Conduct, Discipline & Due Process
Definitions
“College Premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities or other property in the possession of or owned by, leased by, used or controlled by the college, including adjacent streets and sidewalks.
“College Official” includes any person employed by the college performing assigned administrative or professional duties.
“College Community” includes any person who is a student, faculty member, college official or any other person employed by the college.
“Organization” means any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for recognition.
“Sanction” means a formal action that is binding, generally an outcome of the student conduct process that limits a student’s ability to interact with the college and the college community.
“Student” means a person who has been accepted to the college, who is currently enrolled or one who was enrolled at the time of the alleged infraction. For the purpose of these rules, student status continues whether or not the college’s academic programs are in session. Students and student organizations will observe the college policies and procedures, comply with local, state and federal laws and will conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the college’s mission. Students are subject to disciplinary sanctions for misconduct.
Academic Procedures
Academic Integrity
Board Policy, Article VI.21 Student Conduct, Discipline, and Due Process
Students are expected to exhibit academic integrity by being honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. To falsify the results of one’s research, to steal the words or ideas of another or to cheat on an examination corrupts the essential learning process.
Forms of Academic Dishonesty
Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct is the intentional violation of college policies by tampering with grades or taking part in obtaining or distributing any part of an unadministered test.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Stealing, buying, selling, sharing or distributing all or part of an unadministered test and/or test answers
- Bribing another person to obtain an unadministered test or any information about the test.
- Changing a grade on an assignment, test, or other work for which a grade is given.
- Changing or being an accessory to the changing of a grade in a grade book, on a test, a Change of Grade form, a college transcript, or other official academic records of the college.
Cheating
Cheating is an act of deception by which a student misrepresents mastery of information on an academic exercise.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Copying another student’s work.
- Allowing another student to copy from their work.
- Using unauthorized course material during a test (e.g., notes, textbook, etc.)
- Collaborating during a test with any other person by giving or receiving information without authority.
- Using specifically prepared materials during a test (e.g. notes, text messages, formula lists, notes written on the student’s clothing or body, etc.) without authority.
- Unauthorized use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to submit works as one’s own.
Fabrication
Fabrication is the intentional use of invented information or the falsification of research or other findings with the intent to deceive.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Citation of information not taken from the source indicated.
- Listing sources in a bibliography not used in an academic exercise.
- Inventing data or source information for research or other academic exercise.
Forgery
Forgery is making, adapting or imitating objects or documents with the intent to deceive.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Submitting as your own any academic exercise (e.g. written work, printing, sculpture, etc.) prepared totally or in part by another.
- Taking a test for someone else or permitting someone else to take a test for you.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the inclusion of someone else’s words, ideas or data as one’s own work. When a student submits work for credit that includes the words, ideas or data of others, the source of that information must be acknowledged through complete, accurate and specific documentation, and, if verbatim statements are included, through separation from the rest of the paper by indention or quotation marks as well. By submitting work for credit, the student certifies the originality of all work not otherwise identified by appropriate acknowledgments. A student will avoid being charged with plagiarism if there is an acknowledgment of indebtedness:
- Whenever one quotes another person’s actual words.
- Whenever one uses another person’s idea, opinion or theory, even if it is completely paraphrased in one’s own words.
- Whenever one borrows facts, statistics or other illustrative materials - unless the information is common knowledge.
- Whenever one uses unauthorized Artificial Intelligence (AI) to produce work for course submissions
What can students do to protect themselves from being charged with academic dishonesty?
- Prepare thoroughly for examinations and assignments.
- Take the initiative to prevent other students from copying their exam or assignments, e.g., shield answer sheets during exams; do not lend assignments to be turned into other students, etc.
- Refer to the course syllabus for information regarding academic honesty or ask the faculty member for guidance.
- Do not look in the direction of other students’ papers during examinations.
- Use a recognized handbook for instruction on citing source materials. Consult with individual faculty, academic departments or the library reference staff when in doubt.
- Learn about what plagiarism is and how to avoid it by taking the library’s plagiarism tutorial.
- Use the services of Schnare Library and the EXCELerator.
- Refuse to assist students who cheat.
Violations of Academic Integrity
Violations of academic integrity are resolved within the Division of Academic Affairs. It is intended that resolution take place at the lowest possible administrative level, preserving both the integrity of the college and the dignity of the student. The following discipline may be taken if a student is determined to be guilty of academic dishonesty:
Faculty options:
- Repeating the assignment or completing an alternative one.
- Issuing a warning or providing counseling.
- Assigning a grade of “I” until the alleged violation is adjudicated.
- Giving a failing grade for the assignment.
- Assigning a grade of “F” for the course.
Where faculty assign a grade of “F” for the assignment or the course, a report will be sent to the appropriate chair and dean. A database of student violations is managed by the Registrar’s Office.
