Club & Organization Field Trips

Long Beach Community College District, in furtherance of its mission as an institution of higher education, provides opportunities for student Club & Organization trips to appropriate locations and facilities to facilitate and enhance the “out of classroom” educational experience. Participation in such trips is completely voluntary and shall be limited to members of the District community.

Student participants are responsible for their own behavior and any resulting consequences during such field trips and may be subject to student disciplinary processes if appropriate. The District shall not be liable for any loss, damage, injury or other consequence resulting from a participant’s failure to comply with District rules and regulations, the direction of District employees, or applicable law. The Office of Student Life assists club & organizations with ensuring procedures are followed in coordinating a safe and successful field trip.

The following guidelines are intended to apply to officially sanctioned and approved student club & organization trips.

Event Approval

1. Club & organizations should complete an “Activity Approval Form” with all the appropriate approvals including Club & Organization Advisor, Student Senate (LAC) or Club Board (PCC) and Director of Office of Student Life approval.
2. The club & organization Advisor will serve as the “Trip Advisor” and shall complete and submit all appropriate District forms for Field Trip approval process.

Pre-trip Planning

1. The Trip Advisor shall carefully plan and discuss the trip with all participants including the planned itinerary, behavioral expectations, and transportation details. All trip participants shall sign a specific “Hold harmless and indemnification agreement” outlining the inherent risks of the field trip. This form should be collected before travel and submitted to the Office of Student Life upon completion of the trip. The Trip Advisor is responsible for ensuring form if fully filled out, emergency contact information is provided and any concerns are discussed prior to beginning field trip. Contact Risk Services to secure form for each field trip csmith@lbcc.edu.
2. The Trip Advisor shall be present at all times during field trip activities that take place overnight or outside of a two-hour radius of Long Beach City College District.
3. Trip Advisor shall communicate to students that they are held to the “Standards of Student Conduct” at all times during a District approved field trip. This includes the use or possession of alcoholic beverages, narcotics or other drugs including medicinal marijuana. Violations of the standards could result in removal from activity, suspension from the trip and disciplinary action by the Office of Student Affairs.
4. Each participant shall be informed that health care is his or her personal responsibility. A participant who becomes ill may be sent home from the trip upon the decision of the Trip Advisor. The participant is responsible for the cost of transportation home in such an instance.

Transportation

The Trip Advisor should arrange for transportation in official District vehicles, rental vehicles, chartered service, or regularly scheduled transportation service. In some instances, the use of personal vehicles may be permitted (check with District Risk Services during the trip approval process).

1. Chartered Service – Adequate insurance coverage for personal injury and property damage must be provided by the charter company. A certificate of insurance evidencing coverage and naming the Long Beach Community College District as additional insured is required. If the company carries less than one (1)-million per occurrence and five (5)-million in the aggregate, the Risk Services department shall be consulted to determine if a lower coverage limit is acceptable.
2. Regular Scheduled Carrier – Regularly scheduled transportation service providers (e.g. Greyhound, Amtrak, scheduled airline carriers) may be utilized for trip transportation when funding is available. If rental vehicles are required at the final trip destination, the Trip Advisor should make advance reservations and purchase liability and property damage coverage from the rental agency.
3. Personal Vehicles – Personal vehicles should be used on a voluntary basis for local trips. The owners/drivers must provide proof of a valid California driver’s license and provide their own vehicle insurance coverage. The District does not provide insurance coverage for the use of personal vehicles. Participants choosing to ride in a private automobile do so voluntarily and at their own risk. The District shall not accept liability for any damage, loss or injury, resulting from the use of a student participant’s vehicle. District employees should not transport students in their personal vehicles except in unusual circumstances (requires Risk Services approval).
4. District Vans – LBCCD vans are available for approved club & organization field trips. Advisors and students may drive vans provided they meet all approval requirements. Please review the process and complete the “Approved Driver Application” through Facilities at (562) 938-4724. To reserve the District Vans, please contact Athletics (562)938-4237.

Accidental Injury Insurance Coverage

The District provides accidental injury coverage for student participants who travel on officially sanctioned and approved student club & organization field trips. Participants shall be responsible for any deductible associated with this coverage.

Participation

The Trip Advisor should arrange for transportation in official District vehicles, rental vehicles, chartered service, or regularly scheduled transportation service. In some instances, the use of personal vehicles may be permitted (check with District Risk Services during the trip approval process).

