Student Code of Conduct
Lamar Community College strives to provide a safe, environment for students, staff, and faculty. It has set reasonable expectations for student conduct as well as students’ rights and responsibilities (see below). Additionally, the College employs a certified police officer who provides on-campus security.
The Student Code of Conduct is the code by which you agree to behave as an LCC student. Because admission to Lamar Community College is a voluntary entrance into the academic community, every student assumes responsibilities and obligations to follow all laws, regulations, and rules established by the College, State of Colorado, and/or United States Federal Government. These rules, regulations, and laws are known as the Student Code of Conduct. Thus, contingent on the degree of misconduct, any campus policy or residence hall policy violation may result in disciplinary action ranging from a reprimand or probation to suspension or dismissal from Lamar Community College.
What are Students’ Rights?
Students have the right to:
- reasonable access to educational and developmental opportunities;
- freedom from intimidation, discrimination, or harassment;
- freedom to express themselves within guidelines;
- direct access to helpful staff;
- fair and equitable treatment;
What are Students’ Responsibilities?
Students have the responsibility to:
- adhere to rules and regulations;
- respect the rights of others;
- comply with reasonable requests made by the College;
- pay their bills and meet administrative expectations;
- assume responsibility for their behavior.
What are the Code of Conduct Violations?
- Dishonesty such as cheating, plagiarism, lying (see Section VII: Academic Affairs for more on academic dishonesty);
- Oral or written abuse, hazing action or discriminatory behavior toward an individual or group which reflects hatred, contempt, ridicule, and/or harm, thereby injures the person, property or reputation of another person(s);
- Inappropriate or disruptive behavior that interferes with the College learning and/or working environment or any College activity;
- Physical harm or threat to College employees, students, or visitors;
- Theft, misuse, or damage to College equipment, facilities, or property;
- Unauthorized entry or use of College equipment, facilities, or property;
- Indecent or obscene conduct during any College sponsored activity on or off campus;
- Failure to comply with directions of college employees;
- Condoning another student’s act which violates Policy;
- Unauthorized representation/contracting of the College;
- Tobacco use violations;
- Possession, use, or sale of weapons or firearms. Weapons/firearms in personal vehicles are considered possession. Weapons and firearms are described as, but not limited to, air or gas powered BB or pellet guns; shot guns, rifles, handguns; slingshots, bows, arrows; knives with blades over three inches in length, switchblades, spring loaded blades; fireworks, pyrotechnics, ammunition, gunpowder, explosives, brass knuckles, chains, paint ball guns, and similar items;
- Possession, use, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages,
- Possession, use, sale, or distribution of drugs as defined by State and Federal laws;
- Unauthorized distribution or sale of goods on campus;
- College parking violations;
- Inappropriate dress;
- Pets with the exception of seeing-eye dogs for the blind or legal fish in the Residence Halls.
- At the discretion of campus officials, operation of any motorized or non-motorized vehicle—including skateboards, roller skates and bicycles—is prohibited if it constitutes a pedestrian or motor traffic hazard, or which endangers the health and safety of a person or property on the campus.
Disciplinary Measures
In those cases where students violate the code of conduct, LCC reserves the right to take appropriate measures. In those cases where the college believes there is a possible violation of state or federal law, the college reserves the right to inform civil authorities.
- Warning Notice to student that he/she has violated College regulations and that repetition of wrongful conduct may be cause for more severe disciplinary action.
- Probation Restriction of student’s privileges for a designated period of time; includes the understanding that more severe disciplinary sanctions may occur if the student is found to be violating any College regulations during the probationary period.
- Suspension Involuntary termination from the College for a specified period of time not to exceed one/two academic terms. Students may be suspended from a class, residence hall, use of a College facility, or an activity if the conduct is in violation of the Code.
- Dismissal Involuntary permanent termination from the College. The student is eligible for re-admission only if, after two academic terms, the student proves that the behavior that resulted in the separation has been resolved.
- Immediate Intervention An immediate action taken by a faculty or staff member or by the Vice President of Student Services to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the College community or preservation of College property; to ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being; or if the student poses a definite threat of disruption or interference with the normal operations of the College.
- Other disciplinary sanction Other disciplinary sanctions include fines, restitution, denial of privileges, assignment of community service to benefit the college or community; or other sanction that does not result in the student being denied the right of attending classes.
Student Disciplinary Procedures
Students are expected to respect and follow the Student Code of Conduct. Again, this Code applies to every registered student in class, on campus property, or at College-sponsored activities. If a student is charged with violating the College’s Code, the College follows the procedures below.
The student may waive his/her rights to process below. Proceedings may occur prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off-campus.
In cases where the student’s behavior is classified as inappropriate, disruptive, dangerous, potentially harmful, or interferes with a staff/faculty member’s ability to complete his/her responsibilities, the college reserves the right to remove a student from the classroom, office, or residence hall room immediately.
- Staff or faculty member reports alleged violation to Campus Safety and Vice President of Student Services.
- Campus Safety officer investigates alleged violation and reports findings to VIce President of Student Services. In some cases, student may be prohibited from returning to a class, office, or residence hall room until matter is resolved.
- The Vice President of Student Services decides course of action based on findings and interviews then notifies student of decision and necessary disciplinary measure. Required written notices are served to student by personal delivery or certified mail to address student has filed with LCC’s Student Services. If notice is mailed, students shall be given three (3) additional days to respond.
