Student Code of Conduct

Prohibited Conduct: Academic and Non-Academic

Prohibited conduct shall include but not be limited to the items listed below:

Academic-Related Violations

1. Plagiarism and/or cheating is stealing another person’s work and attempting to pass it off as your own. In addition, plagiarism is a form of cheating and is illegal. Examples of these infractions include, but are not limited to:
   1. Improper documentation or copying part or all of an essay intentionally or unintentionally
      (plagiarism)
   2. Looking up test answers while taking a test (cheating) – Note: At the discretion of the instructor as
      stated in the course syllabus
   3. Communicating with others while taking a test (cheating)
   4. Having another person type or write any part of an essay (cheating)
   5. Copying another person's work with or without their permission (plagiarism)
   6. Other forms of plagiarism not listed
2. Cheating is using notes or other material on an exam or class work without permission from the class instructor; receiving information from another student during an exam; obtaining a copy of an exam or questions from an exam prior to taking the exam; submitting someone else’s work as one’s own; or having someone take one’s exam and submitting it as his/her own.
3. Aiding Acts of Academic Dishonesty is providing information to another student knowing, or reasonably should have known, that the student intends to use the information for cheating or other deceptive purposes.
4. Violations of Normal Classroom Behavior include not complying with reasonable rules issued by an instructor, causing disruption in the classroom, or being disrespectful to classmates or the instructor. (The conduct must be objectively severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would agree that the conduct is disruptive or disrespectful; not based on content or viewpoint discrimination.)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academic Policy

The College implements a tiered framework on the use of AI that empowers divisions, departments, programs, and individual faculty and staff to determine the most appropriate level of AI integration based on their specific needs and contexts. These levels, defined below, include Immersive, Permissive, Moderate, and Restrictive.

Student Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

For students, the default level of use College-wide is “Restrictive.” Instructors may implement a less restrictive level of AI use in a class or on specific assignments; however, the specific level of use allowed will be explicitly stated in specific course syllabi or on the instructions for an individual assignment. If the instructor does not specifically state a less-restrictive AI usage is permitted in a course or on a specific assignment, students should assume the use of AI is prohibited (Restrictive level of use).

Students are expected to adhere to the AI usage guidelines as outlined in the course syllabus or assignment instructions, including whether students must cite the use of AI in an assignment.

Students may not use AI to:

• fabricate data, sources, or citation;

• impersonate another person or to create fraudulent documents or emails; or

• complete assignments or assessments when not permitted by instructors.

Failure to comply with the assigned AI usage level for a class or assignment, or other violations of this policy, will be treated as a violation of the College’s Academic Integrity Policy and may result in disciplinary actions in accordance with that policy. If a student is not certain of the level of AI use permitted in a class or assignment, it is the student’s responsibility to seek appropriate guidance from faculty.

AI Enabled/Recording Devices in Academic Settings

To protect academic integrity, privacy, and the learning environment, students are prohibited from using AI-enabled glasses, smartwatches, earbuds, or other electronic devices capable of recording, photographing, accessing artificial intelligence, receiving or transmitting information, or providing real-time assistance during class, examinations, assessments, or other instructional activities unless specifically authorized by the instructor. Occasional use of an audio recording (only) device may be permitted as an approved accommodation when granted in writing through the Office of Disability Services.

Students may be required to remove, turn off, or securely store such devices during instructional activities and/or assessments.  Unauthorized use may be considered a violation of the College’s academic integrity or student conduct policies.

