Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct

The College adheres to the principle that the campus climate provides for students’ maximum freedom and necessary order. In order to ensure this principle, the College has established procedures for the redress of grievances by individuals accused in such proceedings. In addition, general rules and regulations and a Student Code of Conduct have been established by the College to ensure the protection of student rights and the efficient operation of College programs. In cases of noncompliance with these regulations or a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the College will impose discipline that is consistent with the impact of the offense on the College community (See Sanctions below). The College also reserves the right to pursue criminal and/or civil action where warranted. The College rules and regulations and Student Code of Conduct shall apply from the time of admission to the college and continue as long as the student remains enrolled at the college. They shall also be applicable to a student’s conduct even if the student withdraws from school while a disciplinary matter is pending.

If an individual has violated the College rules and regulations or Student Code of Conduct on college property while not enrolled as a student at the college, but then later seeks to enroll, he or she must first contact the Dean of the Student and Academic support/Strategic Enrollment Management Division.  The same Due Process procedures listed below will be followed to determine an admission decision.

general rules and regulations | student code of conduct | criminal and/or civil actions | due process | student appeals and complaints | regulation revisions and additions

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

Access to College Buildings

Access to College buildings after normal hours of operation is restricted. Students are not allowed in buildings after hours unless specific written permission has been given to a student to use a specific room or lab by the College department overseeing that room or lab. Students found in buildings after hours could be subject to College discipline, as well as criminal trespassing charges.

Access to some areas of College buildings are restricted even when a building is open for normal operation. These areas include, but are not limited to mechanical rooms, communication closets, storage areas, construction areas, or classrooms or labs that are closed. Any student found in a restricted area without permission could be subject to College discipline, as well as criminal trespassing charges.

Assembly

No person or persons shall assemble in a manner that obstructs the free movement of persons about the campus or the free and normal use of College buildings and facilities or prevents or obstructs the normal operations of the College.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all sessions of each course in which they are enrolled. Failure to do so will result in academic penalty or withdrawal from the class. Absence for any reason, including illness or late registration, in no way relieves the student of the responsibility for completing all work in the course to the satisfaction of the instructor in charge. When a student receives a faculty-initiated notice of nonattendance, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor.

When a student cannot attend class due to illness or other extenuating reasons, the class instructor should be notified.

Cell Phones

The use of cell phones during class interferes with the instructional process and is therefore prohibited. Camera cell phones and video cell phones are prohibited in locker rooms and restrooms. (See Administrative Withdrawal policy C.)

Children on Campus

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times while on campus. Exceptions are made only for enrolled students whose parent or guardian has signed a written release of responsibility. The learning environment of classrooms and labs must remain free of distractions for students. Children must remain out of these areas. Children enrolled in LCC classes requiring access to labs and classrooms where there is equipment and/or supplies that might prove dangerous will need to provide a signed release form from their parent or guardian.

Classroom Visitation Policy

Only those persons enrolled in a class, or those persons who have authorization to be in attendance for a particular class, will be permitted to attend the class. Authorized persons may include, but are not limited to, those individuals hoping to gain a seat in a particular class pursuant to opening seats, those persons in attendance to assist students identified by the Office of Disability Support Services, guest speakers, and/or a prospective student wishing to attend the college during an upcoming academic year. If an unauthorized visitor refuses to leave a classroom or laboratory, assistance should be sought from the department chair, dean’s office, and/or Public Safety.

Faculty members will have discretion relative to permitting visitors into a classroom or laboratory, consistent with department policy. Appropriate consideration should be given to issues of safety, resources, fairness, disruption, etc., before allowing such visits. Due to liability concerns, faculty should notify their department chair or designee about visitors in the classroom at least 24 hours prior to the class meeting. In situations where 24-hour advance notice is not possible, the department chair or designee should be informed at the earliest opportunity. Departments may establish procedures regarding students sitting in on a closed section.

Advice concerning classroom visitation is available through LCC’s Office of Risk Management (483-1730).

