Which office normally handles student conduct matters?

Why does one office handle all of the conduct matters?

What is the jurisdiction of the College?

Who may make an allegation against a student?

What if someone makes a false allegation against a student?

Will I be notified if someone has made an allegation against me?

What do I do after receiving notice?

What will happen when I meet the Dean?

What if I'm responsible for violating College policy?

What if I'm not responsible?

What are hearings like?

Can I appeal decisions of the Dean or Student Conduct Committee?

If I am sanctioned, will there be a mark on my transcript?

What other records are there about the case?

 

Matters concerning student conduct (i.e. alleged violations of College Policy regarding the activity of students) are handled by the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students Office is in A-101. The phone number is 661/259-7800 X3498. Additional questions concerning student conduct can be answered by calling this number.

There are three main reasons for having discipline or student conduct matters handled by one office:

1. Consistency. It is important that these matters are handled carefully and in a consistent manner. For example a decentralized system might be characterized by very different outcomes or sanctions in similar cases of misconduct.

2. Record-keeping. Having centralized records allows the College to monitor students who have violated policy. A decentralized system would make it difficult to determine if students have committed repeat violations.

3. Due Process. All students are protected by due process. The Dean's Office is very concerned that each student is treated fairly and that each student's rights are protected.

The College has jurisdiction over student conduct that occurs on College property, or in connection with official College functions whether on or off College property.

Anyone may make an allegation against a student; however, allegations should be in writing and may not be anonymous.

Written allegations are evaluated by the Dean’s prior to contacting the accused student. Evaluation includes determining the credibility of the complainant. In addition, the evidence is evaluated to determine its value and relevance to the case. It is exceedingly rare for the Office to receive false or vindictive allegations of misconduct. In addition, it is a violation of College policy to submit false information to the Office in the hopes of getting another student in trouble.

College policy, as written in the College of the Canyons Student Conduct Code (available in print in the Office of the Dean of Students) states that students must receive written notice of alleged violations of College policies. Notice is sent via U.S. Mail to the student mailing address on file with the College. Notice will include a statement about when and where the alleged violation occurred, and what allegedly happened. Letters of notice will also provide a time by which the accused student must contact the Office to schedule an appointment.

Most students set up a time to come to the Office to discuss the incident.

First the Dean will verify that you have received proper notice and that you understand the allegation(s) being made against you. Next the Dean will make sure you understand College policy regarding your case. In all likelihood the Dean will then attempt to determine what happened. This is your chance to provide relevant information concerning the case.

Very often students admit to the allegation (or some portion of the allegation). The Dean must then determine an appropriate College response. That is done by asking a series of questions designed to help the Dean understand the mitigating and aggravating circumstances to the case. When the best course of action is determined, the Dean will explain the outcome of the case and the reasons for his or her decision.

Students should understand that these matters may take several meetings. The Dean will carefully investigate the case and verify statements made during meetings with the parties involved.

If a student admits to violating College policies, or is found responsible in a hearing, he or she should expect to be sanctioned. Sanctions range from a Warning to Expulsion from the College. The Deans strive to impose sanctions that are appropriate given the violation. The list of sanctions is found in the College of the Canyons Student Conduct Code, available in print in A-101.

If a student is able to provide a plausible explanation for the circumstances that led to the allegation, and if there is evidence to support that claim, the matter will likely be dropped. However, if the student denies the allegation, and in the Dean's judgment, there is evidence indicating that the student is responsible, the Dean may send the matter to a hearing.

Hearings are conducted by the Student Conduct Committee. The Committee is made up of five members - two students, two faculty members, and one staff member. The hearing is formal, students are able to present witnesses and documents to support their case. Witnesses are subject to cross-examination. Upon hearing the evidence, the Committee must find by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not) that the student is either culpable or not culpable.

Yes, appeals are addressed to the President of the College. The procedures for appeal and the timeline of an appeal are spelled out in the College of the Canyons Student Conduct Code.

No.

Records are confidential and are typically kept for four years in the Dean's Office. At the end of four years, records concerning most cases are destroyed. Only individuals with a legitimate educational interest in the matter will be informed. Those individuals often include the Registrar, the complaining faculty member. The specifics of record-keeping should be discussed with the Dean.