Campus Community Policies

Campus + Facilities Access Policies

The Standard Operating Hours for RMCAD’s campus and facilities are 7:30AM-10:00PM Monday through Friday and 10:00AM-5:00PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Students Enrolled in a Campus Program

Students enrolled in an on campus program may access RMCAD’s campus facilities  during standard operating hours except for the Robinson Building, which is only open from 7:30am to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Operating hours may be adjusted or limited due to holidays, staffing needs, and/or exigent circumstances such as weather, power outage, or other safety concerns.

Students Enrolled in Online Degree Programs

Students enrolled in online programs may also access RMCAD’s campus and facilities during standard operating hours, except for the Robinson Building, which is only open from 7:30am to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Operating hours may be adjusted or limited due to holidays, staffing needs, and/or exigent circumstances such as weather, power outage, or other safety concerns. Although Online students have access to the campus and facilities, online students may not use campus printers and must have prior approval from a faculty member or their Department Chair to utilize equipment in classrooms or labs.

Online Students must check-in with the front desk staff of the Texas Building to receive a visitor pass for their vehicle. Online Students should park in student parking lots.

Withdrawn Students

Withdrawn Students are not allowed on RMCAD’s campus except as permitted under RMCAD’s Guest policy (see below).

Prospective Students

Prospective students are encouraged to tour RMCAD’s campus and facilities prior to enrolling. Prospective students should contact the Admissions department to schedule a campus tour. Upon arrival, prospective students must check in with the front desk staff of the Texas building. Prospective students must be accompanied by a RMCAD staff or faculty member at all times while on campus.

Graduates

Graduates who wish to use RMCAD facilities, audit courses under the Renew Program, and/or visit campus, should obtain an alumni pass from the Department of Alumni and Career Services. Graduates must be in good financial and conduct standing with the College to be eligible for an alumni pass. Alumni are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct and all institutional policies while on campus.

Faculty & Staff

RMCAD full-time faculty and adjunct faculty who are teaching in the current term and staff members are allowed on campus anytime during standard operating hours unless their position specifies non-standard work hours such as overnight janitorial or security staff. Certain areas may be restricted due to safety concerns. If access is required to such areas, faculty and staff should seek authorization from the Director of Facilities.

Children

Children who are not enrolled students are not permitted in college classrooms, laboratories, studios, or other instructional spaces during scheduled class times. In rare cases (such as family emergencies), a faculty member may authorize a one-time exception for a child to be present in a non-hazardous classroom setting as long as the child does not disrupt the class. Such exceptions must be pre-approved by the department chair.

Alternative Arrangements: Students facing childcare challenges are encouraged to seek support services or flexible arrangements through the Dean of Students Office.

Guests and Visitors

All guests and visitors must be escorted by an employee at all times while on campus unless otherwise authorized by an appropriate authority. Guests and visitors should check in at the reception desk in the Texas building to receive a pass to park in the Visitor Lot, located near the north entrance to the Texas building.

Guests attending an event hosted on RMCAD’s campus should follow the check-in procedures established for the event by the event organizer.

Emergency Closings | Class Cancellations

Emergency closings may include the following:

• Physical campus closures (including late starts, early departures, and full-day closures); classes and administrative operations continue online without interruption.
• Emergency campus closures

Notices of physical campus closures will be placed on the College’s website, the mobile app, and sent via text and voice mail. For most physical campus closures, courses and classroom operations will continue in the online format facilitated through the Learning Management System (LMS). In the case of a class cancellation, all course requirements listed in the syllabus must still be met and the instructor will facilitate class through zoom or work with their Chair to ensure that appropriate coursework is assigned in the LMS to fulfill the Definition of Credit Hour policy.

Students should consult their email for instructions from their instructors and/or Department Chairs for course meeting times via Zoom, make-up sessions, and/or remote assignments and work. Attendance will be recorded during physical campus closures that migrate to online formats (see Attendance policies for details) and administrative support will continue to operate online without interruption.