Computer Resources – Acceptable Use

The LCC Acceptable Use Policy describes the policies and guidelines for the use of the College’s computer resources. Use of College-owned computer resources is a privilege extended by the College to students, employees, and other authorized users as a tool to promote the mission of the College. All users agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of the LCC Acceptable Use Policy at the time they complete an account application form. Copies of the LCC Acceptable Use Policy are available at the Library Circulation Desk and may also be accessed on the World Wide Web. The URL is http://www.lcc.edu/policies/policies_1.htm#ACCEPTABLE_USE_POLICY

Disclosure of Health Concerns

Lansing Community College takes appropriate and reasonable precautions to protect the health and safety of students in the classroom. Some courses may require students to complete federal, state and college regulatory training and testing as mandated by law. Students must be in compliance with regulations and laws at both LCC and any off-campus site(s) where they are assigned. Additionally, some courses may require students to work with chemicals and/or equipment which may be hazardous to some students, such as those with certain medical conditions. Students should inform instructors of any special health-related conditions which may be negatively affected by instructional materials or equipment used in the classroom. Students with special health concerns are strongly encouraged to raise any questions about such matters prior to their enrolling in a class.

Dress

Students are expected to dress in an appropriate fashion, having in mind the activity in which they are engaged, while on College property and when attending College-sponsored events. Specific attire, not limited to but including appropriate footwear, safety glasses, safety hats, shields and aprons, may be required when the health and safety of the individual student or other members of the College community are to be protected.

Examinations

Students are required to take examinations at the appointed time and place in order to receive credit for a course. Generally, examinations are given during the regularly scheduled class period during the last week of the semester.

Field Trips

Students participating in all College-sponsored activities, including field trips and athletic events, must abide by all College rules. Student organization field trips must be planned, organized, and approved according to the Student Life Policies and Procedures for Student Organizations, and, where applicable, the transportation services unit of the Police and Public Safety Department. Organizations which function outside of these policies and procedures may be put on probation and suspended if appropriate.

Financial Responsibility

Students shall remain current on their financial obligations to the College. Students owing money to the College in respect to such matters as fees, loans, library fines, driving or parking penalties, etc., at the end of an academic semester, will have the publication of their grade report and/or official transcripts delayed, and the student will not be permitted to register for a succeeding semester until such accounts are paid.

Games and Recreational Activities

Games of any kind may only be played in the recreational or athletic facilities which have been designated for such games. Applications for permission to play any game other than in an area designated for that purpose must be obtained from the Director of Student Life and Leadership.

Guest Speakers

College regulations with respect to the participation of guest speakers are outlined in the Policy for Guest Speakers. The College requires orderly conduct, noninterference with College functions or activities, and identification of the sponsoring groups or individuals. Under no circumstances are members of the College community to be forced to be involuntary audiences.

Identification Cards

All Lansing Community College students are issued an identification card. Students are required to show their current I.D. card whenever they check out books at the College libraries, use the Abel B. Sykes TLC Computer Lab, etc., or when they are requested by a member of the faculty or staff of the College. Misuse of College identification to obtain privileges to which the student or to which others are not entitled under existing regulations is a College offense that may result in suspension or dismissal. In addition, refusal to provide government issued identification to a police officer could result in arrest and prosecution.

Media Materials

The federal copyright law, Title 17 of the United States Code, provides copyright protection of “original works of authorship,” including “motion pictures and other audiovisual works.”  Thus, the use of video cassettes, DVD’s, CD’s and other digital media is restricted to private showings, and public showings are prohibited without the copyright owner’s consent. Under the “fair use” limitation, copyrighted material may be used for purposes such as “teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research” without violation, and media materials purchased or rented by the College have the written consent of the copyright owners and, therefore, are legally appropriate for classroom use.

Organizations

No student or student organization may use campus facilities, solicit funds, business, or support on the College campus unless such a student or student organization has been authorized by the Director of Student Life and Leadership. Approval of College clubs and organizations must be in accordance with guidelines documented in the Student Life and Leadership Office.

Pets

In order to protect the health and safety of the members of the College community and preserve order on the campus, no pets, including but not limited to, dogs, cats, birds, and rodents shall be permitted within the buildings of Lansing Community College. This is not intended to exclude properly documented service animals or animals designated for laboratory experimentation purposes.

