Washtenaw Community College

Washtenaw Community College is a community whose mission is to "make a positive difference in people's lives through accessible and excellent programs and services". Washtenaw is a learning community rich in the diversity of its teachers and staff who are deeply committed to helping students achieve their goals. It is a community drawn together by the common beliefs in the values of teaching and learning and the importance of respecting differences in people and in their ideas.

The primary purpose of the Policy on Student Rights and Responsibilities is to maintain an environment which supports the educational process and protects the safety and well-being of the College Community. The responsibility for maintaining such an environment is shared by all members of the community.

Washtenaw Community College students are members of both the College community and the community at large. As members of the College Community, students are subject to the rights and responsibilities which accrue to them by virtue of this membership. As members of the larger community, of which the College is a part, students are entitled to all rights and protection accorded them by the law of that community. By the same token, students are also subject to all laws and their enforcement. When students violate civil or criminal law, they may incur penalties prescribed by legal authorities. In such an instance, College discipline will be initiated when students also violate College regulations. Any violation of criminal law not listed in this policy may also, at the discretion of the College, result in student disciplinary action.

Within the College, it should be noted that this policy will supersede current program and departmental procedures if conflicts exist.

This policy and the companion procedures are intended to apply to all persons who have active student status at the College. This includes all persons who are actively registered for credit or credit-free courses and/or special training/education programs, workshops, and seminars. Guest students from other institutions, as well as high school students approved to take courses at the College, are also covered by these provisions.

The Office of the Associate Vice President of Student Services is charged with the responsibility of developing and administering guidelines and procedures to implement this policy.

STUDENT RIGHTS

Freedom of Access to Higher Education

Washtenaw Community College is an open-door institution, which means that any individual who has the ability to benefit from College offerings will be admitted. The mission of the College is to "strive to make a positive difference in people's lives through accessible and excellent programs and services."

Freedom from Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment

Discrimination against individuals on the basis of any protected category is antithetical to the values of the College and is prohibited by law. Harassment of individuals because of any of these innate characteristics will not be tolerated at Washtenaw Community College. Violation of this policy may result in discipline ranging from counseling up to and including dismissal.

Discriminatory harassment is defined as verbal or physical conduct based upon race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, familial status, height, weight, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, or Vietnam-era veteran status that

Freedom from Sexual Harassment

Washtenaw Community College is committed to maintaining an environment for learning, teaching, working, and research that is free of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is antithetical both to the academic values of the College and the need for a work environment that is free from sexual harassment or coercion. Sexual harassment in any form is a violation of College policy and is prohibited by Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and by the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1976. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated at Washtenaw Community College. Violation of this policy may result in discipline ranging from counseling up to and including dismissal or termination.

Academic Freedoms

1. Freedom of Speech and Expression
   
   Students have the right to express their thoughts and opinions without fear of reprisal. Student evaluation shall be determined on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards. Students should bear in mind that the right to free speech does not include a license to harass or injure others or to disrupt orderly conduct of College classes or operations.
   
   
2. Protection Against Improper Academic Evaluation
   
   Students shall have protection through due process against prejudiced or capricious academic evaluation.
   
   
3. Protection Against Improper Disclosure
   
   Students shall have access to their educational records and the College will protect student educational records from dissemination or transferability without a student's consent. In this regard, it is College policy to comply fully with the provision and regulations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974.

Freedom in Student Affairs

1. Freedom of Association
   
   Students bring to campus a variety of interests and skills previously acquired and develop new interests as members of the College Community. They shall be free to organize and form associations to promote their common interests, to develop leadership skills and to meet new friends.
   
   
2. Participation in College Governance
   
   As members of the College Community, students shall be free, individually or collectively, to express their views on issues of College policy or procedure and on matters of general concern to the student body.
   
   
3. Publications
   
   Student publications are important in establishing and maintaining an atmosphere of free and responsible discussion and bringing issues of concern and importance to the attention of the College Community. The College and students will share student publication editorial responsibility for all College-sponsored or supported student publications in order to maintain the integrity of communities, as well as promote free inquiry and expression.

