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 college's standards of conduct.

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 college expectations and misconduct under the Code subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal and expulsion.

Student Code of Conduct violations (except as noted) should be reported to the college official in charge and the dean of students. If warranted by nature and severity of the offense, Campus Security and/or local law enforcement should be contacted.

CODE

APPROPRIATE ATTIRE
Dress, grooming, and personal cleanliness standards contribute to the ambiance and character of the college. College students are required to adhere to prevailing standards of good judgment in their choice of attire and are expected to conduct themselves in a way that best represents themselves and the college.

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 Disciplinary problems may results in a student being withdrawn from class and, in extreme cases, dismissed from the college.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

ASSAULT AND THREATS
Assault and threats are prohibited, and include, but are not limited to, the following: committing physical abuse and/or battery or other behavior resulting in harm to any person; placing a person in fear of imminent physical danger or injury; making threats or engaging in behavior to harm self or others.

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 and harassment are strictly forbidden on campus and in all college affiliated activities. Discrimination and harassment include inappropriate and offensive conduct against any person, student, or staff member on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, creed, ancestry, familial status, age, disability, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, or other protected status. Modes of contact or communication include, but are not limited to, in person, in writing, through telephone, electronic mail, or instant messaging.

Any form of harassment is unacceptable 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 details and complaint form online at www.sc4.edu/hr.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual harassment or related retaliation is strictly prohibited on campus and in college affiliated activities. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome verbal or physical acts that are sexual in nature, unrelated to the content or context, and sufficiently severe and/or pervasive as to 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 includes, but is not limited to, sexually based unwelcome verbal remarks or physical advances, request for sexual favors, inappropriate and unwelcome contact, and explicitly or implicitly stating that submission or rejection of sexual acts or advances will be a factor in one’s employment, participation, or evaluation within the College and/or its activities.

Any form of harassment is unacceptable 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 details and complaint form online at www.sc4.edu/hr.

DISHONESTY – ACADEMIC
The college considers academic honesty to be essential to all academic performance. Instances of academic dishonesty will be treated as serious offenses of the Student Code of Conduct. 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 in the course.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL VIOLATION
Intoxication; drug-altered states; and the possession, use, or sale of alcohol, illegal drugs, or related paraphernalia; are strictly forbidden on campus or at or as part of any college affiliated activity. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to: possession of paraphernalia containing drug residue; and manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances. If students are experiencing problems with drugs and/or alcohol, they should contact Student Success Center, 120 ATC, or call (810) 989-5520. The College Drug Prevention Program is detailed on the SC4 Web site.

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

GAMBLING
It is the policy of the College to prohibit gambling on the College campus. Except as hereinafter provided, the College prohibits 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 use the College's name in any way. The Board authorizes the President of the College to waive this prohibition for such fundraising activities which support student services or scholarships and which comply with any applicable laws and license requirements. The President may establish procedures and guidelines for 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 is prohibited. 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 is prohibited and includes, but is not limited to, disruption of studying, teaching, research, administration, and fire, police or emergency services.

LEWD BEHAVIOR
Behavior that is lewd or indecent is prohibited. Such behavior is defined in consideration of the general standards of acceptable behavior and includes, but is not limited to, the following: obscene remarks, gestures, or other communications; exposing oneself in an indecent manner; entering restrooms against the gender designation; or engaging in sexual activities on the campus.

MISUSE, THEFT OF FIRE SAFETY OR EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
Misuse, tampering, theft, or damage to fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, exit signs, first aid kits, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), or other emergency supplies on campus is prohibited.

NON-COMPLIANCE
Failure to comply with reasonable directions of college officials, including college security officers, faculty and staff acting in performance of their duties is prohibited. 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 scope of this provision.

REGULATION VIOLATION
Any violation of other published regulations including, but not limited to, SC4 policies as listed in this catalog is considered a Code violation.

SANCTION VIOLATION
Violating the terms of any disciplinary sanction imposed in accordance with the Code is a Code violation.

SEXUAL ASSAULT
Inflicting any sexual invasion/assault upon any person without that person's consent is prohibited. "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 is prohibited in all campus buildings, vehicles and outside areas of the campus where non-smokers cannot avoid exposure to smoke.

SOLICITATION
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 for Administrative Services.

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

TECHNOLOGY
Computers and Internet Services – Acceptable Use Policy 2009-2010
(Complete information is available at http://www.sc4.edu//.)

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.

St. Clair County Community College reserves the right to monitor Internet use to determine if specific uses are consistent with the acceptable use practices and to deny access to prevent unauthorized or unacceptable activity.

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.

• Pornographic material or inappropriate text files in violation of Michigan criminal laws.
• Games or gambling.
• Personal use including private enterprise, personal advertisement, political lobbying, etc.
• Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism.
• Electronic mail that is abusive, threatening, or sexual; harassment towards ethnic, religious and/or minority groups, or individuals.

All users are to abide by the 1976 United States Copyright Law and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act when using the Internet. Users must respect the legal protection applied to programs, data, photographs, music, written documents, and other material as provided by copyright, trademark, patent, licensure, and other proprietary rights mechanisms.

Alleged violations will be processed according to college policies and procedures.

Misuse of computing, networking, or information resources may result in: 1) loss of computing and/or network access; 2) prosecution under applicable statutes; and 3) being held accountable for conduct under any applicable college policies and procedures.

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 ACCESS OR USE OF COLLEGE FACILITIES
Students and members of the public are not allowed in campus buildings or facilities after the building has been closed and locked to student and public access. Access to locked buildings requires official permission from an authorized college representative and notification of Campus Patrol. Students in secured buildings after closing must be under the supervision of an authorized college official such as an official club advisor, coach, faculty member, or appropriate staff member.

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 are prohibited.

VIOLATION OF LAW
Violation of federal and/or local law, including, but not limited to, possession of any falsified identification or the manufacture, sale, or distribution of local, state, or federal identification.

WEAPON/EXPLOSIVE VIOLATION
The use, possession, storage, or bringing into a building or class of any firearms, ammunition, knives, other weapons, or objects that could be construed as weapons is strictly forbidden. Items that pose a potential hazard to the safety or health of others (such as explosives in any form) are also prohibited.

SANCTIONS
The college's policy is directed toward imposing more severe disciplinary sanctions based on the nature of the case. The college 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:

Verbal Warning – Reported verbal reprimand.

Censure – An 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 -The college may limit and /or monitor student participation in academic, privileged, or extracurricular activities for a specified period of time. Violation of the terms of disciplinary probation may result in suspension or expulsion from the college.

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 in accordance with the suspension.

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.

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 specified areas of campus.

DUE PROCESS
The Due Process system defines the procedure to be applied to instances in which a student charged with noncompliance with college rules and regulations (Student Code of Conduct) objects to the discipline decision rendered by a college official. 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) at www.sc4.edu/studentservices.