Dear Colleagues:
This Handbook is a tool for informed action. Each of us is expected to be familiar with these contents, and follow them in implementing the College mission. It is in a loose-leaf format to facilitate revisions without the necessity of reprinting the entire document.
Other documents you are expected to be familiar with and to use include:

Foreword
It is requested that employees thoroughly read this handbook. If there is any policy or provision that is not understood, please seek clarification from your supervisor or from the Human Resources Office. This handbook is prepared and distributed to employees for information and guidelines only and is not intended as a procedural manual. A printed copy is provided to new employees during employee orientation. The handbook is also available at http://dc3/edu/handbook. Additional printed copies are available from the Human Resources Department upon request.

The policies of Dodge City Community College, adopted by the Board of Trustees, supersede and take precedence over the handbook. Changes in policy are automatically implemented as part of the handbook. The College reserves the right to change, delete, alter, amend or waive provisions contained in the handbook with or without notice. Policies and procedures are continually evaluated and may be amended, modified, or terminated at any time.

Dodge City Community College is an "at will" employer. Employment is not for a fixed term or definite period and may be terminated at the will of either party, with or without cause, without prior notice and in accordance with Board policy. Nothing in this handbook may be construed as creating a promise of future benefits, a binding contract or for any other purpose.

The Dodge City Community College Philosophy

Dodge City Community College is a comprehensive community college, operating with an open door admissions policy within Ford County, Kansas and a nine-county service region. The College is governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees and is responsible to the community it serves and to the State of Kansas.
Dodge City Community College recognizes the existence of individual learning styles and is committed to providing quality instructional programs, student support services, and affordable lifelong learning opportunities. The College challenges students to initiate and maintain academic, vocational-technical, physical, spiritual, social and personal success.
The provision of higher education is a public responsibility. Therefore, Dodge City Community College recognizes the need to maintain a viable relationship with the community it serves. Furthermore, Dodge City Community College recognizes that all persons have a fundamental right to seek self-fulfillment through responsible participation in the learning environment.

Dodge City Community College Board of Trustees
Board Policy 101
August 10, 1994

Acceptance of Accountability
The Board, administrative staff, faculty members, and support personnel jointly accept the primary responsibility of achieving the goals and purposes of Dodge City Community College. Students, with guidance from parents, guardians, and educational staff are accountable for taking advantage of the educational opportunities established on their behalf. The community, school patrons, and governmental agencies must support the mission of the school if these specific goals are to be achieved.
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The Dodge City Community College Mission
    Dodge City Community College, as a public institution of higher learning, will provide a non-discriminatory environment for quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. The spectrum of learning opportunities includes the following areas:

Academic Transfer
    Associate of Arts or Sciences Degree programs designed to prepare students to transfer to the upper division of baccalaureate degree programs of four-year colleges and universities;
Associate of Science in Nursing Degree programs designed to prepare students for direct entry into the work force or to transfer to a baccalaureate program;

Vocational-Technical
    Associate of Applied Science Degree programs and related Certificate programs designed to prepare students for direct entry into the workforce, to develop capacities for continued learning in new technologies, and to train students for further career advancement;
Programs and courses through the Area Technical Center designed to provide high school students with the technical preparation necessary for making a successful transition between school and work;

General Studies
    Associate of General Studies Degree program designed to encourage personal advancement and educational enrichment of students;

Student Development
    Involvement of students in curricular and co-curricular experiences designed to foster personal and social development;

Transitional Education
    Developmental courses and tutorial assistance designed to enable a diverse population of students to advance academically;

Business and Industry
    Educational and support services for regional business and industry; and

Community Enrichment
    Cultural experiences and service activities designed to improve the quality of life within the service region.

