Code of Conduct

Though most disciplinary charges result from inappropriate classroom conduct or actions, charges may also result from inappropriate conduct or actions reported by security officers, college staff, and/or students, guests, and visitors. When such reports are made to the Vice President of Student Development or the Dean of Continuing Education, the appropriate individual will investigate the charges and initiate the following administrative procedures:

1. The Dean or Vice President will determine whether the charges, if proven, are a violation of College rules and regulations.
2. The Dean or Vice President will promptly give the student oral or written notice of the specific misconduct of which he/she is accused, the appropriate disciplinary sanctions, and will request a conference with the student, such to occur within ten (10) calendar days of the notice. At this conference, the student will be given the opportunity to present his/her side of the story and any evidence he/she puts forward will be duly considered. Failure of the student to meet with College administrators or officials will not prevent the process from moving forward.
3. If the student admits, or fails to deny, the misconduct of which he/she is accused, there is no need for further due process, and appropriate disciplinary sanctions may be imposed.
4. If the student denies the misconduct of which he/she is accused, further investigation into the matter may be needed.
5. If the student’s conduct endangers persons or property, threatens the order of the campus, or materially disrupts performance of duties and/or the learning process, immediate sanctions to remove the student from classes and the college may be imposed.
6. Unless the student adequately refutes the misconduct of which he/she is accused, or unless the evidence collected fails to show a clear violation, appropriate disciplinary sanction may then be imposed.
7. The student will be notified in writing by certified/return receipt mail to the address of record last specified in the student’s permanent file. This letter will clearly state the conduct of which he/she is accused, the factual basis for the charges, the appropriate disciplinary sanction imposed, the right of the student to appeal the decision, and the procedures to be followed to move that process forward. When disclosure of the factual basis of the charges is thought to pose a threat of reprisals against the witnesses, such may be withheld.

Disciplinary measures will be imposed for conduct, which adversely affects the College’s pursuit of its educational objectives, which violates or shows a disregard for the rights of other members of the academic community, or endangers persons or property on the College campus or College controlled property. All City of Wilson police officers and Wilson Community College police officers have been given the authority to patrol facilities and control access. Failure to leave after being instructed to do so can result in those individuals being charged with trespassing (G.S. 14-159-13).

Upon determination that a student or organization has violated any of the rules, regulations, or disciplinary offenses set forth in these regulations, the Vice President of Student Development or the Dean of Continuing Education may impose the following disciplinary sanctions either singly or in combination. Some sanctions must adhere to additional state, federal, or organizational and accrediting agency guidelines and regulations. Immediate sanctions, up to and including expulsion, may be necessary in some cases to guarantee the safety and harmony of the campus environment. The burden of proof is preponderance of the evidence.

Pursuant to state law, any college suspending or expelling a student for non-academic disciplinary purposes will record the suspension or expulsion in the student’s educational record. Upon receipt of a written request signed by the student and subject to all applicable privacy laws, each college will, in accordance with the student’s request, inform other colleges and universities of the term and circumstances of the student’s non-academic disciplinary suspension or expulsion, if any.

Boards of trustees may adopt policies refusing admission to any applicant during any period of time that the student is suspended or expelled from any other educational entity. Authority 1D SBCC 400.2(d).

Cheating:

The intent to deceive the instructor in his/her effort to fairly evaluate an academic exercise. It includes, but is not limited to, copying another student’s homework, class work, or required project (in part or in whole) and handing it in as one’s own; giving, receiving, offering, and/or soliciting, or attempting to give, receive, offer, or solicit, information on a quiz, test, or exam; or plagiarism. Electronic devices are prohibited during all testing situations, and other situations as determined by the instructor. The use of any such devices during testing may be viewed as an attempt to cheat and may result in serious academic sanctions.

Lying:

Is making an untrue statement with the intent to deceive or to create a false or misleading impression.

Plagiarism:

Is a form of cheating and lying. Plagiarism can be either deliberate or unintentional, but in either case it is the misrepresentation of another person’s ideas, words, or statistics as your own original work. The rules and regulations for quoting and citing material in college-level work can be complicated, but in all cases, it is the students’ responsibility to understand the citation methods appropriate to the discipline.

Sometimes students make mistakes that technically result in plagiarism. When this happens, the College recognizes that it occurred unintentionally. However, intentional plagiarism is a more serious kind of plagiarism that involves a deliberate lie and an effort to cheat. Intentional plagiarism is a flagrant attempt to deceive the instructor of an assignment by presenting a whole assignment or parts of an assignment that were written by someone else as if it were the student’s original work.