Appeal Process for Violation of Code of Conduct
- After receiving a notice, student has seven (7) days to appeal decision to the Vice President of Student Services. Immediate interventions and cases where the student chooses not to appeal begin immediately after notice is given. If an appeal is requested, the suspension or expulsion is not imposed until the appeal procedures below are completed.
- If student chooses to appeal the decision, he/she meets with the Vice President of Student Services to discuss violation( s) and disciplinary decision. During this meeting, the Dean determines if a hearing is necessary.
If a hearing is scheduled, the Vice President of Student Services determines his/her hearing procedures, keeping the following guidelines:
- Student shall have the right to be heard by the Vice President of Student Services. In the event that the student is under the age of eighteen or incapacitated he/she may have an advisor present to assist him/her in presenting his/her case.
- Student does not have the right to be represented by an attorney during these proceedings except in a case where civil or criminal actions are pending; in that case the attorney’s role shall be advisory only. The student is responsible for presenting his/her own case and, therefore, advisors are not permitted to speak or participate directly in any hearing except as provided in Item A above.
- The student has the right to identify documents, witnesses and other materials he/she would like the Vice President of Student Services to review before making a final decision.
- The Vice President of Student Services renders a final decision.
Student Grievance Procedure
The student grievance procedure is intended to allow an opportunity to present an issue which they feel warrants action, including the right to secure educational benefits and services without regard to sex, race, national origin or ancestry, creed, color, disability, or age, and have the issue considered in a prompt and equitable fashion.
The College supports the rights of its students and makes every effort to ensure that students’ rights are upheld. The College also realizes that disagreements may occur. Consequently, if a student believes Academic, Administrative, Affirmative Action, or the Americans with Disabilities Act rights have been violated, the College provides a grievance procedure for student appeals.
Steps #1 and #2 allow the student to resolve the disagreement in an informal manner by discussing the problem and possible resolutions with the affected parties. If an informal resolution does not occur, then the student may continue the grievance by taking Step #3 and Step #4.
Academic Grievances
This type of grievance includes, course instructor conflicts, transcript decisions, and related academic issues. Each of these steps is to be followed in order; although the student may elect to withdraw or resolve the grievance at any step of this procedure.
- Student meets with instructor and discusses the grievance.
- Student meets with their academic advisor and discusses the grievance.
- Student meets with the Dean of Academic Services.
- If issue is not resolved then the student submits a written complaint stating the grievance, relevant circumstances, witnesses, and evidence to the Dean of Student Services.
- The instructor, academic advisor, Dean of Academic Services and Dean of Student Services meet to recommend a decision.
- The student may appeal the committee’s decision to the Vice President of Academic Services who will render the final decision.
To appeal academic issues other than grades, students should first attempt to solve the situation with the faculty or staff member most directly involved. If resolution is not possible, the student may submit a written appeal to the Vice President of Academic Services who makes a determination within 30 days of the filing of the appeal. The Vice President of Academic Services is the final deciding authority in academic matters. Academic appeals should be made in as timely a manner as possible and must be filed no later than the semester subsequent to when the course in question was taken.
This type of grievance includes course grade decisions, course instructor conflicts, transcript decisions, and related academic issues. Each of these steps is to be taken in order although student may resolve or withdraw the grievance at any step of this procedure.
- Student meets with instructor and discusses the grievance.
- Student meets with advisor and discusses the grievance.
- The student submits to the Vice President of Academic Services a written complaint stating the grievance, relevant circumstances, witnesses, and evidence.
- The student, instructor, and advisor meet with the Vice President of Academic Services who renders a final decision.
Administrative Grievances
This type of grievance includes outstanding bills, registration problems, and other administrative issues. See the Residence Hall Handbook for filing residence hall grievances. Each of the following steps is to be taken in order although the student may resolve or withdraw their grievance at any step of this procedure.
- Student meets with the party the complaint is against and discusses the grievance.
- Student meets with advisor and discusses the grievance.
- Student submits a written complaint stating the grievance, relevant circumstances, witnesses, and evidence to the appropriate dean.
- Student and advisor meet with the appropriate Vice President who renders the final decision.
Affirmative Action Grievances
Affirmative Action grievances include sexual harassment and/or discrimination complaints. Each of the following steps is to be taken in order although the student may resolve or withdraw their grievance at any step of this procedure.
- Student is encouraged to meet with the party the complaint is against and discuss the grievance, unless inappropriate to do so.
- Student meets with advisor and discusses the grievance.
- Student submits to the Equity Officer a written complaint stating grievance, relevant circumstances, witnesses, and evidence. (Copies must be given to advisor.)
- The Equity Officer makes a final decision. If not satisfied, the student proceeds through the Federal Affirmative Action process as deemed appropriate for the type of complaint submitted.
ADA Grievances
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) grievances arise from those incidents which a student believes violate the ADA. Each of the following steps is to be taken in order although the student may resolve or withdraw the grievance at any step of this procedure.
- Student meets with the party the complaint is against and discusses the grievance.
- Student meets with the advisor and discusses the grievance.
- Student submits to the Special Populations Coordinator and the Vice President of Academic Services a written complaint stating the grievance, relevant circumstances, witnesses, and evidence.
- The Vice President of Academic Services renders a final decision. If not satisfied, the student proceeds through the federal affirmative action process as deemed appropriate for the type of issue.
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