Student Grievance Policy

Grievance Process Overview

In order to maintain a harmonious and cooperative environment between and among the College and its students, the College provides for the settlement of problems and differences through an orderly grievance procedure. Every student shall have the right to present their problems or grievances free from coercion, restraint, discrimination or reprisal. This Policy provides for prompt and orderly consideration and determination of student problems and grievances by College administrators and ultimately the President.

A grievance is any matter of student concern or dissatisfaction with the College’s control except: (a) student discipline matters regarding academic and non-academic violations (Student Conduct ); (b) discrimination and unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment and sexual violence (Discrimination and Unlawful Harassment ); (c) a grade appeal (Grade Appeal ); or (d) any other matter that has a specific grievance process outlined in that policy or procedure.

Internal Grievance Process

1. Informal Grievance - Step One

In the event the alleged grievance lies with an instructor/staff member, the student must first go to that instructor/staff member and attempt to informally resolve the matter. Both the student and instructor/staff members must have an informal conference to discuss the situation and document the attempts taken to resolve the grievance at this level. In the event that the student is unsatisfied with the resolution reached at the informal conference, they may proceed to Step Two within five (5) business days after the informal conference. Not proceeding to Step Two within the time period will result in the grievance not being heard and the matter being closed.

If the grievance concerns issues unrelated to a particular instructor/staff member (for example, and issue with College policy), the student can skip the informal process and proceed to Step Two.

2. Formal Grievance - Step Two

If the grievance is not resolved at Step One (or, given the nature of the grievance, Step Two begins the process) the student may file a written grievance with the Vice President of Student Services (Vice President). The written grievance must contain, with specificity, the facts supporting the grievance and the attempt, if applicable, to resolve the grievance at the informal level.

The Vice President (or, depending on the nature of the grievance, another appropriate Vice President) shall review the written grievance and conduct whatever further investigation, if any, is necessary to determine any additional facts that are needed to resolve the grievance. The Vice President shall provide their written decision within ten (10) business days after receipt of the grievance.

In the event that the student is unsatisfied with the resolution reached by the Vice President, they may proceed to Step Three within five (5) business days after receipt of the Vice President’s written determination. Not proceeding to Step Three within the time period will result in the grievance not being heard and the matter being closed.

3. Appeal - Step Three

If the student is not satisfied with the Vice President’s determination, the student may appeal to the President. The appeal must be in writing, must provide a written summary of the specific facts and must contain any other documentation pertinent to the matter. The President will conduct an “on the record” review and conduct any further investigation that is necessary to ascertain the facts needed to make a determination. The President may, at their discretion, establish a committee to further investigate the matter and make a recommendation to the President.

At the conclusion of the investigation and not later than fifteen (15) business days after receipt of the student’s appeal, the President shall provide a written decision to the student.

The President’s decision is final.

External Grievance Process

1. North Carolina Community College System

The College is a member of the North Carolina Community College (NCCC) System. If a student is dissatisfied with the result of a grievance within the College, the student may file a grievance with the NCCC System. The student must exhaust the College’s internal grievance process prior to filing a grievance with the NCCC System. The contact information for the NCCC System Office is:

North Carolina Community College System Office
200 West Jones Street Raleigh, NC 27603
Telephone: 919-807-7100
Website: https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/students/student-services/file-a-complaint/
Student Complaint Process: https://studentcomplaints.northcarolina.edu/

2. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). If a student is dissatisfied with the result of a grievance within the College, the student may file a grievance with the SACSCOC. The student must exhaust the College’s internal grievance process prior to filing a grievance with the SACSCOC. The contact information for SACSCOC is:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
(SACSCOC)
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30033
Telephone: 404-679-4500
Website: https://sacscoc.org/
Student Complaint Process and Form: https://sacscoc.org/app/uploads/2020/01/ComplaintPolicy-1.pdf

Adopted by the Board of Trustees, June 08, 2015
Amended by the Board of Trustees, November 13, 2023

Return to Surry CC State Authorization page.

Amnesty for Alcohol and Drug Use/Abuse

The health and safety of every student and employee at Surry Community College is of utmost importance. To encourage the reporting of alleged incidents of gender-based or sexual misconduct, neither complainants, respondents, nor witnesses or bystanders will face disciplinary actions under the Student Code of Conduct  or the Drug and Alcohol Use/Abuse  Policies if they personally engage in the unlawful or prohibited use of alcohol and/or drugs during the alleged incident of gender-based or sexual misconduct.