Records

It is the responsibility of the student to give honest and complete replies to all questions included in application forms and other documents required by the College. Alteration, duplication, or falsification of a College document, form, or authorized signature is considered by the College to be an extremely serious offense and is subject to disciplinary action.

Smoking

Lansing Community College is a “Smoke-Free and Tobacco Free Zone. Except in designated areas, smoking or the use of tobacco products are prohibited on Lansing Community College property, including in any building, facility, or structure and on real estate that is owned or leased. This policy applies to all persons, including all students, staff and visitors.

Student Evaluation of Instructional Quality

Because students expect quality in their learning experiences, Lansing Community College provides opportunities for students to participate in the evaluation and improvement of instruction. These opportunities include the following:

1. Periodically completing Student Evaluation Forms at the conclusion of courses. The forms are distributed by a person other than the instructor, and the instructor is not present at the time the students complete the forms.

2. Serving on various councils, boards, and committees of the College in order to provide input and student perspective in the development and evaluation of both instructional and support-service programs. These councils, boards, and committees are located in the various divisions of the College. Those students who have interest in serving on or contacting members of these bodies may contact the Student Life and Leadership Office or the office of the dean in the appropriate divisions.

Specific questions regarding student participation in the evaluation of instruction may be directed to the Office of the Dean of Student and Academic Support for clarification or appropriate referral.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

The College hereby adopts the following Code of Conduct and prohibits all persons from engaging or participating in any of the practices or behavior listed below. Specific examples are used by way of illustration and are not meant to limit the practices or behaviors that may be deemed to violate the Code of Conduct.

Assaults and Threats

Threats or violence to the health and safety of others. Engaging in any act, such as fighting, physical assault, unlawful detention, interference with the freedom of movement of another person, verbal abuse, threats, stalking, intimidation, harassment, coercion or any other conduct through any mode of communication including, but not limited to, in person, in writing, through telephone, electronic mail or instant messaging, which endangers or has the reasonable potential to endanger the health or safety of any person on the College premises or at a College-sponsored function or any College student or employee in connection with the performance of his or her College duties is prohibited.

Discrimination and Harassment

Discrimination, harassment and offensive conduct against any person, student, or staff member on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, creed, ancestry, familial status, age or disability, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, disability or veteran's status or other protected status (See the College’s Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Process available in the catalog and at http://www.lcc.edu/catalog/policies_procedures/equalopp.htm) through any mode of communication including, but not limited to, in person, in writing, through telephone, electronic mail or instant messaging.

Dishonesty

Acts of dishonesty, including, but not limited to the following:

1. Cheating: Each student is expected to be honest in his or her work. Cheating is dishonest. The term “cheating” includes but is not limited to: (1) use of any unauthorized assistance, including electronic devices/media or on-line resources, in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; (2) dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments such as those involving sounds as well as moving or still images; or (3) the acquisition of tests or other academic materials without permission of the faculty or staff to whom the material belongs. Any interaction with any person other than the instructor or proctor in a testing situation may be interpreted as cheating. Academic honesty is twofold on the part of the student; first, not to cheat, and second, not to enable others to cheat.

2. Plagiarism: Each student is required to be honest in his or her work. Plagiarism is dishonest. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation or the inclusion of electronic sources of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. When producing work for a course, students are expected to present their own ideas and to appropriately acknowledge the incorporation of another person’s work. Not doing so is dishonest.

Disruptive Behavior

Behavior that interferes with normal college-sponsored activities, including, but not limited to, the instructional process, the classroom – both on-campus and virtual, studying, teaching, research, college administration, disciplinary procedures, extracurricular and co-curricular activities, designated areas of activities, fire, security, or emergency services; or inciting others to commit disruptive behavior.

Lewd Behavior

Behavior that is lewd or indecent is prohibited. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to the following: including obscene remarks, exposing oneself in an indecent manner, entering restrooms against the gender designation, engaging in sexual activities in public places.