Provost/Chief Academic Officer (CAO) options:
- Multiple or extremely serious violations may result in disenrollment from the college.
The student may appeal the discipline assessed by the faculty member to the program coordinator and/or department chair, and the decision of the program coordinator and/or department chair to the division dean. Either party may contest the dean’s decision by submitting an appeal in writing prior to the last day of the following semester (i.e. fall or spring) to the Provost/CAO, whose decision is final. The Provost/CAO will determine if disenrollment from the college is an option and will ensure that due process has been provided to the student.
Withdrawing from the course will not prevent the faculty member, program coordinator, department chair, division dean or the Provost/CAO from imposing sanctions, or recommending grade penalties, including a failing grade in the course.
Grade Grievance Procedures
Students with concerns about grades should ask the instructor for clarification and resolution. Concerns about final grades must be expressed prior to the last day of the following semester (i.e., fall or spring). If, after contacting the instructor, the student still has concerns, the student should contact the program coordinator or department chair who will work with the student and the instructor to resolve the matter. If the department is unable to remedy the situation, the student should contact the division dean. If the resolution is unsatisfactory, the student may submit an appeal in writing to the Provost/CAO. Anonymous calls or unsigned letters will not be acknowledged. Only concerns expressed by the individual student involved will be addressed.
Copyright Violations
Board Policy, Article I.10 Copyright
Downloading or distributing copyrighted material, including through peer-to-peer file sharing, without the permission of the copyright owner is against the law. Illegal downloading or distribution of copyrighted materials can result in your being prosecuted in criminal court and/or sued for damages in civil court. Criminal penalties for first-time offenders can be as high as five years in prison and $250,000 in fines. If sued in civil court, you may be responsible for monetary damages, attorneys’ fees and civil penalties up to $150,000 per work distributed. Use of SCC’s resources for unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials is forbidden.
The college prohibits illegal copyright infringement through its acceptable use policy and in its student conduct code. Disciplinary action, including loss of use of the college information technology systems, up to and including expulsion from the college could result from violations of this policy.
As an SCC student you are required to adhere to all college policies including those that relate to copyrights. This information is posted on the SCC website and includes information on copyright, guidelines of copyright laws and fair use:
All students are required to comply with the practices stated in the Information Technology Student Information Student Acceptable Use Policy which is posted on the SCC website. SCC Board Policy, Article V.60 Information Technology and Computer Usage.
Students who are found to be in violation of any SCC policy, including copyright violations, will be adjudicated through the Student Conduct, Discipline, and Due Process procedures, located in the student handbook. Board Policy, Article VI.21 Student Conduct, Discipline, and Due Process. Students may also be prosecuted in criminal court or be sued for damages in civil court for violations of copyright laws. Cases involving copyright violations will be referred to the campus police, who will forward a report to the prosecuting attorney’s office for their review.
Many legal sources are available for copyrighted material such as music and movies. Some are free and some charge a nominal fee. A current and comprehensive compendium of legal sources can be found at the Motion Picture Association of America. The SCC Library makes available licensed journal, music, image, and streaming video resources to support instruction for currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff members at SCC Library Databases and Research Guides. These licensed resources require authentication based upon patron files that are regularly updated.
You need to be aware that sharing music, videos, software, and other copyrighted material may be a violation of the law and can expose you and those with whom you share materials to civil and criminal penalties. Please be responsible in your use of copyrighted materials.
Non-Academic Procedures
Gambling
St Charles Community College students must abide by federal and state laws and College policies prohibiting illegal gambling. Prohibited activity includes, but is not limited to:
- Betting on, wagering on, or selling pools on any athletic event
- Possessing on one’s person or premises (e.g. room, car, etc.) any card, book, or other device for registering bets
- Knowingly permitting the use of one’s premises or electronic devices for illegal gambling
- Knowingly receiving or delivering a letter, package, or parcel related to illegal gambling
- Offering, soliciting, or accepting a bribe to influence the outcome of an athletic event
- Involvement in bookmaking or wagering pools with respect to sporting events
- Playing cards for money
- Unauthorized raffles.
Students who experience serious difficulties with gambling are urged to contact the Student Health and Wellness office or 1-888-BETS-OFF.