Amnesty only applies to personal use of alcohol and/or drugs and does not extend to other potential violations under the Student Code of Conduct  or the Drug and Alcohol Use/Abuse  Policies. For example, if the respondent distributes alcohol and/or drugs to the complainant, the respondent may face disciplinary action under the Drug and Alcohol Use/Abuse  Policy for the distribution of alcohol and/or drugs to the complainant.

Approved by the Board of Trustees, September 14, 2015
Amended by the Board of Trustees, November 13, 2023

Student Code of Conduct

The College makes every effort to maintain a safe and orderly educational environment for students and staff. Therefore, when, in the judgment of College officials, a student’s conduct disrupts or threatens to disrupt the College community, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken to restore and protect the community. 

Students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with generally accepted standards of scholarship and morality. The purpose of these standards is not to restrict student rights but to protect the rights of individuals in their academic pursuits. 

The following regulation sets forth offenses for which disciplinary proceedings may be initiated. Violation of one or more of the following code provisions may result in one of the sanctions described in Discipline and Appeal for Academic Violations Procedure  and/or Discipline and Appeal for Non-Academic Violations Procedure . 

Academic-Related Violations

1. Plagiarism - The intentional theft or unacknowledged use of work or ideas of another person or produced by artificial intelligence. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to: a) paraphrasing or summarizing another’s words or works without proper acknowledgment; b) using direct quotes of material without proper acknowledgment; or c) purchasing or using a paper or presentation written or produced by another person or by artificial intelligence. If a student is uncertain about what constitutes plagiarism, he/she should discuss with the class instructor.
2. Cheating - Using notes or other material on an exam or class work without permission from the class instructor; receiving information from another student or artificial intelligence 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 - Providing information to another student and knowing, or reasonably should have known, that the student intends to use the information for cheating or other deceptive purposes.

