Student Code of Conduct

Purpose and Scope

The College is committed to maintaining an environment that fosters learning and personal development. All members of the College community are responsible for their own behavior and are expected to be familiar with the rules and regulations of the College. Students are expected to uphold these standards of behavior and to respect the rights of others. Each student and/or student group shall comply with the rules and regulations of the College, including but not limited to those detailed below.

Jurisdiction

The College has jurisdiction over alleged conduct violations by students or student groups when they occur on College premises, at College sponsored events/programs/activities, or off campus if they adversely affect a substantial College interest. The Director for Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator (or designee) will make the determination as to whether the alleged conduct affects a substantial College interest.

Student conduct expectations may apply to behavior conducted online and via email or other social media platforms in particular circumstances. Electronic postings such as blogs, web postings, chats and other social media content are in the public sphere and are not considered to be private. The College does not regularly search for this information but may take action if and/or when such information is brought to the attention of College officials. Most online speech by students not involving College networks or technology will be protected as free expression and not subject to this code, with three notable exceptions:

• A direct threat, defined as “a threat a reasonable person would interpret as a serious expression of intent to inflict bodily harm upon specific individuals.”
• Speech posted online about the College or its community members that causes a significant on-campus disruption.
• The unauthorized use and/or misrepresentation of the College name, image, or likeness on social pages or online accounts.

The College retains conduct jurisdiction over students who choose to take a leave of absence, withdraw, or have graduated for any conduct that occurred prior to the leave, withdrawal, or graduation. If a student is found responsible for a conduct violation, a hold may be placed on the student’s record, which may impact the ability to re-enroll and/or obtain official transcripts and/or graduate until the matter is resolved.

Definitions

Accused student:

Any student accused of violating the Student Code of Conduct (same as “Respondent”).

Advisor:

An individual appointed by a student as a support resource during any conduct proceeding(s). This person is selected at the accused student’s discretion and may be a fellow or former student, friend, parent, or family member, College employee, or attorney. The advisor is not permitted to speak on behalf of the student during the proceeding(s) and is expected to maintain confidentiality of all information.

Business Day:

A day that the college is open for normal business operations and excludes weekends, holidays, unexpected closures, and breaks.

Chief Student Affairs Officer:

The designated conduct officer for a campus/education center authorized by the College to determine student responsibility for alleged violations of the Code of Student Conduct and to assign sanctions when students are found responsible for violations as outlined in this code. This person may hold the title of Vice President. Conduct matters involving students enrolled exclusively in online classes will be assigned to a Chief Student Affairs Officer by the Director for Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator for resolution.

College Community:

Any person who is a student, staff, faculty member, College official or any other person employed by or associated with the College.

College Official:

Any person employed by the College performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.

Complainant:

Any person who submits a charge or complaint alleging that a student violated the Student Code of Conduct.

Investigator:

The individual designated to conduct fact-finding and assess the alleged violations. A fair and thorough investigation will include a review of all relevant evidence and may include interviews with the complainant, respondent, and witnesses. This person may hold the title of Coordinator of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Policy:

Written regulations of the College as found in, but not limited to, the Student Code of Conduct, Board of Trustees Policies, and Administrative Procedures.

Preponderance of the Evidence:

The standard of proof that applies to student conduct proceedings or determinations. Based on the totality of the evidence, the allegation is determined to be “more likely than not” to be true or false.

Respondent:

A student accused of violating the Student Code of Conduct (same as “Accused Student”).

Retaliation:

Adverse actions intended to disrupt, disturb, or otherwise discourage participation in any College process. Retaliatory acts may include, but are not limited to a) Adverse action relating to participation in a class or educational program; b) Unreasonably interfering with the academic experiences of another individual; c) Engaging in conduct which constitutes stalking, harassment, or assault as defined within College policy and procedure; and/or d) Engaging in efforts to have others engage in retaliatory behavior on one's behalf.

Student:

Any person admitted to the College and/or registered in credit, non-credit, continuing education, or workforce solutions programs.

Substantial College Interest:

Conduct that includes but is not limited to: any situation where it appears that the student’s conduct may present a danger or threat to the health or safety of self or others; any situation that significantly impinges upon the rights, property, or achievements of self or others, or significantly breaches the peace and/or causes social disorder; or any situation that is detrimental to the educational mission and/or interests of the College.