Right to Due Process

In administering this policy, the College guarantees each student accused of violating a published College policy, those principles of due process and fundamental fairness established by the Constitution of the United States. Due process at Washtenaw means that a student is assured that his/her rights as a student will be protected. Specifically, a student has the right: To be informed of all charges brought against him/her; that he/she be given a fair opportunity to refute them; that the College not be arbitrary in its actions; and that there be provisions to appeal a decision.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The following defines misconduct by students. Students in violation of the following, acting alone or with others, are subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Disruption of the Educational Process

1. No student, acting alone or with others, shall obstruct, interfere with, or disrupt any teaching, administrative, disciplinary, public service, research or other activity authorized or conducted on the College campus. This disruption does not necessarily have to involve violence or force for the student to face disciplinary action.
   
   
2. No student shall fail to comply with the lawful and reasonable directions of College officials or law enforcement officers acting in the performance of their duties and/or refuse to identify him or herself to these persons when requested to do so.

Academic Dishonesty

All forms of academic dishonesty including but not limited to collusion, fabrication, cheating, and plagiarism will call for discipline.

1. Collusion is defined as the unauthorized collaboration with any other person in preparing work offered for individual credit.
   
   
2. Fabrication is defined as intentionally falsifying or inventing any information or citation on any academic exercise.
   
   
3. Cheating is defined as intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise.
   
   
4. Plagiarism is defined as the appropriation of any other person's work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in one's own work offered for credit.

Infringement of Rights of Others

1. Threatening, attempting, or using physical force or intimidation against any person on College premises or at College-sponsored functions or any student or employee in connection with the performance of his/her college duties.
   
   
2. Theft from or damage to the College premises or the property of other students, staff or faculty while on campus or at College-sponsored functions.
   
   
3. Discrimination, intimidation, or discriminatory harassment based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.
   
   
4. Sexual harassment (as defined under Student Rights, "Freedom from Sexual Harassment").
   
   
5. Stalking defined as harassment by repeated unconsented contact, which causes significant mental suffering or distress.

Other Unlawful Acts or Violations of College Rules, Regulations and Policies

1. Forgery, alteration or misuse of College documents records or identification, as well as knowingly furnishing false information to the College.
   
   
2. Possession, use, or storage of knives, firearms, fireworks, explosives, or other lethal weapons on campus or at any College-sponsored event.
   
   
3. Consumption or possession of any alcoholic beverages on College property unless previously approved by the President or his/her designee and then only for those who are of legal drinking age. This includes a prohibition of being intoxicated on campus.
   
   
4. Unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or being under the influence of any illegal drugs or controlled substances on College property or at College-sponsored activities.
   
   
5. Gambling on campus or at any College-sponsored function (excludes approved charitable fundraising activities).
   
   
6. Smoking in College buildings, including rented facilities. Smoking is prohibited in all buildings including private offices, entranceways, lobbies, conference rooms, restrooms, hallways, lecture halls, and classrooms. Smoking is not permitted outside of College buildings.
   
   
7. Misuse or damage to fire safety equipment on campus.
   
   
8. "Software piracy" or other illegal or unauthorized use of computer programs, equipment, or networks. This also includes theft or abuse of computer time.
   
   
9. Unauthorized presence in, use of, or damage to College premises, facilities, or property.
   
   
10. Bomb threats, false fire reports or other false warnings or threats, parking violations, violations of other published or posted regulations, unauthorized possession or duplication of College keys, lewd or indecent conduct, and unauthorized entry into files.
    
    
11. Violation of any civil or criminal laws while on campus or at College-sponsored events.

SANCTIONS

One or more of the following sanctions may be imposed for violations of College Policies:

1. Disciplinary Reprimand: The student is warned in writing that further misconduct may result in more severe disciplinary action.
   
   
2. Restitution: The student is required to make payment either with money or the performance of specific duties to the College or other persons, groups, or organizations for damages incurred as a result of a violation of this policy.
   
   
3. Failing Grade: In the case of academic dishonesty, the student may receive a failing grade for the test or for the course involved.
   
   
4. Removal from a Course or Program: A student may continue to attend other classes but may not attend the course or program from which he/she has been removed. In the event of removal, a student will be given either a withdrawal or a failure in the course.
   
   
5. Internal Probation: The student shall not represent the College in any extracurricular activity or hold membership in any student group, organization, or College committee. Additional restrictions or conditions may also be imposed. Notification will be sent to all appropriate College offices.
   
