Enrollment in St. Clair County Community College implies acceptance of certain standards of student conduct and a willingness to abide by those standards. College standards of conduct are established to maintain conditions under which individuals, with respect for the rights and well-being of others, can participate effectively in a common educational enterprise and well-ordered collegiate community.
The college adopts the following Student Code of Conduct hereby referred to as the Code and prohibits all persons from engaging or participating in any of the practices or behaviors which violate the code. Specific examples are used by way of illustration and are not meant to limit the practices or behaviors that may be deemed to violate the college’s standards of conduct.
Violence of any kind will not be tolerated on college premises or at college-sponsored activities. Any student, group, or organization found to have committed misconduct is subject to disciplinary action and to the sanctions including but not limited to those outlined in the Code. Attempts to commit any of these acts of misconduct are included in the scope of these definitions.
The following are examples of college expectations and misconduct under the Code subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal and expulsion.
Student Code of Conduct violations (except as noted) should be reported to the college official in charge and the Vice President of Student Services and/or Director of Behavioral Intervention. If warranted by nature and severity of the offense, Campus Security and/or local law enforcement should be contacted.
NOTE: Teaching faculty will make reference to, but may elaborate, or in some way further define, aspects of SC4’s Student Code of Conduct on their syllabi. Students will abide by and be responsible for adhering to both as stated on any given syllabus for any given course.
Student Code of Expectations and Prohibitions
Appropriate Attire
Dress, grooming and personal cleanliness standards contribute to the ambiance and character of the college. College students are required to adhere to prevailing standards of good judgment in their choice of attire and are expected to conduct themselves in a way that best represents themselves and the college.
Appropriate Conduct
Students are expected to act responsibly and to conduct themselves in the classroom and on the campus in a manner that does not disrupt the learning process. A climate of mutual respect and courtesy should exist between faculty, staff and students. However, students must recognize that instructors and staff, by virtue of their positions, must exert a measure of authority in the classroom and other campus areas. Students should respect this authority. Disciplinary problems may result in a student being withdrawn from class and, in extreme cases, dismissed from the college.
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct is prohibited and is defined as acting in a manner to annoy, disturb, interfere with, obstruct or be offensive to others, including but not limited to shouting or making excessive noise either inside or outside a building to the annoyance or disturbance of others; verbally abusing college officials (either on the phone, in person or via electronic communications) acting in performance of their duties; acting in a lewd or indecent manner; making threats; harassing others.
Assault and Threats
Assault and threats are prohibited, and include, but are not limited to, the following: committing physical abuse and/or battery or other behavior resulting in harm to any person; placing a person in fear of imminent physical danger or injury; making threats or engaging in behavior to harm self or others.
Classroom and Laboratory Safety Violations
Students must abide by classroom safety regulations. Safety glasses, headgear, aprons, lab coats, earplugs and other appropriate safety equipment may be needed by all students in specific courses.
Dishonesty - Academic
The college considers academic honesty to be essential to all academic performance. Instances of academic dishonesty will be treated as serious offenses of the Student Code of Conduct. Students involved in activities such as cheating and/or plagiarism will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
- Definition of plagiarism: Plagiarism is the appropriation of language, thoughts or ideas of another author and claiming that as one’s own. Plagiarism is work not produced by the student, or work that does not credit borrowings from the original source(s).
- Definition of cheating: Cheating can be, but is not limited to, a student using electronic technology, notes or other written materials not permitted by the instructor; looking at other students’ papers without the instructor’s permission; requesting answers from other students; or working with other students when independent work is required. Situations where cheating may occur are during tests, exams, quizzes or other similar methods of evaluation.
When the instructor has sufficient evidence of cheating or plagiarism, the instructor may impose disciplinary actions such as assigning a failing grade to the student’s assignment, quiz, paper or test. If the plagiarism or cheating involves major course work such as plagiarizing a research paper or cheating on a final exam, the instructor may fail the student in the course.
