Consumer Information

The College provides academic support to students through tutoring and assessment of learning skills. Free tutoring is offered at the request of the student. Any student experiencing academic difficulties may request tutoring through Student Services personnel.

DISABILITY SERVICES St. Luke’s College is committed to offering equal access to individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations. A student with a disability needs to contact the Department Chair, Student and Administrative Services located at 2800 Pierce St., Suite 410 and can be reached at 279-3377 as early as possible. Upon entry into a course, the student needs to contact faculty to discuss necessary accommodations. Current written documentation by a professional of the disability and the needed accommodations are necessary to develop a plan with each student. Accommodations will not lower course standards or alter degree requirements. St. Luke’s College abides by the related provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

COMMUNITY SERVICE In keeping with the Purposes of the College and the Statement of Ethical Practices, St. Luke’s College encourages students to actively participate in community service activities. Each fall during student orientation, all students, faculty, and staff participate in group work projects for needy agencies in the Siouxland area. In addition, each program of study requires an individual student to engage in some form of meaningful community service work. This requirement is outlined in more detail within program syllabi.

STUDENT ASSOCIATION Student Association provides opportunities for students to develop leadership skills and to facilitate communication between students and the College. Responsibilities may include: • Coordinate student social and cultural activities. • Encourage student participation in professional organizations and activities. • Serve as a liaison between students, faculty and administration relating to student concerns. • Coordinate participation in Health System and community service activities. • Develop student publications. • Participation in select College Board, College Assembly, College Advisory, and/ or Program Advisory meetings. Department chairs, with input from faculty and staff, select student representatives. These representatives may solicit input from students about various issues or activities throughout the year. Academic & Support Services Convocational meetings may be held up to two times a year. The meetings are educational in nature and focus on professional, cultural or personal issues. Attendance is required.

MEALS Options for meals on the UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s campus include the Park View Cafe located on the lower level of the main hospital and Pierce Street Café located on first floor in Pierce Street Surgery Center. The Park View Cafe offers a wide variety of hot and cold foods and beverages. Meals can be purchased on a cash or debit/credit card basis or a meal plan is available to students who desire that option. A discount on meals is given to students who wear their ID Badge. Vending machines offering soft drinks and snacks are located on the first floor of the College. Meal Plan St. Luke’s College offers an optional meal plan for students. This plan allows a student to use it for meals, snacks, and even carryout services that are available through Park View Cafe. Each participant will receive a debit card with an initial balance of $500 and is available to the student while attending St. Luke’s College. The debit card must be presented to the cashier at the time of purchase. The person presenting the debit card must be the cardholder. Remaining balances may be carried over into the next academic year. When the balance is low, students may pay additional amounts in increments of $100.00 to extend the meal plan. A refund is available only when a student withdraws or graduates from St. Luke’s College. No refund will be issued if the balance on the card is less than $10.00. Once a student is no longer enrolled at St. Luke’s College the card will be deactivated. Contact Fiscal Services to enroll in a meal plan.

STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER Located on the 2nd floor of the College Building, the Student Success Center is a space designed for students to enhance their learning experience.  Students are able to study, access academic assistance and/or guidance, utilize the Computer Center and Library, or shop in the College Bookstore.   

PARKING  Students parking is available in the parking just west of the College Building.  Students are encouraged to park on the top levels of the ramp or the surface lot south of the College along Nebraska Street. St. Luke´s College practices the good neighbor policy. Students are not encouraged to park on the street in front of home owner’s property.

COMMUNICATION All students are given College e-mail addresses. This is the primary method the College utilizes for communicating with students. College activities, announcements and assignments by faculty are given through e-mail. Students are encouraged to check their College e-mail regularly for these communications. Computers in the Library are available for students to check their email.

Students are assigned usernames and passwords to gain access to the St. Luke’s College Portal. This portal will provide specific information to students regarding class schedules, unofficial transcripts, billing statements, financial aid awards, etc. The portal is located at www.stlukescollege.edu Course information may be posted by the faculty through the portal. In addition, students are responsible to view their own information in the portal such as outstanding documents needed by the College under Document Tracking, access their tuition bill by selecting My Ledger for any outstanding balance, and/or update their contact information to ensure they receive emergency notifications.

Emergency Notification System In case of emergency or to provide an immediate announcement, students, faculty and staff will be notified through the College’s Emergency Notification System. Individuals will receive notice by at least one of the following methods: telephone call, text message, and/or email. Individuals are responsible to update and monitor contact information in the portal throughout the year to ensure that notification is received. Messages Every effort will be made to contact a student in the classroom or clinical facility as soon as possible when there is a family emergency message

St. Luke’s College is committed to full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 by providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to qualifying students with disabilities. Students, faculty, staff and administration all play a role in ensuring reasonable and appropriate accommodations are provided in a timely and effective manner. It is the policy of St. Luke’s College that no qualified student who demonstrates a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more life activities be excluded from participation in, be denied benefit of, or be subject to discrimination in any program or activity offered by St. Luke’s College. The College endeavors to provide qualified students with disabilities equal access, not advantage, to the College’s educational opportunities, facilities, programs and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of the individual.

