STUDENTS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Code of Conduct

Casper College is dedicated to providing an academic environment that supports learning and the development of responsible personal and social conduct. Students are expected to treat others with civility, dignity, and respect and abide by all federal, state, and local laws, and college policies, rules and regulations both on and off campus. Casper College reserves the right to take necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and well-being of the campus community. The Student Code of Conduct is a means to communicate the goals of the college and maintain a healthy campus environment.

In addition to policies listed in the Casper College Policy Manual, Student Handbook, and all school, department, or program requirements, the Student Code of Conduct outlines student rights, responsibilities, and prohibited behaviors. This is not an exhaustive list but a general guideline. Students residing in campus housing are subject to the conduct standards described in the Residence Hall Handbook, Terms and Conditions for Occupancy, and other campus housing materials. Students participating in campus activities and college sports are subject to conduct standards set by the campus team/activity and regulations set by conference, regional and national organizations responsible for the sanctioning of the sport or activity. Students are responsible for becoming familiar with all conduct policies, rules, and regulations specified in official college publications.

The college may discipline students who violate standards. Students have a right to due process to ensure sanctions are appropriate for the code violations, educational, corrective, and serve as a deterrent. Only the president can expel a student for code violations. Removal from college housing for conduct that endangered or has the potential to endanger the life or safety of any person, including the student, or resulted or may result in property damage is a reasonable safety response and not a disciplinary sanction for the purposes of this code.

Student Rights

Students have certain rights as long as they abide by all college policies and federal, state, and local laws. As a Casper College student, you have a reasonable expectation to the following rights.

1. Freedom to pursue your educational goals. The college will provide appropriate learning opportunities through its curricula.
2. Due process, unless specifically stated in a policy.
3. Freedom to express ideas and thoughts, inquire, and assemble provided your actions do not interfere with the rights of others or effective operation of the college. The college retains the right to be informed about the scheduling of events to ensure events are orderly and conducted appropriately for an academic community.
4. Freedom from discrimination based upon race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
5. Privacy of personal information. Student educational records are only released when there is a legitimate need or permission is granted. Student educational records include, but are not limited to, a) academic transcripts and grade records, b) disciplinary proceedings transcripts, c) medical condition and treatment records, d) counseling and psychiatric treatment records, e) financial aid data, and f) attendance records.
6. Academic professionalism and standards including:

1. Accurate information on course requirements through a written syllabus.
2. Protection against arbitrary or capricious evaluation.
3. Experience free and open discussion, inquiry, and expression in the classroom and student/instructor conferences that are respectful, rational and germane to the issue at hand.
4. Experience competent instruction and academic advising.
5. Freedom to disagree, in a scholarly manner, with the data or views presented and reserve judgment on matters of opinion.
6. Protection against an instructor’s unprofessional disclosure of your views, beliefs, and political associations that may surface as a result of the instructor’s teaching or advising. However, instructors have the right to contact college or off-campus officials if a student discloses information that indicates the student or others are in danger or engaging in or intend to engage in illegal activity.
7. Protection from sexual misconduct.

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct and are subject to disciplinary action up to expulsion for code violations. There are two types of conduct violations: academic and general.

Student Code of Conduct for Academic Code Violations

Academic code violations focus on academic dishonesty, which includes but is not limited to, cheating; plagiarism; buying, selling, or stealing exams; substituting for another person; collusion when collaboration is not approved; knowingly furnishing false information; and copyright violations. All of the following examples are considered plagiarism:

1. Turning in someone else’s work as your own
2. Copying words or ideas from someone else without giving them credit
3. Failing to put a quotation in quotation marks
4. Giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation or not accurately presenting quoted material
5. Changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit
6. Copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up the majority of your work, whether you give credit or not
7. Unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of papers or other academic materials or materials found on the internet

Disciplinary Procedures for Academic Code Violations

The vice president for academic affairs (VPAA) is responsible for addressing academic code violations. Academic code violations can be addressed through a direct resolution, conference, or administrative review.

All meetings will be via phone or digital media for grievances involving students who are taking distance education classes only and who do not live in the area.

Direct Resolution. Instructors who suspect academic dishonesty may address the violation directly. They work with the respective department chair or program director to gather evidence and provide documentation of the violation. The department chair or program director will verify with the Vice President for Student Services Office if the student has had previous academic code violations. If there have been previous violations, the matter immediately moves to a conference.