Student Conduct Appeals Committee:

A group comprised of College faculty, staff, or students responsible for hearing conduct appeals when permitted as outlined in this procedure.

Reporting Violations

Any person may file a report alleging that a student conduct violated College policies/procedures as set forth in the Student Code of Conduct. Individuals seeking to report an alleged Code of Conduct violation may do so by utilizing the official College reporting form found on the College webpage (stlcc.edu/reportaconcern). Reports may also be submitted to the Director for Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator (or designee) via email, in person, via telephone, or by postal mail. Though anonymous complaints are permitted, doing so may limit the College’s capacity to investigate and respond to an anonymous complaint. Those who are aware of misconduct are encouraged to report it as soon as possible. Reports should be made within six (6) months of the incident or knowledge of the incident.

Receipt of a report may or may not result in charges and sanctions. Each circumstance is assessed on a case-by-case basis. College officials will review and assess reports within three (3) business days.

Amnesty

To encourage reporting and participation in the process, St. Louis Community College maintains a policy of offering parties and witnesses amnesty from minor policy violations. Amnesty may not apply to more serious allegations or those that impact the safety or wellbeing of a student, employee, or the College community.

Conduct Violations

The College considers the following behaviors inappropriate for the College Community and contrary to the mission and vision of the College. Any student found responsible for violating these community standards based on the preponderance of the evidence is subject to sanctions as outlined in this procedure.

