Howard Community College

72 conduct process. Note: The term "prohibited acts" would include behavior prohibited by the teacher (e.g., eating in the classroom, persistently speaking without being called upon, refusing to be seated, disrupting the class by leaving and entering the room without authorization, etc.). It must be emphasized that this provision is not designed to be used as a means to punish classroom dissent. The lawful expression of a disagreement with the teacher's viewpoint is not itself "disruptive" behavior. STUDENT DISCIPLINE PROCESS POLICY Howard Community College will not tolerate violations of accepted standards of student behavior. When such violations occur, the college will take appropriate disciplinary action. The college has adopted procedures to allow due process, as required by law. CASE REFERRALS Any member of the college community may refer a student, student group, or organization suspected of violating this code to the vice president of student services or designee. All case referrals must be submitted in writing. Those referring cases are normally expected to serve as the complainant, and to present relevant evidence in hearings or conferences. DISCIPLINE REFERRALS The vice president of student services or designee will conduct a preliminary review to determine whether the alleged misconduct might result in expulsion or suspension from the college. Students subject to suspension or expulsion will be entitled to a hearing before the discipline committee. Cases not so referred will be resolved after an informal disciplinary conference with the vice president of student services or designee. DISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE Students accused of offenses that may result in penalties less than suspension or expulsion, are subject to a disciplinary conference with the vice president of student services or designee. Normally, a disciplinary hold will be placed on the respondent's account, restricting registration activities until the disciplinary conference is held. The following procedural protections are provided to respondents in disciplinary conferences: • Written notice of the specific complaint at least two business days prior to the scheduled conference. • Reasonable access to the case file prior to and during the conference. The case file consists of materials which would be considered "educational records," pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Personal notes of college staff members or complainants are not included. • An opportunity to respond to the evidence and to call appropriate and relevant witnesses. • A right to be accompanied by a person of the student's choosing, as defined in this code. Commentary: The conference procedure is designed to reduce unnecessary proceduralism and contentiousness in disciplinary proceedings. A disciplinary conference will normally consist of an informal, non-adversarial meeting between the respondent and the

• Cover