General Misconduct

Inclusivity Statement: The following forms of student misconduct are subject to disciplinary action. Students are expected to uphold the items set forth in the code of conduct inclusive of SKC’s cultural values and commitment to acting with respect and professionalism. Additionally, students must demonstrate dignity and professionalism in all interactions and uphold the integrity and reputation of the campus community. Misconduct that damages the institution's reputation or causes harm to individuals or the community will not be tolerated. As representatives of Salish Kootenai College, students are expected to adhere to a common standard of professionalism and respect at all times, whether on campus, in transit, at college-sponsored events, or in public spaces, including local establishments.

Knowingly furnishing false information to the College, forgery, and/or alteration or use of SKC documents as instruments of identification with intent to defraud.
Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, disciplinary proceedings, or other SKC activities, as well as any behavior that disrupts the orderly conduct of college life in public or common spaces, or anywhere on campus. This includes overt actions such as yelling or screaming at another student or instructor, as well as passive-aggressive behaviors that undermine the respectful and professional atmosphere of the campus.
Physical, verbal, or sexual harassment or abuse of any person, whether on campus, at sponsored events, or off campus in any context involving other students, employees, or community members. This includes any actions or behaviors that cause emotional or physical harm to individuals or property and undermine the integrity of the institution.
Theft or damage to SKC property or the property of an SKC community member, whether on campus or off campus, that undermines community trust and violates the principles of respect and integrity expected of students.
Failure to comply with directions of SKC officials acting in the performance of their duties, which may compromise the safety or well-being of the college community.
Violation of any published SKC policies or procedures, codes of conduct, rules of decorum, or other regulations, as these are crucial for maintaining a respectful and professional environment for all.
Use of alcohol or illicit/illegal drugs on campus or at college-sponsored activities, or appearing on campus under the influence as demonstrated by impaired or inappropriate conduct that disrupts the learning environment or any public or open spaces on campus.
Unauthorized entry, use, or occupancy of college facilities, which presents safety and security risks to the community.
Illegal or unauthorized possession and/or use of firearms, explosives, other weapons, dangerous chemicals, or noxious substances on college premises or at college-sponsored activities, which poses a significant threat to the safety of the college community.

NOTE: Policies and procedures related to violations related to sexual harassment or misconduct are provided in the SKC Title IX Policy.

Investigation by the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs:The Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs (VP EMSA), in all cases where misconduct is alleged, will conduct an initial investigation by consulting with all parties’ witness to the alleged misconduct and determine whether any record of prior misconduct is in the student’s permanent file. When an incident of alleged misconduct is discovered by or brought to the attention of the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs will personally contact the accused student within five (5) working days to arrange a meeting following the initial investigation to allow the individual to respond to the accusations. The Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs and the student may each have a person of choice present at this meeting who is an SKC employee or professional health and /or wellness advocate (e.g. state disability services, Safe Harbor, or Vocational Rehab).

At this meeting, the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs will:
1. Inform the student of the alleged misconduct and present the evidence supporting the allegation.
2. Inform the student of the Student Conduct Code Rules of Procedure.
3. Allow the student an opportunity to respond to the charge(s) and evidence.
4. Discuss the possible sanctions and allow the student to respond. The student is not required to respond.
If the student admits to the infraction and accepts the sanctions, the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Services will notify relevant SKC personnel as appropriate (e.g. the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Financial Aid, the student's advisor, or other SKC support services personnel). Documentation of the infraction and sanction(s) will become part of the student's permanent record at the institution and maintained in the office of the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Services.
1. The College reserves the right to impose further sanctions as described above in Section IV.E.2.
2. The student may also provide a written statement to be placed in the student's file in the VP EMSA's office.
If the student does not appear for the meeting, the student will be notified of the following via email and mailed or delivered letter:
1. The sanction(s) recommended, which will be immediately imposed.
2. The Student Code of Conduct Rules of Procedure that apply to the situation.
3. The fact that a written summary of the case has been sent to the student, the student's advisor, and the Vice President of Academic Affairs, with a permanent copy placed in the student's file.
4. The process to appeal any decision.
5. The student may provide a written statement to be placed in the student's file.
Student Appeal of College Sanction(s)
1. Student Does Not Appeal
  1. If the student does not appeal the decision to impose the college sanction(s) within ten (10) working days, the allegation in the notice of college sanction will be considered as accepted by the parties. The VI EMSA will instruct the appropriate SKC personnel to implement the sanction.
  2. A written summary of the case will be placed in the student's permanent file with the VP EMSA Office and a notation will be put in the student's official college record (permanent file).
2. Student Appeals the Decision
  1. If within five (5) working days the student does not accept the written decision of the VP EMSA, the student may appeal the decision by submitting a written appeal to the VP EMSA. An email request for appeal will suffice.
  2. The VP EMSA will convene a Student Conduct Board consisting of up to five members that represent faculty, administration, and staff. If the student requests student representation, the VP EMSA will attempt to ensure that a minimum of one member of the Student Conduct Board is a student. All Board members will be selected by the VP EMSA, although the accused individual may make requests for specific member participation. The VP EMSA will act as Board Chair.
  3. The hearing will be private if requested by the accused student.
  4. An accused student has the right to be represented at the meeting by an individual person who is an SKC employee or professional health and/or wellness advocate (e.g. state disability services, Safe Harbor, or Vocational Rehab). Any party to the proceedings may request the privilege of presenting witnesses subject to cross examination by the other parties who have specific knowledge of the issues being addressed.
  5. A record of the proceedings will be filed in the Office of the VP EMSA. Production of records or other exhibits may be required.
3. Sanctions
  1. The VP EMSA or designee may impose restrictions, conditions, or sanctions on any individual found to be in violation of the student Code of Conduct or those individuals that pose an imminent and substantial threat of injury or interference with persons or property on the SKC Campus.
  2. The VP EMSA will inform the individual in writing of the interim sanction(s) and may request an explanation from the individual.
  3. The VP EMSA may adjust the restriction following an appeal, completion of imposed conditions, or other changes in behavior or circumstances that would necessitate re-evaluation.
  4. Some Sanctions may note the fact that they cannot be appealed due to the severity of the infraction or violation, these will be documented in the sanctions when imposed.

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Non-Academic Integrity and Student Concerns