Guides

24 The Washington Center • Code of Conduct Spring 2025 VIII. Participant Rights Dissemination of Student Record Information The Washington Center follows the guidelines associated with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in reference to the rights and privacy of TWC participants. In order to share information with other individuals, TWC requires participants to permit the organization to do so. In the event of an emergency situation, the Office of Housing and Community Life will make an informed decision on contacting emergency contacts with information based on individual situations. Good Samaritan Provision The health and safety of The Washington Center participants is of the highest priority. At times, participants may need immediate medical or other professional assistance. However, participants may be reluctant to get help because of concerns that their own behavior may be a violation of the Code of Conduct. To minimize any hesitation participants may have in obtaining help due to these concerns, TWC has enacted the following "Good Samaritan" provision. Although policy violations cannot be overlooked, TWC will consider the positive impact of reporting an incident when determining the appropriate response for policy violations. In such cases, any possible negative consequences for the reporter of the problem should be evaluated against the possible negative consequences for the participant needing assistance. At a minimum, participants should make an anonymous report that would put the individual in need in touch with Housing and Community Life Staff. Grievances If a participant has an issue with any TWC staff member or process, a grievance may be filed to initiate an investigation and follow-up on the concern. • Pre-Arrival Internship Placement interviewing grievances related to discrimination and/or harassment is to be reported to conduct@twc.edu. • Grievances related to orientation, housing, student activities, disability accommodations, or community programs/events may be submitted in writing to the Office of Housing & Community Life at conduct@twc.edu. • Academic course grievances, issues with course instructors or faculty, or concerns about the course material, class format, etc. may be submitted in writing to courses at courses@twc.edu • Program grievances may be filed with the Student Conduct and Case Management Administrator at programs@twc.edu. Notification of Conduct Violations TWC support staff may be notified of the outcome of any documented conduct process involving a participant via e-mail. These staff members include, but are not limited to, the appropriate program staff, Community Managers, the Assistant Director of Housing and Community Life, the Director of Housing and Community Life, Executive Director of Operations and IT, Program Managers, Assistant Director of Programs, Director of Programs, Executive Director of Programs, Program Coordinator of Courses, Executive Director Federal Initiatives, or other TWC staff with relevant ties to a participant's TWC experience. In cases involving international students, the J-1 visa officer will be notified as a participant's visa status can be affected by conduct outcomes. College and university liaisons, along with the Dean of Students or the unit that handles student conduct policies at the participant's home institution (if necessary), may be notified if the participant is involved in a violation that requires specific university response, in accordance with local, state, and national policies.

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