St. Luke’s College will adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required by providing equal opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities who have qualified for admission by meeting standard admission requirements.

Definitions:

Individual with a disability: Someone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Physical impairments include, for example, specific learning disabilities, emotional or mental illness, blindness and visual impairments, deafness and hearing impairments, mobility impairments, and some chronic illness. 

Major life activity: Functions such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working and learning. A person is considered to be an individual with a disability and protected by law if he/she has the disability, has a record of having the disability, or is regarded as having the disability.

Qualified student with a disability: An individual who, with reasonable medications or accommodations (if necessary) to rules, policies or practices, the removal of barriers, of the provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of services or the participation in programs and activities.

Accommodations: A change in the status quo. A reasonable accommodation in the student setting is a medication or adjustment to a class or program that allow the person with a disability to participate as fully as possible in the programs and activities offered by St. Luke’s College. Disability Services

Accommodation Requests St. Luke’s College has designated the Dean of Student Services to handle all requests for accommodations due to a qualifying disability and to provide information about the existence and location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible to and useable to person with disabilities. The Dean may be contacted at (712) 279-3377 or by going to 2800 Pierce St, Suite 410. Students should make accommodation requests to the Dean of Student Services rather than making them directly to faculty members who are teaching their classes. Faculty members shall not grant or deny accommodation requests by students and will refer such requests to the Dean of Student Services.

Responsibility of the Student:

Initiate the request process with the Dean of Student Services by completing the Request for Service and Accommodation Form. It is only through the student’s voluntary disclosure of disability and request for accommodation that the College can support the student’s disability needs.

Provide documentation of the disability if necessary and provide other relevant information (i.e. as to specific medication requested).

To deliver modification letters to course instructors, if relevant and necessary for the modification.

To notify the Dean of Student Services of any pertinent changes each semester.

To work cooperatively with the Dean of Student Services.

Disclosure of Disability and Request for Accommodation

Consideration for services or accommodations is initiated by a student’s disclosure of a qualified disability and request for services or accommodations.

St. Luke’s College encourages that disclosure of the disability and requests for services or accommodations be made as early as possible. It is best to disclose the disability prior to the start of the semester or very early in the semester to allow time to review the request and documentation and make the proper arrangements; however requests will be accepted at any time. Accommodation arrangements may be compromised or denied if a request is not made in a timely manner.

Students should disclose their disability and request services by contacting the Dean of Student Services. A meeting should be arranged to meet in person to determine the appropriateness of the request.

St. Luke’s College will respond to student’s request in a timely and reasonable manner, but no longer than sixty (60) business days from the time of the request, unless extenuating circumstances exist.

Faculty/professional staff may, in collaboration with the student, refer the student to the Dean of Student Services if they believe that a student has a disability that qualifies them for accommodations. The referral may be in the form of a student exploring personal learning concerns, staff member encouragement based upon student expressed concerns, or a faculty generated student contract from a specific course.

Documentation:

When making an accommodation request, the student may be required, at St. Luke’s College’s request, to provide documentation from qualified professionals (i.e. physicians, psychologist, psychiatrist, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner) that establish the nature and extent of the disability, that the student has a current need for accommodation, and the basis for the diagnosis and dates of testing. Any documentation submitted must be current. Whether or not documentation is current will depend on the nature of the disability. (See Documentation Guidelines for Students with Disabilities for further documentation requirements).

Documentation may serve to demonstrate a student’s need for accommodation in order to assure equal access. Documentation may also serve to demonstrate the existence of a disability, affording the promise of nondiscrimination under ADA and Section 504. The type of documentation will vary according to the disability. Examples include, but are not limited to: a psycho-educational or neuropsychological assessment for learning and other cognitive disabilities, a psychiatrist’s report for psychological disabilities, a letter from a doctor or other specialist for physical and most other disability creates a substantial limitation for a major life activity to establish eligibility protection under the law.

Confidentiality:

Documentation of a student’s disability is maintained in a confidential file in Student Services. This documentation is considered a ‘treatment record’ and not part of the student’s educational record.

Documentation that will be maintained, but not limited to:

• Written request
• Supporting documentation
• Records/notes of the interactive process and proposed accommodations
• Correspondence with professors explaining accommodations
• Correspondence with the student explaining what accommodations have and have not been granted

Confidential records are held and maintained by the Dean of Student Services on the behalf of St. Luke’s College All information related to a disability is confidential and may be disclosed only with the permission of the student or otherwise as permitted by the College’s records policy and state and federal laws.

Determining Accommodations:

Disability documentation is used to determine eligible for services and to establish a current need for accommodations.

Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis taking into account the learning needs of the students, the requirements of the learning task, the course standards and essential requirements, and the educational environment.

