Student Code of Conduct

Enrollment in St. Clair County Community College implies acceptance of certain standards of student conduct and a willingness to abide by them. College standards of conduct are established to maintain conditions under which individuals, with respect for the rights and well-being of others, can participate effectively in a common educational enterprise and well-ordered collegiate community. The college adopts the following Student Code of Conduct hereby referred to as the Code and prohibits all persons from engaging or participating in any of the practices or behaviors listed below. Specific examples are used by way of illustration and are not meant to limit the practices or behaviors that may be deemed to violate the Code. Violence of any kind will not be tolerated on college premises or at college- sponsored activities. Any student, group, or organization found to have committed misconduct is subject to disciplinary action and to the sanctions outlined in the Code. Attempts to commit any of these acts of misconduct are included in the scope of these definitions.

The following are examples of misconduct under the Code subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal and expulsion.

CODE

APPROPRIATE ATTIRE

Dress, grooming, and personal cleanliness standards contribute to the morale of all students and visitors of the college. College students are required to use good judgment in their choice of attire and are expected to conduct themselves in a way that best represents themselves and the college.

APPROPRIATE CLASSROOM CONDUCT

Students are expected to act responsibly and to conduct themselves in the classroom and outside the classroom in a manner that does not disrupt the learning process. A climate of mutual respect and courtesy should exist between faculty and students. However, students must recognize that instructors, by virtue of their positions, must exert a measure of authority in the classroom. Students should respect this authority. Disciplinary problems may results in a student being withdrawn from class and, in extreme cases, dismissed from the college. Disorderly conduct is defined as acting in a manner to annoy, disturb, interfere with, obstruct, or be offensive to others; shouting or making excessive noise either inside or outside a building to the annoyance or disturbance of others; verbally abusing college officials actingin performance of their duties; or acting in a lewd or indecent manner.

ASSAULT

Placing a person in fear of imminent physical danger or injury through the use of verbal or physical threats. Committing physical abuse and/or battery of any person.

CLASSROOM AND LABORATORY SAFETY VIOLATIONS

Students must abide by classroom safety regulations. Safety glasses, headgear, aprons, lab coats, earplugs, and other appropriate safety equipment may be needed by all students in specific courses.

DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT

Discrimination, harassment and offensive conduct against any person, student, or staff member on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, creed, ancestry, familial status, age or disability, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, disability or veteran's status, or other protected status through any mode of communication including, but not limited to, in person, in writing, through telephone, electronic mail, or instant messaging.

Board Policy

No person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, weight, or marital status shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation in,be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to improper discrimination under any federally funded program or activity for which the St. Clair County Community College District is responsible or for which it receives federal financial assistance from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. This policy of nondiscrimination shall also apply to otherwise qualified handicapped individuals.

Any form of harassment is not acceptable at St. Clair County Community College, and complaints or charges will be followed through with appropriate action. SC4 employees and students are individually responsible to ensure such harassment does not occur. Concerns should be directed to the Human Resources Office, Room 202 of the Main Building. See detailsand complaint form online at www.sc4.edu/hr.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Committing sexual harassment against another person. "Sexual harassment" means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature when:
1. it is explicitly or implicitly suggested that submission to or rejection of the acts will be a factor in (a) academic or employment decisions, evaluations or status, including participation in college- sponsored activities, or (b) they are used as a factor for academic or employment decisions; or
2. it is unwelcome verbal or physical acts that are based on sex, have no professionally appropriate relationship to the subject matter of a course, and are so severe and pervasive that they objectively either (a) have the effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance, or (b) create an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning or working environment.

Sexual Harassment Policy

Sexual harassment is not acceptable at St. Clair County Community College, and complaints or charges will be followed through with appropriate action. Unwelcome sexual advances, whether verbal or physical,are prohibited. SC4 employees and students are individually responsible to ensure such harassment does not occur. Concerns should be directed to the Human Resources Office, Room 202 ofMain Building. See details online at www.sc4.edu/hr.

DISHONESTY ­ ACADEMIC

The college considers academic honesty to be an integral necessity of all academic performance. Instances of academic dishonesty will be treated as serious offenses. Students involved in activities such as cheating and/or plagiarism will be subject to disciplinary action.