   
6. Suspension: Separation of the student from the College for a specified period of time. The student shall not participate in any College-sponsored activity and may be barred from College premises.
   
   
7. Expulsion: Permanent separation of the student from the College.
   
   
8. Other Sanctions: Other sanctions, including loss of access to College resources, mandated counseling or psychiatric assessments, may be imposed instead of, or in addition to, those specified in the above sections.

For example, students may be subject to restrictions upon their driving privileges on College property for disciplinary violations involving the use of motor vehicles, or, in the case of computer misconduct, students may forfeit the use of their E-mail account.

Interim Suspension

If a student's misconduct gives reason to believe his/her continued presence on campus poses an immediate and significant threat to the safety of him/herself, other students, College employees or campus property, the Associate Vice President of Student Services, the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services, or other authorized College official (as specifically designated in writing by the College President) may suspend the student and exclude the student from campus pending a hearing.

Upon deciding to suspend a student, the Associate Vice President of Student Services or Vice President of Instruction and Student Services must notify the student by the most expeditious means available. After notifying the student of the interim suspension, the College will proceed to organize a disciplinary hearing.

Any student given an interim suspension may request an expedited conference with the Associate Vice President of Student Services to discuss whether the suspension will continue until the hearing is completed.

Outcomes Statement:

The College will have a policy available that provides support for the educational process, protects the safety and well-being of the College community, and insures due process for all students.

Adopted: January 25, 1994
Revised: June 27, 2000
Administrative Review: May 2002





Revised April 12, 2002

I. STUDENT COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

Introduction:
The purpose of these Student Procedures is to provide a mechanism for resolving student complaints against faculty, staff, and administrative offices. The concerns addressed include discrimination or intimidating treatment, as well as harassment on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, and/or disability. Also included are any other seemingly arbitrary, capricious, unreasonable, or unprofessional conduct toward a student or groups of students by a faculty or staff member, or an administrative office of the College. This section of the policy deals with student-initiated complaints against faculty, staff, or administrative offices. The procedures regarding student complaints are grouped in three categories:

A. Student grade appeals
B. Sexual and discriminatory harassment
C. Student complaints regarding any College faculty, staff, or administrative office

Complaint forms are available in the offices of the Deans, the Associate Vice President for Student Services, and the Executive Vice President for Instruction.

II. PROCEDURES FOR STUDENT DISCIPLINE

1. The Associate Vice President for Student Services shall arrange for the hearing to be held and shall notify all parties at least three (3) days prior to the hearing of the time, date, and location of the hearing.
   
   
2. The student is entitled to appear in person at the hearing to present his/her defense, including the presentation of affidavits, unsworn statements, exhibits, and witnesses.
   
   
3. The student has the right to elect not to appear at the hearing even though the student requested the hearing. Should s/he not appear, the hearing shall be held in the student's absence.
   
   
4. At least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the hearing, the College may make available to the student for review, at a reasonable time and place, any affidavits, unsworn statements, or exhibits which the College or complainant intends to submit at the hearing.
   
   
5. The student has the right to have a non-participatory advisor present at the hearing.
   
   
6. The student shall be permitted to hear evidence against him/her, present the defense, and call witnesses. Only the Chair is permitted to cross-examine witnesses. The accused student and members of the Review Board may suggest to the Chair questions to be asked on cross-examination.
   
   
7. The hearing will be closed to the public unless an open hearing is requested by the student. If the hearing is open, the Chair may still close a portion of the hearing to protect the privacy of a complainant, victim(s), or witness (es).
   
   
8. Formal rules of evidence shall not be applicable in student disciplinary hearings. The Chair shall adhere to the appropriate rules of confidentiality and privilege, but shall otherwise, at his/her sole discretion, admit all matters into evidence which reasonable persons would accept as having probative value in the conduct of their affairs. Unduly repetitious or irrelevant evidence may be excluded.
   
   
9. The student has the right to refuse to answer questions. However, the student's refusal to answer questions may be considered in any finding, decision, or recommendation.
   
