Student Code of Conduct (SKC Way of Being)

The Student Code of Conduct embodies and promotes honesty, integrity, accountability, and the rights and responsibilities associated with being a member of the Salish Kootenai College (“the College” or “SKC”) academic community. This Code of Conduct describes expected standards of behavior for all students. The Code of Conduct includes both academic conduct and general conduct and outlines students’ rights and responsibilities as well as college processes for adjudicating alleged violations.
When students register for classes at the College, they agree to abide by the stated student policies, code of conduct inclusive of SKC’s cultural values and commitment to acting with respect and professionalism.

Student Rights and Responsibilities: Students have rights and responsibilities established to ensure fairness and protection while they are students at SKC.
1. Students have the RIGHT to:
  1. Receive the educational program as outlined in the SKC Catalog.
    1. Positively gain from college experiences through academics and extra-curricular activities.
    2. Use authorized SKC facilities.
    3. Have their views considered on matters in which students have a direct and reasonable interest.
    4. Access academic records as provided by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
    5. Request full transcripts (providing all accounts have been settled) or request a transcript for all terms in which federal financial aid was received and term balances were paid in full.
    6. Obtain a grade report in the event that an official transcript may not be released due to financial obligation to the College.
    7. Be informed of disciplinary actions and resulting consequences. A copy of any disciplinary action is filed in the student’s permanent record with either the appropriate Vice President or the Office of the Registrar.
    8. Be notified of any changes in college policies and procedures that impact students, program and course requirements, and/or tuition or fees.
    9. Understand rights, responsibilities, and disciplinary procedures.
    10. Be afforded due process and access to the student grievance procedure.
    11. Exercise academic freedom within the framework of college policies, procedures, goals, and philosophy.
    12. Participate in learning environments free from harassment and physical harm.
2. Students have the RESPONSIBILITY to:
  1. Abide by the policies and procedures established by SKC.
    1. *Note - Guiding Principles on Harassment and Bullying
    2. SKC is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment that upholds the dignity and respect of all individuals. Our vision is to promote positive interactions and prevent any form of harassment, bullying, or discrimination within our community. While this document outlines our guiding principles on respectful interactions, more specific details and language regarding policies on harassment, Title IX, bullying, and other legal topics can be found in the respective sections of our policy documents. We encourage all community members to familiarize themselves with these policies to ensure a supportive and respectful environment for everyone.
  2. Act with Respect and Professionalism as representatives of SKC. All students are expected to treat their peers, SKC employees, and community members with respect and dignity. This includes:
    1. Politeness: Engaging in conversations and interactions in a courteous manner.
    2. Non-aggression: Avoiding yelling, belittling, or using aggressive language or gestures towards others.
    3. Constructive Communication: Expressing disagreements or concerns in a calm, constructive, and non-passive-aggressive manner.
    4. Respect for Participation: All individuals involved in discussions or activities will promote an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable participating. Any actions intended to intimidate or pressure others into silence or withdrawal from participation are unacceptable. This includes respecting the rights of all participants to share their views without fear of retribution or disrespect.
    5. Professional Conduct: Profanity is not acceptable in any professional interaction, and personal attacks or irrelevant comments regarding individuals are strictly prohibited. All individuals must treat each other with respect, refraining from abusive, intimidating, or disrespectful behavior in any setting, whether formal or informal.
  3. Upholding SKC’s Cultural Values: At SKC, we value all students and are committed to fostering a culture that reflects our shared values. It is expected that these values will guide each person's interactions and decision-making to uphold the highest standards of integrity and respect within our academic community.
    1. Respect: We value dignity, fairness, and consideration of all individuals, promoting diversity and inclusivity. We demonstrate respect through support, patience, humility, and self-respect alongside hard work and leadership both in and out of the classroom.
    2. Integrity: We are dedicated to acting honestly and morally in all our dealings. This includes clear and accurate communication, free from harmful omission or deception. Upholding integrity is essential for SKC to foster trust within our community and to build positive relationships with peers and faculty. Integrity builds a reciprocal relationship with the communities and Nations we individually and collectively serve.
    3. Reciprocity: We believe in a balanced give-and-take that strengthens our community. Generosity and a willingness to "take care of each other" are the actions that create a culture of reciprocity and equality, ensuring that no one is left behind. Support is the active expression of caring for one another within these relationships. Our commitment to support each other reflects our active care for one another in these relationships.
    4. Relationships: We will prioritize building positive connections through open communication, quality listening, and trust. By demonstrating patience and humility, we will navigate our relationships with grace, actively caring for one another in our academic and social interactions.
    5. Equity and Equality: As students, we are committed to upholding equity and equality within our community. We will respect and support the equal opportunities provided and ensure that we do not interfere with or obstruct them for others. We will fairly utilize available resources to address our individual and collective needs throughout our educational experiences. Acknowledging that we each have different starting points and face unique challenges, we will help foster an environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Together, these principles foster an inclusive culture where both equal representation and tailored support are prioritized.
    6. Responsibility: We will embrace our individual roles and contributions as students, demonstrating resourcefulness and resilience. By recognizing our shared goals, we will enhance accountability and cultivate a supportive environment that encourages positive contributions.
  4. Attend classes regularly, inform instructors of absences, and follow course attendance policies.
  5. Complete all course and program requirements as stated in the SKC Catalog.
  6. File any grievance according to specified procedures.
  7. Report any accident or injury occurring on SKC facilities, or resulting from college activities, to the appropriate college personnel in a timely manner.
  8. Be active participants in the educational process.
  9. Learn about the culture and history of the Séliš, Ksanka, and Ql̓ispé people(s).
  10. Embrace the value of citizenship and service.
  11. Approach educational opportunities and campus interactions with an open mind and heart and a positive attitude.
  12. Treat all college personnel and resources with respect, honesty and integrity.
3. Right to Due Process: Any student charged with violating the Student Code of Conduct has certain rights as follows:
  1. The right to contribute to an investigative process resulting from any potential accusations/charges by responding to the accusations/charges and evidence.
  2. The right to review a summary of any evidence gleaned from subsequent investigations, as long as knowledge of the specific evidence does not present a potential harm to the accuser or those that provided the evidence.
  3. The right to decline to make statements regarding any part of the investigation.
  4. The right to submit a written account related to the alleged accusations/charges.
  5. The right to 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) present throughout any and all proceedings provided for in this Code.
  6. The right to a reasonable period of time to prepare for a hearing and the right to request a delay of the hearing for urgent circumstances.
  7. The right to present relevant evidence and witnesses.
Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities should disclose those disabilities to the SKC Disabilities Coordinator and work with the Disabilities Coordinator to determine any appropriate accommodations and/or services. However, this Student Code of Conduct applies to all students, whether or not the student has disclosed disabilities.

(Revised 5/2026)

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Student Right and Responsibilities