Time frames for closure communications

• Morning Classes (8 AM start) Communicated by 6:00 AM
• Afternoon classes (12:45 start) Communicated by 10:45 AM
• Afternoon classes (1:30 start) Communicated by 11:30 AM
• Evening classes (5:00 or later) Communicated by 3:00 PM
• Events and Non-Class Related Activities (Times Variable) Communicated at least two hours prior to event start

Any visitors or deliveries will not be permitted after campus closure. Closures will further be indicated with security signage.

Parking

RMCAD provides free student parking in three designated lots. All student vehicles must display a valid RMCAD student parking pass hanging from the rear-view mirror. 

Students can obtain a parking permit at the Reception Desk in the Texas Building. Students may register up to two vehicles and should update their registration form if they change vehicles.

Temporary, visitor passes are available for RMCAD guests. RMCAD visitors should pick up and display a visitor parking pass from the Reception Desk in the Texas Building.

Students may not park in areas designated as “reserved,” “faculty/staff,” or “visitors,” or they will be ticketed. Any vehicle parked in the fire lanes or in handicapped spaces not displaying a handicapped placard will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Bicycles + Other Modes of Transportation

Without RMCAD prior approval, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and other modes of transportation with an outside use purpose are not permitted inside College buildings. The College encourages those who bring these items to campus to lock them on the racks provided. The College is not responsible for lost and/or stolen bicycles, skateboards, scooters, or other modes of transportation. Individuals with mobility restrictions or concerns that require the use of such modes of transportation in College buildings are required to self-identify as a person with a disability and request accommodations through the Office of Student Accessibility Services (sas@rmcad.edu).

Student Attire Policy

Students must wear shoes and clothing that provides adequate coverage appropriate for a public learning environment at all times. Attire featuring hate speech, profanity, or imagery that promotes discrimination or violence is strictly prohibited.

When working in workshops, labs, or studios (e.g., woodshop, metal shop, fashion labs, or printmaking), the following rules apply:

• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes are required in all shop areas and labs. Sandals or flip-flops are strictly prohibited in these zones.
• Loose Clothing: Extremely baggy sleeves, long scarves, or dangling jewelry must be removed or secured when operating machinery to prevent entanglement.
• Hair: Long hair must be tied back when working near power tools, open flames, or chemicals.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Students must wear provided PPE (safety glasses, ear protection, respirators, or gloves) as instructed by faculty.

Figure Models Utilized or Photographed on Campus

Figure models being utilized or photographed on campus, including use in classrooms, and/or studios must be 18 years of age or older and are required to complete a RMCAD Model Release Form prior to the campus event, session, or photo shoot. All models must have a government-issued ID on them at all times. This policy also applies to RMCAD student models. For models under 18, the parent or guardian must complete the release form and must be present for the duration of the model’s utilization on campus.

Figure models provide a valuable arts education service to the RMCAD community. In order to ensure a professional environment for models, faculty, and students, the following model standards and practices are to be followed.

Artist Code of Conduct + Classroom Expectations: 

1. The instructor is responsible for all classroom participation and behavior and must be present, and in charge, at all times to ensure appropriate behavior. If an instructor must leave the room, there will be a break and the model will re-robe until the instructor returns.
2. Classroom doors must be closed and locked during modeling sessions.
3. For sensitive material (such as nudity) a ” Model in session. Do Not Enter” sign must be displayed on the exterior of the studio door.
4. Silence cell phones and put them away when a model is unrobed to ensure the confidence of privacy.
5. There should be no conversation with the model or between students during a pose. If communication with the model is needed, this should be communicated via the instructor. Requests for adjustments to the pose should be conveyed via the instructor.
6. If you arrive late or leave early, coordinate timing with breaks to minimize disruption for the model and students.
7. Never photograph a model without first asking permission. Any approved photographs are for the use of the individual student for reference and may not be shared in any way.
8. Images supplied for online classes in the Figure Model Library are for in-class, student reference, and use only. Under no circumstances are the images supplied in the Figure Model Library, or otherwise, to be shared outside of the classroom environment or externally through online portfolios or social media.
9. Never touch a model.
10. Only faculty, students, and authorized guests participating in a scheduled modeling session are to be present while a model is posing.
11. Only working artists should be in the room; if the instructor wants the students to have one-on-one drawing experiences with the model, the other students should be sent out to another room.
12. If using more than one model, instructors should have models maintain distance to the comfort level of the models.