1. Only enrolled students may participate in student club & organization field trips (i.e. no friends or relatives allowed).
2. All participants shall be required to sign a “Hold harmless and indemnification agreement” with an assumption of risk clause.
3. All participants are required to engage in the planned activities of the trip. Unstructured time should be kept to a minimum to reduce the risks inherent in the unsupervised activity.
4. The Trip Advisor must prepare a list of all participants involved in the trip and keep it available at all times.
5. The Trip Advisor must keep emergency contact information for field trip participants available at all times.

Accidents involving a vehicle or participant

1. The Trip Advisor shall obtain prompt emergency treatment for an injured participant.
2. The Trip Advisor shall notify the emergency contact person of any injured participant as soon as possible.
3. The Trip Advisor shall complete and file an “Accident Report” with the Risk Services department immediately on the return of the trip. All serious issues should be reported to Risk Services immediately by contacting the Long Beach Police Department at (569) 938-4910 who will then contact Risk Services.
4. If a vehicle is involved in an accident, remove the passengers and injured to a point of safety. Contact the nearest law enforcement agency. The Trip Advisor must remain at the scene of the accident until the law enforcement agency has responded and the disposition of passengers and vehicles has been arranged.

For additional information contact Office of Student Life.

Outdoor-Amplified Sound Policy

The use of outdoor-amplified sound on the grounds of Long Beach City College(LBCC) is restricted due to limiting interference with instruction or other campus events or activities in addition to conforming with health and safety requirements. It is important to adhere to these requirements so campus offices, neighbors, and the participants of the events are not disturbed and do not encounter the possibility of physical damage. Amplified sound is intended to be heard in the immediate areas where the activity is scheduled, only. The use of outdoor-amplified sound is limited to the College Hour- 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Only one event with outdoor-amplified sound will be allowed in one area at a time. The Office of Student Life and/or campus official reserve the right to enforce the Outdoor-Amplified Sound policy.

Below is a table of familiar sounds and the decibel reading associated with that sound:

Sound	Decibel Reading
Threshold of pain	130
Passenger jet taking off	120
Very loud amplified music	110
Power saw	100
Subway	90
Heavy streets traffic	80
Busy street traffic	70
Friendly conversation	60

Outdoor-Amplified Sound Events Shall Not Exceed 100 Decibels

The sponsoring organization who use outdoor-amplified sound must adhere to this policy. All LBCC activities must subject to verification by college officials at any time. A decibel reader is available by the Office of Student Life to measure the volume based. The reading is to be taken no more than three (3) feet from the speakers which are being used. Adherence to this standard will assure an appropriate campus environment while at the same time provides adequate volume for events. Any complaints regarding outdoor-amplified sound should be referred to Office of Student Life.

Hazing Policy

Long Beach City College (LBCC) does not permit hazing at any activity or event associated with an LBCC recognized club/organization. In accordance with the California Education Code, student organizations must adhere to the Anti-Hazing Regulations. Members of the student organization may not engage in any activity as a requirement of membership, which may cause bodily danger, physical or mental harm or personal degradation or disgrace. The Club President is responsible for reading the following Anti-Hazing Regulations to club members and must acknowledge agreement with this policy.

• Anti-Hazing Code. Long Beach City College endorses the following regulations which were enacted by the California Legislature and are now part of the California Education Code.
• Section 32050 Hazing. As used in this article, “hazing” includes any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or any pastime or amusement engaged in with the respect to such an organization which causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger, physical harm, or other personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, to any student or other person attending any school, community college, college, university or other educational institution in this state; but the term “hazing” does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions.
• Section 32051-Hazing Prohibited. No student, or other person in attendance at any public, private, parochial, or military school, community college, college, or other educational institution, shall conspire to engage in hazing, or commit any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any fellow student or person attending the institution. The violation of this section is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than $100, nor more than $5,000, or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or both.
• Section 32052-Penalty for Hazing. Any person who participates in the hazing of another, or any corporation or association which knowingly permits hazing to be conducted by its members or by others subject to its direction or control, shall forfeit any entitlement to state funds, scholarships or awards which are enjoyed by him, by her, or by it and shall be deprived of any sanction or approval granted by any public institution or agency.

The California Legislature moved Hazing from the educational codes and amended the Penal Code to include hazing in order to close legal loopholes and to deter students.

Section 245.6 of the California Penal Code, which went into effect on January 1, 2007, reads:

• It shall be unlawful to engage in hazing, as defined in this section.
• “Hazing” means any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state. The term “hazing” does not include customary athletic events or school-sanctioned events.
• A violation of this section that does not result in serious bodily injury is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100), nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or both.
• Any person who personally engages in hazing that results in death or serious bodily injury as defined in paragraph (4) of subdivision (f) of Section 243 of the Penal Code, is guilty of either a misdemeanor or a felony, and shall be punished by imprisonment in county jail not exceeding one year, or by imprisonment in the state prison.
• The person against whom the hazing is directed may commence a civil action for injury or damages. The action may be brought against any participants in the hazing, or any organization to which the student is seeking membership whose agents, directors, trustees, managers, or officers authorized, requested, commanded, participated in, or ratified the hazing.
• Prosecution under this section shall not prohibit prosecution under any other provision of law.

