Student Responsibilities

General Expectations

By applying and registering at Seminole Community College, all students agree to abide by all regulations as published in the College catalog, the student handbook and other College publications, as well as federal, state and local laws.

SCC expects its students to be mature and responsible citizens at all times and places. Any student whose conduct or dress, whether on or off campus, at any time is in violation of the law, is a public nuisance or is deemed improper and detrimental to the College, may be subject to disciplinary action, including probation, suspension, dismissal or denial of re-enrollment. Proceedings of the investigation of each case and the action taken will be officially recorded.

Students are expected to respect the rights and welfare of other members of the College community and its guests. This College recognizes that a thoughtful and reasoned search for truth can be conducted only in an atmosphere that is free of intimidation and coercion. As such, violence, the threat of violence, disruption to the learning process and intimidation are unacceptable to the College community. Students are expected to critically examine, analyze and otherwise evaluate the College, its programs, policies and procedures, utilizing processes that appeal to reason and do not compromise the academic mission, climate or integrity of the institution.

Students are expected to assume full responsibility and will be held accountable for their individual or collective actions.

Specific Requirements

1. Academic Integrity and Classroom Behavior
   
   
   • As a member of the Seminole Community College community, a student is expected to be honest in all of his or her academic coursework and activities. Academic dishonesty, such as cheating on examinations, course assignments or projects; plagiarism; misrepresentation; and the unauthorized possession of examination or course-related materials, is prohibited.
   • Plagiarism is unacceptable to the College community. Academic work submitted by students is assumed to be the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression. Furthermore, when students borrow ideas, wording, or organization from another source, they are expected to acknowledge that fact in an appropriate manner. Sanction(s) 2, 4, 5 may apply. *See description of Disciplinary Sanctions listed on page 38.
   • Intentional obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, or lab activities is prohibited. Sanction(s) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 may apply. *
2. Adjudicated Violations of State or Federal Law
   
   
   • Any adjudicated violations of Florida or federal criminal statutes on College premises or at College-sponsored events held off campus will result in disciplinary action. Sanction(s) 2, 3, 4 and 5 may apply.*
3. Alcohol
   
   
   • The possession, use or consumption of intoxicants is prohibited on College premises and at College functions.
   • Any student who abuses alcohol on any SCC campus or SCC-sponsored event off campus will be subject to suspension. That student can apply for readmission consideration only after successfully completing an alcohol abuse program and at least one semester of suspension. Sanction 4 may apply.*
   • No person shall set a fire in College buildings or to College property or property of any other person. Sanction 5 may apply.*
4. Computer Abuse
   

   Theft or other abuse of computer time includes, but is not limited to:

   • Unauthorized or attempted access of any networked computer system;
   • Unauthorized entrance into a file to intentionally damage, disable or impair computing or telecommunications equipment or software;
   • Unauthorized installation of software on College computer equipment; 
   • Introduction of viruses or other destructive software in College computer facilities; 
   • Participation in network activities that place a strain on computer resources; 
   • Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member or College official; 
   • The intentional sending or retrieval of obscene, slanderous, libelous and/or harassing messages or materials;
   • Use of computing facilities to interfere with normal operation of the College computing systems; 
   • Use of computer facilities for commercial purposes, playing games for non-academic purposes or use of IRC (inter-relay chat) for non-academic purposes;
   • Unauthorized use of phones and electronic devices; and
   • Engagement in activities that are not consistent with provisions of Chapter 815, Florida Statutes, Computer Crimes Act, Title 18, United States Code, Electronic Communication Privacy Act of 1986, or the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Sanction(s) 3, 4 and 5 may apply, depending on the severity of injury or loss that results.*
5. Copyright
   
   
   • It is the student's responsibility to abide by all copyright laws and regulations.
6. Damage
   
   
   • Willful, wanton and reckless damage to College property or premises, or property of a member of the College community, or littering on College property is prohibited. Sanction(s) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 may apply.*
7. Defamation, Threats and Extortion
   
   
   • Verbal or written communication that exposes an individual or group to hatred, contempt or ridicule and thereby injures the person, property or reputation of another is prohibited. Sanction(s) 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 may apply *
8. Dishonesty
   
   
   • Dishonesty, such as nonacademic cheating or knowingly furnishing false information, is prohibited. Sanction(s) 2, 3, 4 and 5 may apply.*
9. Dress
   