1. Bullying and Harassment: Repeated verbal, written, or physical conduct and/or severe aggressive behaviors that intimidate and/or intentionally harm or control another person physically or emotionally and are not protected by freedom of expression. Conduct may occur in person, online (i.e., cyberbullying), or by any other form of communication or engagement.
2. Complicity: Engaging in behavior that may constitute permitting or condoning a violation of the College Code of Conduct. . Students witnessing any act(s) which constitutes a violation of College policy are required to report such incidents to the proper authorities and constructively participate in conduct investigations or other resolution processes addressing alleged violations of policy. Students may be held responsible for the conduct of others that they knowingly invite to a STLCC property or event, should those individuals engage in a violation as defined in this procedure.
3. Damage or Destruction of Property: Acting or aiding in actions which result in damage or intends to cause damage to property belonging to the College or members of the College community. Persons responsible for damage, vandalism, unauthorized possession of, and/or sale of property belonging to the College may be required to make restitution.
4. Discrimination: Differential treatment or denial of equitable access to College programs or resources based on belonging to one or more protected classes that is a) so severe or pervasive that it interferes with equitable access to College programs or activities; b) substantially or unreasonably interferes with educational performance; or c) substantially and adversely affects an individual’s educational opportunities.
5. Dishonesty: Knowingly giving false or perjured testimony in any College investigation or proceeding. Knowingly giving false information to a College official or showing reckless disregard for the truth. Falsification of records, including, but not limited to admissions, registration, disciplinary and health records, by forgery or other means of deception, is prohibited.
6. Disorderly Conduct: Conduct that is inconsistent with the standards established by the College to create a welcoming, respectful, inclusive, and academically focused community. May include, but is not limited to, disturbing the peace, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, sleeping in public areas, creating a disturbance in a common area, or other conduct which disturbs the health or safety of any person.
7. Disruption: Conduct that disrupts College academic activities (lecture and other forms of learning) and/or other College operations. May include, but is not limited to, blocking of entryways or exits, congregating in a fashion that endangers life or property, coordinating or participating in rioting, acts that restrict an individual’s right to speak, or noise-making or other behavior which is so distracting that it is difficult or impossible to conduct official College business.
8. Failure to Comply: Failure to comply with reasonable requests or orders by College officials or representatives acting on behalf of the College. This requirement includes reasonable requests for students to meet with College personnel in person or virtually, to attend disciplinary investigations and hearings, and to complete sanctions related to a finding of responsibility through the conduct process.
9. Financial Responsibilities: Failure to promptly meet financial responsibilities to the institution, including, but not limited to; knowingly passing a worthless check or money order in payment to the institution or to an official of the institution acting in an official capacity.
10. Fire Safety: Violation of local, state, federal, or campus fire policies including, but not limited to, intentionally or recklessly causing a fire which damages property or causes injury, failure to evacuate a College-controlled building during a fire alarm, improper use of fire safety equipment, or tampering with or improperly engaging a fire alarm while on College property.
11. Gambling: Engaging in or offering games of chance for anything of value or other gain in violation of the laws of Missouri. This includes lotteries and raffles not authorized by a College authority or official.
12. Harm to Persons: Intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting to cause physical harm or endangering the health or safety of any person.
13. Hazing: Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons, regardless of the willingness of such other person(s) to participate that (1) is committed in the course of initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and (2) causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of the participation in the College or organization, of physical or psychological injury. Failing to intervene to prevent and/or failing to discourage and/or failing to report those acts may be subject to disciplinary action.
14. Health and Safety: Creation of health and/or safety hazards, including but not limited to, engaging in dangerous pranks, using lab equipment inappropriately, climbing on trees, roofs, buildings or balconies, hanging out of windows, driving erratically on College property, misusing wheeled devices and vehicles, etc.
15. Misuse of College Technologies: Students are subject to STLCC’s Responsible Use of Information and Technology policy, as defined BP/AP J.3, and are expected to follow all Computer Use and File Sharing policies. Prohibited activities including, but not limited to, those listed in BP/AP J.3.1 may be charged as student conduct violations.
16. Misuse of Controlled Substances: Use of tobacco, tobacco-like substances, smokeless tobacco, and nicotine vaping devices, is prohibited on campus property or at off-campus College sponsored events. All forms of cannabis and THC products are prohibited on campus property or at off-campus College sponsored events. Students are prohibited from being under the influence of, possessing, distributing, selling, or consuming controlled substances (alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs) in any form on the campuses and centers of the College. Students are prohibited from the manufacture, possession, sale, transmission, being under the influence of, or any use of substances that endanger the health or safety of self or others and/or violate federal and/or state law.
17. Misuse of Process: Intentional deviation from clearly prescribed College Procedures for grievance resolution, including misrepresenting information, filing false reports, and/or knowingly circumventing appropriate processes.
18. Pets and animals: Pets and animals are prohibited from entry to any campus building. Individuals seeking to use the campuses to exercise their animals are permitted to do so, so long as they follow appropriate leashing and animal waste procedures. Service animals for persons with disabilities are permitted in facilities of the College and are subject to the provisions set forth in BP/AP B.10.02.
19. Physical Violence: Acts or threats of violence, physical assault, or abuse, that pose a risk to the health and safety of any member of the College community or visitor to the College.
20. Possession or Use of Weapons: Students are prohibited from possessing or using firearms or other weapons on College property. Possession or use is prohibited, even with a permit, unless specifically authorized by state or federal law. Weapons include, but are not limited to, firearms, knives, flammable materials, fireworks, explosives, or any other items that may cause bodily injury or damage to property.
21. Probationary Status Violation: A student who is alleged to have violated the Code of Conduct while subject to disciplinary probation may face more serious sanctions for subsequent violations up to and including suspension or expulsion.
22. Retaliation: Adverse actions intended to disrupt, disturb, inhibit, or otherwise discourage participation in any College process. Retaliatory acts may include, but are not limited to, a) adverse action relating to participation in a class, program, or educational activity; b) unreasonably interfering with the academic experiences of another individual; c) engaging in conduct which constitutes stalking, harassment, or assault as defined within College policy or procedure; and/or d) engaging in efforts to solicit others to engage in retaliatory behavior on one’s behalf.
23. Sexual Misconduct Not Covered within the Title IX Grievance Process: Acts that may be outside of the jurisdiction of Title IX Grievance Process but involve sex-based behaviors without the informed, affirmative consent of all involved parties (as defined in BP/AP B.13). Examples of sexual misconduct include, but are not limited to, sexual voyeurism, indecent exposure, invasion of sexual privacy, stalking, domestic, dating, or interpersonal violence not covered in BP/AP B.13, knowingly making an unwelcome disclosure (or threatening to disclose) an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or other gender/sexual orientation information (i.e. “outing”), the creation and/or distribution of non-consensual sexual material, or any other behaviors of a sexual or gender-based nature that are determined by the College to be inappropriate, offensive, and non-consensual.
24. Theft: Intentional and unauthorized taking of College property or the personal property of another, including goods, services, or valuables.
25. Threats and Intimidation: Actual or implied written, verbal, or online conduct that causes a reasonable fear or expectation of injury to the health or safety of any person or damage to any property.
26. Unauthorized Use of College Facilities: Misuse of access privileges to College premises, unauthorized entry to or use of buildings, including trespassing, unauthorized use of alarmed doors for entry or exit, illegally parking in accessible parking spaces without necessary placards or tags, or tampering with or the unauthorized use of emergency equipment outside of a legitimate emergency.
27. Unauthorized Use of College Trademark: Unauthorized use (including misuse) of College or organizational names and/or images. Contracting or representing oneself in the name of the College without explicit consent from a College authority.
28. Violation of the Law: Acts which constitute a violation of public law, occurring either on or off campus as defined by the jurisdiction set forth in this Code of Conduct.

