Student Code of Conduct

 

Students are adults and are, of course, expected to know what constitutes "acceptable" behavior. The College prefers to emphasize counseling and guidance in promoting good student conduct. However, when this approach fails, our only option is disciplinary action. If a student has any questions concerning appropriate conduct, he/she should see a college counselor, the Dean of Instruction or Senior Vice President for Instruction and Student Services (curriculum students), Dean of Continuing Education (continuing education students), or the Director of the Hoke Center (Hoke Center/SandHoke students).

Sandhills Community College reserves the right to deny admission or readmission to students whose presence on campus is construed by the administration as harmful or potentially harmful to Sandhills Community College students, faculty, and/or staff. Moreover, Sandhills Community College may refuse to admit any applicant during any period of time that the student is suspended or expelled from any other education entity. Students admitted to the College must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct, which prohibits conduct that impairs significantly the welfare or the educational opportunities of others in the college community. The college may disclose educational information (which includes disciplinary information/records) with postsecondary institutions where the student seeks to enroll, intends to enroll, or is already enrolled so long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer. Students may request a copy of their records by contacting the Senior Vice President for Instruction and Student Services.

The statements, policies, and procedures contained in the Student Code of Conduct have one purpose: to ensure the existence at Sandhills Community College of opportunities and conditions that are conducive to effective learning, teaching and living together. This document is the product of the cooperative thought and dialogue of students, instructors and administrators of the College.

The following Code of Conduct applies to all students enrolled in courses with Sandhills Community College. The code should not be considered an exclusive list of acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

1. Each student is held responsible for information in the college Catalog published online at www.sandhills.edu.
2. Students who lose, damage, deface, destroy, sell, vandalize, or otherwise dispose of college property placed in their possession or entrusted to them will be charged for the full extent of the damage or loss and are subject to disciplinary action.
3. Under no conditions will alcoholic beverages, narcotics, or illicit drugs be permitted on college property or at college–sponsored events. Students under the influence of or possessing alcohol or drugs will be in violation of this policy and subject to disciplinary action. The College will comply fully with local and state laws concerning the possession of and/or sale of drugs. In addition, students might not be able to receive federal student aid if they are or have been convicted of selling or possessing illegal drugs, if the drug offense for which they are/were convicted occurred while they were receiving federal student aid. To regain eligibility, students must provide to the Senior Vice President for Instruction and Student Services documentation of a minimum of six months rehabilitation and an on-going plan to remain drug or alcohol-free.
4. Acts such as stealing, fraud, forgery, falsifying documents, gambling, fighting, and destruction of property will not be permitted. Any violation of this regulation may result in expulsion from the College on the FIRST offense.
5. Under no condition will the possession of a dangerous weapon, including but not limited to handguns, be permitted on college property. Such acts of possession may result in expulsion from the college on the first offense.
6. The College will comply fully with existing North Carolina laws that make possession of firearms or explosives on campus a Class I Felony and ALL weapons on campus unlawful. Sandhills Community College will immediately report ANY and ALL violations to local authorities.
7. In the interest of protecting students, faculty, staff, or property from harm, the College reserves the right to take disciplinary action in response to behavior off–campus that violates college expectations and policies or could be detrimental to the College.
8. Smoking is permitted only in the following locations on the main campus: Covered pavilion on the parking lot side of Dempsey Student Center; Fountain courtyard near Causey, Meyer, and Blue Halls; Picnic Shelter near Causey Hall; and parking lots. The use of tobacco is prohibited by students, staff, faculty, or visitors in all campus buildings at all campus locations and in any college-owned vehicles. For purposes of this policy, tobacco is defined as any type of tobacco product including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, smokeless or spit tobacco, or snuff.
9. Students are not to bring children to class except under exceptional circumstances and with prior approval of the faculty member.
10. All vehicles must be properly registered, display appropriate stickers, and abide by posted and announced parking and traffic regulations. Violators of traffic and parking regulations are subject to fines, wheel locks, towing, or possible revocation of campus parking privileges. Student records may also be withheld until fines are paid.
11. Fiscal irresponsibility such as failure to pay college levied fines, failure to repay college-funded loans, or the passing of worthless checks to college officials is subject to disciplinary action.
12. Behavior that creates an atmosphere of fear and/or intimidation of a student or faculty/staff member is prohibited. Any and all verbal, written, or physical threats of violence to oneself or other will be taken seriously and dealt with appropriately.
13. Prospective students visiting campus must report to Student Services or the Division of Continuing Education upon arrival. Those failing to do so may be asked to leave.
14. The Dempsey Student Center and other campus facilities are for student use and for authorized activities. Thus, unauthorized individuals may be asked to leave.
15. All curriculum students are required to have and to carry a student ID. Students may be asked to show their ID at random. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.
16. Any act, comment, or behavior that is of a sexually suggestive or harassing nature and that in any way interferes with an employee’s or student’s performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment is strictly prohibited by Sandhills Community College.
17. Faculty and students at Sandhills Community College—on the main campus or off-campus locations, including online—have the right to an instructional environment that is conducive to study, thought, and full concentration on study topics. Student behavior that threatens such an environment and disrupts learning and teaching activities—including unauthorized use of technology (e.g., cell phones, computers, hand-held devices) —will not be tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary actions.
18. Appropriate attire, including shoes, must be worn at all times. It is expected that attire reflect the generally accepted bounds of good taste and not disrupt the learning process.
19. If, in the opinion of college officials, clothing and/or behavior (including droops or the presence of gang colors, signs, and or symbols) are threatening, intimidating, or offensive in nature, sanctions may be imposed immediately.
20. For the safety of all concerned, the campus will be closed from 12 midnight to 5 a.m.
21. Failure to abide by the SCC Information Technology Resources Acceptable Use Policy may lead to disciplinary action, including loss of computer privileges, dismissal from the College, and/or criminal prosecution. The college expects and requires ethical and responsible behavior of individuals using information services.
22. Providing false information or fraudulent documents to college officials or procuring any money, goods, or services under false pretense is prohibited.
23. Rudeness and lying to school officials as well as failing to comply with instructions of college officials acting in performance of their duties are subject to disciplinary action.
24. In the interest of civility, privacy, and safety, coed accommodations on any club, class, or SCC sponsored trip is prohibited.
25. Any and all other offenses that may need the attention of the Senior Vice President for Instruction and Student Services or Dean of Instruction (all curriculum students), the Dean of Continuing Education (continuing education students), the Director of the SCC Hoke Center (all students taking classes at the Hoke Center) are subject to this code.