Non-Academic Related Violations

1. Theft and Property Damage - Students shall not steal or damage College property or another individual’s property. Students who are caught stealing or damaging said property will be required to make restitution and may be eligible for civil or criminal prosecution as well as College discipline.
2. Trespass to Property - Students are trespassing if in an unauthorized area of the College campus; present on the College campus after closing hours (without permission); or remaining on the College campus after having been directed to leave by a College official.
3. Drugs and Alcohol - Unlawfully possessing, using, being under the influence of, manufacturing, dispensing, selling or distributing alcohol, illegal or unauthorized controlled substances or impairing substances at any College location. For more specific information, see Alcohol and Drugs on Campus Policy. In addition, students may not use tobacco of any form or e-cigarettes on campus or at any College-affiliated activities or events. 
4. Lewd and Indecent Behavior - Students shall not engage in lewd or indecent behavior, including public physical or verbal action or distribution of obscene material based on reasonable community standards. The conduct must be objectively severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would agree that the conduct constitutes lewd and/or indecent behavior. 
5. Mental/Physical Abuse - Students shall not mentally or physically abuse any person on the College premises or at a College-supervised function, including verbal or physical actions which threaten or endanger the health or safety of any such persons. 
6.  Assault - Students shall not assault or threaten to assault another person for any reason whatsoever. Assault includes a demonstration of force, unlawful physical touching or striking.
7. Title IX Sexual Harassment - Students shall not engage in sexual harassment and/or sexual violence. For more specific information and definitions of prohibited activities, consult Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedure.
8. Unlawful Discrimination - Students shall not engage in unlawful discrimination. For more specific information and definitions of prohibited activities, consult Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment Policy.
9. Communicating Threats - Students shall not verbally, in writing, through a third party or by any other means threaten to physically injure another person or that person’s child, sibling, spouse or dependent, or willfully threaten to damage the property of another.
10. Bullying - Students shall not intimidate or threaten with harm any other individual. Bullying is defined as any pattern of gestures or written, electronic or verbal communications, or any physical act or any threatening communication that takes place on the College premises or at any College sponsored function that: (a) places a person in actual and reasonable fear of harm to his or her property; or (b) creates, or is certain to create, a hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits or a College’s employee’s ability to perform the essential functions of his/her job.
11. Disorderly Conduct and Disruption - Students shall not obstruct or disrupt any teaching, research, administration or disciplinary proceedings, or other College activities, including public service functions, and other duly authorized activities on or off College premises. Students shall not occupy or seize, in any manner, College property, a College facility or any portion thereof for a use inconsistent with prescribed, customary, or authorized use. Students shall not participate in or conduct an assembly, demonstration or gathering in a manner which threatens or causes injury to person 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; hold rallies, demonstrations, or any other forms of public gathering without prior approval of the College based on reasonable time, place and manner restrictions; remain at the scene of such an assembly after being asked to leave by a representative of the College staff. 
12. Possession of Weapons - Students may not have a weapon of any kind, including but not limited to, a knife, stun gun or any firearm in their possession on campus or at any College-affiliated activities or events except handguns as allowed by N.C.G.S. § 14-269.4. Handguns are permitted under these circumstances: a) the person has a concealed handgun permit that is lawfully issued; b) the handgun is in a closed compartment or container within the person’s locked vehicle; c) a person may unlock the vehicle to enter or exit the vehicle provided the handgun remains in the closed compartment at all times; and d) the vehicle is locked at all times.
13. Tampering with Fire Alarms - 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. 
14. Gambling - Students may not gamble on campus or at any College-affiliated activities or events.
15. Traffic Violations - Violation of College regulations regarding the operation and parking of motor vehicles. 
16. Providing False Information - Students shall not present to the College or its employees false information as part of an investigation, inquiry, hearing or in other matters related to College activities; neither may a student knowingly withhold information which may have an effect on their enrollment or their status with the College.
17. Disobedience / Insubordination - Failure to comply with instructions of College officials acting in performance of their duties and failure to adhere to the terms of any discipline action. 
18. Financial Impropriety - Financial impropriety such as failure to pay College-levied fines, failure to repay College-funded loans, misuse or failure to properly account for club or student organization funds, or the passing of worthless checks, drafts or orders to College officials.
19. Public Laws - Violations of any federal, state or local laws occurring while on campus may lead to legal actions as well as College discipline. Violations of federal, state or local laws occurring off campus may result in disciplinary action if the student’s continued presence on campus constitutes a threat to the safety and order of the campus.
20. Failure to Report Criminal Activity - Failure to inform the College, in writing, within five (5) days after he or she is convicted for violation of any federal, state, or local criminal drug statue or alcoholic beverage control statute where such violation occurred while on a College location. For more information, see Alcohol and Drugs on Campus Policy.
21. Unauthorized Access to College Records - Students may not access, view, copy or change official College records without expressed authority to do so.
22. Animals on Campus - Students may not have an animal of any kind on campus. This includes animals left within a vehicle. Services animals are permitted and any student with a service animal should report the use of a service animal to the College’s Accessibility Services Director. For more information regarding service animals, see Service Animals and Other Animals on Campus Policy.
23. Improper Use of the College Network/Technology - Students are prohibited from engaging in any activities prohibited under Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy. 
24. Violation of Policies and Procedures - Students are expected to be familiar with the College’s policies and procedures. Students may be disciplined for failure to follow the College’s policies and procedures.
25. Violations of Normal Classroom Behavior - 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.
26. Student Assessment Team - Not complying with a recommendation or directive by the Student Assessment Team pursuant to Student Threat Assessment Policy.

Approved by the Board of Trustees, June 08, 2015 
Amended by the Board of Trustees, November 13, 2023

Discipline and Appeal for Academic Violations

Overview

The Chief Academic Officer 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 should be clearly stated by the instructor in each course syllabus and review at the beginning of the first-class meeting.

These procedures only apply to academic-related violations, outlined herein and defined in standards of Student Code of Conduct  Policy. For non-academic violations, see Discipline and Appeal for Non-Academic Violations Procedure .

Sanctions for Violations

Sanctions for academic-related violations are outlined in all instructors’ syllabi. Be aware that some divisions, such as Health Sciences, have a standard approach to sanctions across all divisional courses.

Potential sanctions include the following: 

• Warning and resubmission requirement 
• 0 (letter grade of “F”) for the assignment 
• 0 (letter grade of “F”) for the course and removal from the course
• 0 (letter grade of “F”) for the course, removal from the course, and removal from the program 

Penalties may vary based on the severity of the dishonesty, repeated incidents of dishonesty, and such other aggravating or mitigating factors that may be present in an individual case. 

Instructor’s Investigation and Determination

A. Instructor’s Investigation

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: 

a.    An academic-related violation did not take place and the issue is resolved.

b.    An act of academic dishonesty did occur in the instructor’s opinion.

B. Instructor’s Determination

The instructor will communicate his/her findings via email to the student’s official College email address within five (5) business days of the initial meeting with the student. If an email address is not available, the instructor shall send his/her written findings to the student’s mailing address on record with the College. 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.

