Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT



Student Code of Conduct

Tarrant County College has the administrative responsibility to control and regulate student conduct and behavior that tends to impede, obstruct or threaten the fulfillment of the educational goals of the College, or that tends to impede, obstruct or threaten the legal rights of others on campus. Therefore, TCC has the responsibility and authority to formulate and enforce rules of student conduct necessary for the maintenance of order and property where such rules are reasonable and necessary to further the educational goals of the College. In order to create a positive climate for learning, students are expected to abide by all rules and regulations. Failure to comply with these rules and regulations may be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the College.

Tarrant County College Student Conduct Philosophy Statement

As stated in our mission statement, “Tarrant County College provides affordable and open access to quality teaching and learning.” As an institution of higher learning, Tarrant County College encourages the intellectual and personal growth of its students as scholars and citizens. In order to maintain an environment where these goals can be achieved safely and equitably, the College promotes civility, respect and integrity among all members of the community. The College strives to guide the educational community by establishing a Student Code of Conduct and student conduct process that promotes individual and social responsibility. Choosing to join Tarrant County College obligates each member to a code of civilized behavior. Individuals, student organizations, and campus organizations are expected to observe the policies, rules, and regulations of Tarrant County College, local city ordinances, the laws and policies of the State of Texas, and all federal laws and policies of the United States of America. College policies have been designed to protect individuals and the campus community and create an environment conducive to achieving the academic mission of the institution. As a diverse population, we must be able to live, work, and learn in an environment that is inclusive, civil, and respectful of the rights, property, and sensibilities of others.

The purpose of our Student Code of Conduct is to set forth the specific authority and responsibility of the College in maintaining social discipline, to establish guidelines that facilitate a just and civil campus community, and to outline an educational process for determining student/organization responsibility for alleged violations of college regulations. This student conduct process will follow established procedures for ensuring fundamental fairness and an educational experience that facilitates the development of the individual and of the student/campus organization. Through the conduct process we attempt to utilize experiences that assist the individual(s) involved to think out, evaluate, and become accountable for personal choices and behavior; to establish a personal code of conduct; and if need be, to redirect undesired behavior of the student into acceptable patterns to ensure the rights of the community.


ARTICLE I: Definitions

  1. The term “absentia” means ‘in the absence of “or” while absent’.
  2. The term “Advisor” means any person selected by the accused student or the complainant to assist with giving support and resources before, during, and/or after the Student Conduct Administrative Review. Advisors may or may not be attorneys. The Advisor’s role is limited during review procedures. Advisors are permitted to address the student but not the Student Conduct Administrator or Student Conduct Officer.
  3. The term “advocate” an individual(s) who publically supports a particular cause, event, policy, or individual. 
  4. The term “Alleged Student or Responding Party” means any person accused of allegedly violating the Student Code of Conduct.
  5. The term “Cheating” includes, but is not limited to: (1) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; (2) use of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; (3) the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the College faculty or staff; or (4) engaging in any behavior specifically prohibited by a faculty member in the course syllabus.
  6. The term “College” means Tarrant County College.
  7. The term “College Official” includes any person employed by the College, performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.
  8. The term “College Premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the College (including adjacent streets and sidewalks). This Student Code applies at all locations of the College.
  9. The term “Complainant” (Reporting Parting) means any person who submits a referral alleging that a student violated this Student Code of Conduct. When a student believes that s/he has been a victim of another student’s misconduct, the student who believes s/he has been a victim will have the same rights under this Student Code of Conduct as are provided to the Accused Student, even if another member of the College community submitted the charge itself.
  10. The term “deliberation” is a long careful consideration or discussion.
  11. The term “disciplinary sanction(s) or sanction(s)” means an imposed decision (penalty) for violation of a college rule, policy or the law. 
  12. The term “due process” is providing fair treatment to all parties in the disciplinary processes. 
  13. The term “Faculty Member” means any person hired by the College to conduct classroom or teaching activities or who is otherwise considered by the College to be a member of its faculty.
  14. The term “preliminary investigation” is an inquiry to determine if an allegation merits a full investigation. 
  15. The term “preponderance of evidence” means a greater weight of evidence or more likely than not. Even in cases, which make reference to federal, state, or local criminal statutes or ordinances, the burden of proof in College conduct proceedings remains as a preponderance of evidence.
  16. The term “postpone” means to cause or arrange for something to take place at a time later than was first scheduled. 
  17. The term “referral agent” is the individual/organization who refers the person(s) to another process or person. 
  18. The term “reporting party” means the individual(s) who filed the incident report or complaint. 
  19. The term “responding party” means the person(s) the allegation is made against.
  20. The term “Student Conduct Authority” means any person or persons given the authority to facilitate or participate in the Student Conduct process including: the Student Conduct Administrator Review, Student Conduct Officer, and the Campus President.
  21. The term “student conduct investigation report (summary)” means a formal investigation of the history of the person(s) and their behavior/activity allegedly involved in a reported incident or crime.
  22. The term “Student Conduct Officer” means a Coordinator of Student Support, Title IX Deputy or a college designee who inquires, gathers, interviews, and investigates a report and/or incident. 
  23. The term “May” is used in the permissive sense.
  24. The term “Member of the College Community” includes any person who is a student, faculty member, College Official or any other person employed by the College. A person’s status in a particular situation shall be determined by the Student Conduct Administrator.
  25. The term “Official College Communication” means that the student’s assigned Tarrant County College (TCCD) email is the official method in which all student conduct correspondence will be communicated. 
  26. The term “Plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.
  27. The term “Policy” means the written regulations of the College as found in, but not limited to, the Student Code of Conduct, the Student Handbook, and the College web page.
  28. The term “Student” includes all persons taking courses at the College, either full-time or part-time, credit or noncredit seeking, certificate, associate, technical, professional studies, or attending an educational program sponsored by the College. Persons who withdraw from the College after allegedly violating the Student Code of Conduct, who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the College or who have been notified of their acceptance for admission are considered “students.”
  29. The term “Student Conduct Administrative Review” means the Vice President for Student Development Services in consultation with a Student Conduct Officer, identified by the College as responsible for the administration of the Student Code of Conduct.  The role of the Student Conduct Officer in the Student Conduct Administrative Review process is to consult with the Conduct Administrator on Student Code of Conduct processes and procedures and to serve as a non-biased witness to the proceedings.  The Conduct Officer may also recommend appropriate sanctions based on best practices. In all cases, the Conduct Administrator will make the final decisions regarding actions taken during the entire Administrative Review process. The Student Conduct Administrative Review is the first official level of conduct adjudication and will impose sanctions if necessary. 
  30. The term “Student Conduct Administrative Conference” means that significant documentation exists to schedule a formal meeting (conference) with the student/organization that is being accused of misconduct. Normally, the accused student/organization must appear in person for the conference, but a request to waive this requirement, under certain circumstances, may be considered at the discretion of the Student Conduct Administrator.
  31. The term “Student Conduct Administrator” means the Vice President for Student Development Services on the campus responsible for the oversight of the student conduct administration including but not limited to sending and receiving student conduct correspondence and student conduct records management. 
  32. The term “Student Conduct Officer” means the college official who is designated by the Vice President for Student Development Services to serve as a conduct case investigator and student conduct process facilitator.  The Student Conduct Officer may serve as the initial review official to determine whether the referral has merit. A designated Student Conduct Officer also participates in the Student Conduct Administrative Review process.  
  33. The term “Student Organization” means any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for College recognition, or any number of persons comprised of students who use College facilities or services; or any club or organization, which identifies itself with the College and presents student programs or activities in the College community.

