Felony and Previous College Dismissal Policy

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Rockland Community College on September 23, 2004. Revision approved by the Board of Trustees of Rockland Community College on June 29, 2017

As required by the State University of New York (SUNY), all prospective students at Rockland Community College will be required to report whether they have been previously dismissed from an institution of higher education for disciplinary reasons. An affirmative answer will require that the prospective student’s admission to a program or course be temporarily suspended and they be referred to the Director of Admissions. Upon referral, the prospective student will be asked to submit documentation and appropriate release of information waivers to the College ‘s Felony/Disciplinary Dismissal Committee. Information provided will be reviewed by the Committee, comprised of the Vice President of Student Services, Dean of Student Development, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Director of Public Safety, a member of the Criminal Justice faculty, and any other person deemed necessary by the President. The Committee may request a personal interview with the prospective student and will notify the applicant of the decision to deny, approve, or approve with conditions, their admission to a program or course of study.

As required by the State University of New York (SUNY), an applicant accepted as a student shall be asked if they have previously been convicted of a felony if they seek campus housing or participation in clinical or field experiences, internships, or study abroad programs. An affirmative answer will require that said student be referred to the College’s Felony/Disciplinary Dismissal Committee. The Committee will carefully evaluate the relevance of the student’s previous felony conviction(s) to the activities/services requested consistent with the legal standards articulated in the New York State Corrections Law.