Plagiarism 

Any case of student writing which takes the ideas, facts, phrases, or sentences of another author without acknowledging the original source through appropriate citation methods.

Examples of Plagiarism (this list is not exhaustive): 

• Including a full References, Works Cited, etc. page with no in-text citations. 
• Putting a single citation at the end of a full paragraph when other sentences in the paragraph are clearly from the cited author. 
• Using verbatim quote but failing to use quotations marks. 
• Including a proper in-text citation but failing to list the source on the citations page. 

Surry Community College considers two types of plagiarism:

Documentation Errors/Unintentional Plagiarism: Phrases, sentences, concepts, or facts presented without proper citation but to a limited degree. These errors are usually not intentional but are often careless mistakes and are less serious to the degree that they appear in Flagrant Plagiarism. 

Examples of Documentation Errors/Unintentional Plagiarism (this list is not exhaustive):

• Including a full References, Works Cited, etc. page with no in-text citations. 
• Putting a single citation at the end of a full paragraph when other sentences in the paragraph are clearly from the cited author. 
• Using verbatim quotes but failing to use quotations marks. 
• Including a proper in-text citation but failing to list the source on the citations page. 

Flagrant: Complete ideas, sentences, paragraphs, or whole papers submitted without giving credit to the original source/sources with the intent to conceal the origin of the writing. Students commit this type of plagiarism to avoid the work of writing. 

Examples of Flagrant Plagiarism (this list is not exhaustive):

• Resubmitting another student’s paper. 
• Copying large sections from another author with no attempt at citation and no References, Works Cited, etc. 
• Resubmitting the student’s own paper previously submitted in another class without asking the faculty member’s approval.

Plagiarism Sanctions

Plagiarism is a serious offense for academic writers, including student writers.

Flagrant Plagiarism:

1. If student writing contains flagrant plagiarism, the student receives a zero or failing grade for the assignment and an academic early alert will be submitted. The instructor will discuss with the student why the assignment contained plagiarism and direct the student to campus resources (in the course or in the library) about avoiding plagiarism.
2. If a student commits flagrant plagiarism a second time, the student will be withdrawn from the course with a WF, and another early alert will be submitted. 

Instructors have discretion in identifying whether a failing grade is “D,” “69”, etc. Students should see individual syllabi for specifics.

Documentation Error: 

1. If student writing is determined to contain documentation errors, the student will be allowed to revise the writing for a lower grade. The grade and time given to revise the writing is at the discretion of the instructor.
2. If a student commits serious documentation errors a second time the student may receive a zero for the assignment or be allowed to revise the assignment a second time at the instructor’s discretion. 

Identifying Plagiarism

Instructors may use several tools to identify plagiarism, including digital plagiarism detection programs (SafeAssign, Turnitin, etc.), internet searches for exact word matches, and assistance from the SCC Library Specialists. An instructor may also identify plagiarism on their own by observing when the student’s abilities and writing styles do not match their submitted work. 

Type of Assignment 

Plagiarism can occur in all types of assignments, including low-stakes discussion forum posts and high stakes final papers. Instructors may adjust the policy to fit the type of assignment. 

Appeal Procedures

A. Students should follow the Academic Appeal Policy.

In order to be fair and guarantee students due process, Surry Community College recognizes the need for an Academic Appeal Policy. The adoption of an Academic Appeal Policy does not relieve students of making every effort to resolve a complaint before an appeal to the authority. Students should recognize that faculty members have the right and responsibility to determine the assessments and grading procedures for their classes using their professional judgment. Students have grounds for an appeal if they believe a grade has been awarded capriciously, arbitrarily, or prejudicially. This policy does not apply to allegations of harassment or discrimination. Such allegations are governed by the Harassment and Discrimination Policy. Disciplinary-related appeals are handled through the Disciplinary Appeal Policy.

Appeal Procedure 
For any academic issue occurring in or otherwise related to the classroom, students are to implement the following procedure: 

1. Schedule within five (5) days following the occurrence an appointment with the instructor to discuss the action in question.
2. If not resolved with the instructor, schedule within five (5) days of the appointment with the instructor an appointment with the respective division chair/director.
3. If the matter is not resolved, submit to the appropriate dean within five (5) days of the division chair appointment a written request for an appeal conference. This request should include a brief summary of the issues in question and the reasons for the appeal.
4. Within five (5) days of receiving the written request, the Vice President of Instruction shall conduct an appeal conference with the student and the instructor. The Vice President shall determine in his/her sole discretion whether or not any other person(s) is (are) to be present at this conference. The Vice President may make and enforce such other procedural rules regarding this conference as they deem appropriate. The Vice President shall issue a written decision within five (5) days following completion of the conference. A copy of the decision shall be delivered to the student and the instructor and the original shall be filed with the Chief Academic Officer (CAO).
5. If a student is not satisfied with the decision from the appeal conference held with the Vice President of Instruction, the student may appeal the decision to the Appeal Council. Written notice of appeal must be submitted to the Chief Academic Officer within ten (10) days following receipt of the decision. 

