Student Code of Conduct for Trenholm State Community College

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Discrimination and Harassment

Students have the right to be free from all forms of discrimination. H. Councill Trenholm State Community

College does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, admissions or employment practices. Harassment is a serious offense and can constitute but not limited to the following: unwanted comments; unwanted jokes, touching-groping or sexual suggestions; sexual favors for grades or services.

The following are outlined:

No person shall engage in any act of intimidation or harassment, physical force or violence that is directed against any person or group of persons because of their ethnicity, race, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, disability or political beliefs.
No person shall use the telephone (land line, cell, or computer), social media outlets, or electronic mail to harass another. Participation in such acts is subject to college disciplinary action and punishable by law.
No person shall be subjected to unwanted sexual advances and/or activity by students, faculty, or staff. Such acts may result in probation, suspension, expulsion, or subjection to grievance proceedings.

If a student feels that he/she has been discriminated against and/or harassed, please contact the Counselor and/or Dean of Student Affairs and Information Services, in Building F-Student Services Building on the main campus.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is defined as (1) “sexual penetration, no matter how slight, of the genital, anal, and/or oral opening of the victim by any part of the perpetrator’s body or by the use of an object, without the victim’s consent or against the victim’s will where the victim: (a) is forced or has reasonable fear that the victim or another will be injured if the victim does not submit to the act; (b) is incapable of giving consent or is prevented from resisting due to physical or mental incapacity, which includes, but is not limited to the influence of drugs or alcohol; or (c) suffers from a mental or physical disability,” (2) the “intentional touching of the victim’s intimate parts (primarily genital area, groin, inner thigh, buttock, or breast) without or against the victim’s consent. This touching is either directly on the body part or on the clothing covering that body part, or if the victim is forced to touch the intimate areas of the perpetrator.” This policy also applies to gang assault whether directly or indirectly involved.

Participation in such acts is subject to college disciplinary action and punishable by law. Such acts may carry a sanction of probation, suspension, or expulsion.

Search and Seizure

Students have the right to secure their personal possessions against invasions of privacy and unreasonable search and seizure, subject to restrictions imposed by the Dean of Student Affairs and Information Services and Coordinator of Safety & Security. However, the college reserves the right to enter occupied classrooms and/or buildings for health and safety inspections, illegal drug and alcohol suspicion, suspicion of a weapon, perceived harboring of a fugitive, in cases of emergency, and when entry is granted by authorities of the criminal justice system.

Harboring a Fugitive

The safety of an H. Councill Trenholm State Community College student is, largely, the responsibility and actions of the student. A student shall not harbor an individual in a campus building/facility or classroom, of any campus that is owned or leased by H. Councill Trenholm State Community College that is being sought after by campus or external law enforcement. Harboring a fugitive also extends to allowing persons to sit in, or hide in cars. Such acts will result in suspension/expulsion.

Privacy

Students have the right to confidentiality of information relating to personal views, beliefs, and political associations that may be obtained by administrators, instructors, counselors, advisors, and officials of the college in the course of their work.

Freedom From Retaliation

The faculty member (whether in the classroom or in individual conference) fosters relevant free discussion, inquiry, and expression. A student is free to take reasonable exception to the information offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion without threat of undue censure by the faculty member. Information about student views, beliefs, and political associations which the faculty member acquires in the course of their work as instructor, advisor, and counselor is considered confidential. Faculty members are required to inform students of the content and requirements of each course and the criteria by which student performance is to be evaluated. A student is responsible for learning the prescribed content of the course in which he or she enrolls. The faculty member evaluates student performance in the classroom solely on an academic basis and not on a student’s philosophies or conduct in matters unrelated to academic performance. A student who contends to have encountered a prejudiced academic evaluation may use the college’s Student Grievance Procedure as a means of seeking redress. (See Due Process). Academic honesty is a primary responsibility of the student. Students found guilty of academic dishonesty will incur sanctions as prescribed by the college’s student judicial system.

Redress of Grievances

Any time a student’s rights as outlined herein are violated, the student has the right to petition for redress through grievance procedures. A grievance is defined as the claim of an individual student that there has been a violation, misinterpretation or misapplication of a rule, policy or procedure in relation to institutional policies and procedures.

H. Councill Trenholm State Community College assures prompt and impartial consideration to any complaints, which its students may have during the course of their matriculation at the college. When circumstances require such process to be sought, students are encouraged to submit complaints or grievances in accordance with the following procedures:

Students may use this procedure without penalty or fear of reprisal.

Student should make an attempt to resolve the issue with the faculty or staff member verbally and in writing.
Student should attempt to resolve the issue with the faculty/staff member’s immediate supervisor both verbally and in writing.
Student should provide a written complaint to the Grievance Officer, Dean of Student Affairs and Information Services, or designee in person or by mail.
Upon receipt of the complainant, the Dean of Student Affairs and Information Services or designee will within five (5) working days schedule a conference with the student filing the grievance or complainant.
If there is no resolution in the conference, the Dean of Student Affairs and Information Services will within three (3) working days schedule a judicial hearing and forward the complaint to the appropriate judicial council. The ADA Compliance Officer, if necessary, will become a part of the process at this juncture.
The judicial council’s decision can be appealed in writing to the Dean of Student Affairs and Information Services within five (5) working days to be heard by the Appellate Judicial Council of the college.
The Appellate Council will hold a hearing within (5) working days of the appeal.
The Appellate Council’s decision can be appealed to the President of the college within two (2) working days, for a final decision

College Description of Policies and Procedures Relating to Student Conduct

Students and student organizations are expected and required to abide by local, state and federal laws. Students and their organizations must be aware that legal charges may be brought against them both within the college judicial system and in the civil or criminal court system. The college administration is responsible for establishing a procedure for reviewing and taking institutional action against students and student organizations found guilty of off-campus violations of local, state and federal laws. While the college does not act as a policing agent for students when they are off campus, the college reserves the right to take action if a student’s or student organization’s behavior is judged to be contrary to the pursuit of the educational mission of the college or if the continued presence of the student or the organization poses a threat to their well-being or to the rights and property of members of the college community.

All students who represent the college through affiliation with any H. Councill Trenholm State Community

College organization and/or athletic team, or any college sponsored activity are required to be in good standing as a H. Councill Trenholm State Community College student. Depending upon the severity of offense(s), and/ or decisions rendered by the appropriate disciplinary committee and Dean of Student Affairs and Information Services, students who are found guilty of violating the Student/Collegiate Codes of Conduct and are sanctioned to disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion are not allowed to serve in the capacity of affiliate or representative. Affiliation and representation include, but are not limited to the following: Student Government Association, and clubs and organizations. The Dean of Student Affairs and Information Services assumes general responsibility for student life and services offered by the college. In this capacity, it is the Dean’s responsibility to assure that students are informed of behaviors and activities that are unbecoming and/or unwelcome by the college, some of which are listed and discussed in this section.

