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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Campus Rules and Regulations
Students admitted to North Georgia Technical College are expected to be mature, law-abiding, and have acceptable personal standards of conduct and ethics.  Also, students are expected to have a responsible attitude toward regulations and standards of the college and the laws of the community, state, and nation and to respect their fellow students.  These regulations state clearly some things which students must do and some specific things which they must not do if they wish to remain associated with the institution.  NORTH GEORGIA TECHNICAL COLLEGE, HOWEVER, DOES NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFINE BY FORMAL RULES EVERY ACTION THAT IS FORBIDDEN.

These regulations are effective at the time of entrance and continue until graduation or withdrawal.  By the act of registration, students imply acceptance of the standards and regulations stated in this handbook and other publications and official memoranda of this college.  Any behavior reflecting adversely upon the students or the college will result in disciplinary action, whether the incident occurs on or off campus.

Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly or obscene conduct or breach of the peace on college property or at any function sponsored or supervised by the college or any recognized institutional organization is prohibited.

No student shall push, strike, or physically assault any member of the college staff or student body or any visitor to the campus.  Conduct on college property that materially interferes with the normal operation of the college or the requirements of appropriate discipline is prohibited.

No student shall interfere with, give false name to, or fail to cooperate with, any properly identified members of the faculty, administration, or other staff personnel while these persons are performing their duties.

Any behavior on campus which is obscene or which is clearly beyond the acceptable standards of the community is prohibited.  Intoxicating liquors, all forms of illegal drugs, profane language, gambling, and hazing are prohibited.

Expressly Prohibited Are:

Campus Dress Code
One of the major objectives of North Georgia Technical College is to provide realistic occupational training for all students.  Working conditions common to those found in business and industry are simulated as closely as possible.  Statistics have shown that an individual’s success in finding employment depends as much on personal qualities as on job skills.  For this reason, students will be required to meet standards of dress determined by faculty, the campus safety officer, and the Vice President of Student Affairs.

Standards of personal grooming for students are established in accordance with those generally accepted by business and industry.

The following regulations shall be observed for dress and grooming by all students:

In addition to these general standards, dress requirements may vary in the classroom, laboratory, and shop areas to comply with safety and occupationally required dress.  (Refer to Department Lab Management and Chemical Hygiene Plan)  Failure to comply with those standards by students enrolled in the particular department may result in termination from class.

Disorderly Assembly
No student or group of students shall assemble on campus for the purpose of creating a riot or disturbance or disorderly diversion that interferes with the normal operation of the college.  Students do have the right to peaceful, non-disruptive assembly.

No student or group of students shall obstruct the free movement of other persons about the campus, interfere with the use of the college facilities, or materially interfere with the normal operation of the college with authorized events being held on campus.

Policy for a Drug-Free Workplace
North Georgia Tech is a responsible segment of the society, and as an educational institution, neither permits nor condones illegal drugs and narcotics.  The college stands behind the laws of federal, state, and local governments concerning drugs and narcotics.  The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances represents a danger to the welfare of the individual as well as to the welfare of the North Georgia Tech community.

Any student found manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, possessing, or using controlled substances will be subject to immediate expulsion from North Georgia Tech and may be turned over to local authorities for legal action.  Any student who is convicted of a violation of controlled substances must, as required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, report such a conviction to the Vice President of Student Affairs no later than five (5) days after such a conviction.  Compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act further requires the college to notify the United States Department of Education of such conviction within ten (10) days after receiving notice of the conviction.

Any student who voluntarily seeks counseling for abuse of controlled substances, or  who may be deemed by college officials to need treatment, may secure information regarding approved drug assistance or rehabilitation programs from the Director of Special Services, Vice President of Student Affairs, or the Branch Campus Operations Director.

If a student is dismissed for violation of an institutional regulation of controlled substances, he or she must have a professional evaluation before re-admission will be considered.  If the evaluation indicates that a treatment or counseling program is necessary, the student must complete such a program before there can be any consideration for re-admission.  After completion of a treatment or counseling program, the student may appeal for re-admission upon the recommendation of his or her counselor.  Such an appeal must be directed to the Vice President of Student Affairs.