Student Conduct Process

Procedural fairness is basic to the proper enforcement of College policies and procedures. As such, no sanction will be imposed against a student until the student has been notified in writing of any charges of alleged misconduct, the student has been informed of their rights and responsibilities under this code, and the student has been given the opportunity to be heard.

The following information will be conveyed to any student facing conduct charges when proceedings are initiated:

• Students will be notified in writing via their official college e-mail account of the specific violation(s) of the Student Code of Conduct and the alleged conduct upon which each charge is based.
• Students will receive a fair and impartial resolution process in accordance with the requirements of this code.
• Students may decline to make statements in response to the allegations. Declining to make a statement will not be construed as an admission of responsibility.
• Students may be assisted by an advisor of their choice and at their expense at any time throughout the conduct process. The advisor may be present but may not speak for or present the case for the student, or otherwise participate directly in any meetings or other proceedings. It is the student’s responsibility to make appropriate arrangements for the advisor to attend scheduled conduct proceedings.
• Students may present relevant information and witnesses.
• Students will be considered not responsible for the alleged conduct violation until found responsible by a preponderance of the evidence presented during the proceedings.
• Students maintain the right to privacy, in accordance with the terms of the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Students will be notified in writing via their official college e-mail of the outcome of the charges of alleged Student Conduct Code Violations. For findings of responsibility this communication will include the rationale used in making such determination, as well as any sanction(s).
• Students may appeal a finding of responsibility and/or any assigned sanctions in accordance with the requirements of this code.

Failure to open letters and/or correspondence associated with the process and/or participate in scheduled meetings does not halt or prevent the continuation of the process.

Student Conduct Procedures

This section of the Code describes the procedures for student conduct proceedings at the College.

Interim Measures

When a student represents a direct threat of serious harm to others, is facing allegations of serious criminal activity, poses a significant risk to the integrity of the investigation, poses a significant risk to the preservation of College property, and/or may significantly disrupt or interfere with the normal operations of the College, the appropriate College official may impose interim measures and/or temporarily separate a student from the College. Decisions regarding interim measures will be made in accordance with AP G.20.06. (Students that represent a direct threat to self may also be assessed in accordance with AP G.20.06.)

Interim measures may include, but are not limited to, restrictions on participation in College activities, access to college facilities, programs and services such as registration, and/or interim suspension as determined to be appropriate by the designated College official. Interim measures may include restrictions on participating in classes and/or other College activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible. During an interim suspension a student is temporarily denied in-person and/or electronic access to all College facilities, events, activities, and/or services. Students who are subject to interim measures will be notified in writing per AP G.20.06.

Upon written request and at the discretion of the Director for Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator (or designee), alternative coursework options may be pursued to mitigate negative impact on the responding student’s academic standing pending the outcome of the student conduct process. Any such academic modifications are subject to the approval of the appropriate academic official(s).

A student who is subject to interim measures may appeal this decision in writing as outlined in AP G.20.06. The College official may affirm, reverse, or modify the interim measures. Regardless of the outcome of this meeting, the College will proceed with the formal resolution process as described below.

Preliminary Inquiry

Upon receipt of a student conduct report, the Director for Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator (or designee) will assess the complaint and determine if there are reasonable grounds to believe that, if found to be true by a preponderance of the evidence standard, the reported behavior(s) could constitute a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. In circumstances that violations are not apparent, additional information may be gathered and/or a referral to the associated Campus Care Team may be initiated.

