30.A - Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct

30.A - Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct

Board Policy Code: 30.A
Adopted: 2013-06-11T00:00:00

Columbia Gorge Community College provides students with broad, comprehensive programs of general education, developmental/remedial programs, and vocational/technical curricula. The college also provides cultural, recreational, and community service activities.

It is, in turn, the responsibility of the student to observe campus rules and regulations and to help maintain appropriate conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the community. A student's registration obligates him/her to comply with the policies and regulations of the college. This information is produced annually and distributed fall quarter in the form of a student handbook. The handbook is available onlinePDF or at Student Services.

Columbia Gorge Community College is granted the right by law to adopt such rules as is deemed necessary to govern its operations and protect the freedom to learn.

Freedom of Association

Students shall be free to organize and join associations to promote their common interests subject to the following considerations:

Any chartered student club or officially recognized student organization acting through the Associated Students of Columbia Gorge Community College may invite any person of their own choosing to the campus, provided the invitation and arrangements are in compliance with established policies of the college.
Student organizations shall be required to submit a statement of purpose, criteria for membership, rules of procedures, a current list of officers and a certified number of active members as a condition of institutional recognition.
Advisors must be either contracted faculty or staff currently employed by CGCC. CGCC staff serves the college community when they accept the responsibility to advise and consult with student organizations, and proved guidance to the group on college procedure and policy.
Campus organizations, including those affiliated with an extramural organization shall be open to all students without respect to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital and/or parental status, religion, national origin, age, mental/physical/learning disability, Vietnam era or disabled veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Disability consultations are available through the Office of Disability Services.
Freedom from Harassment and Discrimination

Columbia Gorge Community College’s goal is to provide an atmosphere that encourages individuals to realize their potential. Therefore, it is against the college’s policy for any manager, supervisor, faculty, staff, or student to engage in harassment or discrimination of any member of the college community.

Columbia Gorge Community College does not tolerate unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, and ethnicity, use of native language, national origin, sex, marital status, height/weight ratio, disability, veteran status, age, or sexual orientation in any area, activity or operation of the District. In addition, the college complies with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), related Executive Orders 11246 and 11375, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, USERRA – Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, and all civil rights laws of the City of Portland and the State of Oregon. Accordingly, equal opportunity for employment, admission, and participation in the college’s benefit and services shall be extended to all persons, and the college shall promote equal opportunity and treatment through a positive and continuing affirmative action plan.

Therefore, it is the responsibility of every member of the college community to strictly comply with the policy. This includes notifying each employee/student of his or her rights and responsibilities under CGCC's Non-harassment Policy. Management staff will be held accountable for taking reasonable action to maintain work sections and educational environments free of conduct that causes, or reasonably could be considered to cause, intimidation, hostility, or discrimination.

Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against or harassed by a College employee, representative or student is encouraged to file a complaint through the Harassment or Discrimination Grievances. If the grievance involves harassment or discrimination by a college staff member, the student should be directed to the chief operating officer. If the grievance involves harassment or discrimination by a student, the student should be directed to the chief academic and student services officer. Non-affirmative action complaints are to be filed in accordance with the Student Grievance Procedure or Complaint Form.

Freedom of Inquiry and Expression

Students shall be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study in which they are enrolled.

Students and student organizations shall be free to examine and discuss all questions of interest to them and to express opinions publicly and privately. Students shall always be free to support causes by orderly means which do not disrupt the regular and essential operation of the institution. The college reserves the right to regulate the time, place and manner of organized speech activities. It should be clear to the community that in their public expressions, students or organizations speak only for themselves, not the college.

Students, faculty and administrative staff are obligated to protect the freedom of inquiry and expression from those who would prevent or disrupt it.

Student Publications:

Students' First Amendment rights to freedom of expression and equal protection of the law will be observed regarding student publications, whether colleges-sponsored or non-college sponsored. Some student publications, such as yearbooks and college newspapers, may be educational devices developed as part of the curriculum to benefit primarily those who compile, edit and publish them. Faculty advisors will be assigned to guide students engaged in these activities. Any commercial advertisements in such publications will conform to Board of Education regulations.

Students may be required to submit publications for approval prior to distribution. When approval is required, college administrators must make available to students the standards which will be used to determine granting or denying permission to publish. Such guidelines will be specific and will be directed toward ascertaining which publications will cause substantial disruption of, or material interference with, college activities or intrusions into college affairs or the lives of others.

Prior restraints will contain precise criteria which spell out what is forbidden. A definite, brief time limit will be set within which college officials must approve or disapprove distribution. To be valid, these guidelines must prescribe a procedure for appeals from students.

All Publications

It will be the responsibility of local college administrators to promulgate reasonable and specific procedures setting forth the time, manner and place in which distribution of student publications may occur. Students who become subject to discipline for failure to comply with distribution rules will be granted procedural due process rights.

