Blueprint

Code of Conduct for Students and Guests

Culver-Stockton College is a community of scholars dedicated to developing the whole student. Culver-Stockton students are expected to behave in a manner that will foster their own development and enhance the total learning environment. The purpose of this statement is to define the rights, freedoms and responsibilities regarding conduct of individuals and groups that make up the student academic community, and to identify those standards of conduct Culver-Stockton College deems essential for fulfilling its educational mission and its community life. These standards shall govern the conduct of students and their guests on the campus of Culver-Stockton College or at college sponsored activities and functions, if such conduct adversely affects the college community and/or the pursuit of its objectives.

Students may be held accountable for the actions of their guests. All members of the college community should familiarize themselves with the detailed statements issued annually or more frequently by the college in handbooks or other official publications and announcements. Appropriate statements will be available in the office of the dean of student life.
Culver-Stockton College is committed to preserving the exercises of freedom of inquiry, freedom of thought, freedom of discussion and expression, the right of petition and of peaceful assembly. Note should be taken that a student who exercises his or her right as a private citizen whether individually or as a member of a group must assume full responsibility for the consequences of his or her actions, and must not identify his or her position or action as representing the college.
Rights and freedoms imply duties and responsibilities, and all of these require orderly procedures for implementation. In order to fulfill its functions as an educational institution and to protect the rights of all members of the college community, Culver-Stockton College has the right and duty to maintain order within the college and to exclude persons who disrupt the educational process. Where circumstances require, the college may call upon civil authority to maintain order.

Culver-Stockton College considers cultivation of self-discipline to be of primary importance in the educational process and essential to the development of responsible citizens. All students of the college are expected to conduct themselves, both within the college and elsewhere, in such a manner as to be a credit to themselves and to Culver-Stockton College. As responsible men and women, they are expected also to seek the resolution of all issues through the process of reason. Moreover they have the responsibility for complying with local, state and federal laws, and with all published college policies and regulations. In a community of learning, individual or group conduct that is unlawful, that disrupts or interferes with the educational process, that causes destruction of property, or that otherwise infringes upon the rights of other members of the college community or of the college itself cannot be tolerated.

Definition of Terms throughout this document are as follows:

• The term "college" means Culver-Stockton College.
• The term "student" includes all people taking courses at the college, both full time and part time.           
  
• The term "faculty member" means any person hired by the college to conduct classroom activities.
  
• The term "college official" includes any person employed by the college, performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.
  
• The term "member of the college community" includes any person who is a student, faculty member, college official or any other person employed by the college. A person’s status in a particular situation shall be verified by the dean of student life.
  
• The term "college premises" includes all land, buildings, facilities and other property in the possession of or owned, used or controlled by the college (including adjacent streets and sidewalks).
  
• The term "organization" means any number of people who have complied with the formal requirements for college recognition.
  
• The term "judicial body" means any person or people authorized by the dean of student life to determine whether a student has violated the Student Code and to recommend imposition of sanctions.
  
• The term "administrative hearing officer" means a college official authorized on a case-by-case basis by the dean of student life to impose sanctions upon students found to have violated the Student Code. The dean of student life may authorize an administrative hearing officer to serve simultaneously as an administrative hearing officer and the sole member or one of the members of a judicial body. Nothing shall prevent the dean of student life from authorizing the same administrative hearing officer to impose sanctions in all cases.
  
• The term "Appellate Board" means any person or people authorized by the dean of student life to consider an appeal from a judicial body’s determination that a student has violated the Student Code or from the sanctions imposed by the administrative hearing officer.
  
• The term "shall" is used in the imperative sense.
  
• The term "may" is used in the permissive sense.
  
• The term "policy" is defined as the written regulations of the college as found in, but not limited to, the Student Code, the Blueprint, and the College Academic Catalog.

Judicial Authority
The dean of student life is designated by the college president to be responsible for the administration of the Student Code. The dean of student life shall convene and train the hearing officers, the Judicial Boards and the Appellate Board according to their defined role in the hearing process. The dean of student life will also develop policies for the administration of the judicial program and procedural rules for the conduct of hearings which are not inconsistent with provisions of the Student Code.