   
   • As a member of the Seminole Community College community, a student is expected to dress appropriately while on campus and at all College-sponsored activities off campus. Sanction(s) 1, 2 and 4 may apply.*
10. Drugs
    
    
    • To possess, buy, sell, use or keep illegal drugs and/or illegal drug paraphernalia is prohibited. Any student who abuses drugs on any SCC campus or SCC-sponsored event off campus will be subject to suspension. That student can apply for readmission consideration only after participating in a drug abuse program and completing at least one semester of suspension.
    • Any student who sells or manufactures illegal drugs on any SCC campus or at an SCC-sponsored event off campus will be subject to expulsion. That student can apply for readmission consideration only after completing one full year of expulsion. Readmission will be granted to suspended or expelled students only after they provide proof that they are now drug-free and have completed drug rehabilitation.
    • The College has the responsibility to refer for prosecution anyone engaging in illegal drug or controlled substance activity on SCC campuses or at SCC events. Sanction(s) 4 and 5 may apply.*
11. Duplication of College Keys
    
    
    • Duplication of College keys is prohibited. Sanction(s) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 may apply.*
12. Failure to Comply
    
    
    • Failure to comply with published College policy or with directions of College officials authorized and acting in the performance of their duties is prohibited. Sanction(s) 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 may apply.
    • Repeated violations of this requirement may subject the student to dismissal.*
13. Firearms and Lethal Weapons
    
    
    • The College prohibits the possession or use of firearms or other lethal weapons on campus except as specified for students attending the law enforcement course. The possession or use of such weapons may cause disciplinary action by the College. Sanction(s) 4 and 5 may apply.*
14. Fire Equipment
    
    
    • No person shall tamper with fire equipment nor use such equipment for reasons other than the prevention or control of fire.
    • No person shall falsely report a fire, interfere in any way with emergency services or procedures or fail to conform to established safety regulations. Sanction(s) 4 and 5 may apply.*
15. Fireworks and Explosive Chemicals
    
    
    • Unauthorized use or possession of fireworks or explosive chemicals on College premises or at College-sponsored activities is prohibited. Sanction(s) 4 and 5 may apply.*
16. Fraud
    
    
    • Fraud, forgery, alteration or unauthorized use of documents, College records or instruments of identification, with the intent to defraud or deceive, is prohibited. Sanction(s) 2, 3, 4 and 5 may apply.*
17. Gambling
    
    
    • Gambling or other illegal or unauthorized games or contests of chance are not permitted on College premises or at any College-sponsored events held off campus. Sanction(s) 2,4 and 5 may apply.*
18. Guests
    
    
    • Students will be held fully responsible for the behavior of their guests, specifically for damage to property on College premises. Sanction(s) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 may apply, depending on the severity of the behavior of the guest.*
19. Harassment
    
    
    • Harassment, intimidation, verbal abuse or stalking is prohibited. Sanction(s) 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 may apply.
    • Repeated violations of this requirement may subject the student to dismissal.*
    • No person shall exhibit behavior that harms or threatens to harm another person. Sanction(s) 4, 5 and 6 may apply.
    • Repeated violations of this requirement may subject the student to dismissal.*
    • Making remarks or placing visual or written material aimed at a specific person or group that is demeaning, causes mental or physical harm or has the effect of creating an environment that limits a student's educational opportunity is prohibited. Sanction(s) 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 may apply.
    • Repeated violations of this requirement may subject the student to dismissal.*
20. Harassment (Discriminatory)
    
    Harassment on the basis of gender, race, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age is prohibited.
    Harassment includes:
    
    
    • Any slurs, innuendos or other verbal or physical conduct reflecting on an individual's race, ethnic background, gender, religion, disability condition or age, which has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational or work environment; has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the individual's work or school performance or participation; or otherwise adversely affects an individual's employment or educational opportunities. Sanction(s) 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 may apply. Repeated violations of this requirement may subject the student to dismissal.*
    • The denial or provision of aid, benefits, grades, rewards, employment, faculty assistance, services or treatment on the basis of sexual advances or requests for sexual favors. Sanction(s) 4, 5 and 6 may apply. Repeated violations of this requirement may subject the student to dismissal.*
    • Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or education; submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for educational or employment decisions affecting the individual; or such conduct that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or educational environment. Sanction(s) 4 and 5 may apply. Repeated violations of this requirement may subject the student to dismissal.*
    • In the event a student feels that he/she has been the victim of some form of harassment, that individual should discuss the incident with the Director of Student Life or the Coordinator of Equity. Complaint procedures, located in the Procedures Manual, are available from supervisors, the Director of Human Resources or the Coordinator of Equity.
21. Hazing
    
