Disciplinary action may originate with the Vice President of Academics and Student Services, a designee, or other College units, which may initially deal with the alleged misconduct or academic performance. The first option for resolving a concern is to address the issue through an informal process. A College employee may refer an alleged student violation to the Vice President of Academics and Student Services if the individual reporting believes disciplinary action may be warranted. Referral(s) to the Vice President of Academics and Student Services shall be in writing and signed by the employee making the referral. A referral should be submitted as soon as possible after the event occurs, preferably within forty-eight (48) hours.
The Vice President of Academics and Student Services or designee may investigate whether the charges have merit or if they can be disposed of administratively by mutual consent. After the investigation, the Vice President of Academics and Student Services or designee may issue one or more of the following:
- Take no action.
- Take administrative action to counsel, advise, or admonish the student.
- Forward the grievance to an appropriate administrator/committee.
- Take disciplinary action against the offending
All sexual misconduct or harassment allegations will be promptly forwarded to the Institution's Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator will follow the institution's policies and procedures relating to investigation and proper due process procedings.
Types of Disciplinary Action
The Vice President of Academics and Student Services or designee may impose one or more of the following penalties:
- Reprimand – A verbal or written warning to the student following a rule violation. Repetition of such misconduct may result in more severe disciplinary action.
- Conditional Probation – The placing of a student on notice that continued infraction of regulations may result in suspension or expulsion from the College. Conditional probation may include social and behavioral restrictions, restitution for harm caused by student misconduct, or specified community service. This probation may be for a specified length of time or an indefinite period according to the relative severity of the infraction or misconduct. Failure to fulfill the terms of the probation may lead to suspension or expulsion.
- Loss of Privileges – Denial of specified privileges for a designated period.
- Restitution – Compensation for loss, damage or injury. Restitution may take the form of appropriate services, monetary, or material replacement.
- Discretionary Sanctions: Work assignments, service to the College, or other related discretionary mandates.
- Withdrawal – Administrative removal of a student from a class or the College may be imposed in instances of unmet financial obligation or for reasons of health, pending the outcome of a competent medical evaluation. The withdrawn student may also be barred from re-enrollment until specific conditions have been met.
- Suspension – Forced withdrawal from the College for a defined period or until stated conditions have been met. Normally, the suspension shall extend through one regular long semester (with summer sessions not counting in the one-semester minimum time-lapse). When circumstances warrant it, a suspension may exceed the one-semester minimum.
- Student Housing Suspension – Separation of the student from Student Housing for a defined period or until specific conditions have been met, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmissions may be specified.
- Interim Suspension – In certain circumstances, the Executive Dean of Student Services/designee may impose an immediate but temporary College or student housing suspension. An interim suspension may be imposed before the hearing with the Appeals Committee:
- To ensure the safety and well-being of members of the College community or preservation of College property.
- To ensure the student's physical or emotional safety and well-being
- If the student poses a threat of disruption or interference with the normal operations of the College.
Note: During the interim suspension, the Executive Dean of Student Services may deny a student access to the residence halls, the campus (including classes), and other College activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible.
- Student Housing Expulsion – Permanent separation of the student from Student Housing.
- Expulsion – Permanent enforced withdrawal from the College. A student receiving disciplinary expulsion shall have the action noted in their permanent record.