Dishonesty - Non-Academic
Non-academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:
- Furnishing false information to the college or college personnel, including Campus Patrol.
- Furnishing false information at disciplinary proceedings.
- Forgery; unauthorized alteration or unauthorized use of any college documents, records or identification cards, including computer records; and misuse of computer facilities and electronic mailing systems.
- Giving false or incomplete replies to questions, verbal or written, on applications, forms or other documents required by properly authorized representatives of the college.
Drug and Alcohol Violation
Intoxication, drug−altered states, and the possession, use or sale of alcohol, illegal drugs or related paraphernalia; are strictly forbidden on campus or at or as part of any college affiliated activity. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to: possession of paraphernalia containing drug residue; and manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances. If students are experiencing problems with drugs and/or alcohol, they should contact Advising, at (810) 989-5520.
Fire/False Alarm/Report
Knowingly or negligently causing or attempting to cause a fire in a college building; and initiating or causing to be initiated any false alarm/report, warning, or threat of fire, explosion or other emergency is prohibited.
Gambling
It is the policy of the college to prohibit gambling on the college campus. Except as hereinafter provided, the college prohibits the sale, solicitation or promotion of a game of chance, including, but not limited to lotteries, raffles, bingo or similar other activities on college premises or which use the college’s name in any way. The Board authorizes the President of the college to waive this prohibition for such fundraising activities which support student services or scholarships and which comply with any applicable laws and license requirements. The President may establish procedures and guidelines for applying for this waiver.
Giving False Information
No person shall give false or incomplete replies to questions, verbal or written, on applications, forms or other documents required by properly authorized representatives of the college.
Harassment - Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying
Discrimination and harassment are strictly forbidden on campus and in all college affiliated activities. This includes any form of bullying, inappropriate and offensive conduct against any person, student, staff member or college guest on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, creed, ancestry, familial status, age, disability, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, other protected status or reasons. Modes of contact or communication include, but are not limited to, in person, in writing, through telephone, electronic mail or instant messaging. Any form of harassment is unacceptable at St. Clair County Community College, and complaints or charges will be followed through with appropriate action. SC4 employees and students are individually responsible to ensure such harassment does not occur. Concerns should be directed to the Vice President of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator located in the Human Resources office, Room 203, Main Building (810-989-5537).
Harassment - Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment or related retaliation is strictly prohibited on campus and in college affiliated activities. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome verbal or physical acts that are sexual in nature, unrelated to the content or context, and sufficiently severe and/or pervasive as to objectively either (a) have the effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance, or (b) create an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning or working environment. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, sexually based unwelcome verbal remarks or physical advances, request for sexual favors, inappropriate and unwelcome contact, and explicitly or implicitly stating that submission or rejection of sexual acts or advances will be a factor in one’s employment, participation or evaluation within the College and/or its activities.
Any form of harassment is unacceptable at St. Clair County Community College, and complaints or charges will be followed through with appropriate action. SC4 employees and students are individually responsible to ensure such harassment does not occur. Concerns should be directed to the Vice President of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator located in the Human Resources office, Room 203, Main Building (810-989-5537).
Hazing
Any act of hazing is prohibited. Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created intentionally, with or without consent, whether on or off campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.
Interfering with Events
Interfering with any normal college or college−sponsored events is prohibited and includes, but is not limited to, disruption of studying, teaching, research, administration, and fire, police or emergency services.
Lewd Behavior
Behavior that is lewd or indecent is prohibited. Such behavior is defined in consideration of the general standards of acceptable behavior and includes, but is not limited to, the following: obscene remarks, gestures or other communications; exposing oneself in an indecent manner; viewing pornographic images; or engaging in sexual activities on the campus.
Misuse, Theft of College Property and Fire Safety or Emergency Equipment
Misuse, tampering, theft or damage to fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, exit signs, first aid kits, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), other emergency supplies or other college property is prohibited.
Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with reasonable directions of college officials, including college Campus Patrol officers, faculty, and staff acting in performance of their duties is prohibited. Directives to cooperate in the administration of the Code including those to appear and give testimony at a college disciplinary proceeding, as well as directives to produce identification, are included in the scope of this provision.
Regulation Violation
Any violation of other published regulations including, but not limited to, SC4 policies as listed in the college catalog is considered a Code violation.
Sanction Violation
Violating the terms of any disciplinary sanction imposed in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct is a Code violation.
Sexual Assault
Inflicting any sexual invasion/assault upon any person without that person’s consent is prohibited. “Consent” requires actual words or conduct indicating a freely-given agreement to have sexual intercourse, or to participate in sexual activities. The college community should be aware that, depending on the particular circumstances, previous sexual relationships or current relationship between the persons involved, or silence, or lack of protest do not necessarily constitute consent. Further, the degree of impairment of a person’s ability to give or withhold consent (including, but not limited to, incapacity or helplessness caused by alcohol or any other drugs) may be introduced as pertinent information at any college disciplinary hearing.
Any form of harassment is unacceptable at St. Clair County Community College, and complaints or charges will be followed through with appropriate action. SC4 employees and students are individually responsible to ensure such harassment does not occur. Concerns should be directed to the Vice President of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator located in the Human Resources office, Room 203, Main Building (810-989-5537).
Sexual Offender Registration Law
The Michigan Sex Offenders Registration Act requires the registration and change of address for persons convicted of certain sexual offenses or who are under the supervision of the Michigan Department of Corrections for these offenses, including juveniles. Addresses must be registered with local law enforcement. It also requires sex offenders to provide information to local law enforcement if the offender is working, volunteering or attending an institution of higher learning. Through the 1996 “Megan’s Law,” certain information gathered by the State of Michigan sex offender registration program can be disclosed. The Public Sex Offender Registry is available on the internet at http://www.mipsor.state.mi.us/. SC4 Campus Patrol Department documents identified sex offenders when appropriate. Please contact SC4 Campus Patrol for any assistance at (810) 989-5757.
Smoking on Campus
SC4 is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus. Smoking and tobacco use is prohibited in all areas of campus, including parking lots.
Solicitation
In order to provide an environment that is conducive to teaching and learning, it has been determined by SC4 to prohibit outside persons from operating or distributing materials or items on the college campus. Any violations should be reported to Campus Patrol. Specifically:
- Selling, soliciting and advertising are prohibited unless an exception has been authorized by Chief Operating Officer located in Room 202, Main Building (810-989-5503).
- Distribution of handbills on vehicles on college property is prohibited.
Computers and Internet Services - Acceptable Use Policy
St. Clair County Community College provides computer, Internet and email services to support research and education to fulfill the mission of the college. These unique resources enrich the learning and instructional process and foster opportunities for collaborative work among college students and staff.
Access to the college’s computer services, including the Internet, is a privilege granted to students, faculty, staff and the public. Visit www.sc4.edu/consumerinformation to read the Acceptable Use Policy.
Theft or Damage to Property
No person or persons shall steal or damage property belonging to another person, organization or institution. This includes tampering with coin operated machines. Violators may be handled by the local police, the college disciplinary process, or both.
- Theft: Theft of property or of services, or knowing possession of stolen property.
- Destruction of Property: Destroying or damaging college property, such as library holdings or the property of others.
Unauthorized Access or Use of College Facilities
Students and members of the public are not allowed in campus buildings or facilities after the building has been closed and locked to student and public access. Access to locked buildings requires official permission from an authorized college representative and notification of Campus Patrol. Students in secured buildings after closing must be under the supervision of an authorized college official such as an official club advisor, coach, faculty member or appropriate staff member.
Unauthorized Use of the College’s Name
Any unauthorized commercial use of the college’s name, logo or other representation, or undertaking any unauthorized action in the name of the college are prohibited.
Violation of Law
Violation of federal and/or local law, including, but not limited to, possession of any falsified identification or the manufacture, sale or distribution of local, state or federal identification.