Decisions made by a judicial body and/or Hearing Officer shall be final, pending the normal appeal process.
Mediation may be employed to settle disputes within the student community in cases which do not involve a violation of the Student Code. All parties must agree to meditation, and to be bound by the decision with no right of appeal.
Prohibited conduct on the college campus, at a college-sponsored event, or elsewhere where such conduct has adversely affected the college community and/or the pursuit of its objectives, for which students or their guests are subject to disciplinary action, includes, without limitation, the following types of acts, or attempts to commit such acts. The following acts should be read broadly and are not designed to define misconduct in exhaustive terms.

1. Endangerment. Any act of violence, force, coercion, threat, harassment or intimidation; physical abuse of or assault of any person; sexual harassment or assault; conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person; hazing; physical detainment of any person against his/her will; possession, storage, use of, or attempt or threat to use of any kind of ammunition, firecrackers, explosives, firearms or weapons.
   
   
2. Property. Theft of, damage to, defacement or destruction of college property or the property of others; vandalism; or alteration, fabrication, misuse, or destruction of the college documents, records, identification cards or parking stickers.
   
   
3. Disruption. Obstruction, disruption or attempted obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures or other college or college-authorized activities, functions, events or operations; blocking the entrance or exit of any college facility or building, or any corridor or room therein; blocking or impeding normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic on or adjacent to college property; or disorderly conduct, obscene conduct or expression, or participation in a riot. (Nonexclusive examples include: food fights, panty raids, shouting down public speakers, false fire alarms, tampering with smoke alarms or other fire equipment.)
   
   
4. Trespass. Unauthorized entry into, presence in, seizure or occupation of any college facility which is locked or closed to student activities, or otherwise restricted as to its use.
   
   
5. Illegal Activity. The violation of local, state and federal laws. (Nonexclusive examples include: possession, distribution, sale or use of illegal drugs or narcotics, violation of Department of Liquor Control laws, illegal traffic in pharmaceuticals, moving vehicular offenses, driving while intoxicated, breaking and entering, larceny, assault, false fire alarms, tampering with smoke alarms or other fire equipment.) Conviction of any felony and/or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
   
   
6. Other Regulations. Violation of college rules including, without limitation, the governing of residence halls (such as published or contracted occupancy dates), dining facilities, student organizations, the use of college facilities; college alcohol policies; regulation of time, place and manner of meeting or assembly.
   
   
7. Non-compliance. Failure to comply with directions of a college official acting in the authorized performance of duty; failure to comply with subpoena duly issued by an official judicial body of the college; lying to a college official; failure to comply with or complete disciplinary sanctions.
   
   
8. Bad Checks. Failure to clear within thirty (30) days after notification a check returned for insufficient funds by a local business or the college.
   
   
9. Inciting. Inciting others to commit acts of the kinds herein prohibited.

Violations of Law and Prohibited College Conduct
If a student is charged only with an off-campus violation of federal, state or local laws, but not with any other violation of this Code, disciplinary action may be taken and sanctions imposed for grave misconduct which demonstrates flagrant disregard for the college community. In such cases, no sanction may be imposed unless the student has been found guilty in a court of law or has declined to contest such charges, although not actually admitting guilt (e.g., "no contest" or "nolo contendere").
College disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with violation of a law which is also a violation of this Student Code, for example, if both violations result from the same factual situation, without regard to the pendency of civil litigation in court or criminal arrest and prosecution. Proceedings under this Student Code may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil criminal proceedings off-campus, as judged by the dean of student life to be in the best interest of the community and the student.

When a student is charged by federal, state or local authorities with a violation of law, the college will not request or agree to special consideration for that individual because of his or her status as a student. If the alleged offense is also the subject of a proceeding before a judicial body under the Student Code, however, the college may advise off-campus authorities of the existence of the Student Code and of how such matters will be handled internally within the college community. The college will cooperate fully with law enforcement and other agencies in the enforcement of criminal law on campus and in the conditions imposed by criminal courts for the rehabilitation of student violators. Individual students and faculty members, acting in their personal capacities, remain free to interact with governmental representatives as they deem appropriate.

Sanctions
Prohibited conduct may result in one or more of the following sanctions, depending on the offense. Additional sanctions, if any, are listed in handbooks or official announcements of the college. Students should be familiar with the information in these other sources, which are available in the Dean of Student Life Office. Following a judgment according to applicable disciplinary procedures, sanctions will be imposed with appropriate appeal procedures available.

Possible sanctions include:

1. Disciplinary Warning. A written notice that a continuation or repetition of Prohibited Conduct, within a specified period of time, will be grounds for more serious disciplinary action.
   
