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Looking for information on student demographics, public safety, graduation and retention rates, learning outcomes, and other general information about Williamson College of the Trades? This is a great starting place. Choose from any of the links below to find more information about your area of interest. If you have questions concerning content, please contact the office of the Provost.

Table of Contents

Make A Report

Williamson College is committed to a positive learning environment where open, honest communications are the expectation, not the exception.

In situations where you prefer to place an anonymous report in confidence, you are encouraged to use this online report, hosted by a third-party provider, EthicsPoint. We want to have your voice heard!

Academic Programs

Williamson College of the Trades provides information regarding its educational programs on the college web site on our Academic Programs page and in our College Catalog.

Accreditation

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) Accreditation

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) Accreditation

Williamson is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and is approved and authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to confer the Associate in Specialized Technology Degree.

An institution’s accreditation does not guarantee that credits earned at that institution will be accepted for transfer by any other institution. Decisions concerning the acceptance of credits by any institution other than the granting institution are made at the sole discretion of the receiving institution. Students considering continuing their education at or transferring to other institutions must not assume that credits earned at this School will be accepted by the receiving institution. Students must contact the registrar of the receiving institution to determine what credits, if any, that institution will accept.

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) Accreditation

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) Accreditation

“Middle States accreditation is an expression of confidence in an institution’s mission and goals, its performance, and its resources. An institution is accredited when the educational community has verified that its goals are achieved through self-regulation and peer review. The extent to which each educational institution accepts and fulfills the responsibilities inherent in the process of accreditation is a measure of its commitment to striving for and achieving excellence in its endeavors.

MSCHE Accreditation Standards and Requirements of Affiliation serve as an ongoing guide for institutions. Accredited institutions are expected to demonstrate compliance with these standards and requirements, to conduct their activities in a manner consistent with the standards and requirements, and to engage in ongoing processes of self-review and improvement” (MSCHE, Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation, 13th ed., p.1).

To better serve its students, to provide additional opportunities for self-reflection, and to enhance partnerships with other institutions of higher education, Williamson College of the Trades is pursuing MSCHE accreditation. This webpage provides information about this process.

Current phase: Candidate

Campus Security Policies, Crime Statistics, and Crime Log

Williamson annually provides detailed information regarding college crime statistics and campus security practices, including emergency response and evacuation procedures, timely warnings, missing persons, and reporting policies. A paper copy of this report is available upon request by the vice president of Operations. To view a copy of the college’s Annual Security Report online, please go to the Community and Public Safety page.

Computer, Communication, and Network Technology Acceptable Use Policy

Williamson’s Information Technology Policy promotes the efficient, ethical, and lawful use of the college’s information technology (IT) resources. The college’s computing systems, networks, and associated facilities (TRADEnet) are intended to support its mission and to enhance the educational environment of its students. Any use deemed inconsistent with this mission will be considered a violation of this policy.

Please refer to Williamson’s Student Information Technology Handbook for additional information.

Williamson’s Copyright Infringement and Peer-to-Peer File Sharing policies can be found on the Education Policies and Statistics page.

Drug Free College

Williamson College of the Trades complies with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989.

Statement of Zero Tolerance Policy

Williamson College of the Trades, in order to promote its fundamental mission, has adopted a zero tolerance policy for the use, possession, distribution, or manufacture of illicit or illegal drugs or the consumption or possession of alcohol. The college will not tolerate any use, possession, distribution, or manufacture of illicit or illegal drugs by any student or employee on campus, off campus, or while attending any school-sponsored or sanctioned event. Such actions may result in dismissal of the student; an employee may be subject to discharge.

For the student, the consumption or possession of alcohol is strictly prohibited and may result in dismissal. Additional information on this policy can be found in the Student Handbook. In addition to any punishment imposed by the college, any student or employee suspected of violating any federal, state, or local law proscribing the use, possession, distribution, or manufacture of illicit or illegal drugs, will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Drug Testing Policy

The college reserves the right to require a drug test from a student or employee where there is a reasonable suspicion that the college’s drug free policy has been violated. Williamson also conducts periodic random drug testing of its student body. Failure to submit to a drug test is a violation of the college’s disciplinary policy and will result in dismissal.

Legal Sanctions for Use, Possession, or Distribution of Illicit or Illegal Drugs and Alcohol

Under State law, if you are under 21 and you possess a fake ID or falsify an ID card to misrepresent your age, or purchase, attempt to purchase, use, or transport alcoholic beverages, you will lose your driver’s license on the first conviction.

You will pay a fine of up to $500.00 and it will cost $25.00 to get your license back. Your parents will be notified and, if the courts stipulate, you’ll be required to complete an alcohol education or counseling program. Moreover, it is unlawful for any person to sell, furnish, or give any liquor, or permit any liquor to be sold, furnished, or given to any person visibly intoxicated or to any minors (persons less than 21 years of age). Violation carries a minimum $1,000.00 fine for the first offense and a $2,500.00 fine for second and further offenses. Maximum penalty: $2,500.00 and one-year imprisonment.