Non-Academic Related Violations

1. Theft, misuse, or damage to college property, the property of a member of the college community, or the property of a visitor on college premises or at college functions; unauthorized entry upon the property of the College or into a college facility or a portion which has been restricted in use and placed off limits; unauthorized presence in a college facility after closing hours
2. Possession or the use of alcoholic beverages on property owned or controlled by the College or at college-sponsored events is prohibited unless approved in writing by the College’s President.
3. Possession of alcohol in college-owned vehicles and other places prohibited by law is not allowed at any time. Possession or the use of a substance in an illegal manner is prohibited. Being in a state of intoxication on Lenoir Community College college campuses or college-sponsored events is prohibited. Any influence that may be attributed to the use of alcohol or other substances does not limit in any way the responsibility of the individual for the consequences of his/her actions.
4. Mental or physical abuse of any person on college premises or at college-sponsored activities, or at college-supervised functions, including severe and persistent verbal or physical actions which threaten or endanger the health or safety of any persons or which promote hatred or prejudice.
   • Note: A student who poses a serious risk of imminent harm (i.e., threat of a violent act against students or college employees) will be suspended immediately pending an investigation. 
5. Comments of a sexual nature, including innuendos, suggestive statements, jokes, propositions, threats, and degrading/discriminating/ stereotypical words whether directed at the victim or made in the victim’s presence: nonverbal - sexually suggestive objects or pictures, graphic commentaries, suggestive or insulting sounds, leering, whistling, and obscene gestures that are severe, persistent, unreasonably impactful, and outside the scope of academic pursuits
6. Unwanted physical contact, including touching, pinching, grabbing, and stroking, and when sexual penetration occurs may rise to the level of rape (Refer to the College’s Sexual Misconduct Policy for complete information.)
7. Intentional obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration or disciplinary proceedings, or at other college activities including public service functions, and other duly authorized activities on college premises
8. Occupation or seizure in any manner of college property, a college facility, or any portion thereof, for a use inconsistent with prescribed, customary, or authorized use
9. Participating in or conducting an assembly, demonstration, or gathering in a manner that threatens or causes injury to persons or property; which interferes with free access to ingress or egress of college facilities; which is harmful, obstructive, or disruptive to the educational process or institutional functions of the College
10. Possession or use of a firearm, incendiary device, explosive, or unauthorized use of any instrument designed to inflict serious bodily injury to any person (Possession of a firearm on campus is classified as a felony, except as allowed by State law.)
11. Setting off a fire alarm or using or tampering with any fire safety equipment, except with reasonable belief in the need for such alarm or equipment
12. Gambling
13. The use of tobacco products is prohibited on all campuses, including vaping.
14. Littering, which includes disposing of paper, bottles, cans, or any other form of litter on campus grounds or in any building
15. Violation of college regulations regarding the operation and parking of motor vehicles
16. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of college documents, records, or instruments of identification
17. Failure to comply with instructions of college officials who are acting in performance of their duties
18. Violation of the terms of disciplinary probation or any college regulation during the period of probation
19. Fiscal irresponsibility such as failure to pay college-levied fines and LCC Foundation loans or the passing of worthless checks to college officials
20. Violation of a local, state, or federal criminal law on college premises
21. Furnishing false or incomplete information to the College

22. Cell phones and other communication devices must be turned off or placed on vibrate during classes. This restriction does not apply to emergency personnel, but emergency personnel should notify their instructors in advance.

23. Use of college computers or networking resources to engage in any behavior that violates any federal, state, or local laws, or college regulations including downloading of copyrighted material or any unauthorized software

24. Engage in any activity that might be purposefully harmful to systems or to any information stored thereon, such as creating or propagating viruses, disrupting services, damaging files, or making unauthorized modifications to college data
25. Failure to properly display college ID and/or update college ID
26. Lewd, disorderly, or indecent conduct, including physical or verbal action; language commonly considered offensive (not limited to, but including profanity); or distribution of obscene or libelous written or electronic matter is prohibited
27. Engaging in any form of sexual activity on any campus or site of the College (whether closed or during operating hours) is strictly prohibited

Anti-Hazing Policy

Lenoir Community College is firmly committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive campus for all students free from harassment, abuse, or any form of hazing. Hazing incidents are prohibited in all forms, and apply to all individuals and organizations associated with the College, including but not limited to students, employees, volunteers, and affiliated organizations, both on and off campus.

Definitions

• Hazing: Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are, or include, students at an institution of higher education. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Physical brutality or abuse
  • Forced or coerced consumption of any food, liquid, drug, or other substance
  • Forced or coerced physical activity
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Exclusion from social contact
  • Conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment or humiliation
  • Any activity that would unreasonably interfere with academic pursuits
• Organization: Any association, corporation, order, society, corps, athletic team, club, fraternity, sorority, service, social or similar group, in which two or more enrolled students of the College are members, regardless of whether the organization is officially recognized by the College.
• Student: Any person who is enrolled at the College, regardless of their age or student status (e.g., full-time, part-time, or online), or who has been accepted for admission or readmission to the College.

