Immediate Dismissal
If an act of misconduct threatens the health or well-being of any member of the academic community or seriously disrupts the function and good order of the college, an instructor or administrative officer may direct students involved to cease and desist such conduct and advise them that failing to cease and desist will result in immediate dismissal. If the students fail to cease and desist, the instructor may then dismiss them from the class or an administrative officer may dismiss them from the College until a resolution of the matter can be made. Prior to dismissal, the students shall be given the opportunity to explain his or her conduct to the instructor or administrative officer.
The instructor or administrative officer invoking such dismissal shall notify the vice president of student services in writing of the individuals involved and the nature of the infraction as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the next business day when the incident occurred. The vice president of student services, responsible for implementing student discipline procedures, shall resolve the matter in a timely fashion utilizing the steps outlined below. In order to provide an orderly procedure for handling student disciplinary cases in accordance with due process and justice, the following procedures will be followed:
Any administrative official, faculty member, or student may file charges with the vice president of student services against any student or student organization for violations of college regulations. The individual(s) making the charge must make the following information available to the vice president of student services:
• name of the student(s) involved.
• the alleged violation of the specific code of conduct.
• the time, place, and date of the incident.
• the name(s) of person(s) directly involved or witnesses to the infractions.
• any action taken that related to the matter.
• desired solution.
Charges
Any administrative official, faculty member, or student may file charges with the vice president of student services against any student or student organization for violations of college regulations. The individual(s) making the charge must make the following information available to the vice president of student services:
- name of the student(s) involved.
- the alleged violation of the specific code of conduct.
- the time, place, and date of the incident.
- the name(s) of person(s) directly involved or witnesses to the infractions.
- any action taken that related to the matter.
- desired solution.
Investigation and Decision
Within five (5) working days after the charge is filed, the vice president of student services shall complete a preliminary investigation of the charge and shall schedule a meeting with the student. After discussing the alleged infraction with the student, the vice president of student services may act as follows:
- Drop the charges.
- Impose a sanction consistent with those shown below.
- Refer the student to a college office or community agency for services.
Notification
The decision of the vice president of student services shall be presented to the student in
writing following the meeting with the student. In instances where the student cannot be reached to schedule an appointment with the vice president or where the student refuses to cooperate, the vice president of student services shall send a certified letter to the student’s last known address providing the student with a list of the charges, the vice president’s decision, and instructions governing the appeal process.
Sanctions
The vice president of student services may apply the following sanctions as appropriate:
Reprimand
A written communication which gives official notice to the student that any subsequent offense against the Student Code of Conduct will carry heavier penalties because of this prior infraction.
General Probation
An individual may be placed on General Probation when involved in a minor disciplinary offense. General Probation has two important implications: The individual is given a chance to show his/her capability and willingness to observe the Student Code of Conduct without further penalty; secondly, if he/she errs again, further action will be taken. This probation will be in effect for no more than two semesters.
Restrictive Probation
Restrictive Probation results in loss of good standing and becomes a matter of record. Restrictive conditions may limit activity in the college community. Generally, the individual will not be eligible for initiation into any local or national organization and may not receive any college award or other honorary recognition. The individual may not occupy a position of leadership or responsibility with any college or student organization, publication, or activity. This probation will be in effect for not less than two semesters. Any violation of Restrictive Probation may result in immediate suspension.
Restitution
The student must pay for damaging, misusing, destroying or losing property belonging to the college, college personnel, or students.
Interim Suspension
Students will be excluded from class and/or other privileges or activities as set forth in the notice, until a final decision has been made concerning the alleged violation.
Loss of Academic Credit or Grade
This punishment is imposed as a result of academic dishonesty (as determined by the Grade Appeal Procedure).
Withholding Transcript, Diploma, or Right to Register
This sanction is imposed when financial obligations are not met.
Suspension
The student is excluded from class(es) and/or all other privileges or activities of the college for a specified period of time. This sanction is reserved for those offenses warranting discipline more severe than probation or for repeated misconduct. Students who receive this sanction must get specific written permission from the vice president of student services before returning to the college campus.
Expulsion
The student is dismissed from campus for an indefinite period. The student loses his/her student status. The student may be readmitted to the college only with the approval of the president.
Group Probation
This sanction is given to a college club or other organized group for a specified period of time. If group violations are repeated during the term of the sentence, the charter may be revoked or activities restricted.
Group Restriction
A club or other organization is removed from college recognition during the semester in which the offense occurred or for a longer period (usually not more than one other semester). While under restriction, the group may not seek or add members, hold or sponsor events in the college community, or engage in other activities as specified.
Group Charter Revocation
This sanction involves removal of college recognition for a group, club, society, or other organization for a minimum of two years. Re-charter after that time must be approved by the president.
Appeals Procedure
A student who disagrees with the decision of the vice president of student services may appeal and request a formal hearing with the College’s Grievance Committee as outlined in Step three (III) of the Student Grievance Policy.