    
    • Students or other persons associated with Seminole Community College clubs and/or organizations are prohibited from engaging in any activity that can be described as hazing. Sanction(s) 2, 4, 5 and 6 may apply.*
    • As used here, "hazing" means any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into (or affiliation with) any organization operating under the sanction of Seminole Community College. Such activity includes, but is not limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as paddling, branding, exposure to the elements, forced calisthenics or forced consumption of food, liquor, drug or other substance, and includes any activity that would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact or any other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual.
    • Any such activity shall be presumed to be a "forced" activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding. Sanction(s) 2, 4, 5 and 6 may apply.*
    • All College organizations are required to include the above anti-hazing rule in the bylaws of such organizations, and any club or organization violating the hazing rule, on or off campus, will have its charter revoked and will not be permitted to operate on Seminole Community College property or to otherwise operate under the sanction of Seminole Community College. Sanction(s) 2, 4, 5 and 6 may
    • Any student acting as an individual who violates the above rule, on or off campus, will be subject to probation, suspension or dismissal. Penalties recommended for violations of this rule by individual students will be based on whether a hazing violation is "minor" or "major" in scope. In determining whether a hazing violation is "minor" or "major" in scope, the primary consideration will be the presence of or potential for serious physical or emotional harm to the victim of the hazing. Sanction(s) 2, 4, 5 and 6 may apply.*
22. Identification of Individuals
    
    
    • No person shall permit others to use his or her College identification card or refuse to provide his or her name and show appropriate identification to a College official performing his or her duty. Sanction(s) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 may apply, depending on the severity of the behavior.*
23. Physical Abuse
    
    
    • Physical abuse of any person on College premises or at College-sponsored events or functions, or conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any such person is prohibited. Sanction(s) 4, 5 and 6 may apply.*
24. Sexual Assault
    
    
    • Seminole Community College will not tolerate sexual assault in any form, including attempted rape; acquaintance rape; exploitative behavior; obtaining sexual favors through psychological coercion; attempts to embarrass or intimidate; or obtaining sexual favors through the inducement of alcohol or drugs. Sanction(s) 4 and 5 may apply.*
25. Skating
    
    
    • Skating or skateboarding is prohibited on College property. Sanction(s) 1, 2 and 4 may apply.*
26. Smoking
    
    • Seminole Community College is a smoke-free institution. Smoking is allowed in designated areas only. Sanction(s) 1, 2 and 4 may apply, depending on the number of repeated violations of this regulation.*
27. Soliciting
    
    
    • Soliciting or canvassing for commercial purposes by any individual is not permitted on College premises. Sanction(s) 1 and 2 may apply, depending on the number of repeated violations of this regulation.*
28. Theft
    
    
    • Theft of College property or of property of a member of the College community on College premises is prohibited. Sanction(s) 3, 4 and 5 may apply, depending on the severity of injury or loss that results.*
29. Unauthorized Access to Facilities
    
    
    • Unauthorized access or entry to, or use of, College facilities and equipment is prohibited. Sanction(s) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 may apply, depending on the severity of injury or loss that results.*
30. Unauthorized Use of College Name
    
    
    • The unauthorized use of the College's name by any person, persons and or organizations is prohibited. Sanction(s) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 may apply, depending on the severity of injury or loss that results.*
31. Violation of College Regulations, Policies or Procedures
    
    
    • Violating published College regulations, policies or procedures is prohibited. Sanction(s) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 may apply, depending on the severity of injury or loss that results.*
32. Violation of Disciplinary Sanction
    
    
    • Knowingly violating terms of any disciplinary sanction imposed in accordance with College policy is prohibited. Sanction(s) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 may apply, depending on the level of the current sanction.*

* See description of Disciplinary Sanctions below

Disciplinary Procedures and Student Rights

Violations of the standards of conduct contained herein will be treated as College disciplinary matters. In certain cases or situations, the application of civil or criminal law will also apply.

