Academic Policies & Requirements

All academic policies and regulations concerning the following can be found in the current Colorado Mountain College Catalog: grading system, incompletes, audits, credits, withdrawal, repetition of courses, course load, attendance, degree requirements and academic standards. See College Counselors and Campus Administration for more details in these areas.

Academic Expectations

In order to encourage and foster academic excellence, the college expects students to conduct themselves in accordance with generally accepted norms of scholarship and professional behavior. Because of this expectation, the college does not condone any form of academic misconduct. Academic misconduct includes but is not limited to plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, and knowingly or recklessly encouraging or making possible any act of plagiarism, cheating or fabrication.

Academic misconduct is an unacceptable activity in scholarship and is in conflict with academic and professional ethics and morals. Consequently, students who are judged to have engaged in some form of academic misconduct shall be subject to: (1) a zero or an “F” on the work in question; (2) other academic penalties as outlined in the instructor’s course requirements and expectations; (3) disciplinary action, or (4) any combination thereof. If cheating occurs on the placement test, the student’s scores will not be accepted and the student will not be allowed to retake the placement test until six (6) months have passed.

Generally, a student’s intentions will not be the primary consideration in the determination of whether academic misconduct has occurred. A student’s intentions will usually be considered only during the process of deciding on the appropriate sanctions or penalties.

Plagiarism is the act of appropriating another person’s written, artistic, or musical composition, or portions thereof, or ideas, language or symbols, and conveying the material as the product of one’s own mind, without giving credit to the originator.

Regarding written work in particular, direct quotations, statements which are the results of paraphrasing or summarizing the work of another, and other information which is not considered common knowledge must be cited or acknowledged, usually in the form of a footnote. Quotation marks or a proper form of identification shall be used to indicate all direct quotations.

As long as a student adequately acknowledges his/her sources and there is no reason to believe that the student has attempted to pose as the originator, the student will not be charged with plagiarism even though the form of the acknowledgment may be unacceptable to the instructor. Cheating is the act of using or attempting to use, in examination or other academic work, material, information, or study aids which are not permitted by the instructor.

Cheating is the act of using or attempting to use, in examination or other academic work, material, information, or study aids which are not permitted by the instructor. Cheating includes but is not limited to: using books, notes, calculators, copying from or conversing with others during an examination (unless such external aids are permitted by the instructor); having another person do research, write papers, or take examinations for someone else. The submission of large portions of the same work as part of the academic work for more than one course can be considered cheating unless such submission is permitted by the instructor.

Fabrication is the invention of material or its source and its use as an authority in academic work. Fabrication includes but is not limited to: inventing the data for a scientific experiment; inventing the title and author of a publication in order to use the invented publication as a source; or knowingly attributing material to an incorrect source.

Academic Standards

Each semester, the Registrar reviews the academic performance of students who have declared program (major) intent. This review determines the student’s academic status.

Students with a declared program intent and who have completed six (6) or more hours in the semester under review and have earned a term grade point average of 3.5 to 3.99 are admitted to the Dean’s Honors List. Students meeting the above criteria with a 4.0 term grade point average are admitted to the President’s Honors List.

Students who have attempted nine (9) or more hours at Colorado Mountain College and have earned a cumulative grade point average of 1.0 to 1.99 are placed on academic probation. Probationary status remains for the next semester of enrollment.

Students who are placed on academic probation have one semester of enrollment to bring their cumulative grade point average up to at least 2.0. If, at the end of the next term of enrollment, the student’s cumulative grade point average is not 2.0 or better, he or she will be placed on academic suspension.

Students who have attempted nine (9) or more hours at Colorado Mountain College and who have earned a cumulative grade point average of less than 1.0 will be placed on academic suspension.

Students placed on academic suspension have a right to appeal the suspension. Please contact the registration office at your site for instructions related to the appeal. Usually, suspensions remain for at least one semester. Students suspended for academic reasons must, even after one semester, appeal in writing for reinstatement prior to the semester they are requesting permission to attend.

Letters of appeal should explain any circumstances which adversely affected the past academic record, any current considerations related to performance or reason for appeal, and future academic intentions and goals. Please include a current address and telephone number. Students appealing will be notified of the outcome of the review by the Chair of the Academic Standards Committee at your site. Financial aid students must work with their campus Financial Aid Specialist to discuss the financial aid appeal process.