Behavioral Misconduct
Students enrolling at SCC are to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the educational purposes of the college. If you fail to do so, the college will institute appropriate disciplinary action, which may include dismissal. Specifically, students are expected to comply with federal, state and local laws concerning activities prohibited on public school property and at college-sponsored functions. Civil disobedience, assault, forgery, gambling, immoral conduct, libel, theft, use and sale of alcoholic beverages and other dangerous drugs, vandalism, or possession of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, or other weapons are prohibited while on college property or at a college-sponsored event. Students who hold a conceal and carry permit or endorsement may not bring firearms on campus. The full student code of conduct policy and procedures can be found at - Article VI.21 Student Conduct, Discipline, and Due Process
Inappropriate student behavior in the classroom or on campus has the potential to disrupt the teaching and learning process. In a classroom situation, the faculty member is the first person available to regain order and prevent further disruption. Having a disability does not preclude the expectation that a student will adhere to appropriate behavior while on campus. If behavior negatively impacts instruction or learning opportunities of other students, it becomes a conduct issue and should be addressed per the college conduct policy. SCC will address any disruptions in the classroom that obstruct the learning process.
Guidelines are available to faculty so they can assure that the rights and safety of the faculty, students and institution are protected.
The guidelines are based upon the level of disruption, from low to high, which can include the immediate suspension of the student from the class for that day.
See Board Policy, Article VI.21 Student Conduct, Discipline, and Due Process.
For disruptions outside the classroom, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) should be notified immediately. Behavioral misconduct may be referred to DPS/Campus Police, who will involve other authorities, as appropriate. DPS/Campus Police should be called at extension 8545 immediately if:
The institutional expectation is that students will conduct themselves in a manner that is acceptable in a learning environment. Behavior that endangers or infringes on the rights and safety of others is not acceptable. It is intended that resolution should take place at the lowest possible administrative level. The faculty will consult with the respective School Dean who will assist the faculty member and student with resolution alternatives. Documentation of the disruption will be collected from the parties involved to gather facts and to ensure that the interests and needs of all parties are considered.
The Assistant Vice President, Learning Enterprises & Engagement in consultation with the SCC Student Judicial Hearing Committee is the primary administrator of discipline for unacceptable conduct or for conduct which involves infraction of college rules and regulations. The Assistant Vice President, Learning Enterprises &Engagement (or designee) will initiate disciplinary sanctions in accordance with these regulations. Disciplinary proceedings are not judicial trials and need not conform to the procedural formality of a trial.
Investigative/Disciplinary Procedures for Behavioral Misconduct
The Assistant Vice President of Learning Enterprises and Engagement also has discretion to initiate these procedures without a written charge, complaint, or report. The Assistant Vice President, Learning Enterprises & Engagement (or designee) is responsible for investigating any reported allegation of misconduct by students.
Initial Notification
The Assistant Vice President, Learning Enterprises & Engagement (or designee) must notify the student accused of the alleged infraction. Any written correspondence between the Assistant Vice President, Learning Enterprises & Engagement (or designee) and the student that will be sent via the College reporting system (Maxient), to the student’s SCC email address, or the student’s home address. Failure of the student to have his/her current address on record with the college will not invalidate any notice or correspondence sent to that address. The Assistant Vice President, Learning Enterprises & Engagement (or designee) will investigate to determine if the charge/complaint has merit and whether it can be resolved by mutual consent of the parties involved on an acceptable basis.
Investigation
Following a report of misconduct, the Assistant Vice President, Learning Enterprises & Engagement, will review the facts of the report to determine if a policy has been violated. If so, the report will be reviewed and investigated by the SCC Student Judicial Hearing Committee. The investigation may include interviews with the reporting party(s), the respondent(s), the faculty member (if needed), and any witnesses. The investigation may also include documented evidence such as electronic communication, social media posts/messages, and written documentation.
Conclusion and Decision
Once the investigation is complete, the SCC Student Judicial Hearing Committee will provide a report to the Assistant Vice President, Learning Enterprises & Engagement with findings and recommendations for sanctions (if applicable). The responding party(s) will be notified of the conclusion and decision via the College reporting system (Maxient), to the student’s SCC email address, or the student’s home address.
Interim Suspension
In certain circumstances, the Assistant Vice President, Learning Enterprises & Engagement may impose an interim suspension prior to the completion of the investigation. Interim suspension may be imposed:
During interim suspension, the student will be denied access to the campus (including classes) and/or all other college activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible. The student will be notified of the interim suspension by certified mail and/or to the Student’s SCC email address. Additionally, the interim suspension may be effective immediately by verbal or email notice from the Assistant Vice President, Learning Enterprises & Engagement (or designee) with a letter via the College reporting system (Maxient).
Disciplinary Sanctions
The Assistant Vice President, Learning Enterprises & Engagement (or designee) may impose any one or a combination of the following non-disciplinary or disciplinary sanctions for violation of the student code of conduct:
NONDISCIPLINARY SANCTION
DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS
Students who are prohibited from attending classes or courses in which they are currently enrolled because of disciplinary sanctions may not be entitled to a refund of tuition.
