Student Handbook - New England Culinary Institute

NECI will continue to support technologies that
facilitate legitimate information dissemination and
academic collaboration.
As outlined in NECI’s Student Conduct Policy
above, students are subject to disciplinary action, up
to and including possible suspension or dismissal,
for anti-social or illegal behavior that jeopardizes
the welfare of others. Students are expected to
exhibit appropriate conduct while using electronic
media and are subject to equivalent disciplinary
sanctions for inappropriate behavior, including
unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, illegal
downloading, or unauthorized distribution of
copyrighted materials using the institution’s
information technology system. Inappropriate or
unlawful transmission of electronic materials,
including unauthorized distribution of copyrighted
materials, is strictly prohibited and may be subject
to civil and criminal penalties as well as
disciplinary action.
For further information on copyright and fair use
guidelines, please contact Library Services.
Summary of Civil and Criminal Penalties
for Violation of Federal Copyright Laws
Copyright infringement is the act of exercising,
without permission or legal authority, one or more
of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright
owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title
17 of the United States Code). These rights include
the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted
work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or
uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work
without authority constitutes an infringement.
Penalties for copyright infringement include civil
and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found
liable for civil copyright infringement may be
ordered to pay either actual damages or "statutory"
damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more
than $30,000 per work infringed. For "willful"
infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per
work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also
assess costs and attorneys' fees. For details, see
Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.
Willful copyright infringement can also result in
criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to
five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.
For more information, please see the U.S.
Copyright Office website especially their FAQ's.
Health and Wellness
NECI encourages students to develop an awareness
of personal nutrition and to develop a fitness regime
to promote personal health. It has been documented
that regular physical activity is an effective means
of dealing with stress and stress-related problems.
Students may be required to establish and
participate in a health and wellness regime during
residency as part of their course requirements.
Facilities, activities, and advising are provided to
assist each student in successfully completing this
academic requirement.
Service Learning/Community Service
Community involvement is an important aspect of
the food and beverage industry culture and is
strongly supported by NECI. To encourage
volunteerism and promote community involvement,
NECI encourages students to participate in
community service events. For example, students
cook for soup kitchens, conduct demonstrations at
local schools, assist at the local food bank, and
participate in community sports events. A Service
Learning component in each program helps foster a
culture of community involvement.
First and second year degree and certificate
program students must complete a minimum of 4
hours of Service Learning in each year of
residency; upper division BA students complete
their requirements as a part of a scheduled class.
This requirement is conducted as a self-study, and
students are responsible for arranging these hours
on their own. Service Learning opportunities may
be arranged individually or in groups. The Student
Services department publicizes many opportunities
via bulletin boards and NECI email notifications.
First and second year students must record their
completion of service learning activities on the
Service Learning Evaluation form available at
School Street and submit to the Coordinator of
Student Programs prior to the end of residency as a
part of their academic requirements.
Policies and Procedures for Students
with Disabilities
NECI complies with the Americans with
Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, and the requirements of the State of
Vermont. NECI is committed to maintaining a
nondiscriminatory environment and to providing
reasonable equal access to all its services, benefits,
and facilities, regardless of the physical or cognitive
disabilities a student may have. Prospective
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