   
2. Disciplinary Fine. A financial order that discourages prohibited conduct in regards to college policy. All fines that are received from students will be used for funding programs in the residence halls.
   
   
3. Community Billing. A fee imposed on the smallest group responsible for damage to college property. When damages are incurred to common areas of residence halls such as lounges, hallways, stairwells, bathrooms, etc., and the vandal or vandals are not known, the smallest group responsible for the area (section, floor, hall) that is damaged will split the cost equally for repairing the vandalism. Such a fine will be levied against the group if the responsible party has not been identified within seven (7) days of the notification of the event. Community Billing has been implemented to promote resident ownership of their area of living for the safety and well-being of all residents. Community Billing will be enacted and enforced by Residential Life professionals. The cost levied will be billed to the appropriate student accounts.
   
   
4. Restitution. Reimbursement for damage to, destruction, or misappropriation of property, as well as compensation for personal injury.
   
   
5. Educational Sanctions. Session(s) for the students’ betterment and education related to the offense. For example, counseling, anger management and Alcohol 101.
   
   
6. Parental Notification. Notifying legal guardians of the offense.
   
   
7. Deferred Sanction. Any of the listed sanctions may be deferred by the disciplinary body for a specified period not to exceed one (1) calendar year. Should the student, during this period, be determined to have committed another violation of the Code, the deferred penalty shall take effect, in addition to the sanction imposed for any new offense.
   
   
8. Disciplinary Probation. Action permitting a student to remain at the college on probationary status. During the period of probation, if the student is found guilty of a further violation of a college regulation, the student may be subject to suspension, separation or expulsion from the college.
   
   
9. Revocation of Privilege. Loss of privilege of living in college housing, using college dining facilities and/or having an automobile on campus.
   
   
10. College Probation. Action permitting a student to remain at the college on probationary status, but the student may be prohibited from attending co-curricular college activities or holding office in college organizations. Regular sessions with a college staff member may be required. Financial aid may be withdrawn. Other conditions may apply if appropriate.
    
    
11. Interim Suspension. In certain circumstances, the dean of student life or a designee, may impose a college or residence-hall suspension prior to the hearing only: a) to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the college community or preservation of college property; b) to ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being; or c) if the student poses a definite threat of disruption of or interference with the normal operations of the college. During the interim suspension, students shall be denied access to the residence halls and/or the campus (including classes) and/or all other college activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible, as the dean of student life or designee may determine to be appropriate.
    
    
12. Suspension. Exclusion of a student from the college for a definite period of time, not to exceed one calendar year, as set forth in the written notice of suspension subject to other college regulations. There will be no refunds of payments made to the college.
    
    
13. Expulsion. Termination of a student’s status with the college for a definite period of time, exceeding one calendar year. Upon expiration of the designated period of separation, the student seeking to reenter the college shall be required to reapply. There will be no refund of payments to the college.
    
    
14. Dismissal. Permanent dismissal of a student from the college. There will be no refund of payments to the college.

Sanctions for Organizations
Hearings for alleged violations of the Policy Statement by student organizations are conducted by a judicial body formed by the dean of student life. In the case of fraternities and sororities, a judicial body will review cases adjudicated by the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council hearings in which there is a guilty verdict. It is then the responsibility of the judicial body to determine if suspension or revocation of college recognition should occur. The sanctions listed below may also be applied to student organizations.

Any of the following sanctions may be assessed to an organization found guilty of a policy violation:

1. Written warning
   
2. Disciplinary Fines, See above
   
3. Probation
   
4. Suspension
   
5. Dissolution
   
6. Community Billing, See above
   
7. Educational Sanctions, See above
   
8. Community Service
   
9. Restitution, See above
   
10. Revocation of Privilege. The suspension or revocation of the faculty’s recognition of the organization. Such recognition is required for reserving and using college facilities and securing college-related funding.

Sanctions for Tobacco Use

1. First offense constitutes a $10 fine;
   
2. Second offense constitutes a $20 fine;
   
3. Third offense constitutes a $30 fine; and
   
4. Each subsequent offense the fine shall increase by $10.

Disciplinary Records
Any student found to be responsible for a violation of the Code of Conduct will have the records of the incident placed in a confidential file in the Student Life Office. When a student graduates, disciplinary records will be purged if all sanctions have been completed. Records for students who have been suspended, expelled or dismissed will be maintained.