Disciplinary sanctions will be made part of the student’s permanent educational record and will be housed in the student’s disciplinary file. Cases involving the imposition of sanctions will be expunged from the student’s confidential record seven years after final disposition of the case. Cases involving suspension or expulsion will be retained indefinitely.
Memorandum of Understanding
This is a written warning that the same conduct or other conduct in violation of this policy during that student’s enrollment at the college may result in additional discipline but is not considered a disciplinary record.
Disciplinary Warning
This is a written warning that the same conduct or other conduct in violation of this policy during that student’s enrollment at the college may result in additional discipline.
Disciplinary Probation
Disciplinary probation is for a specific period of time. During this time, a student may continue to attend classes but cannot participate in student or intercollegiate activities. Any further violations may lead to suspension or expulsion from the college.
Restitution
A student is required to pay repair or replacement costs for damage to property or may be required to provide specific in-kind services.
Educational Sanction
A student is required to participate in a specific educational or counseling activity(ies). The student is responsible for all expenses, including costs for education, counseling, or treatment.
Exclusion From College Facilities or Activities
A student is prohibited from attending one or more classes; undertaking college employment; entering a building; participating in some or all extra-curricular activities sponsored by the college; representing the college in an official capacity; or using other services provided by the college. Exclusion will be for a definite period of time, until certain requirements placed on the student are completed, or indefinitely.
No Contact Order
A student may not have any type of contact with another individual who is part of the SCC community. This includes, but is not limited to, verbal or written communication, through the many mediums that are available. The student may not have friends or family contact the student on their behalf.
Disciplinary Suspension
Disciplinary suspension is for a specific period of time. Suspension will include disenrollment and denial of attendance in classes, exclusion from participation in college-sponsored activities and suspension from employment with the college. The student may be readmitted upon completion of the suspension. *
Expulsion
A student is permanently expelled from the college after committing a serious violation or after accumulating a record of multiple violations. *
* Students who are prohibited from attending classes or courses in which they are currently enrolled because of disciplinary sanctions may not be entitled to a refund of tuition.
Students should complete campus appeals procedures prior to seeking outside remedies.
See Board Policy, Article VI.21 Student Conduct, Discipline, and Due Process.
Conduct, Due Process Appeals
Student Appeal Process
A student may appeal the determination of and/or sanction(s) imposed by the Assistant Vice President, Learning Enterprises & Engagement by filing an appeal in writing within 10 business days of notification of the decision to the Vice Provost. The appeal must cite at least one of the following criteria as the reason for appeal and provide supporting arguments. The Vice Provost will determine if the appeal meets the criteria.
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The investigation/disciplinary procedures were not conducted in conformity with prescribed procedures.
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The information relied on as part of the investigation/disciplinary procedures was not ‘sufficient’ to justify the decision of the Assistant Vice President, Learning Enterprises & Engagement (or designee).
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Information, which was not withheld by the student, and which could have substantially affected the outcome of the investigation/disciplinary procedures, has since been discovered.
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The sanction was disproportionate for the violation.
Status during appeal:
The sanction that was rendered by the Assistant Vice President, Learning Enterprises & Engagement (or designee) is in effect during the period of appeal.
If the Vice Provost determines that criteria for an appeal listed above have not been met, the previous determination stands. If the Vice Provost determines that the criteria for an appeal have been met, they will then review the information gathered as part of the investigation/disciplinary procedures, including any documentary evidence.
It is within the Vice Provost’s discretion to reverse the finding regarding whether the student is responsible/not responsible, return the matter to the Assistant Vice President, Learning Enterprises & Engagement (or designee) for review and/or reconsideration on whether the student is responsible/not responsible, convert any sanction imposed to an alternate sanction, rescind any previous sanction or return a recommended sanction to the Assistant Vice President, Learning Enterprises & Engagement (or designee) for review and/or reconsideration or uphold the outcome of the investigatory/disciplinary procedure.
The final decision on the appeal will be communicated in writing by certified mail by the Vice Provost to the appealing student, with a copy sent to appropriate college officials. The decision regarding the appeal shall be final.
If the investigation/disciplinary procedures and subsequent appeal result from a report of harassment or discrimination, the reporting party will also be notified in writing of the result of the appeal and any changes in the sanction(s) imposed if those sanctions directly relate to the reporting party (e.g., an order that the accused stay away from the reporting party).
If the investigation/disciplinary procedures and subsequent appeal result from a report of sexual violence, the reporting party and the responding party will be simultaneously notified in writing of the result of the appeal and any changes in the sanction(s) imposed.
If the investigation/disciplinary procedures and subsequent appeal result from a report of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense (as defined in 34 C.F.R. § 99.39), the reporting party and the responding party will be notified of the result of the appeal and any changes in the sanction(s) imposed. If the alleged victim is deceased because of a crime or offense, the disclosure may be requested by the next of kin of the alleged victim.
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