Prohibited Conduct

The College strictly prohibits hazing in any form. This includes but is not limited to any activity that:

• Causes or is likely to cause bodily harm, serious mental or emotional harm, substantial emotional distress, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to a student.
• Interferes with a student’s academic pursuits, including grades, academic assignments, or scheduled curricular activities.
• Occurs on or off campus and involves the forced consumption of any food, liquid, drug, or other substance.
• Involves sleep deprivation, excessive physical exertion, or exposure to the elements.
• Requires a student to engage in any illegal activity or violate college policies or codes of conduct.
• Creates a power imbalance between individuals or groups, or exploits a student’s known physical, psychological, or social vulnerabilities.
• Involves the use of social media, electronic communications, or other technology to facilitate hazing activities.

Reporting and Investigation

Reporting Hazing Incidents

• Mandatory Reporting: Any person who witnesses, experiences, or has knowledge of hazing activity must promptly report the incident to the appropriate College official. (See Limitation of Liability) Failure to report known hazing incidents may result in disciplinary action.
• Reporting Methods: Reports may be made in person, by phone, via email, or through the college’s online reporting system. Anonymous reports will be accepted and investigated to the extent possible.
• Confidentiality: The College will protect the confidentiality of all parties involved to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct a thorough investigation and comply with applicable laws.
• Retaliation: Retaliation against any person who reports hazing or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

Investigation of Hazing Allegations

• Prompt and Thorough Investigation: The College will promptly investigate all reports of hazing in a fair, impartial, and thorough manner.
• Investigation Process:
  • Initial assessment of the report to determine appropriate interim measures and investigation scope.
  • Interviews with the reporting party, alleged victims, witnesses, and accused individuals.
  • Collection and review of relevant evidence, including documents, electronic communications, and physical evidence.
  • Consultation with law enforcement or other authorities as needed.
  • Preparation of an investigation report.
• Timelines: Investigations will be completed within [30] calendar days of the initial report, unless extenuating circumstances require an extension. All involved parties will be promptly notified of any timeline extensions.
• Interim Measures: The College will take appropriate interim measures to protect the safety and well-being of students during the investigation, which may include no-contact orders, temporary suspension of individuals or organizations, or changes in academic or living arrangements.
• Standard of Evidence: The College will use a preponderance of evidence standard (more likely than not) in determining whether a violation of this policy has occurred.

Disciplinary Actions and Sanctions

Students found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion from the College. Sanctions may include but are not limited to:

• Disciplinary probation
• Loss of privileges or college recognition
• Mandatory educational programs or counseling
• Community service
• Suspension
• Expulsion
• Withholding or revocation of degree

Employees found responsible for hazing or for failing to report known hazing incidents will face disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Sanctions may include but are not limited to:

• Written reprimand
• Suspension without pay
• Demotion
• Termination of employment

Organizations found responsible for hazing may face sanctions including but not limited to:

• Probation or suspension of organizational activities
• Loss of college recognition or registration
• Revocation of charter or affiliation agreements
• Prohibition from hosting or participating in college-sponsored events
• Loss of access to college facilities, funding, or other resources
• Mandatory reorganization or leadership changes
• Permanent dissolution of the organization

Aggravating Factors

The following factors may result in more severe sanctions:

• Prior hazing violations
• Multiple violations in a single incident
• Use of force, violence, or weapons
• Intentional or reckless disregard for health and safety
• Retaliation against reporters or witnesses
• Interference with the investigation process

Mitigating Factors

The following factors may be considered in determining appropriate sanctions:

• Self-reporting of the violation
• Acceptance of responsibility and demonstration of remorse
• Cooperation with the investigation process
• Implementation of corrective measures to prevent future violations

Prevention and Education

On a regular basis, the College will provide education and training on hazing prevention and the College’s anti-hazing policy to all students, faculty, and staff. The training may include:

• Defining hazing and outlining prohibited conduct.
• Explaining reporting procedures and the College’s investigation and disciplinary processes.
• Highlighting the negative physical and mental health consequences of hazing.
• Promoting a culture of respect, inclusion, and student well-being.
• Providing bystander intervention strategies.
• Ethical leadership.
• Discussing legal and disciplinary consequences of hazing.
• Positive strategies for building group cohesion.