State and federal law forbids the possession or consumption of illegal drugs or narcotics.  Federal, and state law forbids the possession of illegal drugs or narcotics, such as cocaine, barbiturates, hallucinogens or other illegal, addictive substances. The sale, use, possession or manufacture of such illegal substances is strictly forbidden. The sale, use or possession of drug paraphernalia such as rolling papers, bongs, pipes and the like are also forbidden on campus. Infraction of these laws constitutes a major violation of campus policy.

A violation of Pennsylvania’s Controlled Substance, Drug Device, and Cosmetic Act calls for widely varying penalties depending on the nature of the offense (e.g. sale versus possession), the type of drug involved, the quantity of drugs involved and whether the individual’s offense is a first, second, third or subsequent offense. A violation of the several federal statutes governing the sale and possession of drugs also calls for widely varying penalties.

Federal law makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture, distribute, create, or dispense or to possess with the intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense controlled substances. Title 21 of United States Code provides terms of imprisonment and fines for violations of this Act. The nature of the offense and whether the person has committed any previous unlawful acts under the statute will determine the term of imprisonment as well as the amount of any fine.

Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs or Alcohol

Medical studies indicate that users of illicit or illegal drugs or alcohol can suffer from a wide range of medical and psychological problems. Those problems can be as mild as depression or as severe as permanent brain damage, or death. At the very least, use of these substances can impair one’s ability to learn and function in society. This promotes poor application to academics as shown by poor study habits, lack of concentration, and loss of self-esteem. Additional information on the health risks associated with the use of alcohol and illicit or illegal drugs is available through the campus health clinic, or online through the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery.

Resources Available to Students Regarding Alcohol and Illicit or Illegal Drugs

Substance Abuse Treatment Locator

Phone: 1-800-662-HELP
This Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website and toll-free phone line help individuals locate drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs in their communities.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Phone: 212-870-3400
AA offers a way to stop drinking to individuals who feel they have a problem with alcohol. AA groups are located in most cities and rural communities throughout the country. Look up “Alcoholics Anonymous” in a local telephone directory for a contact in your area.

Al-Anon/Alateen

Phone: 1-888-4AL-ANON
Al-Anon provides information on the effects of alcohol abuse and refers friends and families of alcohol abusers to nearby support groups. Al-Anon’s purpose is to help families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with a relative or friend with a drinking problem. Alateen is the organization’s program for young people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.

AlcoholScreening.org

This free, confidential website lets individuals privately assess their own drinking habits and receive personalized feedback to help them determine if they need help to change those habits. Individuals can also find out about facilities in their communities that offer drug and alcohol abuse treatment and consultations with qualified health professionals regarding alcohol problems.

American Council on Alcoholism

Phone: 1-800-527-5344
This service provides referrals to alcoholism treatment programs nationwide and distributes written materials on alcohol abuse problems.

Cocaine Anonymous

Phone: 1-800-347-8998
Cocaine Anonymous provides support for people dependent on cocaine and other mind-altering substances. Callers are referred to local helplines.

Recovered

Phone: 855-648-7228
This organization, a planning and oversight agency for public substance abuse treatment programs, provides written information on alcohol and drug abuse and referrals to treatment and counseling services nationwide.

Rehabs.org

Website and free service providing reliable and non-biased information regarding every treatment center in the country. Service is dedicated to assist individuals and their families suffering from addiction find resources best suited to their individual situation and needs.

Nar-Anon

Phone: 1-800-477-6291 This worldwide program provides support for friends and families of individuals with substance abuse problems.

Rehab.com

Drug Rehab Centers in Pennsylvania – Accredited treatment centers in Pennsylvania. Find all recovery options in nearby cities and sort by detox, inpatient, outpatient, aftercare, payment type, amenities and more.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA is the federal law that governs the rights of students and institutional responsibilities with respect to student records. If you have any questions regarding any of the information contained herein, please refer to the College FERPA Fact Sheet (PDF) or contact the college office of the Registrar.

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, commonly referred to as FERPA or the Buckley amendment, is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of a student’s educational record. FERPA applies to all educational agencies or institutions that receive federal funding for any program administered by the Secretary of Education. FERPA also applies to private entities that contract to perform services for the college that it would otherwise undertake to perform on its own; in such cases, the private entity must observe the same FERPA protections applicable to the college. FERPA grants adult students (18 and older) the following rights:

FERPA Basics

What is an Education Record?

“Education Records” include any information or data recorded in any medium, including but not limited to, handwriting, print, tapes, film, e-mail, microfilm, and microfiche, which is directly related to a student and maintained by the college or by a person acting for the college.