Figure Model Code of Conduct: 

1. RMCAD strives to maintain a professional working environment for our models. Models should be able to:
2. Work in clean, safe, and temperature-controlled conditions.
3. Be treated respectfully.
4. Take 5-minute breaks every 20 minutes.
5. End the session at the agreed time.
6. Not allow photographs unless agreed upon with the model before the session.
7. Utilize a private dressing/ undressing area.
8. Expect privacy from public view.
9. Decline permission to be touched.

Policy Regarding Service Animals for People with Disabilities

In accordance with federal and state law, it is RMCAD’s policy is to afford students with disabilities who require the assistance of a service animal with equal opportunity to access all school property, courses, programs, and activities. RMCAD does not allow Emotional Support Animals on campus.

Policies and Procedures

1. Service animals are defined as dogs and miniature horses (ranging from 24-34 inches measured from the shoulder and generally weighing between 70-100 pounds) that are trained to do work or perform tasks for people who have disabilities.
2. The school shall not ask about the nature or extent of a student’s disability but may make two inquiries to determine whether an animal qualifies as a service animal:
   • The school may ask if the animal is required because of a disability; and
   • What work or task the animal has been trained to perform.
3. The school shall not require supporting documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal. Generally, the school may not make inquiries about a service animal when it is readily apparent that an animal is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability (e.g., a dog is observed guiding an individual who is blind or has low vision, pulling a person’s wheelchair, or providing assistance with stability or balance to an individual with an observable mobility disability).
4. Individuals with disabilities shall be permitted to be accompanied by their service animals in all areas of the school’s facilities where students, faculty, members of the public, and participants in services, programs, or activities, or invitees, as relevant, are allowed to go.
5. The school shall not ask or require an individual with a disability to pay a surcharge, even if people accompanied by pets are required to pay fees, or to comply with other requirements generally not applicable to people not accompanied by pets. If the school normally charges individuals for any damage they cause, then an individual with a disability may be charged for damage caused by his or her service animal.
6. The school may ask an individual with a disability to remove a service animal from the premises if: the animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it; or the animal is not housebroken.
7. If an Animal Is Properly Excluded. If the school properly excludes a service animal, it shall give the individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the service, program, or activity without having the service animal on the premises.
8. A service animal shall be under the control of its handler. A service animal shall have a harness, leash, or other tether unless the handler is unable because of a disability to use a harness, leash, or other tether or because the use of a harness, leash, or other tether would interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of work or tasks. In such cases that a handler is unable to use a harness, leash, or other tether due to a disability, the service animal must be otherwise under the handler’s control (e.g., by means of voice commands, signals, or other effective means).
9. Care or Supervision. The school is not responsible for the care or supervision of service animals.
10. Pursuant to Colorado law, service animals in training are allowed in or on any areas of the campus that are open to the public.

Alcohol + Drug Use Policies

ALCOHOL/DRUG USE POLICIES

RMCAD has established rules and regulations on the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol on college property and at college events. RMCAD has adopted the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Policy, which is in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act regulations as contained in 34 C.F.R. Part 86.

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of drugs, including marijuana, as well as the abuse of alcohol, including but not limited to participating in or facilitating underage drinking, are prohibited in and on RMCAD-owned or controlled property and as a part of any activities. Students may not be on campus or attend class while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Any person found to be in possession of or under the influence of drugs or alcohol on campus or at any college-sponsored event is subject to immediate suspension and possible expulsion.

Upon request, the Dean of Students Office or the Human Resources department will make available a list of drug – alcohol rehabilitation and counseling resources available in the community.

The enforcement of federal, state, and local laws pertaining to underage drinking, possession, use, and sale of drugs, or any other criminal occurrences, shall be referred to the law enforcement agency possessing such jurisdiction dependent on the particular circumstance.

The distribution or sale of alcoholic beverages by an individual or recognized college organization is strictly prohibited on campus or at college-sponsored events off-campus.