Procedural Principles
Any member of the college community may file charges against any student for misconduct. Charges shall be prepared in writing and directed to the dean of student life. Any charge should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place, preferably within three class days of the event. When a student is charged with Prohibited Conduct:

1. The student shall be notified of the charge in writing;
   
2. The student shall be referred to the appropriate document regarding his/her rights and responsibilities;
   
3. A hearing shall be set at a suitable time and place;
   
4. The student shall have an opportunity to confront his/her accuser and cross-examine witnesses (except in the case of Prohibited Conduct No. 5, conviction for which, may at the discretion of the judicial body, be effected solely upon the introduction into evidence of a certified copy of an order of conviction or other document satisfactorily evidencing conviction of a felony or of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude);
   
5. The student shall be permitted to present witnesses;
   
6. The student shall be permitted an advisor of his/her choice, including an attorney or a non-college advisor, but NEITHER the student NOR the college shall be permitted to have an attorney present at any closed hearing or on appeal or review, including review by the president;
   
7. Formal rules of evidence applicable in a court of law do not apply; the judicial body’s determination shall be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the accused student violated the Student Code;
   
8. The student shall be assured of procedural fairness; and
   
9. In the event of an adverse decision or a penalty that the student considers excessive, the student has the right of appeal.

Appeal Process
A decision reached by the judicial body or a sanction imposed by the administrative hearing officer may be appealed by the accused student or complaints to an appellate board within five (5) class days of the decision. Such appeals shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the dean of student life or his or her designee.

Except as required to explain the basis of new evidence, an appeal shall be limited to review of the verbatim record of the initial hearing and supporting documents for one or more of the following purposes:

a) To determine whether the original hearing was conducted fairly in light of the charges and evidence presented, and in conformity with prescribed procedures giving the complaining party a reasonable opportunity to prepare and present evidence that the Student Code was violated, and giving the accused student a reasonable opportunity to prepare and present a rebuttal of those allegations.

b) To determine whether the decision reached regarding the accused student was based on evidence that is sufficient to establish that a violation of the Student Code occurred.

c) To determine whether the sanction(s) imposed were appropriate for the violation of the Student Code which the student was found to have committed.

d) To consider new evidence, sufficient to alter a decision, or other relevant facts not brought out in the original hearing, because such evidence and/or facts were not known to the person appealing at the time of the original hearing.
If an appeal is upheld by the appellate board, the matter shall be remanded to the original judicial body and the dean of student life for re-opening of the hearing to allow reconsideration of the original determination and/or sanction(s).
A person who disagrees with the decision of the appellate board may appeal to the president of the college, within five (5) class days from the time of the decision of the appellate board. In such cases the decision of the president shall be final and binding.

In cases involving appeals by students accused of violating the Student Code, review of the sanctions by the appellate board may not result in more severe sanction(s) for the accused student. Instead, following an appeal, the dean of student life may, upon review of the case, reduce, but not increase, the sanctions imposed by the judicial body.
In cases involving appeals by people other than students accused of violating the Student Code, the dean of student life may, upon review of the case, reduce or increase the sanctions imposed by the judicial body or remand the case to the original judicial body.

Appeals of Interim Suspension
Students placed on interim suspension shall have the right to appear before the dean of the college within three business days from the effective date of the personal service of the notice of temporary suspension. During the hearing only the following issues shall be considered:

1. Whether the information concerning the student’s conduct was reliable.
   
   
2. Whether conduct and surrounding circumstance reasonably indicate that the continued presence of the student on the campus, or facilities, pose a substantial threat to himself or herself, to others or to the rights of others to continue their normal college functions and activities.

Authority for prescribing these rules and regulations is vested in the president of Culver-Stockton College. Authority for implementation of these rules and regulations has been delegated to the dean of student life through the president of the college. The president reserves the right to rescind or alter any delegated authority when, in his/her discretion, the exercise of the delegated authority is abused or is deemed to be in conflict with the purposes of Culver-Stockton College.
After a hearing conducted either by the dean of student life (or a delegate) upon any student who engages in any prohibited conduct, as such is defined above, and in the event that a constituted judicial body cannot be convened or in the case of special or unusual circumstances, the dean of student life is authorized by the president to impose any of the sanctions listed and described above.

Interpretation and Revision regarding the Student Code shall be referred to the dean of student life or his or her designee for final determination. The Student Code shall be reviewed every year by a committee of faculty, staff and students, under the direction of the dean of student life. Revisions to the Code of Conduct must be approved by the Student Life Council, the Faculty Assembly and the Student Government Association.

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