Academic Appeal Council 
The Academic Appeal Council is composed of the Chief Academic Officer, three (3) independent and unbiased faculty representatives selected on an ad hoc basis by the President or an officer of the Faculty Senate, and a student representative selected by the Chief Academic Officer. 

Scheduling of the Appeal 
The Academic Appeal Council shall conduct an appeal within ten (10) days following its receipt of the student’s written request. 

Notice of the Appeal 
Written notice of the date, time, and place of the appeal shall be given to the student and the affected faculty member not less than three (3) days prior to the date of the appeal. 

Appeal Proceedings 
At the appeal, the student and respondent may present evidence and arguments. The Academic Appeal Council shall determine whether or not other persons may participate in this appeal and shall announce and enforce such time limitations or other procedural rules regarding the conduct of the appeal as it deems appropriate. The committee will hold its deliberations in closed session in accordance with Open Meetings Law unless otherwise requested in writing by the student. Neither the college nor the student will be permitted to have legal representation during the grade appeal session. The decision of the Academic Appeal Council shall be based solely upon the evidence presented at the appeal. In the event of a split decision, the Chief Academic Officer will cast the deciding vote. The Academic Appeal Council shall issue its decision within ten (10) days following completion of the appeal. Notification of the need to extend this time period shall be given by the Academic Appeal Council to all parties. 

The decision of the Academic Appeal Council is binding and may not be appealed. 

Day; Time Limitations 
For purposes of this policy, the term “day” is defined as a regularly scheduled working day and does not include weekends, holidays, or other days in which the College is not open for regular business transactions. The time limitations specified in this policy may not be extended except for extraordinary causes not within the control of the party requesting the extension. 

Prohibition Against Retaliation and Abuse of the Policy 
Retaliation against any person who in good faith exercises his/her rights under this policy is strictly prohibited. Any complaint of retaliation is to be made to the Chief Academic Officer within ten (10) days from the act upon which the complaint is based. If the complaint of retaliation is against the Chief Academic Officer, it is to be filed with the President of the College. 

Adopted by Board of Trustees June 14, 1976
Amended by the Board of Trustees August 19, 1996
Revised by the Board of Trustees November 30, 2009; March 8, 2010; March 11, 2014, Amended November 13, 2023

Discipline and Appeal for Non-Academic Violations

Overview

The Vice President of Student Services is responsible for implementing these Procedures. 

These Procedures apply to non-academic violations defined in Policy 5.3.2 -Student Code of Conduct Policy . For academic-related violations, see Procedure 5.3.2.1 -Discipline and Appeal for Academic Violations Procedure . For issues regarding sexual harassment and sexual violence, see Procedure 5.3.4.1 -Sexual Harassment Title IX  and for issues related to other forms of unlawful discrimination, see Procedure 5.3.4.2 Unlawful Discrimination Procedure .

Sanctions For Violations

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

1. Verbal Warning. Verbal warning which if the student continues or repeats a specific behavior/condition further disciplinary action will be taken.
2. 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. 
3. Disciplinary Probation. Disciplinary probation results in loss of good standing and becomes a matter of record. While on disciplinary probation, the student will not be eligible for initiation into any local or national organization and shall not receive any College award or other honorary recognition. The student may not occupy a position of leadership or responsibility with any College or student organization, publication, or activity. This sanction prohibits the student from officially representing the College or participating in any extracurricular activities including intramural competitions. Disciplinary probation will be in effect for not less than two (2) semesters including the current semester. Any further disciplinary offenses while under disciplinary probation will result in the student’s immediate suspension.
4. Restitution. Restitution is paying for damaging, misusing, destroying, or losing property belonging to the College, College employees or students. Restitution may take the form of financial payment or appropriate service to repair or otherwise compensate for such damages. 
5. Temporary Suspension. Temporary suspension is the exclusion from all College property and all College activities pending the resolution of a disciplinary proceeding. 
6. Disciplinary Suspension. Discipline suspension is the exclusion from all College property and all College activities for a specified period of time. This sanction is reserved for those offenses warranting discipline more severe than disciplinary probation. A student under disciplinary suspension must receive specific written permission from the Vice President of Student Services before returning to campus. Disciplinary suspension appears on the student’s academic transcript.
7. Expulsion. Expulsion is dismissing from the College. The student may be re-admitted to the College only with the approval of the Vice President of Student Services. Expulsion appears on the student’s academic transcript. 
8. Group Probation. Group probation is given to a College club or other organized student group for a specified period of time. If group violations are repeated during the term of probation, the charter may be revoked or activities restricted.
9. Group Restriction. Group restriction is removing College recognition during the semester which the offense occurred, or for a longer period (usually not more than one other semester). While under restriction, the group may not seek to add members, hold, or sponsor events in the College community or engage in other activities as specified. 
10. Group Charter Revocation. Revocation is the removal of College recognition for a group, club, society, or other organization for a minimum of two (2) years. Re-charter after that time must be approved by the President.