Examples of an Education Record Include:

Access to Student Education Records

In general, the college will not release “personally identifiable information” from a student’s education record without the student’s prior written consent provided through a Student Consent Form, kept on file with the Registrar’s Office. However, please note FERPA allows disclosure without student consent under the following circumstances:

Directory Information/What Does Williamson Give Out?

Williamson designates the following items as directory information to include the student’s name, dates of attendance at Williamson, program/field of study, degree received (including dates), participation in officially recognized activities, academic or other college awards or honors received, photographs, weight and height of students on athletic teams, students’ and parents’ electronic mailing address, enrollment status, and hometown (city and state).

Because directory information is considered public, the college may release such information to anyone without student consent provided that the student has not requested a directory restriction.

Restricting Release of Information

The college may disclose to third parties any student information that it has designated as directory information, provided that the student has not restricted such information from disclosure. Students must request a restriction in writing to the college registrar. Students who wish to restrict their names should realize that their names will not appear in the commencement bulletin and other college publications.

Filing a Complaint

Students have a right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the college to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605

Contact information for assistance in obtaining institutional or other financial aid is available on the college’s Financial Aid page. Financial Aid information is available both online and as a paper copy through the Office of Financial Aid.

Fire Safety Policies, Fire Statistics, and Fire Log

Williamson annually provides information on campus fire safety policies, fire prevention activity data, and any fire-related incident that occurs within on-campus housing. This information can be found on the Community and Public Safety page. A paper copy of this report is available upon request.

Gainful Employment

For more information on what our graduates do after graduation, please go to the Education Policies and Statistics page of the website.

Graduation Rates

For more information on Williamson’s graduation rate, please go to the Education Policies and Statistics page of the website.

Net Price Calculator

For more information on Williamson’s net price calculator please go to the Financial Aid page.

Price of Attendance

Information regarding the costs of attending Williamson College of the Trades is posted on the Cost of Attendance page.

Safeguarding Confidential Information

Williamson College of the Trades is committed to safeguarding confidential information for its students and employees. College policy, outlined within the Student Information Technology Handbook, College Catalog, and Employee Handbook, establish administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to:

Definitions

Confidential Information
Confidential information means any information not exempted in specific legislation and identified as personal, sensitive, or confidential such as personally-identifiable information, individually-identifiable health information, education records, and non-public information as specified in all applicable federal or state laws, plus Williamson College policies. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to, the following examples:

Confidential information may include individually-identifiable health information. This includes any information, including demographic information collected from an individual, created or received by a health care provider, health plan, employer, or health care clearinghouse. This includes information that relates to the past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual, the provision of health care to the individual, or the identification of the individual.

In addition, electronic confidential information is defined as any electronic format which includes an individual’s first name or first initial and last name or education in combination with any one or more of the following data elements, when either the individual’s name or the data elements are not encrypted:

Unauthorized Disclosure
Unauthorized disclosure means to disclose, release, transfer, disseminate, or otherwise communicate all or any part of any record orally, in writing, or by electronic or any other means to any person or entity.

College Practices in Safeguarding Confidential Information

All confidential information must be cared for with the appropriate level of physical and electronic (logical) security. When working with confidential information the college takes on the custodial responsibilities for that information. Thus each person who access this information also has the responsibility to:

These terms are defined below. Note: These lists are not exhaustive. Each of them is provided to serve as examples. As technology develops, each of these lists should be expanded to cover additional techniques and devices as appropriate.

Indentify

Identify and inventory where confidential information is stored, processed, or transmitted. Here are some examples:

Confidential Information

Computer Information Systems

Removable Media

Remote Storage Device

Local Storage Device

Protect

Protect confidential information against unauthorized access, unauthorized use, loss, or damage. The College maintains a custodial partnership with each individual who accesses its network. Specific policies and procedures in exercising this partnership is the responsibility of the both the institution and individual to include:

Individuals:

College:

Communicate

Individuals accessing the College’s network have a responsibility to communicate with care to include:

Maintain

The college and individual must work in partnership to:

Student Code of Conduct

In his Foundation Deed, Isaiah Williamson charged the college to undertake “the moral and religious training of the scholars.” To that end, and as part of its mission to foster the values of faith, integrity, diligence, excellence, and service, the college has established a Conduct Code. The code is designed to protect the rights of each individual in the Williamson community; to provide a clean, safe, and well-ordered community with an atmosphere conducive to education; and to help students entering careers in business and industry develop the responsibility, discipline, respect for authority, and ability to follow instructions that are essential for success.

There is a philosophical understanding that a Williamson education molds young men by creating standards towards which each student is expected to rise. Consequently, there is a greater expectation of Seniors than of Juniors and a greater expectation of Juniors than of Freshmen. As such, disciplinary standards in the Conduct Code have been developed to reflect the greater emphasis on positive leadership and responsibility as the student progresses through his education at Williamson. It does not include every possible sub-classification of the offenses indicated, but offers a general guide to the rules governing the conduct of individual students and student groups. Because admission to Williamson is a privilege, it is assumed that the college’s regulations will be followed diligently.