New Student and Employee Orientation: All new students and employees will receive information about this policy and hazing prevention during their orientation programs.

Student Organization Training: All student organizations must complete annual anti-hazing training as a condition of maintaining college recognition or registration.

Online Resources: The College will maintain an online resource center with information about this regulation, reporting procedures, and a link to the College’s Clery Act Annual Security Report.

Hazing Transparency Report: The College will publish on its public website, and update at least two times each year, a report that summarizes any incident concerning a student organization recognized by the College found to be in violation of this regulation. The report will include the following information:

• The name of the student organization.
• A general description of the violation that resulted in a finding that a violation of this policy occurred, including whether or not the violation involved the abuse or illegal use of alcohol or drugs;
• Any sanctions imposed on the student organization; and
• Related dates (the date of the alleged incident, the date of the initiation of the investigation, the date the investigation ended with a finding, and the date the institution provided notice to the organization of the finding).

The report will not include any personally identifiable student information.

Preventive Measures and Early Intervention

Risk Assessment: The College will conduct periodic risk assessments to identify potential hazing risks within student organizations and athletic teams.

Early Warning System: The College will implement an early warning system to identify and address potential hazing risks, including:

• Regular check-ins with student organization leaders and advisors
• Anonymous tip lines for reporting concerns
• Student Organizations must maintain detailed records of all new member activities, if any, and submit them for review upon request.

Advisor Training and Oversight:

• All faculty and staff advisors to student organizations must complete specialized anti-hazing training.
• Advisors are required to attend and monitor new member activities and report any concerns promptly.

Collaborative Partnerships: The College will establish partnerships with national organizations, local law enforcement, and other institutions to share best practices and resources for hazing prevention.

Resources and Support Services

Reporting and Information:

• Dr. Kim Hill
• Phone: 252-527-6223 ext. 301
• Email: krhill01@lenoircc.edu
• Location: Leigh and John McNairy Library

Confidential Counseling and Support:

• Ms. Gloria Leak
• Phone: 252-527-6223 ext. 331
• Email: glleak92@lenoircc.edu
• Location: Leigh and John McNairy Library

Medical Services:

• Ambulance/Police/Fire: 911
• Local Hospital – UNC Lenoir: 252-522-7000

Campus Safety:

• Emergency: 252-361-1326
• Non-Emergency: 252-527-6223 ext. 208

Limitation of Liability

While the College is committed to preventing and addressing hazing, the College cannot guarantee that hazing incidents will not occur. The College’s liability is limited to its good faith efforts to implement and enforce this policy. Nothing in this policy shall be construed as creating any additional rights or causes of action against the College beyond those provided by applicable law.

Sanctions: Academic and Non-Academic

Instructor’s Investigation and Determination

An instructor suspecting an incident of an academic-related violation shall follow these steps to address the concern:

1. The instructor suspecting the alleged violation shall first present concerns to the student and provide an opportunity for the student to explain or refute the concerns.
2. The student will be allowed to comment on the evidence or to present evidence to clarify the issue in question.
3. Based on the evidence presented and the student’s comments, the instructor shall determine whether or not an academic-violation has occurred.  This determination will result in one of the following findings:
   1. An academic-related violation did not take place and the issue is resolved.
   2. An act of academic dishonesty did occur in the instructor’s opinion. 

The instructor will communicate his/her findings via email to the student’s official college email address or official address of record within five (5) working days of the initial meeting with the student. The findings must contain, with specificity, the evidence supporting the instructor’s determination. The instructor shall also inform the student of the imposed academic sanctions. The sanction will remain in place unless modified or overturned on appeal.