Grade Appeal Procedures

Colorado Mountain College recognizes the faculty members’ right and responsibility to award a fair and impartial grade. Likewise, the college recognizes the importance of the grade received by the student and the student’s right to have the evaluation system be fair and equitable. An appeals process has been put in place for students questioning their grades.

Students may appeal the grade assigned if they think that the grade was awarded in a capricious manner. Capricious grading is defined as one or both of the following:

1. The faculty member used criteria other than performance in the course.
2. The standards used to assign the final grade deviated substantially from the standards announced and/or were not uniformly applied to others in the class.

Please note, simple disagreement with the subjective judgment of the instructor does not support the charge of capriciousness.

Students wishing to appeal a grade must discuss the grade assignment with the instructor. If the matter is not resolved, a written notice of appeal must be submitted to the Campus Vice President or designee of the Colorado Mountain College campus center that offered the class. This notice of appeal must be received within 30 days after the first day of classes for the following term.

Code of Student Conduct

Students and community members are subject to the same federal, state, and local laws as non-students and are the beneficiaries of the same safeguards of individual rights. As members of the academic community, students and community members are expected to conduct themselves in a reasonable manner. Students and community members should at all times try to promote a sense of cooperation and work to build an atmosphere that will be most conducive to the goals of higher education.

Members of the college community shall recognize the authority of the college to publish and maintain its own set of rules and regulations. It is the responsibility of all members of the college community to make themselves aware of the rules and regulations of the institution and comply with those rules and regulations.

All members of the college community, while on and off campus, are expected to comply with college rules and regulations. The conduct listed below is not compatible with the college’s mission, is considered misconduct, and is subject to sanctions as set forth below. The college may impose sanctions for misconduct on college-owned or -controlled property, misconduct at off-campus activities or functions sponsored or supervised by the college or recognized student organizations, or misconduct at other off-campus locations that adversely affects the college community or the pursuit of its objectives.

Specific acts that are not in accordance with the CMC Code of Conduct include:

1. Plagiarizing, cheating, and/or facilitating violations of reasonable standards of academic behavior. Matters relating to academic standards and achievement fall within the responsibility of instructional staff. Examples of the above may include but are not limited to:

• Copying, writing, or presenting another person’s information, ideas, or phrasing without proper acknowledgment of their true source.
• Using a commercially-prepared term paper or project.
• Copying information from the test of another student.
• Using unauthorized materials during an examination.
• Obtaining illegally or attempting to obtain unauthorized knowledge of a test.
• Giving or selling to another student unauthorized copies of tests.
• Taking a test in place of another student or having someone take a test in his/her place.
• Unauthorized collaboration between two or more students on a test, paper, project, or activity.
• Forging, altering, or misuse of academic materials, documents, records, forms, or instruments.

2. Theft or abuse or misuse of information technology, e.g. computer, computer time, electronic mail, voice mail, telephone or fax, including but not limited to:

• Unauthorized entry into a file to use, read, or change the contents, or for any other purpose.
• Unauthorized transfer or distribution of a file.
• Unauthorized use of another individual’s identification and password.
• Use of information technology to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or college official.
• Use of information technology to send obscene or threatening messages.
• Use of information technology to interfere with normal operations of the college’s systems.
• Any violation of the college Computer and Telecommunications Policy or Appropriate Use of Technology Statement (listed earlier in this document).

3. Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, and other college activities, as well as unauthorized entry, use, or occupation of CMC facilities.
4. Forgery, alteration, falsification, or misuse of college documents, records, or identification provided to the college or to other agencies or educational institutions.
5. Physical abuse, which includes any action which is likely to be detrimental to the health, safety, and/or well-being of another, or psychological abuse which includes any action which unreasonably interferes with the psychological well-being of another (e.g., hazing, assault, harassment).
6. Sexual Misconduct, a form of unlawful discrimination, encompasses all forms of prohibited sexual or gender-based conduct which unreasonably interferes with an employee’s or student’s work, educational, social performance, at the College or any of its programs or activities (whether on- or off-campus) or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work, educational, or social environment. Sexual Misconduct includes sexual harassment and sexual violence, each of which are further defined in on page 11. All Sexual Misconduct violations will be processed as stated in the CMC Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures which can be found beginning on page 11.
7. Disorderly, indecent, or obscene conduct or expression.
8. Unlawfully discriminatory acts against or harassment of individuals due to race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, national origin, or Vietnam-era/disabled veteran, or on any other basis prohibited by federal or state law.
9. Conduct that threatens or endangers the health, safety, or welfare of any person.
10. Intentional or reckless destruction, damage, abuse or misuse of college property or the property of others.
11. Theft or conversion of property or of service belonging to the college, members of the college community, or others.
12. Using, possessing, or storing firearms, explosives, or other dangerous weapons - instruments that are designed to, or could potentially produce bodily harm or destruction. This policy shall not apply to a police officer, peace officer or anyone authorized by the state or the Campus Vice President or his/her designee. Weapons may include, but are not limited to BB guns, pellet guns, paint guns, martial art devices, brass knuckles, hunting knives, daggers, or similar knives or switchblades. Any instrument that is designed to look like a firearm, explosive, or dangerous weapon or that is used by a person to cause fear in or to harass another person is expressly included with the meaning of a firearm, explosive, or dangerous weapon. See the Campus Dean of Students for more information.
13. Intentional initiation or circulation of any false report, warning, or threat of fire, bombs, or explosives.
14. Alteration, misuse of, abuse of, or damage to fire or other safety equipment.
15. Possessing, consuming, or distributing any alcoholic beverage; alcoholic packaging or paraphernalia; or, appearing while intoxicated as defined by state and local laws.
16. Illegally possessing, using, distributing, or manufacturing any narcotic, drugs, or controlled substance or drug paraphernalia, as classified by federal, state, and local laws or appearing while under the influence of any illegally-obtained narcotic, drug, or controlled substance. Although possession and use of marijuana is no longer a crime in the State of Colorado, the possession and use of marijuana remains illegal under federal law. Consistent with federal law, including the Controlled Substances Act and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, the use and/or possession of marijuana continues to be prohibited while a student is on college property including residence halls or as part of college courses/activities.
17. Failure to comply with the verbal or written directions of college officials acting in performance of their duties. Failing to comply with contractual obligations with the college (such as behavioral contract, payment obligation/agreement, housing and food service agreement, etc.).
18. Leaving children or pets unattended or unsupervised in campus buildings or on campus grounds.
19. Influencing or attempting to influence any employee or any student enrolled in the college through the offering or acceptance of favors (included sexual), bribery, or any kind of threats.
20. Intentionally publishing or disseminating any written instrument, sign, picture, object, or verbal statement that impeaches the honesty, integrity, or reputation of another person, with knowledge or reckless disregard of its falsity.
21. Violation of any college policies, regulations, or procedures.
22. Violations of federal, state, or municipal laws, or any other conduct not included above, which unreasonably or unlawfully interferes with the operations of the college, and the pursuit of its educational purposes and objectives or the rights of others; or which renders a person or organization unfit or unsuitable for continued association or affiliation with the college.
23. Abuse of the student adjudication system, including but not limited to:

• Failure to obey the direction of an adjudication body or college official.
• Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before an adjudication body.
• Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of an adjudication proceeding knowingly without cause.
• Initiation of an adjudication proceeding knowingly without cause.
• Use of intimidation in an effort to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the adjudication system.
• Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member or an adjudication body prior to and/or during the course of the judicial proceeding.
• Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a member of an adjudication body or a student witness prior to, during, and/or after an adjudication proceeding.
• Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Code of Student Conduct.
• Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the adjudication system

24. Aiding, abetting, or inciting others to commit any of the acts listed above.

25. Colorado Mountain College Code of Student Conduct COVID-19 Addendum 

The College will impose health and safety requirements on every student, faculty, and staff member who will be on campus to mitigate the risk of virus exposure and transmission. The success of a college experience during the current pandemic requires collective efforts by all students, and by all others who come into contact with students, to meet minimum safety standards that may change in response to changes in the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  By enrolling at the College or attending College courses or events, and as a matter of shared responsibility, each student understands that face coverings, physical distancing, self-assessment for symptoms, hand washing, and other pandemic-related measures, will minimize the risk of infection.  The Code of Student Conduct now includes this COVID-19 Addendum to list the measures that will be utilized to satisfy our shared responsibilities to each other. While the College will monitor the changing environment and the requirements or recommendations by public health officials, there is no guarantee that the risk of infection by the COVID-19 virus can be eliminated.

