Non-Academic Procedures

Behavioral Misconduct

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. 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 410-Student Conduct.

For disruptions outside the classroom, the dean of student development or the Department of Public Safety (DPS) should be notified immediately. Behavioral misconduct may be referred to DPS, who will involve other authorities, as appropriate. DPS should be called (extension 8545 from campus phones) immediately if:

  • An incident exists that has the potential of being life-threatening and/or causing serious property damage.
  • An incident that is potentially dangerous is recognized and the need for police is necessary for the safety and welfare of others on the campus.
  • Any crime is witnessed or reported requiring official reports and notification to state or federal authorities.

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. 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. If further action is warranted, the faculty member will consult with the respective division dean who will assist the faculty member and student with resolution alternatives.  The faculty member may also choose to refer the student behavior to the dean of student development, for an investigation under Student Conduct, Discipline, and Due Process procedures.

The dean of student development is the primary administrator of discipline for unacceptable conduct or for conduct which involves infraction of college rules and regulations. The dean (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.

Disciplinary Procedures

A charge involving a student must be filed in writing with the dean of student development within 15 calendar days of the alleged incident. The dean of student development must notify the student accused of the infraction. Failure of the student to have his/her current address on record with the college will not invalidate such notice.

The dean of student development will conduct an investigation* of the charge or the complaint to determine if the charges have merit and if they can be resolved by mutual consent of the parties involved on a basis acceptable to the dean of student development. An interim suspension may be imposed.

* If the investigation results from a crime of violence or non-forcible sexual offense,
the alleged victim and the accused is entitled to have an advisor or counselor present during his or her participation in the investigation.

  1. The dean of student development may suggest alternative resolution techniques for informal resolutions, when appropriate.
  2. The dean of student development will determine appropriate disciplinary sanctions.
  3. The dean of student development will notify the accused of the investigation outcome in writing by certified mail. If the student is suspended or dismissed, the student must surrender his/her student ID and parking permit to the dean.
  4. A student may appeal the decision of the dean of student development to the vice-president for academic and student affairs, and will have 15 calendar days to initiate the appeal in writing. In cases of sexual assault or harassment, both the accused and the accuser have the right to appeal the outcome of the investigation/ disciplinary decision.
  • The vice-president will:
    • Receive a summary of the initial investigatory notes and disciplinary outcome recommended by the dean of student development.
    • Meet with the student and other affected parties to investigate the appropriateness of the initial disciplinary sanction.
    • Notify the students in writing by certified mail of the outcome of the appeal.
    • The student may appeal the decision of the vice-president to the president in writing within 15 days of the decision, who will convene the Student Conduct Appeals Committee. The committee will make a recommendation to the president of the college, whose decision is final.
  • Status during appeal: The sanction that was rendered by the dean of student development is in effect during the period of appeal. If the student successfully appeals, the college will inform all parties (in writing) of any sanction change, which will become effective immediately.

  • The college, upon written request, will disclose to the alleged victim of any crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, the results of any disciplinary proceedings conducted by SCC against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such crime or offense. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of the crime or offense, the information shall be provided to the next of kin of the alleged victim.

Interim Suspension

In certain circumstances, the dean of student development may impose an interim suspension prior to the completion of the investigation. Interim suspension may be imposed:

  • To ensure the safety and well-being of others or to preserve college property.
  • To ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being.
  • If a student poses a definite threat of disruption or interference with the normal operation of the college.

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.

Investigative Procedures

The dean of student development will investigate any reported allegation of student misconduct before initiating disciplinary procedures. The dean may meet with any student whose conduct has been called into question. The student will be given the opportunity to present information regarding the incident and will receive a copy of Policy 410.0. Any written correspondence between the dean and the student that is not hand-delivered to the student will be sent via certified mail.

After investigation, the dean will determine if the student is deemed responsible for the infraction/behavior and will impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions. The dean will set a time frame during which the student will either accept or reject, in writing, the disciplinary sanction. Failure of the student to respond in writing within the time frame will be considered as an acceptance and the discipline will become final. See Conduct, Due Process Appeals.

Disciplinary Sanctions

The dean of student development (or designee), the vice-president for academic and student affairs or the college president may impose any one or a combination of the following nondisciplinary or disciplinary sanctions for a single violation:

Nondisciplinary sanction

  • Memorandum of understanding

Disciplinary sanctions:

  • Disciplinary warning
  • Disciplinary probation
  • Restitution
  • Educational sanction
  • Exclusion from college facilities or activities
  • No contact order
  • Disciplinary suspension
  • Expulsion

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 academic record but 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 or seven years after the student has either graduated, transferred, not attended or enrolled in classes, whichever occurs first. 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 the 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 student employment; entering a building; participating in some or all extra-curricular activities sponsored by the college; representing the college in an official student capacity; or using other student 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 student 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 410-Student Conduct.

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