· Definition of plagiarism: Plagiarism is the appropriation of language, thoughts, or ideas of another author and claiming that as one's own. Plagiarism is work not produced by the student, or work that does not credit borrowings from the original source(s).

· Definition of cheating: Cheating can be, but is not limited to, a student using electronic technology, notes, or other written materials not permitted by the instructor, looking at other students' papers without the instructor's permission, requesting answers from other students, or working with other students when independent work is required. Situations where cheating may occur are during tests, exams, quizzes, or other similar methods of evaluation. When the instructor has sufficient evidence of cheating or plagiarism, the instructor may impose disciplinary actions such as assigning a failing grade to the student's assignment, quiz, paper, or test. If the plagiarism or cheating involves major course work such as plagiarizing a research paper or cheating on a final exam, the instructor may fail the student inthe course.

DISHONESTY ­ NON-ACADEMIC: including but not limited to,

· Furnishing false information to the college or college personnel, including the Campus Security.

· Furnishing false information at disciplinary proceedings.

· Forgery; unauthorized alteration or unauthorized use of any college documents, records, or identification cards, including computer records; and misuse of computer facilities and electronic mailing systems.

· Giving false or incomplete replies to questions, verbal or written, on applications, forms, or other documents required by properly authorized representatives of the college.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL VIOLATION

Possession or use of alcohol; intoxication on college premises; possession of illegal drugs or controlled substances; possession of paraphernalia containing drug residue; manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances. If students are experiencing problems with drugs and/or alcohol, contact Student Success Center, 120 ATC, or call (810) 989-5520. The College Drug Prevention Program is detailed on the SC4 Web site.

Drug-free Policy

It is the policy of St. Clair County Community College that there shall be no illicit use of drugs or abuse of alcohol allowed by students or employees on the college's property or as a part of any institutional activity. No employee or student shall unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, or use any controlled substance or abusealcohol while on the college property or at any institutional activity.

Alcoholic Beverages Policy

No alcoholic beverages whatever will be allowed on the College premises except as they may be used in direct relation to the instructional programs at the college or for college-sponsored events that have received prior approval in writing from the Office of the President. Individuals participating in those college programs or events where alcoholic beverages are used must be of an age which conformswith State Law for consumption of alcoholic beverages.

FIRE/FALSE ALARM/REPORT

Knowingly or negligently causing or attempting to cause a fire in a college building; initiating or causing to be initiated any false alarm/report, warning, or threat of fire, explosion, or other emergency is prohibited.

GAMBLING

Gambling Policy

The college policy states that gambling is prohibited on the college campus. To this end, the college shall, except as herein after provided, prohibit the sale, solicitation, or promotion of a game of chance including, but not limited to, lotteries, raffles, bingo, or similar other activities on college premises or which employ the college's name in anyway. The Board authorizes the President of the college to waive this prohibition for such activities which support student services or scholarships. The President may establish procedures and guidelinesfor applying for this waiver.

GIVING FALSE INFORMATION

No person shall give false or incomplete replies to questions, verbal or written, on applications, forms, or other documents required by properly authorized representatives of the college.

HAZING

Any act of hazing. Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created intentionally, with or without consent, whether on or off campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.

INTERFERING WITH EVENTS

Interfering with any normal college or college-sponsored events, including but not limited to studying; teaching; research; administration; and fire,police or emergency services.

LEWD BEHAVIOR

Behavior that is lewd or indecent is prohibited. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to the following: obscene remarks or other communications, exposing oneself in an indecent manner, entering restrooms against the gender designation, or engaging in sexual activities on the campus.

MISUSE OF FIRE SAFETY OR EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

Misuse or damage to fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, exitsigns, first aid kits,or emergency supplies on campus.

NON-COMPLIANCE

Failure to comply with reasonable directions of college officials, including college security officers, faculty and staff acting in performance of their duties. Directives to cooperate in the administration of the Code including those to appear and give testimony at a college disciplinary proceeding, as well as directives to produce identification are included in the scopeof this provision.

REGULATION VIOLATION

Any violation of other published regulations including but not limited to SC4 policies as listed in this catalog.