Academic Sanctions

The following sanctions may be imposed for academic violations:

Plagiarism/Cheating – When a student puts their name on work in any class, they are claiming ownership of that work. They are saying, “I wrote this information, and the words and ideas in it are my own, except where I have credited my sources through proper documentation.” Lenoir Community College takes academic integrity matters very seriously. Therefore, consequences for plagiarism and/or cheating will be as follows, at the discretion of the instructor:

1. First instance of plagiarism/cheating: The student may earn a zero on the assignment.
2. Second instance of plagiarism/cheating: The student may earn an “F” for the course and will be referred to the respective dean for potential disciplinary action.

Aiding Acts of Academic Dishonesty/ Violations of Normal Classroom Behavior may result in temporary removal from the classroom. More severe cases will be referred to the Dean of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator.

The instructor is responsible for implementing student discipline procedures for academic related violations. The College is committed to providing an excellent educational experience for all students.  Academic integrity is an essential component to this level of education.  The academic penalty for academic-related violations is posted in the syllabus for each class.  These procedures only apply to academic-related violations.

Non-Academic Sanctions

The following sanctions may be imposed for non-academic violations: 

1. Reprimand: A written or verbal communication that gives official notice to the student that any subsequent offense against the Student Code of Conduct or these guidelines will carry heavier consequences because of this prior infraction.
2. Change of Academic Schedule
3. No Contact Order
4. Campus Restriction: A campus restriction may include either areas of a given campus or one or more campuses as a whole
5. Loss of Technology Privileges: A student may be excluded from all privileges associated with college technology access, including but not limited to email, Moodle, and network access and storage.
6. Restitution: Students may be required to pay for damages suffered by the College, college employees, or other students.
7. Withholding Academic Records: Withholding transcripts, diplomas, and the right to participate in graduation ceremonies is imposed when a student has failed to pay college-levied fines, LCC Foundation loans, or has written worthless checks to college officials.
8. Right to Register: A student’s ability to register is blocked when financial obligations are not met, such as a past-due tuition balance, unpaid college-levied fines, or outstanding LCC Foundation loans.
9. Mandatory Counseling: The student may be required to attend one or more counseling sessions with a licensed professional counselor.  The student may be required to complete counseling before returning to the College after a period of suspension or expulsion. The student must provide written documentation from the licensed professional that the requirement has been met. Additionally, if required by the Dean of Student Services/ Title IX Coordinator, the student must also provide a statement from the licensed professional that the student is able to return to class based on his/her professional judgment.
10. General Probation: A student placed on general probation will be given an opportunity to show his or her capability and willingness to adhere to LCC’s Student Code of Conduct and these guidelines going forward. If he or she does so for the entirety of the time that the general probation is in effect, no further penalty will be imposed; if he or she violates the Student Code of Conduct or these guidelines during the time that the general probation is in effect, further disciplinary action will be taken. A general probation may be imposed for a period of time no longer than two semesters.
11. Restrictive Probation: Restrictive probation results in loss of the student’s good standing and will be recorded in the student’s file. Restrictive probation limits a student’s activity in the college community, including but not limited to exclusion from class(es), program(s), and/or specific campus locations. Generally, students on restrictive probation will not be eligible for initiation into any local or national organizations; may not receive any college award or other honorary recognition; and may not occupy a position of leadership or responsibility with any college or student organization, publication, or activity. A restrictive probation may be imposed for a period of time no shorter than two semesters. Any violation of restrictive probation may result in immediate suspension.
12. Temporary Suspension: Temporary suspension is the exclusion from all college property and all college activities pending the resolution of a disciplinary proceeding.
13. Suspension: Suspension excludes a student from all college privileges and activities for a specified period of time. This sanction is reserved for those offenses warranting discipline more severe than probation or for repeated misconduct. Suspension will be recorded in the student’s file. A suspended student may return to the College only with the written approval of the Dean of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator.
14. Expulsion: Expulsion strips a student of his or her status as a student and dismisses him or her from the College for an indefinite period. Expulsion will be recorded in the student file. An expelled student may be readmitted to the College only with the written approval of the Dean of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator.

