Student Handbook

Northwest Florida State College serves all persons legally out of grades K-12 without regard to age, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, or sex. However, NWFSC reserves the right to deny admission to any program. By applying for admission to NWFSC, the student agrees upon enrollment to abide by college policies and regulations published in its policy statements, current catalog, official manuals, and publications. Students are expected to be committed to the common good of the college and to comply with local, state and federal law.

The college environment is an open intellectual forum where varying shades of opinion may be freely expressed and fairly debated. Instructors are entitled to freedom in the classroom to use materials and to discuss topics which are relevant to the subject, appropriate to sound teaching methods, and conducive of course objectives.

Each member of the college is expected to participate seriously and purposefully in college life. While the freedom to express ideas and beliefs will be respected, conduct and behavior that result in the defacement of property, intimidation of others, or the disruption of any college activity will not be tolerated or permitted and will be subject to penalty. Instructors explain classroom requirements, and students are expected to assume full responsibility for their actions.

Attendance Policy

Regular and prompt attendance in all classes is expected. All instructors are free to establish attendance policies for their classes. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor and make arrangements to complete any missed work. (Make-up work is offered solely at the discretion of the instructor.) Excessive absences, as defined in the course syllabus, will be reported to the Office of Financial Aid. Federal regulations require that students receiving Title IV aid must attend classes and have verified attendance in order to receive financial aid funds. This general policy applies to the student absent from class traveling as a member of a college group, or club or for personal reasons.

Religious Observance by Students

The college shall accommodate recognized religious observances of students under existing State directives. Provision shall be made for students to complete the following activities when their religious observances interfere with:

1. Admission and registration;
2. Attendance in class, class activities, examinations, and official ceremonies, and
3. Class work assignments.

Students wishing to participate in any recognized religious holiday observances are to let the instructor know, in advance, of their absence. Students will be excused for such absences without penalty. Students are responsible for any material covered during their excused absence. A reasonable amount of time will be allowed to complete make up assignments. Students who believe they have been denied an education benefit because of their religious belief or practice may seek redress as outlined in the Student Grievance Procedures.

Children On Campus

NWFSC values family life and has worked to develop policies that are supportive of families. However, it is the policy of the NWFSC that employees, students and visitors should not use the college in lieu of a childcare provider. Accordingly, minor children of employees, students, or visitors may be on campus only under the special circumstances outlined below.

• Minor children are permitted on campus when the purpose of their visit is to participate in activities, classes, or events specifically scheduled for their benefit (e.g. Kids on Campus, Children’s Fine Arts Series, Child Development and Education Center).
• Minor children are permitted on campus when with a parent or responsible adult who is conducting routine business at the college.
• Minor children are not permitted in labs, shops, construction/repair sites, classrooms, offices, labs, or other areas where potential hazards exist, unless enrolled in classes or activities scheduled at the site.
• In an emergency or other compelling situation, students or staff may bring children to class or the workplace on an incidental, individual basis, provided advance approval is obtained from the appropriate administrator. In such cases, the children must be directly supervised by the parent/adult and must not disrupt or distract the flow of college work, services or instruction.
• Minor children on campus must be directly supervised at all times.

Substance Abuse Policy

NWFSC is alcohol and drug free in accordance with Public Law 100-690, The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of alcohol or a controlled substance is prohibited in and on NWFSC owned and controlled property. This policy applies to employees, students, and visitors.” Any violation of this policy the individual may be subject to disciplinary action.

Tobacco Use Policy

The use of tobacco is prohibited inside any building or vehicle owned, leased, or used by the College. Use of tobacco products is restricted to specific outdoor areas Tobacco shall mean cigarette, cigar, pipe, or tobacco in any other form, including smokeless tobacco which is any loose, cut, shredded, ground, powdered, compressed, or leaf tobacco that is intended to be placed in the mouth without being smoked. Students violating the policy are subject to disciplinary action.

Parking and Traffic Regulations

Vehicle operators are responsible for complying with the college’s parking and traffic regulations whenever they bring a vehicle on campus.

