Sex Offender Admissions Policy

SWCC Policy Related to Legislation Regarding Admissions

Section 23-2.2:1 of the Code of Virginia requires that the VCCS send enrollment information to the Virginia State Police concerning applicants to institutions of higher education. This information is transmitted electronically and compared against the Virginia Criminal Information Network and National Crime Information Center Convicted Sexual Offender Registry. Language on the web application informs applicants that their information is being transmitted to the State Police.

In the event that the State Police determine that an applicant to Southwest Virginia Community College is listed on the Sex Offender Registry, the State Police will notify SWCC. When the college receives such a notification, the following procedures apply:

• The applicant will be denied admission to SWCC in accordance with its admission policy as published in its catalog:  Admission Denied/Revoked: Admission to the college, or to college functions or activities, may be denied or revoked to individuals who are unable to demonstrate safe and/or non-disruptive conduct.
• If the applicant registers for classes and becomes a student before the college receives notification from the State Police, the student will be immediately informed that he/she is being administratively withdrawn from classes and will receive a refund.
• An applicant may invoke his/her right to an appeal process.

Appeal Process for Denial of Admission or Withdrawal for Convicted Sex Offender

When a convicted sex offender is denied admission to or is administratively withdrawn from classes at Southwest Virginia Community College, he/she may invoke the following appeal process:

1. The applicant or withdrawn student will receive a letter from the Dean of Student Success stating his/her denial of admission or administrative withdrawal.
2. The applicant/withdrawn student may write a letter of appeal to the Dean of Student Success in which he/she provides the following information:
   • Disclosure of the nature of the offense for which he/she has been convicted;
   • Justification for consideration of admission/reinstatement;
   • A statement acknowledging his/her understanding that his/her identity and status as a convicted sex offender will be publicized on the college campus in accordance with federal and state law if he/she is admitted or reinstated.
   • Note: If a student is appealing a denial of admission or an administrative withdrawal, he/she must submit the letter of appeal to the Dean of Student Success within seven (7) calendar days of the administrative withdrawal
3. A panel of three (3) full-time faculty or administrators will review the information submitted and make a decision by a simple majority vote within fourteen (14) calendar days of receiving the letter of appeal. The Dean of Student Success will serve as the convener of the panel and will be a member of the panel.
4. The Dean of Student Success will inform the applicant/withdrawn student by letter of the decision of the appeals panel. The decision of the appeals panel shall be final.