are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the personal information that they provide to the College. In addition, students are responsible for keeping the College informed of changes in their personal information including: current postal address, email address, name, or other pertinent information. All changes should be provided in writing to the AC Enrollment Center on the Washington Street Campus or faxed to AskAC at (806) 371-5066. Failure to ensure the accuracy of personal information may affect a student’s ability to access important College resources and prevent the College from accurately reporting enrollment information to State and Federal entities.

Note: Students are not required by a specific legal authority to provide a Social Security number. However, students who do not provide a valid Social Security number will not be issued a Form 1098-T and, in turn, will not qualify to file for education tax credits. Visit the Tax benefits for education webpage for more information.

Any communication mailed or emailed to the address on record is considered to have been properly delivered to the student.

Amarillo College expects students to maintain high standards of conduct. Students are expected to comply with all applicable laws, respect established authority, and adhere to College policies, rules, and regulations. Unacceptable conduct is defined as behavior that is contrary to the best interests of other students, faculty, staff, the College, or the teaching and learning environment. Students who fail to meet these standards may be subject to disciplinary action. College policies, standards, rules, and regulations apply to students participating in College-sponsored activities, whether on or off campus.

Each student is responsible for becoming familiar with the College’s policies, rules, and regulations regarding student conduct. In addition, certain academic programs may have approved conduct standards that apply specifically to students enrolled in those programs.

For detailed policy information related to student conduct and discipline, refer to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual Section FLB: Student Conduct.

Amarillo College is committed to fostering a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for students, employees, and visitors. In support of that commitment, the College establishes guidelines regarding the presence of weapons on campus that respect both individual legal rights and the shared responsibility of campus safety. Consistent with Texas law concerning lawful handgun carry, the College outlines where and under what circumstances firearms may be permitted or prohibited on College property. This policy is intended to provide clear direction that supports a safe learning and working environment while honoring applicable legal protections.

The policy generally prohibits the open carry of firearms on College District property and at official College events, helping maintain an environment focused on learning, safety, and community well-being. At the same time, in accordance with Texas law, individuals who are lawfully licensed may carry concealed handguns in permitted areas, subject to established guidelines and restrictions.

To protect vulnerable populations and high-stakes environments, the college designates specific Exclusion Zones where all firearms are entirely banned. These include:

• Sensitive Services: Patient care, counseling, and mental health or disabilities services offices.
• Academic & Official Proceedings: Testing centers, grievance or disciplinary hearings, Board meetings, and polling places.
• Events & Sports: Athletic facilities, competitive sporting events, and any officially sanctioned school district or high school games.
• Specific Campus Buildings: The Hagy Center for Young Children, the Child Development Lab, the West Campus Gymnastics/Dance Facility, the Amarillo Museum of Art, the FirstBank Southwest Center, the Music Building, and the Education Credit Union Branch.

For detailed policy information and a comprehensive description of College policy regarding Weapons on Campus, refer to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual Section CHF: Site Management: Weapons.

Searches should be reasonable at their inception and in scope. If there is reasonable suspicion to believe that searching a student’s person, belongings, or vehicle will reveal evidence of a violation of College policy and procedures, a College official may conduct a search in accordance with law and College regulations.

Suspicionless Searches

For purposes of this policy, a suspicionless search is a search carried out based on lawful security procedures, such as metal detector searches or random drug testing. 

Use of Trained Dogs

The College reserves the right to use trained dogs to conduct screening for concealed prohibited items. Such procedures shall be unannounced. The dogs shall not be used with students; however, students may be asked to leave personal belongings in an area that will be screened. If a dog alerts to an item or an area, it may be searched by College officials.

College Property

College-provided technology, storage, and similar items are the property of the College and are provided for student use as a matter of convenience. College property is subject to search or inspection at any time without notice. Students have no expectation of privacy on College property. Students shall be fully responsible for the security and contents of College property assigned to them. Students shall not place or keep in College-provided technology, storage, or similar items, any article or material prohibited by law or College policy and procedures.
A student shall be held responsible for any prohibited item found on College property provided to the student.

