Classroom Guidelines
Classroom Guidelines
- All Cadets are expected to report to roll call and class at the required times, in appropriate uniform, and prepared to carry out all instructions and assigned duties.
- Due to the nature of this training, it is critical that Cadets pay strict attention to all instructions, safety regulations, and performance guidelines for required skills.
- Sleeping during class time is prohibited. Any Cadets caught sleeping during class will be subject to an unexcused absence.
- Cellphone and personal electronic devices are required to be kept on silent inside the classroom. Cellphones and/or electronic devices are not permitted on the drill field. If a student needs their cell phone on the drill field they must seek permission from the primary instructor.
- The consumption of food or snacks is allowed in the classroom while lecture is in progress; drinks are permitted during lectures as long as they are in a spill/leak proof container. When computers are on the desk, drinks must be on the floor. (As previously stated in this handbook, energy drinks are not permitted)
- Being a firefighter requires strict discipline during emergency situations. The ACCFTA expects Cadets to prepare themselves for this situation by maintaining strict discipline in the classroom and on the drill fields.
- Questions are encouraged in the classroom. Cadets should respect instructors by courteously raising one’s hand to gain recognition. Cadets may request additional information from instructors during breaks.
Buildings & Grounds Regulations
All ACCFTA Cadets must abide by the Student Rights and Responsibilities published in the Student Handbook. It is each Cadet’s responsibility to read and understand all of the prohibited acts regarding use of ACCFTA buildings and grounds. Special attention must be given to the following guidelines of the ACCFTA:
- Cadets are not permitted to leave designated training sites other than during meal breaks, except when authorized by ACCFTA faculty or staff.
- Cadets are required to park their vehicles in the designated parking areas on campus or as directed to an alternate parking site.
- All offices in the ACCFTA are off-limits to Cadets outside of normal business hours except for official business authorized by faculty or staff.
- All Cadets must clean up after themselves. Clean up includes, but is not limited to: dispensing all trash in proper receptacles, cleaning sinks and basins after use.
Additional Guidelines
Use of ACC Email
All College email communication to Cadets will be sent solely to the Cadet’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify Cadets of any college- related emergencies using this account. Cadets should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, Cadets should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff. Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, is available online.
Cellphone and Electronic Devices
Portable electronic devices are to be kept in silent mode during lab, classroom time, the educational experience will not be interrupted by these devices. Improper/Illegal use of PED’s while in the program will be subject to the Progressive Discipline set forth in this handbook.
PED is defined as: Any non-stationary electronic apparatus with singular or multiple capabilities of recording, storing, processing, and/or transmitting data, video/photo images, and/or voice emanations. This definition generally includes, but is not limited to, laptops, PDAs, pocket PCs, palmtops, Media Players (MP3s), memory sticks (thumb drives), cellular telephones, PEDs with cellular phone capability, and pagers. (US Department of Homeland Security)
Cadets must obtain the permission of the lecturing instructor prior to creating audio recordings. Video recordings are NOT permitted.
Recordings are intended to permit lecture content review so as to enhance understanding of the topics presented. Audio recordings are not substitutes for attending class nor does it negate the need to listen and participate during class sessions.
Recordings are not to be distributed without the permission of the instructor or fellow students via the internet, peer-to-peer file sharing, or other distribution channels. Recordings are not to be shared with other classmates unless they are to be used in collaborative assignments, or if the instructor permits for other reasons. Non-compliance violates an instructor’s intellectual property rights as well as the individual privacy of the instructor and all Cadets attending the class. Cadets in violation of this agreement may be subject to the Disciplinary Action described in this handbook.
Campus Carry
The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation.
It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999. Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online.
*The ACCFTA is located at 4800 Shaw Ln which is designated by the city of Austin as a Non- Public Area. Per the city of Austin Administrative Bulletin 15-03 dated January 1, 2016; Neither city employees nor members of the public are permitted to possess a weapon of any kind in a non-public area of any City facility, except as necessary to a City employee’s official duties (for example, a peace officer).
Definitions:
Weapons – include, but are not limited to the following: any firearm, including air pistols, air rifles, any switchblade knife or other knife with a blade longer than five and one-half inches in length (unless such a knife is used as a regular tool in the performance of the employee’s duties) explosive materials, toxic agents, or any other weapon or device intended to be used as a tool of violence (e.g., chains, brass knuckles, baseball bats, tire iron).
Firearm – a handgun, rifle, shotgun, or any other type of gun
Social Media
Any social media comments or postings to any online forum or webpage that substantially disrupt the program, violate professional conduct standards, or indicate a potential danger or threat to a student or staff member, may result in immediate dismissal of the ACCFTA.
Safety Statement
Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Cadets are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester. All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Link to additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency.
Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.
In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, Cadets will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.