This COVID-19 addendum to the Colorado Mountain College Code of Student Conduct is in effect July 30, 2020 until otherwise noted by the College. The College reserves the right to update, modify or amend this document for any reason, including without limitation alignment with guidance or orders from local, county, state, and federal public health agencies and government officials. All updates to CMC’s Code of Student Conduct will be dated and posted at:  CMC COVID-19 Updates and Information. It is the responsibility of all CMC community members and students to make themselves aware of and act in accordance with the CMC Code of Student Conduct and added COVID-19 behavioral expectations and commitments.

Specific acts that violate the CMC Code of Student Conduct COVID-19 Addendum include but are not limited to:

Violating College requirements or public health orders in place to reduce the risk of spreading infectious disease, including but not limited to the following:

1. Failure to follow applicable federal, state, county, and/or local public health orders as required by the College. If multiple orders apply or in the event of conflict between or among them, students are required to follow the most restrictive public health order. All updates on health orders are posted on CMC’s COVID-19 Updates and Information webpage.
2. Failure to comply with any additional or more specific actions required by a campus, department, unit, or College representative, to limit the spread of infectious disease, while participating in a program or activity, utilizing a service or benefit, or using College facilities, including but not limited to the 2020-2021 COVID-19 Supplemental Housing Agreement, CMC’s Code of Student Conduct COVID-19 Addendum, and CMC’s Five Commitments: 1. Maintain 6-feet of physical distance, 2. Wash hands often, 3. Cover face in public, during class, and in specific common or public areas on College campuses, 4. Stay at home if at risk or when sick, and 5. Seek testing immediately if requested by the College.
3. Failure to comply with required symptom screening and reporting. Prior to arrival for the semester on any campus, the College anticipates requiring students to complete a self-assessment checklist that requires self-administration of a temperature check, responding to questions regarding symptoms and documenting responses in an online Health Questionnaire accessed via Basecamp, CMC’s online student portal.  This self-assessment also will be required, until further notification, each day that students come onto any CMC campus or participate in an off-campus CMC activity.  Anyone who is exhibiting symptoms or who has a fever will not be allowed on campus or allowed to participate in any CMC activities.
4. Failure to abide by the College’s face covering requirement and/or public health orders.  Students will wear a cloth face covering that covers the nose and mouth at all times while inside any campus buildings, participating in student or class activities, and outside of their residential room or apartment. Limited exceptions to this requirement apply where public health orders allow, or for activities identified by CMC where a face covering is not practical (e.g. dining, certain physical activities, or some outdoor events where significant physical distancing can be maintained). Students provide and wear their own cloth face coverings or the equivalent, as specified by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
5. Failure to abide by physical distancing and gathering requirements. All on campus gatherings, public or private, must comply with applicable College policy, procedure, or other requirements and the most restrictive public health order in place. For example, if specific capacity or density limitations or guidelines are in place, student must abide by those parameters.
6. Failure to stay home, quarantine, or isolate as required by applicable health order if sick, symptomatic, or have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19. Failure to notify the college of symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test result, if student has been on campus within the two weeks prior to the occurrence of symptoms or receiving a positive test result. Failure to utilize CMC Cares, the College’s online reporting tool, to report symptoms and/or positive test results promptly.
7. Failure to participate in updated CMC requirements or public health orders including, but not limited to: testing for COVID-19, contact tracing, quarantine and isolation.

Adjudication procedure: Behavior that is not in compliance with the College’s COVID-19 related requirements and health orders will be adjudicated using the College’s adjudication procedure listed in the 2020-2021 Student Handbook. For purposes of addressing reported COVID-19 violations in a timely manner, the College will use the following rubric to guide sanctions.

Level 1: Violation is unintentional, single violation. Sanction options include but are not limited to: educational requirements, warning, or probation.

Level 2: Willful non-compliance or multiple violations. Sanction options include but are not limited to: education, probation, removal from course, removal from College.

Accessibility: Students may submit requests for reasonable accommodations regarding face coverings or other COVID-19 requirements to the Disability Services Coordinator at the CMC location they are attending or living closest to.