Drug and Alcohol Regulations

In recognition of (1) the serious health risks associated with the illegal use of controlled substances and (2) the abuse of alcohol, and in conformance with the Board of Trustees policies 4416 and 7820, as well as the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (20 U.S.C. 3171, et.seq.), the following regulations are effective immediately:

1. Students may not manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, or use alcoholic beverages on College premises.

2. Students, employees, and guests may not unlawfully possess, use, or distribute controlled substances and alcohol on College premises or when engaged in College activities such as conferences or field trips.

3. Students will not use College funds for the purpose of purchasing alcoholic beverages or controlled substances.

4. Being under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance while on College premises or engaged in College activities is prohibited.

5. Students, employees, and guests are personally accountable for knowledge of federal, state, and local laws relating to alcoholic beverages and controlled substances, the minimum drinking age, transporting open containers of alcoholic beverages, and false representation of age by a minor.

6. As a condition of his or her employment, each employee of the College shall agree to abide by the terms contained within this policy. Violation of any of these terms by College employees may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. The College may require satisfactory participation in a substance or alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program for an employee who violates any of the prohibitions listed above.

7. As a further condition of his or her employment, each employee of the College shall agree to notify the College of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring on College premises or while engaged in College activities, no later than five (5) days after such a conviction. Upon receiving notice of such conviction, the College shall take appropriate disciplinary action within thirty (30) days thereafter.

8. Violation of this regulation by students may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the College and referral for prosecution. A lack of legal conviction or relevant laws is not a defense in a charged violation of this regulation.

9. Guests on College premises are expected to follow the above requirements. Failure to do so may result in a request to leave College property or College activities.

10. In the spirit of providing a safe, healthy and drug-free environment, the College will:

1. Continue to offer educational programs that support a drug-free campus and workplace as a normative social value;

2. Continue to offer opportunities for substance abuse counseling accessible by students and College employees;

3. Continue to make referrals to appropriate counseling professionals and/or agencies within the community to help students and employees who may benefit from such counseling;

4. Incorporate in classes throughout the curriculum, where appropriate, references and class-related assignments related to the medical, legal, social, and wellness issues inherent in a drug-free campus and workplace;

5. Distribute copies of this regulation to all new students and employees.

11. Substance abuse is a serious but treatable condition or disease that can lead to short-term or long-term physical and psychological consequences, including but not limited to dependence, damage to the nervous system, heart and respiratory conditions, and death.

12. A “controlled substance” is defined as one: 1) which is not legally obtainable; 2) which is being used in a manner different from that prescribed; or 3) which is legally obtainable but has not legally been obtained. (21 U.S.C.821:MCLA, 333.7101, et. seq.)

13. A “conviction” under this policy is defined as a defendant pleading guilty or no contest and/or a guilty finding by a court of law.

Failure to Comply with College Officials

Failure to comply with directions of College officials, Police and Public Safety Staff, or any other law enforcement officers acting in the performance of their duties is prohibited. Furnishing false information to any College official, faculty member, or officer is prohibited.

Fighting

Fighting on College property is prohibited except for contests or exhibitions held or sponsored by the College or a recognized College organization.

Laws

Students shall obey the laws enacted by federal, state, and local governments. Violations of such laws on the College premises or at a College-sponsored function are a violation of the Code of Conduct. It is appropriate that the students be aware of Act 26 of the Public Acts of 1970:

Sec. 1. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00, or by incarceration in the county jail for not more than 30 days, or both:

1. When the chief administrative officer of a publicly owned and operated institution of higher education, or his or her designee, notifies the person that he or she is such an officer or designee and that the person is in violation of the properly promulgated rules of the institution; and

2. When the person is in fact in violation of such rules; and

3. When, thereafter, such officer or designee directs the person to vacate the premises, building, or other structure of the institution; and

4. When the person thereafter willfully remains in or on such premises, building, or other structure; and

5. When, in so remaining therein or thereon, the person constitutes:

   1. A clear and substantial risk of physical harm or injury to other persons or of damage to or destruction of the property of the institution, or

   2. An unreasonable prevention or disruption of the customary and lawful functions of the institution, by occupying space necessary therefore or by use of force or by threat of force.