Right to Participate in Institutional Governance

Student representation on selected CGCC councils and committees provides an opportunity for students to participate in institutional governance.

Right of Access to, and Protection from Improper Disclosure of, Student Records

To minimize the risk of improper disclosure, academic and disciplinary records shall remain separate. Transcripts of academic records shall contain only information about academic status. Information from disciplinary or counseling files shall not be available to unauthorized persons on campus or to individuals off-campus without the written consent of the student involved, except under legal compulsion, in cases where the safety of persons or property is involved, or other disclosures that comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Board Policy, and Oregon laws pertaining to education records.

In order to assist students to benefit from courses, programs, and activities, the college provides limited guidance and counseling services which students are encouraged to make use of on a voluntary basis. The confidentiality of student record information obtained by counseling and advising services will be strictly maintained, except when CGCC is legally permitted or required to disclose student record information.

Right of Access to College Facilities

Students have the right of access to college facilities, subject to ordinary schedules and regulations governing the use of each facility. When using these facilities, the student has the responsibility to respect these regulations and to comply with the spirit and intent of the rules governing facility use.

When faced with a situation which an administrator or instructor determines to be disruptive to the order of the college, threatening to the health and welfare of the college community, or interferes with the ingress and/or egress of persons from college facilities, college staff will have the authority to (1) prohibit entry of any person or persons, or to withdraw the privilege to enter or remain on any portion of a college campus or (2) give notice of trespass to any person to whom the privilege has been withdrawn or who has been prohibited from entering into or remaining on the college campus.

Any student disobeying a reasonable order given by the college staff will be subject to disciplinary action and/or criminal trespass laws.

Right of Sale and Distribution of Material and Right to Conduct Fund-raising Activities

The use of college grounds or facilities for the purpose of commercial or private gain is prohibited except where such activity contributes to the operation of the instructional program or where limited sale is specifically authorized by the college for the benefit of an approved student activity.

Students have the right to engage in legal incidental sales of personal private property in private transactions, provided college facilities are not expressly used for this purpose.

All fund raising activities by clubs and organizations must be approved by the chief academic and student affairs officer. All merchandise, periodicals, magazines and books offered for commercial sale may be sold only through the college bookstore and food services, except when within district policy and approved by the chief academic and student affairs officer.

Any person desiring to distribute publications, such as books, magazines, newspapers, handbills, leaflets, posters and similar materials shall first register with the Student Services Office. This will ensure reasonable areas and times for distribution and it will ensure that the activities of the college will not be interfered with. All handbills, leaflets, posters and other similar materials must bear the name and address of the organization and/or individual distributing the materials. Printed materials shall not be placed on any vehicle parked on campus.

Legal Reference(s)
ORS 341.290 (2), (4)
ORS 659.850
ORS 659.865
OAR 589-010-0100
46 Op Atty Gen 239 (1989).
5-11
United States Constitution, Article I and XIV.
Oregon State Constitution, Article I, Section 8.

Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) recognizes a duty to protect their educational purpose through setting standards of scholarship and standards of conduct for the students who attend the college. Each student, by the act of registering, agrees to abide by the rules and regulations of the college and the code of student conduct.

In developing responsible student conduct, disciplinary proceedings play a role substantially secondary to example, counseling, guidance and admonition. In the exceptional circumstances when the preferred means fail to resolve problems of student conduct, proper procedural safeguards shall be observed to protect the student from the unfair imposition of penalties and to ensure procedural fairness to an accused student.

CGCC may take appropriate disciplinary action when student conduct deemed by the chief student services officer or designee to be disruptive to the operation of the college, or constitutes one or more of the behaviors identified below.

Violations

Disciplinary action may result from the commission of any of the actions listed herein, or any violation of civil or criminal law while on college property or while engaged in any college activity.

