FF. Student Conduct and Discipline

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

Student conduct which reflects adversely upon the student or the college will result in disciplinary action. Examples of misconduct will include, but are not limited, to the following:

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Violations include the possession or use of alcoholic beverages on the college campus or while representing the college on an off-campus trip or activity. Violation may also occur when a student's conduct is adversely affected by the consumption of alcohol.

ILLEGAL DRUGS OR NARCOTICS

The use, possession, or transfer of any illegal narcotic drug, medicine or chemical compound.

VANDALISM

The willful malicious destruction, damage or defacing of property, whether it belongs to the college or another student.

THEFT

The removal of property belonging to the college or another person or the possession/transfer of such property.

FIGHTING OR PHYSICAL ABUSE

The use of physical violence against another person or the threat to do so.

ANONYMOUS ACTIVITIES

The conduct or participation in such anonymous activities as threatening or obscene letters, disturbing telephone calls, terrorist threats and false alarms by an unknown person.

DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE ADVERTISING, SELLING OR SOLICITATION

Selling and soliciting on the campus without official authorization. No solicitation of students, faculty, or staff members by personal contact by distribution of advertising leaflets or handbills to promote sales is permitted on the South Plains college campus or in college buildings, residence halls or Student Center without prior approval of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dean of Student Life, Dean of Students, or the Dean of Student Life.

DISRUPTIONS

The use of force or violence or tactics which cause obstruction or disruption of teaching, administration, disciplinary procedures or other college authorized activities on college premises or the use of language or behavior calculated to provoke or disrupt.

FALSIFICATION OF RECORDS

Knowingly furnishing false information to the college or forging, altering, or making unauthorized use of a college document, record or identification.

FINANCIAL IRRESPONSIBILITY

The demonstration of financial irresponsibility relative to such matters as bad checks or failure to pay debts both on and off campus.

FIREARMS, FIRE WORKS, AND EXPLOSIVES

The unauthorized possession or use of firearms, fireworks, or explosives of any description on college grounds or property, including residence halls is prohibited.

GAMBLING

Gambling in any form as prohibited by state law on college grounds or property, including college residence halls.

UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY

The unauthorized entry to or use of college buildings, offices, or facilities.

UNAUTHORIZED POSSESSION OF KEYS

The possession by students of keys to college buildings or facilities that have not been issued by an authorized college official.

LEWD, INDECENT OR OBSCENE CONDUCT

Lewd, vulgar, indecent or obscene conduct or expression on college property or functions off campus identified with South Plains College.

SMOKING

Smoking is strictly prohibited in all places for formal instruction on campus, including, but not limited to, classrooms, laboratories, lecture halls, libraries, and auditoriums, unless specific "Smoking Permitted" notices are posted in such places.

ILLEGAL SELLING OF BOOKS

The selling of books belonging to another person, organization, firm or institution.

CLASSROOM CONDUCT

Failure to comply with lawful direction of classroom teacher relative to maintaining good order. Cheating violations including, but are not limited to:

1. obtaining an examination by stealing or collusion,
2. discovering the content of an examination before it is given,
3. using an unauthorized source of information during an examination,
4. entering an office or building to obtain unfair advantage,
5. taking examination for another, or
6. altering grade records.

Plagiarism is the using, stating, offering, or reporting as one's own an idea, expression, or production of another person without proper credit as to its origin. Except in extreme cases disciplinary action in these cases will be handled by and at the discretion of the instructor and, if necessary, in consultation with his department head.

VIOLATION OF LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL LAW

Any action, event or group of events which provides grounds for a charge of violation of local, state, or federal laws or college regulations.

MISUSE OF STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARD OR MEAL TICKET

1. The use of student identification card or student meal ticket by anyone other than the person to whom it is issued.
2. Failure to present or relinquish student identification card or meal ticket to a member of the faculty, staff or administration.

PROCEDURES FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION

All offenses of misconduct, both minor and major, shall be dealt with by the Dean of Students, Dean of Student Life, or Associate Dean of Student Services. All offenses that may lead to suspension or expulsion shall be regarded as major offenses and be dealt with by the following procedures.

RULES OF EVIDENCE AND BURDEN OF PROOF

Disciplinary decisions will be based on the preponderance of evidence. In other words it is more likely than not an alleged incident occurred. A totality of all available and relevant evidence will be used to establish this preponderance. The burden and responsibility for gathering and evaluating evidence rests with the college. Accused student may elect to not self incriminate and should be active in presenting relevant evidence to support their position. The intent of the disciplinary process is to provide an educational remedy that is best in the interest of all students and the preservation of the academic process. Remedies in extreme cases may provide educational opportunities by utilizing punitive actions such as suspension or expulsion.

