3358:5-9-02. Student rights and responsibilities/code of conduct policy

(A) Clark state community college is an academic community in which all persons - students, faculty, administration and staff - share responsibility for its growth and continued welfare. As members of the college community, students can reasonably expect that the following rights shall be respected by all college offices, programs, employees and organizations.

Clark state community college further encourages all members of the college community to endorse, support and abide by the following statement of values which this community has deemed fundamental to its mission and integral to its growth.

(1) Speech/expression/press

Students may express themselves freely on any subject provided they do so in a manner that does not violate this policy. Students, in turn, have the responsibility to respect the rights of all members of the college in exercising these freedoms.

(2) Non-discrimination

No agent or organization of Clark state community college shall discriminate against any student for reasons of race, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sex, age, disability, marital status, political or social affiliation, or sexual orientation. In their individual roles as members of student organizations, students have the responsibility not to discriminate against others.

(3) Assembly/protest

Students may assemble in an orderly manner and engage in peaceful protest, demonstrations and picketing which does not disrupt the functions of the college, threaten the health or safety of any person or violate this rule.

(4) Religion/association

Students may exercise their religious convictions and associate with religious, political or other organizations of their choice in college facilities provided they do so in a manner that respects the rights of other members of the community and complies with this policy. Students have the responsibility to respect the rights of other members of the college community to free exercise of their religious convictions and to free association with organizations of their choice.

(5) Privacy/search/seizure

Students have a reasonable expectation to be free from unreasonable searches or unlawful arrest on college property. Students have the responsibility to respect the privacy of other members of the college community.

(6) Academic pursuits

Students shall have access to accurate and plainly stated information relating to maintenance of acceptable academic standing, graduation requirements and individual course objectives and requirements. Students may expect instruction from designated instructors at appointed class times and reasonable access to those instructors. Students have the responsibility to attend class and to know their appropriate academic requirements.

(7) Quality environment

Students may expect a reasonably safe environment supportive of the college's mission and their own educational goals. Students have the responsibility to protect and maintain that environment and to protect themselves from all hazards to the extent that reasonable behavior and precaution can avoid risk.

(8) Governance/participation

Students may establish representative governmental bodies and to participate in college governance in accordance with the rules and regulations of the college. Students who accept representative roles in the governance of the college have the obligation to participate responsibly.

(9) Due process

Students shall be afforded due process before formal disciplinary sanctions are imposed by the college for violations of this policy. Students have the right to written notice and the opportunity for a hearing before any change in status is incurred for disciplinary reasons, unless a significant threat to persons or property exists.

(10) Confidentiality

Students may access and control access to their education records as provided in the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, also known as the Buckley Amendment. These include the rights to review and challenge the content of educational records, to control disclosure of personal and academic information to third parties and to limit the routine disclosure of all or some information defined as "directory information" by the act.

(B) Students at Clark state community college are expected to conduct themselves in a manner supportive of the educational mission of the institution. As members of the college community, student have the responsibility to behave appropriately. Integrity, respect for the person and property of others and a commitment to intellectual and personal growth in a diverse population are values deemed fundamental to membership in the college community and represent the student code of conduct.

Clark state community college considers the following behaviors, or attempts thereof, whether acting alone or with any other persons, in violation the student code of conduct. Examples include but are not limited to:

(1) Physical harm or threat of physical harm or general conduct which threatens the mental or emotional health of any person or persons.

(2) Physical or verbal, oral or written harassment, which is beyond the bounds of protected free speech that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.

(3) Disorderly conduct including but not limited to public intoxication, lewd, indecent or obscene behavior or intentional disruption of lawful activities of the college.

(4) Theft, damage to personal/college property or unauthorized entry, use or occupation of college facilities.

(5) Forgery, alteration, fabrication or misuse of records, grades, diplomas, college documents, and identification cards.

(6) Illegal purchase, use, possession or being under the influence of or distribution of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances on college property or in college vehicles.

(7) Non-compliance with directives of the college officials on safety and security issues.

(8) Possession of firearms, explosive devices, fireworks, dangerous or illegal weapons or hazardous materials.

(9) Interference with or misuse of fire alarms, elevators or other safety and security equipment or programs.

(10) Violation of any federal, state or local law which has a negative impact on the well-being of the college or its individual members.

(11) Violation of college policies, rules or regulations that are published in the student handbook or any other official college publications or agreements.

(12) Academic misconduct including but not limited to plagiarism and cheating. For example, misuse of academic resources or facilities and misuse of computer software, data, equipment or networks.

(13) Violations of a position of trust or authority at the college including the misuse or unauthorized use of Clark state or organizational names, representatives, and/or images.

(14) Disruptive classroom behavior and/or the obstruction of teaching, research, administration, or other lawful Clark state activities on or off campus.

Effective: 10/23/2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15
Statutory Authority: 3358
Rule Amplifies: 3358
Prior Effective Dates: 7/1/98, 6/1/00, 4/12/04, 2/28/05, 4/3/09, 12/14/2011, 3/27/15