Conduct Process Overview

 

What are the Standards of Student Conduct (BP 5500)?

All members of the College community share a collective responsibility to maintain a high-quality learning environment that supports the uninterrupted pursuit of education. By enrolling at the College, students agree to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the institution’s behavioral expectations.

These expectations are outlined in the College’s Standards of Student Conduct (Board Policy 5500), which apply to all students and are intended to promote the overall well-being of the campus community. When a student’s behavior falls short of these expectations, the College may initiate disciplinary proceedings in accordance with a process that upholds the student’s legal rights.

 

 

 

What to expect if you allegedly violate the Standars of Conduct?

 

  1. Student Receives a Notice of Alleged Violations
  2. Student Response/Nonresponse
    1. Student Chooses to Meet with Conduct Officer and the Administrative Conduct Meeting Occurs
    2. Student Chooses to Submit a Written Response
    3. Student Chooses to Do Nothing
  3. Determination Made
  4. The recommendation provided to Assistant Superintendent/Vice President for Student Learning and Success (VPSLS)
  5. Student Notified of Decision
    1. Depending on imposed sanctions, the student has the right to request a hearing
Can I bring an Advisor (a.k.a. support person)?

Students involved in disciplinary proceedings have the right to be assisted by an advisor of their choice or to have one appointed to them by the College. An advisor, with written permission from the student, shall receive updates along with the student during the adjudication process of the alleged violation of the student code of conduct and shall participate in the process as an advocate for the student or in the role of advisor as authorized by Section 66281.8 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1681 et seq.).

If a student chooses to bring an advisor of their choice, they must notify the Office of Student Activities and Advocacy (SAA) no later than 48 hours prior to the Administrative Conduct Meeting (ACM). If this individual is a a licensed attorney, this notification must include the attorney’s name, phone number, and email address. Within the student conduct process, the attorney's role is limited to that of an advisor. If a student plans on requesting that an advisor is appointed to them, they must notify SAA no later than 72 hours prior to the ACM.

If you want an advisor present during your meeting, please click on this online form.

What is the role of an Advisor?

An advisor accompanies a student to meetings related to the disciplinary process and focuses on procedural guidance related to the College's disciplinary process but may not speak on the student's behalf.

Any advisor who disrupts the meeting (as determined by the VPSLS, the Director of Student Activities and Advocacy (DSAA), or a designee (Conduct Officer acting in the place of the DSAA), may be asked to leave the proceedings. Meetings will not be postponed or delayed due to an advisor’s absence or late arrival.

Advisors may assist a student with:

  • ACM preparation.
  • accompanying the student to meetings or hearings related to the disciplinary process.
  • helping the student prepare for meetings or hearings.
  • emotional support.
  • assisting the student in understanding the college policies and procedures.
  • conferring with the student before or after proceedings.
  • filing appeals.
  • accessing accommodations.

Advisors are not permitted to:

  • Address the DSAA /Conducr Officer, committee members, district witnesses, or the district representative on the student’s behalf;
  • Pose questions regarding the case or its findings; or
  • Coach the student during the ACM on what to say or not say.

Each student may be accompanied by only one advisor during the disciplinary meeting. The designated advisor will be granted access to training materials that explain the College’s adjudication procedures. These materials, can be found below:

When can a student request a formal hearing?

Students have the right to request a formal hearing within five (5) business days of receiving notice from the College regarding a decision to impose a long-term suspension or expulsion. If the student disagrees with the outcome, the request must be submitted in writing to the SAA no later than 5:00 p.m. on the fifth business day following receipt of the notice. If they fail to submit a timely request for a formal hearing, they deemed to have waived their right to have a hearing ( per AP 5520). 

During the formal hearing, the advisor has the same role. However, they may cross-examine on the student's behalf. For more information concerning the formal hearing please visit AP 5520 or visit this video.