New students are required to attend New Student Orientation, which prepares them for the first semester of college. By providing important information about policies, services, and activities, New Student Orientation helps students avoid potential obstacles in achieving their goals. Students are required to attend New Student Orientation prior to the beginning of their first semester, or they will not be permitted to re-enroll until the requirement is fulfilled. Visit the First Year Experience About page for information on offerings and registration.

Transfer students with 12 or more transferable hours do not need to take New Student Orientation. Official transcripts from a previously attended institution must be on file with the AC Registrar’s Office for exemption to be verified. Please call (806) 371-5440 to verify transfer exemption.

Organizations whose membership is limited to students, faculty, and staff may become registered student organizations by complying with the registration procedures established by the Director of Student Life.

Regulations governing clubs and organizations are available through the Student Life Office on the first floor of the Student Life and Conference Center (Washington Street Campus).

Membership is governed by the constitution and bylaws of each organization, subject to the following limitations:

• Membership must be limited to students of the College and individuals officially affiliated with the College.
• Students on academic probation are considered to be on social probation and may participate in organizational activities only by attending regular meetings. These students are not eligible to hold elective or appointive office, to serve on committees, or vote on organizational matters.
• All members must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0, unless a higher standard is required by the organization’s constitution or bylaws.

The Disability Services Department provides and coordinates services for Amarillo College students with disabilities. The purpose of these services is to ensure students have equal access and opportunity to fully participate in all programs and activities offered at Amarillo College. Disability Services offers classroom and testing accommodations, including but not limited to ASL interpreters, scribes, specialized equipment and assistive technology, material in alternate and accessible formats (i.e., Braille, audio, swell print, large print, captioning), note-taking assistance, and more. Disability Services also provides generalized support and case management for students with disabilities and can serve as liaisons to other AC departments, resulting in disability-informed services. Amarillo College students must self-disclose and apply with the Disability Services office to receive services. Students typically must provide documentation for each disability requiring accommodations. Services provided will be individualized based on the needs of each person. Reasonable accommodations are provided in a timely manner; however, students should allow up to 5 business days for processing and the provision of services. This program does not provide diagnostic testing or evaluation, personal care attendants, or specialized programs for specific disabilities. 

The Disability Services office is located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. Students may contact the Disability Services Department at (806) 345-5639. Visit the Disability Services website for more information.

Student Disability Accommodations are determined based on appropriate documentation and an interactive process with the student, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

If a student disagrees with an accommodation decision, they have the right to appeal. The appeal process is as follows:

1. Coordinator of Disability Services

   The student should first contact the Coordinator of Disability Services to discuss their concerns, with the goal of reaching a mutually satisfactory resolution.

2. Vice President of Student Affairs

   If the concern is not resolved, the student may submit a written appeal to the Vice President of Student Affairs within five (5) business days. The Vice President will review the matter and issue a written decision within ten (10) business days.

3. College President

   If the issue remains unresolved, the student may submit a written appeal to the College President within five (5) business days of the prior decision. The College President will review the appeal and provide a written decision within ten (10) business days.

At any point in this process, students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

Amarillo College celebrates the achievements of our students, faculty, and staff. In order to respect and protect the privacy interests of the College’s students and employees on campus and at institutional activities, the College has implemented a photo release policy.

Throughout the year, Communications & Marketing may take images/photographs and/or videos of students, faculty, and staff on campus participating in official college activities. These images/photographs and/or videos may appear in various AC publications, including, but not limited to, the AC website, newsletters, programs, brochures, social media, and mass media outlets.  It is the responsibility of students, faculty, and staff NOT interested in having their image/photograph and/or video presence captured and used for marketing, communications, and PR purposes to both notify the Communications and Marketing representative that they would not like their presence captured AND to remove themselves from the area where the image/photograph and/or video is being collected.