The determination of an appropriate and reasonable accommodation revolves around the interaction between the individual and St. Luke’s College. Specifically, accommodations are determined by the Dean of Student Services in consultation with the student and input from the faculty, as needed. The Dean of Student Services has been designated by the College, and its administration, as the principle person with the responsibility/authority to determine disability related accommodations.

The College need not give primary consideration to a specific accommodation request by a student. However, based on the legislative history of the ADA, the Dean of Student Services will do their best to consult with the student when determining an appropriate accommodation(s).

If the student submits documentation from a qualified health professional showing a medical diagnosis, the diagnosis is neither necessary nor controlling in determining student’s disability status, but a factor in the evaluation process.

At the discretion of the Dean of Student Services, the student may be required to undergo additional evaluations if needed to effectively collaborate with the student in securing appropriate learning strategies. Student will not be entitled to selecting a specific evaluator.

Implementing Accommodations:

Faculty, staff or the Dean of Student Services is responsible for the implementation of the accommodation identified by the Dean of Student Services. Faculty and staff are required to support approved accommodations.

Faculty will be notified of approved accommodations through a written letter from the Dean of Student Services outlining the student’s accommodations based upon their eligibility under ADA and Section 504.

A student who believes that the approved accommodations have not been provided appropriately is encouraged to schedule a meeting with the Dean of Student Services to explore the matter and identify a resolution (see also Student Appeal).

Reasonable Accommodations:

The reasonable accommodations selected will be based on the student’s need supported by documentation and the College’s ability to reasonably accommodate the disability without undue hardship. Examples of potential reasonable accommodations for students might include, but not necessarily limited to:

• Classroom accessibility
• Alternative testing formats
• Test taking accommodations
• Tape recording of class
• Reasonable equipment modification
• Preferential seating
• Large print materials

Granted accommodations are not effective retroactively so that students will not be able to re-do assignments or retake exams before they asked for and received accommodations.

Mandatory Inservices

Students are required to complete mandatory in-services (Cornerstone Learning Modules) on the following topics:

• • HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)/Compliance
• Health Literacy
• Mandatory Abuse Reporting
• Fire/Safety/Security/Communications
• Hazardous Materials
• Infection Control/Bloodborne Pathogen/TB
• Diversity
• Harassment
• IMPACC
• Radiation Safety (Required of all radiology technology students)
• Students working with UnityPoint Health –St. Luke’s electronic medical record keeping system will be assigned computer-based modules as well as be required to complete a class. Any student that does not attend a scheduled class and a makeup session must be scheduled to complete the training requirement may be assessed a charge of up to $250.
• Other training that is determined mandatory by UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s and/or St. Luke’s College

B.C.L.S. Certification for Students

All students are required to have Health Care Provider BCLS certification through the American Heart Association prior to the start of clinical courses:

• Certification/recertification of BCLS is the responsibility of the student
• Student’s BCLS certification will be reviewed at the beginning of each academic year. If the course is not taken at St. Luke’s, the students must submit a copy of his or her certification card for documentation
• BCLS certification is valid for 2 years. Certification must be renewed by the end of the month in which the card was issued. There is NO grace period. Please contact the Student Services Department for exact dates
• Students without a current BCLS card will not be able to attend clinical until BCLS certification is obtained. Any missed clinical days due to lack of BCLS certification must be made up. This will be scheduled at the discretion of the instructor and the cost will be assumed by the student.

Health, Drug, and Background Screen

An increasing number of health care facilities nationwide are requesting the most current information on a student’s health status prior to a clinical rotation in their facility. This can include immunization Clinical Requirements records, physical health records, mandatory training records, drug testing results, and background check results. Incomplete immunization records, incomplete training records, failure to pass required background checks and/or failure to pass drug testing could result in a ban from participation in clinical rotations and thus prevent graduation.

All clinical sites require immunization, physical health, and mandatory training records. Newly accepted students or currently enrolled students assigned to clinical sites requesting drug testing and/or background testing will be advised of such a requirement before the onset of the semester. Such students will be required to comply with the testing by a deadline specified by the Program Director.

St. Luke’s College utilizes several third party services to conduct required criminal background checks and drug testing. All costs associated with these services may be at the responsibility of the student.

All students are required to furnish written documentation of their immunization records to the Student Health Nurse. For detailed requirements please Student Health section of the handbook or contact the Student Health Nurse. Failure to provide documentation results in the inability to enroll and/or continue enrollment.

St. Luke’s College highly recommends that students receive the hepatitis B series and have a titer drawn. Students must receive either the hepatitis B vaccination series or sign a waiver declining the vaccination. Requirements are subject to change.

Clinical Affiliates

Students may be scheduled to participate in learning experiences at a variety of clinical locations including clinical affiliates outside of UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s. The terms of contracts with clinical affiliates may include additional requirements for eligibility. These requirements include, but are not limited to:

• Drug testing
• Additional background checks
• Additional health screen and immunizations

The Program Director will inform students of these requirements. Any cost associated with fulfilling these requirements may be at the responsibility of the student.