The instructor provides the student with a written description of the code violation and notification of the date, time, and location of a meeting to discuss the violation. The instructor meets with the student, provides evidence, and may issue sanctions upon the student. If the student accepts the decision, the instructor provides a written statement about the meeting and any sanction issued against the student to the dean, who forwards it to the Academic Affairs Office.

If the student is not responsive to corrective action or the instructor thinks the matter would be better addressed by a conference, the instructor may refer the violation to the appropriate dean. The instructor documents the incident in the Maxient tracking system.

If the student fails to attend the meeting, the instructor may review the documentation and make a decision regarding the violation. The instructor issues any sanctions upon the student and provides a written statement about the violation and any sanctions issued to the VPAA, the appropriate dean, department chair, program director, and the student. Students may appeal a code violation decision by requesting a conference.

Conference. The student must submit a written request for a conference to the VPAA within 5 business days of receipt of the decision.

The appropriate dean meets with the student to discuss the violation and any evidence. If the dean finds the student has likely violated code, the dean will issue a written sanction to the student after reviewing any sanctions issued by the instructor.

If the student fails to attend the meeting, the dean may make a decision based on available evidence. The dean issues any sanctions and provides a written statement about the code violation and sanctions issued to the Academic Affairs Office and the student.

Students may appeal the dean’s decision by requesting an administrative review. Disagreement with the college’s policies, procedures, regulations, or sanctions issued is not grounds for an administrative review.

Administrative Review. Students who wish to appeal a conference decision must submit a written request for an administrative review to the VPAA within 5 business days of the conference decision. The VPAA will review the case and issue a written decision to the student within 10 business days of receipt of the request for review. The VPAA’s decision is final, except for suspensions or expulsions, which may be appealed through the student grievance process.

Academic Sanctions

Sanctions are penalties issued to students for student code of conduct violations. The sanctions issued depend on the nature and severity of the violation; student’s disciplinary history, developmental needs, accountability, responsibility, and cooperation; interests of the college community and those affected by the violation; and other aggravating or mitigating factors. Students will receive more severe sanctions for repeat violations or if they are on probation. Students may not withdraw from a course to avoid repercussions of a sanction. A grade will be recorded for the course. The VPAA may recommend expulsions to the president, who is the only person who can expel students from the college. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Grade reduction for the assignment or exam
2. Failing grade for the assignment or exam
3. No credit for the assignment or exam
4. Grade reduction for the course
5. Failing grade for the course. Must be approved by the dean.
6. Suspension from the program, course, fieldwork, clinicals, or academic endeavors. Must be approved by the dean.
7. Termination from the program. Must be approved by the dean.
8. Suspension from the college. Prohibited from enrolling in courses, attending or participating in college events, and/or being on campus for a defined period. Must be approved by the VPAA and notification provided to the vice president for student services (VPSS). Students may petition for readmission. Conditions for readmission may apply.
9. Expulsion. Permanent termination of student status with no opportunity to petition for readmission or the right to enroll. Only the president can expel a student.

The person who issued the sanctions may modify or lift them if the student has complied with the conditions of the sanctions for a period, and if the issuer, after hearing from the instructor determines it would be beneficial to lift the sanctions. The instructor may advocate for the continuation of any sanctions. Students who fail to comply may have their student accounts placed on hold, preventing them from enrolling in courses.

Student Code of Conduct General Violations

General code violations focus on behavior. Students should not:

1. Disrupt or obstruct teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or other college activities. Instructors have primary responsibility for managing the class environment. They are authorized to define, communicate, and enforce appropriate standards of behavior in class and other learning environments. In most cases, the initial response to disruptive classroom behavior is to ask the offender to refrain from the behavior or meet with the instructor during non-class time to discuss the issue. Instructors may dismiss students from a class session if they fail to act accordingly or their behavior is disrupting learning.
2. Knowingly provide false information to a college employee.
3. Forge, alter, or misuse a document, record, or ID from Casper College, another institution of higher education, or a national, federal, state, or local entity with intent to defraud, or possession of such a document.
4. Tamper with the election of a recognized student organization.
5. Fail to comply with directions or behave disrespectfully towards college employees.
6. Behave in a disorderly manner; engage in disruptive activity that causes major interruption of normal business; or occupy or use an unauthorized common area, office, or private dwelling. Examples include unreasonable noise; public intoxication; loitering with intent to intimidate another; obstructing traffic or an entrance or exit of a room, building or area; using obscene or abusive language or gestures; verbal abuse amounting to more than mere disagreement; displaying a weapon; and peeping into occupied rooms.
7. Abuse, threaten, haze, harass, or coerce in a physical, psychological or verbal manner any college community member or visitor.
8. Commit sexual misconduct including assault or sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
9. Participate in or incite a riot or unauthorized assembly.
10. Litter, steal, deface, destroy, seize, or damage college property or facilities.
11. Misuse or abuse college resources, including college computers, software, and networks.
12. Refuse to leave college property or facilities when directed to do so by a college employee.
13. Possess or use college keys, fobs, or access codes without authorization.
14. Use, sell or possess alcohol on college property.
15. Gamble or hold a raffle or lottery on college property without prior approval.
16. Use, sell, possess, or distribute an illegal substance or sell or distribute a controlled substance in an illegal manner.
17. Possess a weapon on college property or at a college event outside of approved exceptions or exemptions per the Weapons Policy located in the Casper College Policy Manual.
18. Bring animals into college facilities except those animals allowed per the Animals on Campus Policy located in the Casper College Policy Manual.
19. Physically detain or restrain another person or remove a person from an area where he or she is authorized to be.
20. Discriminate toward an individual or group on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
21. Willfully encourage others to commit an illegal act or violate student code.
22. Violate federal, state, and local laws.
23. Violate published college policies, rules, or regulations.
24. Violate college emergency and fire rules and regulations.
25. Abuse or demonstrate contempt of the college judicial system.

College Jurisdiction

The college has jurisdiction over conduct that occurs on college property or at college athletic events or other officially sponsored activity and may include off-campus conduct that endangers the health or safety or adversely affects the college community or the pursuit of its mission.

Interpretation and Revision

Refer questions of interpretation of the code to the AVPSS, whose interpretation is final.

Complaint

Anyone may report a student or a student group or organization of a suspected code violation to the AVPSS or the director of security.

Contempt or Abuse of the Judicial System

Students will be notified of complaints of merit filed against them. If a student refuses to cooperate with an investigation, the AVPSS or the director of security will impose sanctions based upon the available evidence. Sanctions will stand if the student fails to appear at an appellate proceeding. Sanctions may be issued for attempting to intimidate, bribe, or influence witnesses, college personnel, or persons relevant to the proceedings; disrupting a proceeding; filing a complaint in bad faith; giving false evidence or testimony; or attempting to use the judicial system in a malicious way.

Disciplinary Procedures for General Code Violations

The AVPSS is responsible for addressing general code violations. Violations of the law that occur off campus are the responsibility of civil authorities except when such actions affect the safety or security of the campus community or the pursuit of the college’s mission. Disciplinary actions may occur prior to, simultaneously, or following legal proceedings. The college will cooperate with law enforcement and other authorities to enforce the law and adhere to the conditions imposed by the courts for the rehabilitation of student violators.

General code violations can be addressed through a direct resolution, conference, or administrative review. Sexual misconduct violations are referred to the Title IV administrator and addressed in the sexual misconduct policy. In situations that involve students taking distance education courses who do not live in the area, all meetings will be via phone or digital media.

Direct Resolution. Administrative employees who suspect a code violation may address the violation directly. They will work with the AVPSS to gather evidence and provide documentation of the code violation. The AVPSS will verify if the student has had previous code violations. If there have been previous code violations, the matter immediately moves to a conference.

The administrative employee provides the student with a written description of the code violation and notification of the date, time, and location of a meeting to discuss the violation. The administrative employee meets with the student, provides evidence, and may issue sanctions upon the student. If the student accepts the decision, the employee provides a written statement about the meeting and any sanction issued against the student to the Vice President for Student Services Office. If the student is not responsive to corrective action or the employee thinks the matter would be better addressed by a conference, they may refer the violation to the AVPSS. The AVPSS documents the incident in the Maxient tracking system.

If the student fails to attend the meeting, the employee may review the documentation and make a decision regarding the violation. The employee issues any sanctions upon the student and provides a written statement about the violation and any sanctions issued to the Vice President of Student Services Office and the student. Students may appeal a code violation decision by requesting a conference.

Conference. The student must submit a written request for a conference to the VPSS within 5 business days of the decision. The AVPSS meets with the student to discuss the violation and any evidence. If the AVPSS finds that the student has likely violated code, the AVPSS will issue a written sanction to the student after reviewing any sanctions issued by the employee.

If the student fails to attend the meeting, the AVPSS may make a decision based on available evidence. The AVPSS issues any sanctions and provides a written statement about the code violation and sanctions issued to the Vice President for Student Services Office and to the student.