Examples of intentional plagiarism include but are not limited to:

• Taking passages from articles or books and including them in your paper without providing proper citations.
• Taking original ideas from sources and including them in your paper as if they were your own conclusions.
• Cutting and pasting material from the Internet into your paper without citing your sources.
• Letting someone else (a friend, classmate, parent, etc.) write parts of your paper for you.
• Buying a paper from a commercial source and submitting it as your own, or taking a paper from a classmate, friend, or anyone else and submitting it as if you wrote it.
• Submitting drawings, musical compositions, computer files or any other kinds of material created originally by someone else, and claiming or implying that you created it yourself.

Any student found by a faculty member to have committed academic dishonesty may be subject to the following penalties:

• Warning – A written notice to the student that he/she has violated the academic dishonesty policy.
• Grade Adjustment – Student may receive a lower score on a test or assignment and/or receive a failing grade, which could result in a “0” for that assignment.
• Discretionary Sanctions – Additional academic assignments determined by the faculty member.
• Course Failure – Student will receive a failing grade for the course where academic dishonesty has occurred and will be administratively withdrawn.

For curriculum courses, all cases of academic dishonesty must be recorded on the Report of Academic Dishonesty Form and sent to the appropriate curriculum dean who will forward a copy to the Vice President of Student Development, who keeps a record of all cases of academic dishonesty. If a student has repeated offenses, the Vice President of Student Development may impose a disciplinary sanction of probation, suspension, or expulsion. Students who dispute the accuracy or fairness of a penalty imposed for academic dishonesty may appeal the penalty by following the due process for appeals.

For Continuing Education and Occupational Extension classes, all cases of academic dishonesty must be recorded on the Report of Academic Dishonesty Form and sent to the appropriate Director who will forward a copy to the Dean of Continuing Education, who keeps a record of all cases of academic dishonesty. If a student has repeated offenses, the Dean of Continuing Education may impose a disciplinary sanction of probation, suspension, or expulsion. Students who dispute the accuracy or fairness of a penalty imposed for academic dishonesty may appeal the penalty by following the due process for appeals.

Alcoholic beverages:

The use and/or possession of alcoholic beverages, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages on College owned or controlled property;

Attempts of aiding and abetting the commission of offenses:

Any attempt to commit any of the prohibited offenses or the aiding and abetting of the commission of any prohibited offenses (an “attempt” to commit an offense is defined as the intention to commit an offense coupled with the taking of some action toward its commission);

Dangerous conduct:

Any conduct which constitutes a serious danger or physical or immediate threat to any person’s health, safety, or personal well-being, including leaving a child unattended on campus;

Disorderly conduct or language:

Any individual or group behavior or language which is, obscene, sexually explicit, violent, excessively noisy, or which unreasonably disturbs other groups or individuals;

Drugs:

The unlawful possession or use of any drug or controlled substance, including any stimulant, depressant, narcotic, hallucinogenic drug or substance, marijuana, or sale or distribution, or being under the influence of any such drug or controlled substance;

Explosives, fireworks, and flammable materials:

The unauthorized possession, ignition, or detonation of any object or article, which would cause damage by fire or other means to persons or property;

Failure to cooperate with College officials:

Failure to comply with directions of College officials acting in the performance of their duties;

Filing False Charges:

When a student makes charges of a violation of College policy, should the ensuing investigation determine that such charges are not bona fide and were not made in good faith or that the student knowingly provided false testimony;

Financial misconduct:

Any conduct, including but not limited to, knowingly passing forms of payment such as a worthless check, debit, credit card, or money order in payment to the College community;

Firearms and other dangerous weapons:

Any unauthorized or illegal possession or use of firearms or dangerous weapons of any kind are prohibited. Firearms or any other dangerous weapons of any kind are not permitted at any time on campus except as allowed by NC House Bill 937/Session Law 2013-N.C.S. 14-269.2(k);

Gambling:

Gambling in any form.

Harassment:

Any act of harassment by an individual or group against a student, college employee, campus group, visitor, or guest. Harassment will include, but not be limited to, threats of physical abuse, unwanted and/or inappropriate touching, unwanted and/or inappropriate invasion of one’s personal space, or inappropriate suggestions of a sexual nature, or actions that materially disrupt the performance of duties and/or the learning process.

Hazing:

Any intentional or reckless act on campus or off-campus at College-sponsored events committed by students acting alone or with others. Hazing is defined as actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any College-sponsored organization. Hazing involves any action directed against any other student that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, or which induces or coerces a student to endanger such student’s mental or physical health or safety.

Internet Misconduct:

Any activity that violates the WCC Acceptable Use Policy for Students of the College.

Misconduct in any instructional setting (traditional or distance education):

Misconduct in any classroom, laboratory, clinical, co-op, or practical setting includes, but is not limited to, behavior that materially disrupts instruction and/or the learning process. A violation of the Acceptable Use Policy for Students will also constitute an offense.