Parking Permits

All college students and employees must display a parking decal on their vehicle (preferably on the left rear of the vehicle) when parking in designated student, faculty and staff parking areas. Parking decals are available at the time of registration and throughout the year at all NWFSC locations. Temporary permits are required for students, faculty and staff if using a vehicle that does not have a parking decal.

Designated Parking Areas

All parking areas are color coded to designated authorized use:

White Lines - Student Parking
Yellow Lines - Faculty/Staff Parking
Blue Lines - Disabled Parking
Green Lines - Visitors

Vehicles must be parked in designated areas or a ticket will be issued. The college cannot assume responsibility for vehicle contents while on NWFSC premises. Parking is not allowed on campus between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. except during scheduled college events or by special authorization from the College.

All vehicles parked in designated disabled spaces MUST display an official, state-issued disabled tag on the rear view mirror. Vehicles that are not properly identified as authorized to park in such spaces will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

Parking Violations

Vehicles obstructing fire lanes, fire hydrants, driveways, loading zones, walkways, or other parked vehicles is a parking violation. In these situations, vehicles may be towed at the owner’s expense or will be issued a parking ticket and rendered inoperable by the attachment of a tire boot to one of the vehicle’s wheels. The device will be removed once the parking ticket and tire boot removal fee have been paid. See applicable parking fines in the Paying for College section of the catalog.

The Student Traffic Court

The Student Traffic Court convenes, as needed, to adjudicate written appeals of parking violations for students. After deliberation, adjudication results are forwarded to the Dean of Students with the court’s recommendation that the citation be either upheld or overturned. Appeal forms are available in Student Life in the Activities Center on the Niceville Campus.

Posting, Circulation, Exhibiting Printed and Filmed Material

Students are expected to use mature judgment and a sense of discretion in their selection, publication, display, presentation and circulation of any printed or filmed materials at any college location, and to realize that they must accept responsibility individually and collectively for the consequences of their choices on these matters. The appearance of the college name, seal or insignia on any material which is not published by the college is not authorized and does not imply college approval or endorsement of the contents.

Notices

Notices may be posted by students and recognized student organizations on appropriate bulletin boards. Notices and posters are not to be taped, glued, or pasted on painted or finished wood surfaces. All such posting must be cleared in advance by the Coordinator of Student Life at the Niceville Campus. College Center Directors may approve notices at their respective locations. The general distribution of notices is prohibited by anyone other than instructional and staff personnel in the performance of their duties or by recognized student organizations to advertise an approved event.

Student Publications

Student publications (which may include video media newscasts) are intended to foster an atmosphere of free and responsible discussion and intellectual exploration. They are a means of bringing student concerns to the attention of faculty and staff members, and of formulating student opinion on various issues at the college and in the surrounding community.

The editorial freedom of student editors entails the corollary responsibility to be governed by the canons of responsible journalism, such as the avoidance of libel, indecency, undocumented allegations, attacks on personal integrity, and the techniques of harassment and innuendo.

Student publications shall contain a statement to the effect that the opinions expressed therein are not necessarily those of the faculty, staff or student body of the college.

Student Fundraising

The college does not approve fundraising activities by students and/or student organizations unless the specific purpose of the activity is to support institutional scholarships. Students/Student Organizations must have the approval of the Dean of Students for scholarship fundraising at least one month prior to the activity’s scheduled date. The Dean of Students may also approve special fundraising projects, such as those supporting humanitarian/charitable efforts, on an individual project basis; approval must be obtained at least one month in advance of the activity.

Policy Formulation

A student who wishes to suggest a change in any policy of the college should submit a written recommendation to the Student Senate for evaluation. If favorably received by the Senate, the proposal shall be submitted by the Student Senate to the appropriate standing committee/subcommittee of the college for consideration.

Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act of 1990

The Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act (P.L. 101-542) requires the College to compile and release completion, graduation, and transfer-out rates for all students, safety and policies and crime statistics. This information is available from the Office of Institutional Research.

The campus security policy and crime statistics are published below.