All disciplinary actions should be progressive in nature and should consider the totality of the situation; however, depending on the severity of the infraction, even first-time offenses could result in suspension or expulsion.

Dismissal from a Program

If at any time during the semester it is determined that a student is not a safe and dependable practitioner in the clinic, shop, lab, or similar area, and that the problem cannot be eliminated with reasonable accommodation, the student may be dismissed from the program with the concurrence of the Dean of Student Services. The student is afforded the right of due process. Any time during the semester a faculty member determines that a student may be dismissed from the College when the College official determines that a student:

• Expresses an articulable, imminent, and significant threat to the applicant, other individuals, college employees, or the College environment or
• Demonstrates behavior which conflicts with safety essential to the program's practice, including documented evidence used in assisting the College in making safety determinations. In addition, if at any time a health sciences faculty member determines that a student
• Presents problems in physical or emotional health which do not respond to appropriate treatment and/or counseling within a reasonable period of time or
• Demonstrates behavior which conflicts with safety essential to the nursing practice and other health sciences programs, the student may be dismissed from the program.

Under no conditions will a student possess or use any illicit substances (drugs), alcohol, or substances illegally obtained while at the College. Any student who is found to possess or is found to be a user of such substances or alcoholic beverages will be evaluated for dismissal from any program.

While in the program or on an LCC campus, a student may at any time be required to provide a urine or blood sample for testing to validate or disprove use of illicit/controlled substances/alcoholic beverages. Such testing will be at the student's expense. Failure to submit to such testing or provide body fluid samples will be interpreted as supportive of impairment. Test values indicating use of illicit/controlled substances/alcoholic beverages will be grounds for dismissal from the program.

Appeals: Academic and Non-Academic

Academic Appeals Procedures

1. A student who disagrees with the instructor’s decision may appeal to the division dean. This appeal must be submitted in writing within three (3) working days of receipt of the instructor’s decision and describe, with specificity, why the student believes the instructor’s findings to be in error.  
2. The division dean will conduct a review of the evidence by examining the instructor’s written findings and student’s written appeal.  The division dean may require the student, the instructor, and any other necessary party to provide additional documents as needed, including written statements, or provide written clarification to submitted documents. 
3. After considering the evidence presented, the division dean will affirm, modify, or overturn the instructor’s decision.
4. The division dean will inform the student via the student’s official college email address or official address of record of the decision within ten (10) working days of the receipt of the student’s appeal. 
5. A student who disagrees with the division dean’s decision may contact the Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services in writing, within ten (10) working days of receipt of the decision to request an appeal before the ad hoc Academic Affairs sub-committee but only on the following grounds:
   1. Procedural error that significantly impacted the outcome of the resolution process and that was prejudicial to the appellant, and/or
   2. The availability of previously unavailable relevant evidence that would have significantly impacted the outcome of the resolution process and the absence of which was prejudicial to the appellant.
6. Recommendations of this committee regarding the appeal will be made to the President of the College within five (5) working days. The decision of the President will be final and no further appeal is allowed.

Note: Dismissal from a clinical site is not eligible for appeal through the College. A student dismissed from the clinical site will also be dismissed from the program.

Grade Appeal Process

It is recognized that there may be individual cases in which a student should be allowed to make a formal appeal related to a final grade assigned for a particular course taken at the College. The following procedure will enable a student to exercise this right:

• Any appeal of a final grade should be initiated prior to the end of the next regular term. In cases where the student is dismissed from a program, the student should not be allowed to return to any lab or clinical area during the appeal process.
• The student should confer with the instructor to determine that there has been no mistake and to present his or her case.
• If the case is not resolved by the instructor, the student may make an appointment with the instructor’s immediate supervisor (program chair or director) who will hear his or her appeal.
• If the case cannot be resolved at the departmental level, the student may make an appointment with the dean within whose area the protested grade was awarded.

A student who disagrees with the division dean’s decision may contact the Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services in writing, within ten (10) working days of receipt of the decision to request an appeal before the ad hoc Academic Affairs sub-committee but only on the following grounds:

• Procedural error that significantly impacted the outcome of the resolution process and that was prejudicial to the appellant, and/or
• The availability of previously unavailable relevant evidence that would have significantly impacted the outcome of the resolution process and the absence of which was prejudicial to the appellant.