DISCIPLINARY HEARING

The Dean of Students, Dean of Student Life or the Associate Dean of Student Services are responsible for investigating reported student misconduct and evaluating evidence as to its accuracy, credibility, and sufficiency. Upon concluding that a major offense has been committed and that there is sufficient evidence to prove this offense, a written statement is prepared which includes: the alleged violation and charges against the student; a statement of penalties that may be imposed; familiarization of student rights and due process.

The hearing shall be scheduled to allow the student reasonable time, not to exceed seven business days from the day of notification of charges, to prepare a defense. During the hearing the student shall hear the charges and be given an opportunity to concur or not concur to the charges. If the student does not concur to the stated charges, the appropriate Dean shall present evidence substantiating the charges. In turn, the student shall have the opportunity to present evidence in refutation of the charges or any other pertinent information on his/her behalf. The appropriate Dean will inform the student of the action to be taken.

APPEAL HEARING AND DUE PROCESS

Should the student wish to appeal the decision, he/she shall notify the Vice President for Student Affairs in writing within 24 hours after receiving the decision. The Vice President will inform the student of the date, time and place of the appeals hearing.

At the appeals hearing before the Disciplinary Appeals Committee, the appropriate Dean will present charges against the student along with the evidence substantiating the charges. The student in turn shall present his/her case in refutation of the charges or to mitigate the disciplinary action taken.

The Disciplinary Appeals Committee shall consider all evidence and reach a decision to sustain the decision of the Dean, assess an alternative punishment, or dismiss the case. The decision of the committee is final.

The Disciplinary Appeals Committee will be composed of the following members:

    • Vice President for Student Affairs, Chairperson.
    • Dean of Students, Dean of Student Life, Dean of Student Services.
    • Instructional Dean of student’s major.
    • Department Chairperson of student’s major area of study.
    • Faculty member of student’s choice.
    • President of Student Government from the appropriate campus location.

MISCELLANEOUS DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

Student Government, and student organization, all participate in maintaining high standards of student conduct. These bodies may conduct official hearings relative to student misconduct and make recommendations for disciplinary penalties to the Dean of Students, Dean of Student Life, or Associate Dean of Student Services. The established disciplinary procedures shall prevail in disposing of such cases of misconduct, taking into consideration the recommendations made by such bodies.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

May include but is not limited to the following, as determined appropriate by the Dean of Students/Student Life, or Associate Dean of Student Services..

WARNING OR REPRIMAND

All offenses which may be punishable by reprimand or warning shall be regarded as minor offenses. Reprimand may include, but is not limited to, counseling with or writing a letter to the student. These actions are cumulative and are considered official college actions recorded in the office of Dean of Students, Dean of Student Life, and the Associate Dean of Student Services.

RESTRICTION

It may be determined that a student should be restricted as a part of disciplinary action. The student may be restricted or confined to the campus, dorm room, library, etc.

EXTRA DUTIES

A student may be assigned to do additional class work or other miscellaneous jobs on campus as determined by the Dean of Students/Student Life/Associate Dean of Student Services.

DISCIPLINARY PROBATION

Any offense leading to disciplinary probation shall be regarded as a major offense. Disciplinary probation is applied for a stated period of time with or without specified restrictive conditions. Restrictive conditions may include, but are not limited to, removing the right of the student (1) to receive any college award, scholarships, or financial aid; (2) to occupy any position of leadership in any college or student organization or activity; or (3) to operate a motor vehicle on campus. The student is required to show appropriate changes in attitude and behavior during the probationary period.

DISCIPLINARY SUSPENSION

Any offense leading to disciplinary suspension shall be regarded as a major offense. Suspension is normally for a stated period of time, but in no case less than the remainder of the semester in which the offense is committed. During suspension, the student shall not (1) attend classes; (2) participate in any college-related activity; (3) be on campus for any reason except for application for readmission. Readmission on probation will be granted at the end of the suspension period.

EXPULSION

Expulsion is the permanent removal from South Plains College with no opportunity for readmission. Expulsion shall be used only in cases of extreme misconduct.

HOLD PLACED ON RECORDS

A hold is placed on a student's grades and/or transcript when he fails to resolve financial obligations with the college. The hold remains in effect until financial obligations have been resolved.

 

Amendment:
Authorized: Vice President for Student Affairs
Nature of Revision: Content
Date Issued: 8/2001