Insurance Coverage

During approved clinical rotations, students are covered with professional liability insurance as long as they are acting within the scope of their responsibilities. However, personal health insurance is recommended.

Infectious Disease Statement

The student and patient may be at risk for exposure to infectious disease due to the nature of the health care profession. The risk of transmission of infectious disease to the student and patient will be minimized by the implementation of standard precautions in every clinical setting.

A student or patient with a compromised immune system may be at an increased risk of acquiring an infectious disease. Removal of the ill student from the clinical setting is at the discretion of the clinical faculty; students may also be referred to Student Health.

Students will follow the infection control policies of the clinical agency. These policies are subject to change.

Student Variance Report Instructions:

•  A Student Variance Report is to be made out by the student and instructor on any incident involving the student and a patient, employee, visitor, or unusual occurrence (i.e. fire hazards, loss or breakage of expensive equipment).
• When necessary, an Institutional Variance Report is also completed by the student and instructor and submitted to the department Manager within 24 hours. The Manager takes responsibility for submitting it to the appropriate department Office.

Dress Code:

St. Luke’s College follows the personal appearance policy of the Medical Center. The entire policy can be viewed through DocuCenter on the Intranet. The purpose of a dress code is to provide guidelines for students so that they may optimally reflect professional standards in their appearance. An appearance that is clean, neat and professional is required in all clinical settings and college related activities. A general approach of moderation and good taste should serve as a basis for choices.

Students must adhere to the College and their program of study dress code policies when in uniform for clinical experiences and when representing the College. Other dress code requirements are at the discretion of the faculty. Clinical uniform will consist of the following:

• Royal blue Cherokee brand scrubs
• White socks and shoes (predominately white, leather or vinyl shoes, toes, and heels must be closed)
• White lab coat
• UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s College name tag

Transportation:

• Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from all assigned educational experiences.
• City bus service is available for transport to most in-town clinical sites.
• All students enrolled in the program will have some out of town clinical rotations at some time in their program of study. This will involve out of town travel and may require some overnight stays.
• The cost of travel and/or lodging is the student’s responsibility.

Confidentiality of Patient and Health System Information

Students of St. Luke’s College will comply with the confidentiality of Patient and Health System Information policy of UnityPoint Health- St. Luke’s. Students should assume the word ‘employee’ should be exchanged with ‘student’ as it pertains throughout the policy which states: All information regarding patients is legally and ethically considered privileged information. This information is not to be disclosed or used in any way other than as needed for treatment of the patient. Accidental or intentional disclosure, modification or destruction of patient information can result in legal action and/or loss of community credibility, reputation and business or as directed by HIPAA regulations. This confidentiality of patient information continues to exist when the patient also happens to be a co-worker or physician.

Information related to patient and health care is to be treated in a confidential manner. Employees, who are contacted by representatives of the media concerning any proprietary, technological, health care and/or patient information, must refer such calls to the Director of Community Relations who shall then be responsible for coordinating appropriate responses to such inquiries.

Failure to maintain security procedures for handling confidential information is considered misconduct and gross violation can result in immediate termination. As part of our ongoing compliance program random audits for appropriate access to patient information will be conducted by the Privacy Officer. Potential inappropriate access will be reviewed by the manager and department director for employee or student involved in potential inappropriate access. Such inappropriate access can involve disciplinary action including verbal or written warning, suspension or immediate termination.

The following procedures are to be followed when a violation of confidentiality is discovered:

• When a violation of confidentiality is discovered, it is to be reported to the appropriate department director/manager. The department director/manager will notify the Human Resources Department if this involves and employee.
• The department director/manager is responsible for investigating the circumstances surrounding the violation. Areas to be investigated shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Determining whether the violation was intentional or accidental. • The impact upon the Health System (includes public confidence as well as financial impact). • The employee's or student’s history of previous violations. • The department director/manager will review the results of the investigation with a representative of the Human Resources Department prior to any disciplinary action being taken.

Privacy Audits:

•  Random privacy audits will be conducted on a routine basis by the Privacy Officer and results reported quarterly to the Compliance Officer.
• Potential inappropriate access identified on the audits will be reported to the Manager and Department Director of the employee involved in the access and investigation of the access will be conducted.
• Manager and Department Director will report back to Privacy Officer the findings of their investigation.
• In the event inappropriate access is confirmed, the manager and/or Department Director will involve Human Resource Director in plan for disciplinary action. Privacy Officer will also notify Human Resource Director of confirmed Privacy violation.
• Employees and students are responsible for all accesses made under their respective computer codes. In the event the employee or student denies entering the record, they will be held accountable for the entries made under their code.
• Disciplinary action will be determined with the assistance of Human Resources General guidelines for disciplinary action could include: • Confirmed inappropriate access- written warning to include possible immediate termination for future inappropriate access AND one to three day suspension. • Probably inappropriate access- (this may include access made with employee code but employee denies access & no previous incidents of inappropriate access.) Written warning to include possible immediate termination for future inappropriate access. • Repeat inappropriate access- termination.