Campus Security Policy

All criminal incidents can and should be reported to the NWFSC administrator in charge of a function, the campus receptionist, or an attending faculty or staff member. NWFSC will implement appropriate actions including, but not limited to, contacting the presiding law enforcement agency, any medical services needed, or others as needed. Incident Forms are available in Dean of Students Office, the Business Office and the off-campus centers. All incidents must be communicated, in writing, to the Vice President for Administrative Services as soon as possible.

Summary of Reported Crimes on Campus

This information is provided to all students and employees in compliance with The Federal Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act. Questions about this report or Campus Security in general may be directed to the Director of Physical Plant Department or the Dean of Students.

Federal and State law requires a person designated as a “sexual predator or offender” to register with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The FDLE then is required to notify the local law enforcement agency where the registrant resides or attends an institution of higher learning. Information regarding sexual predators or offenders attending an institution of higher learning may be obtained from the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for the particular NWFSC campus or center, by calling the FDLE hotline (1-888-FL-PREDATOR) or (1-888-357-7332), by visiting the FDLE website at www.fdle.state.fl.us, or the Dean of Students.

Student Ombudsman Office

Per Florida Statute 1006.51, NWFSC provides a Student Ombudsman for students to confidentially discuss complaints, concerns, or problems. The ombudsman will act as an impartial campus resource by providing a safe environment for a student to pursue either a non-academic or academic complaint/grievance. The Coordinator of Student Life on the Niceville Campus will serve as the Student Ombudsman and may be contacted at 850-729-5277 or ombudsman@nwfsc.edu.

Grievance Procedures

Academic Grievances

When a student’s concern is expressed regarding classroom management/conduct, instructional methods, grades, teaching effectiveness or evaluation, students are expected to first attempt to resolve their concerns with the instructor. If such resolution is unsuccessful, the student should then contact the Academic Department Head and if resolution of the grievance is still not possible, the Vice President of Academic Affairs who will determine what resolution/remedy, is necessary.

Non Academic Grievances

When a student concern is conduct, discrimination, student life, or any other issue, students need to address their concern by scheduling a conference with the Dean of Students.

Appeal

The student may appeal the decision made by the Dean of Students or the Vice President of Academic Affairs within 10 calendar days from the date of receipt of notification to the student or attempt to deliver the notification by the College. The written appeal must fully explain the student’s appeal and must be delivered to the President.

• The President shall consider all evidence, determine the facts, uphold previous decisions, deny requests, or rescind decisions and make appropriate disciplinary sanctions as necessary on a timely basis.
• The President shall notify the student, either in person or by certified mail, of his/her decision.
• Decisions at this level are final.

A Student’s Guide to Reporting Harassment

The purpose of this guide is to ensure an orderly resolution of charges of sexual, racial, or other forms of harassment brought by students at NWFSC. Sexual harassment and racial harassment have been held to constitute a form of discrimination prohibited by the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended and Title IX of the Education amendments of 1972. Applicable law prohibits other types of harassment. NWFSC prohibits all acts of harassment and will properly investigate any claims of harassment.

Sexual and Other Unlawful Harassment

NWFSC is committed to providing an educational and/or work environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and harassment. NWFSC expressly prohibits any form of unlawful discrimination or harassment based on sex; race; color; national origin; age; religion; disability; citizenship; status as a Vietnam era, special disabled, or other covered veteran; or status in any group protected by law. NWFSC provides ongoing harassment training to ensure everyone the opportunity to work and/or learn in an environment free of sexual and other unlawful harassment.

Definitions of Harassment

Sexual harassment is defined as unwanted sexual advances, visual, verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This definition includes many forms of offensive behavior and includes gender-based harassment of a person of the same sex as the harasser. Examples of the types of conduct expressly prohibited by the policy include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Unwanted sexual advances. Offering employment benefits in exchange for sexual favors. Making or threatening reprisals after a negative response to sexual advances.
• Conduct that includes leering, making sexual gestures, or the displaying of sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons, or posters.
• Conduct that includes making or using derogatory comments, epithets, slurs, or jokes.
• Abuse of a sexual nature such as graphic verbal commentaries about an individual’s body, sexually degrading words used to describe an individual, or suggestive or obscene letters, notes, or invitations.
• Conduct that includes touching, assaulting, or impeding or blocking movements or violating someone’s “personal space.”
• Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute harassment when: (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment or reward; (2) submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as a basis for making educational, academic, or employment decisions; or, (3) the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with educational, academic, or employment performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational, academic, or employment environment.