The following are code of conduct issues, but not limited to, violations related to the Trenholm Student:

Academic Dishonesty

Cheating includes:

Submitting material that is not the student’s as part of course performance, such as copying from another student’s exam or the reciprocal of that matter;
Using information or devices that are not allowed by the faculty; such as using formulas or data from a home computer program, or using unauthorized materials for a take-home exam;
Obtaining and using unauthorized material, such as a copy of an examination before it is given;
Fabricating information, such as the data for a lab report;
Violating procedures prescribed to protect the integrity of an assignment, test, or other evaluation;
Collaborating with others on assignments without the faculty’s consent;
Cooperating with or helping another student to cheat;
Participating in or performing other forms of dishonest behavior, such as having another person take an examination in your place; or altering exam answers and requesting the exam be regarded; or communicating with any person during an exam, other than the exam proctor of faculty. (Such acts will be considered a severe infraction and carry a possible sanction of suspension in semester (s) length or expulsion.)

Plagiarism includes:

Directly quoting the words of others without using quotation marks or indented format to identify them.
Using sources of information (published or unpublished) without identifying them
Paraphrasing materials or ideas of others without identifying the sources.
Using themes, essays, term papers, tests and other similar requirements that are not the work of the student submitting them.
When direct quotations are used, they must be indicated and when the ideas of another are incorporated in papers they must be appropriately acknowledged.
When a student is unsure about something that he/she wants to do or the proper use of materials, a faculty member should be consulted for clarification.

Generally, if a student writes while looking at a source or while looking at notes taken from a source, a footnote should be given. Whenever any idea is taken from a specific work, even when the student writes the idea entirely in his/her own words, there must be a footnote giving credit to the author responsible for the idea. The student should never retain a sentence pattern and substitute synonyms for the original words. Paraphrasing means the alteration of sentence pattern and changing of words. Any direct quotation should be footnoted or documented in an acceptable fashion. Methods of documentation vary, and it is possible to cite in the text itself, rather than in a footnote. The student should give credit in a manner specified by the instructor. (Such acts will be considered a severe infraction and carry a possible sanction of suspension in semester (s) length or expulsion)

Unauthorized/Illegal Web/Computer Use

Trenholm allows and encourages the use of Trenholm owned computer resources. This use, is a granted privilege, not a right. Student use must be in accordance with all applicable laws, policies, and standards regarding acceptable use. Areas of concern include but are not limited to:

Discriminating or libelous statements.
Threatening, Bullying and/or Harassing via email and social media outlets
Copyright infringements (“illegal downloading”)
Obscene, offensive or threatening materials
Usage primarily for financial gain or compensation not relevant to Trenholm’s mission
Computer Hacking to access institutional records to change grades, alter account balances, etc.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in charges being brought both within the college’s judicial system and in the civil or criminal court system. (Such acts will be considered a severe infraction and carries a possible sanction of suspension in semester (s) length or expulsion.)

Aiding and Abetting

No person shall help, assist, facilitate, or promote the commission of a crime or college violation. This prohibition encompasses all assistance rendered by words, acts, encouragement, support, actual or constructive to render assistance or aid in the accomplishment thereof, by encouraging, counseling, or inciting its commission. Anyone who by any word, deed, or act directly or indirectly urges, encourages, supports or otherwise instills in the mind of another the will to so act shall be considered a principal in the commission of said crime and shall be punished in the same manner. (Such acts will be considered a severe infraction and carries a possible sanction of suspension in semester (s) length or expulsion).

Alcoholic Beverages

A. No student may consume or possess any alcoholic beverages, containers, or bottles in college buildings, at college sponsored functions (on or off campus) or on any property or public/private location belonging to H. Councill Trenholm State Community College.
The possession, sale, distribution or furnishing of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in college buildings, or on any property or public/private location belonging to H. Councill Trenholm State Community College.
Students who behave in an intoxicated manner as a result of the use of alcohol or require staff assistance shall be subject to disciplinary action.
The playing of games (or competitions) involving the use or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the campus or at events sponsored or supervised by the college whether home or a visiting institution.
Common source containers are prohibited on college owned/rented property.
Possession of any alcohol paraphernalia is prohibited.
Empty alcoholic beverage containers (bottles, cans, etc.) are prohibited in/on college owned or controlled property. (Such acts will be considered a severe infraction and carries a possible sanction of suspension in semester (s) length or expulsion.)

Drinking Age Law, Alabama

Effective Oct. 1, 1986, it is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to possess or be sold, given, or furnished beer or light wine. The law has serious consequences for persons who provide or sell beer/alcoholic beverages to individuals under the legal age of 21, as well as for underage drinkers.

Brands and Tattoos

No individual or organization may participate in or require others to be branded or tattooed. Students are prohibited to do tattoos/brands on the campuses of H. Councill Trenholm State Community College. Such acts are a form of hazing and carry a sanction of suspension/ expulsion.

Hazing

Hazing is doing favors, being physically or verbally abused, branded, etc. to gain admittance into a club/ organization. By the statue of the State of Alabama, fraternities and sororities are prohibited on community college campuses. It is prohibited for students to form groups that are not sanctioned by the college. Sanctioned Trenholm clubs and organizations that participate in any form of hazing will be subjected to suspension/expulsion. This is not a practice at Trenholm and all violators are to be reported to the Dean of Student Affairs and Information Services and in cases of an emergency to campus security or a faculty/staff member.

Criminal Acts

Students who are arrested by authorities because of violation of criminal law are subject to suspension until the matter is settled by the police department or by the court. The nature of the offense and the settlement will determine what action, if any, will be taken by the college. The student may also be subject to the college’s disciplinary process. (Such acts will be considered a severe infraction and carries a possible sanction of suspension in semester (s) length or expulsion.)

Deception

It is unacceptable and illegal for any person to:

Misuse college records, forms, or documents by forgery, unauthorized alteration or reproduction, or any other means.
Provide false information, either written or oral, to the college or to any administrator of the college. (Students who falsify housing and or admissions records are also subject to removal/or disciplinary action.)
Attempt to perpetrate a fraud against the college or the members of the college community.
Misrepresent information or lie. Participation in such acts is subject to college disciplinary action and punishable by law. (Such acts will be considered a severe infraction and carries a possible sanction of suspension in semester (s) length or expulsion.)

Destruction of College Property

Destruction or attempted destruction or damage to college property, property of the area surrounding the college, or property belonging to a member of the college community is strictly prohibited. Every person who shall maliciously destroy, disfigure, or cause to be destroyed, disfigured, or injured the property of another, either real or personal, shall be subject to arrest and/or criminal prosecution. Students are expected to respect the property of the college and that of others. Destruction of such property, deliberate or through carelessness, will be considered a serious breach of H. Councill Trenholm State Community College’s standards. Participation in vandalism may result in a student’s arrest and prosecution by campus and/or county authorities as well as suspension/expulsion from the college. The college will request restitution. (Such acts will be considered a severe infraction and carries a possible sanction of suspension in semester (s) length or expulsion.)