Withdrawal from a Course

A student may withdraw from a course within the first 60% of that course schedule without academic penalty. All courses dropped after that point in the semester will be recorded as “F.”

Withdrawal from the College

Upon withdrawal from the College, the student confers with the Department Chair, Student and Administrative Services and the Registrar, submits a written request for withdrawal and completes a withdrawal form. This procedure includes, but is not limited to, satisfying financial obligations and concluding financial aid matters. College refund policies may apply.

Student Withdrawal for Military Service

St. Luke’s College will offer not less than the following options to a student who is a member, or the spouse of a member if the member has a dependent child, of the National Guard or Reserve Forces of the United States and who is ordered to state military service or federal service or duty (validation of active service must be provided):

Withdraw the student’s entire registration and receive a full refund of tuition and mandatory fees for the currently enrolled semester.

Make arrangements with the student’s instructor for course grades, or for incompletes that shall be completed by the student at a later date. If such arrangements are made, the student’s registration shall remain intact and tuition and mandatory fees shall be assessed for those courses in full.

Make arrangements with only some of the student’s instructors for grades, or for incompletes that shall be completed by the student at a later date. If such arrangements are made, the registration for those courses shall remain intact and tuition and mandatory fees shall be assessed for those courses. Any courses for which arrangements cannot be made for grades or incompletes shall be considered dropped and the tuition and mandatory fees for the course refunded.

Copyright Infringement

Penalties for violating Federal copyright laws may include but are not limited to restitution and damage fees or criminal charges. For more detailed information, please see chapter 5 of Title 17, U.S. Code, Copyright Law of the United States, available online at www.copyright.gov or by request from the St. Luke’s College Library.

Disciplinary action taken against a student who uses the St. Luke’s College information technology system to distribute copyrighted materials without authorization will follow the Disciplinary Action Policy found in the student handbook.

Peer-To-Peer (P2P) File Sharing

Purpose To prohibit the use of peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing applications by all computers connected to the UnityPoint Health network. The primary purpose of this policy is to educate and set expectations for the users of the UnityPoint Health network of their responsibilities towards the use of P2P applications. This policy addresses the issues, impacts and concerns with file sharing aspects of P2P applications using the UnityPoint Health network. The policy applies to all computers that are connected to the UnityPoint Health network.

Policy

Users of the UnityPoint Health network may not use Peer-to-Peer file sharing programs. For the purposes of this policy, a P2P file sharing application is any application that transforms a personal computer into a server that distributes data simultaneously to other computers. Please note that copyrighted materials cannot be shared by any means without proper permission. This includes sharing via network file shares, the web, or any other means and is not limited to P2P programs.

Background

A peer-to-peer computer network refers to any network that does not have fixed clients and servers, but a number of peer nodes that function as both clients and servers to the other nodes on the network. Any node is able to initiate or complete any supported transaction. Peer nodes may differ in local configuration, processing speed, network bandwidth, and storage quantity. P2P computing is the sharing of computer resources and services by direct exchange between systems.

This policy concerns one of the most prevalent uses of P2P technology: the distribution of copyrighted content. Along with copyright infringement, other concerns of P2P file sharing applications include network resource utilization, security, and inappropriate content.

Issues

Copyright Infringement: Copyright Infringement & Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Downloading or distributing copyrighted material, e.g. documents, music, movies, videos, text, etc., without express permission from the rightful owner violates the United States Copyright Act. Those who obtain or distribute copyrighted material should be aware that if found liable for copyright infringement, the penalties can be severe, depending on the amount and willfulness of the infringing activity. In a civil lawsuit, one found liable for copyright infringement can be ordered to pay damages of as much as $30,000 per copyrighted work infringed. This penalty can be increased to $150,000 per infringed work in cases of particularly flagrant infringement. In the most serious and widespread cases of copyright infringement, criminal prosecution is possible. Additionally, students, faculty, and staff who may be in violation of copyright law place not only themselves at risk; they may be exposing St. Luke’s College and UnityPoint health to liability as an institution and health system, for contributory or vicarious infringement, e.g., using UnityPoint Health network resources to obtain the material and/or to store the material on UnityPoint Health computers.

Impact to the UnityPoint Health System Network

Peer-to-Peer file sharing applications typically allow a user to set up their computer so that other people can access specific files on that computer. This process, in effect, converts the user’s computer into a server. A user’s computer acting as a server can place an enormous burden on the network. Network performance can degrade significantly when P2P file sharing applications are used, especially when large files are being downloaded.

Security

Peer-to-Peer networks can introduce serious gaps in an otherwise secure network. Threats such as worms and viruses can easily be introduced into the network. P2P applications, if modified, can also allow users outside the UnityPoint Health network to gain access to data on the user’s computer or even the network. Some P2P applications will also allow third parties to see the user’s IP address. The installation of spyware is also common with many P2P applications.

Procedure

Any user who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action following the Disciplinary Action Policy, Student Policy #4, available in the student handbook. Additionally, if found liable for copyright infringement, action may be taken.

UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s and the College, embracing a philosophy of holistic care including the physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological aspects of healing, realize that few people escape some type of serious personal problem during their lifetimes. When substance abuse problems, marriage or family concerns, financial or other personal situations develop, College employees and students are provided assistance through UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital Employee Assistance Program (EAP), for themselves or family members. 

UnityPoint Health- Allen Hospital EAP program, a free benefit to St. Luke’s employees, students and their families provides a practical approach to address well-being. The program was adopted to provide confidential, professional assistance to employees, students, or members of their families. If professional counseling assistance is needed, an employee or student is encouraged to contact (319)235-3550. Students may also contact any hospital chaplain (through the Medical Center operator at (712) 279-3500 for counseling services. All information is confidential. No reference of the content of the discussion is ever reported to the College.

It is the desire of the administration, staff, and faculty to help students develop their full potential as members of the College and community. Each student is entitled to personal, academic and career counseling. A team approach facilitates the achievement of these goals.

Faculty encourages students to communicate with each instructor at the beginning of each rotation. At this time, students can verbalize any pertinent health problems, academic strengths and weaknesses or any concerns, which may benefit their learning. The ultimate responsibility of sharing rests with the student.

Students may seek the guidance of a faculty member of their choice on academic and/or personal matters. Faculty members may suggest that a student visit with the Dean, Student Services, if appropriate. Students are also invited to stop in the office of the President of the College at any time.

 St. Luke's College is dedicated to educational excellence that leads to a rewarding career in healthcare.  The programs at St. Luke's College provide graduates the opportunity to sit for national licensing/certifying/credentialing exams.  Upon graduation and successful examination, graduates are able to practice in the state of Iowa.  If you intend to practice in another state upon graduation, please refer to the resources below for your specific program.

Radiologic Technology
State certification examination eligibility requirements can be found at:
ASRT

Registered Nursing
State certification examination eligibility requirements can be found at:
NCSBN

Medical Laboratory Science
State certification examination eligibility requirement can be found at:
ASCLS

President's List
Students completing a semester with a 3.5 or above grade point average and satisfactory clinical attainment will be placed on the President’s List for that semester. Students must be enrolled in six or more credit hours to be eligible for the President’s List designation for that semester.

Graduation

It is the student’s responsibility to understand and fulfill all requirements of the academic program. Degrees/certificates will be conferred to candidates who satisfy the following requirements:

• Satisfactory completion of the prescribed course of study.
• Achievement of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
• Satisfactory completion of the stated hours of credit per program of study.
• Resolution of all financial obligations to the College.

The student has 6 months from their scheduled graduation date to complete any outstanding requirements.

Students seeking an associate degree must complete a minimum of 22 credit hours in the program of study at St. Luke’s College with a minimum of 15 of their last 30 credits completed at St. Luke’s College.

A minimum of 120 credit hours is required for graduation in the bachelors programs. Students must complete at least 36 credits at St. Luke’s college to satisfy the degree requirements of the bachelor programs. A minimum of 30 of the last 60 credit hours must be completed at St. Luke’s College.

Graduates in the associate programs are eligible to write a national examination for licensure specific to each profession. Successful completion of this examination is required for the graduate to practice as a registered health care professional in their respective discipline.

Many graduates further their education. Graduates report ease in finding employment in their chosen profession. In addition, they highly rate the program in preparing them to enter practice in their profession. Responses from graduates indicate that the programs of study provide valuable patient care instruction and clinical experience.

Employers also highly rate St. Luke’s graduates in their ability to utilize the theory and skills necessary in providing health care to a variety of clients.

Honors

Students who attain a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher will graduate with honors according to the following guideline:

Cum Laude 3.50 - 3.70Cumulative GPA
Magna Cum Laude 3.71 - 3.89 Cumulative GPA
Summa Cum Laude 3.90 - 4.00 Cumulative GPA

Note: The cumulative GPA is based on the GPA achieved up to the semester prior to graduation.

Title IX - What is it?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states that "No person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, or denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving assistance."

Who is covered under Title IX:

All students and individuals who work for or with the institution are protected against: sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (including sexual violence), gender discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, and/or retaliation.

Policy

St. Luke's College is committed to providing a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex. The Colleges considers sex discrimination in all its forms to be a serious offence. Sex discrimination constitutes a violation of this policy, is unacceptable, and will not be tolerated. It is the policy of St. Luke's College to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations, which prohibit discrimination based on sex in the College's educational programs and activities. 