Weapon/Explosive Violation
The use, possession, storage or bringing of any firearms, ammunition, knives, other weapons or objects that could be construed as weapons is strictly forbidden in any area on the College campus where students assemble for instructional or educational purpose, except where such is expressly authorized by law. Items that pose a potential hazard to the safety or health of others (such as explosives in any form) also are prohibited.
Sanctions for Code Violations
The college’s policy is directed toward imposing disciplinary sanctions based on the nature of the case. The college seeks to preserve flexibility in the imposition of sanctions so that each student or group offenders is afforded the greatest possibility for appropriate and just treatment. Significant mitigating or aggravating factors shall be considered, which may include the current demeanor and the presence or lack of a disciplinary or criminal record of the offender, as well as the nature of the offense and the extent of any damage, injury or harm resulting from it. Students may appeal disciplinary actions through the Due Process procedures listed at www.sc4.edu/consumerinformation.
Sanctions may include but are not limited to:
Verbal Warning − Reported verbal reprimand.
Grade Adjustment - Violations of academic policy may result in loss of assignment or course credit.
Restriction of Courses Attendance - Based on the violation, students may be temporarily or permanently restricted from class attendance or dropped from class(es).
Censure − An official written reprimand for violation of specified regulations, including a warning that continuation or repetition of prohibited conduct will be cause for disciplinary action.
Disciplinary Probation −The college may limit and/or monitor student participation in academic, privileged or extracurricular activities for a specified period of time. Violation of the terms of disciplinary probation may result in suspension or expulsion from the college.
Suspension − Exclusion from classes and other privileges or activities, including access to college premises or college−sponsored activities off campus, as set forth in the notice of suspension, for a specified period of time. Any student who is suspended shall not be entitled to any tuition or fee refund and is barred from college premises in accordance with the suspension.
Expulsion − Termination of student status and exclusion from college privileges and activities, including access to college premises or college − sponsored activities off campus, in perpetuity. Any student who is expelled shall not be entitled to any tuition or fee refund and is barred from college premises.
Restitution − Repayment to the college or to an affected party for damages, loss or injury resulting from a violation of the Code.
Other Sanctions − Other sanctions may be imposed instead of or in addition to those specified above. For example, students may be subject to restrictions upon or denials for college parking privileges for violations involving the use or registration of motor vehicles on campus. Service projects also may be assigned. Students may be directed to have no contact with other students and/or may be forbidden to access specified areas of campus. Access to technology and participation in College activities may be denied.
Due Process - Code of Conduct Violations
Students charged with Code of Conduct violations may use the Due Process procedure to provide an opportunity to have their violation charges and disciplinary sanctions reviewed. This process begins when students have exhausted the options for resolving their concern(s) within the division or office of the college official rendering the discipline. The Due Process procedure can involve a review by the Vice President of Student Services and/or Director of Behavioral Intervention and/or a formal hearing. For information on the SC4 Due Process procedure, contact the Vice President of Student Services and/or Director of Behavioral Intervention or read the policy at www.sc4.edu/consumerinformation.
Other Policies
Children on Campus
In order to provide a friendly and safe campus while maintaining a learning environment for SC4 students and a disruption-free workplace for employees, students will not bring any child with them to class. In order to meet an emergency situation, the instructor can approve a temporary exception to this policy. Exceptions also may be made for SC4-sponsored events or classes that specifically suggest bringing a child. However, under no circumstances are children on campus to be left unattended.
Concession Rights
The college retains all concession rights. Nothing is to be sold on the premises without written permission from the college.
Grade Appeal Process
Any appeal for a change of grade, other than a final grade, must be initiated in the semester during which the student is enrolled in the course. Appeals of a final grade for the semester must be made prior to the last day of classes of the subsequent semester with the option (student) of excluding summer semester. There will be no formal grade appeals during the week of final exams or during semester breaks. Grade appeals occurring during the summer semester will adhere to the process with timelines to be established by the Vice President of Student Services and/or Director of Behavioral Intervention with reasonable flexibility as needed. The only grounds for a student grade appeal shall be as follows:
The grade is allegedly based on an error in calculation.
