V. Disciplinary Procedures
The Director of Counseling Services as designated by the Associate Vice President of Academic and Student Services and hereafter referred to as Director will be responsible for handling judicial procedures. The Associate Vice President of Academic and Student Services may handle judicial procedures in the absence of the Director. *Note: Continuing Education disciplinary matters are handled by the Associate Vice President of Continuing Education Services. Basic Skills matters are handled by the Director of Basic Skills – see Basic Skills Handbook. All sanctions and procedures apply to all students, whether traditional or distance.
- 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 College employee may direct student(s) involved to cease and desist such conduct and advise them that failing to cease and desist will result in immediate dismissal. If the student(s) fail to cease and desist, the instructor or College employee may then dismiss the student(s) from the event, activity, or the class (until the next class meeting). Any further action must be made through a formal charge in writing to the Director noting the individual(s) involved and the nature of the infraction as soon as possible but no more than five (5) business days following the incident or knowledge of the incident (exceptions for Title IX). The Director shall resolve the matter in a timely fashion utilizing the steps outlined below.
- Responsibility for Implementation - The Director is responsible for implementing student discipline procedures.
- Disciplinary Procedures - 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:
- Charges: Any College employee or student may file charges with the Director against any student or student organization for violations of College regulations. The individual(s) making the charge must complete a Charge Form (available from the Director) stating:
- name of the student(s) involved,
- the alleged violation of the specific Code of Conduct,
- the time, place, and date of the incident,
- names of persons directly involved or witnesses to the infractions,
- any action taken that relates to the matter,
- desired solution(s).
The completed Charge Form must be forwarded to the Director within five (5) business days of the incident or knowledge of the incident (exceptions for Title IX).
- Investigation and Decision: Within five (5) business days after the charge is filed, the Director 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 Director may act as follows:
- Drop the charges.
- Impose a sanction consistent with those listed.
- Refer the student to a College office or community agency for services.
- Notification: The Director shall send a certified letter to the student’s last known address on file with the Office of Admissions and Records providing the student with a list of the charges, the Director’s decision, and instructions governing the appeal process. A copy will also be sent to the complainant. Failure of the student to accept receipt of the letter within six (6) business days of letter postmark ends the appeal procedure and the student forfeits his or her right to appeal.