Misuse of documents or identification cards:

Any forgery, alteration of, or unauthorized use of College documents, forms, records, or identification cards including necessary information in connection with a student’s admission, enrollment, financial transactions, or status in the College;

Obstruction of or interference with College activities or facilities:

Any intentional interference with or obstruction of any College activity, program, event, or facilities, including the following:

• Any unauthorized occupancy of College, College controlled facilities, or blockage of access to or from such facilities.

• Interference with the right of way of any College member or other authorized person to gain access to any College or College controlled activity, program, event, or facilities.
• Any obstruction or delay of a campus security officer, fire/rescue service, or any College official in the performance of his/her duty.
• Any act of misuse, vandalism, malicious or unwarranted damage or destruction, defacing, disfiguring, or unauthorized use of property belonging to the College, including but not limited to: fire alarms, fire equipment, elevators, telephones, College keys, library materials, and or safety devices; and any such act against a member of the College community or a guest of the College.

Off-campus facilities:

Students enrolled in any class, laboratory, clinical, co-op, or practical setting at any off-campus location must adhere to the rules and regulations established by the College and the authority governing the use of the facilities;

Theft:

Any act of misuse, act of theft or unauthorized possession or sale of College property, or any such act against a member of the College community or a guest of the College;

Unacceptable conduct in hearings:

Any conduct at any College hearing that materially disrupts the performance of duties or proceedings, or providing false testimony or other evidence at any hearing;

Violations of general rules and regulations:

Any violation of the general rules and regulations of the College as published in an official College publication, including the intentional failure to perform any required action or the intentional performance of any prohibited action;

Violations of state or federal laws:

Any violation of state or federal laws or regulations proscribing conduct or establishing offenses, which laws and regulations are incorporated herein by reference.

NOTE: Federal Title IX laws prohibit sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, and/or sexual violence. Investigation into Title IX reports, accusations, or charges will be coordinated by the Title IX Coordinator, using a separate and distinct Title IX process. (See Title IX and Sexual Harassment).

Instructors have the authority and the primary responsibility for control over classroom behavior and academic integrity, and can order the temporary removal of any student engaged in disruptive conduct or any other conduct that violates the general rules of the College. Such short-term suspensions assume that the instructor witnesses or has first-hand knowledge of the conduct warranting disciplinary action and that the student is given the opportunity to be heard. Such rudimentary due process is generally conducted face-to-face with the student and any notice of charges or disciplinary sanction may be in written or oral form.

• The instructor may invoke a warning to the student.
• The instructor may invoke a judgment against a student by revoking the student’s privilege of further participation in that day’s class, lab, clinical activities, or field/shop work.
• The instructor or coordinator may suspend a student from participation in class for a longer period of time:Curriculum and Continuing Education – Not to exceed three consecutive class meetings or three consecutive hours of instruction, whichever is fewer.College and Career Readiness (formerly Basic Skills) — Not to exceed three consecutive days.

• If extended or permanent suspension or further disciplinary action is deemed appropriate and necessary, the curriculum instructor or continuing education coordinator will make that recommendation to the curriculum dean or continuing education director. After an investigation to establish the facts, the dean or director may make a recommendation for extended suspension or further disciplinary action to the Vice President of Student Development or the Dean of Continuing Education as appropriate.
• The Vice President of Student Development or Dean of Continuing Education, in consultation with the curriculum dean or director, will determine if extended suspension or more serious disciplinary action is appropriate and necessary.

Warning:

The appropriate College officials may notify the student that continuation or repetition of specified conduct may be cause for other disciplinary action. Warnings may be verbal or communicated in writing.

Reprimand:

A formal reprimand is issued in writing by certified mail and may be given to any student or organization whose conduct violates any part of these regulations. The reprimand does not carry restrictions, but provides the student or organization another opportunity to observe the Code of Conduct and Civility and documents that further violations may result in more serious penalties.

Restrictions:

A restriction upon a student or organization’s privileges for a period of time may be imposed. This restriction may include, for example, denial of the right to represent the College in any way, denial of use of facilities, privileges including but not limited to driving, parking, and the Learning Resource Center.

Participation in extracurricular activities, and/or organizational privileges may be restricted.

Restitution:

A student who has committed an offense against property may be required to reimburse the College or other owner for damage to or misappropriation of such property. Any such payment in restitution will be limited to cost of repair or replacement.

Disciplinary Probation:

Continued enrollment of a student on probation may be conditional upon adherence to these regulations. Any student placed on probation will be notified of such in writing and will also be notified of the terms and length of probation. Probation may include restrictions upon the extracurricular activities of a student. Any conduct in violation of these regulations while on probationary status may result in the imposition of a more serious disciplinary action.

Loss of Course Credit:

Loss of course credit and a failing course grade may be imposed for proven charges of serious academic dishonesty.