The grade assigned allegedly did not follow the grading criteria as stated in the course syllabus.
It shall be the responsibility of the student to prove that the grade is incorrect or unjustified. A student wishing to file a grade appeal begins by contacting the Vice President of Student Services and/or Director of Behavioral Intervention for information. Procedures for the formal appeal are available online at www.sc4.edu/consumerinformation.
Pets/Animals on Campus
Animals, with the exception of those required for persons who are disabled, are prohibited from college buildings.
Service Animals and Emotional/Comfort Animals on Campus
Service animals are allowed at St. Clair County Community College. The college may prohibit the use of service animals in certain locations due to health and safety restrictions, such as areas in which the animal may be in danger, or where the animal’s presence may compromise the integrity of research. Restricted areas may include, but are not limited to, food preparation areas, custodial closets, boiler rooms, laboratories, areas requiring protective clothing, wood and metal shops, areas with heavy machinery, and other areas as required by state or local law. Limited exceptions to these restrictions may be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the Achievement Center and the person/department responsible for the restricted area.
Definition of a Service Animal
The ADA defines a service animal as a guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to a person with a disability. If the animal meets this definition, animals are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by state or local government.
Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the person with a disability cannot perform themselves. Guide dogs are one type of service animal, used by some people who are blind. This is the type of service animal with which most people are familiar. Service animals also help people with other categories of disabilities in their daily activities.
Some examples include:
- Alerting persons with hearing disabilities to sounds
- Pulling wheelchairs or carrying and picking up things for persons with mobility disabilities
- Assisting persons with mobility disabilities with balance
Under the ADA, service dogs must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the devices interfere with the service dog’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
Comfort and Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA. The tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability. It does not matter if you have a note from a doctor stating that you have a disability and need the animal for emotional support. A doctor’s letter does not turn an animal into a service animal. While comfort animals are often used as part of a medical treatment plan, they are not considered service animals under the ADA. They do not have special training to perform tasks that assist people with disabilities, and are not limited to working with people with disabilities. Therefore, comfort animals are not covered by federal laws protecting the use of service animals.
Comfort and emotional support animals are not allowed in classrooms or in public places on campus.
References:
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdcr/FAQs-4-15-16-Final_521982_7.pdf
https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.pdf
Posting of Signs/Fliers
SC4 internal announcements may be posted on bulletin boards and tack strips located throughout the campus. These bulletin boards and tack strips are specifically allocated for internally generated information related to campus events and activities such as registration, Student Services, Student Government, clubs and organizations, and departments. Student and community postings may only be posted on the bulletin boards labeled “Student/Community Postings.” These boards are for posting items for sale, special event information, apartment rentals, community events, etc. Note the following guidelines for all bulletin board and tack strip usage:
- Boards will be cleared of all materials at least once per month.
- Internal postings must be proofread by an appropriate supervisor.
- Inappropriate items will be removed.
- Do not use staples to attach fliers.
- Do not tape fliers on walls or windows.
- Fliers are not allowed to be posted on vehicles in the parking lots.
- Information (handbills, fliers, announcements, etc.) that are not part of an approved organization event, shall not be distributed on campus or at events without the written consent of the Chief Operating Officer located in Room 202, Main Building (810-989-5503).
Student Complaint Process
Guidelines for Student Complaints
St. Clair County Community College desires to resolve student grievances, complaints and concerns in an expeditious, fair and amicable manner.
The student must provide specific documentation to support issues and concerns related to the complaint. All student complaints are first handled internally. The following guidelines have been established to provide students at St. Clair County Community College with a process for resolving concerns. Concerns related to the College’s academic and/or support services and other concerns will be handled in the following manner:
- The student will meet with the faculty or staff member involved to attempt to resolve the concern.
- If a satisfactory resolution has not been reached, the student has the option to consult with the appropriate academic division or discipline lead or appropriate unit supervisor.