COLLEGE SPONSORED EVENTS HELD OFF-CAMPUS WHERE ALCOHOL MAY BE SERVED

RMCAD sponsors social, cultural, and educational programs for students as well as curricular and extracurricular field trips to events where alcohol may be served legally by the venue (community events, galleries, entertainment venues, etc.). RMCAD requires students to adhere to College policies and state, local, and federal law. Behavior at these events which is irresponsible, or which poses a threat to the health or safety of the student or others will be subject to disciplinary action and addressed through RMCAD’s conduct process. Additionally, faculty or staff chaperons have the authority to require students to refrain from use while participating in the event.

DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS RELATED TO ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS

RMCAD will impose disciplinary sanctions on students who violate itspolicy relating to alcohol, marijuana, and/or controlled substances. Violations will be addressed through the Student Code of Conduct process. Sanctions may include but are not limited to: warning, probation, fines, loss of privileges, suspension, expulsion, or referral for prosecution. The College may require completion of a rehabilitation program as part of a disciplinary sanction.

PARENT/GUARDIAN NOTIFICATION

Federal law permits a student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to be informed regarding the student’s use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if there has been a determination by RMCAD that the student’s use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance constitutes a violation of RMCAD rule or regulation and the student is under 21 at the time of the disclosure to the parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH USE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

Alcohol abuse and drug use problems have become a national health concern. Both alcohol and drugs are chemicals, and potentially harmful to a person. Some of the health risks associated with alcohol and drugs are specified in the list below. In order to obtain additional information about health risks associated with the use of controlled substances, you may contact the Director of Student Life, the Counseling Center, or community, state, and federal agencies and organizations. Risks include: 

• Slowing down of brain function, judgment, alertness, coordination, and reflexes.
• Attitude and/or behavioral changes such as uncharacteristic hostility, or increased risk-taking such as driving recklessly.
• Alcohol taken with other drugs can intensify the drug’s effects; alter the desired effect of the drug; and cause nausea, sweating, severe headache, and convulsions. 
• Addiction or chemical dependency.
• Memory blackout.

RESOURCES + PROGRAMS

The problems associated with the abuse of alcohol and drugs are preventable and treatable. The College is concerned about students’ physical and mental health and welfare. Treatment settings may vary from an individual outpatient setting to a therapeutic inpatient community. Medical attention may be necessary to address acute and chronic, mild and/or potentially fatal complications of substance abuse. In order to assist students with alcohol and drug counseling, treatment, and assistance, the College provides information on available resources through the Student Life Division and the Counseling Office. Students are also encouraged to make an appointment with the Counseling Office to discuss treatment and additional community resources.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in RMCAD buildings, this includes e-cigarettes and vape pens. Smoking on campus is only permitted in the one designated smoking spot next to the Synagogue building, East of the student parking lot. Smoking on campus anywhere outside of the designated smoking area is prohibited. Smoking is also permitted in personal vehicles; however, no cigarette butts may be thrown on the ground in parking lots or any other part of RMCAD property. Please be sure to always dispose of all cigarette remains in an appropriate waste area.

Personal Property

The College is not responsible for the loss, theft, damage, or misplacement of student artwork, supplies, or personal property. The Department of Safety and Security maintains a Lost and Found system within their office in the Texas Building, room 125. RMCAD community members should check for missing items there and may also utilize the Lost and Found channel in the RMCAD mobile app.

Promotional Photography

The College photographs campus activities throughout the year for publication and public relations purposes. Photographs are included in RMCAD’s definition of directory information. Students who do not wish to have their photographs published must notify the Office of the Registrar in writing.

Students furthermore agree to grant RMCAD the right to use their likeness and/or voice in RMCAD advertising or promotional pieces. Students who do not wish to have their likeness and/or voice in RMCAD advertising or promotional pieces must submit an advanced written request to the Office of Registrar located at: 1600 Pierce Street - Robinson Building, Lakewood, CO 80214.