Suspension:

If a student is suspended, he or she is separated from the College for a stated period of time with conditions of readmission to the College.

Expulsion:

Permanent removal and exclusion from the College, College controlled facilities, programs, events, and activities.

Where violations are more serious and extended suspension or other disciplinary sanctions are deemed appropriate, accused students must be afforded more robust due process protections. A student who disputes the imposed sanction may request an appeal hearing before a Student Appeals Committee.

The Student Appeals Committee will consider all evidence, and determine the facts associated with the appeal. The committee may uphold previous decisions, deny requests, or rescind earlier decisions. The decision of the committee is final.

Appeals must be made in writing to the Vice President of Student Development or the Dean of Continuing Education within five business days from the receipt of the notification or the attempt to deliver by certified mail. Upon receiving an appeal, a hearing date will be set and the student will be notified by phone and/or e-mail of the hearing date, time, and location. Written confirmation of the scheduled appeal hearing will be sent by certified/return receipt mail to the student’s address on record.

The student has a right to a fair hearing and the committee chair will make a determination as to whether any member of the committee is materially connected or could have a personal bias in the case in question. Appeal hearings are not open to the public and only those persons with business before the appeals committee may attend. Appeal hearings are not considered to be legal proceedings, therefore legal counsel may be present, but cannot participate or speak on the student’s behalf. The Vice President of Student Development or Dean of Continuing Education will provide documentation to the appeals committee, outlining the alleged misconduct, identification of the offense, a summary of the evidence, and the sanction imposed.

Student Appeals Committee Representation: The Student Appeals Committee Chair will appoint committee members from a representative group of College faculty and staff with the knowledge and experience needed to make well-reasoned and impartial judgements. The structure identified below will be used for all Student Appeals Committees.

Curriculum Student Appeals

• VP for Academic Affairs (Chair)
• Curriculum Dean over student’s program
• (1) Faculty Member
• (2) Staff Members

Continuing Education Student Appeals

• VP of Student Development (Chair)
• Continuing Education Director over student’s program
• Coordinator over student’s program
• (1) CE Staff member
• Curriculum Dean

Hearing Procedures:

1. The Chair will call the hearing to order, determine that a quorum of Council members are present, and advise the student of the following:
   a. alleged violation of which he/she is charged;
   b. right to present a case in his/her defense;
   c. right to present witnesses who have direct involvement or knowledge of the events;
   d. right to question evidence presented.
2. A recorder will be appointed to prepare a summary record of the hearing and that summary record will be shared with the student, if requested.
3. The hearing will go forward as scheduled unless the student notifies the Chair and provides a justifiable reason, within a minimum of 24 hours in advance of their hearing. Failure to appear at the hearing does not prevent the appeals committee from hearing the evidence or deciding the case.
4. The Chair may reschedule a hearing as a result of inclement weather, medical necessity, or other cause sufficient to prohibit reasonable ability of a principal participant to attend. Every effort will be made to notify to all parties by phone and/or e-mail, of changes to the hearing date/time in a timely manner.
5. The Chair has the authority to temporarily replace a committee member who is unable to attend, or unable to serve due to a conflict of interest.
6. The charges against the student will be read and the student will be asked to confirm that he/she is aware of the charges and has received a copy of them.
7. The Vice President will present any relevant evidence and reliable witnesses regarding the alleged misconduct.
8. The student will be allowed to present his/her case, including any relevant evidence and reliable witnesses regarding the alleged misconduct.
9. After hearing all the evidence presented, the Vice President who imposed the sanction may question the evidence, any witness, or the student.
10. Members of the Student Appeals Committee may question the evidence, any witness, the student, or the Dean.
11. The hearing will then be closed with an explanation of a general timetable for rendering a decision.
12. The Student Appeals Committee will confer in private, with only members in attendance.
13. The committee will reach a decision by majority vote.
14. The student will be notified of the decision in writing by certified/return receipt mail to the address of record last listed in the student’s permanent file.
15. Any student cleared of charges after this appeal will be afforded the opportunity to make up any course work missed as a result of suspension.

Final Appeal to the President:

A student may appeal the Student Appeals Committee decision to the President within ten calendar days of the notification of the committee’s decision, or the attempt to deliver by certified mail. The appeal must be in writing and must give a full explanation of the basis for the appeal.

1. The President will consider all evidence to determine the facts. The President may deny requests, uphold previous decisions, rescind previous decisions, and impose disciplinary sanctions as appropriate.
2. The student will be notified of the President’s decision by certified/return receipt mail to the student’s address of record last listed in the student’s permanent file.
3. Decisions at this level are final.
4. Any student cleared of charges after this appeal will be provided the opportunity to make up any course work missed as a result of suspension.