College Title IX/Sexual Harassment Policy

Reporting

St. Luke's College encourages those who have experienced any form of sexual harassment to report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator.  The College has designated the following Title IX Coordinator to coordinate its compliance with Title IX and to receive inquiries regarding Title IX, including complaints of sex discrimination:

Danelle Johannsen
Dean of Student Services and COO
Title IX Coordinator
2800 Pierce Street
Sioux City, IA 51104
(712) 279-3377
danelle.johannsen@stlukescollege.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator
2800 Pierce Street
Sioux City, IA 51104

Training

Any individuals involved in the Title IX grievance process has been appropriately trained in compliance with federal and state law.  Below are training certifications:

Title IX Coordinator Training 2022
Title IX Training Presentation 2022

Mercy Medical Center

• (712) 279-2066 Emergency Department

Sioux City Police Department 

• Dial 911
• (712) 279-6960 Non-Emergency

Counsel on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

• 24 hour crisis hotline for free, confidential counseling and support.
• Assistance is available with medical and legal procedures
• Counselor can be with you during the medical exam and police interview
• (712) 258-7233 (Sioux City, Iowa)
• (712) 546-6764 (Le Mars, Iowa)
• Toll Free 1-800-982-7233
• www.csadvsiouxland.org

Family Crisis Centers of Northwest Iowa, Sioux Center, Iowa

• 24 hour crisis hotline for free, confidential counseling and support
• Assistance is available on a short term or long term basis
• Support available to men, women and children
• (712) 722-4404 or 1-800-382-5603
• www.familycrisiscenters.org

Haven House Family Services Center

• Crisis intervention and prevention services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault
• (402) 494-7592(South Sioux City, Nebraska)
• (402) 375-5433 (Wayne, Nebraska)
• Toll Free 1-800-440-4633
• www.Havenhousefsc.com

The Compass Center, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

• 24 for hour hotline for immediate crisis response
• Assists survivors of violence through emotional support and advocacy
• Offers several therapy and program options to help the healing process
• Serves males and females, beginning at age three
• Responds to survivors of sexual assault at the emergency room
• Toll Free 1-877-462-7474 or (605) 339-0116
• www.thecompasscenter.org

Domestic Violence Safe Option Services, Vermillion, South Dakota

• Provides free and confidential referral and crisis intervention services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence
• Serves Clay, Union, and Turner counties in Southeast corner of South Dakota
• Available 8:00am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday
• (605) 624-5311
• www.dvsos.org

National Sexual Assault Hotline

• 24 hour crisis hotline
• 1-800-656-HOPE

National Domestic Abuse Hotline

• 24 hour crisis hotline for free, confidential counseling and support
• Provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse
• 1-800-799-7233

Other resources available to persons who report being the victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking include:

• Coalition Against Domestic Violence www.icadv.orgIowa             
• Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault www.iowacasa.org                                       
• Male Survivors of Abuse www.malesurvivor.org    
• Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network www.rainn.org           
• Department of Justice www.justice.gov/ovw/sexual-assault 
• Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights   www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html?src=oc
• Iowa Legal Aid  www.iowalegalaid.org
• Legal Aid of Nebraska www.legalaidofnebraska.com
• Iowa State Bar Association - Volunteer Lawyers Project www.iowalegalaid.org/volunteer-lawyers-projects
• Nebraska Bar Association - Volunteer Lawyers Project www.nebar.com
• East River Legal Services (South Dakota) 1-800-952-3015
• www.loveisrespect.org
• Immigration Advocates Network
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

STUDENT RECORDS

St. Luke’s College respects the confidential nature of all records of applicants, students, graduates, and former students. This is in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. Such educational records include those maintained by the College office. The official in charge of a particular student file is charged with the reasonable care and security of the file.

Student records (academic, health, financial aid, etc.) will be open to inspection upon request of that individual, in the presence of an appropriate College official, with the exception of:

• Confidential letters and statements of recommendation placed in records prior to January 1, 1975.

• Statements of recommendation for which the student has waived the right of access.

• Financial records of parents if not authorized by parents.

Material, which is accessible to students, may not be removed from college files, but copies of such materials may be obtained at an established charge.

The student may submit a written response to any material contained in a record.This response will then be a part of the record.

A student may challenge the accuracy of the contents of his/her files. If the dispute has not first been resolved through informal discussion, the student may request a hearing in writing to the Department Chair, Student and Administrative Services. The Department Chair, Student and Administrative Services or designee will convene the hearing within a reasonable time, with advance notice to the student. The purpose of such hearing will be to determine the validity of the information in question. The student will be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised. A written decision will be made to the student within a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) reasonable time after the conclusion of the hearing. This response will indicate the action to be taken.

Release of educational records or other personally identifiable information is restricted to authorized persons. Student consent is not needed. An authorized person includes:

• Personnel of the College who have legitimate interests.

• An individual/agency designated in writing by the student as having authorization to receive such records. A request for release of records must include the following:

• The specific information to be released

• The reason for such release

• The party to whom the records are to be released

• Date and authorized signature

• Authorized representatives of the Comptroller General of the United States, the secretary and the administrative head of an educational agency or state education authorities who have been authorized to conduct an audit, evaluation or investigation of a federally supported education program.

• Those persons or agencies dealing with a student’s application for, or receipt of, financial aid.

• Accrediting organizations in order to carry out their accrediting functions.

• Those parties designated by judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.

• In an emergency, appropriate persons, if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons

Educational records of the student will not be released to the student or a third party as long as financial indebtedness or serious academic and/or disciplinary matters involving the student remain unresolved.