If reasonable grounds for a potential violation of the Student Code of Conduct are met, the Director for Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator will forward the complaint to the Investigator and copy the appropriate Chief Student Affairs Officer.

Investigation

The Investigator will send notice of charges to the accused student via their College email address and will include a brief description of the reported behavior(s), the specific allegations of Student Code of Conduct violation(s), the student’s rights and responsibilities, and information on a scheduled preliminary educational conference with the Investigator.

Parties may submit written requests to review records to the Director for Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator. Requests will follow the College process for review of record(s). Requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis with considerations given to college policy and procedures, FERPA rights and protections, personnel rights and protections, privacy and confidentiality of parties, possible safety risks, the potential for retaliation, etc. Information may be redacted as necessary.

The Investigator may engage with the student, the reporting party/ies, victims, witnesses, or other involved and/or impacted individuals to gather additional information about the alleged conduct. The following outcomes of the Investigation are possible:

• Insufficient evidence is available and the matter is considered closed.
• New evidence is provided to support dismissal of the charge(s) and the matter is considered closed.
• A student does not contest the allegation and accepts proposed sanctions. This is considered an “Agreed Resolution” and is outlined below. Not all referrals to the Code of Conduct Procedure are eligible for Agreed Resolution.
• The student chooses not to participate in the preliminary conference or investigation. The alleged violation will proceed through the steps outlined in Formal Resolution.
• A student contests either the allegation(s) or the proposed sanctions. The alleged violation will proceed through the steps outlined in Formal Resolution.
• The conduct is so severe that it is not appropriately resolved through an Agreed Resolution. The alleged violation will proceed through the steps outlined in Formal Resolution.
• New evidence is provided and the College pursues additional investigation and/or a Formal Resolution.

Agreed Resolution

Agreed resolution is permitted when 1) the conduct does not disrupt a substantial college interest as defined in this procedure, 2) the student does not dispute the charges, and 3) the student accepts the proposed sanction(s). The utilization of Agreed Resolution efforts may be undertaken at the discretion of the Investigator in consultation with the Director for Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator (or designee).

Within seven (7) business days of the Agreed Resolution, students will receive an outcome letter via official College channels outlining the charges, Agreed Resolution terms, and sanctions if applicable. The decision and sanctions are final and not subject to appeal. In the event that the terms of the resolution agreement are not met, new conduct charges may be raised for failure to comply.

Formal Resolution

If an alleged violation of the code is not dismissed or resolved through an Agreed Resolution, the conduct process will proceed with the Formal Resolution Process, as outlined below.

• A temporary registration hold may be permissible until final resolution of the complaint. Registration holds may be imposed by the Chief Student Affairs Officer or the Director for Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator on a case-by-case basis.
• The Investigator will review the allegations and any relevant evidence or information obtained from the complaint. When indicated, they will gather other evidence and engage with reporters, witnesses, or other relevant parties to obtain additional information. The accused student will be given the opportunity to meet with the Investigator, respond to the complaint, and provide information relevant to the charges, including but not limited to documents, emails, texts, photos, the names of witnesses, etc.
• The Investigator will summarize the results of the investigation in a written Investigative Report that will be provided to the Chief Student Affairs Officer prior to a Student Conduct Conference.
• The Chief Student Affairs Officer will review the investigative report and relevant evidence and schedule a Student Conduct Conference. The purpose of the Student Conduct Conference is to discuss a determination of student responsibility using the preponderance of evidence standard. It is not a reinvestigation of the charges. A student is not required to attend the meeting. Failure to attend the Conduct Conference and/or make reasonable attempts to reschedule will be interpreted as a waiver of the right to participate. A decision will be made without student participation.
  • o   If found responsible, a student may be subject to sanctions as outlined below. 
• Within seven (7) business days of the Student Conduct Conference, the student will receive an outcome letter via official College channels providing rationale for any findings of responsibility for the charges of alleged misconduct, and the determined sanction(s), if any. The findings and/or the sanction(s) may be subject to appeal.

