VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

such as classrooms, meeting rooms, and lounges should be left clean after use, with all materials returned to their proper place and surfaces wiped if needed. Restrooms, locker rooms, and other personal hygiene facilities must be used respectfully and kept in sanitary condition. Any issues such as leaks, supply shortages, or sanitation concerns must be reported immediately to Facilities. Laboratories and clinical spaces are held to stricter sanitation standards. All individuals working in these areas must follow established safety and infection control procedures, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment, proper cleaning of surfaces and instruments, and compliant disposal of medical or hazardous waste. Each person is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the areas they use. Personal items should be stored in a way that does not interfere with shared workspaces or pose any safety risks. Hygiene supplies such as disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and soap will be made available, and their use is strongly encouraged throughout the day, especially after shared equipment is used. Custodial staff will clean and disinfect on a regular schedule. However, individuals must not rely solely on custodial services to maintain order in personal and shared work areas. Any specific cleaning needs or incidents requiring urgent attention, such as spills, biohazard exposure, or pest control, should be reported promptly to Facilities. Adherence to this policy is mandatory. Failure to follow cleanliness protocols may result in corrective action, including verbal or written warnings, restricted access to facilities, or formal disciplinary measures. Food and Drink in the Workplace Leftover food, open containers, and dirty dishes should not be left out in offices, study spaces, break rooms, or common areas. These practices are essential not only for cleanliness but also for pest control and odor prevention. Any food covering or containers should be removed and placed in the trash after eating to avoid contamination and mess within VCOM. All food and containers should be taken home each day. No one may bring a personal refrigerator, coffee pot, or other such device for personal use. Bottled drinks with bottle caps, or cups with leak proof secured lids are allowed in Lecture Halls 1 and 2, as well as in all common areas of the VCOM building. Food/snacks are only allowed in the second/third floor student lounges, and cafeteria. No can drinks or open cups of food are allowed in the lecture halls, library, quiet study rooms, computer labs, anatomy lab, small group rooms, OMM lab, or SIM rooms. Any spills are the responsibility of the student who spilled the drink. All empty containers students have finished should be discarded in the trash by the student and not left out on the table or desks. If students witness spills or trash from food that has been left by others, they should discard such trash to help keep the building clean and to avoid contamination. Food Services Limited food services are provided on VCOM campuses. VCOM seeks to provide predominately healthy snacks and seeks to avoid sugary candy or drinks that lead to poor health. Therefore, VCOM has a limited supply of these items. Each campus varies in the provision of food, and food services are provided on each campus through the use of vending and made available adjacent to the student lounge. Several microwaves are available for student use. Students must use their own equipment for storing and keeping food cold and safe. Student Affairs provides healthy fruit as a snack for students between classes. The food services that are available are only considered as a supplement or convenience to the student and are subject to change from time to time. Students can eat in the vending area, student lounge/dining area, or outside at the picnic tables.

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