ARTICLE II: Student Code Conduct

  1. The Student Conduct Administrator at each campus shall ensure that the Student Code of Conduct processes and procedures are carried out according to TCC Board Policy.
  2. The Student Conduct Administrator at each campus shall ensure that students receive due process, including the right to appeal any decision and/or sanction to Campus President according to TCC Board Policy.
  3. The Student Conduct Administrator shall develop procedures and training for the administration of the student conduct system and procedural rules that are consistent with provisions of the Student Code of Conduct.
  4. Decisions made by the Campus President shall be final should the conduct case rise to that level, pending the normal appeal process.

ARTICLE III: Proscribed Conduct

Jurisdiction of the College Student Code of Conduct

The College Student Code of Conduct shall be used to address any and all student or student organization conduct alleged to violate a TCC Board of Trustees policy or any local, state or federal law. The College Student Code of Conduct shall apply to conduct that occurs on College premises, at College sponsored activities, and off-campus conduct that adversely affects the College Community and/or the pursuit of its objectives. Alleged violations of federal, state and (or) local laws may be investigated and addressed under the Student Code of Conduct. Each student/organization shall be responsible for his/her conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree (and even if their conduct is not discovered until after a degree is awarded). The Student Code of Conduct shall apply to a student’s/organization’s conduct even though conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end as well as during the academic year and during periods between terms of actual enrollment. This document governs the behavior of all students/organizations on and off College premises. Students/organizations attending functions on or off campus as representatives of the College are subject to disciplinary sanctions for violations of the Student Code of Conduct. The Student Code of Conduct shall apply to a student’s conduct even if the student withdraws from school while a disciplinary matter is pending. The Student Conduct Administrator shall decide whether the Student Code of Conduct shall be applied to conduct occurring off campus, on a case-by-case basis, in his/her sole discretion. Should actions violate both College regulations and public law, this may result in the application of College disciplinary proceedings in addition to any criminal proceedings.

Conduct—Rules and Regulations

Any student/organization found to have committed, or to have attempted to commit any of the following misconduct actions is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in this handbook.


ARTICLE IV: Student Conduct Definitions

  1. Abuse - Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person FLB[LOCAL].
  2. Alcohol - Use, consumption, possession, furnishing, manufacturing, or distribution of alcoholic beverages (except as expressly permitted by College regulations), open containers, or public intoxication is prohibited. Alcoholic beverages may not, in any circumstance, be used by, possessed by, or distributed to any person under twenty-one (21) years of age FLBE[LOCAL/LEGAL].
  3. Animal/Pets - Animals on campus are prohibited with the exception of service animals. Any exceptions should be directed to the Vice President for Student Development Services FAA[LEGAL].
  4. Bullying - Bullying can be defined as the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim. TCC takes bullying seriously, and students should be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported. Bullying will not be tolerated. Examples of bullying include but are not limited to:
    1. Emotional: Being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding books, threatening gestures);
    2. Physical: Pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence;
    3. Racial: Racial taunts, graffiti, gestures;
    4. Sexual: Unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments;
    5. Homophobic: Because of, or focusing on the issue of sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression;
    6. Verbal: Name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumors, teasing; and
    7. Cyber: The use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated and hostile behavior by an individual or group that it is intended to harm others; this includes all areas of the Internet, such as email and Internet chat room misuse, mobile threats by text messaging and calls, and misuse of associated technology such as camera and video facilities FFE[LOCAL].
  5. College Policies - Violation of any College policy, rule, or regulation published in hard copy or available electronically on the College website.
  6. Computer and Network Violations - Theft or other abuse of computer facilities and resources FLB[LOCAL]. Violations include but are not limited to:
    1. Unauthorized entry into a file to use, read, or change the contents, or for any other purpose;
    2. Unauthorized transfer of a file;
    3. Use of another individual’s identification and/or password;
    4. Use of computing facilities and resources to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or College Official;
    5. Use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene or abusive messages;
    6. Use of computing facilities and resources to interfere with the normal operation of the College computing system;
    7. Use of computing facilities and resources in violation of copyright laws; and
    8. Any violation of the College Computer Use Policy.
  7. Conduct System Abuse - Abuse of the Student Conduct System FLB[LOCAL]. Conduct System Abuse includes, but not limited to:
    1. Failure to comply with the notice from a Student Conduct Authority to appear for a meeting as part of the Student Conduct process;
    2. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information as part of a Student Conduct process;
    3. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a Student Conduct Board proceeding;
    4. Instituting the student conduct process without true cause;
    5. Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the student conduct process;
    6. Attempting to influence the impartiality of  the Conduct Administrator/Officer prior to, and/or during the course of, the student conduct code proceeding;
    7. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of the Conduct Officer/Administrator prior to, during, and/or after a student conduct code proceeding;
    8. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Student Code of Conduct;
    9. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the Student Conduct process; and
    10. Plagiarism of an educational student conduct sanction.
  8. Dangerous Items/Weapons - The possession of firearms, explosives and other weapons or dangerous chemicals on College premises is an illegal offense in accordance with Texas Penal Code. In addition, the use of any such item on College premises and/or at College sponsored events in a manner that harms, causes bodily injury, threatens, or causes fear to others constitutes an offense even if the item is legally possessed. The following are prohibited:

All weapons listed in the Texas Penal Code including but not limited to:

  1. Firearms (other than concealed with license) and explosive weapons;
  2. Machine guns;
  3. Short-barreled firearms;
  4. Firearm silencer;
  5. Knuckles;
  6. Armor-piercing ammunition;
  7. Chemical dispensing devices;
  8. Zip gun; and
  9. Tire deflators.

Weapons considered dangerous on College premises include but are not limited to:

  1. Any type of BB pellet gun;
  2. Paint gun;
  3. Realistic facsimile of a weapon or any counterfeit item;
  4. Stun gun and/or taser weapon;
  5. Paint pellets and cartridge;
  6. Switch blades or any blade more than three inches;
  7. Bows and arrows with exception of archery classes;
  8. Martial arts weapons;
  9. Slingshots and water balloon launchers;
  10. Explosive devices and fireworks; and
  11. Dangerous chemicals or other hazardous materials.

For more information on the Texas Penal Code visit CHF[LOCAL/LEGAL].
For more information on Campus Carry please visit the TCC website.

  1. Dishonesty - Acts of dishonesty FLB[LOCAL]. Dishonesty includes, but not limited to the following:
    1. Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty;
    2. Furnishing false information to any College Official, faculty member, or office;
    3. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any College document, record, or instrument of identification;
    4. Fraud-receiving or attempting to receive payment services or academic credit under false pretenses; and
    5. Tampering with any College election process.
  2. Disorderly Conduct - Conduct that is disorderly, lewd, or indecent; breach of peace or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on College premises or at functions sponsored by the College or members of the academic community. Disorderly Conduct includes but is not limited to: consensual physical fighting and/or assault, or disturbing the peace FLB[LOCAL].  
  3. Disruption - Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, student conduct proceedings, other College activities, including its public service functions on or off campus, or of other authorized non- College activities when the conduct occurs on College premises FLB[LEGAL]).
  4. Drugs - Use, transmission, possession, or attempts to do any of these previous acts, or be under the influence of, any controlled substance or dangerous drug as defined by law, abusable glue, aerosol paint, or any other volatile chemical substance for inhalation, performance-enhancing substance including steroids, any designer drug, or any intoxicant or mood-changing, mind-altering, or behavior-altering drug, is prohibited on College premises or off premises at a College-sponsored activity, function, or event. The transmittal, sale, or attempted sale of what is represented to be any of the before-listed substances shall also be prohibited under this policy. FLBE[LOCAL/ LEGAL].
  5. Electronic Media Violations - Inappropriate use of College computers and computing resources FLB[LOCAL]. Inappropriate use includes, but not limited to:
    1. Any unauthorized use of electronic or other devices to make an audio or video record of any person while on College premises without his/her prior knowledge, or without his/her effective consent when such a recording is likely to cause injury or distress. This includes, but is not limited to, surreptitiously taking pictures of another person in a gym, locker room, or restroom;
    2. Anonymous or forged e-mail messages;
    3. Unauthorized attempts to access another person’s e-mail or similar electronic communications;
    4. Use of another’s name, e-mail or computer address or workstation to send e-mail or similar electronic communications;
    5. Use of System e-mail or other network resources for commercial purposes or for personal financial gain;
    6. Access to a restricted computing resource without authorization or use for purposes beyond the authorization;
    7. Transmission of copyrighted materials, without the written permission of the author or creator, through System e-mail or other network resources in violation of U.S. copyright law;
    8. Use of computing resources used in a manner that disrupts the work or educational environment;
    9. Intentional use of System computing resources to store, download, upload, display, print or e-mail computer images that constitute “obscene materials” as defined by Section 43.21 of the Texas Penal Code and that are not directly related to or required for a specific educational course or research project directly related to an educational program;
    10. The display or transmission of messages, images, cartoons or other messages or images that are sexually explicit or that demean a person on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, gender, national origin, disability, and/or religion, may constitute prohibited harassment under System policies;
    11. Upload or download of unauthorized materials to any System server; and
    12. Sharing of an account, password or other authentication device that was provided to permit access to restricted computing resources (TCC Guidelines for Computing and Technology Resources).
  6. Endangerment of Person(s) - Conducting oneself in a manner that initially threatens or endangers the health or safety of a person, other members or visitors within the college community or at college sponsored or related events is prohibited. This includes threats of suicide made in jest FLB[LOCAL] .
  7. Failure to Comply - Failure to comply with directions of College Officials or law enforcement officers acting in the performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so. Students who fail to comply with directions or requests of College Officials, including, but not limited to student volunteers and student employees, or contract service vendors acting in performance of their duties, may be referred to the student conduct process. Students who willfully resist, delay, or obstruct College Officials in the discharge or attempts to discharge the duty of their office or employment will also be referred to the student conduct process FLB[LOCAL].
  8. False Alarm or Report - False alarm or false report occurs when a person knowingly initiates, communicates, or circulates a report of a present, past, or future bombing, fire, offense, or other emergency that he or she knows is false or baseless and that would ordinarily:
    1. Cause action by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies;
    2. Place a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury;
    3. Prevent or interrupt the occupation of a building, room, or place of assembly; or
    4. Fire alarm silencer means any device designed, made, or adapted to muffle the fire alarm FLB[LOCAL].
  9. Fire Safety and Equipment - The following behaviors are prohibited:
    1. Causing a false alarm, arson, tampering with the fire alarm system, smoke detectors, sprinkler system, emergency exits, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, exit signs, and other equipment are federal offenses;
    2. Failing to evacuate a College building during fire and/or emergency alarms or re-entering the building before the all clear sign is given;
    3. Possessing and/or using candles, incense, oil lamps, helium tanks, and other combustible and/or flame producing items in any campus area or building;
    4. Possessing and/or using of fireworks, CO2 cartridges, explosives, chemicals and other hazardous materials; and
    5. Attaching excessive wall coverings or other items to walls and/or ceilings.
  10. Gambling - Students are expected to abide by federal and state laws prohibiting illegal gambling. Prohibited activity includes, but is not limited to: betting on, wagering on, or selling pools on any event; possessing on one’s person or premises, any card, book or other device for registering bets; knowingly permitting the use of one’s premises or one’s telephone or other electronic event; and  involvement in bookmaking or wagering pools with respect to the events. Gaming events, including but not limited to casino nights and poker events, are prohibited without the authorization of the Vice President for Student Development Services or his/her designee FI[LOCAL]and FLB[LOCAL].
  11. Guests - Visitors are welcome on the campus. However, when undesirable behavior on the part of the campus guest hinders or threatens the normal function of the campus, he/she will be asked to leave the campus, and, if he/she fails to comply he/she will be removed from campus and/or arrested. Violators can be prosecuted under Texas law. Any person(s) who comes onto campus to visit a student or students (whether or not they were specifically invited) is considered a guest of that student. Students are responsible for the behavior of their guests; this includes any possessions that the guest brings onto campus which violate College policy (e.g., weapons, drugs, alcohol, paraphernalia, or other similar material). Students need to accompany their guests during their stay on campus. Students will be held fully responsible for their guests and will be subject to conduct review for the behavior of their guests. Any College Official has the right to request a guest to leave.
  12. Harassment - Engaging in behavior that is sufficiently severe or pervasive so as to threaten an individual or substantially interfere with the individual’s employment, education or access to College programs, activities or opportunities, and such behavior would detrimentally affect a reasonable person under the same circumstances. Behaviors that meet the above definition may include, but are not limited to, the following:
    1. Directing physical or verbal conduct at an individual because of the individual’s age, race, color, gender, ancestry, national origin, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, gender identity;
    2. Subjecting a person or group of persons to unwanted physical contact or threat of such; and
    3. Engaging in a course of conduct, including following the person without proper authority (e.g., stalking), under circumstances which would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others or to suffer emotional distress.                                                                                                                                                                                                               
  13. Hazing - Hazing is defined as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization. The express or implied consent of the victim will not be a defense. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts; they are violations of this rule FLBC[LEGAL].
  14. Identification - All students and guests are required to provide their name and show appropriate identification to a College Official upon request. Students must carry their Tarrant County College identification with them at all times when on College property or at College functions. Guests must carry a driver’s license, or other government-issued identification at all times. The following behaviors are also prohibited:
    1. Falsely identifying oneself to others; and
    2. Possession, production, or distribution of false identification cards, or materials to fabricate such, is illegal and strictly prohibited. Any false identification cards found to be in the possession of students or guests will be confiscated, destroyed, and may result in a citation from the governing Police authority.
  15. Illegal Substances/Drugs - Use, possession, sale, manufacturing, or distribution of narcotics, or other controlled substances except as expressly permitted by law.  Any drugs and or paraphernalia found to be in the students’ possession will be considered to be the students’ possession whether or not he/she has purchased or furnished the items in question. Items confiscated will not be returned. Notes below:
    1. Illegal or improper use of prescription medicines including steroids. All prescription medicines must be kept in their original bottle and must have the prescription from the doctor noted on the bottle.
    2. Possession of drug paraphernalia, including but not limited to: water pipes, scales, needles, clips, rolling papers, bongs etc.; any device that may be associated with drug use, regardless of whether it is purchased or handmade, even as props for filming.
    3. Legal substances used in an improper manner (e.g. ingesting a cleaning chemical, inhaling other chemical substances for the purpose of intoxication). FLBE[LOCAL].
  16. Keys - Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any College premise or unauthorized entry to or exit use of any College premises CS[LEGAL].
  17. Lewd and Indecent Behavior
    1. Urinating in areas other than toilets and urinals (including lawns, lounges, elevators, stairwells, balconies, parking lots, etc.);
    2. Public nudity;
    3. Sexual contact in a public or common area; and
    4. Public viewing or displaying of pornography CR[LOCAL] and FLA[LOCAL].
  18. Minors on Campus - From time to time, classes and activities are offered at TCC for minor children. On these occasions, children are permitted to participate in these opportunities. At no time are children permitted to be left unattended on any campus or property owned or controlled by TCC GDA[LOCAL].
  19. Obstruction - Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on College premises or at College-sponsored or supervised functions FLB[LOCAL].
  20. Property Damage - Destruction, damage, misuse and or defacing of College, personal, or public property is prohibited FM[LOCAL].
  21. Retaliation - The College will not tolerate retaliation. Retaliation against any person or group who makes a complaint, cooperates with an investigation, or participates in a resolution process is a violation of College policy. Retaliation can take many forms, including continued abuse or violence, bullying, threats, and intimidation. Any individual or group of individuals, not just a complainant or respondent, can engage in retaliation. Retaliation should be reported promptly to the Student Conduct Administrator and may result in disciplinary action independent of any sanction or interim measures imposed in response to the underlying allegation of misconduct.
  22. Right to Assemble/Public Demonstration - Participating in an on-campus or off-campus demonstration, riot or activity that disrupts the normal operations of the College and/or infringes on the rights of other members of the College community; and leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any campus building or area FLA[LEGAL].
  23. Sexual Misconduct - The following behaviors are prohibited:
    1. Sexual Assault – engaging in sexual intercourse or other sexual behaviors with another person without said person’s consent;
    2. Sexual Exploitation - examples of sexual exploitation include, but are not limited to, prostituting another student; non-consensual video or audio-taping of sexual activity or distribution of such; going beyond the boundaries of consent (such as letting your friends surreptitiously watch you having consensual sex); engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a third party; engaging in voyeurism; exhibitionism; and knowingly transmitting an STI/STD or HIV to another student.
    3. Sexual Battery - non-consensual physical contact of a sexual nature; and
    4. Sexual Harassment - Events or actions (verbal, visual, or physical in nature) that are continued and unwelcomed (neither solicited nor incited and it is regarded by the recipient as undesirable or offensive) conduct of a sexual nature that would be offensive to a reasonable person; which could interfere with an individual’s academic pursuits or create or substantially contribute to an intimidating or hostile work or academic environment.
  24. Theft/Possession of Stolen Property or Service - Attempted or actual theft of and/or damage to property of the College, property of a member of the College community, or other personal or public property on campus or other property owned or controlled by the College. Conduct covered by the offense includes, but is not limited to the following: taking without consent the property or service of the College, another person, business, or organization; possessing property that can reasonably be determined to have been stolen from the College, another person, business or organization FLB[LOCAL].
  25. Tobacco Use/Smoking - The use of tobacco products shall be prohibited on College grounds and in College buildings, facilities, and vehicles. This prohibition shall also apply to spaces leased by the College.  The use of tobacco products shall be permitted in private vehicles parked on College property provided any residue is retained within the vehicle. Violation of the College policy on tobacco use may result in disciplinary action FLBD[LOCAL].  Officers can also issue municipal citations to violators of this policy in certain campuses.
  26. Violation of Law - Tarrant County College upholds all federal, state and local laws and considers violation of these laws on College property or at any function authorized by the College even if held off campus as a cause for disciplinary action in addition to any action that might be taken by our criminal justice system.
  27. Violence - The following behaviors are prohibited:
    1. Any act of violence or threat of violence; and
    2. All physical abuse including physical assault and/or battery as well as any domestic disputes, dating violence, hate crimes, and/or child abuse FFE[LOCAL].
  28. Violation of Law, College Discipline, College Policies - All students/organizations and their guests must adhere to all College policies. The following are options that may be pursued against students/organizations and their guests who fail to follow College policies:
    1. College disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with conduct that potentially violates both the criminal law and the Student Code of Conduct (that is, if both possible violations result from the same factual situation) without regard to the pendency of civil or criminal litigation in court or criminal arrest and prosecution. Proceedings under this Student Code of Conduct may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off campus at the discretion of the Student Conduct Administrator;
    2. When a student is charged by federal, state, or local authorities with a violation of law, the College will not request or agree to special consideration for that individual because of his or her status as a student. If the alleged offense is also being processed under the Student Code of Conduct, the College may advise off-campus authorities of the existence of the Student Code of Conduct and of how such matters are typically handled within the College community. The College will attempt to cooperate with law enforcement and other agencies in the enforcement of criminal law on campus and in the conditions imposed by criminal courts for the rehabilitation of student violators (provided that the conditions do not conflict with campus rules or sanctions). Individual students and other members of the College community, acting in their personal capacities, remain free to interact with governmental representatives, as they deem appropriate; and
    3. Any violation of posted college policy including but not limited to solicitation. FM[LOCAL]