Sec. 2. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than $200.00 and not more than $1,000.00, or by incarceration in the county jail for not more than 90 days, or both, who enters on the premises, building, or other structure of a publicly owned and operated institution of higher education, with the intention to, and therein or thereon does in fact, constitute (a) a clear and substantial risk of physical harm or injury to other persons or of damage to or destruction of the property of the institution, or (b) an unreasonable prevention or disruption of the customary and lawful function of the institution, by occupying space necessary therefore or by use of force or by threat of force.

Sec. 3. This act shall take effect August 1, 1970.

Theft or Other Abuse of Computer Facilities and Resources, including but not limited to:

• Unauthorized entry into a file, to use, read, or change the contents, or for any other purpose.
• Unauthorized transfer of a file.
• Use of another individual’s identification and/or password.
• Use of computing facilities and resources to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member or college official.
• Use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene or abusive messages.
• Use of computing facilities and resources to interfere with normal operation of the college computing system.
• Use of computing facilities and resources in violation of copyright laws.
• Any violation of the college’s Acceptable Use Policy (http://www.lcc.edu/policies/policies_1.htm#ACCEPTABLE_USE_POLICY).

Unauthorized Use or Possession of College Keys

Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of College keys is prohibited. Unauthorized use of or presence on college premises, facilities or property is prohibited.

Vandalism/Theft

Property of the College, as well as that of individuals, should be respected. Vandalism or theft of any kind, the destruction or mutilation of computer or media resources, materials, equipment, buildings, or grounds of the College, is inconsistent with the objectives of the College and good citizenship and will result in disciplinary action.

Weapons and Explosives

The possession of weapons, or explosives on the property of the Lansing Community College is prohibited. (This does not apply to authorized law enforcement officers.) The definition of a weapon includes but is not limited to a pistol or other firearm or dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, or knife having a blade over 3 inches in length, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument.

“College Property” covered by this policy includes, without limitation, all College owned or leased buildings and surrounding areas such as sidewalks, driveways and parking lots under the College’s ownership or control. College vehicles are covered by this policy at all times regardless of whether they are on College property.

CRIMINAL AND/OR CIVIL ACTIONS

When the actions or conduct of a student warrant the involvement of the Police and Public Safety Department, a complaint report may be initiated. Should a student initiate the complaint and the Police and Public Safety Department is involved, a complaint report is taken.

A crime committed on the College campus is investigated and referred to the appropriate government office for prosecution. The decision to prosecute is made by the Prosecutor’s Office. This action is separate from the Due Process procedure of the College. Proceedings under the College's Due Process Procedures may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off campus.

Any violation of City, County, State or Federal laws while on LCC property or attending LCC sponsored events is considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

DUE PROCESS

Lansing Community College holds firm to the philosophy that matriculation in college does not deny any rights of citizenship to a student. At the same time, matriculation in college does not relieve a student of the essential responsibilities of citizenship. Thus, the College is constantly aware of the joint responsibilities, shared by the student body and the College, to uphold the principles of “due process” in all disciplinary action.

It is the College’s intention to foster and promote an environment of cooperation among faculty, staff, and students. However, conflicts that require third-party intervention sometimes exist. While there are formal processes for resolving conflicts, it is the goal of the College to achieve resolution as rapidly and as close to the origin of conflict as possible through mediation. To this end, the Director of Student Success and the Director of Equal Opportunity are available to assist with mediating situations at their lowest level or to direct the parties involved to the person(s) or department(s) that can best mediate the occurrence. This mediation is predicated on the voluntary agreement of both parties. Matters that are considered too extreme may require immediate referral to the formal process.

Due Process is the guarantee of student civil rights under the Constitution of the United States and the laws and regulations of Michigan and Lansing Community College. Due Process is that process which prevents rights from being taken away from an individual without a fair hearing. Any questions regarding Due Process should be directed to the office of Director of Student Success at (517) 483-9671.