Students may appeal the AVPSS’s decision by requesting an administrative review. Disagreement with the college’s policies, procedures, or regulations or sanctions issued is not grounds for an administrative review.

Administrative Review. Students who wish to appeal a conference decision must submit a written request for an administrative review to the VPSS within 5 business days from the conference decision. The VPSS will review the case and issue a written decision to the student within 10 business days for receipt of the request for review. The decision is final except for suspensions or expulsions, which may be appealed through the student grievance process.

General Sanctions

Sanctions are penalties issued to a student for student code of conduct violations. The sanctions issued depend on the nature and severity of the violation; student’s disciplinary history and developmental needs; accountability, responsibility and cooperation taken by the student; interests of the college community and those affected by the violation; and other aggravating or mitigating factors. Students will receive more severe sanctions for repeat violations of the same code or if the student is on probation. Sanctions are provided to the student in writing. The VPSS may recommend expulsions to the president, who is the only person that can expel students from the college. Victims of sexual misconduct or a violent crime will receive written notification of any decisions made regarding the violation and sanctions issued.

The person who issued the sanctions may modify or lift them if the student has complied with the conditions of the sanctions for a period, and if the issuer, after hearing from the student, witnesses, victims, and anyone who may wish to advocate for the continuation of a sanction, determines it would be beneficial to lift the sanctions. Students who fail to comply may have their student accounts placed on hold, preventing them from enrolling in courses.

Sanctions may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Warning. An oral or written notice that a violation has occurred and should not be repeated.
2. Probation. A designated period during which the occurrence of another code violation may result in suspension.
3. Housing Probation. A designated period during which the occurrence of another code violation may result in suspension or removal from residential housing.
4. Restriction of Privileges. Denial of specified privileges, such as attendance at events or activities, for a designated period.
5. Restitution. Repayment to the college or individuals for any loss or damages resulting from a code violation.
6. Community Service. Unpaid work performed at a preapproved organization to benefit the college or community. Community service may be assigned on or off campus.
7. Education. Attendance of a course or seminar related to the code violated. For example, alcohol or drug assessment, domestic violence awareness, anger management, or interpersonal skill development. The student is responsible for any costs.
8. Fine. A monetary penalty.
9. Suspension from the college. Prohibited from enrolling in courses, attending or participating in college events, and/or being on campus for a defined period. Suspensions must be approved by the VPSS and notification provided to the VPAA. Students may petition for readmission. Conditions for readmission may apply.
10. Housing Suspension. Prohibited from living in residential housing for a defined period, after which the student may petition for readmission. Conditions for readmission may apply.
11. Housing Removal. A permanent ban from residential housing to ensure the safety of individuals, the community, or the removed student, or to protect institutional or private property from damage. The AVPSS must approve housing removals. This sanction is not considered a disciplinary sanction and is not subject to review or appeal.
12. Expulsion. Permanent termination of student status with no opportunity to petition for readmission or the right to enroll. Only the president can expel a student.
13. Deactivation. Termination as a college recognized organization.

Interim Sanctions

In cases of severe misconduct, a student may be removed immediately from the college, or part of the college. Removed students retain their appellate rights. The VPSS will be notified immediately of the removal of a student. The VPSS will review the evidence that led to the student’s removal under the formal resolution section of the Student Grievance policy. The VPSS will notify the student of the conditions under which the student could return to campus for a meeting.

Student Grievances

Students who believe the college or its employees have treated them unfairly or inequitably may seek resolution through the student grievance policy. The Vice President for Student Services Office is available to review the policy with students.

Disagreement with the college’s policies, procedures, or regulations, is not grounds for a grievance. Grievances may be addressed through an informal resolution, formal resolution, or grievance hearing. Sexual misconduct violations are referred to the Title IX administrator and addressed in the sexual misconduct policy. Sanctions for sexual misconduct violations are only grievable if more information becomes available. Consumer protection or state authorization issues for distance education courses must be addressed under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Distance Education Student Procedure found at http://www.caspercollege.edu/dlc/about/state-authorization. All meetings will be via phone or digital media for grievances involving students who are taking distance education courses only and who do not live in the area.