SANCTION VIOLATION

Violating the terms of any disciplinary sanction imposed in accordance with the Code.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

Inflicting any sexual invasion/assault upon any person without that person's consent. "Consent" requires actual words or conduct indicating a freely- given agreement to have sexual intercourse, or to participate in sexual activities. The college community should be aware that, depending on the particular circumstances, previous sexual relationships or current relationship between the persons involved, or silence, or lack of protest do not necessarily constitute consent. Further, the degree of impairment of a person's ability to give or withhold consent (including but not limited to incapacity or helplessness caused by alcohol or any other drugs) may be introduced as pertinent information at any college disciplinary hearing.

SMOKING ON CAMPUS

Smoking and/or use of smokeless tobacco products is prohibited in all college buildings and vehicles.

Smoke-Free Campus Policy

Smoke in the work place has become an important public health issue. There is considerable evidence that concentrations of smoke are harmful to non-smokers as well as to smokers. The college has an obligation to provide a safe and healthy work and learning environment. Any employee, student, or visitor has a right not to be exposed to theeffects of smoke.

SOLICITATION OF FUNDS

In order to provide an environment that is conducive to teaching and learning, it has been determined by SC4 to prohibit outside persons from operating or distributing materials or items on the college campus. Any problems should be reported to Campus Patrol. Specifically:

1. Selling, soliciting, and advertising are prohibited unless an exception has been authorized by the Office of the Vice President forAdministrative Services.

2. All materials to be posted or distributed or sold on college property must be approved by the Office of the Vice President for Administrative Services.

3. Distribution of handbills on vehicles on college property is prohibited.

TECHNOLOGY

Computers and Internet Services ­ Acceptable Use Policy 2006/07

St. Clair County Community College provides computer, Internet and e-mail services to support research and education in order to fulfill the mission of the college. These unique resources enrich the learning and instructional process and foster opportunities for collaborative work among college students and staff. Privileges: Access to the college's computer services, including the Internet, is a privilege granted to students. Individual users are to act responsibly, respect the rights of other users, and respect the integrity of the systems and related physical resources. The college reserves the right to limit, restrict or extend computing privileges and access to its information resources. Users and providers inherit privileges and obligations defined by severalauthorities:

1.Law (such as international copyright law, the U.S. Constitution, federal communications regulations, federal educational regulations,and Michigan laws);

2.College policies(such as policies on plagiarism and harassment,etc.)

3.Service-provider requirements (typically specifying addresses,protocols, quotas, and other technical standards).

4.Contracts (including licenses, warranties, service levelagreements, memoranda of understanding, and agreements with telecommunications services).

Inappropriate use will result in denial or cancellation of that privilege. St. Clair County Community College reserves the right to monitor Internet use, and determine if specific uses are consistent with the acceptable use practices. The college further reserves the right to deny access to prevent unauthorized or unacceptable activity, and could involve disciplinary action. Additionally, misuse can be prosecuted under applicable statutes. Users may be held accountable for their conduct under any applicable college policies, procedures, or employee contracts. Illegal production of software and other intellectual property protected by U.S. Copyright Law is subject to civil damages and criminal punishment including fines andimprisonment.

Uses: Students may use the college's computing resources only for purposes related to their studies, their official business with the college,and other college-sanctioned or authorized activities.

Restrictions: Use of the Internet for viewing, sending, or retrieving anyof the following include ,but are not limited to uses that are prohibited:

1. Pornographic material or inappropriate text files in violation of Michigan criminal laws, including, but not limited to, Michigan obscenity laws MCLA 752.361-752.374 and other Michigan statutesand cases concerning obscenity

2. Libel or slander

3. Deliberately wasting or overloading computing resources, such asprinting too many copies of a document

4. Commercial or for-profit purposes

5. Games or gambling

6. Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism

All users are to abide by the1976 United States Copyright Law and theDigital Millennium Copyright Act when using the Internet.

The college disclaims liability due to loses due to technology failures, dueto intruders (viruses, worms, hackers, etc.), or due to freaks of nature.

Users should use all available methods to protect their files, including the frequent changing of their passwords, encryption of data, and storing back-up copies of information off-site. See complete information on the college's Acceptable Use Policy for theInternet and E-mail, online at www.sc4.edu.