This act shall be known and may be cited as “Matt’s Law” in memory of Matthew William Carrington, who died on February 2, 2005, as a result of hazing.

Procedures for Addressing the Issues of Hazing

Hazing Conduct Defined

The examples appearing below represent hazing conduct considered aggravated due to the risk of harm created. Such conduct may result in more serious disciplinary sanctions as well as criminal prosecution:

• Requiring or coercing tattooing, piercing, or branding
• Engaging in or simulating sexual acts
• Engaging in sexually violent or sexually harassing behavior
• Threatening or causing physical restraint or abuse (such as being held down, tied up, taped, or confined in a small place)
• Kidnapping, or transporting and abandoning, a person.
• Conducting interrogations
• Requiring nudity in a public or private place
• Causing excessive fatigue through physical or psychological abuse
• Furnishing alcohol to minors, or requiring consumption of alcohol or use of illicit drugs by any person
• Damaging, destroying, or stealing property
• Identifying hazing targets or subjects on the basis of their actual or perceived race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, gender identity and expression, or other legally protected classification

Note: All of the examples that appear above are intended to provide illustrations of conduct that may fall within the scope of the hazing policy. The examples are not all-inclusive. Determinations as to whether hazing occurred are made by the appropriate College official, hearing officer, or hearing body with due consideration of the relevant facts and circumstances.

Sanctions for Conduct Amounting to Hazing

1. A person who participates in the hazing of another shall forfeit any entitlement to state-funded grants, scholarships or awards for a period of time to be determined based on the seriousness of the violation.
2. Any student group that knowingly permits hazing shall
   • be liable for harm caused to persons or property resulting from hazing and
   • be denied recognition by Long Beach City College as an official student group on campus. All college funding shall be frozen for any official student group alleged to have committed a hazing violation.
3. Impermissible conduct not amounting to hazing is subject to any sanctions available under the Long Beach City College Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, depending upon the seriousness of the violation.

Hazing Myths

Myth 1: Hazing is a problem for fraternities and sororities primarily.

Fact: Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents have been frequently documented in the military, athletic teams, marching bands, religious cults, professional schools and other types of clubs and/or, organizations. Reports of hazing activities in high schools are on the rise.

Myth 2: Hazing is no more than foolish pranks that sometimes go awry.

Fact: Hazing is an act of power and control over others — it is victimization. Hazing is pre- and NOT accidental. Hazing is abusive, degrading and often life-threatening.

• Myth 3: As long as there’s no malicious intent, a little hazing should be O.K.
• Fact: Even if there’s no malicious “intent” safety may still be a factor in traditional hazing activities that are considered to be “all in good fun.” For example, serious accidents have occurred during scavenger hunts and kidnapping trips. Besides, what purpose do such activities serve in promoting the growth and development of group team members?
• Myth 4: Hazing is an effective way to teach respect and develop discipline.
• Fact: First of all, respect must be EARNED–not taught. Victims of hazing rarely report having respect for those who have hazed them. Just like other forms of victimization, hazing breeds mistrust, apathy and alienation.
• Myth 5: If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it can’t be considered hazing.
• Fact: In states that have laws against hazing consent of the victim can’t be used as a defense in a civil suit. This is because even if someone agrees to participate in a potentially hazardous action it may not be true consent when considering the peer pressure and desire to belong to the group.
• Myth 6: It’s difficult to determine whether or not a certain activity is hazing–it’s such a gray area sometimes.
• Fact: It’s not difficult to decide if an activity is hazing if you use common sense and ask yourself the following questions:

Make the following inquiries of each activity to determine whether or not it is hazing.

1. Is alcohol involved?
2. Will active/current members of the group refuse to participate with the new members and do exactly what they’re being asked to do?
3. Does the activity risk emotional or physical abuse?
4. Is there a risk of injury or a question of safety?
5. Do you have any reservation describing the activity to your parents, to a professor or University official?
6. Would you object to the activity being photographed for the school newspaper or filmed by the local TV news crew?

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” the activity is probably hazing.

What To Do When You Think Something May Be Considered Hazing

Any student, employee or third party who has knowledge of hazing activities or feels s/he has been a victim of hazing, harassment, intimidation, bullying or menacing is in violation of this policy and should immediately report his/her concerns to the Director of Office of Student Life. Upon receipt of any report of hazing by a student club/organization or student, the following procedures will be enacted.