Disciplinary Sanctions

1. Warning: A written reprimand to the student indicating that repetition of said act will be cause for further disciplinary action; copies of which will be placed in College judicial files.
2. Disciplinary Probation: Placing the student(s) on warning that a repetition of this or other misbehavior will be grounds for more serious disciplinary action; this may include exclusion from certain College activities.
3. Restitution: Reimbursement or payment for damage to or misappropriation of property.
4. Suspension: Exclusion from classes and other privileges or activities, as set forth in the notice of suspension for a definite period of time.
5. Dismissal: Permanent termination of student status.
6. Other: Other types of discipline, as set forth in College regulations and consistent with the incident involved, such as a letter of apology to aggrieved parties, community service, repair of damages or mandatory attendance of an anger management seminar, etc.

Responsibility to Carry Out Disciplinary Procedures

The Director of Student Life (herein referred to as the Judicial Officer) is designated by the president of the College as the staff member of the College, under the direction of the Vice President for Student Success Services, as having primary responsibility for the administration of student discipline, including the investigation of alleged student violations of the College's standards of conduct.

Alleged violations of student regulations or other student misconduct shall be referred to the Judicial Officer or designated representative by any member of the College community. The Judicial Officer or designated representative will immediately investigate the charges submitted and may require that the charges be presented in writing. The Judicial Officer or designated representative shall take whatever steps are necessary to determine probable foundation for the alleged charges.

Seminole Community College will abide by all Florida State Statutes and Florida Board Rules applicable to student discipline. Deliberate care shall be taken to provide for due process and to ensure that students receive fair and equitable treatment and are clearly aware of all their rights.

Disciplinary Procedures

1. Alleged violations of student regulations or other misconduct are to be referred to the Judicial Officer or designated representative by any member of the College community.
2. The charges will be investigated by the Judicial Officer or designated representative, and after careful consideration of the facts, the Judicial Officer or a designated representative will determine the degree of disciplinary action to be taken, if any. If extenuating circumstances exist, the Judicial Officer or a designated representative may temporarily suspend a student from attending classes and ban the student from Campus, pending the outcome of a judicial hearing.
3. If a formal judicial complaint is to be filed against a student, the student will be notified in writing of the nature of the charges against him/her and the date and place of the hearing with the Judicial Officer or designated representative.
4. The student will be notified in writing of the disciplinary action to be taken by the College, if any, as soon as possible following the hearing.
5. Action of the Judicial Officer or a designated representative may be appealed to the Vice President for Student Success Services.

Appeals to the Vice President of Student Success

The following procedures are to be followed:

1. The appeal must be made in writing within five College working days after notification to the student. The appeal must be sent to the Vice President of Student Success. There are three grounds for appeal: (1) improper procedure had been followed in the original hearing; (2) new, relevant evidence unavailable to the student at the time of the original hearing can be presented; or (3) the sanctions recommended by the original Judicial Officer were excessive.
2. A Judicial Appeals Board composed of three College faculty or staff members will be selected by the Vice President of Student Success to review the case; reach a decision concerning the alleged violations; and determine the appropriate sanctions.
3. The student will be notified in writing of the date and place of the appeal hearing. The notice will also inform the student of his/her right to appear at a fair and impartial appeal hearing, present relevant evidence and witnesses on his/her behalf and have the opportunity for cross-examination. At this hearing, the student has the right to a representative of his choice and any fee charged by such a representative shall be the student's responsibility. This representative may act only in an advisory capacity to the student and will not be permitted to otherwise participate in the hearing.
4. The Judicial Officer will be present at the appeal hearing to present testimony, evidence and witnesses on behalf of the College.
5. Upon conclusion of the appeal hearing, the Appeals Board will provide the student and the Vice President of Student Success with written notification of its decision. This notification will include the findings of fact, regarding the alleged violation(s) and the degree of disciplinary action.
6. If the student wishes to challenge the findings of the Appeals Board, he or she must appeal to the Vice President of Student Success in writing within five College working days after notification to the student. The Vice President of Student Success will review the facts of the case and findings of the Judicial Appeals Board and make a decision, regarding the disposition of the student's case. The actions and/or sanctions imposed by the Vice President are final and shall constitute final agency action of the College.

Readmission

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