Interim Due Process Suspension

If a student’s misconduct gives cause for belief that the physical or emotional safety of any member of the College community is threatened or that any personal or public property is jeopardized, the student’s right to be on campus can be immediately suspended. A suspension of this type is called an Interim Due Process Suspension. Interim Due Process Suspensions will take effect immediately upon direction of the Director of Student Success or the Dean of the division where the misconduct occurred and will last for no more than 10 days. A procedural due process hearing with proper notifications will be conducted during this 10-day period. The 10-day period may be extended for good cause by the Director of Student Success, Dean of the division imposing the suspension or by agreement with the student. (See section entitled Due Process).

Sanctions

In cases of noncompliance with College rules and regulations or a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the College will impose discipline that is consistent with the impact of the offense on the College community. Progressive discipline principles will be followed in that the student’s prior discipline history at the College will be taken into account. Disciplinary action taken against a student may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:

• Grade or academic penalties – A reduction of course or assignment grade or credit.
• Oral Warning— A verbal warning to the student that the student is violating or has violated College rules, regulations or Code of Conduct.
• Written Warning - A written warning to the student that the student is violating or has violated College rules, regulations or Code of Conduct.
• Probation— Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions if the student is found to be violating any college rule, regulation(s) or Code of Conduct during the probationary period. A judicial hold will be placed on the student’s account during the probationary period but may be removed temporarily at the discretion of the Director of Student Success.
• Loss or Restriction of Activities or Privileges—The restriction or denial of specified activities or privileges for a designated period of time.
• Restitution—Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.
• Suspension—Separation of the student from the College for a definite period of time after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
• Dismissal – Separation of the student from the College for an indefinite period of time. Conditions of readmission may be specified.
• Permanent Dismissal – Permanent separation of the student from the College.

STUDENT APPEALS AND COMPLAINTS

LCC students may initiate Due Process through established appeal and complaint procedures. In the appeal process, students may appeal disciplinary action or academic decisions. In the complaint process, students may lodge complaints regarding persons, policies, or procedures at the College. The Judicial Board will hear cases referred to it by administrative officers of the College or by individual students through the established appeal and complaint processes. The student has the right to request a public or private hearing, but the decision rests with the College, after considering the wishes of the parties involved.

Student Appeals

A “line of appeal” is defined as the appropriate sequence of communication to be followed when appealing a decision or action. An “appeal” is defined as a request to review a previous decision and/or the process used in reaching the decision. The line of appeal to be followed will depend upon the type of case involved. In all cases, students are required to state their appeal in writing at the time they begin the appeal process. The following describes the different types of cases and the appropriate lines of appeal to be used in each case.

When a student is accused of violating the general rules and regulations of the College or the Student Code of Conduct, except those involving academic rules and regulations, the procedures described below will be followed:

The student will receive written notification that an alleged violation has occurred. In the letter, the student will be directed to make an appointment with the appropriate College official to review the facts concerning the alleged violation in order to determine if formal charges should be prepared. After reviewing the facts with the student, a decision will be made whether to prepare formal charges.

In the event that the student fails to contact the appropriate College official within 5 (five) class days of receiving written notification (excluding Saturday and Sunday), a “hold” will be placed on the student’s record which will result in the student’s enrollment being delayed. The College official will then review the facts available without the student and make a decision whether to prepare formal charges.

If a decision is made to prepare formal charges, the student shall be notified by an appropriate College official that he or she is being accused of violating a regulation and that he or she may elect to do one of the following:

1. The student may admit the alleged violation and request, in writing, that the administrative officer take whatever action seems necessary;

2. The student may admit the alleged violation and request a hearing before the Judicial Board regarding the discipline imposed;

3. The student may deny the alleged violation, in which case the administrative officer shall refer him or her to the Judicial Board.

In the event that the student does not make an election of the three options available without 10 (ten) days, the administrative officer will take whatever actions seem necessary, including the imposition of appropriate sanctions.

When formally appealing a disciplinary action based on a violation of general rules and regulations of the College or the Student Code of Conduct, the student shall use the following line of appeal:

1. The Director of Student Success (or his or her designee);

2. The Judicial Board of the College;

3. The President (or his or her designee).

Note: At each level of the appeal process, a student will have up to 10 (ten) calendar days (excluding Saturday and Sunday) to appeal a decision after notification of that decision at a prior level.