Arson

Any person who willfully and maliciously sets fire to, or burns, or causes to be burned; who is a party to destruction by explosion from combustible material; or who aids, counsels, or procures the burning or destruction of any state-supported school building in this state, whether in use or vacant, shall be guilty of arson and subject to expulsion.

Any person observing or witnessing the destruction by fire of any state-supported school building, whether occupied or vacant, which fire was the result of his or her act of an accidental nature, and who willfully fails to sound the general alarm or report such fire to local fire department or other local authorities, shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to the State penitentiary for not less than two (2) or more than ten (10) years. Any person, who by reason of his age comes under the jurisdiction of juvenile authorities and who is found guilty under section 1 (subsection 1 hereof) of this act shall not be eligible for probation unless and until at least six (6) months confinement has been served in a state reform school. (Such acts will be considered a severe infraction and carries a possible sanction of suspension in semester (s) length or expulsion.)

Fires

It is illegal to possess, sell, furnish, or use any incendiary device without proper authorization. Setting or causing to be set any unauthorized fire in or on college property is also prohibited. Violations of these regulations may result in prosecution under the Alabama Criminal Code and/or expulsion from H. Councill Trenholm State Community College. (Such acts will be considered a severe infraction and carries a possible sanction of suspension in semester (s) length or expulsion.)

Fire Drills, False Alarms and Sprinklers

No person shall:

Fail to evacuate a building or refuse to respond immediately to a fire alarm.
Ring any bell or operate/tamper with/or trigger any mechanical or electrical apparatus for the purpose of creating a false fire alarm.
Operate/tamper with/discharge/or remove any fire extinguishing equipment, emergency signs, exit signs, sprinkler system, identification of rooms or smoke detector without proper authorization.
Re-enter a building until it has been declared safe to do so by the appropriate staff.
Not comply with officials conducting the drills

Participation in such acts is subject to college disciplinary action and punishable by law. (Such acts will be considered a severe infraction and carries a possible sanction of suspension in semester (s) length or expulsion.)

Fireworks

No person shall possess or explode firecrackers or other types of fireworks or explosives of any kind in any building or on any property owned or controlled by the college. Participation in such acts is subject to college disciplinary action and punishable by law. (Such acts will be considered a severe infraction and carries a possible sanction of suspension in semester (s) length or expulsion.)

Disorderly Conduct or Assembly

No person shall assemble on campus for the purpose of causing a riot, destruction of property, or a disorderly diversion, which interferes with the normal operation of the college. (This section does not deny individuals the right to peaceful, non-disruptive assembly.)
No person or group of people shall obstruct the free movement of other persons about the campus or interfere with the use of college facilities.
The abuse or unauthorized use of sound amplification equipment in or out of doors is prohibited. (The use of such equipment must be authorized by the appropriate department).
Rowdy behavior, indecent language, excessive noise or drunken or drug induced behavior is prohibited.
Disorderly and/or obscene conduct or a breach of the peace on any college property or public function affiliated with the college is prohibited. This includes disorderly conduct in a school sponsored assembly. Participation in such acts is subject to college disciplinary action and punishable by law. (Such acts will be considered a moderate or severe infraction and carries a possible sanction of suspension in semester(s) length or expulsion.)

Disruption of Classes and College Functions

Any person who, without authority, disrupts classes or other educational functions with vociferous vulgar language, loud music, fighting, confrontations with students/faculty/staff on the campus or in off-campus sites shall be arrested for disturbing the peace, turned over to civil authorities, and shall be subject to disciplinary action which may result in suspension or expulsion. This is also referenced to excessive talking and horse playing in assemblies sponsored by the college.

Disruptive Behavior

No person shall threaten to, or actually push, strike. No person shall threaten to, or actually push, strike, or physically assault any member of the college community or any guest to the campus.
Students who maliciously provoke or participate in fights will be subject to disciplinary action which may result in one or more of the following penalties: arrest, disciplinary warning, probation, suspension, or expulsion.
Conduct, which materially interferes with the normal operation of the college is prohibited.
Conduct and/or expressions which are obscene, intimidating, or which are blatantly offensive to the prevailing standards of an academic community are prohibited. Participation in such acts is subject to college disciplinary action and punishable by law. Such may acts carry sanctions of probation, suspension, or expulsion.

In cases of disturbance, the following policy shall be instituted:

All students of the college should report to their classes whether perpetrators of the disturbance report for class or not. The basic expectation of college employees is to carry out their official responsibility. This also includes student employees.
On the day or days of the disruption, teachers are to check classrooms carefully and send a written report of all absences to the Dean of Instructional Services/ designee.

Emergencies, Campus

In regular operation of every institution, it is inevitable that there will be occasions when the routine operations are interrupted and in extreme instances, suspended altogether. Such occasions may be due to weather, fire, strikes, or organized student demonstrations. In such situations, it is important for students, faculty, and employees to assure that all functions and services of the college continue. In such cases, all involved should follow directives of the Coordinator of Safety & Security.

Emergencies, Off-Campus

All off-campus emergencies are to be reported to the site monitor of the off-campus site. In most cases, each site has a police officer employed by the college. In cases where an officer is not present, local authorities should be contacted.

Dress

H. Councill Trenholm State Community College students are expected to dress in a manner representative of an educational institution. Special occasions (e.g. convocations; employment/career fairs; graduation; coronations; plays; luncheons; banquets, speeches for class/assembly) dictate that business (e.g. shirt and tie; business suit; blazer and skirt or slacks; dress) or formal wear (e.g. dinner dress, formal, business suit, or tuxedo) be worn. Other social occasions (e.g. talent shows; spring fest, dances) require informal but respectable apparel. Headdress is inappropriate for males during all indoor functions. Male headdress that includes “do rags” or scarves are considered inappropriate for the educational environment. Similarly, male dress that includes sagging or unbelted pants is considered inappropriate dress at H. Councill Trenholm State Community College.

Female students are also expected to present themselves in appropriate dress at all times. Inappropriate dress might include unreasonably short dresses, midriff tops, short shorts, halter-tops, or other apparel of a revealing nature that is worn publicly into the classroom, or to special occasions as defined in the preceding paragraphs. It is important that females (as in the case of males) are dressed in a manner that is representative of an educational institution.

In special situations, faculty members have the authority to stipulate dress regulations for their classes or events sponsored by their department. Similarly, academic colleges and departments may stipulate dress requirements to supplement their educational goals and objectives. Any member of the faculty or staff reserves the right to hinder a student from entering into a classroom or college sponsored event due to inappropriate dress. (Such acts carry a sanction of community service, fine, probation and/or suspension.)

Drug-Free Schools/Campuses

H. Councill Trenholm State Community College acknowledges and adheres to the laws of the state of Alabama. The college also complies with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.