Personal information shall be transferred to a third party only on the condition that the third party will not permit any other party to have access to such information without the written consent of the student.

The College shall maintain a record indicating all individuals, agencies or organization which have requested or obtained access to a student’s records. This record will be kept with the record of each student.

St. Luke’s College considers the following as “directory information”:

• Student’s full name

• Student’s local address

• Student’s local telephone number

• Student’s college email address

• Student’s dates of attendance

• Student’s graduation date

• Student’s degree received

• Student’s honors and distinctions while at St. Luke’s College

A student may request that all or part of the “directory information” not be released without prior consent. This request should be made in writing to the Registrar. 

Confidentiality of Patient and Health System Information

Students of St. Luke’s College will comply with the confidentiality of Patient and Health System Information policy of UnityPoint Health- St. Luke’s which states:

All information regarding patients is legally and ethically considered privileged information. This information is not to be disclosed or used in any way other than as needed for treatment of the patient. Accidental or intentional disclosure, modification or destruction of patient information can result in legal action and/or loss of community credibility, reputation and business or as directed by HIPAA regulations. This confidentiality of patient information continues to exist when the patient also happens to be a co-worker or physician.

Information related to patient and health care is to be treated in a confidential manner. Employees, who are contacted by representatives of the media concerning any proprietary, technological, health care and/or patient information, must refer such calls to the Director of Community Relations who shall then be responsible for coordinating appropriate responses to such inquiries.

Failure to maintain security procedures for handling confidential information is considered misconduct and gross violation can result in immediate termination.

As part of our ongoing compliance program random audits for appropriate access to patient information will be conducted by the Privacy Officer. Potential inappropriate access will be reviewed by the manager and department director for employee or student involved in potential inappropriate access. Such inappropriate access can involve disciplinary action including verbal or written warning, suspension or immediate termination.

The following procedures are to be followed when a violation of confidentiality is discovered:

• When a violation of confidentiality is discovered, it is to be reported to the appropriate department director/manager. The department director/manager will notify the Human Resources Department if this involves and employee.

• The department director/manager is responsible for investigating the circumstances surrounding the violation. Areas to be investigated shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Determining whether the violation was intentional or accidental.

• The impact upon the Health System (includes public confidence as well as financial impact).

• The employee's or student’s history of previous violations.

• The department director/manager will review the results of the investigation with a representative of the Human Resources Department prior to any disciplinary action being taken. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Privacy Audits

• Random privacy audits will be conducted on a routine basis by the Privacy Officer and results reported quarterly to the Compliance Officer.

• Potential inappropriate access identified on the audits will be reported to the Manager and Department Director of the employee involved in the access and investigation of the access will be conducted.

• Manager and Department Director will report back to Privacy Officer the findings of their investigation.

• In the event inappropriate access is confirmed, the manager and/or Department Director will involve Human Resource Director in plan for disciplinary action. Privacy Officer will also notify Human Resource Director of confirmed Privacy violation.

• Employees and students are responsible for all accesses made under their respective computer codes. In the event the employee or student denies entering the record, they will be held accountable for the entries made under their code.

• Disciplinary action will be determined with the assistance of Human Resources General guidelines for disciplinary action could include:

• Confirmed inappropriate access- written warning to include possible immediate termination for future inappropriate access AND one to three day suspension.

• Probably inappropriate access- (this may include access made with employee code but employee denies access & no previous incidents of inappropriate access.) Written warning to include possible immediate termination for future inappropriate access.

• Repeat inappropriate access- termination.

College Navigator website

COVID-19 CARES Act Funding

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or, CARES Act, was passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump on March 27th, 2020. This bill allotted $2.2 trillion to provide fast and direct economic aid to the American people negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Of that money, approximately $14 billion was given to the Office of Postsecondary Education as the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, or HEERF.

St. Luke's College has been awarded $136,761 in HEERF I Funding. $68,381 allocated as direct grants to students and $63,380 allocated to the institution to offset costs associated with the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19.

St. Luke's College was also awarded $356,446 in funding for the Improvement of Postsecondary Educational (FIPSE) Grant.

St. Luke's College received additional funding under HEERF II totaling $256,703. $68,381 allocated as direct grants to students and $188,322 allocated to the institution to offset costs associated with the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19.

St. Luke's College received supplementary funding under HEERF III totaling $460,781. $248,257allocated as direct grants to students and $212,524 allocated to the institution to offset costs associated with the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19.

 Professional Licensure Disclosure Information

The U.S. Department of Education requires all institutions of higher education to provide state licensure information for programs designed to meet educational requirements for employment which requires a specific licensure or certification. Professional licensure refers to specific standards required to legally practice in a profession. Since professional licensure is generally regulated at the state level, it is often necessary to obtain a separate license for each state in which one wishes to practice. The programs at St. Luke’s College were developed to meet licensing/certification requirements for Iowa. Learn More.

State Licensure Information