- If the issue has not been satisfactorily resolved with the academic or discipline lead or appropriate unit supervisor, the student may meet with the next appropriate supervisor for final review.
- The following College Process System will be used (if applicable). The process is:
Grade Concern including assignment and final course grades. Process:
- Faculty Member
- Academic Lead
- Division Administrator
- Director of Behavioral Intervention
Academic Concerns including quality of instruction, classroom environment, and other matters related to college programs. Process:
- Faculty Member
- Academic Lead
- Chief Academic Officer, Vice President of Academic Services
Student Services and Support concern including quality and availability of services. Process:
- Staff Member
- Unit Administrator/Coordinator/Director
- Vice President of Student Services and Communications
Concerns about Students or Other Concerns. Process:
- Consult Director of Behavioral Intervention for direction
Sexual or Racial Harassment and/or Discrimination arising under the Americans with Disabilities Act: Process:
- Concerns should be directed to the Vice President of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator located in the Human Resources office, Room 203, Main Building (810-989-5537).
The following guidelines have been established to provide students at St. Clair County Community College with a process for resolving concerns related to the academic environment and/or support services. When a concern arises that is covered by College Policy, including sexual harassment, racial or sex discrimination, or those arising under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the issue should be referred to the Vice President of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator located in the Human Reserouces office, Room 203, Main Building (810-989-5537). All others will be handled in the following manner:
- If an issue cannot be resolved internally, students may file a complaint with a state regulatory agency or the college’s accrediting agency. St. Clair County Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. Click here for instructions on how to file a complaint with the commission.
Students attending SC4 classes on a campus in Michigan or Michigan residents participating in SC4 distance-learning/online classes may file a complaint with the regulatory agency in Michigan. SC4 distance-learning/online students who are residing outside of the state of Michigan while taking SC4 classes may file a complaint with the regulatory agency in their state.
Weather Closing
If the college closes because of severe weather, announcements are made as early as possible.
The Port Huron campus may close for day classes only, night classes only, or for both day and night classes. Day classes are defined as classes that begin between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Night classes are defined as classes that begin between 6 and 10 p.m. If weather conditions change during the day, the Port Huron campus may close early. If the Port Huron campus closes early, Campus Patrol will notify classes in session about the closing.
If the college is closed for day classes, but is open for night classes, the Achievement Center, College Bookstore, Library and student support services offices will remain closed for the evening.
Factors involved in closing the Port Huron campus due to weather include the ability to clear parking lots and maintain electrical power and other services to the college’s facilities. Our students are not transported by the college, so the decision to close the college may differ from decisions made by local school districts. You should always make your own decision whether conditions in your specific area are safe for travel.
Decisions about closing off-campus locations are made independently of the Port Huron campus.
If the college (or any of the off-campus locations) closes, notices are posted on the main page of the college’s website at www.sc4.edu, the class cancellation hotline at (810) 989-5770, and on the SC4 Portal. Announcements are also sent to your student email account. Please note: Cancellations by an instructor for a specific class will only be reported on the class cancellation hotline at (810) 989-5770, on the SC4 Portal and through other methods the instructor chooses.
You may sign up to get text alert messages about closings delivered to your mobile phone or other wireless device. Sign up at www.sc4.edu/alerts or text “sc4alerts” to 79516.
Closings may also be reported by local newspapers, radio and television stations, and their websites; however, the only official information about SC4 closings is on the college website, class cancellation hotline, and email and text alert messages sent by the college.
If the college must close for severe weather during finals week, special announcements will be made regarding final exams.
Works Produced by Students
Students have a right to their own creative work. After the work has been reviewed, corrected, evaluated or graded, the work is to be returned to the student. Except for classroom and instructional purposes, no one may publish, display, perform, record, transmit or otherwise use a student’s work without his/her permission. However, if a student submits a work for publication, display or performance to any college activity, the student thereby grants the college the right to edit, publish, display, perform, record and transmit the work.
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