Publicity, Posting, + Literature Distribution

All publicity, posting, and literature distribution, both on campus and through officially sponsored RMCAD digital communication platforms, must have approval from the Director of Student Life and meet the requirements of the Student Affairs department policies. Materials posted or distributed without approval will be removed.

Invitations to Public Figures Policy

Students and employees desiring to invite an individual, considered to be a public figure, to campus should first seek approval from the Dean’s Office by submitting an Invitation to Public Figure Request Form. A public figure is a well-known person such as a politician, celebrity, social media personality, or business leader with demonstrated, or desired, influence on society.

Invitations to Public Figures Procedure

• Upon receipt of the request form, or notification of a public figure by event form process submission, the Dean’s Office makes a recommendation to the College President.
• If approval is granted by the President, the RMCAD executive team is made aware.
• The Dean’s Office informs the student or employee of the decision and of any related conditions for the visit within 48 hours of the receipt of the request form.

Solicitation

No solicitation is allowed on campus without the written permission of the Director of Student Life.

Student Expression

RMCAD values and upholds the principle of freedom of speech as an essential component of artistic expression. We recognize that artistic works can serve as powerful tools for communication, exploration, and commentary on various social, political, and cultural issues. As such, we strive to create an environment that encourages open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and the exploration of challenging ideas through creative work.

While we embrace the freedom of speech, we also recognize the importance of maintaining an inclusive and respectful community. Therefore, at RMCAD, we emphasize the importance of artistic expressions that invite participation by others both within and outside the RMCAD community. This means that while artists are encouraged to explore and challenge societal norms, they should do so in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of others. 

Consistent with this policy, RMCAD (such as chairs, faculty, committee members of exhibitions, and gallery directors) may remove any artwork or posters containing hate speech, discriminatory language, defamation, obscene material, material that instigates violence, copyrighted material, or material that encourages illegal activities.

Demonstrations

RMCAD, as an educational institution, strongly supports the tenets of free speech by all members of the College community. Students are free to express opinions publicly and privately so long as the expression does not disrupt classes, special events, or other normal functions of the College and surrounding community. RMCAD strives to promote intellectual and artistic inquiry and exchange in a respectful and civil manner. The safety of all demonstration participants, College community members, and other involved persons is of the utmost importance.

Students may not demonstrate during any special events, including but not limited to Student Activities, On Campus Exhibitions, Student Organization Events, and other College Community or Academic Events. Demonstrators may not threaten or inflict harm or violence to themselves or others; may not make personal physical, verbal, or emotional attacks on members of the RMCAD community; and may not conceal their identity. Demonstrations may not inflict damage to College or personal property. Participation is limited only to current members of the RMCAD community.

When expected participation exceeds 20 people, the demonstration organizers are responsible for notifying the Dean of Students in advance so that appropriate safety precautions can be taken.

Art, Installations, + Performance Art in Public Space

All interior and exterior installations that are not part of an official RMCAD course or exhibit and approved by the instructor must be approved by the Student Installation Committee via the Student Installation Application process.

The instructor or Committee may require the work to be displayed with a placard that alerts community members of potentially sensitive content so that viewers can make an informed decision as to whether they engage with the work. 

Student Installation Application Process:

• All proposed installations must have a faculty sponsor. Students will discuss the project with a faculty member that would agree to be a point person involved that potentially can help with logistics, troubleshooting, and installation.
• As part of the application form, a complete application must include an image or sketch. Students must allow for up to two weeks to process their display application.
• Evaluation of the applications includes health issues, safety issues, the potential for property or environmental damage, building, fire, ADA, catalog codes, and any other relevant local, state, or federal law or regulation.
• The piece must be removed by the date approved. The space is to be restored in as good, or better condition than you found it. Pieces left after the indicated end date may be considered abandoned and discarded by maintenance and the student may be billed for time and materials.

RMCAD Campus External Events and Activities Policies + Procedures

RMCAD Events and Activities

A RMCAD Department or Recognized Student Organization must sponsor all events and activities.

Requests must be submitted, using the RMCAD Event Form and Agreement, at least 14 days before the start of the event so that appropriate offices can be informed. Unless the Event Form is approved and the event appears on the RMCAD calendar, the event is considered unapproved.