Parties may submit written requests to review records to the Director for Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator. Requests will follow the College process for release of record(s). Requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis with considerations given to FERPA rights and protections, privacy and confidentiality of parties, possible safety risks, the potential for retaliation, etc. Information may be redacted as necessary

Sanctions

The potential sanctions that may be imposed on students include, but are not limited to:

• Censure: Written reprimand for violating the Code of Conduct, including the possibility of more severe disciplinary sanctions in the event of additional findings of responsibility.
• Disciplinary Probation: Official notice that should further violations of College policies occur during the specified probationary period the student may be subject to additional sanctions or restrictions. In most circumstances, this probation period ends the date after final grades are due in the following semester but can be extended for additional terms based on a case-by-case analysis conducted by the designated College Official.
• Loss of Privileges: A student is denied specific privileges, including but not limited to, participation in extracurricular events, membership or leadership in recognized student organizations or athletic teams, participation in travel, study abroad or other off-site educational experiences for a designated period of time, or ineligibility to represent the College in any way.
• Required Educational Activities: Other educational measures may be assigned on a case-by-case basis. A student may be directed to research an assigned topic, submit a written reflection or letter of apology, undergo training, participate in a counseling or mental health assessment, or complete similar educational requirements identified by a designated College Official.
• Restitution: Reimbursement by the student for damage to or misappropriation of property. This is not a fine but, rather, repayment of actual labor costs to restore or replace the value of property destroyed, damaged, consumed, or stolen.
• No Contact Directive: Requirement that one or more involved parties have no contact through any means of communication with another party. This order remains in effect until resolved by the Director for Community Standards, a Chief Student Affairs Officer or designee, or the Coordinator for Student Rights and Responsibilities.
• Suspension: Prohibition from physical or electronic access to any campus and/or College activities or events for a defined period of time. This sanction may be enforced with a trespass action if deemed necessary. Conditions for readmission or reenrollment may be specified. The length of suspension is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Chief Student Affairs Officer. Suspended students may be prohibited from engaging with employees of the College in their official College capacity and be required to engage only with one central point of contact during their suspension.
• Expulsion: Permanent termination of student status and right of physical or electronic presence on any College location or at any College-authorized activities. Expelled students may be prohibited from engaging with employees of the College in their official College capacity and be required to engage only with one central point of contact.

Appeals

A student has the right to appeal the finding of responsibility and/or sanction on limited grounds. An appeal can only be sought by the accused student for the following reasons:

• College procedures were not followed, which significantly impacted the outcome or integrity of the process.
• New and relevant information that was not available at the time of the initial investigation is now available and should be considered. Failure to provide available relevant information during the initial investigation is not grounds for an appeal.
• The assigned sanction exceeds what is reasonable for the alleged conduct and as is inconsistent with similar matters at the College.

A request for appeal must be submitted in writing to the Director of Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator no later than ten (10) business days after the transmission of the written outcome decision delivered to the student via official College channels. Details regarding the basis for the appeal as described in the limited grounds above must be included in any appeal request. Failing to provide the necessary information within the timeline indicated may result in dismissal of the appeal.

Upon receipt of a timely notice of appeal, the Director of Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator will determine if the limited grounds for appeal have been satisfied.

• If the grounds for appeal are not satisfied, the Director of Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator will respond to the student in writing within five (5) business days.
• If the grounds for appeal are satisfied, the matter will be directed to the appropriate appeals process for resolution.

For all sanctions except suspension or expulsion, the Director of Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator will provide a copy of the request for appeal and case materials to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Within fifteen (15) business days of receipt, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will review the materials and issue a written decision via the student’s College email account. The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs may affirm, reverse, or modify the initial decision based on the grounds for appeal. The decision of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs is final.

For all sanctions that include suspension or expulsion, the Director of Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator will initiate the Student Conduct Appeals process.

Student Conduct Appeals Committee

For all sanctions that include suspension or expulsion, the Director for Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator will convene a Student Conduct Appeals Committee within ten (10) business days of receipt of the appeal. The Student Conduct Appeals Committee will be comprised of at least three (3) trained faculty, staff, or students. The Committee will be chaired by a Chief Student Affairs Officer who was not involved in the original decision. The Committee members and Chairperson will be named by the Director for Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator. The purpose of the committee is to make a recommendation as to whether the student has provided sufficient information to reconsider the initial finding of responsibility and suspension/expulsion outcome. This will be provided to the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs within five (5) business days and may include recommendations about how to remedy the student’s basis for the appeal.