Drug and Alcohol Policy
The use, possession, distribution, or transportation of alcoholic beverages by North Georgia Technical College students is strictly forbidden on campus and at any off-campus activity that is sponsored by or in the name of any institutional organization, department, or group.  Beverages identified as non-alcoholic beer are prohibited.  Any student who returns to a NGTC campus under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs shall be subject to full disciplinary action.  All students are subject to a breathalyzer test.  Failure to cooperate will result in full disciplinary action.  NOTE:  All city, state, and federal laws will be enforced.

Federal law permits North Georgia Tech to disclose to parents/guardians violations of not only local, state, and federal laws but also school policies and rules governing the use of possession of alcohol or controlled substances.  (Section 952, Alcohol or Drug Possession Disclosure, of the
Higher Education Act 10/99)

Tobacco
The use of tobacco in any form is restricted on NGTC campus.  The use of tobacco products is permitted only in designated areas.  All designated tobacco areas are posted.

Firearms/Weapons
It is unlawful for any individual to bring to, possess, or have under such person’s control, any explosive compound, firearm, weapon, or knife designed for the purpose of offense or defense while at a public gathering.
The possession or use of any other offensive weapon is prohibited.
Explosives
No student shall possess, furnish, sell, or use explosives of any kind on college property.

Fire Safety
No student shall tamper with fire safety equipment.  The unauthorized possession, sale, distribution, or use of any incendiary device is prohibited.  No student shall set or cause to be set any unauthorized fire in or on college property.  The possession or use of fireworks on college property is prohibited.  No student shall make, or cause to be made, a false fire alarm.  Doing so will be considered a serious incident. 
Fines may be assessed and/or other disciplinary actions may be taken with anyone known to make a false fire alarm.  Similar actions may be taken with all resident students if it is not known who caused the false alarm.

North Georgia Tech is subject to fire and tornado drills without prior notice.  Students are expected to comply with official practices and procedures regarding established fire drills and severe weather alerts.  Students who do not comply will be subject to disciplinary action.

Hazing
Hazing in any form is prohibited.

Campus Loitering
Loitering will not be permitted anywhere on any of the North Georgia Technical College campuses at any time.

Theft
No student shall take, attempt to take, or keep in his or her possession North Georgia Tech property, or items belonging to students, faculty, staff, or student groups.  A person found guilty of theft is subject to automatic dismissal.

Cellular Phones/Beepers
Beepers and cellular phones should be kept on silent alarm within classrooms, lab areas, the library and study areas.  A student may be asked to remove a beeper or cellular phone if an instructor or administration deems it to be disruptive to the educational atmosphere.

Misuse of College Name
Use of the college name for soliciting funds or other activity without approval of proper college authorities or any misuse of the college’s name is prohibited.

Unauthorized Entry of College Facilities
No student shall make unauthorized entry into a college building, office, or facility, nor shall any person remain without authorization in any building after normal closing hours.  No student shall make unauthorized use of any institutional facility.  Unauthorized possession or use of college keys is prohibited.

Instructors are directed to insure that students or unauthorized persons do not remain in their department during breaks, lunchtime, or after college hours.  If the instructor is present and wishes to allow students to remain, this is permissible; however, all classrooms and departments will be locked when an instructor is not present.  An exception may be made for work-study students assigned to the department and with the instructor’s knowledge and approval.  After hours any student wishing to enter instructional departments must have a note signed by the instructor to present to the campus police or other college officials.

Also, administrative areas, warehouse and barn areas are off limits to all students except during regular class hours.

Academic Irregularity
No student shall receive or give assistance in the preparation of any class assignment unless authorized by the instructor.  No student shall take or attempt to take, in an unauthorized manner, any class material.  Students found cheating will face disciplinary action and will receive a zero for the assignment, project, or exam.  Any action of cheating which reaches beyond the individual may face expulsion.

The term "cheating" includes, but is not limited to: (1) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; (2) dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; or (3) the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the Technical College faculty or staff. 


Students committing plagiarism will face disciplinary action and will receive a zero for the assignment, project, or exam.  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.

Falsification of Records
No student shall alter, counterfeit, forge or cause to be altered, counterfeited or forged any record, name, form or document used by the college.