Please note: Additional disciplinary policies may be in effect for select instructional programs. Please refer to these programs for specific information. Students in these programs do not in any way forgo their right to due process through the adjudication procedure.

Students/community members may be required to withdraw from CMC for an extended period of time or indefinitely for failing to meet academic standards, to observe the standards of conduct or other CMC regulations, or to meet financial obligations to CMC.

Students/community members may be held independently accountable to both civil authorities and to the college for acts which constitute violations of law and/or violations of college policies, regulations, or procedures. Disciplinary action will not be subject to challenge on the grounds that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed, reduced, or are in process.

Adjudication Process

Philosophy

From the students/community members’ perspective, the adjudication process at Colorado Mountain College is designed to provide a learning experience that encourages growth and personal understanding of one’s responsibilities and privileges within the college environment. From the college’s perspective, the goal of the adjudication process is to balance an understanding and knowledge of students/community members and their needs, with the needs of other students and the college community.

The aim of the college adjudication proceedings is to arrive at decisions that ensure that individuals assume full responsibility for their actions and that ensure the rights, freedom, and safety of all members of the college community.

Corrective and punitive actions by the college may be required if a student violates certain rules of conduct or if his or her actions may endanger the property or well-being of individuals or organizations. The college takes corrective actions so as to reorient students while protecting the college community.

The authority of the college to discipline students for violations of its regulations differs from the power of civil authority to deal with violations of criminal law. Adjudication proceedings in the college community are administrative rather than criminal in nature. The standard used in determining whether a violation occurred is “preponderance of information,” which means it appears “more probable than not” that the incident occurred as alleged.

Students/community members may be held independently accountable to both civil authority and to the college for acts that constitute violations of law and/or violations of college policies, regulations, or procedures. Disciplinary action will not be subject to challenge on the grounds that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed, reduced, or are in process.

Standards of Conduct

Students are expected to comply with all college policies and procedures at all times. Standards of conduct and rules and regulations are set forth primarily in the Colorado Mountain College Catalog, this Student Handbook, and the Residence Hall Handbook. Students are expected to read all pertinent materials so that they may make informed choices about their actions. Ignorance of policies is not an acceptable excuse for violating them.

Adjudication Records

Any student records or files produced by an Adjudication Officer/Board become the property of Colorado Mountain College. They are maintained by Student Services staff and are not available to persons other than the student, except as provided by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and Colorado Open Records Law.

Campus Adjudication Process

The process, in brief, consists of (1) a reported incident; (2) contact and notification of alleged involvement; (3) discussion between the responding student and a School Official; (4) examination of relevant information; (5) decision determining responding student’s involvement in the incident; and (6) application of sanctions, if appropriate.

1. Reported violation: Any student or staff member may report a violation of policy. The Residence Life Department incident report form or Colorado Mountain College incident report forms are the most common methods for doing so. Security reports, police reports or any written statements are also acceptable as long as they are signed and specific.
2. Contact and notification: A staff member, after reviewing an incident report form, may determine that a meeting is required. In this case, an incident notification card or a letter will be delivered to the student(s) involved. Failure to comply with a request for a meeting will be considered in itself a violation of the Code of Student Conduct.
3. Meeting: Whenever possible, decisions will be made by the school official having the closest jurisdiction to the student(s) involved and area of concern.

• Possible school officials:
  Campus Vice President
  Dean of Campus
  Dean of Student Affairs
  Associate Dean of Student Affairs
  Assistant Campus Dean of Student Life
• Two possible types of meetings:
  Informal: Inquiry
  Formal: Hearing

4. Examination of the information: During the Inquiry/Hearing, the student should be aware of his/her rights in the adjudication process. Students are ensured the following:

• Written notice to the student regarding the nature of the charges;
• The right to a fair and timely meeting before a School Officer;
• The right to present witnesses or evidence on the student’s behalf;
• The right to be heard by an impartial School Official;
• The right to the assistance of any person of their choosing;**
• The right to appeal.

The School Official will ask the responding student to discuss his/her involvement in the incident in questions. The intent of the discussion is to allow the School Official to gather enough information to make a decision as to the student’s involvement in the matter and the level of responsibility.

In the event that an incident is complex or involves many students, additional meetings may be necessary to gather sufficient information.