Event organizers must be present for the duration of the event. All banners, tables, signs, and trash generated by the event must be removed when the event concludes.

Non-affiliated Group Events and Sponsorship

RMCAD departments or offices may sponsor non-affiliated organizations seeking to hold events at RMCAD. Nonprofit community organizations, public and civic organizations, political organizations, and governmental organizations must be approved in advance by members of the Executive Team, who, upon approval, will notify the Manager of Campus Security.

Non-affiliated groups must submit requests at least 30 days in advance of the event.

In order for a non-affiliated organization to gain access to RMCAD facilities, there should be a significant College interest in hosting the event. There should also be a strong nexus between the event the non-affiliated organization wishes to hold at RMCAD and the educational mission of the College or its standing as a member of the community.

In addition, the non-affiliated organization must agree to comply with all of the College’s standard terms and conditions including the RMCAD Alcohol Policy.

A non-affiliated event sponsor is the primary planner or contact for the event and accepts full responsibility for all stages of planning and execution of the event. In addition, the sponsoring department/office must have a strong presence at the event and, when necessary, take fiscal responsibility for event costs.

The sponsoring department or office is expected to approve all advertising for the event. Event sponsors may not transfer a reservation to another organization, nor may space reserved for an approved program be used for another purpose.

Insurance

Prior to the event, the sponsored organization shall provide the college with evidence of insurance as required by the RMCAD Event Request Form and Agreement. This evidence should include workers’ compensation coverage for a performer or vendor’s employees (if any) to the extent required by law and general liability insurance.

The performer or vendor’s general liability insurance should cover claims for property damage and/or bodily injury that may arise from the performer or sponsored organization’s operations in connection with the event, including injuries to spectators and participants at the event, and shall name the sponsoring club/related entity, college, university. If the performer or sponsored organization does not have insurance, the college may waive insurance as set forth in the Insurance Waivers section, below.

The amount of liability insurance required depends on the risks involved. A lecture expected to attract under 50 people is low risk and $500,000 may be sufficient. An outdoor event, with vendor-provided attractions, has a much higher risk and limits in the $2,000,000 (two million dollars) to $5,000,000 (five million dollars) range may be appropriate.

For most lectures, performances, music recitals, etc., $1,000,000 (one million dollars) per occurrence and $2,000,000 (two million dollars) aggregate is usually adequate. All external vendors are required to maintain $500,000 in worker’s compensation/employer’s liability coverage at a minimum.

RMCAD Call Monitoring Statement

RMCAD strives to maintain the highest quality of customer service while fielding calls to provide assistance to the College community. During the course of ordinary business, calls on customer service lines may be monitored or recorded for staff training purposes. In addition, call recordings may be used in the resolution of disputes and for safety and security matters.

RMCAD Class + Event Recording Policy

Recordings can serve many legitimate academic and workplace purposes. However, it is expected that faculty, students, and staff will respect the privacy of other individuals in the workplace and educational setting. Consequently, the secret recording (audio or video) of classes, meetings, or other conversations is prohibited. Students who violate this policy will be subject to the Code of Conduct policy.

Classes may be recorded only by the professor. Professors must notify students prior to making such recordings. This notification should be made verbally at the beginning of a class, meeting, or event before the recording begins, and if possible, repeated when the recording starts so there is a record of the notification in the recording itself. 

Students with an approved disability accommodation may record their classes. Professors should notify the class that it is being recorded, but should not identify the student who has obtained such accommodation, as it is essential to protect individual privacy.

Students are also prohibited from recording educational activities outside the classroom unless specifically agreed to by all participants.

Please note that this policy does not supersede the recording policies that may be in effect at public events (such as speakers, concerts, sporting events, musical, artistic, or dramatic events). Such events may have their own policies on the use of audio or video recording (including photography). 

This policy also does not cover the use of surveillance cameras/equipment and software by authorized campus personnel. Surveillance cameras/equipment and software may be placed on campus by authorized campus personnel in accordance with applicable law to prevent or deter crimes, protect public safety, and facilitate official investigations into criminal activity or violations of campus policy.