Acceptable Computer Use Policy
North Georgia Technical College owns and operates a variety of instructional computer systems which are provided for the use of North Georgia Technical College students, faculty, and staff in support of the educational programs of the school and which are to be used for such related activities only.  All students, faculty, and staff are responsible for seeing that these computer facilities are used in an effective, efficient, ethical, and lawful manner.  The complete policy is printed in the Personnel Handbook, on the NGTC website, and is available in all computer labs.  It defines acceptable use of these instructional computer systems.  Unacceptable use is prohibited, and is grounds for loss of computer privileges, as well as prosecution under Federal, State, and local law.
System administrators may develop additional, more detailed guidelines as needed, for any of the college’s instructional computer systems.  These guidelines will cover such issues as allowable connect time and disk space, handling of irretrievable mail, responsibility for account approval, copyright issues, actions for inappropriate use, and other items related to administering the system.

Vehicle Registration and Parking Fees
All motor vehicles must be registered with the Campus Safety Department.  A parking permit will be issued to the student and should be displayed on the lower left side of the rear windshield.  Failure to display the parking permit at the designated location on the motor vehicle will result in fines or impounding/removal of the vehicle.

Beginning October 4, 2006, a fee of $5 shall be assessed for the parking permit.  This fee shall be due each quarter that the student has a motor vehicle on campus.

A temporary parking permit will be issued to the student upon request when the registered motor vehicle is not in operation on the campus.  The parking permit fee must be paid prior to the issuance of a temporary parking permit.  All visitors to the campus must contact the Campus Safety Department to receive a visitor’s parking permit. 

All visitors to the Blairsville and Currahee campus locations must contact the Receptionist to receive a visitor’s parking permit.

All individuals participating in Continuing Education Classes are assessed a parking permit fee that is due and payable at the time of payment for the class.  The permit is issued by the Continuing Education Department.

Specific regulations include the following:

Failure to display the parking permit at the designated position on the motor vehicle or obey traffic regulations will result in fines or impounding/removal of vehicle.

Students must park in the prescribed areas as follows:

Violation of campus traffic rules and regulations is prohibited.  Warnings and/or citations may be issued if these regulations are not followed.

Inspection, Search, and Seizure
Although students are guaranteed the rights of any citizen and therefore will not be subject to unreasonable search and seizure, the courts have recognized the rights of institutions to conduct reasonable inspections, search, and seizure in order to enforce college regulations.  North Georgia Tech reserves the right to conduct such inspections, searches, and seizures within the limits of the law. 

Inspection

Seizure
Property confiscated during a search will be returned to the owner unless it is an illegal item such as drugs or drug paraphernalia or illegal weapon.

Campus Security Act
Title II of Public Law 101-542 requires this college to keep statistics on campus crime beginning in September 1992.  These statistics are available upon request.  In compliance with this law: all students, staff, and instructors are requested to notify campus security immediately to report any of the following offenses occurring on campus:  murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, liquor law violations, drug abuse violations, and weapons possessions.  These files are maintained in the Campus Safety Department on the Clarkesville campus.  Local Law Enforcement offers information concerning registered sex offenders in the area.  For more information contact the Habersham County Sheriff’s Department at (706) 754-6666.  Additional information can be obtained from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation by accessing the following website: www.ganet.org/gbi/sorsch.cgi.

Campus Safety Department
Campus Safety Department is responsible for the safety and security of campus facilities and personnel.  It is also responsible for emergency response.  Campus Safety Department on the Clarkesville campus has two offices: one located in the Carlton Student Center and one located in Bryant Hall for evening hours.  The department is staffed throughout the year and is comprised of full-time certified officers and part-time non-certified officers.  It is part of the Administrative Services department of the college and officers report to the Vice President of Administration.

Campus Safety Department components on the Clarkesville and branch campuses maintain cooperative working relationships with the local police and sheriff’s departments.  Crime related information and reports are routinely exchanged on a formal and informal basis with these offices.  North Georgia Tech encourages reporting of all crimes and depends on employees and students alike to contribute to the safety and security of the campus.  During regular office hours, you may contact the Campus Safety Department on the Clarkesville campus at (706) 754-7731.

Disciplinary Procedure

The administration reserves the right to maintain a safe and orderly educational environment for students and staff. Therefore, when, in the judgment of college officials, a student’s conduct disrupts or threatens to disrupt the college community, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken to restore and protect the atmosphere of collegiality and mutual respect on campus. This procedure is intended to provide an orderly protocol for handling student disciplinary cases in accordance with the principles of due process and
justice.