ARTICLE V: Student Conduct Code Procedures

Article V addresses procedural processes used when alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct occur. The procedures outlined below ensure appropriate measures are taken to protect the College and the student/organization. Any student/organization needing accommodations for conduct proceedings should submit requests to the Student Conduct Administrator.

Any member of the College District community, including but not limited to, students, faculty, administrators, staff and others shall be permitted to submit a recognized student conduct report regarding a student or recognized student organization for an alleged violation of College District policies and rules or other types of misconduct. [See FLB]

For instances involving reports of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and retaliation targeting students, including claims against other students, employees, and third parties, see FFDA. For instances involving reports of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation involving other protected characteristics, see FFDB.

The College District’s student discipline and penalties process may involve up to three steps, as noted below:

Alleged conduct violations shall be resolved at the completion of Step 2 unless the student or recognized student organization submits a written request to advance the conduct case on to the appeal processes described in Step 3. While the student conduct proceedings set forth in this document do not constitute legal proceedings, the College District seeks to provide students with due process as required by law. [See FM]

Reports of Misconduct

Reports of alleged policy violations and misconduct shall be submitted to the Student Conduct Officer (campus coordinator of student support) within a reasonable time frame following an incident. The reports must be submitted in writing, through traditional or electronic means, and must clearly describe the alleged policy violation or misconduct and any other important information and facts.  

For reports involving complaints of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and retaliation targeting students, including claims against other students, employees and third parties the College District may request, but shall not require, a written report. If a report is made orally, the College District official shall reduce the report to written form. [See FFDA]

Notice to Student or Recognized Student Organization

The Student Conduct Officer shall notify the student or recognized student organization via e-mail within ten (10) College District business days that a conduct report has been received alleging a policy violation or misconduct. The responsibility to cooperate with the student conduct proceedings is not eliminated by failure to check College District e-mail. In cases involving sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and retaliation targeting students, both the reporting student and the responding student will receive written notice regarding the alleged policy violation or misconduct. [See FFDA]

The written notice to the accused student or recognized student organization shall include all of the following:

  1. A description of the alleged policy violation or misconduct being reported including the dalte, time and place that the alleged incident occurred;
  2. The specific College District policy the student or recognized student organization is accused of violating;
  3. The name of the person or persons reporting the alleged policy violation or misconduct;
  4. The steps and procedures involved in the College District’s student discipline and penalties process;
  5. Any action that the student or recognized student organization must take and the deadline by which the action must be completed;
  6. The time frame in which the Student Conduct Officer has to complete the preliminary investigation process, including the possibility of an approved extension;
  7. The range of sanctions that may be imposed by the Student Conduct Administrator (campus vice president for student development services) if the student or recognized student organization is found responsible for the reported policy violation or misconduct; and
  8. The right to appeal the decisions made and disciplinary sanctions imposed by the Student Conduct Administrator to the campus president.
Notice to Student or Recognized Student Organization

Step 1: Information Gathering/Preliminary Investigation

The Student Conduct Officer shall perform a preliminary investigation to determine if supporting documentation exists regarding the alleged policy violation or misconduct. Any supporting documentation shall be gathered and examined to help determine the merits of the reported policy violation or misconduct.