In compliance with federal and state laws, at H. Councill Trenholm State Community College the following will apply:

Drugs

The possession of any drug controlled by federal or state laws on or off campus is prohibited.
In compliance with state and federal law, it is illegal to possess, consume, use, or distribute (or intend to distribute or use) any drug controlled by federal or state laws on the campus of H. Councill Trenholm State Community College or at event sponsored or supervised by the college.
The manufacture, intent to manufacture, furnish, or intent to furnish drugs controlled by federal or state law is prohibited.
The sale, intent to sell, purchase, intent to purchase, deliver, and intent to deliver drugs controlled by federal or state law is prohibited.
Possession or use of any drug related paraphernalia is also prohibited. The college reserves the right to initiate judicial action if drug violations occur on or off-campus. Students found to be in violation of the drug policy will be subjected to disciplinary action, which will result in expulsion.

Failure to Comply

A. Failure to respond or properly identify oneself pursuant to a request by properly identified officials of the college while in the performance of their duties.
Failure to report to the office of a college official for a conference, meeting, or appointment by the official.
Failure to appear as a witness in a disciplinary case when properly notified.
Failure to comply with any disciplinary condition imposed on a person by any judicial body or administrator.
Failure to comply with the directions of a campus security officer

Participation in such acts is subject to college disciplinary action and carries a sanction of probation, suspension, or expulsion.

False Representation of the College

No person or group of persons shall claim, without proper authorization, to speak, act, or solicit in the name of the college or one of its organizations. As a member of a community of educated persons, a student is expected to exercise reasonable self-discipline and judgment when speaking or acting as a citizen.

Financial Obligations

Students are expected to meet their financial obligations with the college in accordance with the designated deadline dates. If obligations are not met, then the student may be subjected to a reduction in funds, will not be included in commencement exercises, and will not be granted a college transcript.

Forbidden Objects

The following objects are disallowed in all public areas of the college, unless authorized by appropriate officials:

Pets;
Laboratory animals, either dead or alive;
Open flames (e.g., candles) or any combustible decoration or device
Alcoholic beverages and/or beverage containers. (See Alcohol Policy)
Athletic equipment such as bats, weights, balls, etc.
Firearms, fireworks, and weapons of any kind.

Fraud

It is unacceptable and illegal for any student to partake in:

False representation of a matter of fact, whether by words or by conduct.
False or misleading allegations or by concealment of that which should have been disclosed.
Deceive another so that he/she shall act upon it to his/her advantage.
Intentionally alter the truth for the purpose of inducing another in reliance upon it to part with some valuable thing in an effort to surrender a legal right.

Participation in such acts is subject to college disciplinary action removal from the dormitory, fines, and punishable by criminal and campus law.

Gambling

Gambling is not permitted on the premises of H. Councill Trenholm State Community College or at any activity sponsored by the college whether on or off-campus. Violators are subject to arrest and prosecution by civil authorities as well as to college disciplinary action, which may result in one of the following penalties: disciplinary warning, probation, suspension, expulsion, or dismissal from classes. Unauthorized playing of games for money or other items of value is prohibited. Possession of such may result in probation, suspension, or expulsion.

Immoral Relationships

Students who engage in immoral or illicit acts on campus will be subject to disciplinary action. Such acts include the use of obscene gestures, improper body exposures, stripping, vulgar language to or in the vicinity of students, staff members, administrators, or faculty or visitors of the college. Said sanctions will apply: probation, suspension, expulsion.

Insubordination

Students are expected to respect persons in authority. To disagree or hold a different point of view is normal, but the rule of mutual respect should prevail. Gross disrespect to persons in authority will not be tolerated. By Federal Statue, it is unlawful to threaten faculty of an educational institution. If a student verbally threatens a faculty member, then the student can be arrested, subjected to college disciplinary proceedings, and bound over to the courts of Montgomery County. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action, which may result in one of the following penalties: disciplinary warning, probation, suspension, or expulsion.

Joint Responsibility

All persons who knowingly act in concert to violate college regulations have individual and joint responsibility for such violations and such concerted acts are prohibited.

Moral Turpitude

An act of baseness, vileness or depravity which brings shame to the college and is in contradiction to the letter and spirit of the college’s Code of Conduct, good citizenship and ethics is strictly prohibited. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Parking Regulations

All parking restrictions on the campus of H. Councill Trenholm State Community College are landmarked throughout the campus. Students are prohibited to park in employee or reserved parking. Handicapped signs are strategically placed around campus for the convenience of those needing such accommodations. All students enrolled at H. Councill Trenholm State Community College are to affix parking decals on all vehicles driven on campus as well as off-campus locations.

Pets

To protect the interest and safety of students and employees, it is the policy of the college not to allow pets in any college building, including but not limited to administrative buildings, classroom buildings and gathering halls. “Pets” are considered dangerous animals, domestic or wild, in the company of a student, faculty member, guest, or visitor to the college, and does not apply to service dogs. If the policy is violated, the student is subject to dismissal from classes, suspension, and/or expulsion.

Picketing

It shall be unlawful for any person, singly or in convert with others, to engage in picketing or mass demonstration in such a manner as to obstruct or unreasonably interfere with free ingress or egress to and from any public premises, state property, county or municipal courthouses, city halls, office buildings, jails, or other public buildings owned by the State of Alabama, or any county or municipal government located therein or thereon conducted or so as to obstruct or unreasonably interfere with free use of public streets, sidewalks, or other public ways adjacent or contiguous thereto. Any person guilty of violating this act shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisoned in jail not more than six (6) months, or both such fine and imprisonment.

Restrooms

Restrooms are designated separately for men, women and gender-neutral (designed for use by any gender). All individuals are required to utilize the gender-specific or gender-neutral restrooms as appropriate. Gender-neutral restrooms must be locked upon entry and there is a notice to that effect on the doors. Any individual utilizing the opposite gender’s restroom will be subject to disciplinary action.

Smoking/Vaping

Smoking/vaping is not permitted in the auditoriums, classrooms, lecture rooms, dining hall, gathering halls, gymnasiums, or any other buildings at H. Councill Trenholm State Community College. Any person that smokes/vapes has to do so within 35 feet of any building. Participation in the reverse of this act is subject to college disciplinary procedures.

Solicitation - Vendors

College property, although recognized as state property, is considered “specialized use” state property and, therefore, subject to reasonable restrictions and guidelines designed to foster the purposes to which the institution is dedicated. Rules are promulgated to enhance the purposes of the educational institution and to protect the individual rights of students and those members of the general public wishing to give students the opportunity to purchase their services or goods. Adherence to the following:

No group or individual may conduct a sales campaign on any campus/center of the college, to include-but not limited to, classrooms, administrative buildings, or any other campus location.
Private individuals, student or non-resident student, may not conduct a sales campaign in classrooms, administrative buildings, or at any other campus location.
Door-to-door sales are prohibited. Placing door hangers on classroom doors or signs on cars in college owned parking lots is prohibited.
Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting commercial solicitation to individual students by telephone, mail, or email.

Violators are subject to college discipline and may be punishable by law.

Students Riding in Automobiles

The college assumes no responsibility or liability regarding students riding in or parking private vehicles on campus. It is a privilege for students to drive on the campus of H. Councill Trenholm State Community College. The college reserves the right to revoke that privilege at any time for reasons not limited to excessive parking tickets, reckless driving, and parking in restricted areas.