Students admitted to North Georgia Technical College are expected to be mature, lawabiding, and have acceptable personal standards of conduct and ethics. Also, students are expected to have a responsible attitude toward regulations and standards of the college and the laws of the community, state, and nation and to respect their fellow students. These regulations state clearly some things which students must do and some specific things which they must not do if they wish to remain associated with the institution. NORTH GEORGIA TECHNICAL COLLEGE, HOWEVER, DOES NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFINE BY FORMAL RULES EVERY ACTION THAT IS FORBIDDEN.

Definitions
1. The term ―Technical College System of Georgia is synonymous with the term―Department of Technical and Adult Education.

2. The term Technical College means North Georgia Technical College within the Technical College System of Georgia (formerly known as Department of Technical and Adult Education).

3. The term ―student‖ includes all persons taking courses at the North Georgia Technical College, both full-time and part-time. Persons who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the
Technical College are considered ―students.

4. The term ―faculty member means any person hired by North Georgia Technical College to conduct teaching, service, or research activities.

5. The term ―Technical College official includes any person employed by North Georgia Technical College performing assigned administrative responsibilities.

6. The term ―member of the Technical College community includes any person who is a student, faculty member, Technical College official, or any other person employed by North Georgia Technical College.

7. The term ―Technical College premises includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by North Georgia Technical College (including adjacent streets and sidewalks).

8. The term ―organization means any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for North Georgia Technical College recognition.

9. The term ―judicial body means any person or persons authorized by the President to determine whether a student has violated the Student Code or other regulations and to recommend imposition of sanctions.

10. The term ―Judicial Advisor means a North Georgia Technical College official authorized on a case-by-case basis by the President to impose sanctions upon students found to have violated the Student Code. The President may authorize a Judicial Advisor to serve simultaneously as a Judicial Advisor and the sole member or one of the members of a judicial body. Nothing shall prevent the President from authorizing the same Judicial Advisor to impose sanctions in all cases. Unless otherwise noted, the ―Judicial Advisor of North Georgia Technical College is the Vice President for Student Affairs.

11. The term ―Appellate Board means any person or persons designated by the President to consider an appeal from a judicial body’s determination that a student has violated the Student Code, other regulations, or from the sanctions imposed by the Judicial Advisor. The President may serve as the Appellate Board.

12. The term ―shall is used in the imperative sense.

13. The term ―may is used in the permissive sense.

14. The term ―policy is defined as the written regulations of North Georgia Technical College as found in, but not limited to, the Student Code of Conduct, Student Handbook(s), North Georgia Technical College Catalog(s), the Technical College Policy Manual, and the Policy Manual approved by the State Board for the Technical College System of Georgia.

15. The term ―cheating includes but is not limited to: (1) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; (2) dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; or (3) the acquisition of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of North Georgia Technical College faculty or staff without his/her permission.

16. 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.

17. The term ―System means the Technical College System of Georgia.

18. The term ―business days or days means, for disciplinary purposes, weekdays when classes are in session.

Procedure for Filing a Complaint

Any member of the North Georgia Technical College community may file a complaint with the Vice President for Student Affairs against any student for a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. The individual(s) initiating the action must complete a Student Code of Conduct Complaint Form and forward it directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee. An officer with the Technical College Campus Police Department may submit an incident report in lieu of a complaint form. Forms for filing a complaint are available through the Student Affairs office.

Investigation and Decision

1. Within five (5) business days after the complaint is filed, the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee shall complete a preliminary investigation of the incident and schedule a meeting with the student against whom the complaint was filed in order to discuss the incident and the charges. In the event that additional time is necessary, the student will be notified. After discussing the complaint with the student, the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee shall determine whether the student is guilty of the alleged conduct and whether the alleged conduct constitutes a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

2. In the event that a complaint alleges violations of the Student Code of Conduct by more than one student, each student’s disciplinary proceeding, as well as any appeals relating to that proceeding, shall be conducted individually.

3. If the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee determines that the student is guilty of a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, he/she shall impose one or more disciplinary sanctions consistent with those described below. If the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee determines that the alleged conduct did not occur, or that the conduct was not a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, he/she shall not impose any disciplinary sanctions on the student; and the investigation shall be closed.