Individuals participating on a Student Conduct Appeals Committee will be trained in relevant areas of conduct processes and best practices. The Director for Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator will provide support and guidance to the appeal hearing panel throughout the hearing process. The Director for Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator (or designee) will provide a training program for those persons who agree to serve on the Student Conduct Appeals Committee to familiarize them with College regulations, procedural and substantive due process, and the role of the hearing committee. Additional training may be required depending on the nature of the case.

The appeal hearing panel members will be provided with general information regarding any case they may be asked to review. The Director of Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator and Chairperson will exclude any committee member with prior knowledge of the matter or bias for or against those involved.

The Chairperson will be responsible for:

1. Notifying the student in writing of the following:
   • Acknowledgment of the student request for an appeal
   • A summary of the investigation, findings, rationale and sanctions
   • Date, time, place of the appeal hearing
   • The student’s right to present new and relevant materials and information not available during the initial investigation
   • The student’s right to an advisor
   • Purpose, expectations, and possible outcomes of the appeal hearing
2. Facilitating hearing proceeding(s) and deliberations of the committee.
3. Synthesizing the findings of the committee and producing resolution recommendations for the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs.

Student Conduct Appeal Hearing

The scope of the Student Conduct Appeal Hearing is limited to the grounds established in the request for appeal. The Student Conduct Appeal Hearing is not a rehearing of the case. The charges, investigation report, rationale for a finding of responsibility, and recommended sanctions will be presented by the Student Conduct Appeals Committee Chairperson. The accused student has the right to an advisor at the hearing. All parties may bring witnesses related to applicable new evidence. The Chairperson is responsible for ensuring that rules of decorum are followed by all parties. The hearing may be audio-recorded and a transcript of the proceedings will be available at the requestor’s own cost.

Within seven (7) business days following the appeal hearing proceedings, the Committee Chairperson will synthesize the findings of the committee and provide the recommendations, in writing, to the Vice Chancelor of Student Affairs.

Ratification of the Student Conduct Appeals Committee Recommendations

Within fifteen (15) business days of receipt, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will review the materials and issue a written decision via the student’s College email account. The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs may affirm, reverse, or modify the initial decision and/or sanctions.

The decision of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs is final.

Statement of Non-Retaliation

The College expressly prohibits any form of retaliatory action against any member of the College community who: (1) files a report, complaint or grievance under College policy (or with an external entity); (2) opposes in a reasonable manner an action or policy believed to constitute a violation of this policy; or (3) participates in College investigations, compliance reviews, or discipline proceedings. Determinations of retaliation are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The College is dedicated to fostering an environment that supports learning and personal development. The Student Code of Conduct outlines the expected standards of behavior for all students, ensuring they respect the rights of others and comply with College rules and regulations to maintain a welcoming, respectful, inclusive and academically focused community.    

The College has jurisdiction over alleged conduct violations that occur on College premises, at College-sponsored events or activities or off-campus if the conduct significantly affects a substantial College interest. This may also extend to online behavior, including electronic postings and social media content, particularly if it involves a direct threat, causes significant on-campus disruption or misuses the College's name or image. 

You can file a report using the official College reporting form. Reports can also be submitted directly to the Director for Community Standards/Title IX Coordinator (or designee) via email, in person, by telephone or through postal mail. While anonymous complaints are accepted, please be aware that they may limit the College's ability to fully investigate and respond.    

An "Agreed Resolution" is a way to resolve a conduct violation if you do not dispute the charges and accept the proposed sanctions. This option is available when the conduct does not disrupt a substantial College interest. If you choose an Agreed Resolution, the decision and sanctions are final and cannot be appealed.    

If you are accused of a violation, you will receive written notification via your official College email, detailing the specific charges and alleged conduct. You are entitled to a fair and impartial resolution process. You may choose not to make a statement, and this will not be considered an admission of responsibility. You also have the right to be supported by an advisor of your choice and to present relevant information and witnesses.  

No, being accused of a conduct violation does not mean you are automatically found responsible. Students are considered not responsible for the alleged conduct violation until a finding of responsibility is made based on a "preponderance of the evidence" presented during the proceedings. 

Please don't hesitate to contact the Office of Student Responsibility & Community Standards directly at srcs@stlcc.edu. We are here to answer your questions, explain the process and provide support. Your understanding and cooperation are vital to maintaining a positive college community.