Theft

No person shall take, attempt to take, or keep in his/ her possession items, not legally possessed by him/her, including but not exclusively, items of college property, or items belonging to students, faculty, staff, student groups, or visitors to the campus, without proper authorization. No person shall sell a textbook that is not his/her own without written permission of the owner.

Participation in such acts is subject to college disciplinary action to include a maximum sanction of expulsion and punishable by law. The college assumes no responsibility for theft of a student’s personal property.

Trademark Guidelines

Campus clubs and organizations and individual students may use the H. Councill Trenholm State Community College name, trademarks, or logos only with the written approval of the President.

Unauthorized Entry and Use -- College Facilities or Equipment

No person shall make unauthorized entry into any college building office, parking lot, or other facility. Nor shall any person remain, without authorization, in any building after normal closing hours.
Unauthorized use of equipment is prohibited. This includes unauthorized use of computers and computer programs. Attempts to access restricted records and programs are prohibited. Such actions are a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. C. Unauthorized entry into vehicles is prohibited.

Unauthorized use of bathrooms, exits, or windows is prohibited.
Unauthorized use or duplication of keys is prohibited.
Unauthorized use or possession of any parking permit (hang tag) is prohibited.
No person shall enter or attempt to enter any dance, social, athletic event or any other recognized college organization without credentials for admission (i.e. ticket, identification card, invitation, etc.). Credentials should be that of the person seeking to gain admittance.

Participation in such acts is subject to college disciplinary action punishable by law, and may result in a fine, probation, suspension, or expulsion.

Violation of Law

Violation of local, state, or federal law on the campus is prohibited. Violations off campus which constitute either an aggravated misdemeanor or felony will be presumed to affect the student’s ability to function as a member of the college community and the student will be subject to disciplinary action by the college. Additionally, Trenholm State Community College has the right to sanction its students for off-campus violations. Trenholm State Community College has the right to sanction each student violator regardless of court hearings, upcoming court dates, or outcomes of such hearings.

Weapons and Firearms

It shall be a felony for any person to possess, carry, whether openly or concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol, or other firearm of any kind, or any dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, or powerful explosive (s) on educational property. Weapons of any type are not permitted in any area under college control or at any activity registered with the college. Violators will be subject to arrest and subject to prosecution by civil authorities. College disciplinary action also applies and the student may be expelled from the college.

Weapons and Firearms Description

A weapon is defined as any instrument used with the intent to cause bodily harm.
Possession of handguns or any lethal or potentially destructive weapons including, but not limited to: guns, bow and arrows, BB guns, air guns, ammunition, hunting slingshots, martial arts weapons, medieval weapons, darts, knives of any length, and other dangerous weapons are prohibited on the campus of Trenholm State Community College and/or college building, including off-campus host sites where Trenholm college courses or non-credit courses are offered. (Such items in automobiles are also strictly prohibited.)
Possession of any lethal or potentially destructive substances including; poisons, corrosive or volatile substance (e.g. acids, etc.) are prohibited on the campus of Trenholm State Community College or in any host site of the college.
The use or discharge of any weapon, or threatening another with a weapon is strictly prohibited.
Shotguns, small caliber rifles suitable for hunting, and other lethal weapons, including ammunition, may not be stored in automobiles, residence halls, or any other building on campus or in host sites.

Note: Violators are subject to college disciplinary action which will mandate expulsion and will be punished by law.

Student Code Of Conduct/Definition Of Terms

To maintain an atmosphere on the Trenholm State Community College campus and host sites that is conducive to academic pursuits and fosters the growth and development of all members of the college community, a series of procedures and regulations governing student conduct and behavior has been established. Included in the procedures and regulations, which collectively are known as the Student Code of Conduct, are statements concerning expectations regarding student conduct, guarantees of student rights, and procedures for adjudicating allegations concerning student misconduct. The penalties for violation of these regulations are also contained in the Student Code of Conduct.

All students at Trenholm State Community College are expected to read and become familiar with all sections of the Student Code of Conduct. Each student is individually responsible for adhering to the regulations contained in the Code. A student who is found to have violated these regulations will be subject to disciplinary action, ranging from a disciplinary warning to suspension/ expulsion. The severity of the sanction is dependent upon the severity of the offense as determined by the judicial officer, the Dean of Student Affairs and Information Services/designee, or the appropriate judicial council. Discipline will be levied in all instances except those in which a qualified, licensed, mental health professional has communicated to the college in writing that the actions were caused by severe psychological problems sufficient to warrant the immediate withdrawal of the individual from the college. In each instance, the individual may not re-enroll at Trenholm State Community College for at least two full academic semesters and then only upon the written recommendation of the mental health professional.

Principles for Collegiate Conduct

Trenholm State Community College Collegiate Code of Conduct is designed to address the principal behaviors and conduct which are expected of students, faculty, and staff as they interact in a diverse learning environment. It is intended to enhance a student’s success in the classroom as well as in their campus life.

The tenets for this covenant are:

Integrity

Respect and embrace the principles of academic honesty

Philosophy

Embrace an academic philosophy for positive progress toward competency in goals, critical and logical thinking and a commitment to excellence.

Class Attendance

Participate actively in classroom and other learning environments and commit to becoming a lifelong learner.

Diversity

Celebrate the similarities and differences in our cultures, races and ethnic origins.

Communications

Encourage open communication and expression, which is guided by respect for others.

Behavior

Understand that sexual and social harassment will not be tolerated. Therefore, always dress for success.

Discourage Profanity

Discourage the use of profanity and offensive actions out of respect for others.

Accountability

Accept personal responsibility for one’s actions and life choices and realize that embracing negative elements of an unhealthy lifestyle will interfere with success.

Service

Engage in civic and service-learning opportunities to share knowledge and skills with local, national and world communities.

Respect

Embrace and respect tradition by participating in rituals and observances, especially those that contribute to the history and heritage of the college. Assessment Conduct periodic assessments of academic, personal and career progress. Stay focused on the purpose for being at the college.

Campus Safety

The student is encouraged to always think safety first when engaging in educational environments, social scenarios, and on and off-campus activities. Please, be alert of surroundings and threats to safety and inform appropriate authorities of such situations.

Students that swerve, horseplay, play loud music in vehicles, hang out of vehicles, have possession of drugs/ paraphernalia or alcoholic beverages in vehicles on the campus of Trenholm State Community College or host sites of the college will be arrested, adjudicated, fined (not to exceed $500) the vehicle will be impounded at the students’ expense and the student may be placed on probation, suspended, or expelled.

Freedom

Respect the freedom of others to express themselves in matters relating to academic and philosophical opinions.

Philosophy of Student Conduct and Discipline

The student disciplinary function of Trenholm State Community College is an integral part of the educational mission of the college. Learning responsible behavior and self-discipline are part of the educational process. The college expects its students to obey national, state, and local laws, to abide by the regulations of the college, to respect the rights and privileges of others, to support the purposes and standards of the institution, and to conduct themselves in a manner that brings no discredit to them or to the institution. In the event that students fail to demonstrate such behavior, the college has the obligation and right to discipline them. The acceptance of this implied right of the college by parents, guardians, and/or students is a prerequisite for enrollment as a student at Trenholm State Community College. The college’s judicial system and other components of the program emphasize the development of each individual’s acceptance of his or her own personal and social responsibilities.