Responsibilities

All College employees and students are responsible for creating an atmosphere free of discrimination or harassment, sexual or otherwise. Further, all College employees and students are responsible for respecting the rights of all members of the College community. If any student experiences or witnesses any sexual or other unlawful harassment or discrimination in the College environment, report it promptly to the Dean of Students. If the Dean of Students is unavailable you should promptly contact the Human Resources Office. This policy applies to all incidents of alleged discrimination or harassment, including those, which occur off-campus or off-hours, when the alleged offender has a relationship with the College. Should the alleged discrimination or harassment occur at a time other than the normal operating hours of the College, your complaint should be filed as early as practicable on the first business day following the alleged incident.

Investigation

All allegations of sexual or other harassment will be quickly and discreetly investigated. All complaints will be kept confidential to the maximum extent possible. All employees and students have a duty to cooperate fully with the College in connection with any such investigation. If NWFSC determines that an employee or student is guilty of discriminating or harassing another individual, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the offending employee or student, up to and including termination of employment, suspension, or expulsion.

Retaliation

NWFSC College prohibits any form of retaliation against any student or employee for filing a bona fide complaint under this policy or for assisting in a complaint investigation. However, if after investigating any complaint of harassment or unlawful discrimination, the College determines that the complaint is not bona fide and was not made in good faith or that an employee or student has provided false information regarding the complaint, disciplinary action may be taken against the individual who filed the complaint or who gave false information.

Student Code of Conduct - Regulations and Policies

Disciplinary Due Process

College students are citizens of the local, state, national governments and of the academic community and are therefore, expected to conduct themselves as law abiding members of each community at all times. Admission to the College carries with it special privileges and imparts special responsibilities apart from those rights and duties enjoyed by non-students. In recognition of the special relationship that exists between the College and the community, which it seeks to serve, the Northwest Florida State College Board of Trustees has authorized the President of the College to take such action that may be necessary to maintain campus safety and preserve the integrity of the College and its educational environment.

Pursuant to this authorization, the College has developed the following regulations, which are intended to govern student conduct on the campus. The College may enforce its own regulations regardless of any proceedings instituted by other authorities. Conversely, violation of any section of these regulations may subject a student to disciplinary measures by the College whether or not such conduct is simultaneously in violation of local, state, or national laws. When a student fails to abide by the rules and regulations of the College or fails to obey the ordinance of local, state, and national governments, disciplinary action may be taken.

The Dean of Students is responsible for enforcement of student disciplinary policies and procedures, and will, in the pursuit of that responsibility, observe the proper aim of discipline, observe the procedure of due process, consider all evidence, determine the facts, render a decision, and impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions when a student has been charged with violation of College rules and/or regulations.

Disciplinary Offenses

For the purpose of these regulations, a “student” shall mean any person who is registered for study at the College for any academic period. Generally, through appropriate due process procedures, College disciplinary measures shall 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 which endangers property or person at the College or on any College controlled property. All police officers have been given the authority to control access and to patrol facilities. Failure to leave after instruction to do so can result in trespassing charges. Individual, group, or organizational misconduct, which is subject to disciplinary sanctions, shall include but not be limited to the following offenses:

• Dangerous conduct: Any conduct, which constitutes a serious danger to any person’s health, safety, or personal well-being, including any physical or immediate threat to others.
• Disorderly conduct or Language: Any individual or group behavior or language which is abusive, obscene, lewd, indecent, violent, excessively noisy, disorderly, or which unreasonably disturbs other groups or individuals.
• Hazing: Hazing is any intentional or reckless act, on or off the property of the College, by students acting alone, or with others, involving any action which is directed against any other students 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. For the purpose of this statement, hazing is defined as those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization.
• 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 the 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 the 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.
• Theft: Any act of misuse, act of theft or unauthorized possession or sale of College property
• Misuse of documents or identification cards: Any forgery, alteration of, or unauthorized use of College documents, forms, records, or identification cards including information collected in connection with a student’s admission, enrollment, financial transactions, or status in the College.
• Harassment: Any act of harassment by an individual or group against a student, college employee, campus group, visitor, or guest. Harassment shall include, but not be limited to, insults, heckling, verbal abuse, threats of physical abuse, unwanted suggestions of a sexual nature, repeated teasing or annoyance of another, or other actions intended to disturb others.
• Firearms and other dangerous weapons: Any unauthorized or illegal possession or use of firearms or a dangerous weapon of any kind is prohibited. Firearms or any other dangerous weapon may not be possessed on campus at any time for any reason except by authorized sworn law enforcement personnel.
• 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.
• Alcoholic beverages: The unauthorized use and or possession of alcoholic beverages on the College campus, or at any College sponsored event, except College events where alcoholic beverages are provided by the College.
• 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 of any such drug or controlled substance on college owned or controlled property or at any college sponsored activity.
• Gambling: Gambling in any form.
• 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.
• Unacceptable conduct at a College hearing: Any conduct at any College hearing involving contemptuous, disrespectful, or disorderly behavior or the giving of false testimony or other evidence at any hearing.
• Failure to cooperate with College officials: Failure to comply with directions of College officials acting in the performance of their duties.
• 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.
• Aiding and abetting the commission of offenses: Any attempt to commit any of the foregoing offenses or the aiding and abetting of the commission of any of the foregoing 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).
• 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.
• Inappropriate Dress: College students are mature enough to make wise and appropriate decisions on the type of apparel suitable for a college campus. Dress, which disrupts the learning process, is not allowed. Dress that includes any words or images that are obscene, offensive, or tend to promote violence or drugs or disrespect is prohibited.
• Classroom misconduct: Classroom misconduct includes disruptive, threatening, or otherwise unacceptable social behavior in the classroom. Classroom misconduct, either directly or indirectly, through participation or assistance is prohibited. The instructor has the primary responsibility for control over classroom behavior and maintenance of academic integrity and can order the temporary removal or expulsion from the classroom of any student engaged in disruptive conduct or conduct that violates the general rules and regulations of the College.
• Academic Dishonesty: Students are expected to conduct themselves as responsible members of the academic community and to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. Academic dishonesty may include but is not limited to:
  • Cheating: During any academic evaluation activity, using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, notes, study aids or other devices, information from another student or student’s paper; during any academic evaluation activity, any unauthorized communication of information, including collaborating, contrary to the requirements of a course.
  • Plagiarism: Presenting the work in part of whole of another as one’s own without proper acknowledgement of the source or sources. The sole exception to the requirement of acknowledging sources occurs when ideas or information are common knowledge.

Disciplinary Procedures

• Conference:
  • Informally: The Dean of Students shall request a meeting with the student for a preliminary conference where the student shall be apprised of his/her basic rights as stated in these rules. Depending upon the nature of the situation, the Dean of Students will proceed accordingly in a best faith effort and in the best interest of the College.
  • Formally: Within 10 calendar days, the Dean of Students shall, in writing, request a meeting with the student for a preliminary conference where the student shall be apprised of his/her basic rights as stated in these rules. The student will be extended the opportunity for an explanation of the conduct in question, but must also provide the Dean of Students with a detailed written explanation. Failure of the student to meet with the Dean of Students within the prescribed timeframe will not prevent the process of collecting information or the decision to move forward.
• Investigation: The Dean of Students shall consider all evidence, determine the facts, render a decision, and impose disciplinary sanction(s) as necessary. The Dean will, in writing, identify the claimed misconduct, infraction or offense, present a statement of the full penalty or sanction, and present a statement of the student’s right to due process. The student shall be provided this information either in person, or by certified, return receipt mail to the last specified address in the student’s permanent file.
• Disciplinary Sanctions: Upon determination that a student or organization has violated any of the rules, regulations, or disciplinary offenses set forth in these regulations, the Dean of Students may impose the following disciplinary sanctions either singly or in combination. Some disciplines must adhere to additional state, federal, or organizational and accrediting agency guidelines and regulations. Immediate sanctions, up to and including expulsion, or social dismissal may be necessary in some cases to guarantee the safety and harmony of the college environment.