The student shall use the following line of appeal:

1. The personal who initiated the decision or action in question and request reconsideration

2. The Chair or head of the department involved (or his or her designee)

3. The Dean of the division involved (or his or her designee)

4. The Vice President of Academic Affairs (or his or her designee)
   
   After review of the appeal, if the Vice President determines that there is insufficient justification to warrant further review, the appeal will be rejected. If the Vice President determines that the appeal warrants further review, the matter will be referred to a subcommittee of the Deans Council. The Vice President will inform the instructor, dean and student in writing or his or the Deans Council's decision within 30 days of the date the appeal was submitted.

5. The President (or his or her designee).

If a student appeals beyond the initial decision maker, they shall submit their appeal in writing and include:

1. Student's full name

2. Student number

3. Student's complete current address

4. Student's current phone number

5. Semester and year enrolled

6. Course number and name

7. Name of instructor

8. Grade received

9. Reason for appeal

10. Supporting documents

Note: At each level of the appeal process, a student will have up to 10 (ten) calendar days (excluding Saturday and Sunday) to appeal a decision after notification of that decision at a prior level. When a student wishes to appeal a grade, he or she must do so by the end of the sixth week of the following semester or summer session.

When formally appealing an academic decision or action—such as an academic charge based on a violation of the academic rules and regulations (cheating or plagiarism, for example), or an academic disciplinary action (loss of credit, for example)—the student shall use the following line of appeal:

1. The person who initiated the decision or action in question and request reconsideration

2. The Chair or head of the department involved (or his or her designee)

3. The dean of the division involved (or his or her designee)

4. The Judicial Board of the College

5. The President (or his or her designee)

Note: At each level of the appeal process, a student will have up to 10 (ten) calendar days (excluding Saturday and Sunday) to appeal a decision after notification of that decision at a prior level.

Whenever the Enrollment Services Office receives a recommendation for an administrative withdrawal, Enrollment Services Office will notify the student in writing that he or she is being administratively withdrawn. The lines of appeal for administrative withdrawal decisions are as follows:

1. The dean of the division involved (or his or her designee)

2. Judicial Board of the College

3. President (or his or her designee)

Note: In cases of administrative withdrawal, a student will have up to 5 (five) calendar days (excluding Saturday and Sunday) to appeal a decision after notification of that decision at a prior level.

Students have the right to request correction or amendment of information on educational records that are inaccurate, misleading, or which violate privacy rights or other rights as stated in the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. The student shall use the following line of appeal:

1. The director or leader of the department responsible for the record (or his or her designee)

2. The dean of the division involved (or his or her designee)

3. The Judicial Board of the College

4. The President (or his or her designee)

If the request for correction or amendment of information is denied after the appeal process has been completed, the student may place a brief statement in the record commenting on the decision of the College.

Note: A student will have up to five (5) calendar days (excluding Saturday and Sunday) to appeal a decision after notification of that decision at a prior level.

Student Complaints

Before initiating the formal appeal process at the divisional level, students are encouraged to first meet with the initial decision-maker involved (the instructor, for example) to attempt to resolve issues in an informal manner. When a student wishes to lodge a formal complaint regarding a person—except in cases of sexual harassment/discrimination (which is found in this catalog under Student and Staff Sexual Harassment and Discrimination)—the student is encouraged to use the following line of appeal:

1. Chair or head of the department involved (or his or her designee)

2. The dean of the division involved (or his or her designee)

3. The Judicial Board of the College

4. The President (or his or her designee)

Note: At each level of the complaint process, a student will have up to 10 (ten) calendar days (excluding Saturday and Sunday) to appeal a decision after notification of that decision at a prior level.

Judicial Board

Due Process is the guarantee of student civil rights under the Constitution of the United States and the laws and regulations of Michigan and Lansing Community College. Due Process is that process which prevents rights from being taken away from an individual without a fair hearing. The student has the right to request a public or private hearing, but the decision rests with the College, after considering the wishes of the parties involved.

The Judicial Board shall hear the case and render a decision.