Behavior, which is not in keeping with standards acceptable to the college community, is often symptomatic of attitudes, misconceptions, and emotional crises. Addressing aforementioned traits is an essential component of the disciplinary process. An educational approach to discipline is employed whenever possible. The college judicial system and appeals process are designed to provide and help maintain an atmosphere within the college community that is conducive to academic pursuits. Stringent disciplinary measures against a student or a group of students, such as suspension or expulsion, are instituted only when lesser remedies are inconsistent with the college’s mission.

The college, however, recognizes its responsibilities to all members of the community (i.e. students, faculty, staff, guests of the college, and members of the local community). The protection of personal and institutional rights and property, therefore, is a primary focus of the disciplinary process.

Honor Code

I will be honest in all of my academic course work and will not indulge in or tolerate the academic dishonesty of my counterparts or peers. I will not partake in any type of misconduct, misrepresentation, or immoral behavior that will harm, damage or endanger any person, property or myself or reflect negatively against me or hinder my academic continuance. I will strive to achieve excellence and to complete degree requirements without hesitation. I am a valuable part of the Trenholm State Community College family, and proud of it.

On the campus of Trenholm State Community College, the Dean of Student Affairs and Information Services collaborates with all involved to provide a safe environment for students. The office of the Dean of Student Affairs and Information Services is located in Building F, Student Services Building on the Trenholm Campus.

Code Violations

(At the end of each violation are the sanction (s) that may be imposed by the college)

1.00 Abduction and/or Kidnapping.

Enticing, persuading or forcible seizing and carrying of any student, faculty, staff or college official from one place to another without that person’s consent. (Suspension/Expulsion)

1.10 Academic Dishonesty.

Misconduct, dishonesty, misrepresentation, immoral behavior that will harm, damage or endanger any person or property or hinder academic continuance. (Probation/suspension/expulsion)

1.20 Aiding and /or Inciting.

Aiding, abetting, persuading, and/or procuring another person or persons to commit any act of misconduct in the college community or environment; the persuading or aiding of another person to breach the peace on college premises or at functions sponsored, approved by, or participated. (criminal court sanctions/suspension/probation/expulsion) in by any member of the college. Gatherings of groups of students on/off of the premises in such a manner which causes damage to public or private property, causes injury to persons, or interferes with the orderly functioning of the college or with the normal flow of traffic or ordinary procedures. (Warning/Probation/Suspension)

1.30 Alcoholic Beverages.

The use, consumption, possession, purchase, sale, and/or distribution of alcoholic beverages on college property, in cars or other vehicles, or at any of the college’s activities (whether on- or off- campus) are prohibited, except as expressly permitted by the college regulations, exceptions, or local, state, and federal laws. (Fine not to exceed $500, probation, suspension, or expulsion.)

1.31 Alcohol/Drug Intoxication.

Appearing in public on the college/host site premises while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs is strictly prohibited. This includes any disorderly conduct regardless of whether such conduct results in injury to persons or property, as a result of intoxication. (fine not exceed of $500, probation, suspension, expulsion)

1.40 Animals (pets).

Having pets or other animals (e.g. dogs, cats, snakes, birds, hamsters, etc.), with the exception of seeing-eye dogs (when accompanied by their owner) and tropical fish in an aquarium or other approved containers in buildings, including classrooms, and offices, except when needed in connection with a handicap person or with the written permission of the Dean of Student Affairs and Information Services, is prohibited. (fine not to exceed $500, probation, suspension, or expulsion).

1.50 Arson/Fire Setting.

The malicious, fraudulent, and/ or intentional burning of property on the college premises is prohibited. Acts include, but are not limited to, creating fires, setting a personal fire, open flames, and/or igniting flammable materials.

Willfully starting a fire in college buildings or on college property, which includes but is not limited to bonfires and cookouts, without the proper authorization of the college Safety Director and the Dean of Student Affairs and Information Services is prohibited. Compliance with local and state fire codes must be assured and verified. (Suspension/Expulsion)

1.60 Assault.

The intentional harassment, degradation, threat or intimidation of another in an attempt to commit a battery or the intentional placing of another in reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery. This includes engaging in, attempting or intending to engage in any form of mental, physical, verbal or mental abuse, coercion, which is directed toward another person or group of people which creates an intimidating, fearful or offensive environment in the classrooms, offices, and on the college premises (arrest, criminal adjudication, probation, suspension, or expulsion). In general, physical contact is not required.

1.70 Attempted Offenses.

An attempt to commit an act on college property, or involving members of the college community (that is faculty, staff, student, or campus visitor) in an offense that would be in violation of any law, code of conduct, rule, regulation of local, state or federal criminal code. (fine, warning, probation, suspension, or expulsion)

1.80 Battery.

The unlawful application of force to the person of another is strictly prohibited (fine, arrest, criminal adjudication, suspension, expulsion).

1.81 Aggravated Battery.

An unlawful act of violent injury to the person of another, accompanied by circumstances of aggravation, such as the use of a deadly weapon is prohibited. (Expulsion)

1.90 Classroom And General Violations.

Students must comply with campus life regulations. Any combination of three infractions committed during a semester will result disciplinary actions. The following are prohibited:

Children in classrooms
Loud music
Playing video games in a gathering
Horse playing
Vandalism
Engaging in barbering and cosmetology practices on the outside of classrooms, buildings
Sexual Activity in/or around classrooms, buildings
Fighting
Disrespect of instructors, administrators, staff, housing staff, to include custodial staff
Defacing property
Inappropriate dress
Loitering/Littering
Disrespecting others
Drugs/ alcohol use/possession/sale/intent to distribute
Gang Activity; fights of more than two on one; signs; paraphernalia
Spreading harmful rumors
Cell phone usage in classrooms/assemblies
Unauthorized selling of tapes, DVDs, CDs, snacks, food, clothing, merchandise, etc.
Joyriding/tampering with/on college or state owned property
Bullying and Harassing

Such acts or synonymous acts are prohibited and carry sanctions such as a warning, community service, fine not to exceed $500 ( Unless the infraction is destruction or defacing property and restitution is a larger sum), probation, suspension, expulsion, or a combination thereof.

2.00 Contempt Of Hearing.

Contempt of hearing violation includes (1) the failure to appear before a judicial body after receiving the proper notification of a scheduled disciplinary hearing or conference, (2) willful disobedience to, or displaying open disrespect for a college judicial board member such as the use of profanity, threatening behavior, or derogatory remarks, comments, and/or gestures, and (3) failure to comply with disciplinary conditions as sanctions imposed by a judicial body or judicial administrative officer or staff person. Contempt charges will require the student to pay a disciplinary fine (to be determined by the appropriate council) (forfeiture of due process rights, probation, suspension, or expulsion).