The Student Conduct Officer may interview any party associated with the reported policy violation or misconduct as part of the preliminary investigation process.

The student or recognized student organization shall cooperate with the College District information gathering process. This shall include the expectation to respond to College District e-mail correspondence, to appear if requested, to respond truthfully to questions asked by College District officials, and to participate as witnesses in the student conduct proceedings.

The accused student or recognized student organization shall be notified that contact with the individuals who reported the alleged policy violations or misconduct and any supporting witnesses is prohibited, except as arranged by the Student Conduct Officer or the Student Conduct Administrator. Any attempts to make contact with the reporting individual(s) or witnesses to the incident may be deemed as threatening or intimidating and could lead to additional disciplinary sanctions.

The initial student conduct report, the results of the preliminary investigation conducted by the Student Conduct Officer, and all supporting documentation shall be submitted to the Student Conduct Administrator for consideration and resolution as part of the student conduct administrative review process. All supporting documentation shall be submitted to the Student Conduct Administrator within ten (10) College District business days from the date of the initial student conduct report.

The Student Conduct Officer shall have the option to request, from the Student Conduct Administrator, an extension to the submission deadline of up to ten (10) additional College District business days if more time is needed to conduct the preliminary investigation. If the extension is granted, the student or recognized student organization shall be notified by College District e-mail.

Standard of Proof

Proof of the alleged misconduct must include evidence that meets the criteria for determining a “preponderance of evidence.” A preponderance of evidence means a greater weight of evidence to decide in favor of one side or the other. This preponderance is based on the more convincing evidence and its probable truth or accuracy. Even in cases that refer to federal, state, or local criminal statutes or ordinances, the burden of proof in College District conduct proceedings remains as a preponderance of evidence.

Student Conduct Administrative Review

Step 2: Student Conduct Administrative Review

The student conduct administrative review is conducted by the Student Conduct Administrator in consultation with a Student Conduct Officer who has been involved in the preliminary investigation process. The role of the Student Conduct Officer in the review process is to consult with the Student Conduct Administrator on student discipline and penalties, procedures and processes. The Student Conduct Officer shall be permitted to recommend appropriate disciplinary sanctions based on best practices. In all conduct cases, the Student Conduct Administrator shall make the final decisions regarding the dismissal of a conduct case, disciplinary sanctions to be imposed, and all other actions associated with the resolution of conduct cases.

The Student Conduct Administrator shall have the authority to interview any party associated with a conduct case in order to determine the merits of the reported policy violation or misconduct.

After consulting with the Student Conduct Officer, reviewing the merits of the alleged policy violation or reported misconduct and examining the available supporting documentation, the Student Conduct Administrator shall take the following action:

  1. Dismiss the conduct case based on lack of significant supporting documentation to support the alleged policy violation or reported misconduct; or
  2. Summon the accused student or recognized student organization to appear at a student conduct administrative conference. This conference shall be held when there is significant documentation to support the allegations. The Student Conduct Administrator shall have the authority to summon the student or recognized student organization for other reasons as needed in order to resolve the conduct case.
Unfounded Allegations

As a result of the preliminary investigation process, and if it is determined that the student or recognized student organization did not commit the alleged policy violation or reported misconduct, the conduct case shall be dismissed as unfounded. The student or recognized student organization shall be provided written notice of the dismissal by College District e-mail.

Administrative Conference

Once the preliminary investigation has been completed and if there is sufficient supporting documentation, the Student Conduct Administrator shall summon the student or recognized student organization to attend a student conduct administrative conference. The student conduct administrative conference shall be held within ten (10) College District business days following the submission of the conduct case from the Student Conduct Officer to the Student Conduct Administrator.

The written summons to the accused student or recognized student organization to attend the student conduct administrative conference shall include the following:

  1. Direct the student or recognized student organization to appear before the Student Conduct Administrator on the date, time and place specified;
  2. Inform the student or recognized student organization that the student conduct administrative conference does not constitute a legal proceeding and that legal counsel shall not be provided;
  3. Advise the student of his or her rights as follows:
    1. The accused student or recognized student organization shall have the right to be assisted during the student conduct administrative conference by an advisor chosen by the student or recognized student organization. The advisor must only speak to the student or recognized student organization during the student conduct proceedings and shall not directly address the Student Conduct Administrator or the Student Conduct Officer.
    2. The accused student or recognized student organization shall have the right to request copies of any supporting documentation collected by the College District to sup-port the reported policy violation or misconduct and offer supporting documentation on his or her own behalf.
    3. The accused student or recognized student organization shall have the right to know the names of witnesses who may have been interviewed and whose statements will be offered as supporting documentation of wrong doing against the student or recognized student organization.
    4. The accused student or recognized student organization shall have the right to know the proposed sanction or range of disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed.
    5. The accused student or recognized student organization shall have the right to request an appeal of the decision made and any disciplinary sanctions imposed by the Student Conduct Administrator to the student conduct appeal board should grounds for an appeal exist.
    6. The accused student or recognized student organization shall have the right to request a final appeal to the campus president.
  4. Inform the student or recognized student organization that the Student Conduct Administrator must be notified if the accused student or recognized student organization intends to have an attorney serve as an advisor during the student conduct administrative conference. The notice must be submitted in writing no less than five College District business days before the student conduct administrative conference is scheduled to occur. In these instances, the Student Conduct Administrator must arrange for a College District attorney to also be present during the student conduct administrative conference. The College District shall have the authority to postpone the student-dent conduct administrative conference if the student or recognized student organization does not provide timely notice of the intent to have an attorney present.
  5. Inform the student or recognized student organization that the Student Conduct Administrator must be notified if the accused student or recognized student organization intends to have witnesses or other individuals speak on their behalf during the student conduct administrative conference. The notice must be submitted in writing no less than five College District business days before the scheduled student conduct administrative conference. The notice must include the names of the individuals, the relationship of the individuals to the accused student or recognized student organization, and why their presence is relevant to the conduct case.