1. Prior to a Judicial Board hearing, the student shall be entitled to the following:

1. Written notification of the time and place of the hearing;

2. A written statement of a decision rendered and/or charges so that the student may prepare his or her defense;

3. Written notification of the names of the witnesses directly responsible for having reported the alleged violation (unless to do so would compromise their safety) OR written notification of how the alleged violation came to the College’s attention.

2. In hearings involving more than one student, the Chairperson of the Judicial Board, at his or her discretion, may permit the hearings concerning each student to be conducted separately.

3. The student shall be entitled to appear in person and present his or her defense to the Judicial Board and may call witnesses on his or her behalf. The student is also entitled to ask questions of any witnesses present at the hearing. Questions from the student to witnesses will be directed through the Chair of the Judicial Board.

4. Pertinent records, exhibits, and written statements may be accepted as information for consideration by the Judicial Board at the discretion of the chairperson.

5. The student may waive the right to appear before the Judicial Board. Should he or she elect not to appear, the student shall be considered to have waived the right to appeal, and the decision at the prior level stands. If the Judicial Board is the initial decision maker, the hearing will still take place in the student's absence. the student may still request review by the President of the College (or his or her designee; see #14 below).

6. The student shall be entitled to be accompanied by a person of his or her choice. If this person is in the form of legal counsel, the student must notify the Office of the Director of Student Success at least 2 (two) days prior to the scheduled hearing date.

7. The student has the right to be assisted by any advisor he or she chooses, at his or her own expense. The student is responsible for presenting his or her own case and, therefore, advisors are not permitted to speak or to participate directly in any hearing before a Judicial Board.

8. All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the chairperson of the Judicial Board. Formal rules of process, procedure, and/or technical rules of evidence such as those applied in criminal or civil court, are not used in Judicial Board Hearings.

9. Admission of any person to the hearing shall be at the discretion of the Chair of the Judicial Board.

10. The student shall be entitled to an expeditious hearing of his or her case.

11. Requests for a continuance shall be at the discretion of the Chair of the Judicial Board. A student should select an advisor whose schedule allows attendance at the scheduled date and time for the hearing, because delays will not normally be allowed due to the scheduling conflicts of an advisor.

12. The student shall be entitled to receive the decision of the Judicial Board in writing.

13. The College shall make a record of the hearing. The record shall be the property of the College. No other recording devices will be allowed.

14. A student who wishes to contest the decision of the Judicial Board may request that the President of the College (or his or her designee) review the decision of the Judicial Board. The student must request this review within 10 (ten) scheduled class days (excluding Saturday and Sunday) of notification of the Judicial Board’s decision. Decisions rendered by the President (or his or her designee) will be final.

The Judicial Board’s determination shall be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the earlier determination is appropriate. If the Judicial Board is the initial decision maker, their decision shall be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the accused student violated the College's rules and regulations or the Student Code of Conduct. Decisions rendered by the Judicial Board will be made by a simple majority vote of the total membership of the Judicial Board. Decisions rendered by the Judicial Board will be final unless appealed to the President. In addition, the Judicial Board is empowered to make recommendations based on decisions rendered.

Membership of the Judicial Board

The Judicial Board will consist of the following members:

1. The Director of Student Success or his or her designee; (NOTE: This member will serve as chairperson. However, when the Judicial Board is hearing an appeal based on a disciplinary decision of the Office of the Director of Student Success, the Director of Student Success will relinquish the chair, and a temporary chairperson will be appointed;

2. One College administrator appointed by the Director of Student Success;

3. Two students from the student body;

4. Two faculty members appointed by the dean of the division in which the decision or action in question was initiated, with one alternate faculty member appointed in the same way, to serve in absence of any faculty member. If the decision or action in question took place within the college at large, the faculty members will be appointed by the Dean of Student and Academic Success (or his or her designee) from the college at large;

5. In the event two or more divisions are involved, one faculty representative from each division and an equal number of student representatives will be in attendance.

REGULATION REVISIONS AND ADDITIONS

Lansing Community College reserves the right to change or add to the rules and regulations at any time.