In addition to the above stated sanctions, the College may require 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 Vice President of Student Services, 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.

Immediate Removal from Campus

If an act of misconduct threatens the health, safety or well-being of any member of the academic community and/or seriously disrupts the function and good order of the College, an instructor will immediately notify the Vice President of Student Services and Chief of Campus Police, who will immediately meet with the student and direct the student to cease and desist such conduct and advise the student that failing to cease and desist will result in an immediate removal from campus. If the student(s) fails to cease and desist, or if the behavior is such that the student(s) needs to immediately be removed from campus, the Vice President of Student Services and Chief of Campus Police may then immediately have the student(s) removed from campus.

If the misconduct requires an investigation, the Vice President of Student Services shall place the student on temporary suspension pending the outcome of the disciplinary matter. Temporary suspension may be imposed only: (a) to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the College; (b) to ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being; or (c) if the student poses a direct threat of disruption or interference with the normal operations of the College.

Disciplinary Procedures

In order to provide an orderly system for handling student disciplinary cases in accordance with due process and justice, the following procedures will be followed: 

A.    Incident Report

Any College employee or student may file written charges with the Vice President of Student Services against any student or student organization for violations of the Student Code of Conduct. The individual(s) making the charge must complete and submit an Incident Report within five (5) business days of the incident given rise to the alleged violation.

B.    Investigation and Determination

The Vice President of Student Services shall conduct an investigation into the charges and allegations. Within ten (10) business days after receipt of the incident report, the Vice President of Student Services shall complete his/her investigation of the charges and shall meet with the student (or student representative(s) on behalf of a student organization), present the results of the investigation and provided the student (or student representative(s)) with an opportunity to present his/her side. After discussing the alleged infraction with the student, the Vice President of Student Services may act as follows: 

1. Drop the charges; 
2. Impose a sanction; or
3. Refer the student(s) to a College office or community agency for services. 

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

C.    Notification

The Vice President of Student Services shall provide the student with their written decision and instructions governing the appeal process. Such notice shall be given in person or sent to the student’s College email address or mailing address of record.

Disciplinary Appeal Procedure

A.    Appeal to the President 

A student who disagrees with the Vice President of Student Service’s decision may request an appeal before the President. This request must be submitted in writing to the President within ten (10) working days after receipt of the Vice President of Student Service’s decision. The Vice President of Student Services shall refer the matter to the President together with a report of the nature of the alleged misconduct, the name of the complainant, the name of the student( s) against whom the charge has been filed, and the relevant facts revealed by the Vice President of Student Service’s investigation. The Vice President of Student Service’s decision is upheld pending an appeal. The President shall review all information provided by the Vice President of Student Services and the student. The President shall provide a written decision to the student and Vice President of Student Services within ten (10) business days from the receipt of the student’s appeal. 

Student Voluntary Withdrawal

If a student is accused of violating the Student Code of Conduct and voluntarily withdrawals prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary matter without the consent of the Vice President of Student Services, the student will not be allowed to re-enroll to the College unless reasonable re-entry restrictions, as determined by the Chief Academic Officer, are satisfied. For students who withdrew prior to a determination regarding alleged misconduct that threatened the health, safety or well-being of any member of the academic community and/or seriously disrupted the function and good order of the College, in addition to other reasonable re-entry restrictions, the student must provide proof from a psychiatrist or licensed psychologist, at the student’s expense, that the student no longer poses a direct threat.

Approved by the Board of Trustees June 08, 2015
Amended November 13, 2023