Recommendations of this committee regarding the appeal will be made to the President of the College within five (5) working days. The decision of the President will be final and no further appeal is allowed.

Non-Academic Appeals Procedures

A student who disagrees with the Dean of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator’s decision may contact the Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services in writing, within ten (10) working days of receipt of the decision to request an appeal before the ad hoc Disciplinary Committee but only on the following grounds:

1. Procedural error that significantly impacted the outcome of the resolution process and that was prejudicial to the appellant, and/or
2. The availability of previously unavailable relevant evidence that would have significantly impacted the outcome of the resolution process and the absence of which was prejudicial to the appellant.

Note: Dismissal from a clinical site is not eligible for appeal through the College. A student dismissed from the clinical site will also be dismissed from the program.

Appeal to the Disciplinary Committee

Any appeal must be made in writing to the Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services within ten (10) working days of the notice of decision.

If the Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services deems the appeal to be warranted, he or she will refer the appeal to the ad hoc Disciplinary Committee to review. 

The ad hoc Disciplinary Committee will consist of three members (faculty and/or staff) selected by the President. The Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services will chair the hearing but will not have a vote in the proceedings.

The Disciplinary Committee will review the written record and has the right to conduct interviews with the student, any related witnesses, and the Dean of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator. A written decision on the appeal will be issued within ten (10) working days of the receipt of the appeal. Recommendations of this committee regarding the appeal will be made to the President of the College within five (5) working days. The decision of the President will be final and no further appeal is allowed.

Disciplinary Committee Procedures

Pre-Hearing Procedural Responsibilities of the Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services

The Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services will select a date for the appeal hearing. At least five (5) working days prior to the date set for the hearing, the Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services shall send notification to the student(s) with the following information:

• A restatement of the charge or charges
• The time and place of the hearing
• A statement of the students’ basic procedural rights
• A list of witnesses that the Dean of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator or designee plans to present
• The names of the ad hoc Disciplinary Committee members
• At least two (2) working days prior to the hearing, the student(s) will provide the Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services with a witness list.

The following due process rights shall apply to the Disciplinary Committee hearing:

• The right to produce witnesses on one’s behalf
• The right to request, in writing, the President to disqualify any member of the Disciplinary Committee for prejudice or bias (The request must contain reasons.)  A request for disqualification, if made, must be submitted at least three (3) working days prior to the hearing.  If such disqualification occurs, the appropriate nominating body shall appoint a replacement to be approved by the President.
• The right to present evidence
• The right to know the identity of the person(s) bringing the charge(s)
• The right to hear witnesses on behalf of the person(s) bringing the charge(s)
• The right to testify or to refuse to testify without such refusal being detrimental to the student

The following hearing procedures shall apply:

• Hearings before the Disciplinary Committee shall be confidential and shall be closed to all persons except the following:
  • The student(s),
  • Disciplinary Committee members, and
  • Dean of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator, or designee.
• Witnesses shall only be present in the hearing room when giving their testimony.
• The Dean of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator, or designee, shall present evidence and witnesses to support his/her decision. Disciplinary Committee members may ask questions to the witnesses.
• The student(s) will then have an opportunity to present evidence and witnesses.  Disciplinary Committee members may ask questions to the witnesses.
• Each side will have an opportunity to make a short, closing argument.  The hearing will be transcribed by a certified cart reporter.  The transcription will become the College’s property and access to the transcription will be determined by the Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.  All transcriptions will be filed in the office of the Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.
• Upon completion of a hearing, the Disciplinary Committee shall meet in closed session to affirm, reverse, or modify the Dean of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator’s decision.
• Disciplinary Committee decisions shall be made by majority vote.
• Within two (2) working days after the hearing, the Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services shall notify the student, in writing, with the Disciplinary Committee’s decision.
• The decision of the Disciplinary Committee is final and no further appeal is allowed.

Other: In addition to this Code of Conduct, students will be held accountable to the individual program’s specific standards of conduct.