Code of Conduct

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature, responsible manner and contribute to an atmosphere conducive to a healthy, safe and secure learning environment.  Students shall not use violence, force, noise, curse words, foul language, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, passive-aggressive behavior or engage in any other conduct with the intent to cause the substantial and material disruption or obstruction of any lawful mission, process or function of the college.

Student Code of Conduct

Any act which interferes with the learning process, rights of others, disrupts or impairs the normal functioning of the college, damages or destroys property, or impairs health or safety is grounds for disciplinary action.  Depending on the severity and the number of violations, disciplinary action can include, but are not limited to: warning, probation, suspension, being administratively withdrawn from one or more classes, or permanent expulsion.  Other remedies may also be used to resolve the complaints.  Students who feel the disciplinary action is unfair may file an appeal (see Student Code of Conduct Violations Appeal below).

Examples of misconduct subject to disciplinary action include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Dishonesty and falsification including: forgery, alteration of college documents, false identification, and misuse of educational materials or college property.

  2. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other authorized activities on college premises.

  3. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, or other threatening conduct.

  4. Theft of, or damage to, property on the college premises or at authorized college functions.

  5. Unauthorized entry to or use of college facilities; unauthorized use of college equipment.

  6. Use of, being under the influence of, possession of, or distribution of alcohol or illegal and/or dangerous drugs on campus, at college-sponsored functions, or in state-owned or leased vehicles, except as expressly permitted by law and college regulations.

  7. Failing to settle any debts with the college or any agency associated with the college and/or delivering any check to the college that is not supported by sufficient funds or is deemed worthless.

  8. Acts of abusive speech or writing that expose any individual or group to hatred, contempt, or ridicule. This includes ridicule on or off campus.

  9. Inappropriate dress or personal hygiene that is disruptive to the learning environment.

  10. Unauthorized distribution or sale of goods on campus.

  11. Failure to comply with reasonable requests and orders by authorized college officials or representatives acting on behalf of the college. (This requirement includes reasonable requests for students to attend any scheduled appointments in administrative offices, at disciplinary investigations, and/or at hearings.)

  12. Driving any vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property on campus.

  13. Parking in non-designated parking spots, or parking in designated visitor, handicapped, or loading/unloading zones.

  14. Unauthorized use of cell phones during regular class/shop/lab instruction and clinical time.

  15. Unauthorized presence of pets on campus that cause a disruption to the learning environment.

  16. Any form of vaping, smoking, or use of tobacco or other controlled substances is prohibited everywhere on campus unless it is in a designated, authorized area.

  17. Possession or use of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, or other weapons on campus or at college-sponsored activities except as permitted by law and college regulations. (Weapons are defined as firearms, knives, explosives, flammable materials, or any other items that may cause bodily injury or damage to property.)

  18. Unacceptable uses of any college-owned computing equipment and/or network including knowingly spreading computer viruses; violations of copyright law; accessing pornographic sites; using the network for financial gain, commercial activity, or illegal activity; downloading, loading, or executing software without appropriate authorization.

  19. Leaving children unattended or unsupervised in campus buildings or on campus grounds. Children are not allowed in class.

  20. Engaging in behavior which may constitute sexual harassment, such as sexually suggestive looks, comments or gestures; prolonged staring, sexual teasing, or jokes; pressure for dates; sexually demeaning comments; deliberate touching, cornering, or pinching; attempt to kiss or fondle; pressure for sex; other actions of a sexual nature which create an intimidating, hostile environment.

  21. Violating federal, state, and municipal laws.

  22. Violation of departmental or campus safety rules or procedures.

Student Code of Conduct Violations Appeal

The student may file an appeal to the college administration.  The Chief Student Services Officer or college designee is charged with the responsibility for the administration of appeal procedures, including selecting an Appeals Council, taking notes, keeping official records of the proceedings, setting time limits for the speakers and responses, and a format for the proceedings.  The hearing will be closed and confidential.

The college designee will attempt to convene the Appeals Council within five days.  The college designee shall select an impartial Appeals Council to include three members including: one student, one faculty member, and one administrator or staff member.

An advisor may be present to advise either party, but may not take part in the hearing proceedings.  The council will hear statements from and may question the complainant and accused student.  However, the student has the right, without penalty, to not communicate.  In that case, the violation decision will be based upon other evidence.  The Appeals Council may accept statements in writing on behalf of the complainant, respondent, or witnesses.  The Appeals Council may pursue other actions it deems necessary to obtain pertinent information to fulfill its role.

To find that a student has violated a standard of conduct, the burden of proof is a “preponderance of evidence.”  Within five days after completion of the hearing, the council will report its findings and decision to the designated college representative.  The college representative will notify both parties of the decision as soon as possible.

The decision of the Appeals Council is final for violations of the Student Code of Conduct. If a student feels that a college policy, procedure, practice, or action hampers their education process or individual rights or freedoms they may contact the Dispute Resolution Officer.