Informal Resolution

Students are encouraged to first attempt to resolve a grievance prior to initiating a formal grievance. Issues, concerns, and conflicts can be addressed more quickly by directly working with the person(s) involved. For academic matters, students should first contact their instructor. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached, students may seek resolution by following the chain of command and contact, in order, the department chair or program director, then the dean. For all other matters, students should first contact the employee with whom they are having a concern or conflict. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached, students may seek resolution by following the chain of command up to the director level. Students uncertain as to whom to contact or how to begin resolution may seek advice from their academic advisor , or the Vice President for Student Services Office. Students who are not satisfied with any proposed resolutions may pursue a formal resolution.

Formal Resolution

Students who wish to have a formal resolution must submit a completed Student Grievance Form, found at http://www.caspercollege.edu/sites/default/files/documents/students/cc-student-grievance-form.pdf to the AVPAA for grievances involving non-academic matters or the AVPSS for grievances involving academic matters. Submitting the form to the AVP not under the VP who will be reviewing the complaint and issuing a decision, provides protection against biases. The appropriate AVP will work with the student throughout the process. The form must be filed no later than 5 business days after becoming aware of the perceived event(s) that led to the grievance. The appropriate AVP will forward the complaint to the VPAA if it involves an academic matter, or the VPSS for all other matters.

The appropriate VP will review the Student Grievance Form and may dismiss the complaint or, if the matter has merit, meet with the involved parties to seek resolution. If the parties reach a resolution, the VP will issue a written agreement. Students who are not satisfied with any proposed resolutions may request permission to request a grievance hearing from the VP who oversaw the formal resolution. The VP will provide the student written authorization to request a grievance hearing or notification that there is no basis for an appeal and the process ends. The VP’s decision is final.

Grievance Hearing

Students who wish to have a grievance hearing must submit a hearing request to the AVP they have been working with within 5 business days of receiving written permission to request a hearing. The AVP will schedule a hearing within 15 business days of receipt of the hearing request and notify all parties of the hearing date, time, and location. The AVP in consultation with the VP who granted permission for a hearing will convene a five-person panel consisting of a dean, a full-time instructor, two full-time administrators, and a full-time staff member. The panel is responsible for hearing testimony, questioning witnesses, reviewing evidence, and making a decision. The AVP will designate a chairperson from the panel, who is responsible for conducting the hearing. The AVP will provide the panel with copies of pertinent information prior to the hearing.

The grievance panel will conduct the hearing according to the following guidelines.

1. The chairperson will ensure a fair, orderly, and timely hearing.
2. The hearing is closed to anyone who is not part of the proceeding. The panel may hear testimony from witnesses; however, witnesses may not stay for any part of the hearing for which their presence is not required.
3. The hearing will be limited to issues presented in the original Student Grievance Form and issues reasonably necessitated by intervening developments.
4. The grievance panel may request additional evidence.
5. If a party fails to appear at the hearing, the grievance panel may base its decision on the documents provided and on the presentation of the parties present.
6. The AVP will record the proceedings, which will serve as the official record. The recording may be audio or another method selected by the AVP. Either party may request a copy of this recording at their own expense from the AVP.
7. Each party may present witnesses and evidence. Each party must provide the other party with a list of witnesses and evidence at least 5 business days prior to the hearing. The presence of legal counsel is not permitted.
8. The student may invite one support person to attend the hearing. The support person may not testify or participate in the hearing.
9. The chairperson will administer the following oath to and any witnesses.

I agree to tell the truth, to the best of my knowledge, in these proceedings.

10. Each party will present its case, starting with the student. Following presentations by both parties, the panel may ask questions or request additional evidence. Any witness who testifies will be open to questions from the panel and cross-examination from the other party.
11. When the grievance panel is satisfied that it has sufficient information to render an informed decision, the chairperson will adjourn the hearing and the panel will meet in a closed conference. The panel will arrive at its decision by majority vote.
12. The chairperson has 10 business days from the close of the hearing to submit a written decision for review to the VPAA for complaints regarding academic matters, or the VPSS for all other matters. The panel’s decision will include pertinent facts, an aggregate vote tally, and the reasons for the panel’s decision. The decision will be signed by all panel members. A dissenting opinion may be included.
13. The chairperson and VP will review the panel’s decision. If the VP has no concerns, the chairperson will immediately submit the decision to the AVP. If the VP has concerns about the decision or hearing, the VP will send the chairperson a written request that the panel continue their deliberations. Upon further deliberation, the chairperson will provide the VP and the AVP with the panel’s final decision within 5 business days of the request to continue deliberations. The panel’s final decision is binding.
14. The AVP will provide the written decision to the student within 5 business days of receiving the decision from the chairperson.

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