Policy VI.6004.B, Student Conduct and Discipline

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Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to uphold that students must abide by the rules, regulations and accepted practices established by the College and that are established by local, state, and federal government entities while they conduct business on any of the college campuses.  Should students violate these rules, regulations, and practices, students will be subject to investigation and may receive a disciplinary penalty.

Policy         

Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and the general well-being of society. A primary responsibility of the college administration is to provide an environment that is conducive to free and open inquiry, the pursuit of wisdom, and the acquisition of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that will result in ethically sensitive, responsible, and productive individuals. Self-discipline and a respect for the rights of others in the larger community are necessary for the fulfillment of such a goal. Accordingly, the college administration shall establish rules and regulations to guide and govern the interactions of the members of the college community. Students, having voluntarily enrolled in the College, are expected to abide by the rules, regulations, and accepted practices of the College until such time as they may be changed by orderly procedure.

Students at the College neither lose the rights nor escape the responsibilities of citizenship. Students are expected to obey both the penal and civil statutes of the local, state, and federal government; to conduct themselves in accordance with the policies and procedures of the San Jacinto College District Board of Trustees, administrative rules and regulations; and to observe standards of conduct appropriate for an academic institution. Students may be investigated by the College for allegedly violating these standards of conduct on the campus or in connection with an institution-oriented activity, even if they may also be penalized by civil authorities for the same act. Institutional disciplinary penalties should not, however, be used merely to duplicate the penalties imposed by civil authority. Institutional disciplinary penalties may include, but not be limited to: disciplinary probation, restitution, suspension of rights and privileges, suspension from the College or an educational program, expulsion from the College or an educational program, or revocation of degree and withdrawal of diploma.  Students and other interested parties should refer to the Student Handbook for clear and specific standards of student conduct as well as the related investigatory and appeal rights.  Additionally, students should refer to the respective instructional area handbooks or manuals that state clear standards and processes regarding student conduct for specific instructional programs.

The Authority, Applicability, Sanctions, Exclusions, and Interpretation do not differ from Policy II.2000.A, Policy and Procedures Development, Review, Revision, and Rescission.

Associated Procedures

Procedure VI.6004.B.a, Student Conduct and Discipline