Step 1

Identify the hazing, harassment, intimidation, or bullying act, include the day, time, location, name of individuals and/or organization involved. All information shall be provided in writing with strict confidentiality of all witnesses.

Step 2

The Director of Office of Student Life upon receipt of information will promptly begin an investigation with the Director of Student Activities. All individuals involved in the investigation will be advised regarding retaliation and confidentiality. The Advisor/sponsor will be notified of allegations.

Step 3

Interview the victims and students who were accused of perpetrating the hazing. Address the entire club/organization. Allow members to give answers in writing. Make sure to make students aware that they could be subject to disciplinary action. Speak with former members to find out how long it has been going on. They have no reasons not to be honest with you.

• What type of activities have you participated in for initiation or pledge activities?
• Have you ever been hazed?
• Have you ever been involved in hazing others? If you have, what part did you play?
• Broaden the investigation to other clubs and organizations.

Step 4

After all investigations are completed, a report documenting the incident and allegations against student or organization will be forwarded to the Director of Student Life. Sanctions will be prescribed either to the student or the club/organization. If the investigation concludes that a student committed an act of hazing or otherwise violated this policy, the student shall be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension or expulsion from co- or extra-curricular activities or from school.

Step 5

If complainant is not satisfied with the decision at Step 4 they may submit a written appeal to the Director of Student Life to begin the appeals process, where they will go in front of the Appeal Board for a hearing. If the investigation concludes that an employee committed an act of hazing or otherwise violated this policy, the findings will be forwarded to LBCCD Human Resources.

Application to Circulate an Initiative Petition

An application is required to be completed and submitted to circulate an initiative petition on the premises of Long Beach City College. Approval of the application does not in any way indicate approval or endorsement by the District of the circulator(s) or the petition being presented.

A copy of the initiative petition must be submitted with the application and will be retained by the Office of Student Affairs. The circulation of petitions may not take place on the same day as the application is submitted.

The solicitation of signatures may take place only in the area designated by Long Beach City College on the date(s) and during the time assigned by the Dean of Student Affairs. Circulation of the petition may take place within the designated area from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday only. The designated area at the Liberal Arts Campus is under the Red Canopy Area only and at the Pacific Coast Campus, in the Viking Corner.

A maximum of three (3) days per semester are allowed for any given petition circulation. Students may, on a voluntary basis, approach the table where the circulator is seated. The circulator is reminded not to approach, confront, or intimidate individuals.

Application to Register Voters

An application is required to be completed and submitted to circulate an initiative petition on the premises of Long Beach City College. Approval of the application does not in any way indicate approval or endorsement by the District of the circulator(s).

A copy of the voter registration form must be submitted along with any accompanying materials with this application and will be retained by the Office of Student Affairs. The registering of voters may not take place on the same day as the application is submitted.

The registering of voters may take place only in the area designated by Long Beach City College on the date(s) and during the time assigned by the Dean of Student Affairs. Registration may take place from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday only for a maximum of three (3) days per semester. Classrooms may not be used for this purpose without the expressed permission of the instructor. Students may, on a voluntary basis, approach the table where the circulator is seated. The circulator is reminded not to approach, confront, or intimidate individuals.

The designated area for voter registration at the Liberal Arts Campus is under the Red Canopy Area only and at the Pacific Coast Campus, in the Viking Corner.

Application to Distribute Printed Materials

An application is required to be completed and submitted to circulate an initiative petition on the premises of Long Beach City College. Approval of the application does not in any way indicate approval or endorsement by the District of the material content. The following Board-approved rules (Board Policy 6423) apply: A copy of the printed material must be submitted with this application and will be retained by the Office of Student Affairs. The distribution of printed material may not take place on the same day the application is submitted.

The distribution of printed material may take place only in the area designated by Long Beach City College on the date(s) and during the time assigned by the Dean of Student Affairs or designee. Distribution may take place within the designated area from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday only. A maximum of three (3) days per semester are allowed for any given event. Classrooms may not be used for this purpose without the expressed permission of the instructor.

Materials may not be placed on vehicles, on College buildings or in halls and classrooms. The Free Posting Board is the designated location for posting of advertising, solicitations and other printed materials. The designated area for distribution of printed material at the Liberal Arts Campus is under the Red Canopy Area only and at the Pacific Coast Campus, in the Viking Corner. Students may, on a voluntary basis, approach the table where a representative is seated. The distributor is reminded not to approach, confront, or intimidate.