Disciplinary Sanctions

• Warning: The appropriate College officials may notify the student that continuation or repetition of specified conduct may be cause for other disciplinary action.
• Reprimand: A written reprimand or censure may be given any student or organization whose conduct violates any part of these regulations. Such a reprimand does not restrict the student in any way, but does have important consequences. It signifies that he or she is in effect being given another chance to conduct himself or herself as a proper member of the College community and that any further violation may result in more serious penalties.
• 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 shall be limited to cost of repair or placement.
• Restrictions: Restrictions upon a student or organization’s privileges for a period of time may be imposed. These restrictions may include, for example, denial of the right to represent the College in any way, denial of use of facilities, parking privileges, participation in extracurricular activities, or restriction of organizational privileges.
• Disciplinary Probation: Continued enrollment of a student on probation may be conditioned upon or 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.
• 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. Student must appeal for reinstatement.
• Expulsion: Permanent removal and exclusion from the College, College controlled facilities, programs, events, and activities.
• Social Dismissal: The dismissal of a student whose character and behavior prove unsatisfactory for a period up to two years.

Disciplinary Appeal Due Process

• First Appeal: Hearing before a Judicial Council. A student may appeal the decision made by the Dean of Students within 10 consecutive calendar days from the receipt of notification to the student or attempt to deliver by the College. A request for an appeal must be made in writing to the Judicial Council Chair. The Dean of Students will provide the Judicial Council Chair with documentation of the alleged misconduct and the nature of all the evidence.
  Upon receipt of a request to appeal, the student shall be advised, in writing and by certified mail, of his or her rights, methods and time and place of the hearing at least 10 consecutive calendar days prior to the hearing. Any student acquitted of charges after this hearing will be provided an opportunity to make up class work that may have been missed as a result of suspension during the procedural action. In all disciplinary hearings conducted, the following procedures shall be observed:
  • The student shall be advised of the breach of rules or regulations of which he/she is charged.
  • The student shall be advised of the following rights:
    • The right to present his/her case
    • The right to call witnesses in his/her behalf
    • The right of the student to call witnesses against his or her accuser
    • The right to present documentation.
  • The Judicial Council shall hold a hearing, observe the procedures described above, consider all evidence, determine the facts, uphold previous decisions, deny requests, or rescind the decision and make appropriate disciplinary sanctions as necessary.
• Hearing Procedures for Appeal with Judicial Council
  • Hearings go forward unless the student notifies the Chair of the Judicial Council a minimum of 24 hours in advance of their impending absence and will give the reason for that absence. Failure by the student to appear at the hearing will not prevent the Council from hearing evidence or deciding the case. The Chair calls the session to order and reads the breach of rules as charged. The Chair will give an opportunity to the student and the Dean of Students to make an opening statement.
  • The Dean of Students will present all pertinent information and/or witnesses regarding the claimed breach of rules as related to misconduct.
  • The student, after hearing all evidence presented, may question the accuser or witnesses.
  • The student will then have the opportunity to present his/her case, including all evidence, witnesses, and no more than two (2) character witnesses from the student body, faculty, or staff.
  • The Dean of Students will have the right to question the student and/or witnesses.
  • The Judicial Council will have the right to question the student and/or witnesses.
  • The Judicial Council will meet in private to render a verdict.
  • The Judicial Council shall notify the student by certified mail that his/her petition has been granted or denied within 10 consecutive calendar days of the decision.
• Second Appeal: Appeal to the President. A student may appeal the decision made by the Judicial Council within 10 consecutive calendar days from the receipt of notification to the student or attempt to deliver by the College. The appeal must be in writing, with full explanation of the student’s appeal, to the President.
  • The President shall consider all evidence, determine the facts, uphold previous decisions, deny requests, or rescind the decision and make appropriate disciplinary sanctions as necessary in a timely manner.
  • The President shall notify the student, by certified mail, of his/her decision regarding the appeal.
  • The decisions of the President are final.

 NWFSC Student Code of Conduct Policy is pending Board of Trustee Approval.