Disciplinary Sanctions
1. After a determination that a student has violated the Student Code of Conduct, the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee may impose one or more of the following sanctions:

a. Restitution – A student who committed an offense against property may be required to reimburse the Technical College or other owner for damage to or misappropriation of such property. Any such payment in restitution shall be limited to the actual cost of repair or replacement.

b. Reprimand – A written reprimand may be given any student. Such a reprimand does not restrict the student in any way, but it signifies to the student that he/she is in effect being given another chance to conduct himself/herself as a proper member of the Technical College community and that any further violation may result in more serious sanctions.

c. Restriction – A restriction upon a student’s privileges for a period of time may be imposed. This restriction may include but is not limited to denial of the right to represent the Technical College in any way, denial of use of facilities, alteration or revocation of parking privileges, or restrictions from participating in extracurricular activities.

d. Disciplinary Probation – Continued enrollment of a student on probation may be conditioned upon adherence to specified terms. Any student placed on probation will be notified of the terms and length of probation in writing. Any conduct determined after due process to be in violation of these terms while on probation may result in the imposition of more serious disciplinary sanctions, as specified by the terms of probation.

e. Failing or Lowered Grade – In cases of academic misconduct, the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee will make a recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or his/her designee who may authorize the instructor to award a failing or lowered grade in the course or a loss of credit on the assignment or examination and may impose other additional sanctions including suspension or dismissal from the Technical College. Reference Policy V.H. Academic Standards, Evaluations and Appeals.

f. Disciplinary Suspension – If a student is suspended, he/she is separated from the Technical College for a stated period of time. Conditions of reinstatement, if any, must be stated in the notice of suspension.

g. Disciplinary Expulsion – Removal and exclusion from North Georgia Technical College, North Georgia Technical College controlled facilities, programs, events, and activities. A record of the reason for the student’s dismissal is maintained by the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee. Students who have been dismissed from the Technical College for any reason may apply in writing for reinstatement once they have completed the expulsion period. If approval for reinstatement is granted, students will be placed on disciplinary probation for a specified term. The probationary status may be removed at the end of the specified term at the discretion of the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee.

h. Interim Disciplinary Suspension – As a general rule, the status of a student accused of violations of the Student Code of Conduct should not be altered until a final determination is made regarding the charges against him/her. However, interim suspension may be imposed upon a finding by the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee that the continued presence of the accused student on campus constitutes a potential or immediate threat to the safety and well-being of the accused student or any other member of the Technical College community or its guests or that the continued presence of the student on campus creates a risk of substantial disruption of classroom or other Technical College-related activities.

2. Violation of Federal, State, or Local Law

a. If a student is convicted or pleads nolo contendere to an off-campus violation of federal, state, or local law, without any other violation of the Student Code of Conduct, disciplinary action may be taken and sanctions imposed for misconduct that is detrimental to North Georgia Technical College’s vital interests and stated mission and purpose.

b. Disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with violation of a law that is also a violation of the Student Code of Conduct if both violations result from the same factual situation, without regard to criminal arrest and/or prosecution. Proceedings under this Student Code of Conduct may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following criminal proceedings.

c. When a student is charged by federal, state, or local authorities with a violation of law, North Georgia Technical College will not request or agree to special consideration for that individual because of his/her status as a student. North Georgia Technical College will cooperate fully 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. Individual students, acting in their personal capacities, remain free to interact with governmental representatives as they deem appropriate.

3. Conditions of Disciplinary Suspension and Expulsion:

a. A student who has been suspended or expelled from North Georgia Technical College shall be denied all privileges afforded a student and shall be required to vacate Technical College premises at a time determined by the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee.

b. In addition, after vacating the Technical College premises, a suspended or expelled student may not enter the Technical College premises at any time, for any purpose, in the absence of written permission from the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee. A suspended or expelled student must contact the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee for permission to enter the Technical College premises for a limited, specified purpose.

c. If the student seeks to submit a signed Disciplinary Sanction Appeal Form, the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee will accept the Form by mail or fax if he/she refuses the student’s request to enter the Technical College premises for that specified purpose.

d. A scheduled appeal hearing before the Student Judicial Committee shall be understood as expressed permission from the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee for a student to enter the Technical College premises for the duration of that hearing.

Appeals Procedure

1. A student who wishes to appeal a disciplinary decision by the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee must file a written notice of appeal through the President’s Office for review by the Student Judicial Committee within five (5) business days of notification of the decision.

