FCC Academic Catalog 2016-2017

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2016/2017 fcc catalog
VI. Code of Student Conduct Referral,
Sanctions, and Appeal Process
A. Referral
Any prohibited student conduct outlined in this
Code which cannot be informally resolved as
prescribed in this Code, or that is covered under
other College policies or procedures as outlined
in this Code, or is a violation of criminal or civil
law, must be referred to the AVP/DOS located in
Suite 319 of the Jefferson Building, for resolution
(see Section V, Prohibited Conduct). Where public
safety is perceived to be an immediate threat,
dial 9-1-1.
B. Investigation
After a Student Behavior Incident Report Form
has been submitted, the AVP/DOS will initiate a
prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation
of all alleged violations of the Code of Student
Conduct. Students will have an opportunity to
be heard, to submit information, and to identify
witnesses who may have relevant information in
their defense.
1. The AVP/DOS or his/her designee will notify the
respondent of the alleged, reported violations
and seek a conference with the respondent
within three (3) workdays of receiving a report.
The AVP/DOS or his/her designee will conduct
an investigation of the alleged violation(s) by
collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses,
clarifying any statements, observations,
or allegations with the complainant. After
completing the investigation and meeting
with the respondent, the AVP/DOS or his/her
designee may either dismiss the complaint as
unfounded or initiate disciplinary sanctions. In
cases where the AVP/DOS or his/her designee
determines that disciplinary sanctions are
warranted, within five workdays of his/her
determination, the respondent will be notified
in writing. All written notices will be sent by
registered and priority mail. If the complaint is
complicated or otherwise cannot reasonably
be investigated within the allotted workdays,
the AVP/DOS or his/her designee may extend
the time for a decision and will inform the
respondent of the extension in writing.
2. Failure of the respondent to respond to
a request for a conference or to accept
a registered letter within five workdays
constitutes an acknowledgement that a
violation of the Code of Student Conduct has
occurred and the student’s rights to any further
appeal are waived. Timelines for responding
to notices are determined by the date the
registered letter is mailed or the documented
date the respondent was notified by any other
means of communication.
3. After the conference with the respondent, the
AVP/DOS or his/her designee, based on the
preponderance of the evidence, may impose
a sanction and inform the respondent of the
appeal hearing process.
C. Sanctions
The following range of disciplinary sanctions may
be imposed by the AVP/DOS:
1. Disciplinary warning – A written warning issued
to a student notifying him/her that his/her
behavior is unacceptable and is a violation of the
Code of Student Conduct.
2. Disciplinary reprimand – A written reprimand
issued to a student for a Code of Student
Conduct violation with specific sanctions
identified for the student. Disciplinary sanctions
which may be imposed include, but are not
limited to:
a. Disciplinary probation means that the student
is still enrolled and is put on formal notice
that they are subject to specific behavioral
guidelines, the violation of which may lead
to more severe forms of discipline such as
suspension or expulsion.
b. Suspension/expulsion from participation
in College-related activities: For example,
participation in intercollegiate athletics,
student government association, student
clubs and organizations, etc.
c. Educational project or community service
assignment: A project or assignment on
campus or in the community, which will
provide the student with an opportunity to
observe and learn specific valued human
behaviors related to his/her own conduct. For
example, participation in a leadership seminar,
alcohol/drug seminar, and/or personal
development class. Evidence of satisfactory
completion will be required.
d. Restitution: The student is ordered to repair
damages or reimburse the affected individual
or entity for damage to (or misappropriation
of) property. This may take the form of
monetary payment or payment of time and
services.
3. Interim Suspension – The AVP/DOS or his/her
designee may suspend a student for an interim
period. Interim suspension is immediately
effective without prior notice, whenever there
is evidence that the continued presence of the
student on College premises poses a substantial
threat to him or herself or to others or to the
stability and continuance of normal College
functions. The respondent will be notified by the
AVP/DOS or his/her designee of the complaint/
allegations and informed of his/her right to
due process, which would include the right to
appeal to the Student Discipline Committee
within three (3) workdays of the respondent’s
notification of the interim suspension. The
Student Discipline Committee will notify the
respondent of its decision in writing within
three (3) workdays of the appeal hearing.
Financial and academic consequences of this
interim suspension are the responsibility of the
student. Interim suspensions used for immediate
safety and security measures in Title IX Sexual
Misconduct complaints will be handled under
the Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy.
4. Suspension from participation in a particular
class is issued in serious cases where the
behavior is determined to be a violation that
has egregiously compromised the learning
environment of that class. Suspension from the
class for the duration of the semester requires
the approval of the Provost/Vice President for
Academic Affairs and Vice President for Learning
Support.
5. Suspension from participation in a particular
program of study is issued in cases where
the behavior, determined to be a violation of
the Code of Student Conduct, is a violation
of the professional and ethical code of the
program of study, and has compromised the
learning environment of a particular program
of study. After suspension from a program of
study, the student may not reregister for the
program without the approval of the Provost/
Vice President for Academic Affairs or licensure
entity.
6. Disciplinary suspension is a student’s
involuntary separation from the College for a
stated period of time and until any imposed
condition is met. The student is not permitted
to enter campus or participate online without
the express permission of the AVP/DOS. A
notation is entered on the student’s account
and will remain there for the duration of the
suspension.
7. Expulsion is the most serious of all sanctions
and indicates that a most serious violation of
the Code of Student Conduct has occurred.
Expulsion results in permanent separation from
the College and will be noted on the student’s
transcript. The student is not permitted to
enter campus or participate online without
the express permission of the Vice President
for Learning Support in concurrence of the
President. This penalty may be applied only
with the recommendation of the President. A
notation is entered on the student’s account
and will remain there permanently.
D. Appeal Process
Students who are sanctioned under the Code
of Student Conduct may appeal to the Student
Discipline Committee, whose decision will be
final except in cases of suspension and expulsion.
Appeals to the Student Discipline Committee are
received by the Office of the Vice President for
Learning Support, located in Suite J319 of the
Jefferson Building. The appeal must be submitted
in writing to the Vice President’s Office within
five (5) workdays following notification of the
sanction.
1. Student Discipline Committee
a. The Student Discipline Committee will conduct
student appeal hearings for disciplinary
sanctions imposed by the AVP/DOS.