Dodge City Community College Board of Trustees
Board Policy 102
August 10, 1994

History of Dodge City Community College
    Located in a city with a rich history, Dodge City Community College was established in 1935. Over sixty years later, the College is still serving the growing educational needs of its area.
For 22 years, the College was located on the third floor of the Senior High School Building at 1601 First Avenue. By 1957, it had grown large enough to require a move to a different location, at 1000 Second Avenue. The College remained there for the next 13 years.
    In 1965, the Kansas Legislature passed enabling legislation to change the control of the state’s junior colleges from the State Board of Education to locally elected Boards. This meant that the junior colleges in Kansas became genuine community colleges, answerable to the citizens in their areas. Ford County voted overwhelmingly to assume responsibility for the College, and in the fall of 1965, the county elected its first Board of Trustees.
    The College's first priority has always been to provide quality educational services for its students. From the beginning, the College has offered transfer courses in traditional academic areas and a wide variety of occupational programs to meet the expanding educational needs of its students. In the fall of 1966, the Student Affairs Division was first established. The Student Affairs included: counseling, records and admission, student housing, campus activities, and recreation activities.
    In October of 1966, due to overcrowded classrooms and the increasing need for additional occupational programs, the citizens of Ford County endorsed a $2.5 million bond.
    In 1970, Dodge City Community College opened its 35th year of operation at the new campus, located on a 145 acre tract on the northwest edge of the city. The College has continued to grow, adding new facilities and dormitories as the need arose.
    Throughout its history, the College has demonstrated a commitment to serving the needs of the local community. The College offers a variety of workshops, seminars, and classes of local interest. The campus is often the site of important community activities. (back to top)

Dodge City Community College Medallion
The medallion was designed and crafted by James Wilson, Professor of Art at DCCC. Incorporated into the design of the medallion are: the sunburst, representing the bright horizons of students taking advantage of College programs; a characteristic silhouette of the College buildings; the founding year of the College - 1935; the Conquistador symbol, in recognition of the early travels of Coronado in southwestern Kansas and the conquering spirit of the College's athletic teams; and, identifying lettering surrounding the relief motif, including the College's official motto: IN QUEST OF TRUTH. (back to top)

Situation	Contact	Situation	Contact
Absence	Immediate Supervisor	Employee Health Insurance	Personnel Office
ABE/GED/ESL Classes	Adult Learning Center	Building/Room Keys	Physical Plant
Athletic Tickets	Athletic Department Secretary	KPERS	Payroll Office
Board of Trustees Meetings	President’s Office	Mail Service	Mail Room/Copy Center, Student Union
Campus Information Center	Student Union - Dial Operator	News Releases	Public Information Office
Child Care	Child Development Center	Notary Publics	President’s Office, Personnel Office, Bookstore, Adult Learning Center, Allied Health Building, Outreach Office, Student Services, Business & Industry
“Clips”	Public Information Office	Outreach Classes	Outreach Office, LRC
DCCC Web Page	Public Information Office	Payroll	Payroll Clerk, Business Office
College Vehicles	Physical Plant	Publicity	Public Information Office
Committee Assignments	DCCC Web Page	Reserved Parking	Director of Safety and Security
“Conq Quotes”	Campus Information Center	Scheduling Conference Rooms & Facilities	Physical Plant
Copy Center	Student Union	Scheduling Board Room and Administration Bldg. Conference Room	President's Office
Cultural Programs	Public Information Office	Scheduling LRC Conference Rooms	LRC
Credit Cards	Accounts Payable, Business Office	Security Office	Shelden Hall
Custodial Services	Physical Plant	Student Billings	Accounts Receivable, Business Office
Developmental/External Studies	Outreach Office, LRC	Student Employment	Financial Assistance, Student Union
Early Retirement	Personnel Office	Student Enrollment	Admissions Office, Student Union
Employee Benefits	Personnel Office	Student Placement	Admissions Office, Student Union
Employee Contracts	Personnel Office	Student Testing	Test Center, Student Union
Endowment Association	President’s Office	Supplies/Purchases	Purchasing Clerk, Physical Plant
Travel & Expense Reimbursement	Accounts Payable, Business Office	Telephone Access Codes	Secretary, Business Office
Faculty Association	Faculty President	TIAA-CREF 403(b) Retirement Plan	Personnel Office
Financial Assistance/Scholarships	Student Services
Food Service	Great Western Dining Services
Instruction	Dean of Instruction, Administration Bldg.

Employee Handbook

Dodge City Community College