2.10 Damage to Property/Destruction of Property.

Damage, vandalism or destruction to property owned or leased by the college or personal property belonging to an individual, including but not limited to, car vandalism, walking on roofs of a university building, defacing structures and facilities, littering, unauthorized biking, skate boarding in inappropriate areas, marking, egging, littering, painting, spraying, hallways, lobby areas, classrooms, doors, bricks, and siding without the proper authorization is prohibited. (probation, community service, suspension, fine, or expulsion)

2.20 Dangerous, Threatening, and/or Unsafe Behavior.

Any conduct or behavior, which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person in the college environment. This includes, but is not limited to, verbal threats to injure or harm another, horse playing, practical jokes, abductions, and kidnapping. (probation, community service, suspension, fine, or expulsion)

2.30 Disorderly Conduct, Obstruction, and/or Disruption.

Disorderly conduct is any offensive or annoying act that disrupts the peace. It includes but is not limited to conduct which is offensive or annoying to others or is disruptive to the rights of others. It includes excessive noise, misuse of musical instruments, noise producing devices, talking excessively loud, failure to properly dispose of trash or food trays, shouting, loud stereo or radio sets; horseplay, practical jokes, and general annoyances; throwing any dangerous objects in a college facility or from the window of a college facility or onto the premises of the college. Breaking lines during registration, at campus events and activities, and so on, is deemed disorderly conduct. The intentional obstruction, interruption, hindrance, or disruption of teaching, research, administration, ceremonies, disciplinary proceedings, or other university tasks and activities; interfering with duties of a student, faculty/staff member or college official; withholding information vital to any investigation carried out by an authorized agent of the college; creating excessive noise which can be heard in other areas of the campus and which interferes with the normal operations of the college; creating excessive noise which can be heard in other areas of the campus and which interferes the normal operations of the college is prohibited. In so much as students are responsible for the behavior of their guests, students may receive sanctions if they permit their guests to behave disorderly on campus (probation, community service, suspension, fine, or expulsion).

2.40 Distribution of Illicit Printed Material.

Distribution of printed materials that are libelous, derogatory, scurrilous, sexually explicit, pornographic, or that encourages violations of public laws or college regulations is prohibited (probation, community service, suspension, fine, or expulsion).

2.50 Drugs (Illegal)/ Drug Paraphernalia.

The consumption, sale, distribution, manufacturing, purchase, passing of, or being in the presence of or the vicinity of illegal drugs, narcotics, the accessory to, or aiding and abetting of any controlled substances, are strictly prohibited from all locations of the college, and beyond the premises according to all local, state, and federal laws. Illegal drugs also include all prescription drugs without a valid medical prescription. Drug paraphernalia is strictly prohibited at the college. Paraphernalia is defined as all equipment, products, and materials of any kind used to facilitate planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, manufacturing, converting, processing, preparing, packaging, storing, concealing, playing with injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing a controlled substance into the body. The scope of this prohibition includes drugs or paraphernalia that is on the person or in the possession of a student on property owned or controlled by the college and/ or at events and activities sponsored by the college, and involves related incidents that are subject to prosecution under local, state, and federal laws. The illegal possession of and/or use of drugs, or drug paraphernalia includes, but is not limited to roach clips, bongs, masks, scales, balances, sandwich bags or plastic bags and their corners, sifters, syringes, spoons, chamber pipes, homemade pipes, film canisters, diluents, spray cans, carburetor pipes, paint, pipes, using screens, water pipes, and any other equipment, products and materials that can be directly linked to the usage of controlled substances. Improper behavior or conduct on the campus which is a result of the use of illegal drugs which means that one who, having consumed or used drugs, experiences a loss of the normal use of his/her mental and/or physical faculties is restricted. (Expulsion)

2.60 Failure to Comply.

Failure to comply with the directions of college officials (including campus security) acting in the performance of their duties; failure to promptly identify oneself to college officials when requested; failure to comply with disciplinary sanctions are prohibited. This includes direct disobedience of a lawful order of a college official, as well as failure to evacuate a building during a fire alarm, drill, or when otherwise so ordered by a college official, fire department staff, or local law official. (probation, community service, suspension, fine, or expulsion)

2.70 Forgery, Dishonesty, Fraudulent Acts, and/or Misrepresentation.

Forgery of names, signatures, documents (personal, public, and/or private) will not be tolerated. Forgery, deceptive acts, misrepresentation and/or dishonest acts include, but are not limited to materials, altercation, and misuse of college documents, records, or student identification cards, or documents and records belonging to another, cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty; tampering with the election of any college recognized student organization; malfeasance or misuse of elective or appointive office in a student organization, its members, or the welfare of the college community; and fraudulently issuing worthless checks to the college. Lying, knowingly giving false information to the college or its officials, other forms of dishonesty in college-related affairs is also prohibited. The scope includes, but is not limited to the following: lying, fraudulently obtaining, altering, falsifying, transferring, loaning, selling or misusing or attempting intended misuse of an ID card, validation sticker, or any college document or service. (probation, suspension, fine, or expulsion)

2.80 Guest’s Behavior.

Students are responsible for the behavior of their guests whom they invite to the campus or permit to visit on the campus. If a guest is found to be in violation of the Code of Conduct while in the company of the student host or with the student host’s knowledge, applicable charges will be brought against the guest, as well as against the student host or the host student organization (probation, community service, suspension, fine, or expulsion)

2.90 Harassment (Verbal and/or Physical).

The excessive physical annoyance of or the use of verbally abusive language by any person on college owned or controlled property (on or off-campus sites) or while on the premises of, or while in attendance of college-sponsored or supervised events is considered to be harassment and is prohibited. The scope of any form of harassment includes language to physical acts which degrade, insult, taunt, or challenge another person by any means of communication, verbal, so as to provoke a violent response, communication of threat, defamation of character, use of profanity, verbal assaults, derogatory comments or remarks, sexist remarks, racists remarks or any behavior that places another member of the college community in a state of fear or anxiety (probation, community service, suspension, fine, or expulsion)

3.00 Hazing.

It is strictly prohibited for a person or organization to, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, intentionally or recklessly engage in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical and/or mental injury to such other person or to a third person. This includes asking favors or demanding services from a person seeking to join a college sponsored club/ organization (probation, community service, suspension, fine, or expulsion)

3.10 Health and Safety Violations.

This means any behavior which creates a risk or danger to others of the college community, throwing objects from windows or balconies, failure to keep one’s room in a condition that is safe and sanitary, unlawful disposal of toxic chemicals, or failure to maintain reasonable standards of cleanliness and safety as defined by the college. (probation, community service, suspension, fine, or expulsion)

3.20 Identity Disclosure/Identification Cards.

Failure to carry a valid college student identification card (when possession is in reason) while on the college property or failure to present it to a college official, security officers, administration, and staff members upon request is unacceptable. Fraudulently obtaining, transferring, selling, loaning, fabricating, manufacturing, falsifying, altering, misusing or attempting or intending to misuse one’s ID card is prohibited. Presenting a false name or other identification, including false or invalid ID card, to a college official, while in the performance of their duties is prohibited. (probation, community service, suspension, fine, or expulsion)

3.30 Indecent, Obscene, Immoral Behavior, and/or Profanity.

Conduct, which is disorderly, lewd, indecent and/or portrayed on the premises of the college or at college sponsored or supervised activities on/off campus will not be tolerated.

