Students hanging out in cafateria

Non-Academic  misconduct

Non-Academic Misconduct Policy

Any staff, administrative official, instructor, or student may file a written complaint against any student for non- academic misconduct by using the Report of Student Non- academic Misconduct. The Report of Student Non-academic Misconduct shall be filed with the Dean of Student Success (DSS) or designee. When the DSS or designee believes that the continued presence of a person charged with non-academic misconduct presents a serious and immediate danger to the college community, the student may be suspended pending consideration of the case. Such suspension shall not exceed a reasonable time, as determined by the DSS. (Go to Non-Academic Misconduct Violations on the website to determine what constitutes non-academic misconduct.)

Investigation

The DSS will initiate an investigation into the charges. The accused student will be contacted via Certified Mail to schedule a meeting time to discuss the alleged violation which would include the nature and sources of the charges and the student’s rights and responsibilities. As part of the review, the DSS will determine if the nature of the allegations justifies a sanction affecting the students’ educational status. If so, the alleged violations will be referred to the Student Conduct Committee. If not, the DSS has the following options:

  • Dismissing the charges as unfounded
  • Reprimand with warning of further misconduct
  • Imposing a non-academic disciplinary sanction up to and including suspension from college extracurricular activities

The DSS will notify the student of their decision in writing within TEN business days of the initial meeting between the DSS and the student.

Appeals  Procedure (DSS Adjudication)

A decision of the DSS may be appealed to the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. The appeal must be in writing and must be received by the Vice President’s office within FIVE business days after the decision of the DSS.

The Vice President will review the written record and reach a determination. The decision of the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs is final.

Student Conduct Committee Procedure

Non-academic charges that have not been dismissed or have not received a sanction from the DSS will be referred by the office of the DSS to the Student Conduct Committee. The Student Conduct Committee procedure, outlined at the end of this section, will then be followed.

Disciplinary Sanctions (Student Conduct Committee)

The Student Conduct Committee may apply one or more of the following disciplinary sanctions for instances of non- academic misconduct:

  • Dismissing the charges as unfounded
  • Warning: Notice, in writing, that continuation or repetition of conduct found wrongful, within a period of time stated in the warning, may cause more severe disciplinary action;
  • Disciplinary Probation: Suspension of eligibility for college extracurricular activities;
  • Suspension: Exclusion from classes and other privileges or activities as set forth in the notice for a definite period of time not to exceed two years;
  • Expulsion: Termination of student status for an indefinite period. The conditions of readmission, if any, shall be stated in the order of expulsion.

Note: In cases of suspension and expulsion, students will receive a failing grade for all courses in which they are currently enrolled.

Appeals Procedure (Student Conduct Committee)

A decision of the Student Conduct Committee on student non-academic misconduct may be appealed to the DSS. The appeal must be in writing and must be received by the office of the DSS within FIVE business days after the Committee hearing. The DSS will review the written record and reach a determination. The decision of the DSS is final.