Although the Student Conduct Administrator will conduct the student conduct administrative conference, a Student Conduct Officer who has not been involved in the preliminary investigation process shall also be present during the conference and participate in the proceedings as needed. The role of the Student Conduct Officer during the conference is to serve as a non-biased witness to the student conduct proceedings. The Student Conduct Officer shall consult as necessary with the Student Conduct Administrator regarding College District student discipline and penalties procedures and to recommend appropriate disciplinary sanctions if warranted.

During the student conduct administrative conference, Student Conduct Administrator shall repeat the allegations and give the student or recognized student organization an opportunity to view the supporting documentation, present a rebuttal and submit other information and supporting documentation for consideration. The student conduct administrative conference proceedings shall be audio recorded and if requested, a copy shall be provided to the student or recognized student organization.

During or after the student conduct administrative conference, one of the following shall occur:

  1. The Student Conduct Administrator shall have the authority to dismiss the conduct case based on the supporting documentation or other information submitted by the student or recognized student organization.
  2. The Student Conduct Administrator can request more information or supporting documents be provided by any party associated with the complaint. The Student Conduct Administrator can require that the accused student or recognized student organization submit the requested supporting documentation or information during a rescheduled student conduct administrative conference or as part of an informal process set forth by the Student Conduct Administrator. Written notice for a rescheduled conference, including adjusted deadline dates, shall be communicated to the student or recognized student organization by College District e-mail.
  3. The Student Conduct Administrator can decide to postpone the final deliberations on a conduct case in order to make a more informed and thoughtful decision.
  4. After considering the supporting documentation and the information presented by the student or recognized student organization as part of the rebuttal, the Student Conduct Administrator can find that the student or recognized student organization did violate a policy or engage in the reported misconduct. If the Student Conduct Administrator finds that the student or recognized student organization violated a policy or engaged in the reported misconduct, disciplinary sanctions shall be imposed immediately or at a later date.
  5. The Student Conduct Administrator can take other action as needed to resolve a conduct case.

Every attempt shall be made by the Student Conduct Administrator to finalize a conduct case within ten (10) College District business days following the student conduct administrative conference. If there is a need to postpone deliberations beyond ten (10) College District business days, the Student Conduct Administrator shall notify the student or recognized student organization of the delay by College District e-mail. Once a final decision regarding a conduct case is made by the Student Conduct Administrator, the student or recognized student organization shall be notified by College District e-mail.

Failure to Appear for Conference

If the student or recognized student organization fails to appear without good cause for the student conduct administrative conference, the conduct proceedings shall be held and any resulting disciplinary sanctions shall be imposed without the student or recognized student organization present. No other opportunity shall be provided for a student or recognized student organization that fails to appear without good cause.

Disciplinary Sanctions

If the student or recognized student organization accepts responsibility for violating a policy or engaging in the reported misconduct, the Student Conduct Administrator shall have the authority to impose disciplinary sanctions immediately or within ten (10) College District business days. If the student or recognized student organization agrees with the disciplinary sanctions imposed by the Student Conduct Administrator, the student or recognized student organization shall waive the right to a review by the campus president so that the imposed disciplinary sanction can be put into effect.

If the student or recognized student organization does not accept responsibility, the Student Conduct Administrator shall make a determination based on the supporting documentation whether or not the student or recognized student organization violated a policy or engaged in the reported misconduct.

If the student or recognized student organization accepts responsibility but disagrees with the disciplinary sanction imposed by the Student Conduct Administrator, the student or recognized student organization shall have the right to request review of the conduct case by the campus president.

Interim Disciplinary Measures

In certain circumstances, the Student Conduct Administrator shall have the authority to immediately impose interim disciplinary measures against a student or recognized student organization prior to the completion of the student conduct proceedings. Any interim disciplinary measures imposed shall be enforced College District-wide. The interim disciplinary measures include:

  1. Temporary removal from a designated area, including but not limited to classroom, library, lab, campus or College District premises; or
  2. An interim suspension:
    1. To ensure the safety and well-being of members of the College District community or preservation of College District property;
    2. To ensure the physical or emotional safety and well-being of the student or recognized student organization; or
    3. If the student or recognized student organization poses an ongoing threat of disruption or interference with the normal operations of the College District.

If an interim suspension is imposed, a no-trespass order can be issued to the student or recognized student organization, which shall deny access to the campus or other College District activities or privileges, including attending class, for which the student or recognized student organization might otherwise be eligible. An interim suspension shall not replace the regular student discipline and penalties procedure. Upon issuance of an interim suspension, a student conduct administrative conference shall be scheduled between five and ten (10)  College District business days of the student or recognized student organization receiving notification from the College District.

Appeal – Campus President

Step 3: Appeal to Campus President

A student or recognized student organization whose conduct case has advanced through the student conduct administrative review shall have the right to request an appeal to the campus president. For instances involving reports of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and retaliation targeting students, including claims against other students, employees and their parties, the person making the report and the person against whom the report is filed shall also have a right to appeal and be notified of an appeal that is submitted via their College District student e-mail address. [See FFDA]

An appeal does not provide for a second student conduct administrative conference. An appeal is an administrative review of the preceding that addresses one or more issues as outlined below.

Grounds for Appeal

A student or recognized student organization whose conduct case has advanced through the student conduct administrative review, or reporting person in cases of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking shall be granted an appeal with the campus president in accordance with the following:

  1. The established student discipline procedures were not followed and as a result, the findings or disciplinary sanctions imposed by the Student Conduct Administrator were not correct.
  2. The severity of the disciplinary sanctions imposed were not appropriate based on the nature of the policy violation or misconduct. For conduct cases in which the accused student or recognized student organization has accepted responsibility, such appeals shall be limited to having the severity of the disciplinary sanctions reviewed.
  3. There is new information that would have been pertinent to the outcome had the information been available to the Student Conduct Administrator before delivering a finding or imposing disciplinary sanctions. The student or recognized student organization must clearly describe the new information in the written request for an appeal and must include any available supporting documentation. Additionally, the student or recognized student organization must show that the new information and supporting documentation was not known at the time of the student conduct administrative conference.

The campus president shall determine if grounds for an appeal exists. Requests for an appeal to the campus president must be made in writing within ten (10) College District business days after notification of the decision by the Student Conduct Administrator/Deputy Title IX coordinator. A written request for an appeal to the campus president must be submitted to the office of the Student Conduct Administrator/vice president for student development services. The campus president shall consider all aspects of the conduct case and take appropriate action as necessary.