2. The student will then have the right to appear in a hearing before a Student Judicial Committee assigned by the President or his/her designee within 10 business days to present evidence and/or testimony. The student has the right to be assisted by any advisor he/she chooses, at his/her own expense. The student is responsible for presenting his/her own case; and, therefore, advisors are not permitted to speak or participate directly in any hearing before a judicial body. The Committee will consist of two faculty members, one staff member and two students. There shall be a single verbatim record, such as a tape recording, of all hearings before the judicial body. The record shall be the property of the Technical College. The Chairperson of the Student Judicial Committee shall notify the President and the Vice President for Student Affairs in writing of the Committee’s decision. The Technical College President or his/her designee will notify the student in writing of the Committee’s decision and the opportunity to appeal directly to the President within five business days of notification of the decision.

3. In the event that the student chooses to contest the decision of the Student Judicial Committee, he/she has the right to appeal the decision to the President of the College within five (5) business days of notification of the Committee’s decision. The appeal to the President shall be in writing. The President shall only consider evidence currently in the record; new facts not brought up in earlier stages of the appeal shall not be considered. The President shall deliver his/her decision to the student within 10 business days. The decision of the President shall be final and binding. The Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee shall retain a copy of all documents concerning complaints, investigations, administrative actions, and communications in relation to any incident that resulted in a disciplinary investigation of any kind against a student. The Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee will also retain records of any disciplinary appeals filed by the affected student as well as the resulting record of appeal and decision submitted by the Student Judicial Committee. A record of the final decision must also be retained in the event that the decision is appealed to the President. All records specified in this section shall be retained for a period of five (5) years.

Grievance Procedure

Any person can make a verbal or written complaint to any faculty or staff member concerning a decision(s) or alleged violation(s) of the standards of conduct of students and/or college employees. Immediate resolution of the matter at the lowest level is the goal of the institution. Therefore, when appropriate, violations of a minor nature will be resolved through informal procedures.

Informal Complaint Procedure: Where possible, student complaints should be resolved on an informal basis without the filing of a formal grievance. A student has 10 business days from the date of the incident being grieved to resolve his/her complaint informally by approaching his/her instructor, department chair, or any other staff or faculty member directly involved in the grieved incident. Where this process does not result in a resolution of the grievance, the student may proceed to the formal grievance procedure.

Formal Complaint Procedure: When a student cannot resolve his/her complaint informally, he/she may use the formal grievance procedure. Forms for filing a complaint are available through the Student Affairs office.

Within 15 business days of the incident being grieved, the student must file a formal grievance in the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs (VPSA) with the following information: name, date, brief description of the incident being grieved, remedy requested, signature, and a description of the informal remedy attempted by student and outcome.

If the grievance is against the VPSA, the student must file the grievance in the Office of the President.

The VPSA, or his/her designee, will investigate the matter and supply a written response to the student within 15 business days. The same timeline for response to the student will be followed if the investigation is conducted by the President or his/her designee.

If the grieved incident involves possible unlawful harassment, discrimination, or retaliation for reporting unlawful harassment/discrimination, the investigation will be handled pursuant to the Procedure: Unlawful Harassment and Discrimination of Students.If the grieved incident is closely related to an incident being processed through the disciplinary procedure, the disciplinary procedure will take precedence; and the grievance will not be processed until after the disciplinary procedure has run its course. The VPSA, or his/her designee, shall be granted an additional 15 business days to investigate the grievance upon notice to the student filing the grievance.

Appeal of Response: If a student is dissatisfied with the response from the VPSA, the student may appeal the decision to the President of the College. The college staff has no right to appeal.

A student shall file a written appeal to the President within five (5) business days of receiving the response from the Office of the VPSA.

The appeal will be decided based entirely on documents provided by the student and the administration; therefore, the student must ensure that he/she has provided all relevant documents with his/her appeal.

At the sole discretion of the President, grievance appeals at the College may be held in one of the following two ways: the President may review the information provided by the student and administration and make the final decision; or the President may appoint a cross-functional committee comprised of three (3) to five (5) members, including one chair, to make the final decision.

The decision of either the President or the cross-functional committee will be made within 10 business days of receipt by the President of the appeal.

The President shall send notification of the decision to the student in writing within five (5) business days of the final decision.

Whichever process is chosen by the President, the decision of the grievance appeal is final.