**The student will be allowed to bring an advisor or observer of his/her choice and expense. Such advisor may be an attorney. The advisor is limited to counseling the student. The advisor may not act as a representative of the student, speak on the student’s behalf or participate, by questions or otherwise, in the meeting or the hearing.

5. Decisions: Decisions regarding incidents and/or involvement will be based on a preponderance of information available, even if the student involved chooses not to attend the hearing. Once all relevant information has been presented, the School Official will render a decision regarding whether it is more probable than not that the student violated the Code of Student Conduct.

The Code of Conduct School Official will attempt to notify the student of the decision or the course of action in writing within five (5) business days of the hearing. Any decisions or sanctions are in effect once the student is notified either in person or in writing.

6. Application of sanctions: If the responding student has admitted to or has been found guilty of violating college policies, the Code of Conduct School Official will also determine which sanctions are appropriate for that behavior (see Code of Conduct Sanctions). Students are advised that violations are cumulative in nature.

A sanction imposed by one campus is applicable at all sites college-wide. Decisions to alter a sanction within the terms of the sanction imposed may be adjusted by review of the primary site of desired future attendance with the site of the originating decision.

The Code of Conduct School Official has a wide range of sanctions that may be applied in cases where the student has been determined in violation of the Code of Student Conduct or college policy. Sanctions may be assigned individually or in combination with other sanctions. Failure to comply with certain conditions, guidelines, or requirements may result in more severe disciplinary action.

Any record of prior conduct will be taken into consideration in determining sanctions. Sanctions are in effect from the time of notification, either in person or in writing. All college-imposed sanctions shall be confirmed in writing.

7. Appeal procedures: A student is entitled to one appeal of a decision rendered in an initial adjudication action. If an appeal is requested, suspension and/or expulsion shall not be imposed until the appeal procedures below have been completed unless an immediate or summary suspension has been imposed in cases requiring immediate action for the safety or welfare of the College community. Other mandated sanctions remain in effect during the appeal process and until such time as they may be reversed or modified. All appeals must be submitted in writing, and must be submitted to the appropriate appeal officer within the timeframe determined by the Code of Conduct School Official. The student must submit the appeal form and any additional supporting material to the Code of Conduct School Official within three (3) business days after receipt of the decision of the Code of Conduct School Official. If not filed within this defined timeframe, the student will forfeit his or her appeal opportunity.

The written appeal petition must clearly explain, in detail, the basis for the appeal. The basis for the appeal must address one or more of the following:

• Whether appropriate adjudication procedures were followed.
• Whether the sanction(s) imposed is (are) appropriate, reasonable, and just.
• Whether the decision was supported by the evidence. No new evidence may be presented on appeal except as otherwise determined by the School Official, at her or his discretion.
• Whether the responding student had the opportunity to present relevant information at the time of the original meeting or hearing.

The Campus Vice President or their designee will serve as the appeals review body.

If the student fails to follow through with the above outlined process, the appeal opportunity will be forfeited.

8. Appeal decision: The appeals review official is charged with upholding the policies and procedures of the college and has the authority to uphold or overturn (and may modify) the initial decision. The Campus Vice President or designee must ensure adjudication proceedings and decisions adhere to the college’s policies and procedures.  All appeal decisions will be rendered to the student within five (5) business days of the conclusion of the review. All appeal decisions are final.

Sanctions for Misconduct

The college seeks to ensure fair and equal treatment of students and recognized student organizations subject to disciplinary or academic sanctions and to impose similar sanctions under similar circumstances. Any record of prior conduct will be taken into consideration in determining sanctions. All college-imposed sanctions shall be confirmed in writing. A sanction imposed by one campus is applicable to all sites college-wide. Decisions to alter a sanction within the term of the sanction imposed may be adjusted only by review of the primary site of desired future attendance, and in consultation with the site of the originating decision.

Code of Conduct Sanctions

Sanctions for violations of college policy by individuals or recognized student groups include:

College or residence hall warning:
A college or residence hall warning is an official notice to a student/community member or recognized student organization that the conduct is in violation of college standards of conduct. The continuation of such conduct or actions may result in further disciplinary action.

Residence hall probation:

Residence hall probation is a period of observation and review of conduct during which the student must demonstrate compliance with college and Residence Hall Standards of Conduct. Terms of this probationary period will be determined at the time probation is imposed.