  1. Academic cheating or plagiarism or aiding or abetting cheating or plagiarism, which may also result in academic penalties.
  2. Furnishing false information to the college with the intent to deceive the college or any person or agency.
  3. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of college documents, records, or identification cards whether in written or electronic form.
  4. Unauthorized use or access of college electronic communications media, equipment, files, or data.
  5. Abuse, harassment, intimidation, or threats by any means towards a student, staff member, vendor, visitor, or invited guest of the college.
  6. Malicious destruction, damage, or misuse of college or private property.
  7. Theft or conversion of college property.
  8. Failure to comply with the college’s Service and Assistance Animal Guidelines.
  9. Failure to comply with the lawful directions of college personnel acting in performance of their duties.
  10. Unwanted contact or communication of any nature with another student or a staff member after being advised by a college official or the other student that such contact or communication is unwelcome.
  11. Any behavior that is disruptive to the educational or administrative processes of the college as determined by a college official.
  12. Interference by force or by violence (or by threat of force or violence) with any administrator, faculty or staff member, or student at the college who is in the discharge or conduct of his/her duties or studies.
  13. Possession, consumption, being under the influence, or furnishing of alcoholic beverages (as identified by federal or state law) on college-owned or controlled property or at college or student organization supervised functions, except as provided by rules and procedures of the Columbia Gorge Community College Board of Directors.
  14. Possession, consumption, being under the influence, or furnishing of any narcotic or dangerous drug, as defined by ORS 475 and ORS 167.203 to 167.252 and ORS 167.262 [as now law or hereinafter amended], except when use or possession is lawfully prescribed by an authorized medical doctor or dentist.
  15. Failure to disperse when an assembly is ordered to disperse by college officials.
  16. Failure to comply with a notice against trespass.
  17. Failure to comply with the following rules regarding firearms and weapons:
    • The use, carrying, exhibiting, or displaying of any weapon (as defined by Oregon Revised Statute 161.015), or facsimiles thereof, is prohibited on or in college facilities, except as provided by Oregon law or when approved by college administration for official college activities.
    • Explosives, incendiary devices, or any facsimiles thereof are prohibited on or in college facilities, except as provided by Oregon law, or when approved by College administration for official college activities.
    • The above rules do not apply to equipment or materials owned, used, or maintained by the college, used by the college or under college direction, nor to law enforcement officers or campus security personnel.
  18. Violations of published college regulations, including those related to entry and use of college facilities, the rules in this Section, and any other college regulations which may be enacted.
  19. Conduct that substantially interferes with the college's educational responsibility of ensuring the opportunity for all members of the college community to attain their educational objectives, or the college’s subsidiary responsibilities, which may include, but are not limited to: record-keeping, providing miscellaneous services, and sponsoring out-of-class activities, such as lectures, concerts, athletic events, and social functions.

If a student is charged or convicted of an off-campus violation of the law, the matter shall be no cause for disciplinary action by the college unless there is a reasonable possibility, as determined by the chief academic and student affairs officer or designee, that the behavior is substantially likely to disrupt the educational process of the college, staff or students. Disciplinary due process hearings procedures are located in the student handbook located in Student Services or online.

Sanctions

The Board has directed the college president, pursuant to ORS 341.290, to establish administrative rules to govern the college and its students, and to administer disciplinary action.

Each faculty member is responsible for class conduct and is authorized to take such steps as are necessary when behavior of a student interrupts the normal class procedure. When behavior is so serious as to result in expulsion from the class, the faculty member may remove the student from one class session or the equivalent. For non-classroom environments, conduct violation will be handled expeditiously. Violations may also require a conference among the student, the instructor and/or department director to identify and set conditions for his/her return to the class. Permanent removal of a student from a class or classes may only be imposed by the chief student services officer or designee pursuant to the provisions of the Code of Student Conduct.

The chief student services officer or designee may impose the following sanctions for violations of the Code of Student Conduct:

  1. Expulsion from Columbia Gorge Community College (i.e., permanent removal of the privilege to attend Columbia Gorge Community College);
  2. Suspension from Columbia Gorge Community College for a definite period of time and/or pending the satisfaction of conditions for re-admission.
  3. Removal from class(es) for which the student is currently registered;
  4. Restitution for damages;
  5. Disciplinary probation with or without the loss of privileges for a definite period of time. The violation of the terms of the disciplinary probation or the breaking of any college rule during the probation period may be grounds for suspension or expulsion from the college;
  6. Disciplinary admonition and warning; or
  7. Any other sanction the college deems educationally appropriate.

Academic cheating or plagiarism or aiding or abetting cheating or plagiarism may also be punished at the discretion of a faculty member by the award of a grade of F for the project, examination or assignment, and/or the course. The parents or guardian of any student under 16 years of age who receives a sanction under the Code of Student Conduct shall be notified.

Readmission After Suspension

A student suspended from the college may be readmitted only on written petition to the chief academic and student affairs officer or designee. Petitions must, if applicable, indicate how specific reinstatement conditions have been met and reasons which support reconsideration. The chief academic and student affairs officer or designee shall convey his/her decision in writing to the student; and in the case of non-readmission, shall express his/her reasons in writing. The decision of the chief academic and student affairs officer or designee is final.

Records

Records of all disciplinary actions shall be kept by the chief academic and student affairs officer in accordance with the state archival policies.

Legal Reference(s)

ORS 341.290 (2), (4)
ORS 659.850
ORS 659.865
OAR 589-010-0100
46 Op Atty Gen 239 (1989).
United States Constitution, Article I and XIV.
8-11
Oregon State Constitution, Article I, Section 8.

