Student Conduct Process
Any member of the college community may file a complaint against any student for misconduct. Complaints will be made in writing and directed to the Dean of Students, who is responsible for the administration of the college student conduct process. Any complaint should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place.
The Dean of Students will determine if the charges warrant an investigation. If the complaint is not found to warrant an investigation, the complaint will be dismissed.
If the charges warrant an investigation, the Dean of Students is authorized to serve as the sole Student Conduct Administrator, or may appoint a Student Conduct Administrator, or may engage the Student Conduct Committee on which they serve as a member. Charges will result in an informal resolution or formal conduct hearing as determined by the Student Conduct Administrator or the Student Conduct Committee. The Dean of Students will identify for the student whether they are going through an Informal Resolution Process or Formal Conduct Hearing.
Informal Resolution Process
The informal resolution process is intended to resolve the matter in a fair and timely manner, while also promoting a positive learning environment for all students.
Notification: If a student is suspected of violating the Student Code of Conduct, they will be notified of by the Dean of Students or the appointed Student Conduct Administrator. The notification will include the date, time, and location of the informal resolution meeting. The meeting date will be set not less than three, nor more than 15 college class days (excluding Saturday and Sunday) after the date of notice to the student. Maximum time limits for scheduling may be extended at the discretion of the Dean of Students.
Informal Resolution Meeting: The informal resolution meeting will be conducted by the Dean of Students or the Student Conduct Administrator. The student will have the opportunity to present their perspective, respond to the reported concern, and identify any relevant evidence and/or witnesses.
Evidence and Witnesses: The Dean of Students or the Student Conduct Administrator will follow up with relevant evidence and/or witnesses prior to making a determination of responsibility.
Absence from Meeting: In all cases, if the student, with notice, does not appear at the meeting, the information in support of the concern shall be presented and considered, and the determination of responsibility will proceed in the student’s absence.
Outcome: After hearing from the student and reviewing the evidence, the Dean of Students or the Student Conduct Administrator will make a determination of responsibility. If the student is found responsible for misconduct, sanctions may be imposed. The determination of responsibility will be communicated to the student in writing through the outcome letter.
Sanctions: If sanctions are imposed, they may include warnings, probation, community service, or educational workshops. The purpose of sanctions is to educate the student and prevent future misconduct.
Follow-Up: After the meeting, the College may provide support services to help the student understand and comply with the sanctions.
Record Keeping: A record of the meeting and its outcome will be kept in the student's file. This information is confidential and will only be shared as allowed by law.
Appeal: The student will have the right to appeal the determination of responsibility if they believe there were process errors or new evidence that was not considered. The appeal process will be outlined in the outcome letter.
Accommodations: The Dean of Students may accommodate concerns for the personal safety, well-being and/or fears of confrontation of the accused student, and/or other witnesses during the hearing by providing separate facilities, video technology, telephone, or other means. Students who qualify for an accommodation under ADA/504 that require a person to provide the accommodation or who may require a language translator to effectively understand the English language may also have such a person present.
Formal Conduct Process
The formal hearing process is intended to resolve the matter in a fair and impartial manner, while also upholding the principles of due process and fairness for all parties involved.
Notification of Charges: If a student is suspected of violating the Student Code of Conduct and the charges warrant a formal hearing, they will be notified of the charges against them by the Dean of Students or the appointed Student Conduct Administrator. The notification will include the date, time, and location of the formal hearing. The hearing date will be set not less than three, nor more than 15 college class days (excluding Saturday and Sunday) after the date of notice to the student. Maximum time limits for scheduling of hearings may be extended at the discretion of the Dean of Students.
Appointment of Student Conduct Administrator or Committee: The Dean of Students will determine whether to serve as the Student Conduct Administrator, appoint a Student Conduct Administrator, or assemble a Student Conduct Committee. The Committee may include college staff and students, with the Dean of Students serving as a member.
Preparation: The student will have the opportunity to prepare their defense. This may involve gathering evidence, identifying witnesses, soliciting an advisor, and reviewing the Student Code of Conduct.
Pre-Hearing Conference: Prior to the formal hearing, there may be a pre-hearing conference where the Student Conduct Administrator or Committee meets with the student to review the charges, discuss the hearing process, and answer any questions.
Formal Hearing: The formal hearing will be conducted by the Student Conduct Administrator or Committee. The hearing will follow a formal process, including the presentation of evidence, examination of witnesses, and opportunities for the student to respond to the allegations.
Absence from Hearing: In all cases, if an accused student, with notice, does not appear at a hearing, the information in support of the case shall be presented and considered, and the hearing will proceed in the student’s absence.
Recording: There will be a record of the hearing maintained by the Dean of Students. Access is limited to reviewing the record only on the college premises. The record will be the property of the College.
Outcome: After the formal hearing, the Student Conduct Administrator or Committee will deliberate and make a determination of responsibility. If the student is found responsible for misconduct, sanctions may be imposed. The outcome will be communicated to the student in writing.
Sanctions: If sanctions are imposed, they may include warnings, probation, suspension, or expulsion. The purpose of sanctions is to educate the student and prevent future misconduct.
Follow-Up: After the hearing, the College may provide support services to help the student understand and comply with the sanctions. This may include counseling or academic advising.
Record Keeping: A record of the formal hearing and its outcome will be kept in the student's file. This information is confidential and will only be shared as allowed by law.
Appeal: The student may have the right to appeal the outcome if they believe there were process errors or new evidence that was not considered. The appeal process will be outlined in the outcome letter.
Accommodations: The Dean of Students may accommodate concerns for the personal safety, well-being and/or fears of confrontation of the accused student, and/or other witnesses during the hearing by providing separate facilities, video technology, telephone, or other means. Students who qualify for an accommodation under ADA/504 that require a person to provide the accommodation or who may require a language translator to effectively understand the English language may also have such a person present.
Appeal Process
This process ensures that students have a fair opportunity to appeal outcomes related to Student Code of Conduct violations, while also maintaining the integrity of the initial hearing process.
Deadline for an Appeal: Students have five college days from receiving an outcome to appeal. Failure to respond within this timeframe will lead to the implementation of the recommended sanction(s).
Focus of an Appeal: The focus of the appeal will be to review the details of the initial hearing and supporting documents, ensuring:
The original hearing was conducted fairly considering the charges and evidence.
Proper processes were followed.
The outcome was based on a preponderance of the evidence.
The sanctions imposed were appropriate for the violation.
Appeal Coordination: Appeals will be reviewed by the Vice President of Student Success and, at their discretion, may be heard by an Appeals Board. Only appeals heard by an Appeals Board will be recorded.
Modification of Sanctions: If a student appeals an outcome regarding a Student Code of Conduct violation, the Vice President of Student Success or the Appeals Board may modify any sanctions.
Communication of Outcome: The Dean of Students will communicate the outcome in writing, including final charges, sanctions, and/or instructions for a new hearing.
Finality of Appeal: The outcome determined by the Vice President of Student Success and/or the Appeals Board are final and cannot be appealed.
Diagram of Student Conduct Process