The campus president shall provide the student or recognized student organization or reporting person in cases of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and retaliation targeting students, a written response setting forth the basis of any decision. Every effort must be made to send follow-up correspondence from the campus president to the student or recognized student organization or reporting person within ten (10) College District business days.

The decision of the campus president is final.

Notice to Complainant

In some instances, the complainant shall also be notified regarding the status of a relevant student conduct case, including any decision made by the Student Conduct Administrator and the campus president. For all conduct cases, except for Title IX complaints, the decision to notify the complainant is at the discretion of the Student Conduct Administrator or the campus president. For Title IX complaints, the reporting person must be notified regarding the status of the complaint as well as decisions made by Deputy Title IX coordinator and the campus president.

Sanctions 

The following disciplinary sanctions may be imposed upon any accused student or recognized student organization found to have violated College District policy or engaged in misconduct [see FLB]. This list is not exhaustive. All disciplinary sanctions are cumulative, and the previous conduct history of the student or recognized student organization shall be considered when issuing a disciplinary sanction. Disciplinary sanctions are also subject to enhancement based on the severity of the behavior and the impact on the College District community. More than one disciplinary sanction can be imposed for any single violation.

  1. Reprimand - A written notice given to a student or recognized student organization explaining that the student or recognized student organization has engaged in misconduct or violated College District policy or institutional regulations. Repeated incidents of misconduct or violations of College District policy or institutional regulations can result in more severe disciplinary action.
  2. Restitution - Reimbursement for damage to, or misuse of property. Reimbursement may take the form of appropriate service to repair or otherwise compensate for damage.
  3. Scholastic Penalties - The assignment of a failing grade on an assignment or examination or in a course by an instructor based on scholastic dishonesty including cheating, collusion and plagiarism committed by a student. The instructor will submit a written report of the incident and of the planned action to the instructor’s dean.
  4. Probation - A written reprimand for violation of specified regulations. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions including suspension or expulsion, if the student or recognized student organization is found to have engaged in additional violations during the probationary period. 
  5. Disciplinary Suspension - Forced withdrawal from the College District for either a definite period of time or until stated conditions have been met. Normally, suspension shall extend through a minimum of one regular long semester (with summer sessions not counting in the one-semester minimum time lapse). However, suspension may exceed the one-semester minimum.
  6. Deferred Suspension - Establishes a fixed period of time, allowing the student or recognized student organization to complete the current academic term or semester. While the student is allowed to remain enrolled, a recognized student organization is not permitted to represent the College or participate in any extracurricular activities. The specifics of the Deferred Suspension shall vary based upon the violation and circumstances for each student or recognized student organization. Restrictions on the student or recognized student organization shall include limiting participation in activities to those directly related to academic pursuits or the completion of academic requirements. This includes entering College District buildings or attending College District events. The College District shall have the authority to impose additional conditions, restrictions or sanctions during a deferred suspension..
  7. Disciplinary Expulsion - Permanent separation of the student or recognized student organization from the College.
  8. Loss of Privileges - Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time.
  9. Administrative Withdrawal - Removal from an academic or non-credit bearing course as a result of disruptive or insubordinate behavior.
  10. Educational Disciplinary Sanctions - Work assignments, essays, service to the College District or other related discretionary assignments. At his or her discretion, the campus president or vice president for student development services shall have the authority to require that a student or recognized student organization complete additional educational assignments such as essays or research papers or perform services for the College District.   
  11. Revocation of Admission and/or Degree/Certificate - The College District shall have the authority to revoke a student’s admission or a degree or certificate for fraud, misrepresentation, violation of degree or certificate standards or other serious violations of conduct.
  12. Withholding Degree/Certificate - The College shall have the authority to withhold the awarding of a degree or certificate from a student who has otherwise earned the degree or certificate until the student has completed or satisfied all imposed disciplinary sanctions.
  13. No Trespass Order - A student or recognized student organization suspended or expelled from the College District shall be issued a no-trespass order for the duration of the assigned sanction. Exceptions shall be made for suspensions, as noted above at items 5 and 6.
  14. No Communication/Contact Order - The College District shall have the authority to prohibit a student or recognized student organization from engaging in personal contact and all forms of communication with other members of the College District community. This sanction shall be imposed primarily when such contact has the potential to lead to harassment, threats or other forms of unwanted interaction, or the College District believes there is a reasonable likelihood of additional conduct violations by the student or recognized student organization.
  15. Withhold Official Records - The College District shall have the authority to block registration or withhold transcripts, grades, diplomas or other official records if the action is reasonably necessary to preserve the College District’s ability to enforce disciplinary rules.

More than one of the sanctions listed above may be imposed for any single violation.

Other than College expulsion or revocation/withholding of a degree/certificate, disciplinary sanctions will not be made part of the student’s/organization’s permanent academic record, but will become part of the student’s/organization’s disciplinary record. After seven years, the student’s/organization’s disciplinary record may be expunged of disciplinary actions other than College suspension, College expulsion or revocation or withholding of a degree/certificate, upon application to the Student Conduct Administrator. Conduct cases involving the imposition of disciplinary sanctions other than College suspension, College expulsion or revocation or withholding of a degree will be expunged from the student’s/organization’s confidential record in accordance with the established retention schedule after final disposition of the conduct case.

A student or recognized student organization shall be permitted to request that any disciplinary record, other than a suspension, expulsion, or revocation of a degree or certificate, be expunged after seven years. The request must be submitted to the vice president for student development services. If no request is submitted, the disciplinary record of a student or recognized student organization shall be maintained in accordance with the College District’s established records retention schedule.

Disciplinary sanctions of suspension, expulsion or revocation of a degree or certificate shall not be removed from the disciplinary record of a student or recognized student organization.

Interpretation and Revisions

Any question of interpretation or application of the Student Code shall be referred to the Student Conduct Administrator for final determination.

The Student Code of Conduct shall be reviewed every two (2) years under the direction of the Student Conduct Administrators and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success.