THEFT OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

No person or persons shall steal or damage property belonging to another person, organization, or institution. This includes tampering with coin- operated machines. Violators may be handled by the local police, the college disciplinary process, or both.

· Theft: Theft of property or of services, or knowing possession of stolen property.

· Destruction of Property: Destroying or damaging college property, such as library holdings, or the property of others.

UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE COLLEGE'S NAME

Any unauthorized commercial use of the college's name, logo, or other representation or undertaking any unauthorized action in the name of the college.

VIOLATION OF LAW

Violation of federal and/or local law, including, but not limited to, possession of any falsified identification; manufacture, sale or distribution of local, stateor federal identification.

WEAPON/EXPLOSIVE VIOLATION

Use, possession, or storage of any firearms, ammunition, knives or other weapons, or objects that could be construed as weapons. Items that pose a potential hazard to the safety or health of others (such as explosives in any form) are also prohibited.

Firearms/Fireworks Policy

No student, visitor, or employee shall be permitted to carry a handgun, shotgun, rifle, or any other weapon while on the premises of St. Clair County Community College, except an on-duty law enforcement official or person otherwise approved in writing by the President of the college. This prohibition against carrying weapons shall exist regardless of whether any person has a lawful permit to carry a concealed weapon in the State of Michigan. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action by the college up to and including expulsion, suspension, dismissal, and/or removal from the college premises. In addition to action for a violation of this policy, the college may also take any action or make a complaint to the appropriate lawenforcement agency for violation of any applicable law.

SANCTIONS

The college's policy is directed toward imposing more severe disciplinary sanctions in serious cases. However, the language concerning "mitigating factors" is broad enough to give considerable discretion to do justice, depending upon the facts in each case. The burden of establishing mitigating factors prior to imposition of sanctions is on the student accused. The Code seeks to preserve flexibility in the imposition of sanctions so that each student or group offender is afforded the greatest possibility for appropriate and just treatment. Significant mitigating or aggravating factors shall be considered, which may include the current demeanor and the presence or lack of a disciplinary or criminal record of the offender, as well as the nature of the offense and the extent of any damage, injury or harm resulting from it.

Sanctions may include:

Censure­An official written reprimand for violation of specified regulations, including a warning that continuation or repetition of prohibited conduct will be cause for additional disciplinary action.

Disciplinary Probation ­ Exclusion from participation in privileged or extracurricular institutional activities for a specified period of time. Additional restrictions or conditions may also be imposed. Violations of the terms of disciplinary probation, or any other violation of the Code during the period of probation, will normally result in suspension or expulsion from the college.

Expulsion ­ Termination of student status and exclusion from college privileges and activities, including access to college premises or college- sponsored activities off campus, in perpetuity. Any student who is expelled shall not be entitled to any tuition or fee refund and is barred from college premises.

Restitution ­ Repayment to the college or to an affected party for damages, loss, or injury resulting from a violation of the Code.

Suspension ­ Exclusion from classes and other privileges or activities, including access to college premises or college-sponsored activities off campus, as set forth in the notice of suspension, for a specified period of time. Any student who is suspended shall not be entitled to any tuition or fee refund and is barred from college premises.

Other Sanctions ­ Other sanctions may be imposed instead of or in addition to those specified above. For example, students may be subject to restrictions upon or denials for college parking privileges for violations involving the use or registration of motor vehicles on campus. Service projects may also be assigned. Students may be directed to have no contact with other students and/or may be forbidden to access specifiedareas of campus.

DUE PROCESS

The Due Process system defines the procedure to be applied to instances in which a student is charged with noncompliance with college rules and regulations (Student Code of Conduct) by a college official. The student may pursue Due Process when the discipline decision rendered is objectionable. The complete procedure is available in the Office of the Dean of Students, Room 124 of the Acheson Technology Center (ATC) and online on the SC4 Web site (under Student Services, policies and procedures).

STUDENT COMPLAINT PROCESS

The college has guidelines for student complaints related to academic environment and or support services. See page 65 of the College Catalog or www.sc4.edu/catalog.

GRADE APPEAL PROCESS

The college has a grade appeal process. See page 4 of the College Catalog or www.sc4.edu/catalog.