Such acts include the use of obscene gestures, improper body exposures, stripping, vulgar language to or in the vicinity of students, staff members, administrators, or faculty or visitors of the college or when visiting other colleges and/or venues. (probation, community service, suspension, fine, or expulsion)

3.40 Moral Turpitude.

3.50 Motor Vehicles, Traffic Violations, Parking Violations.

Violation of properly constituted rules and regulations governing the use of motor vehicles (e.g. automobiles, motorcycles, etc.) on college-owned or controlled property on/off-campus locations or at college sponsored or supervised activities is prohibited. This also includes driving and parking on grass and sidewalks. Traffic tickets of the same offense will increase on the second and third offenses. Failure to obey traffic and parking regulations is punishable by the college’s Department of Safety. (probation, community service, suspension, fine, or expulsion)

3.60 Rape.

Forcing or coercing another, regardless of sexual gender, personal affiliation, and/or affiliation with the college to engage in the act of sexual intercourse without that person’s consent, or when the sexual intercourse is deemed without the person’s consent because the person (victim) is incapable of understanding the nature of the act by reason of stupor or abnormal condition of the mind produced by an intoxicating or narcotic agent administered by the offender. (Expulsion)

3.70 Safety Code-Mischief.

Tampering with safety equipment is a serious violation of the Code of Conduct and is subject to expulsion and/ or criminal prosecution. Making a statement verbally/ writing a false fire or bomb alert, by any means including a telephone call or by a warning device, theft, removal of, or tampering with security cameras, fire extinguishing or safety equipment, exit signs, smoke alarms and detectors, fire hoses, sprinkler systems, hoses, fire mischief, or violation of college guidelines regarding fire safety, or standard safety (e.g., failure to follow evacuation procedures or obstructing the evacuation of a building during a fire, fire drill, or any other type of emergency) is strictly prohibited. (suspension, fine, or expulsion)

3.80 Sexual Assault.

The forcing of or attempting to force another person regardless of sexual gender, personal affiliation, and/ or affiliation with the college, to participate in sexual intercourse and/or other sexual activities against his/ her will is prohibited. Such misconduct includes verbal coercion, threats and physical restraint, also will not be tolerated. Disciplinary sanction for such acts will lead to expulsion. Violators also are subject to criminal prosecution.

3.90 Sexual Battery.

The forcing of or forceful intention of engaging in sexual misconduct by physical contact and/or excessive force (with or without a weapon) which leads to physical pain toward another person regardless of sexual gender, personal affiliation, and/or affiliation with the college, without his/her consent or when such sexual contact is deemed offensive to the victim, will not be tolerated by the college. Disciplinary sanction for such acts will lead to expulsion.

4.00 Sexual Harassment.

Regardless of sexual gender, personal affiliation, and/or affiliation with the college, sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome and unsolicited sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal, visual or physical conduct or communication with sexual overtones that the victim deems offensive. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to unsolicited, deliberate, or repeated sexual flirtation, advances or propositions verbally/written; verbal abuse of a sexual nature; display of sexually suggestive pictures or objects; and/or offensive or abusive physical contact of a sexual nature. If such acts occur with student to student; faculty/staff to student; student to faculty/staff; or faculty/staff to faculty/staff, an incident reporting form should be completed and submitted to the office of the Dean of Students to begin an investigation. Such acts are taken seriously by the college and will not be tolerated; therefore, if these acts are alleged by a victim or transmitted as a rumor and the accusations are deemed as false, then the person (s) alleging the accusations will then be subjected to like disciplinary proceedings (to include sexual assault and battery). (probation, suspension, fine, or expulsion)

4.10 Solicitation.

Unauthorized selling, collection of monies, and promotion (flyers) on campus or within college buildings is not permitted without permission of the Dean of Students. Students may not act as agents for business firms which entail solicitation or the receiving of business offers or goods on college property. Further, students may not solicit on behalf of the college without the permission of the Dean of Students. Use of any college facilities for business purposes of any nature, (e.g. the selling of food, clothing, jewelry, merchandise, favors, manicures/pedicures, hair perming/styling/braiding, barbering, babysitting etc.) are prohibited. (probation, community service, suspension, fine, or expulsion)

4.20 Theft/Misappropriation.

Theft is defined as the wrongful taking of money or property without the consent of the owner, and/or the secreting of anything stolen, regardless of where the theft occurred; stealing from another person, agency, institution, or the college; the taking of property belonging to another, with the intent of converting the property to one’s personal use; the unauthorized taking or consumption of food from a campus event; unauthorized use of another’s credit card; and failure to return another’s personal property upon request or within a reasonable period of time. Misappropriation, the taking of property belonging to another by mistake and/or without the owner’s permission, but with no intent to convert the property to one’s personal use is not permitted. This includes unauthorized moving or relocation of college furniture to one’s own room or to some other area, illegal and/or unauthorized possession or sale of any property without the proper authorization, and possession of property which has been reported lost or stolen. (probation, community service, suspension, fine, or expulsion)

4.30 Trespassing.

Unauthorized presence on, in or within any building or property owned or operated by the college (including technology labs, shop areas, gymnasiums, fitness center, field houses, classrooms, offices, buildings, etc.), or the unauthorized entry into or remaining in a facility, or in a private room or office under the control of another, after having been asked to leave. Unauthorized campus visitors will be subject to arrest and criminal proceedings. (probation, community service, suspension, fine, or expulsion)

4.40 Unauthorized Use/Entry Of College Facilities.

Unauthorized use of equipment, occupancy of, or unauthorized entry into or exiting from college facilities is prohibited. Unauthorized entry/exiting includes the entering and/or occupying and improper exiting of college facilities that are locked, closed or restricted for use to certain or all persons. Unauthorized entry or exiting into and from residence halls, without proper permission into living quarters or other buildings and/or structures or college premises, or the aiding and assisting of such is prohibited. (probation, community service, suspension, fine, or expulsion)

4.50 Weapons/Firearms.

The use, possession, consumption, or display of weapons, firearms, or explosives is strictly prohibited on the premises of the college. Weapons include, but are not limited to the following: rifles, shotguns, ammunition, handguns, air guns, BB guns, bowie knives, daggers switchblade knives, butcher knives, metallic or brass knuckles, explosives (including dangerous chemicals), water guns, play guns, firecrackers, propelled missiles, fireworks. The possession or use of items that resemble guns, knives, or other weapons are also strictly prohibited. When course content and classroom assignments require the use of such items, Divisional Deans should give prior written approval to the Dean of Students as a matter of record. (Expulsion)