   
10. The facts of the case shall be determined solely on the basis of evidence presented at the hearing.
    
    
11. The College will provide for a record of the hearing to be kept.
    
    

1. The Chair calls the hearing to order and verifies those in attendance.
   
   
2. The Chair reads a statement that cautions all participants that the proceedings of the hearing must be treated with great discretion and that anyone's disclosures or repetition of what they hear may violate privacy rights or be inflammatory. In a closed hearing, anyone who objects to keeping the proceedings confidential may be required to leave the hearing room. The Chair further cautions all participants that anyone, including the complainant or the student, who is deemed by the Chair to be disrupting the orderly process of the hearing will be required to leave the hearing room.
   
   
3. The Chair provides an overview of the procedures to be followed during the hearing, deliberation, and decision.
   
   
4. The Chair presents a summary of the complaint or reads the charges against the student.
   
   
5. The complainant or a member of the College faculty or administration presents the complainant and evidence and witnesses in support of the allegations against the student.
   
   
6. The student then may present evidence and witnesses to support the student's position. The complainant or College faculty or administrator may present rebuttal evidence.
   
   
7. The Chair shall rule to admit or exclude evidence at the hearing.
   
   
8. At the Chair's discretion, the Chair or members of the Student Review Board may ask questions of the presenters or of witnesses during the course of the proceedings. The student or the complainant may request the Chair to ask specific questions of a witness.
   
   
9. Both parties have the opportunity to present brief (no more than 10 minutes) summation arguments.
   
   
10. The Chair declares the hearing closed, and participants are excused from the hearing room.
    
    

1. Administrative Hearing: After reviewing the evidence presented at the hearing, the Associate Vice President will determine whether a violation of College policy or regulations has occurred. If s/he determines that there has been a violation, the Associate Vice President will decide upon the appropriate disciplinary sanction.
   
   
2. Student Review Board Hearing: The Student Review Board must deliberate in private and determine, by majority vote, whether the student has violated College policy or regulations. Within two (2) College business days of the close of the hearing, the Review Board must deliver in writing to the Associate Vice President of Student Services its determination as to whether a violation has occurred and, if so, its recommendation as to an appropriate disciplinary sanction.
   
   
3. The Associate Vice President of Student Services shall render a decision in writing within ten (10) College business days of the close of the hearing. The Associate Vice President may adopt, modify, or disregard the Review Board's recommendation. The Associate Vice President's decision shall include a determination as to whether there was a violation and what sanction, if any, will be imposed. The decision may also include a written explanation or rationale for any deviation from the Review Board's recommendation.
   
   
4. The Associate Vice President of Student Services will inform the student and the complainant of the decision, and of the right of either party to appeal. Copies may also be provided to the Review Board members and the Vice President of Instruction.
   
   

1. The Student Review Board shall be responsible for reviewing and making recommendations to the Associate Vice President of Student Services on student disciplinary matters and, as appropriate, matters involving the resolution of complaints concerning administrative decisions that affect students.
   
   
2. The Student Review Board shall be appointed by the Associate Vice President of Student Services and shall be composed of two (2) faculty, two (2) students, and one (1) administrator who will serve as the Chair.
   
   
3. The Associate Vice President of Student Services shall notify the parties three (3) days prior to the hearing of the names of individuals who may comprise the Student Review Board.
   
   
4. The complainant or the accused student may challenge a Student Review Board member on the grounds of bias. Challenges to the membership must be directed in writing to the Chair at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to a scheduled hearing. If the challenge is upheld, a replacement member will be selected.
   
   