Introduction

Students of Columbia Gorge Community College are expected to behave as responsible members of the college community and to be honest and ethical in their academic work. CGCC strives to provide students with the knowledge, skills, judgment, and wisdom they need to function in society as educated adults. To falsify or fabricate the results of one's research; to present the words, ideas, data, or work of another as one's own; or to cheat on an examination corrupts the essential process of higher education.

Guidelines for Academic Integrity

  1. Students assume full responsibility for the content and integrity of the coursework they submit. The following are guidelines to assist students in observing academic integrity:
  2. Students must do their own work and submit only their own work on examinations, reports, and projects, unless otherwise permitted by the instructor. Students are encouraged to contact their instructor about appropriate citation guidelines.
  3. Students may benefit from working in groups. They may collaborate or cooperate with other students on graded assignments or examinations as directed by the instructor.
  4. Students must follow all written and/or verbal instructions given by instructors or designated college representatives prior to taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.
  5. Students are responsible for adhering to course requirements as specified by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Forms of Academic Dishonesty

Actions constituting violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Plagiarism: the use of another's words, ideas, data, or product without appropriate acknowledgment, such as copying another's work, presenting someone else's opinions and theories as one's own, or working jointly on a project and then submitting it as one's own.
  • Cheating: the use or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information, or study aids; or an act of deceit by which a student attempts to misrepresent academic skills or knowledge; unauthorized copying or collaboration.
  • Fabrication: intentional misrepresentation or invention of any information, such as falsifying research, inventing or exaggerating data, or listing incorrect or fictitious references.
  • Collusion: assisting another to commit an act of academic dishonesty, such as paying or bribing someone to acquire a test or assignment, taking a test or doing an assignment for someone else, or allowing someone to do these things for one's own benefit.
  • Academic Misconduct: the intentional violation of college policies, such as tampering with grades, misrepresenting one's identity, or taking part in obtaining or distributing any part of a test or any information about the test.

Penalties for Academic Dishonesty

If a student is found guilty of violating academic integrity, any one or a combination of the following penalties may be imposed by the faculty member:

  1. Verbal or written warning.
  2. A grade of "F" or "NP" for the assignment, project, or examination.

The following penalty may be imposed by the faculty member only after a hearing conducted by the department director:

  1. A grade of "F" or "NP" for the course, overriding a student withdrawal from the course.

The chief academic and student services officer may also issue the following disciplinary sanctions, in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct:

  1. Disciplinary admonition and warning.
  2. Disciplinary probation with or without the loss of privileges for a definite period of time.

The violation of the terms of the disciplinary probation or the breaking of any college rule during the probation period may be grounds for suspension or expulsion from the college.

  1. Suspension from Columbia Gorge Community College for a definite period of time.
  2. Expulsion from Columbia Gorge Community College (i.e., removal of the privilege to attend).

Columbia Gorge Community College has established procedures designed to provide students an avenue to challenge decisions and/or actions taken by college faculty and staff that are alleged to violate their rights as defined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. The grievance must address which right(s) is being violated.

A student who has a grievance and/or appeal shall follow the specified steps of this grievance procedure to assure the grievance and/or appeal is given fair and careful consideration. Procedures are located in the student handbook at Student Services or onlinePDF.

The student will be allowed to have an advocate of his/her choice (such as a CGCC Counselor or Advisor, or student government representative) present in meetings throughout the grievance process. Advocates are not permitted to present the case, but may advise the student. Both the college and the student may seek legal advice at their own expense; however, neither the college nor the student shall be represented by a lawyer during any grievance meeting or hearing involving the college and the student.

Concerns involving harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, marital status, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law by a college employee should be directed to the chief operating officer.

Concerns involving harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, marital status, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law by a student should be directed to the chief academic and student services officer.

Any other complaint about college services, programs, or activities not addressed in the Student Rights Section of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook should be put in writing and sent to the chief academic and student services officer or designee, who will forward it to the appropriate administrator.

Reporting, Recording and Maintaining Records

When the grievance is concluded, all documentation shall be forwarded to the chief academic and student services officer, who will maintain them in accordance with the state archival policies.

Criminal Background Checks and Drug Testing

Participating in some programs may require a criminal background check or drug/alcohol testing. CGCC and its partners reserve the right to perform criminal background checks and/or drug/alcohol tests for programs that involve placement contact with vulnerable populations or when mandated by external agencies in accordance with employers and in accordance with state and federal law. Examples may include, but are not limited to, cooperative education, service learning, and child care.

Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace and College

CGCC recognizes that it has a fundamental, legal and ethical obligation to prevent controlled substance abuse and to maintain an alcohol/drug-free work and educational environment. For information see website.

Right To Know Statement

  • Federal law requires Columbia Gorge Community College to notify all students registered in credit programs where they can find certain information about the college. The specific types of information that you may be interested in reviewing include:
  • Financial Aid information
  • Graduation rates
  • Student rights under the Family Education and Privacy Act (FERPA)