VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

Report (ASR) every October 1st containing safety and security related policy statements and crime statistics. VCOM’s ASR for the past three years is published on its website at: https://www.vcom.edu/faculty-and-staff/fire and-safety-policies-and-procedures for viewing by students, employees, and the public as soon as it is available. Employees and students are notified annually via email when the new ASR is published. VCOM informs prospective students and prospective employees about the availability of the ASR when they are invited for an interview with the college. Email Students must use the email address/system provided by VCOM. Students may register an alternative (personal) email address with the Director of Clinical Rotations with the stipulation this would serve only as possible backup for the VCOM email when on out of area rotations. Email is the main line of communication between campus administrative offices and students at clinical sites. Students must check their email daily; it is an expectation that students will have read all notices within 24 hours. Firearms and Weapons VCOM property is considered private property; therefore, students, faculty, staff, and visitors are prohibited from carrying, maintaining, or storing a firearm or weapon on any VCOM property, VCOM clinical site, affiliated university campuses, and all surrounding parking lots and space owned or leased by the College. Any visitor or other third party attending an event, or visiting an academic or administrative office, is prohibited from carrying, maintaining, or storing a firearm or weapon on any college facility, even if the owner has a valid permit. This prohibition also applies to all events on campus where people congregate in any public or outdoor areas. Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or dismissal. Housing Students attending VCOM must secure their own housing and transportation for the four years of attendance including housing during the clinical years. However, during the clinical years, VCOM does provide housing in some locations for students who are required to participate in rotations away from the assigned VCOM core site. OMS 3 students will not be charged for housing if the rotation has been assigned. VCOM housing is offered to OMS 4 students on a first come, first serve basis and only after all OMS 3 students have been placed. OMS 4 students will be charged $250 for housing per 4-week rotation if housing is requested and available. OMS 4 students must request housing through the Office of Clinical Affairs. Information about housing in the campus community is available through the VCOM Office of Student Affairs. Inclement Weather and Emergency Notifications VCOM notifies students, staff, and faculty of delays and cancellations of classes due to inclement weather and emergency situations through multiple means. Notifications will be sent through VCOM Alerts, a mass text and email notification system, and VCOM’s official information lines. Please note that one campus closing for inclement weather or emergencies does not necessarily include the other campuses. Messages received through VCOM Alerts and on the official information line are the only official sources used to report school closings, delays, or any other important announcements. VCOM will also inform local TV and radio stations regarding school closings or delays; however, if students or employees see or hear an announcement on TV or radio, they should also call the information line or check their text and email messages to confirm the closing, delay, or announcement. The VCOM information line will handle approximately five calls at once, so all callers are asked to clear the line as soon as the message is heard. VCOM makes every effort to notify students, staff, and faculty by 7:00 a.m. We ask that you use your own best judgment of whether to travel on snow covered or icy roads, as well as the VCOM parking lot and sidewalks. Any time VCOM is listed as closed, students will not have access to the building, but faculty and staff may.

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