• Freedom of Access to Higher Education
  
• Freedom from Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment
  
• Freedom from Sexual Harassment
  
• Academic Freedoms
  
• Freedom in Student Affairs
  
• Right to Due Process
  

• Disruption of the Educational Process
  
• Academic Dishonesty
  
• Infringement of Rights of Others
  
• Other Unlawful Acts or Violations of College Rules, Regulations, and Policies
  

• Academic
  
• Other
  

• Administrative
  
• Student Review Board
  

Revised April 12, 2002
Revised September 23, 2004

SERIES 1000, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

• 1010 - Bylaws
  
• 1020 - Citizen Participation During Board of Trustees Meetings
  
• 1030 - Policy Development Guidelines
  
• 1050 - Values, Mission and Goals
  
• 1060 - Guidelines for Excellence
  
• 1070 - Trustee Emeritus Policy
  
• 1080 - Board Travel and Attendance at Conferences
  
• 1090 - Compensation and Reimbursement of Trustee Local Expenses
  

SERIES 2000, ADMISSIONS, TUITION/FEES ASSESSMENT

• 2005 - Admissions Policy
  
• 2030 - Residency
  
• 2040 - Tuition Refund Policy
  
• 2080 - Tuition Payment Plan Policy
  
• 2095 - WCC Scholarships
  
• 2105 - Program Offerings in Livingston County
  
• 2120 - Policy on Articulation
  

SERIES 3000, INSTRUCTION

• 3010 - Assurance of Student Success
  
• 3020 - Club Sports
  
• 3025 - Club Sports Advisors Compensation
  
• 3031 - Policy on Credit for Prior Learning
  
• 3033 - College Certificate Structure Policy
  
• 3043 - Curriculum Purpose and Effectiveness Policy
  
• 3045 - General Education Philosophy and Requirements
  
• 3046 - Degree Structure Policy
  

SERIES 4000, STUDENTS

• 4052 - Learning Resource Center, Loan Privileges (LRC)
  
• 4055 - New Student Assessment and Individualized Program Planning
  
• 4060 - Student Orientation
  
• 4067 - Student Eligibility for Extra- and Co-Curricular Activities
  
• 4070 - Student Information, Release of
  
• 4080 - WCC Student Newspaper
  
• 4090 - Student Health Insurance
  
• 4095 - Student Rights and Responsibilities
  

SERIES 5000, EMPLOYEES

• 5005 - Administrative Compensation Policy
  
• 5010 - Affirmative Action
  
• 5020 - Administrative Group Annual Planning & Performance Review Policy
  
• 5030 - Children's Center, Staff Use of
  
• 5040 - Conflict of Interest: College Administrators
  
• 5042 - Diversity in College Employment
  
• 5045 - Emeritus Staff Policy
  
• 5050 - Employee Assistance Program
  
• 5060 - Employee Recognition
  
• 5065 - Organizational Chart
  
• 5070 - Part-Time Faculty and Wage Rates
  
• 5080 - Sexual Harassment
  
• 5081 - Policy Prohibiting Discriminatory Harassment
  
• 5085 - Staff Collaboration and Governance Policy
  
• 5087 - Staff Success Policy
  
• 5090 - Work Practices and Rules of Conduct (Faculty and Staff)
  
• 5091 - Drug-Free Workplace
  

SERIES 6000, BUSINESS OFFICE

• 6010 - Accounting of Funds
  
• 6020 - Banking
  
• 6030 - Budget Adjustment
  
• 6035 - External Use of College Facilities
  
• 6036 - Conduct and Compliance: Use of Facilities
  
• 6037 - Facilities Rental Fee Policy
  
• 6040 - Firearms Range, Utilization Priority
  
• 6041 - Firearms Range, Safety
  
• 6042 - Firearms Range, User Fee
  
• 6050 - Purchase of Goods and Services
  
• 6060 - Travel
  
• 6070 - Policy on the Monitoring of Federal Funds
  

SERIES 7000, CONTINUING EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

• 7010 - Continuing Education Agreements with Public School Districts
  
• 7020 - Continuing Education Unit
  
• 7030 - Non-Credit Offerings
  

SERIES 8000, GENERAL COLLEGE POLICIES

• 8010 - Alcoholic Beverages on College Property, Use and Possession
  
• 8012 - Americans with Disabilities Act, Compliance
  
• 8015 - Award of Merit
  
• 8016 - Campus Safety Policy
  
• 8018 - Policy on Student Speech and Expressive Conduct
  
• 8021 - Internet Accounts Policy
  
• 8022 - Computing Resources Usage Policy
  
• 8025 - Crime Awareness and Campus Security Policy
  
• 8028 - Access, Success, and Equity for Diverse People
  
• 8029 - Display of Flags and Banners Policy
  
• 8040 - Foundation, WCC
  
• 8050 - Institutional Effectiveness
  
• 8060 - Long-Range Planning
  
• 8063 - Memorial Tributes
  
• 8065 - Naming of College Buildings and Spaces
  
• 8070 - Right To Know Laws, Compliance
  
• 8085 - Smoke-Free Campus Policy