A release is not required for students, faculty, and staff when:

• Photographed in a public space (i.e., AC campuses) or at public events (i.e., June Jazz)
• The photograph is taken in a non-public environment and the primary focus is not recognizable, such as when a silhouette, posterior/dorsal view, or out of focus shot is taken
• Invited to attend a group activity/event and chose to participate of their own free will (i.e., Campus Lighting Ceremony)

A release will be required for students, faculty, and staff when:

• The primary focus of images/photographs and/or videos have been recruited specifically to serve as subjects/models
• Known minors (i.e., anyone under age 18).

Amarillo College is committed to providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all students, employees, and visitors. The Amarillo College Police Department (ACPD) serves as the College’s primary public safety and law enforcement agency. ACPD officers are fully licensed peace officers with full law enforcement authority, including the power to make arrests and enforce state and local laws.

Recognizing that campus safety is fundamental to student success and well-being, Amarillo College is dedicated to implementing effective security measures, safety programs, and institutional policies designed to foster a secure learning and working environment while reducing potential risks to the campus community.

You can visit the AC Police Department website for information that's available regarding ACPD services, safety programs, crime prevention initiatives, and departmental policies.

If Amarillo College campuses are closed because of inclement weather, an official announcement will be made through all local television and radio stations. The message will also be posted on the college website, social media platforms, and the College’s main telephone number (806) 371-5000. Additionally, an alert will be sent out via the AC Alert text messaging system.

Morning closings will be announced by 6:30 a.m. The decision to close or change evening classes will be made by 3:00 p.m. If a decision to cancel classes or close a campus is made during the day, students will be notified through the media and website. If no announcement is made, the College is open as normally scheduled.

Please listen closely to weather announcements as one campus may be closed while others remain open.

Amarillo College is dedicated to creating a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environment for pregnant and parenting students. In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions is prohibited. This policy ensures that pregnant and parenting students have equal access to educational opportunities and receive reasonable accommodations to support their academic success and well-being. Oversight of pregnancy and related conditions as a form of sex discrimination is the responsibility of the Amarillo College Title IX Coordinator. While the Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) coordinates accommodations and support, the Title IX Coordinator retains responsibility for ensuring compliance with federal law.

Accommodations

Pregnant and parenting students may request reasonable accommodations, which may include but are not limited to:

• Excused Absences: Absences due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions will be excused. Students will be allowed to make up any missed work.
• Extensions: Extensions on assignments and exams missed due to pregnancy or parenting responsibilities.
• Private Spaces: Access to private, sanitary spaces for breastfeeding or expressing milk.
• Schedule Adjustments: Adjustments to class schedules or attendance policies to accommodate medical appointments or parenting responsibilities.
• Physical Accommodations: Provision of larger desks, elevator access, or frequent restroom breaks as needed.

Pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions will be treated as comparable to other temporary medical conditions for all academic policies, practices, and benefits. Students seeking accommodations should contact the Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC). The office will discuss the student’s needs and may request documentation only when it is reasonable and necessary to determine appropriate accommodations and only to the extent documentation is required of all students with temporary medical conditions. Students may also contact the Title IX Coordinator for information about their rights under Title IX or to raise concerns related to pregnancy or parenting status.

Early communication by the student is crucial to ensure appropriate accommodations are provided. While retroactive requests will be considered, making arrangements in advance is preferred. Although early communication is encouraged, the College will consider requests made at any time and will not deny pregnancy-related accommodations solely because a request was made after the need arose.

Students are not required to disclose their pregnancy or parenting status unless they are seeking accommodations. Information shared will be kept confidential and only disclosed to relevant personnel as necessary to provide the requested accommodations.

All faculty and staff are required to comply with this policy and ensure that pregnant and parenting students are treated equitably.

For more information or to request accommodations, please contact:
Jordan Herrera, Director of the Advocacy and Resource Center
Office Location: Ware Student Commons - Suite 110
Phone: (806) 371-5446
Email: thearc@actx.edu

Retaliation against any student for requesting accommodations, seeking assistance, or asserting rights related to pregnancy or parenting status is prohibited.