A written reprimand for violation of specified regulations will be given. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions if the student is found to be violating any college or residence hall standards of conduct during the probationary period. Individual violations are considered on a cumulative basis.

Residence hall suspension:

Residence hall suspension is the separation of the student from the residence hall for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for application and readmission to the residence hall may be specified.

Students suspended from the residence hall will typically have up to 72 hours from the moment of the incident or decision to vacate his or her residence, unless the severity of the incident or related issues mandate a more prompt departure. Residence hall suspension may or may not include exclusion from the residence halls and/or revoking of cafeteria privileges. Residence hall suspension results in the loss of all room and board charges, plus the security/damage deposit. Sanctions may also exclude the student from residential, dining, and/or student life areas of the college, plus college-sponsored activities.

Residence hall expulsion:
Residence hall expulsion is the act of permanently terminating a student’s college residence and/or campus boarding privileges. The student may also be prevented from returning to college premises. This sanction may be imposed in conjunction with additional college disciplinary action.

College disciplinary probation:
Disciplinary probation is a period of observation and review of conduct during which the student, community member or recognized student organization must demonstrate compliance with college standards of conduct. Terms of this probationary period will be determined at the time probation is imposed.

A written reprimand for violation of specified regulations will be given. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions if the student or community member is found to be violating college standards of conduct during the probationary period.

College disciplinary suspension:
Disciplinary suspension immediately suspends the student’s enrollment. The suspension may be for a specified period of time or for an indefinite period of time until stated conditions are met. The student or community member may also be prevented from returning to college premises. This suspension is subject to a formal hearing.

Summary suspension:
Summary suspension is immediate suspension of a student’s or community member’s privilege to attend the college and all of its related functions. Summary suspension is appropriate when there is a reasonable cause to believe that the student has been involved in a code of conduct violation and the continued presence of the student on campus (1) presents a danger to the student or other members of the campus community, or (2) threatens to disrupt college operations or activities.

A student or community member who has been summarily suspended may not attend classes, may not participate in any college activities, and may be excluded from college property.

The authority for summary suspension is vested in the Campus Vice President or designee. The Campus Vice President or designee may summarily suspend a student without a pre-suspension hearing. In the event of a summary suspension, the student will be afforded the opportunity within five (5) business days to have a suspension hearing before the Campus Vice President or designee. At the suspension hearing, the Campus Vice President or designee may determine that suspension of the student continues to be necessary pending the outcome of any campus adjudication process, or that suspension of the student continues to be necessary pending the resolution of the campus adjudication process to protect the student or other members of the campus community, or to avoid disruption of college operations or activities. A student subject to summary suspension remains entitled to participate in the campus adjudication process, and subject to the application of sanctions by that process.

College expulsion:
Expulsion is the act of terminating a student’s academic program and the right to future enrollment. The student may also be prevented from returning to college premises. Expulsion is subject to a formal hearing.

Non-academic withdrawal:
In certain cases where a student’s behavior or mental or emotional health may render him/her unfit for continued participation within the college community, the Campus Vice President or designee may require the student withdraw from the college. The college may require that certain conditions be met prior to allowing the student to be readmitted.

Loss of recognition:
Recognized student organizations may lose recognition after an administrative hearing before the Campus Vice President or designee. This action deprives the organization of the use of campus resources, the use of the college’s name, and the right to participate in college sponsored activities. This loss of recognition may be for a specific period of time or for an indefinite period of time or until stated conditions are met.

Fines:
In addition to restitution or other sanctions, a student may be assessed fines for violation of established standards of conduct or residence hall rules and regulations. Previously established and published fines may be imposed.

Restitution:
The student, group of students, or recognized student organization may be required to make payment to the college or to other persons, groups, or organizations for damages caused. Restitution includes compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary payment or material replacement.

Other sanctions:
For educational purposes, other sanctions may be imposed instead of, or in addition to, specific sanctions listed in this section. These include but are not limited to recommendation or requirement for counseling, work sanctions, restriction of privileges, establishment of mandatory behavioral conditions required as a condition of continuing enrollment and/or re-enrollment, or a special educational project designed to assist the student or community member in better understanding the overall impact of his/her behavioral infraction.