Student Rights, Responsibilities and Code of Conduct
Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The freedom to learn depends upon appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the community. Students should exercise their freedom with responsibility. As members of the academic community, students are subject to the obligations that accrue to them by virtue of this membership. As members of the larger community of which the college is a part, students are entitled to all rights and protection accorded them by the laws of that community. By the same token, students are also subject to all laws, the enforcement of which is the responsibility of duly constituted authorities. When students violate laws, they may incur penalties prescribed by legal authorities. In such instance, college discipline will be initiated only when the presence of the student on campus will disrupt the educational process of the college. However, when a student’s violation of the law also adversely affects the college’s pursuit of its recognized educational objectives, the college may enforce its own regulations. When students violate college regulations, they are subject to disciplinary action by the college whether or not their conduct violates the law. If a student’s behavior simultaneously violates both college regulations and the law, the college may take disciplinary action independent of that taken by legal authorities.
Student Rights
- All rights and privileges guaranteed to every citizen by the Constitution of the United States and by the state of North Carolina shall not be denied any student.
- Student performance will be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards.
- Students have the right to freedom of expression, inquiry, and assembly without restraint or censorship subject to reasonable and nondiscriminatory rules and regulations regarding time, place, and manner.
- Students have the right to inquire about and to propose improvements in policies, regulations and procedures affecting the welfare of students through established student government procedures, campus committees, and college offices.
- Students and former students have the right to review their official records and to request a hearing if they challenge the contents of these records.
- No disciplinary sanctions other than temporary removal from class or activity (only for duration of said activity) may be imposed upon any student without due process. Due process procedures are established to guarantee a student accused of a student code of conduct violation the right to a hearing, a presentation of charges, evidence for charges, the right to present evidence, the right to have witnesses on one’s behalf and to hear witnesses on behalf of the accuser(s), the right to counsel, and the right of appeal.