The Counseling Center provides free and confidential mental health services for Amarillo College students. Services may include triage, assessment, referrals, brief individual counseling, group counseling, education, consultation, and prevention services. Services rendered are dependent on each student’s needs and within the Counseling Center’s scope of care of short-term, outpatient services.  

The Counseling Center is not an emergency resource though it will respond as promptly as possible to on-campus needs during its hours of operation. For emergency mental health needs, medical emergencies, or other crises, students should contact 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

The Counseling Center operates during school hours and is located in the Ware Student Commons, Suite 110 on the Washington Street Campus. Students may contact the Counseling Center by phone at (806) 371-5900 or email at accounseling@actx.edu. You can visit the Counseling Center website to learn more about current services and resources.

Students also have access to the TELUS Student Support App, which provides 24/7/365 access to mental health professionals via phone or chat in multiple languages. Students may also establish short-term virtual and/or in-person treatment plans through the TELUS app as well as access multimedia content, health assessments, peer support, and virtual fitness.

Students can download the TELUS Health App and get support on the TELUS Health Website.

Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Requirement

All new Amarillo College students under the age of 22 must submit proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination at least 10 days before the first day of classes.

Bacterial meningitis is a rare but serious infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The disease can progress rapidly and may be fatal within 8–24 hours. Even with prompt treatment, survivors may experience permanent complications, including hearing loss, brain damage, learning disabilities, blindness, or limb loss.

Symptoms may include:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion or extreme fatigue
• Sensitivity to light
• Seizures
• Red or purple skin rash

The disease spreads through close contact involving saliva or respiratory secretions, such as kissing or sharing drinks, utensils, cigarettes, or vaping devices. Individuals living in close quarters, including college students, are at increased risk.

Vaccination is the best protection. The meningococcal vaccine protects against four of the five most common strains of the bacteria, becomes effective within 7–10 days, and typically provides protection for 3–5 years. Side effects are generally mild and may include redness or soreness at the injection site.

If you experience symptoms of bacterial meningitis, seek medical attention immediately.

Additional Vaccination Requirements and Recommendations

All students entering healthcare-related fields must provide documented proof of full immunization prior to program admission. Because requirements vary, students in Allied Health and Nursing programs should consult their program chair regarding mandatory vaccines.

For the general student body, Amarillo College strongly recommends being fully vaccinated prior to enrollment. Immunization is a critical component of preventative healthcare; an outbreak of preventable diseases—such as diphtheria, rubella, mumps, tetanus, or poliomyelitis—can have severe, devastating impacts on the campus community.

Students may receive confidential consultation and assistance with problems related to drug or alcohol abuse through the Counseling Center, located in the Ware Student Commons, Suite 110 on the Washington Street Campus.  Students may contact the Counseling Center by phone at (806) 371-5900 or email at accounseling@actx.edu. You can visit the Counseling Center website to learn more about current services and resources.

Health Risks Of Alcohol /Drug Abuse

While drinking alcohol is itself not necessarily a problem, drinking too much can cause a range of consequences, and increase your risk for a variety of problems. For more information on alcohol’s effects on health, please see the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism webpage related to this subject.

Drug use can have a wide range of short- and long-term, direct and indirect effects. These effects often depend on the specific drug or drugs used, how they are taken, how much is taken, the person’s health, and other factors. Short-term effects can range from changes in appetite, wakefulness, heart rate, blood pressure, and/or mood to heart attack, stroke, psychosis, overdose, and even death. These health effects may occur after just one use. For more information regarding the health Consequences of drug abuse, please see the National Institute on Drug Abuse webpage related to this subject.

Local Centers for Alcohol and/or Other Drug Addictions

• Life Challenge of Amarillo

6500 Hope Road
Amarillo, TX 79124
(806) 352-0385 (by appointment)

• Amarillo Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

803 S Rusk
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806) 374-6688

• Downtown Women’s Center Haven House

1308 S Buchanan
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 374-5654

• Northwest Texas Healthcare System

1501 S Coulter
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806) 354-1000

• The Pavilion

Northwest Texas Healthcare System
7201 Evans Blvd
Amarillo, TX 79106
1-800-537-2585