Specific information on the Student Code of Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook on the Code of Conduct page.

Student Complaint Process

Williamson College of the Trades is committed to providing a quality educational experience for all students. This includes ensuring that students have access to the appropriate resources for registering formal complaints. This section provides students with information on the college’s complaint policies and procedures.

For general questions about complaint policies and procedures, please contact the vice president of Academic Affairs/Chief Academic Officer (CAO) or the provost.

Informal Resolution Process

Formal Resolution Process

A formal complaint is a written request to initiate a formal review procedure and includes:

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges Process

Colleges accredited by ACCSC must have a procedure and operational plan for handling student complaints. If a student does not feel that the college has adequately addressed a complaint or concern, the student may consider contacting the Accrediting Commission. All complaints reviewed by the Commission must be in written form and should grant permission for the Commission to forward a copy of the complaint to the college for a response. This can be accomplished by filing the ACCSC Complaint Form. The complainant(s) will be kept informed as to the status of the complaint as well as the final resolution by the Commission.

Please direct all inquiries to the Commission:

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools & Colleges
2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 302
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 247-4212
www.accsc.org or complaints@accsc.org

A copy of the ACCSC Complaint Form is available at the college and may be obtained by contacting complaints@accsc.org or at https://www.accsc.org/Student-Corner/Complaints.aspx.

Pennsylvania Department of Education Process

General information regarding the Pennsylvania Department of Education complaint process can be found on its website under Complaint Procedures:

https://www.education.pa.gov/Postsecondary-Adult/CollegeCareer/Pages/Students-Complaints.aspx

For additional information, please contact the Department of Education:

Division of Higher Education, Access, and Equity
Pennsylvania Department of Education-Postsecondary and Adult Education
333 Market Street, 12th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333
Phone: (717) 783-8228
Fax: (717) 722-3622
Email: RA-HigherEducation@pa.gov

Student Diversity

Williamson welcomes a diverse group of students to our campus. For information on student diversity, including the breakdown of self-identified members of specific racial and ethnic groups, and federal Pell Grant recipients, please go to the Education Policies and Statistics page.

Students with Disabilities - Student Accessibility Services

Information regarding the support services provided to students with disabilities can be found on Education Policies and Statistics page or the College Catalog.

Student Hazing

Information regarding Williamson’s Student Hazing policy is available on the Consumer & Public Safety page.

Student Refund Policy

Information regarding the college’s student refund policy is available on the Cost of Attendance page.

Student Technology

For information regarding the college’s student technology policies, please see the Student Information Technology Handbook.

Textbook Information

Student textbook and supplies lists, by academic program, are available on the Cost of Attendance page.

Title IX Policy

Information regarding Williamson’s Title IX Policy is available on the Community & Public Safety page.

Transfer of Credit Policy/Articulation Agreements

For information regarding transferring of credits and Williamson’s articulation agreements, please refer to the Education Policies and Statistics page.

Voter Registration

Williamson strongly supports everyone’s right to be heard. Every vote does count, so don’t let others decide for you; ensure that you are registered to vote. Registration forms are available through the Office of Student Affairs. For Pennsylvania residents, complete your Voter Registration Form here.

Whistleblower Policy

Williamson is committed to facilitating open and honest communications relevant to its governance, finances, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Williamson requires trustees, volunteers, and employees to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. Employees and representatives of the organization must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling their responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

The Basics

Williamson’s Whistleblower Policy reflects the practices and principles of behavior that support this commitment. It is important that Williamson administration, faculty, and staff be apprised of unlawful or improper behavior including, but not limited to, any of the following conduct:

Williamson values this input. Individuals should feel free to raise issues of concern, in good faith, without fear of retaliation. Williamson will take appropriate action, including legal prosecution when warranted, against those found to have engaged in fraudulent, dishonest, abusive or discriminatory conduct.

Whistleblowers who believe that they have been retaliated against may file a written complaint with the Audit Committee Chair. Any complaint of retaliation will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective measures taken if allegations of retaliation are substantiated

Individuals reporting a concern must act in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates an improper accounting or auditing practice, or a violation of Williamson’s policies. The act of making allegations maliciously, recklessly, or with the foreknowledge that the allegations are false, will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense and may result in discipline, up to and including termination of employment.

Reporting a Concern

Individuals should report their concern in writing to the provost or president. If the employee feels either of these parties is the subject of the concern, he/she may direct his/her concern to the Williamson Board of Trustees chairman, or the chair of the Audit Committee using the email address: Whistleblower@williamson.edu.

Additional information can be located in the Student Handbook on the Code of Conduct page or the Employee Handbook.